affiliate links included
I had the opportunity to read a new author from a new publishing house. With a theme of romance and libraries how can I resist?
The story has a different vibe and is written in very short chapters. The author also tackles some mental health issues that are quite revealing. Continue on for my full Review.
Love in the Margins by Reagan Surrey
ASIN: B0DGGNLXHD
Publisher: Independently published (September 8, 2024)
ISBN-13: 979-8338539927
Overview:
In the heart of Claremont, where books whisper secrets and love blooms between the shelves…
Alison Thompson, the dedicated librarian of Claremont Public Library, has always found solace in the written word. But as budget cuts loom and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) casts long shadows, even her beloved books can’t chase away the darkness of her seasonal depression.
Enter Preston Smith, a charismatic English professor whose arrival in town stirs more than just academic interest. As Alison and Preston bond over dog-eared paperbacks and passionate literary debates, an unexpected romance begins to write itself.
Discover a world where:
- Books become a lifeline for a librarian battling SAD
- A small-town library transforms into a sanctuary of love and healing
- The struggle against seasonal depression leads to personal growth
- Community support proves as powerful as any antidepressant
Will Alison and Preston’s love story reach its happily ever after, or will it be shelved before the final chapter?
Love in the Margins by Reagan Surrey Review
I have to say this story took me a bit to get into the groove of how it is written. The short chapters lead us into almost a choppy feeling while reading because the author wrote what seems to be a closing paragraph at the end of each chapter. The next little chapter will start in with another day or activity. It breaks the pacing of the story. Once I got the hang of her writing style, it tended to flow better for me.
One thing that I love about the story is the inclusion of the fact the main character is a librarian who creates amazing events and activities for her community. It made me think how much I wish our library would dive into community events just like is depicted in this book.
Along with all of this, we are also dealing with a medical diagnosis called SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder. This affects people deeply when there’s not a lot of light during the winter which brings depression, and in some instances, profound sadness.
Struggling with that and a new love interest was definitely a balancing act. However, the author did a great job depicting reality in seemingly real-life scenarios. I love the main male character who has a great balance to everything going on surrounding the struggling couple. Alison had to learn to trust that the support she needed was there waiting for her.
There are parts of the story that absolutely loved but I had a difficult time as mentioned earlier with the chapter flow. I think it tends to break the concentration of the story.
The author, Surrey, took the time to balance the dark with the light so while this subject matter can be a bit overwhelming at times, you know good things will come along the way.
3.5 STARS
Disclaimer: Affiliate links included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.