Book Review - The Telephone Box Library by Rachael Lucas

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Title: The Telephone Box Library

Author: Rachael Lucas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 9th January 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

The Telephone Box Library is an uplifting story about fresh starts and new beginnings, set in a picturesque Cotswold village, by bestselling author Rachael Lucas.

'A delightful slice of escapism tied up with a gorgeous, romantic ribbon.' - Cathy Bramley, author of A Vintage Summer.

The Cotswolds: the perfect retreat for a stressed-out teacher. And Lucy has found just the right cottage for a bargain rent. All she has to do is keep an eye on Bunty, her extremely feisty ninety-something neighbour . . .

With her West Highland terrier Hamish at her side, Lucy plans to relax and read up on the women of nearby Bletchley Park. But the villagers of Little Maudley have other ideas, and she finds herself caught up in the campaign to turn a dilapidated telephone box into a volunteer-run library.

Along the way, she makes friends with treehouse designer Sam, and finds herself falling for the charms of village life. And it seems Bunty has a special connection to Bletchley and the telephone box, one that she's kept secret for decades . . .

A really enjoyable story set to a stunning backdrop of a small Cotswold village. 

I enjoyed getting to know Lucy and Sam, but to me Bunty is the star of the book. For she is in her 90s, incredibly feisty, and has some fascinating stories to tell about life during WW2. 

I'm not typically a fan of reading anything with a historical edge to it, which this has in spade, but the stories from in around Bletchley Park are very interesting and I found myself drawn to wanting to know about what happened in Bunty's past. 

My other favourite character was Sam's daughter Freya, who is a very smart teenager, and I was very interested in her storyline.   Also really loved getting to know Mel, Lucy's new friend. 

Ooh and there are dogs, especially Hamish who is adorable!  I did though find myself wanting to knock Lucy and Sam's heads together, as that has to be one of the slowest build ups I've read in ages and it seemed rather obvious to everyone other than them, that there could be something more than friendship. 

A truly lovely story that I'm just sorry it took took me so long to get to. 

Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.