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With Love from London: A Novel Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,483 ratings

When a woman inherits her estranged mother’s bookstore in London’s Primrose Hill, she finds herself thrust into the pages of a new story—hers—filled with long-held family secrets, the possibility of new love, and, perhaps, the single greatest challenge of her life.

When Valentina Baker was only eleven years old, her mother, Eloise, unexpectedly fled to her native London, leaving Val and her father on their own in California. Now a librarian in her thirties, fresh out of a failed marriage and still at odds with her mother’s abandonment, Val feels disenchanted with her life.

In a bittersweet twist of fate, she receives word that Eloise has died, leaving Val the deed to her mother’s Primrose Hill apartment and the Book Garden, the storied bookshop she opened almost two decades prior. Though the news is devastating, Val jumps at the chance for a new beginning and jets across the Atlantic, hoping to learn who her mother truly was while mourning the relationship they never had.

As Val begins to piece together Eloise’s life in the U.K., she finds herself falling in love with the pastel-colored third-floor flat and the cozy, treasure-filled bookshop, soon realizing that her mother’s life was much more complicated than she ever imagined. When Val stumbles across a series of intriguing notes left in a beloved old novel, she sets out to locate the book’s mysterious former owner, though her efforts are challenged from the start, as is the Book Garden’s future. In order to save the store from financial ruin and preserve her mother’s legacy, she must rally its eccentric staff and journey deep into her mother’s secrets.
With Love from London is a story about healing and loss, revealing the emotional, relatable truths about love, family, and forgiveness.
Popular Highlights in this book

From the Publisher

A story of long-held family secrets, forgiveness, and the possibility of new love. women's fiction

Publishers Weekly says “An extraordinary tale that will stay with readers;love story;beach read

the story of Valentina Baker’s life just went into rewrites…beach read;romance;romantic reads;litfic

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A cozy bit of escapism that will leave many readers dreaming of true love and the bookstores they might one day open.”Kirkus Reviews

“Jio (
All the Flowers in Paris) unfurls an extraordinary and heartfelt tale that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned . . . her masterful plotting will keep readers guessing until the end. This is sure to tug on readers’ heartstrings.”Publishers Weekly (starred review)

About the Author

Sarah Jio is the #1 international, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling author of eleven novels. She is the host of the Mod About You podcast and also a longtime journalist who has contributed to Glamour, The New York Times, Redbook, Real Simple, O: The Oprah Magazine, Bon Appétit, Marie Claire, Self, and many other outlets, including NPR's Morning Edition. Jio's books have been published in more than twenty-five countries. She lives in Seattle with her husband, three young boys, three stepchildren, and two puppies.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08JKNFT4R
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ballantine Books (February 8, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 8, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5548 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 381 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1101885084
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,483 ratings

About the author

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Sarah Jio
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Sarah Jio is the #1 international, New York Times bestselling author of ALWAYS, in addition to THE VIOLETS OF MARCH (a Library Journal Best Book of 2011 and a USA Today bestseller), THE BUNGALOW, BLACKBERRY WINTER (an instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller, as well as an international bestseller), THE LAST CAMELLIA (a Kirkus Books Most Anticipated Book of 2012), MORNING GLORY, and GOODNIGHT JUNE (to be published in June 2014). To date, Sarah's novels are published in more than 30 countries, including Italy, France, Brazil, Turkey, Slovenia, Russia, China, Norway, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, and many others.

A magazine writer and the former founding health and fitness blogger for Glamour magazine, Sarah has contributed to The New York Times, Redbook, O, The Oprah Magazine, Cooking Light, Glamour, SELF, Real Simple, Fitness, Marie Claire, Hallmark magazine, Seventeen, BRIDES, Health, Bon Appetit, Gourmet, The Seattle Times, Parents, Woman's Day, Parenting, and many others. She has also appeared as a commentator on NPR's Morning Edition.

Sarah lives in Seattle and is the mother of three young sons.

The slightly more informal bio:

1978-1983: The blissful childhood years. Pigtails. French braids. Bunny rabbits. Warm, chocolate chip cookies. Blackberry picking. Saltwater sandals. Magical Christmases. Trips to Disneyland. Dress up. Swingsets. Bossing around younger siblings. Slip 'n Slides and kiddie pools. Shenanigans.

1983-1988: The jelly bracelet and Keds years. Wrote first book, titled "A Tug Boat's Dream." Leggings with long sweaters and belts. Hypercolor T-shirts. Pink boom boxes. Monarch butterflies. Norwegian dancing. Sleepovers. Cabbage Patch dolls. Lisa Frank stickers. Rollerskating at the rink. Little House on the Prairie. Experimental hairstyles, including feathered bangs and the poodle perm. Best friend moves away. Wishing on stars. First crushes. All details recorded in diary, read by little brother.

1988-1993: The hair-flipping years. Boys. Gap sale rack. Junior high angst. Rollerblading. Tennis. More bad hair. Survive California earthquake. Find a message in a bottle. Ate a lot of fettuccine alfredo. Move into new house. Babysitters Club. Italian sodas at the mall.

1993-1996: The band groupie years. Mohawked boyfriend. Broken heart. Cut hair to a short pixie and dye platinum blond. Church camps. Boys. Private school. Grounded. Tennis. Mexico. Debate team. Green 1969 Volkswagen Beetle. Grounded. Nancy Drew. Safeway. Banana Boat suntan lotion. Starbucks. Daydreaming.

1996-2000: The college years. Journalism. Character-building. Deadlines. Expeditions to Canada. Three part-time jobs. Date football player, Calvin Klein underwear model. Summers in Alaska. First apartment in Seattle. IKEA. Stan Getz. Soul searching.

2000-2005: The busy years. Get married (finish a magazine deadline the night before wedding). Honeymoon in Tahiti. Buy house. Remodel house. Become fanatical about gardening. Become doggie mama to Paisley the golden retriever who digs up prized garden. Go to a cooking class in Provence and spend two nights solo in Paris. Write a zillion magazine articles. Open a bottle of champagne when I see my name in O, The Oprah Magazine. Write first book. Do not sell first book (blessing in disguise). Beloved grandfather dies. Baby fever. Nesting.

2005-and beyond: The babies and books years. Buy another house. Remodel kitchen. Wash dishes in bathtub. Became a regular contributor to Glamour. First baby born. Colic. No sleep. Crying. Organic baby food. Balance. Magazines deadlines. Second baby arrives. Write new novel. Beloved grandma dies. Sign with literary agent. Sell novel at auction in U.S., and later in 14 countries. Sell second novel. Third baby arrives. Level of chaos in home explodes. Sign with film agent. Interview Gwyneth Paltrow (on the phone, while nursing a baby), Maya Angelou, and others. Sell third and fourth novels. Go on book tour. With a baby. Three boys under the age of six. Drink a lot of coffee, and sometimes wine. Buy new house. Dream of huge refrigerator and office with doors that lock. Write fifth novel, sixth and seventh. Take boys to Disneyland. Long runs. Big dreams. Health. New chapters. Grateful.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,483 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book's engaging story and characters. They found the story heartwarming and touching, with a slice-of-life style and interesting interactions between people. The writing quality was described as excellent and beautifully told. Readers appreciated the vivid descriptions of the setting, including the bookstore and quaint London village.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

33 customers mention "Readability"33 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable to read. They describe it as a must-read, lovely, and entertaining. Readers mention that the story is touching and has mixed emotions. The book takes place in an appealing bookstore and neighborhood.

"This is a good book. As expected it doesn't disappoint. Interesting to read about intersecting lives...." Read more

"I love Sarah Jio and this book was long awaited!..." Read more

"It is a good book." Read more

"...It's definitely a book to treasure - and share with my mom. Thanks #Netgalley for the complimentary electronic version...." Read more

28 customers mention "Story quality"28 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality. They find it interesting to read about intersecting lives told from both points of view in a captivating way. Readers appreciate the touching moments and dual timelines that always come together seamlessly. The book is described as an engaging slice of life with excellent writing.

"...As expected it doesn't disappoint. Interesting to read about intersecting lives. A reader can in how life continues for these people." Read more

"...I love these characters and their complicated history. I love reading about characters who love books. The bookstore setting was magical...." Read more

"...Sarah Jio weaves a beautifully vivid story together that explores love, loss, and the deep feelings of our inner children working their way into our..." Read more

"...Valentina in London and past Eloise (her mother), this lovely novel is about healing and loss, and asks the question, how well do you really know..." Read more

15 customers mention "Heartwarming"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and emotional. They describe it as a cozy read that makes them feel nostalgic. The story explores love and forgiveness between a mother and child.

"...This book reminded me of past mistakes, losses, love, and great memories, and allowed me to mourn and appreciate all of the future ones in my own..." Read more

"...The lives of the 2 main characters are filled with beauty, tragedy, and love...." Read more

"...It’s a cozy read, and my only real problem was with Eloise - she seemed far more passive than she should have been, given how her personality was..." Read more

"...of book that is hard to put down, satisfying while reading, and sad when it ends. Can't wait for the next one!" Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's character development. They find the characters wonderful and human, with nice descriptions of people and places they visit.

"...Sarah Jio finds a way to make you understand each character deeply, and she makes them jump off the page in a very human way. 10/10 recommendation!" Read more

"...and endearing picture of the setting as well as created a memorable cast of characters you wish you could meet. Charming and impactful." Read more

"I loved this book. It was sad. It was happy. It is filled with wonderful characters and stories. Sarah Bio is a wonderful author. Its a must read." Read more

"...It is warm and sad and happy with complicated characters that you can fall in love with...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality excellent and beautifully told. They appreciate the gifted writer.

"This is a well written and addictive book...." Read more

"...She has such a way of writing you feel like these characters are your friends and you are right there in the story with them...." Read more

"Well written novel about a mother and daughter estranged for many years and the story of what led up to it...." Read more

"My first read by Sarah Jio. With Love From London was so well written I felt like I was at all locations in London...." Read more

6 customers mention "Beauty"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's setting in a quaint London village. They appreciate the vivid and endearing portrayal of the setting by the author.

"...The lives of the 2 main characters are filled with beauty, tragedy, and love...." Read more

"...I especially loved the setting since I’ve been to London and I absolutely love it! Plus it takes place at a wonderful bookstore and neighborhood...." Read more

"...Beautifully described setting in a quaint London village surrounded by beautiful characters...." Read more

"simply beautiful..." Read more

3 customers mention "Bookstore setting"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book store setting. They mention it's magical and comfortable. The book is about a small community bookstore in London.

"...I love reading about characters who love books. The bookstore setting was magical. The multiple timelines tied together seamlessly...." Read more

"...And it involves a small community bookstore which is a comfortable space that many in the community have special memories of...." Read more

"I just love this book, all about London, book stores and wonderful people. The characters are amazing, and I want to know them in person...." Read more

3 customers mention "Detail"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's detailed descriptions of London and its setting. They appreciate the book stores and characters.

"I just love this book, all about London, book stores and wonderful people. The characters are amazing, and I want to know them in person...." Read more

"What a great story. I fell in love with characters. I also loved all the details of London...." Read more

"...Beautifully described setting in a quaint London village surrounded by beautiful characters...." Read more

Now I HAVE to read all Sarah Jio books!
5 out of 5 stars
Now I HAVE to read all Sarah Jio books!
My first read by Sarah Jio. With Love From London was so well written I felt like I was at all locations in London. Valentina will pull at your heart as she goes through sadness and life. I highly recommend this wonderful book and will now read all of Sarah's books. Thankful for another gifted writer to follow.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2024
    This is a good book. As expected it doesn't disappoint. Interesting to read about intersecting lives. A reader can in how life continues for these people.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2022
    I love Sarah Jio and this book was long awaited! She is a master at constructing a story in two different timelines that always come together seamlessly.

    Valentina hasn't seen her mother since she was a child. Her parents got divorced and her mother moved back to London, while Valentina remained in the US with her father. Her mother returned home to London, and to her dream of owning a bookstore with her friend Millie. Many years later, Valentina learns that her mother is deceased and that she has inherited her mother's bookstore. Valentina is a recently divorced librarian, so she decides she will move to London to try and save her mother's bookstore.

    Little does Valentina know, her mother has planned all kinds of surprises for her. She has left behind clues that take Valentina on a scavenger hunt throughout Primrose Hill. She is able to meet many of the people who her mother loved the most, and who loved her mother as well. She is able to learn about her mother's life in London, her bookstore, and her friends.

    I love these characters and their complicated history. I love reading about characters who love books. The bookstore setting was magical. The multiple timelines tied together seamlessly. I was heartbroken for Valentina and her mother - for all the time they missed together. The sense of community in Primrose Hill was palpable and all of the characters came together as important parts of Valentina's story.

    Valentina and her mother have a complicated past. Now that her mother is deceased, it is time for Valentina to learn the truth about her mother and her reasoning for leaving Valentina behind. many years ago.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2023
    I bought this book on a whim before a 9-hour flight. I liked the premise of it, and thought it would be an easy "beach read" type. I was not prepared for how invested I got in the characters. I actually cried at several points throughout the book - from touching moments/prose or from devasting ones. This book reminded me of past mistakes, losses, love, and great memories, and allowed me to mourn and appreciate all of the future ones in my own life. Long story short - this book hit a nerve in a good way!

    Sarah Jio weaves a beautifully vivid story together that explores love, loss, and the deep feelings of our inner children working their way into our adult lives. Some may find the eventual happy ending a bit predictable, but honestly I wanted some joy and happiness at the end. Sarah Jio finds a way to make you understand each character deeply, and she makes them jump off the page in a very human way. 10/10 recommendation!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2022
    Here’s the secret to enjoying this book: suspend belief and don’t expect too much. The premise of this book is both sad and unlikely. Valentina believes that her mother, Eloise, voluntarily left her and returned to London without a word then or in the years after. She was only 11. After her mother’s death she receives word that she has inherited a bookstore and its building in London. The bookstore is struggling, and Valentina is still holding her feelings of abandonment close to her heart. The story begins when Valentina goes to London and plunges into running the bookstore and living in her mother’s flat. There are two timelines: the life of Eloise and the contemporary life of Valentina. By the time it’s done, the disappearance of her mother is explained, the bookstore is saved, and every single person is in a happy romantic relationship. I would apologize for the spoilers, but really you know what’s coming when you begin on page one in a book like this. Bottomline: not bad, just not my kind of book. Even the view of London on these pages is unrecognizable because it is so saccharine.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024
    It is a good book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2022
    I have a special place in my heart for Sarah Jio books - and this latest one did not disappoint! Coincidentally, my mother and I share a love of her books and we've swapped all of her books back and forth over the years. All that said, this book - which is essentially an ode to mother/daughter relationships is one I can't wait to share with my own mom. :)

    Valentina Baker is only 11 years old when her mother Eloise unexpectedly leaves Val and her father on their own in California and flees back to her native London. Now an adult in her 30s, Val - a librarian who is fresh out of a failed marriage - still hasn't reconciled with her estranged mother. However, Val soon learns that her mother Eloise has died and left her a Primrose Hill apartment in London along with the Book Garden, the storied bookshop she opened nearly 20 year ago. Stunned this news yet still reeling from her own failed personal life, Val jets across the pond to London hoping for a fresh start and the chance to learn more about the mother that she barely knew.

    Told in alternating storylines between present day Valentina in London and past Eloise (her mother), this lovely novel is about healing and loss, and asks the question, how well do you really know your parents and their past struggles, grief and sacrifice? It's definitely a book to treasure - and share with my mom. Thanks #Netgalley for the complimentary electronic version. I recently purchased the paperback for my bookshelf too.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2023
    This is a well written and addictive book. Like so many books set in London and going back a few decades, it get the odd fact incorrect, when written by someone who didn't live there then. London also gets bad press on rain. Having lived and worked there for three decades, I would be the first to agree about grey cloudy days, but drizzle is more likely than heavy rainfall. Has anyone checked annual rainfall compared to Paris, New York and Rome?

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Rhonda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best story
    Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2024
    You must pick this up and read it! Fantastic! Beautifully written story of love and loss!! Highly recommend!
  • Anna
    5.0 out of 5 stars Envolvente
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 5, 2024
    Adorei o livro, a história prende muito a atenção e te deixa querendo saber o final do livro! Recomendo também “violetas de março” e “bangalô”, que eu li no Kindle unlimited e que prenderam muito a minha atenção!!
  • Caterina
    5.0 out of 5 stars Che bella scoperta
    Reviewed in Italy on April 19, 2022
    Non conoscevo Sarah Jio e devo dire che con questo libro mi ha conquistata. Mi aspettavo un libro pesante e invece ho trovato una storia agrodolce scorrevolissma e non " affezionarsi " a certi personaggi è impossibile. Consigliatissimo!!!
  • Bronwen E Fairbrother
    4.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and heartfelt, just when you think you know someone they may surprise you
    Reviewed in Canada on July 19, 2022
    I am really enjoying the emotional and physical journeys both Eloise and Valentina go on to learn more about themselves and how to live the good life with purpose, belonging, friendship and love.
  • bjn
    5.0 out of 5 stars good story
    Reviewed in Canada on April 14, 2023
    excellent writing

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