Cover

Praise

“The Last Bookshop in London is an irresistible tale which showcases the transformative power of literacy, reminding us of the hope and sanctuary our neighborhood bookstores offer during the perilous trials of war and unrest.”

—Kim Michele Richardson, New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

“The Last Bookshop in London is a gorgeously written story of love, friendship, and survival set against the backdrop of WWII-era London. Madeline Martin’s beautiful novel is a poignant and emotional love letter to books and bookshops themselves, and ultimately a testament to the power of stories to sustain us in even our darkest hours.”

—Jillian Cantor, USA TODAY bestselling author of In Another Time and Half Life

“I devoured this story! I loved Grace and Primrose Hill Books! At its heart, The Last Bookshop in London is a love letter to the power of books to unite us, to hold the world together when it’s falling apart around our ears. This fresh take on what London endured during WWII should catapult Madeline Martin to the top tier of historical fiction novelists. I highly recommend it.”

—Karen Robards, author of The Black Swan of Paris

Booklist

Also by Madeline Martin

Borderland Rebels series

Borderland Ladies series

The London School for Ladies series

Highland Passions series

Wicked Earls’ Club series

About the Author

Madeline Martin is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical fiction. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida.

MadelineMartin.com

Dedication

To the authors of all the books I’ve ever read. Thank you for the escape, for the knowledge and for shaping me into who I am.

ONE

AUGUST 1939
LONDON, ENGLAND

Grace Bennett had always dreamed of someday living in London. Never did she imagine it would become her only option, especially not on the eve of war.

The train pulled to a stop within Farringdon Station, its name clearly marked on the wall inside a strip of blue set within a red circle. People hovered on the platform, as eager to get on as those within were to get off. They wore smartly cut clothing in the chic styles of city life. Far more sophisticated than in Drayton, Norfolk.

Equal parts nerves and eagerness vibrated about inside Grace. “We’ve arrived.” She looked at Viv beside her.

Her friend clicked the top on her lipstick tube closed and gave a freshly applied vermillion smile. Viv glanced out the window, her gaze skimming the checkerboard of advertisements lining the curved wall. “After so many years of wishing we could be in London.” Her hand caught Grace’s in a quick squeeze. “Here we are.”