The Willoughby Book Club Reviews 

I received a three-month Willoughby Book Club subscription as a leaving gift from work. My first book was Day by Michael Cunningham, which I really enjoyed, followed by The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa another thoughtful choice. My final book was The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, which I’ve yet to read but looks interesting.

What I liked most was being introduced to books I might not have picked up myself, which made the subscription feel fresh and surprising. However, I did find the value for money questionable. The first two books were remainders I could have bought for £5 each, and at £50 for three paperbacks, the overall package felt a little underwhelming in terms of cost.

So lovely gift idea and great for widening your reading range, but perhaps not the best value if you’re buying it yourself.

Bought a subscription for my daughter. Received the books on time and beautifully packaged. Interesting selections and great fun getting a mystery book every month.

I am giving two stars only because the books did indeed arrive. I purchased the bespoke three-month subscription. The books had nothing to do with the interests I described for the recipient - both in terms of subject matter and genre. And there was nothing creative in the selections - all were from Oprah or similar’s book club choices.

This was the second Willoughby Book Club children's subscription I have bought for my 9-year old grandson. He loved all the books he received and looked forward to getting his parcel each month. I would definitely recommend a gift subscription for a book-loving child.

I have been waiting since May to receive books from you. I have left a message on facebook. In addition I have sent in all the details of the gift, who sent it, my number, I have given you a list of books I enjoy, etc etc... From you nothing? Do you exist? Is Willoughby just one massive scam?

This is my confirmation number: #HXF0K8DAA.

I am Sally Wheeldon. 7 rue Marcel Pagnol, 34320 Roujan, France

The gift was paid for by Dr Clare Robson in Newcastle.

I was given 3 month's subscription as a gift. My first book was magic; the second tedious and the third as yet to read.
I prefer to choose my own books

I have just renewed the subscription again for my wife. Over the past 3 years she has received a variety of books almost all of which she has really enjoyed and has introduced her to authors she would not normally have chosen. There is also the added joy of receiving a surprise gift every month. This is a great company and we both recommend them highly.

I ordered the mothers day gift set which was £40 including postage.
When it arrived I have got to say disappointing!
It had all the contents as they said but it was tiny, the photo frame and vase were more suited for a dolls house, my wife ( bought this on behalf of my son) said she hoped I hadn't spent much onitsha!

So friendly and helpful!! Great book picks too.

I was disappointed in the book selection. I’d been very clear in my original criteria that I was interested in literary fiction. The first and third choices broadly matched the criteria, the second was a very average adventure story. I was delighted with the additional gift of coffee bags with the first two books and very disappointed to find that no coffee came with the final book.

This was a Christmas present. First it was difficult start the subscription, however that was mainly due to problems with Virgin Experiences.
I have now had 2 of the three books. I do not believe this is in any way value for money, and unfortunately the first book they sent me was not to my liking. Therefore this is not in any way to my liking.
This is an addition following the response.
Both books sent so far are stories based in Ireland. I never mentioned Ireland in my preferences.
Additionally the first book retailed at £9.99, and the second has no price, but would not have cost more.
My son paid £39, ie £13 per book. How does 2 sub £10 books, which may have been remaindered (sold at below original cost as a bin end) make sense in terms of value. The books are sold at at least 30% premium, and potentially are bin ends.
his is not the way to do business, and verges on the dishonest.

Received a 3 month gift subscription. When I contacted them to delay a delivery ( which was fine) I had the opportunity to specify a category of book. I know my chosen category was quite broad ( detective novels ) but unfortunately one of the books I was sent I had already read.

This subscription was for my granddaughter so I asked her & she was extremely positive. 100% & she started reading each one as soon as it arrived. Has requested a 12 month subscription next as has her younger sister.

This was a really lovely gift to have received. The dopamine hit when unravelling each month’s new cookbook was amazing, and then tearing through the books to find my new favourite recipes became a monthly ritual. Would highly recommend.

On my third subscription, Olivia who is choosing my books has been absolutely spot on, apart from one. She has chosen books in line with my given criteria, but ones I would have definitely not considered myself. Will certainly keep on with this service

The most fantastic, exceptionally well-curated gift, totally appreciated by my 20+ son. Every month has been spot on!

A friend gave me a gift voucher but I lost it in a house move. I recently rediscovered it and approached Willoughby's to see if I could still use it. They were extremely helpful and responsive. Fantastic service.

I received this subscription as a Xmas gift and was aware what it cost. I felt the books were of a poor quality both in content and the physical condition. I know also that the person who gave me the gift was very unhappy with the value for money. The cost of the books was only just over 50% of the cost of the package.

I've just renewed my annual bespoke subscription and hope to continue doing it for years to come - the past year I've received some excellent books, including ones I wouldn't have ever picked on my own (which ended up being some of my favourites).

I think there was only one book I couldn't get into - which is impressive, considering how picky I can be, and knowing that there's no followup after each book to leave comments so the company is choosing books blindly based on a questionnaire you do when first signing up.

Have this for both my grandchildren and they love it. One of the highlights of their month when it drops through the postbox! Would recommend to any parent/grandparent of a reading child or grandchild!!