The Willoughby Book Club Reviews 

550
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.5

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 34 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the wonderful book selections, beautiful presentation, and the exciting surprise of receiving monthly packages in the post. People note that the service is fantastic for discovering new authors, expanding reading ranges, and sending thoughtful gifts to loved ones. Though some customers occasionally mentioned that certain book selections did not match their described interests, featured unexpected themes, or proved difficult to read, these instances were rare. Despite these few drawbacks, consumers remain extremely satisfied with the overall subscription quality, praising the consistent relevance and the joy it brings to readers of all ages.

What people talk about most

Product

Users describe positive interactions with product, consistently praising the excellent and well-packaged book... See more

Subscription

Clients share positive opinions on subscription, highlighting it as a wonderful and thoughtful gift for... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Youngster seemed excited at 6 months of books. For me, there's a lack of website clarity regarding the book tin. Make it crystal clear it's also suitable for youngsters? I asked via email - but no... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I am surprised to find that receiving a book a month from The Willoughby Book Club is the best thing that happens to me on a regular basis. I am surrounded by illness and death and I struggle to see... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have now received over 25 books from Willoughby over a three-year period, and only once was I sent a book I had already read. After a quick phone call, a replacement was sent immediately. There... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I read all sorts of books I’d never otherwise have discovered. Some of these were unforgettable. Just one of my books was unreadable for me - a promising story but far too violent from the outset.

Company replied


Company details

  1. Media & Publishing

Written by the company

An award-winning book subscription service, with thousands of subscribers in almost 40 countries across the world.


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4.5

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

550 reviews

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4.5

All reviews

(550)

34 reviews in the last 12 months

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Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A gift of reading

I have really enjoyed this gift of Willoughby books. I have read books that I would not otherwise have done which has been exciting. I had already read some of the books and the friendly staff quickly gave me substitutes.

March 5, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Thanks so much for your review! I'm so glad you enjoyed your gift

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend

I’ve been using Willoughby Book Club for personalised book selections and I’m really impressed with how well they match my reading taste.

Some of the books I’ve received include The Bear and the Nightingale, Fluke, and The Unmaking of June Farrow. Each one felt thoughtfully chosen and aligned with the kind of stories I enjoy — immersive, atmospheric, and engaging.

It’s a lovely experience to receive a surprise book that genuinely suits your reading style. I’ve discovered books through this service that I might not have picked up on my own.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy personalised book recommendations and discovering new authors.

January 21, 2026
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Thanks so much for your lovely review!
I am so glad that you enjoyed your surprise reads, it was a real pleasure to select them for you, I'm very pleased that we managed to choose some that suited your tastes well too.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

You keep me going.

I am surprised to find that receiving a book a month from The Willoughby Book Club is the best thing that happens to me on a regular basis.
I am surrounded by illness and death and I struggle to see the point in it all, but i love receiving the notification that a book is on its way, I love opening the wrapper and I always love the surprise.
Over a couple of years, you have sent me works of fiction and non-fiction that I would never have chosen for myself, and I have devoured them all. You keep me going. Thank you.

March 3, 2026
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Hi Mark,
Thank you so much for your beautiful review.
I am so sorry that life is a bleak at the moment. All of us here are sending solidarity.
It's a real pleasure to choose books for you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful gift!

This was a gift and it is one of the best gifts I have received. I am seven books into my subscription and every one has been spot on.

September 5, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

I am so pleased that you are enjoying your gift! Thank you so much for your lovely comment

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Beautuful…

Such a beautifully packaged and thoughtful gift! Already ordering more for friends birthdays. Thank you!

November 24, 2025
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic book picks!

I received a three month subscription and I really love the books that have been chosen so far (one to go!). They’ve listened to my feedback and matched my interests so well. Can’t wait to get the final book! I’d highly recommend Willoughby Book Club.

November 20, 2025
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Thank you so much for your lovely review!
It's been a delight selecting books for you. I hope you love the last book- but if not do let us know. Happy reading

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Service

I've had a great experience. The books received are beautiful, relevant to the interests & ages of the children. Deliveries are on time. I'm a very happy customer & will continue to use your services. Well Done!

October 30, 2025
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Thank you so much for your lovely review!
I'm so delighted to hear that the books have been well received and that you're happy

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Access and accessories

It was delightful to have a surprise book land on the doormat each month. I chose the Home & Garden option. I have received books which have both inspired me and look fabulous on the coffee table!

October 24, 2025
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Hi Laura, I am so delighted that you have enjoyed your subscription! It's been such a pleasure to choose books for you :)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Books from Willoughby worth a try

I have now received over 25 books from Willoughby over a three-year period, and only once was I sent a book I had already read. After a quick phone call, a replacement was sent immediately.

There’s something exciting about receiving a book someone else has selected for you based on your chosen genre and favourite authors. On many occasions, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed books I would never have picked off the shelf myself.

It’s a fun experience, and I would definitely recommend it.

December 3, 2025
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Steve, thank you so much for your lovely review! We've loved sending you books and I'm so glad you've enjoyed the surprise of it too.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The friendliest book club!

I just love dealing with The Willoughby Book Club - the team are always so very helpful and friendly, I really feel I have friends there. The guidance they give and patience they have is second to none, I would highly recommend them to everyone, they always go tge extra mile.

October 15, 2025
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Thanks so much for your lovely review! (You DO have friends here!)

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Three-month Willoughby Subscription

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.

October 3, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great gift

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.

September 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Far from bespoke - you’d do better with Amazon

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.

July 15, 2025
Unprompted review
The Willoughby Book Club logo

Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Hi Amy thank you so much for your feedback.
I am so sorry that you felt the books we chose had nothing to do with the interests of your recipient. Please email on hello@thewilloughbybookclub.co.uk and we can sort this issue out for you.
As a small independent business we cannot compete with Amazon, but we will of course do our best to put things right when we've gone wrong.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great gift for a child

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.

September 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Unhappy


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.

July 20, 2025
Unprompted review
The Willoughby Book Club logo

Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Hi Sally,

Thank you for getting in contact and I'm sorry about the issues with your subscription. We do have your order and it has been on hold as requested when it was placed. We have had a look through our Facebook messages and all our emails but unfortunately we haven't been able to find your previous communications with your details which is why it remained on hold. If you would please send your details again to hello@thewilloughbybookclub.co.uk we will be happy to get your subscription started and the books sent out to you.

Apologies again

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I prefer to choose my own books

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

July 4, 2025
Unprompted review
The Willoughby Book Club logo

Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Hi Ann, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it.
Did you get in touch about the book that you found tedious? We replace books that are not right, and we also have a 'spoiler service' whereby subscribers can find out their chosen title before despatch. Please don't hesitate to email if we can put things right for you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great quality and variety

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.

May 11, 2025
Unprompted review
The Willoughby Book Club logo

Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Thank you so much for your review!
I am so glad your wife has enjoyed her subscriptions, it's been a pleasure and a privilege to select her books, and we'll look forward to choosing more for her.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I ordered the mothers day gift set…

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!

March 20, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

I am so sorry that you were disappointed with your Mother's Day box.
The vase is a bud vase, and the frame is described as 'mini' and photographed to show scale. We aim to be as clear as possible with the contents, and I'm so sorry you felt let down in this instance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

So friendly and helpful!

So friendly and helpful!! Great book picks too.

March 7, 2025
Unprompted review
The Willoughby Book Club logo

Reply from The Willoughby Book Club

Thanks for your lovely review! Happy reading!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Not quite what I’d hope for.

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.

September 6, 2024
Unprompted review

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