The Secrets of Paper and Ink

By Lindsay Harrel

Published by Thomas Nelson

Release Date: February 26, 2019

ISBN# 987-0718075729

336 Pages

NORA’S REVIEW: This novel combines passionate book people, books, bookstores, creativity, caring people along with some scenes at a lovely B & B. I instantly connected with these characters and their situations as each seeks healing and hope in unexpected places. I love reading about my favorite things!

This author’s third novel brings together a heart-warming story filled women learning what real love is, what being loved looks like, friendships are important, and there are different ways to heal. In that they discover valuable truths like: “your past doesn’t define you.”  Amen!

Two gifted women combine their talents to help Ginny re-imagine her bookstore in hopes of increased sales.  Each woman faces hard times with relationships issues, and pain as they seek forgiveness for others, themselves all the while trying to find a place to call home.

This is an engaging time-slip story that had me glued to each page as the plot unfolds. In current time Sophia is dealing with the loss of her spouse and Ginny bookstore owner was struggling to make since of her wayward husband who left her to find himself; says he’ll be back.

The historical side of the story takes place in Cornwell, England 1800’s with main characters Emily a teacher/governess and Edward her childhood friend. She’s the Pastor’s daughter and Edward is above her station, in life destined to marry a woman in the same social circles or better. I loved the fact that Emily was a woman who dared to follow her dreams even if that dream involved working in a male-dominated field and even when everyone around her thought she was crazy. A poor woman pursuing a man’s career. Unheard of. Emily can’t help but pour out her story on blank pages. She is destined to write. She describes, …” I walked to my room, picked up my pen and poured my heart into the only thing that would ever be my salvation.”

Sophia reads Emily’s words, describes them to Ginny,” It’s one of love and loss, and heartache and bravery and all kinds of things that hit me right here.” She thumped her heart.”

Sophia’s best friend and fellow therapist says, “When you and David got together, he tried to mold you into the person he wanted you to be. He trapped the real Sophia. She’s been buried for so long, you don’t remember who she is. I think you get little glimpses of her….” But she is too ashamed to think about it all.

Bravo to this new favorite author of mine. I loved how she brilliantly combines a love story from the past (real or imagined – Sophia is on a mission to find out) combined with two women in current time seeking healing from their own personal relationship issues. These characters and the story are rich; it’s a great read for fun and/or would make a wonderful book club pick. I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org

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