The Secrets of Paper and Ink â a delightful novel with a clever title that leads to a most pleasurable reading experience! This story, by new-to-me author Lindsay Harrel, has three elements that I greatly love â the genre is women's fiction (with a dual timeline), the setting is British (Cornwall, England), and bookish elements are woven throughout (cozy bookshop, references to classics, and a most appealing literature professor). This well-written story drew me in from the first page and I wish for more like it in the Christian fiction genre.
The Secrets of Paper and Ink is a story of hope, grace, and healing, both emotional and spiritual. The characters are flawed and so easily relatable. Sophia and Ginny become friends almost instantly, soon discovering a shared past of broken relationships. I easily imagined myself in Ginny's bookshop in Cornwall and became invested in her desire to save it. Sophia's discovery of Emily's journals added even more richness to the story. Emily, who also lived in Cornwall 150 years earlier, had a passion to write at a time when it wasn't acceptable for a woman to be published, at least under her own name. I loved the creative way Emily's story connected with the present-day characters.
The author handles themes of abuse and infidelity with skill and effectiveness, bringing a touch of realism to the lingering effects, guilt, self-blame, and denial. At its heart, this is a story of hope, grace, and second chances. The conclusion is great, with a few surprise twists along the way. I look forward to more of Lindsay Harrel's writing.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The Secrets of Paper and Ink is a story of hope, grace, and healing, both emotional and spiritual. The characters are flawed and so easily relatable. Sophia and Ginny become friends almost instantly, soon discovering a shared past of broken relationships. I easily imagined myself in Ginny's bookshop in Cornwall and became invested in her desire to save it. Sophia's discovery of Emily's journals added even more richness to the story. Emily, who also lived in Cornwall 150 years earlier, had a passion to write at a time when it wasn't acceptable for a woman to be published, at least under her own name. I loved the creative way Emily's story connected with the present-day characters.
The author handles themes of abuse and infidelity with skill and effectiveness, bringing a touch of realism to the lingering effects, guilt, self-blame, and denial. At its heart, this is a story of hope, grace, and second chances. The conclusion is great, with a few surprise twists along the way. I look forward to more of Lindsay Harrel's writing.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I really enjoyed this novel which features two young female main characters in current day and one young female character in the 1860s. The setting of Cornwall, England was described beautifully - I'm ready to book my plane ticket for a visit! Plus most of the action takes place in a bookstore ... what's not to love?!?
I appreciated that the stories of all three characters included difficult life circumstances that aren't frequently included in Christian fiction novels. Since this is a romance, it has the requisite HEA but I liked that not every single detail was tied up with a pretty pink bow.
I appreciated that the stories of all three characters included difficult life circumstances that aren't frequently included in Christian fiction novels. Since this is a romance, it has the requisite HEA but I liked that not every single detail was tied up with a pretty pink bow.
The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel takes readers on a journey to Cornwall. Sophia Barrett is a women's counselor in Phoenix, Arizona. Her abusive husband died over a year ago and Sophia has spent the last three months recovering from a breakdown. Sophia's first patient turns out to be an abusive victim which causes her to flee. Needing to find a way to move forward, Sophia decides a change a venue is needed and heads to Cornwall, England. She fell in love with the area through the works of her favorite author, Robert Appleton. Sophia is living in the flat over Rosebud Books owned by Ginny Rose and her estranged husband, Garrett. As part of the rental agreement, Sophia agrees to work part-time in the store which is a perfect fit for Sophia with her love of literature.
Ginny Rose left Harvard to follow Garrett Rose to Port Willis, Cornwall, England. It had always been Garrett's dream to open a bookstore and Sophia helped him achieve it. Then six months ago, Garrett left to find himself and Ginny is struggling to keep the shop open. Ginny is positive that Garrett will return to her and she wants to make sure the bookstore is there for him. Sophia immediately has some ideas to help increase traffic into the store and their website.
While sorting through the books in the store, Sophia finds an old journal belonging to Emily Fairfax. In the 1850s, Emily lost her father and became a governess. Emily spends her spare time writing stories and dreaming of becoming a published author. She grew up with Edward Elliott and was deeply in love with him. However, Edward was the oldest son and heir who is expected to marry a society lady. Sophia wants to learn more about Emily and enlists the help of Ginny's literature professor brother-in-law, William. Sophia grows close to William while following Emily's journey, but she is afraid to fall in love again. Just when things are looking up for Ginny, it looks like she will lose it all. How will the stories of these three women play out?
The Secrets of Paper and Ink is charming tale that combines the stories of three woman. We get to see them overcome pain and loss to move forward as stronger, fulfilled women. The authors flowery descriptions of Cornwall transported me to the area. I like how the three stories are woven together into one lovely story. While Sophia and Ginny's section are told in the third person, Emily's journal entries are her personal accounts (first person). The Christian element is light but pivotal. It is important to have faith and realize that only One person is truly in charge. The Secrets of Paper and Ink is well-written with thoughtful pacing. We get to see women overcoming adversity and taking charge of their lives. The romance is light and sweetly knitted into each ladies' tale. I appreciated how the story comes together with a heartwarming ending. The Secrets of Paper and Ink is a perfect for those readers who like to read women's fiction and watch romantic movies.
Ginny Rose left Harvard to follow Garrett Rose to Port Willis, Cornwall, England. It had always been Garrett's dream to open a bookstore and Sophia helped him achieve it. Then six months ago, Garrett left to find himself and Ginny is struggling to keep the shop open. Ginny is positive that Garrett will return to her and she wants to make sure the bookstore is there for him. Sophia immediately has some ideas to help increase traffic into the store and their website.
While sorting through the books in the store, Sophia finds an old journal belonging to Emily Fairfax. In the 1850s, Emily lost her father and became a governess. Emily spends her spare time writing stories and dreaming of becoming a published author. She grew up with Edward Elliott and was deeply in love with him. However, Edward was the oldest son and heir who is expected to marry a society lady. Sophia wants to learn more about Emily and enlists the help of Ginny's literature professor brother-in-law, William. Sophia grows close to William while following Emily's journey, but she is afraid to fall in love again. Just when things are looking up for Ginny, it looks like she will lose it all. How will the stories of these three women play out?
The Secrets of Paper and Ink is charming tale that combines the stories of three woman. We get to see them overcome pain and loss to move forward as stronger, fulfilled women. The authors flowery descriptions of Cornwall transported me to the area. I like how the three stories are woven together into one lovely story. While Sophia and Ginny's section are told in the third person, Emily's journal entries are her personal accounts (first person). The Christian element is light but pivotal. It is important to have faith and realize that only One person is truly in charge. The Secrets of Paper and Ink is well-written with thoughtful pacing. We get to see women overcoming adversity and taking charge of their lives. The romance is light and sweetly knitted into each ladies' tale. I appreciated how the story comes together with a heartwarming ending. The Secrets of Paper and Ink is a perfect for those readers who like to read women's fiction and watch romantic movies.
