Rare-book dealer Ashlyn Greer’s affinity for books extends beyond the intoxicating scent of old paper, ink, and leather. She can feel the echoes of the books’ previous owners—an emotional fingerprint only she can read. When Ashlyn discovers a pair of beautifully bound volumes that appear to have never been published, her gift quickly becomes an obsession. Not only is each inscribed with a startling incrimination, but the authors, Hemi and Belle, tell conflicting sides of a tragic romance.
With no trace of how these mysterious books came into the world, Ashlyn is caught up in a decades-old literary mystery, beckoned by two hearts in ruins, whoever they were, wherever they are. Determined to learn the truth behind the doomed lovers’ tale, she reads on, following a trail of broken promises and seemingly unforgivable betrayals. The more Ashlyn learns about Hemi and Belle, the nearer she comes to bringing closure to their love story—and to the unfinished chapters of her own life.
My thoughts about The Echo of Old Books ~
(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)
First line—"It arrives on a bright summer day. A large manila envelope with the word PRIORITY stamped in two places across the front in red ink."
I loved, loved, loved this book. A story about books and book lovers. You can't go wring with that combination!
The Echo of Old Books first captured my attention by this beautiful cover. I just knew I had to read whatever was inside. And a book about books? Yay! And then there's the fact that I've already read a few of Ms. Davis' books, with several more on my TBR list. and loved them all. She is such a good storyteller! I figured this was a win-win all the way around.
I fell for the characters Belle and Hemi and their tumultuous love story from the very start. I loved how the author revealed their relationship through the journals they wrote to each other, with the reader getting both sides of the story.
I am also fascinated by the idea of books giving off 'echoes' of their previous owners and what their lives were like and the emotions they had while owning the book. What an interesting gift Ashlyn had.
Like I said at the beginning, I really loved this book—everything about it—and it will stick with me for a long time. Of course, I highly recommend it and encourage you to put it on your TBR list. You will not regret it!
I received a copy of The Echo of Old Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
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