A book review of THE ECHO OF OLD BOOKS by Barbara Davis. Book clubs and fans of women’s fiction and magical realism will love this one.
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This post is all about THE ECHO OF OLD BOOKS by BARBARA DAVIS.
THE ECHO OF OLD BOOKS
A Novel by Barbara Davis
A rare book dealer who can hear the echoes of old book, forbidden love, romance, family secrets, and mystery await among the pages of THE ECHO OF OLD BOOKS. From the title to the cover, Barbara Davis’s novel grabbed my attention immediately. A mix of romance, magical realism, and historical fiction, this story is a great read and sure to be a favorite with book clubs.

Book Synopsis & Details
– from the publisher
A novel about the magical lure of books and summoning the courage to rewrite our stories by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Keeper of Happy Endings and The Last of the Moon Girls.
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.

Book Details:
Title: THE ECHO OF OLD BOOKS
Author: BARBARA DAVIS
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Print Length: 443 pages
Publication Date: March 28, 2023
Genres: Magical Realism; Women’s Fiction
Where to Buy: Amazon; Bookshop; Barnes & Noble
THE ECHO OF OLD BOOKS
BOOK REVIEW

Ashlyn, a rare book dealer, has a gift. She can hear the echoes left by previous owners of the books she touches. When she comes across a pair of previously unpublished volumes, she’s swept away not just by the tragic story of two star-crossed lovers, but by the echoes left behind as well. Told in multiple points of view and dual timeline, THE ECHO OF OLD BOOKS by Barbara Davis is a riveting read that will appeal to historical fiction fans and those who love books about books.
A story within a story, THE ECHO OF OLD BOOKS, takes the reader on a journey through time and emotions. I found myself rooting for the characters, enthralled by the intertwining stories spanning decades. Historical fiction fans will appreciate the historical elements woven within the narrative and the mystery will keep readers guessing till the end. I appreciated the seamless transition between points of view and timelines and didn’t find them confusing or lacking context. By the end, all posed questions were answered, and I enjoyed twists I never saw coming. I found this rivetting read well written, the premise intriguing, and the pacing excellent. This is a perfect choice for book club discussions and for historical mystery and romance lovers.
About the Author and What to Read Next
Barbara Davis is the Amazon Charts bestselling author of eight novels, including The Keeper of Happy Endings and The Last of the Moon Girls. She spent more than a decade as an executive in the jewelry business before leaving the corporate world to pursue her lifelong passion for writing. Originally a Jersey girl, Barbara has lived in Florida, North and South Carolina, and New Hampshire. She has recently returned to Florida with her newly retired bubby, Tom, where she is currently working on her next book. For more information, visit www.barbaradavis-author.com.

Book Recommendations for Fans of
Barbara Davis
If you loved this book, you should check out these other titles by Barbara Davis.

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