Review: The Echo Of Old Books by Barbara Davis
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I just finished The Echo Of Old Books by Barbara Davis, and I have to say, this was a book that I wished could go on forever. Barbara Davis most definitely did not let me down.
I only recently found author Barbara Davis a few years ago when I read her last novel, The Keeper Of Happy Endings. “Keeper” was the first Barbara Davis book I read, and that one was a keeper for me too!
My review of The Echo Of Old Books will give you a short synopsis of what the book is about, along with my honest opinion of it. And as always, you’ll get my three Rs of book reviews – should you read, reread, or reconsider this book.
Contents
Who Is Barbara Davis?
After dedicating twelve years to the jewelry business, Barbara Davis said goodbye to the corporate world and decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a writer.
She was born in New Jersey, but grew up and attended school in Florida. Eventually, work led her back to the north, where she lived in Charleston for two years, and in Raleigh for fourteen, before eventually making her way (and her home) to Dover, New Hampshire.
She refers to herself as a Yankee, turned Southerner, turned Yankee! When she’s not writing she’s an avid reader, foodie, and lover of music, a football fan, and a devoted Florida Gator.
Having just published her eighth book, she has certainly fulfilled her dream of becoming a writer.
Summary of The Echo Of Old Books
Rare book dealer Ashlyn Greer has a deep love for books that goes well beyond the mere smell of aged paper and leather. There’s something magical about them that only she can sense—the lingering emotions left by their previous owners. It’s as if these books possess an emotional fingerprint that she alone can decipher.
Recently, Ashlyn stumbles upon a remarkable discovery: a pair of exquisitely bound volumes that seem to have never seen the light of day. They beckon to her, and soon her fascination turns into an obsession. The books, inscribed with contradictory accusations, tell the tale of a tragic romance between their authors, Hemi and Belle.
With no clues about the origins of these books, Ashlyn finds herself entangled in a literary puzzle that spans generations.
She is drawn into the sorrowful hearts of Hemi and Belle, wherever they may be, whoever they were. Driven by her determination to unravel the truth behind their ill-fated love story, Ashlyn delves deeper into their words, following a trail of shattered promises and seemingly unforgivable betrayals.
As Ashlyn unravels the lives of Hemi and Belle, she inches closer to bringing closure not only to their tale but also to the unfinished chapters of her own life. In deciphering their story, she discovers profound insights about love, forgiveness, and the power of second chances. The echoes of these old books guide her toward a profound understanding of her own path toward the future.
The Echo Of Old Books – What I Liked
This story was so cleverly written. I absolutely loved the way the love story, which is what this really is, was told through the two old books found by one of the present-day contemporary characters Ashlyn who is the rare book dealer and bookbinder.
Not only was the story told through the two old books, but the two sides of the story were interlocked by these two books. Very clever indeed, and I must say that I was just drawn more deeply into the story with every page I turned.
The timeframe the historical parts of the book take place in was the period leading up to WWII, one of my favorite periods to read about in historical fiction.
The dual timeframe is actually quite complicated, but surprisingly, it’s not hard to follow at all.
The present-day story takes place in New Hampshire and Massachusetts in 1984 where the mysterious books are found by Ashlyn. Then the story jumps to 1954 Massachusetts and London where the books were first created. And then finally 1941 New York where the story told in the mysterious books actually took place.
The characters were wonderful. Both the contemporary ones and those that played a part in the historical sections. The story just unfolded so smoothly that I found it difficult to put the book down.
Since this story was partially told through the two books that Ashlyn acquired, there is a book-within-a-book theme going on here, with two sets of readers. One reader is you. The other readers are the contemporary characters in the book, Ashlyn and Ethan, who are reading the books in the story.
The book begins with a bit of mystery regarding exactly what the books are and where they came from.
As it continues, you become immersed in the love story unfolding between Belle and Hemi, the historical period characters, which is told within the pages of the books Ashlyn acquired and really reads like an argument on paper between the two of them. I found it very interesting the way the author had this play out.
On top of the love story unfolding between Belle and Hemi, there is also the love story unfolding by the present-day characters Ashlyn and Ethan. Or is it a love story? You’ll need to read this book to know the answer to that!
The Echo Of Old Books – What I Disliked
Nothing. I absolutely loved every part of this book.
The Echo Of Old Books – Read, Reread, or Reconsider?
And now, for my three Rs of book reviews – should you Read, Reread, or Reconsider reading The Echo Of Old Books by Barbara Davis?
Read!
I loved everything about this book.
If you like historical fiction and books that take place in dual time periods, then I can highly recommend this one to you.
The Echo Of Old Books FAQs
What is The Echo Of Old Books about?
The story follows Ashlyn Greer, a rare book dealer who becomes consumed by an irresistible obsession. Her journey unfolds as she stumbles upon a pair of mysterious books that appear to never have been published. Within their bindings lie conflicting narratives of a heart-wrenching romance, entwined with an incriminating inscription that begs for answers. With unwavering determination, Ashlyn sets out on a quest to unveil the truth behind these books, unearthing a web of secrets, betrayal, and the unyielding power of love.
Yes, Barbara Davis has written eight novels. The Echo Of Old Books is her eighth book.
The Echo Of Old Books – Conclusion
If you like books with a book within a book theme, then this one is for you!
And, if you like a bookish theme, then you’re in luck. After all, one of the main characters has a rare bookstore and is a bookbinder as well. You can’t get more bookish than that.
This is an excellent book, and you’ll especially like it if you’re a historical fiction fan and enjoy the time period leading up to WWII. This book has some mystery and romance in it as well, so really it has some of everything.
You Might Also Enjoy These Books
If you’re like me and you simply cannot get enough of “historicals“, then you may want to check out my reviews of some other historical fiction novels.
- Review: Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen
- Review: The Lost Summers Of Newport
- Review: Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen
- Review: The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel
Just in case you prefer to “listen” to your books rather than read them, here’s a nice opportunity to try Audible free for 30 Days (plus a few other things).
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