A compelling story that kept me up late at night to finish! Set mainly in Cornwall, the author effectively uses a dual timeline to knit together the lives of three women--one from the 19th century--all who survived major difficulties and came out stronger for them.

This book was quite a therapeutic read, as the women featured worked through their problems, trying to make sense out of them; the story gave a unique perspective to the process. Dealing with abandonment, abuse, and loss, they didn't let their traumas define who they were anymore. Instead, they overcame by finding a new path or dream, and learned to accept help from others. Ultimately faith and friendship brought hope and healing back into their lives. I loved the setting, in a small port town along the Cornish coast, and the old bookshop. I would love to visit and work there too!

Recommend to readers who enjoy women's fiction with some romance and a bit of faith. 4.5 stars

I could not lay this book down! I started reading....and kept on until it was done. (Inspite of the lateness of the hour.)

I was immediately drawn to Sophia and her story. So much pain, so much growth, such an incredible story.

The voice switched back and forth between Sophia and Ginny, and then also the historical character, which is Emily.

I loved each of these characters and the way their stories all came together.

The bookstore...I just want to go and visit it! The little village in Cornwall...sounds like my dream kind of place to visit!

I loved being able to travel here through reading this book.

I also liked seeing the growth in the lives of these ladies...and even though it was not the ending i envisioned, it was well written.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I wasn’t sure what to think as this novel opened with children’s letters stashed in an old tree. Soon the story took on flesh and emotion and engaged me. Actually, this time-slip book contains two story lines—or should I say three, since the lives of three women unfold upon its pages. The first is Emily’s from the 1800s. Her journal is found by Sophia, a woman in the present day who is going through a difficult period in her life. Sophia’s life connects with Ginny, who is facing her own trials. As the tales of these three searching women are woven together, the women each grow and discover meaning in their existence. I especially enjoyed the book since it includes a struggling writer, with whom I can identify. It’s also interesting to observe two American women living in England. The characters seemed quite real and their experiences true. Reading The Secrets of Paper and Ink could spark your own healing journey. It is a redemptive story, which encourages faith in God. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Lindsay Harrel presents a powerful story of healing, forgiveness, and finding the courage to write your own story. A year after the death of her abusive fiancé, domestic violence counselor Sophia Barrett finds returning to work too painful. She escapes to Cornwall, England—a place she’s learned to love through the words of her favorite author—and finds a place to stay with the requirement that she help out in the bookstore underneath the room she’s renting. Given her love of all things literary, it seems like the perfect place to find peace. Ginny Rose is an American living in Cornwall, sure that if she saves the bookstore she co-owns with her husband then she can save her marriage as well. Fighting to keep the first place she feels like she belongs, she brainstorms with her brother-in-law, William, and Sophia to try to keep the charming bookstore afloat. More than 150 years before, governess Emily Fairfax knew two things for certain: she wanted to be a published author, and she was in love with her childhood best friend. But he was a wealthy heir and well out of her league. Sophia discovers Emily’s journals, and she and William embark on a mission to find out more about this mysterious and determined woman, all the while getting closer to each other as they get closer to the truth. The lives of the three women intertwine as each learns the power she has over the story of her life.



My Thoughts: This was a very compelling read for me. This is not just a story about one woman finding her healing from an abusive relationship but of three women finding out who they are and finding their true love.


I love the way the author combines the three lives of these women to form a story that the reader will be unable to put down.


There is a quote in the book that really stuck out to me "All we have in life are the choices we make. We must make choices we can live with - and die with if it comes to that". This is so true, life is made up of our choices, some may be good and others may not be so good. In the end, we have to live with our choices and the consequences of them. This is what Emily's father told her once and it was good advice. Emily is my favorite of the three women. She had a desire and she saw it through, she never gave up on her writing. She held to her convictions and had a love for others. She never let defeat get her down or to stop her from doing what she wanted to do.


I really enjoyed this novel, and I believe that other readers will enjoy it as much as I did; I think each reader will take something away with them from this novel. I hope to read more from this author.

An absolutely lovely read! I liked the title. Inside you will meet three outstanding women. This isn't always my favorite genre, but this book has so many "pluses". From domestic abuse, history, forgiveness and love, major losses and hope, this story pulled me along through every emotion the main characters endured. It has another favorite feature of mine, more than one POV. It has a happy and expected ending, but left me feeling like I had more than that because of the overcoming strength all three of these ladies showed. Sophia, Ginny and Emily's stories are worth reading.

My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My review is my own, left of my own free will.

I loved The Secrets of Paper and Ink! Such a charming story about three different women whose strength shines through and their story is revealed. I loved the different POV and the bits of romance woven through the stories. Taking the past and present and weaving them together.

Through the depths of emotions comes a book so powerful that readers will have a hard time putting the story away. I read it in one sitting because it captured me right away. It is hard not to become attached to the characters as they draw you into their struggles. I love time-slip stories and this one is the best I have read. The author threads three characters through time and attach them forever in history. The beautiful way the author slips from past to present is seamless. I became committed to one time period and didn’t want to leave. The characters are three young women who all are looking for what we all desire. They want to be accepted and loved.

Emily is such a sweet person who has loved Edward ever since they were children. They have always claimed to just be friends, but Emily has ached over Edward for years. I loved how they would hide letters and other things at their special tree. Wouldn’t it be so romantic to have a special place where you find a note from that special someone? I could picture the tree with its branches that spread out in anticipation of secrets hidden among its beauty. Emily and Edward are two people who have hidden their feelings from each other. Can Emily’s dream of becoming an author ever come true? Will it be to late for them to find happiness when a wedding looms over their head? Will one marry to please their family or find the courageous to follow their heart?

Across the pond we meet Ginny. She has a wonderful bookstore and until a few months ago, a happy marriage. It was heartbreaking to see Ginny feel inadequate to make the bookstore a success without her husband. Her heart is crushed when her husband leaves her. Finding out that you were never loved by your husband crushes Ginny. I loved getting to know the dynamics of Ginny as she was growing up. She has always had this sense that she never was good enough, never as smart as her siblings and a disgrace to the family . My heart went out to her as this burden of rejection as followed her all her life. Will she discover how much she is loved by God? Can she let go of the past and allow someone to show her how valuable she is?

I saved Sophia's story for last. This woman was who I felt a connection to. She has a great practice as a therapist for women. When she faces a tragedy in her life, it is too much for her. She takes time off to heal and try to understand how she allowed a man like David in her life. He was sweet at first but suddenly became this demanding and abusive husband. His death shakes her to her core. She is free of him but her guilt of feeling this way takes over her life. It's time for a change. This is where Emily and Sophia's lives intersect. The perfect setup for Sophia is waiting for her across the pond. She rents a room from Emily and works in her bookstore to help pay the rent for her little apartment above the store. It was just what she needed. Her love of books is refreshing . I could relate to her because she escapes into books like I do. They allow us to forget everything and find adventure in stories. Her discovery of Emily's writing from so long ago intrigued her. Emily' strength is what Sophia admired They both suffered a loss but Emily was able to move forward. Can Sophia find the truth behind the manuscript she found of Emily's?

The ending is one that made me linger long after I read the last word. I don't want to leave this story but I know it will never be far from my heart. We all have hopes and dreams. One word, one sentence, one moment in time brought three women together to find healing, forgiveness and the knowledge that they are worthy to be loved.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Talk about a major book hangover! This story... how can you put it into words. I connected with this story in a way I don’t normally connect with a fiction book. Everyone at some point in their life has felt some kind of loss. The struggle to let yourself feel it and get past it is real. Sometimes we never do. The depth of human emotion woven into the tapestry of this book is amazing. I laughed. I cried. I wished. I hoped. Ms Harrel writes amazing time hop novels. The story lines flow so seamlessly. They are so interwoven and it makes for a great story. I couldn’t put it down. One of my favorite parts of the story was when I saw reference to Ms Harrel’s other novel, The Heart Between Us. It wasn’t a glaring reference. It was so subtle like a small hidden present for those who had read the first book to capture and smile about. I LOVED that. If I hadn’t read her first book I wouldn’t have connected the dots. And I would have missed the treasure hidden there. (It has no impact on the story and if you haven’t read the other book it’s not a big deal... but for those who have it’s a super cute addition!)
This will be one of my favorite books of the year I just know it. The writing is great. The plot is excellent. The relatability is outstanding. I could see myself in the characters. I could connect with them. I could feel their pain. I want to be friends with them. I want to know these people in real life! And the lessons they learn about themselves and God are ones we all so desperately need to learn. I love it when a fiction book speaks to things you are processing in your own life. This book was that for me. Maybe that’s why I love it so much. So well done. I’m glad to have read it. Don’t miss it!
I received a copy from CelebrateLit bloggers. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

: I’m thrilled and tickled when a novel has things in it I love. This one combines an element of passionate book people, books, bookstores, expressing creativity, caring for people and some of the book takes place in a lovely B & B. I instantly connected with these characters as they seek healing and hope in unexpected places.

This authors third novel brings together a heart-warming story filled with people discovering what love is, the value of friendship, and healing as they discover valuable truths like: “your past doesn’t define you.”

Two gifted women combine their talents in order for Ginny to re-imagine her bookstore in hopes of making a profit. Each woman faces hard times in dealing 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 unfolded in each character. In current time Sophia was 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 destine 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 destine 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 the story to Ginny, ”It’s one of love and loss, and heartache and bravery and all kinds of things that hit me right her.” She thumped her heart.”

Sophia is dealing with her own issues. Her friend Joy explains, “Anyone of us can become a victim, Sophia. Abuse does not discriminate, and neither do abusers.”

Sophia’s best friend and fellow therapist continues, “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 pf 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 is 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
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-issues-book-fun-mag

Sophia needs a break from her stressful life as a counselor so she signs up to work in a bookshop in England in exchange for a room. She and Gina, the bookstore owner, become good friends and one day, while working in the store, Sophia comes across an old journal. Together the two friends try to find the owner of the journal.

This time slip novel was well written and an interesting read. I especially loved the chapters that were about the journal owner. The friendship between Sophia and Gina felt real and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship deepened as they overcame struggles and obstacles.

I enjoyed this enchanting story of friendship, healing and love. The English setting this delightful little bookstore made me want to visit. The characters are just quirky enough to be charming. Sophia, Ginny and Emily all have stories that draw on encouragement, friendship and courage. This is a story I will revisit in the future. Grab a copy of The Secrets of Paper and Ink, a cup of tea, and a comfy chair and enjoy these delightful characters and their stories of hope. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I'm not going to copy and paste my review here, but I will link to it: http://papertraildiary.com/on-unknowingly-reading-a-christian-novel/

Dear publisher and NetGalley, this should have been in the Christian section.

Lyndsay’s debut novel The Heart Between Us was one of my favorite reads from last year. I was so anxious to see if her second book could stand up to the first.It was so good! First, let me tell you that the cover drew me in immediately. A book with a book on the cover? Yes, please.The Secrets of Paper and Ink has multiple points of view, covers two different time periods and takes place on two different continents. I have never traveled overseas, so I appreciate Lyndsay taking me to these awesome sights.In this book Sophia Barrett is a counselor running from her own personal problems. She is drawn to a little bookshop in Cornwall, England, where Ginny Rose is struggling to stay afloat. It’s been six months since Ginny’s husband left her, and she’s just about to lose her shopWhile staying at the shop, Sophia finds a manuscript that contains the story of a young woman who lived in Cornwall 150 years ago. She dreamed of being an author, and loved her childhood best friend, but was held back by her station.Sophia feels a kinship with this woman and begins to research if her story could be true. Along the way she’ll learn how to let go of her own heartache, and maybe find new love.I loved this story, and wasn’t able to put this book down! I love dual-time romance, and thought this one was done exceptionally well. It was a departure from Lyndsay’s first book, but not in a bad way. The characters were good, and I enjoyed the multiple viewpoints.I have to say I thought this book could’ve done without the last page and the epilogue, or they could’ve been done differently. It just seemed like the ending was tacked on. But it was still a very satisfying story, and I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author in the future.

Recently, I read the novel The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel. While it is not a book I would recommend to everyone, it is a book that stands well on its own.

This novel follows a woman named Sophia dealing with the feelings of relief and guilt she has after her fiance passes away. As a counselor herself, she beats herself up for falling for a man who manipulated her and abused her. Then, she struggles with all the feelings that are brought to the surface upon his death. So many feelings that she has to put her counseling career on pause. During her required vacation, she heads to England where she lives above a bookshop and works there in exchange for rent.

While there, she befriends the owner, a woman named Ginny who has also been hurt by the man she loves. The two women bond over their different, yet similar heartbreaks. Additionally, Sophia becomes enthralled with an old journal she finds.

The journal is what really makes this novel stand out. You get a story within a story - and you get to move across vastly different time periods. This is the kind of stuff I love. While the twist involving the journal was obvious from the very beginning, it was still a nice way to weave the stories together.

Here's my only negative. This is a work of Christian fiction. As a Christian, I grow tired of reading fiction that has to so explicitly spell out a salvation (finding Jesus) message. While I understand the point is to try to share this message with others who may not be Christians, I don't think that is the book's audience. So, it seems overdone to me.

Overall, it was a pleasant read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review! This book is currently on sale.

“But stories do not need to be read by others to have power. We simply have to believe in their importance and trust that the One who wrote them had a reason for doing so. We must embrace that story and remember that who we are is not defined by the ups and downs of our lives -the failures OR the successes. Nay, we are instead defined by Whose we are.”

What a powerful, enchanting, and gripping split-time novel by Lindsay Harrel! In her newest release, the author creates a written world worthy of the title “Secrets of Paper and Ink” as she melds the desperate and heartbroken Emily of 1856 Cornwall with equally desperate and heartbroken Ginny and Sophia who are American transplants in Cornwall of present day. The author’s writing will grab you from the first page and not let go, even after the last page is read. There is so much heartbreak, pain, and suffering portrayed, yet glimmers of hope, forgiveness, and joy will beckon you to travel the journey with these three women in the story. The characters indeed are raw, real, and completely broken but they need to hit that rock bottom to realize who they are and what they are meant to be doing. This story speaks of shattered hearts, deeply forged bonds of friendship, and pursuing dreams despite insecurities and past failures while gently touching on the topic of healing only through God’s grace and mercy. Anyone who enjoys a well-written split-time novel would absolutely love this book.

Emily, Ginny, and Sophia are all independent women who are strong and determined. But beneath their strength lie hearts that are vulnerable, tender, and needing love. Emily, though scorned by others, pursues her dream to be a published author while Ginny hides from her dream of becoming a pastry chef and Sophia has no idea what her dream even is. The men who walk alongside these women are all loyal, honorable, tender, and amazing but each relationship takes different twists and turns as the story unfolds.

I am holding my breath for the next book by Lindsay Harrel! I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and also via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Sophia is trying to heal after an abusive relationship shakes her faith in herself. An opportunity presents itself to leave Arizona and spend 3 months in Cornwall. Meeting Ginny, another woman insecure and hurting, their friendship forms as Sophia helps in Ginny’s bookstore. Finding a journal from the mid- 1800’s leads to a journey of discovery. I really liked the book, but felt that too much religion was introduced towards the end of the novel. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I love books about book stores. I love books with dual timelines. This book had both of those things, so I found it delightful. And it's set in England. Let's just say it oozes charm. It also deals with some weighty issues like infidelity and domestic abuse. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy women's fiction.



I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for the purpose of review

As a librarian, I'm drawn to books about books, librarians, bookstores - anything literary. This title did not disappoint. More than once I've wanted to throw up my hands and run away - and to this bookstore would have been the perfect place. I loved the relationship which developed between the women and how their characters developed as the story progressed. I will be recommending this to my book club!

I loved every moment reading this engaging book! This was one of my first reads of 2019 and now we are 2 months in and I know it will be one of my top reads of the year. There were some serious issues that the characters faced, but it was done in a way where the story did not get too heavy or depressing. There were two storylines with two sets of main characters that wove together perfectly and I was invested equally in both sets. The book was over before I was ready! I highly recommend The Secrets of Paper and Ink!

All opinions are my own; I received a copy of this book.

This wonderful book follows the lives of three women who have difficult circumstances and heartbreak to overcome. In the current day, Sophia is a therapist who lives in Arizona. She works with her best friend Joy, but Joy asks her to take time off work because her boyfriend David died recently and his abusive behavior still haunts Sophia. When Sophia tries to go back to work, she ends up counseling another woman dealing with an abusive relationship, and she has to take more time off because she can't handle it. Sophia decides to go to Cornwall, England and work in a bookstore for a few months.
Ginny is the woman who owns the bookstore that Sophia decides to work in. She needs extra help because her husband left her and hasn't contacted her recently. Now the bookstore is in trouble and Ginny needs new ideas to revitalize the store. While cleaning, Sophia finds a notebook with a story inside about a woman named Emily who lived in the mid 1800's. Working together, Ginny and Sophia make improvements to the store and become best friends in the process.
They also learn more about Emily and her hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. Sophia finds herself falling for William, a kind man with a mutual love of books, and Ginny finds friendship in Stephen during her heartbreaking circumstances. Will All three women find a happy ending, even Emily?
I loved this book very much. The characters were so realistic and easy to sympathize with, and the descriptions of Cornwall and the bookstore were so well done that I wanted to be there. All three women had heartbreaking circumstances to deal with, and the way the author addressed abusive relationships and adultery was sensitive, yet realistic and relevant. I didn't agree with everything the characters did, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found some great and encouraging quotes as I read. William was my favorite character, but all of them were portrayed well. I would've liked to see more of the narrative include God. Other than that, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women's fiction and is looking for encouragement.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.