Three stories. Three deeply wounded women. All searching to find their true worth.

Beautifully written. The descriptive prose pulls you into the stories of these three women as they each take a healing journey. Each story is connected yet distinctly separate and each follow their own path to healing.

There is a bit of romance entwined in this book, but that’s not the main focus of the stories. It does add depth and realism to the plot though.

I really enjoyed this book it is a great read.

This book is amazing! It’s beautifully crafted and shared a wonderful heart-felt message. And it’s so clean! A very character driven novel, it’s all about the characters personal journeys.
I began reading this book with certain expectations, but this story blew them all out of the water. This is a beautifully crafted time slip novel, a story of love, and healing, and belonging.
I had planned to say that the “faith message” was barely perceptible throughout the majority of the book, but it flows through gently and almost undetectable until suddenly, bam it hits you full throttle. Tears brimmed my eyes as these characters found exactly what I had been hoping.
Some would say this book is predictable and maybe it is, but only because the author gives us the ending that our hearts are begging for, with a little unexpected twist at the end, that will make you want to shout.
This book is the story of three women who are needing healing as life has thrown them around like a dog with a squeaky toy. It is a contemporary story and deals with modern topics such as divorce, infidelity, spousal abuse, but it’s kept super clean. Everything is dealt with in basic terms, the reader can fill in what they need to with their own imagination. It’s not described in detail in the story and I really appreciated that fact. It contains no bad language whatsoever!
I loved the way she tied these three stories together and the ending was perfect! The physical expression between characters sticks to chaste kissing only and one drop to the neck. I would approve this book for even mature teenagers because of it’s clean nature.
It’s a beautiful reminder of who we are in Christ. It reminds us to find our strength and our purpose in him and not in others.

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.

First, can we get a sigh for this gorgeous cover? Ahhhhhhh
This book was a bit of a slow start for me, it took a while to figure out what was going on and which character was which. Once I did, I really loved the story and how everything came together. What's not to love about a book set in a bookstore, and one of the characters is an aspiring pastry chef as well? I'm a sucker for books about books and food, so this was a great story for me.
I really loved the historical portion of the tale, it really elevated the novel and gave me a couple of tears when it concluded.
The only thing I didn't really care for was Ginny's character. I felt like she was kind of an idiot when it came to her husband and I wanted her to grow a backbone and stand up for herself, especially when she was having extreme money difficulties. I saw how things were going to turn out from a mile away, so having a more unique conclusion to this storyline would have made the book a bit better for me.
Overall, I did love the book, including the Cornwall setting and the sweet romance.

I really liked the story of the three women and how they connect with each other. I didn’t realize until more than half way that this was a Christian fiction title. I don’t normally like a lot of “God” in my face, but I felt this author did a good job of not making it that way. It was definitely there, but I felt the story made up for it.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. So here goes … first off, I loved the cover and to be honest it was what drew me to the book. Unfortunately the story did not stack up to the cover and it certainly did not wow me like most of the other reviewers. It was a pleasant enough read and I enjoyed the story line of Sophie and William trying to uncover the mystery of Emily. But overall I found it a tad too sentimental and predictable. And I felt the Christian message at the end was out of the blue and awkward. 2.5 stars from me.

Oh, how I love time-slip novels. Two stories in one—double the hunger, double the sighs upon reading the last pages. Don’t you love it when you find a story that makes you want to read slower and slower as you near the end because you don’t want it to end?

The Secrets of Paper and Ink has a great setting and interesting characters. And the switches between the current time and the 1800s were neither distracting nor confusing. The pacing flows nicely.

I love women’s fiction, my preferred genre, because it deals with issues and emotions that nearly every woman experiences. Although I haven’t experienced the exact same things, I can empathize and sympathize. Connecting without stretching.

Each woman, Sophia, Ginny, and Emily, experience levels of self-discovery, and each touched me—though I connected with Sophia the most. I suppose because I find myself a mediator, helper, and nurturer in my life.

Author: Lindsay Harrel
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 336
First Line (Chapter 1): When life was busy, three months had a way of flurrying by.
I received a review copy of this book from Booklook Bloggers and NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Sophia Barrett had it all: a satisfying career as a counselor, a lovely home, and a handsome fiancé.  A year after her fiancé's death, however, she finds she still can't return to work.  She hasn't dealt with the secrets which left her steeped in shame and unable to connect with her clients.  Her best friend, who also happens to be a fellow counselor, recommends a continuation of leave from work as well as seeking healing through journaling her story.  Reluctantly, Sophia agrees and seeks escape in Cornwall, England - the place which her favorite author claimed was "the most freeing, most alive." 

Ginny Rose, whose marriage and business are both floundering, desperately advertises the flat over her bookstore, offering a tenant reduced rent in exchange for hours worked in her unprofitable shop.  When Sophia answers Ginny's advertisement for a vacation rental, Ginny offers her both a job and a place to stay.  The two American women quickly forge a friendship and begin joining efforts to revive Ginny's bookstore.  

While sorting through boxes of donated books, Sophia find a collection of handwritten pages.  Was Emily, whose journal entries and story capture Sophia's attention, a real person?  Although Sophia is supposed to be journaling her own story as part of her therapeutic process, she finds herself obsessed with discovering the identity of the author of the mysterious notebook.  With the help of Ginny's brother-in-law William, a British literature professor, Sophia begins researching whether the mysterious Emily was a real person or a fascinating figment of an author's imagination.  As they search for clues, Sophia begins to wrestle with some of her own hidden secrets, as well.  

The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel is a charming story, weaving together the lives of several women.  While Sophia and Ginny sort through their respective challenges, Emily's journal entries are woven in among the chapters.  The author distinguishes between these varying perspectives well, and each of these women have a distinct voice.  Although I love historical fiction, I actually preferred the contemporary characters, who seemed more authentic.  The author handled some difficult topics with grace, incorporating all three women's stories into a tale of redemption and hope.  Overall, it was an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. All opinions contained in this review are my own. ​

When you read a book and it leaves you reflecting on what you just read. You know you just read an excellent book. The story intertwines Sophia, Ginny and Emily. These three women’s lives intersect, even though Emily lived during the 1800s. It is a story of great hurt, love and much needed healing. The path to healing is not always easy. And the end of the story is not always known. That was within the pages told to the characters. What a beautiful freeing thought. We don’t have to know our ending. This is a definite must read. I think it’s a truly powerful read and hopefully it can lead to healing for someone out there. I haven’t been in the same situation as these ladies persay. But dare I say, everyone has hurts in their lives and stories to be told. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views expressed here are my own.

The story of three women are woven together in the charming English county of Cornwall. Sophia, wanting to heal from her recent tragedy rents the loft in Ginny's bookstore. Ginny, desperately needing some financial help welcomes Sophia as she tries to make the bookstore she opened with her husband profitable on her own. For reduced lodging, Sophia works for Ginny in the bookstore. She would consider this a labor of love, because her love and passion for great British literature is great. While sorting through some book donations Sophia finds what appears to be a diary of a woman named Emily Fairfax from the 19th century. With nothing but hope, friendship, and faith to guide them each of these women have to work towards understanding who they are.

Can Sophia learn to love herself again? Can Ginny truly find where she belongs? And just who was Emily Fairfax?

I adored this novel. From the very beginning of the novel I was invested in the lives of these women. The characters are so believable, that you can't help but want to root for them. The issues they are struggling with are real, and that makes it so you can relate to them in some way. Everyone has wanted to feel like they are loved, and that they belong. Lindsay Harriet takes these universal feelings and personifies them through Sophia, Ginny, and Emily.

The writing was very smooth. Although the book centers around three different women, I did not have any difficult recognizing the voices of the characters. Each character was uniquely crafted and far from generic.

As a mystery fan I also enjoyed the way Sophia works to piece together the mystery around Emily Fairfax.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I enjoyed this novel. It combined a bit of adventure with healing of past hurts with an historical mystery and some romance. I liked how Sophia and Ginny had similar issues. Both needed to heal from trauma and re-evaluate their lives and dreams. Both had issues with parents. The historical aspect of the plot added another layer to the novel. The Christianity in the novel is subtle. God was mentioned a few times, as was a Bible verse, but not much more.

Readers who enjoy a well presented novel with characters that grab your attention will enjoy this one. The outcome might be predictable but then, we do like our romance novels to end that way.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The Secrets of Paper and Ink is a story of three strong woman, who have all suffered serious heartbreak. How they deal with it, heal from it, and move on in life is what this book is all about.

Sophia Barrett is still dealing with her feelings after the death of her abusive fiancé. After taking several months off from work, she returns only to suffer another breakdown. She decides she needs a change of scenery and escapes to Cornwall, England, the setting of books written by her favourite author. It turns out the temporary job and home she has taken for three months is living above and working in an almost bankrupt bookstore. The bookstore is owned by fellow American Ginny Rose, whose husband, Garrett, cleaned out the bank account and went off to London to find himself. Six months later, he informs her he has found someone else and wants a divorce. Ginny and Sophia work tirelessly with the help of Stephen (Garrett's brother) and Garrett's best friend to save the bookstore and make a go of it. While all this is going on, Sophia has found a journal belonging to Emily Fairfax. For some reason, Sophia wants to track down Emily's family and find out if the story in the journal is fact or fiction.

I really enjoyed The Secrets of Paper and Ink. The story is told in three points of view, Sophia and Ginny in the present and Emily in the past. Lindsay Harrel did a wonderful job weaving these stories together in a seamless way. Even though all three women are dealing with heartbreak, they also have very different challenges, different dreams and different paths to follow. The mystery of who Emily Fairfax was and how she fits into the lives of the characters in the present added another layer to make this more than just another women's story of second chances. There is romance in all their lives that moves slowly and has some stumbling blocks they need to overcome. The women show strength and resilience, but they are not able to determine the paths to fulfill their dreams until they give it up to the Lord and let him guide them. With friendship, self-discovery, faith and love, all three women have a second chance to find and achieve their dreams. The writing is beautiful, descriptive and left me wanting to take a trip to Cornwall to see all the places described in this story. I am hoping there might be a sequel so I can reconnect with Ginny and Sophia to see what comes next in their lives. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

Sophia Barrett has returned to work as a women’s therapist 3 months after suffering a nervous breakdown on the 1-year anniversary of her fiancé’s death in a car accident. After walking out on her first patient (a victim of domestic abuse), she realizes she hasn’t healed. So, on a whim, she decides to travel from Arizona to Cornwall, England, the locale of the books by her favorite author, Robert Appleton, where she rents a cheap apartment above a bookstore in exchange for working there part-time. Ginny, the proprietor, is struggling to save the store after her husband abandons her. While shifting through boxes of old books, Sophie finds a journal with a story from the 19th century about star-crossed Emily Fairfax and her friend (and secret love) Edward Bryant. With the help of Ginny’s brother-in-law, sexy lit professor William, Sophie sets out to discover whether or not the story is true and why she feels so compelled to get answers. Will any of these three women who have suffered for love find redemption?

Set in beautiful Cornwall and featuring a cast of well-drawn female characters, The Secrets of Paper and Ink is a tribute to the power of the written word and its power to heal the human spirit. There is a faith-based undertone which might be off-putting to some readers, but it doesn’t overwhelm the story. This book will appeal to fans of Beatriz Williams, Susan Meissner, and other authors who write parallel storylines from the past and present in which a mysterious artifact drives the action. Highly-recommended.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Lindsay Harrel’s Book, The Secrets of Paper and Ink, is just brimming with story. There are actually three stories in one in this novel, but they are told well and are all brought to a satisfying, connected conclusion.

Sophia travels to England to seek peace after the death of an abusive fiancé. She rents a room from Ginny who is attempting to keep her husband’s dream of a bookstore as well as her shaky marriage afloat. While working in the bookstore as part of her rent, Sophia finds a journal belonging to Emily, a governess from 200 years before. The lives of three women with different pasts, different hurts, and different goals become intertwined in this one lovely story.

This book contains all the feels. The author made me want to comfort the leading ladies at times and chastise them (and a few of the men as well) at others. When I am so involved in a book that I almost feel what the characters are feeling, the author has done her job well.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are completely my own.

The Secrets of Paper and Ink was incredible! I have all the feels after finishing this lovely Christian Fiction novel. Following the lives of 3 women: one in the 1800's and two in present day all of whom are facing both life and romantic challenges, this story wove a tale that I couldn't put down. The bookish elements of the story THRILLED my bookish loving heart. The characters of Sophia, Ginny and Emily were all superb and the setting for the book is England-who doesn't love that? It reminded me a little bit of one of my all-time favorite movies "The Holiday," which was a fun bonus!! I can not list all the ways I adored this book. It would make an awesome Hallmark movie. It is simply a charming book that I will read again and it's spot on my keeper shelf is assured.



I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts posted are my own honest review.

BEAUTIFUL STORY!

THE SECRETS OF PAPER AND INK is a beautifully written time-slip novel that explores the true depths of two women’s (Sophia and Emily) hearts and as a bonus, shows how another woman’s (Ginny) heart is forced to grow because of negative circumstances. Each of us has a story deep within us. In fact, we live our stories for all the world to see. There is a deeper meaning to our story that we keep hidden deep within our soul and we reserve those secrets for paper and ink and only to be read by the most trusted friend in our life.

One of the reasons that I love this book is that it is set around a bookstore in Cornwall, England. Emily and Sophia who end up running it together have never met, come from totally different backgrounds and have totally different dreams. Yet they find themselves drawn together during a time of crisis, attempt to rediscover who they are and find what the future holds for each of them personally. Also, there’s the man factor. One is dealing with the death of an abusive one & one is trying to win back the love of the husband who abandoned her.

Oddly enough, it takes finding an old journal in a stack of books in the bookstore to prick the attention of Sophia and she is captivated to find out if the journal is real. The journal tells of an intense friendship of a young girl and the heir of a wealthy family. They grew up playing together from toddlers on and left each other stories and personal notes in the Story Tree on the boy’s family property. He considered her an equal because he recognized she had a beautiful mind and was an incredibly talented writer. As the years went by, they continued to be friends and her love and admiration for him continued to grow. He, of course, had no clue, she felt such intense feelings for him because they had never discussed such things. The quest to discover the authenticity of the journal begins and during the search many answers are found. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have the help of a fabulous professor (William) as a helper while you’re searching either!

Discovering the authenticity of the journal and the identity of the author brings validation to Sophia. It helps her face her demons and come to grips with why she can’t share her own story through paper and ink. Sometimes the pain is so intense and keeps you almost paralyzed. When Sophia finally feels the freedom to share her deepest feelings - the total baring of her soul completely - through the sharing of her secrets through paper and ink, she allows her best friend (William) to read what she could never tell him with words. It is a beautiful act of total trust and it is life-changing for Sophia. This act proves to be the door opener for Sophia’s future.

I was provided an ARC of this book by the author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

A sweet story about the lives of three women and how their lives intertwined. Sophia journeys to England to heal after an abusive relationship and finds a small bookstore that speaks to her. Ginny, the owner of the bookshop is estranged from her husband and is struggling with the failing shop. Emily, the voice from the past will help the two women heal through the words of her journal. This is a very enjoyable story that deals with love, forgiveness and healing. It is predictable at times but well worth the read. Highly recommended!

Three women, two timelines, one goal. Sophia, Ginny, and Emily are all in search of something. All three are wounded, deeply hurt by the men they have loved, and all three are looking to find their own worth. All journeys have a beginning and an end, but it is not those places where we find ourselves. It is in the everyday, the monotonous, day-by-day living where we learn who we are. Live each day with purpose, not to please others, but to please God.

The Christian aspect in The Secrets of Paper and Ink was very subtle and understated but no less powerful for its lack of in-your-face execution. I prefer subtle as you'll never win people over by sheer force of will. 

While all three women share a similar past, their journeys toward a brighter future are uniquely different. Emily's writing helped lead Sophia on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging to find her own joy in the process. 

The Secrets of Paper and Ink had wonderful prose and the descriptions took me right out to Cornwall as if I was walking the area with my own two feet. The grief, despair, and ultimate healing of all three women was undiluted and powerful in its entirety, leaving nothing out. 

While there was romance, it was also understated, leaving room for the true journey of discovering that we are God's people, and no one can take that from us.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

'The picture on the puzzle might not even make sense until the last piece is popped into place. Then it will form a beautiful picture.'
This is a lovely portrayal of the stories of Emily, Sophia and Ginny. All three had things in their lives in which they had to come to the realization that they were not defined by their failures or successes, but rather by their relationship with the Creator. A fabulous story about hope, relationships and God's trustworthiness in each of their lives. As Sophia wrote in her journal - 'I am strong ..... because I have finally learned to be me - and to be okay with who that is', a principle learned by all three!
I received this incredible story through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.

I just loved this new novel by Lindsay Harrel and found myself longing to visit the bookshop in Cornwall, England where the majority of the story is set. This book focuses on the story of two women, Sophia and Ginny who develop an unlikely friendship while dealing with hurts from past relationships. Sophia is dealing with the trauma of the death of an abusive fiance and after the urging of of her boss decides to take a trip to Cornwall, England where the books by her favorite author are set. She hopes to finally be able to journal through her pain. She arranges to live in an apartment in a bookshop and work there as part of her rent for staying. (Oh, how I would I love to do the same!) Ginny is the owner of the bookshop who is trying to keep it from closing after her husband leaves her. Meanwhile, we see that her passion is really baking. While working Sophia finds a photocopied journal, which takes her, along with the handsome literature professor, William, on a journey to find the identity of author of the journal and maybe love along the way.

The second plotline involves the author of the journal Emily, who lived 15o years earlier in Cornwall. Emily longs to be an author in a time when such a profession was not expected of women. Emily also harbors a secret love for her childhood friend, Edward, but the match can't happen due to her lower social class.

I loved reading how all of these women are able to find their emotional healing and become strong women who overcome seemingly impossible circumstances. I love Lindsay Harrel's writing and look forward to hopefully many more novels in the future. This is a perfect book for snuggling up with a comfy blanket and a cup of coffee or hot cocoa on a cold winter day.