The Secrets of Paper and Ink
by Lindsay Harrell
The lives of three women cross in Lindsay Harrell’s novel The Secrets of Paper and Ink. Sophia is a women’s therapist in Arizona who finds herself in the need of therapy. Ginny is a formerly rich American who abandoned that life to follow her husband to Cornwall, England, to open a bookstore. Their lives cross when Sophia, who needs more healing time, answers Ginny’s ad for a vacation rental. They find a notebook with the story of Emily Fairfax, a woman who lived in the mid 1800’s. Sophia becomes obsessed with learning more about Emily.
Each of the three main characters has to deal with a problem particular to women—abuse, abandonment, and discrimination. The author handles all of these issues with respect. The plot pops back and forth with each chapter focusing on one character, but with Ginny and Sophia’s stories overlapping in real time. Both ladies are impacted by Emily’s story, and there is a delightful surprise ending. Readers who delight in all things bookish will particularly relish this book as it includes a wonderful bookstore, journaling, and a female author in a time period when that was unacceptable. Readers who enjoy a good Christian romance will take pleasure in the gentle ways in which the characters’ interest in God is reawakened. Lastly, historical fiction buffs will appreciate the inclusion of Emily’s story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Romance, Women’s Fiction, Christian Fiction
Publication: February 26, 2019—Thomas Nelson
Memorable Lines:
But no matter what she felt, she knew deep down that her story did matter. She had to fight against the lie that it didn’t. And if she didn’t protect her own story or have the courage to write it down, no one else would. No one else could.
My senses rang with the cacophony of the muffin man’s bell, the clamor of the clarinet player on the corner, and the clickety-clack of the pattens on ladies’ feet.
Someone had finally noticed me drowning and offered to point me in the direction of the shore. Now it was up to me to keep stroking through the water until I reached the sandy beach beyond.
education pathways 
Great review
All 3 women seem to be really strong. Was it a fast or a slow read? The cover looks fantastic
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The three women were strong, but each in a different way. For me it was a fast read wanting to find out what was going to happen to each character next, as well as the plot as a whole. I love the cover too, and that is something we miss a lot of by reading ebooks! That especially applies to review copies that sometimes don’t even have the cover with the digital copy. 😞
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Understandable, a cover attracts me to books most times
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Good review.🌞
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Thanks, Betty.
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I need to write you a message. Are you getting my blog?😉
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Yes, I am getting your blog notices. I am not doing as much as I would like on blogging because of complications at home. I do have my email set up so that you are a V.I.P. so that your personal emails to me will stand out. So if you need to message me, use email if you can.
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Great review. I miss reading more historical fiction (sort of) novels.
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Thanks, James. You probably need to focus your time on the genre you are currently writing in, but as you grow more comfortable with that perhaps you will feel like you have to time to read outside that genre. You are obviously a reader with many interests!
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Fantastic review. This one sounds like something I’d love— I’m a sucker for narratives that jump back and forth in time like this. Thanks for putting this one on my radar!
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Wonderful review Linda. I read this one and really enjoyed it as well. I loved the character development of the women.
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