The Echo of Old Books

The Echo of Old Books

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.

“Ambitious jewel”

— Barbara Conrey, bestselling author of My Secret To Keep

Review by 1000 Libraries

In ‘The Echo of Old Books,’ Barbara Davis invites readers into a world where the past whispers through the pages of forgotten books. The story skillfully blends historical elements with contemporary drama, creating a compelling narrative that successfully keeps the curiosity of readers high till the end. Additionally, complex and flawed characters make their journeys of self-discovery more relatable than ever.

“Without a reader, a book was a blank slate, an object with no breath or pulse of its own. But once a book became part of someone’s world, it came to life, with a past and a present—and, if properly cared for, a future.”

Masterfully weaving through timelines, Barbara Davis reveals how the past can resonate in the present, and how books can serve as bridges between generations. A testament to the enduring power of stories and their abilities to shape our lives, ‘The Echo of Old Books,’ is a truly immersive read for readers who appreciate the magic of literature.

"The author’s ability to present two different, but related, heartbreaking stories inside her own novel and keep all the voices distinct is so impressive. The fascinating characters and the beauty of the writing pull the reader in…Highly recommended."

"A new book by Barbara Davis is cause for celebration, and The Echo of Old Books is a carefully woven, brilliant, beautiful, complex story of finding family and rediscovering lost love. Davis's characters are living, breathing people that you miss when you get to the last page. I loved every single page of this historical, lyrical, magical novel.”

“A story within a story, it has all the elements I love―unforgettable characters, an old mystery begging to be solved, a well-researched historical backstory that is both romantic and tragic, and a touch of magical realism that swept me into the delightful world of my imagination. I couldn’t have loved it more!”

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