The Secrets of Paper and Ink

Harrel (The Heart Between Us) intertwines the lives of two American strangers and a 19th-century governess in this uplifting tale set in Cornwall, England. In the present day, Sophia Barrett continues to grieve a year after the death of her fiancée. After suffering repeated breakdowns, she moves from Phoenix to Cornwall, a place she discovered because many of her favorite classic books are set there. She rents a loft above a small bookstore owned by American expat Ginny Rose. Though Ginny’s husband has recently abandoned her, and the bookstore is on the brink of bankruptcy, Ginny maintains hope for her marriage and her business. As the women work to salvage the bookstore, they discover a notebook from the 19th century. Filled with Emily Fairfax’s hopes and dreams of entering society and finding love, the journal sends Sophia in search of the rest of Emily’s story. Aided by Ginny’s brother-in-law William and inspired by Emily, Sophia and Ginny get the store in order and summon the courage to overcome the hurt of their broken relationships, heal, and pursue their own aspirations. The pace lags a bit as Harrell begins the book with long backstories for her trio of heroines. However, readers who stick with it will eventually discover a charming story about finding one’s voice after letting go of the past. (Feb.)