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The Echo of Old Books: A Novel Hardcover – March 28, 2023

by Barbara Davis (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 52,320 ratings
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
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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.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    443 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Lake Union Publishing
  4. Publication date
    March 28, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1662511604
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1662511608
  8. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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Previous page
  1. “Books are feelings,” he replied simply. “They exist to make us feel. To connect us to what’s inside, sometimes to things we don’t even know are there. It only makes sense that some of what we feel when we’re reading would . . . rub off.”
    Highlighted by 4,512 Kindle readers
  2. We read not to escape life but to learn how to live it more deeply and richly, to experience the world through the eyes of the other.
    Highlighted by 3,807 Kindle readers
  3. 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.
    Highlighted by 3,601 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

A rare-book dealer. An unfinished love story. The echoes of the past are calling.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[The] dueling timelines, packed with twists and turns, should appeal to fans of Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” ―Booklist

“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.” ―Historical Novels Review

“Delightful! …very satisfying. Barbara Davis endings usually are!” ―Midwest Book Review

“In The Echo of Old Books, author Davis deftly blends two time frames, the 1940s of the two books, with the 1980s of Ashlyn; two romances (Hemi and Belle's and Ashlyn and the professor's while slowly divulging why one was tragic and why the other two are so wounded by their pasts they can't seem to move on. I admit I sniffed a bit at the end.” ―Midwest Book Review

“I’ve voraciously consumed all of Barbara Davis’s books, but this gem of a dual timeline, which features a protagonist who owns an antique bookshop, has woven its way into my heart. The Echo of Old Books is a shining testament to the redemptive power of love. I took my time reading this story, savoring all the beautiful sentences, because I didn’t want it to end. Highly recommend.” ―Terry Lynn Thomas, USA Today bestselling author of The Silent Woman

“Woven with intriguing historical elements, The Echo of Old Books celebrates an enduring romance that overcomes all obstacles and the transformative power of love to heal the pain of past secrets. A big-hearted gem of a novel sure to delight true book lovers everywhere.” ―Christine Nolfi, bestselling author of A Brighter Flame

“I knew from page one that I would fall in love with this ambitious jewel of a story. Two books within a book. Two love stories within a story. And a bit of the unbelievable as only Davis can weave. All of this done in a manner I’ve not seen before. This book has everything readers want: family drama, deceit, lies, and corruption set against one of the most horrifying periods in history. And love. Davis may have reached a new height in her career.” ―Barbara Conrey, bestselling author of My Secret To Keep

“With her latest novel, Barbara Davis has delivered a beautiful gift to readers who enjoy a true passion for books. I was entranced by The Echo of Old Books from the very first page. 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!” – Julianne MacLean, bestselling author of Beyond the Moonlit Sea

“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." ―Maddie Dawson, bestselling author of Matchmaking for Beginners and Snap Out of It

About the Author

Barbara Davis is the Amazon Charts bestselling author of eight novels, including The Keeper of Happy Endings and The Last of the Moon Girls. She spent more than a decade as an executive in the jewelry business before leaving the corporate world to pursue her lifelong passion for writing. Originally a Jersey girl, Barbara has lived in Florida, North and South Carolina, and New Hampshire. She has recently returned to Florida with her newly retired bubby, Tom, where she is currently working on her next book. For more information, visit www.barbaradavis-author.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (March 28, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 443 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1662511604
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1662511608
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.27 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 52,320 ratings

About the author

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Barbara Davis

Barbara Davis

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After twelve years in the jewelry business, I finally surrendered to the muse, leaving the corporate world in order to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a writer. I was born in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, but grew up and attended school in Florida. Eventually, work led me north, where I lived in Charleston for two years, and in Raleigh for fourteen, before eventually making my home in Dover, New Hampshire, which makes me a Yankee, turned southerner, turned Yankee. (I think.)

When I'm not writing I'm an avid reader, foodie, and lover of music, a rabid football fan, and a devoted Florida Gator. I also enjoy travel with my husband/sweetheart, (same guy, I promise) who over the years has learned much more about publishing and the craft of writing than he ever wanted to know.

My most recent novel, THE KEEPER OF HAPPY ENDINGS, releases October 1, 2021. I am currently working on my eighth novel, and am still just as delighted with my job as I was the day I set my first word on the page!

For more about me and my books, please visit my website at: www.barbaradavis-author.com, or find me on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbaradavisauthor OR on Twitter: @bdavisauthor.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
52,320 global ratings
If you have dyslexia you may have a hard time reading this
4 Stars
If you have dyslexia you may have a hard time reading this
The neat thing about this book is that we the audience get to read the books Regretting Belle, Forever and other lies, along with Ashlyn and Ethan. But the way the book shows us when we are reading from the books is in italics for chapters on end which can be hard on some peoples eyes. I don’t have dyslexia but my sister who does won’t even consider picking up this book because of how hard it is for her to read it.As for the story itself I really enjoyed the themes of letting go of anger and forgiveness is the process of healing. The cute quotes at the beginning of Ashlyn’s chapters that talk about books and repair are really well done and a fun ways to incorporate her book binding knowledge into the story without slowing the pace. Also love that her magazine Ashton runs is named after a real book called the care and feeding of books old and new.
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Top reviews from the United States

Vermindle
5.0 out of 5 stars beautifully written story
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
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At first, this book burned a little slow for me but as it picked up, I was drawn further and deeper into a beautifully tragic love story told in a very unique way.

Not only that, but someone like myself (who so completely loves all to read any and all things; so much so that she studied comparative literature), the love and appreciation for the art of reading, publishing, written words, restoration and protection of written history is OOZING off the page. It made my heart so happy to read story that reflects the magnitude of impact the simple act of immersing yourself in a book can have on a person.

Add to that the intricacies of the backstories - WW II, anti-semitism, old money vs new, etc. make the book compelling, interesting, and simply beautiful go read.

If you love love, love a happy ending, and have a thing for growing tragedy - you don’t want to miss this book.
31 people found this helpful
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Fayelle Ewuakye
4.0 out of 5 stars Captivating
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024
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I have so many thoughts.

This book was riveting for me. It had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't wait to see where it went.

So dramatic! So emotional!

2 books within another book, the story is fantastic.

Also, it has moments where it's none of those things. The writing is amazing until a line comes along that is cliche and cheesy and doesn't fit. But it's still a wonderful read.

And then the plot does something... amateurish. But it's still a fabulous read.

And then the details maybe don't line up, maybe there are plot holes? But you still are obsessed.

And the characters are really and relatable and then you hate them and feel like they do things wildly out of character. But you don't care, you still care about every wrinkle of face and dress.

I kinda feel like the author and the editor bumped heads and the weird bits are the author giving in to the editor's incorrect changes.

It's really, really good though, and I thought about this book every time I wasn't reading it. I woke up in the night to finish it.
44 people found this helpful
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photo gal
5.0 out of 5 stars heartwarming and meaningful
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2024
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This book was a sleeper….I had no idea the path it would take. The idea of a person having actual feeling in her hands and soul as she held a book is infinitely interesting and fascinating. What she did with those feelings was heartwarming and lovely.
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Sadie D. Mendenhall-Cariveau
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting and Utterly Breathtaking
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
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I honestly would and have recommended this book to anyone who has a curiosity for the stories of others. It reads like 3 books in one and so utterly pulls the reader into the story. I was drowning with the need to know more to see it through. It read like prose in parts and evoked such immense emotions that I laughed out loud and verbally admonished the characters, and I even cried.
This wasn't the type of book that I would have previously chosen but I am grateful I did.
It is entirely well worth the read. The resonance it has drawing up the past of everything nonfiction it can and proving it's repetition today just as a nonfiction would is incredible. It is truly worth becoming such a classic as Atwood's books!
3 people found this helpful
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Libby Lefler
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent and creative story from several points of view.
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024
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I started reading and realized this may not be my cup of tea. However, as I slowly got into the meat and objective of it, I realized I was deeply concerned about these characters. As the story developed, I found myself entangled with the various points of view and realized there was no better way to write it. At first I didn't want to like Ashlyn and Ethan being interjected into the story but it soon became apparent why they were there.
As the stories of Belle and Hemi developed, I was sure it would become a happily ever after. But I was only a third of the way through it! What else was there to tell? I soon found out.
I loved reading this book. I could feel the hateful energy from Belle's sister, the overpowering control of their father, and the bravery of both Belle and Hemi. As I got closer to the end, and all the secrets exposed, I slowed down my reading. I didn't want it to end. It appeared this was going to be a sad ending, that any sort of reconciliation would be impossible, that forgiveness would not be forthcoming.
I could now understand the purpose of Ashlyn and Ethan, why their stories were imperative to the flow, and how her life experience shaped Belle's decisions. It ended on a happy and successful conclusion. I will want to read this one again. I highly recommend it to those interested in historical fiction, class distinctions of the past, crooked politicians and powerful businessmen who controlled too much and had too much power, dysfunctional family units, and the power of real love.
9 people found this helpful
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Angela Turczyn
4.0 out of 5 stars Multi-Layered Masterpiece
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
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I really enjoyed Barbara Davis’s “The Echo of Old Books!” I appreciated the multiple points of view - the plot twists kept me guessing at how it would end. I’m not normally one to enjoy historical fiction, but the additional elements of romance, mystery, and adventure sold it for me. The messages and morals Davis conveys are so important - highly recommend. 4.5 stars
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Anna Francoeur
5.0 out of 5 stars Don’t skip this one!
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
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Beautifully written, the intertwined stories are captivating and heartbreaking. I adore the characters and the way the author wrote so eloquently about the different time periods that felt so authentic! I really enjoyed reading this book from start to finish!
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing stories within a story
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2024
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This book pulls you in and doesn't let go. Beautifully written. Storylines that are individual weave in and around each other in a way that creates mystery and intrigue.
7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Deanna
5.0 out of 5 stars Echos
Reviewed in Canada on April 14, 2024
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I resonated with the title and story line. Beautifully written, organized, and delivered. A must read if you are a book hound.
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Yvonne
5.0 out of 5 stars Das bisher schönste Buch
Reviewed in Germany on April 13, 2024
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Ich bin kein Fan, von Liebesgeschichten und schmalzigen Romantik Geschichten.
Dieses Buch berührt tief, macht neugierig wie es weiter geht mit den Menschen und ihren Geschichten.

Liebevoll, gefühlvoll und kein bisschen schmalzig.
Ein wundervolles Buch, ich vermisse Belle, Hemi, Ashlyn und Ethan bereits jetzt.

Lange hat ein. Ich nicht mehr so wundervoll nachgehallt, als ich damit fertig war.

Absolut empfehlenswert!
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Carys Lacey
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 8, 2024
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I read this for my local book club and it’s absolutely amazing. Such a beautiful read! The owner of a book store stumbles across an unpublished but beautifully bound book. Said owner has a gift of being able to feel the emotions of a book and the owner/writer. This book is full of emotions and feelings and behind it is a love story from the 1940’s. The time flitting between the 40’s and 80’s is quite easy to keep track of and the descriptions for both times is spot on! It all unravels into a heart wrenching but wonderful tale of love, grief and forgiveness. I was absolutely blown away by this novel and would highly recommend. A little hefty for my usual reads and the writing was quite small in my copy so sometimes found it a little much. But wonderful all the same! 5 ⭐️
2 people found this helpful
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Reggie
5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond wonderful
Reviewed in France on February 13, 2024
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This captivating narrative is an irresistible journey that ensnares the reader from the very first page, defying the constraints of its romantic length. Infused with an abundance of love, passion, and intricate psychological depth, every word pulsates with raw emotion. Each sentence acts as a vessel, carrying the reader through a tumultuous sea of feelings, expertly crafted to resonate deeply with the human experience. To put it down becomes an act of sheer impossibility, as the allure of the narrative grips the heart and mind with an unyielding grip, leaving an indelible imprint long after the final page is turned.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars An exquisitely unusual book
Reviewed in India on January 4, 2024
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It starts with discarded old books containing the explosive love story of a pair of young lovers, not one book but two separate books.that itself unusual and it piques our interest. Then we are introduced to novel ideas like echoes from the books, book sleuthing, revelation of decade old mysteries leading towards a happily ever after ending.
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