The Secrets of Paper & Ink ~ Book Review

Hello darlings!

Today I am delighted to bring you a review of a new favourite book of mine!

A while ago I saw this book popping up everywhere on bookstagram but for some reason, I thought nothing of it.
Then a few weeks ago I spotted it at our local library and thought I may as well give it a go.
I am so glad that I read it.
I can't wait to read more books by this author but for now, I'll share my thoughts on this book!

Synopsis
"As a counsellor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn't dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England.
She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favourite thing: great literature.
Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who's decided to take a break from their marriage.
Ginny never imagined she'd be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband's dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic.
Between the two of them--and Ginny's brother-in-law, William-- the bookstore might stand a chance.
Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harboured a secret passion for becoming an authoress--as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch.
Eager to know more of Emily's story, Sophia goes on a quest--dragging Ginny and William--to discover the heart of the woman behind the beautiful entries. Soon Ginny's need to save the bookstore becomes more than a way to save her marriage, and Sophia finds new purpose of her own.
Together they find that sometimes both heartache and hope can reach across the centuries."



The Pros
Reading this book made me feel like I was wrapped in a cosy blanket, sipping a hot cup of tea.
I actually already feel like rereading it and that doesn't happen often!
At first stepping back and forth between Sophia, Ginny and Emily's stories was a little confusing but once I got into it I followed along easily.
I love a good historical so it was nice to have part of the story set in the 1800s. I could have happily stayed in Emily's story for the whole book but the way that all three women's lives intertwined was quite beautiful.

This book was actually kind of refreshing to read because while there was still a hint of romance in the plot, it wasn't the focal point. The story focuses more on healing, hope and friendships.

I loved the setting in Cornwall, England. It is my dream to visit England someday!
It was so bookish, being set around a bookshop, Sophia is an avid reader (along with William), the search for Emily Fairfax through clues in her journal and her dream to be an authoress.
I loved this aspect of the whole book!

One quote that stuck out to me was this one:
"We must embrace that story and remember that who we are is not defined by the ups and downs of our lives--the failure OR the successes. Nay, we are instead defined by Whose we are."



The Cons
The spiritual content was lacking in my opinion. The author just scratched the surface of something that could have gone a little deeper and could have put her point across a little clearer and stronger.

One comment was made that didn't really need to be there but it was about a married couple so it wasn't impure.


In conclusion, I loved this story. I hugged the book when I was finished because it was that sort of book.
I cannot wait to read Lindsay's other books, in fact, I already have the ebook for After The Tide, written by her!

If you love stories about friendships, books and healing then this book is for you! And if you love split time novels and stories about writers and books, then this book is also for you!


keep blooming,