The Echo of Old Books: A Novel

I gave this books 5 Stars despite having one negative to share, so I'll get that over first. I LOVE the storyline! Even though I don't care for multiple storylines & multiple protagonists, that doesn't stop me from reading such books. I really DO think this group of story lines work well together, however it felt as if it was stretched a bit, as if to make it "fit" something specific. Partly I'm sure this was to fit the different storylines together, which I understand, but it just seemed to me that some things could have been blended more smoothly to make reading more concise, to remove redundancies. Other than that, as I said, it's a great read! The multiple storylines are handled MUCH better than most books of this sort that I've read, especially with the number of storylines!! The characters are well written. There were times I thought, "Hmmm, I must have been mistaken in how I saw this person!", only to quickly see that I WASN'T wrong at all! The "villains " are relatively easy to spot, & the "good guys" easily became my new friends. There is a quote from Ashlyn, at the beginning of Chapter 14, that could have come straight from my heart: "In the happiest times of my life, I have reached for my books. In the saddest times of my life, my books have reached back." This is one of the books which will reach back, sometime in my future! I highly recommend this book to readers of Historical novels, Romance, & even Mysteries, though it isn't a mystery per se.

The only reason I'm taking a star off is because I felt Ashlyn's story was rushed and an afterthought. I felt this book had very little to do with her and I was surprised how much time we spent on Belle and Hemi. That said! The author did a masterful job of putting us in each character's shoes! It was brilliantly written! I was on Belle's side, then I was on Hemi's side, then I was on Belle's side again! Each twist was not too predictable but not out of left field. The story hooked me and wouldn't let go. It was also an interesting look at history. I had completely forgotten the pro-Nazi sentiment among some Americans; it was timely with what's going on in our country now. So the story has history and so much angst and tension and romance! But it was also supposed to have this magical realism bent that lent almost nothing to the story. I was only disappointed that we didn't get more of Ashlyn and Ethan. But otherwise, a truly engaging book! Lots to discuss in book club!!

Echo of Old Books: A Novel" is a literary gem that effortlessly weaves a rich tapestry of characters, plot, and history. From the first page to the last, this novel captivates the reader with its masterful storytelling and unforgettable personalities. The characters in "Echo of Old Books" are wonderfully crafted, each one bursting with depth and personality. They are not merely figures on a page but come to life with their unique quirks, dreams, and vulnerabilities. As you delve deeper into their stories, you find yourself forming a genuine connection with them, eagerly following their journeys and experiencing their triumphs and tribulations. The plot is nothing short of intriguing, drawing you into a world where the past and present intertwine in a dance of mystery and revelation. The storyline is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, making it impossible to put the book down. Each chapter unfolds like a new piece of a beautifully complex puzzle, keeping you engaged and eager to see how it all comes together. One of the novel's greatest strengths is its evocative prose. The author has a remarkable ability to paint vivid scenes and emotions with words, creating an immersive reading experience. The settings are richly detailed, transporting you to different eras and places with ease. The descriptions of old books and libraries are particularly enchanting, capturing the magic and nostalgia of a bygone era. "Echo of Old Books" also explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of stories. It delves into the idea that books are more than just ink and paper; they are vessels of human experience, emotion, and history. This novel reminds us of the profound impact that literature can have on our lives, echoing through generations and leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. In conclusion, "Echo of Old Books: A Novel" is a beautifully written and thoroughly enjoyable read. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the timeless appeal of well-crafted characters and plots. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, mystery, or simply love a good story, this book is sure to resonate with you and stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

I was enticed by the allure of a character that could sense the lingering emotions of a book’s prior owner. As someone who was raised on books and has half their arm covered in tattoos of characters or quotes that cling to the fabric of my being, I hope that I’ve left a mark on my books too. However, I found such a bigger, beautiful story. A story of love gained and lost, legacies made and crumbled. A mixture of The Great Gatsby with Romeo and Juliet. I loved the presentation of the separate story arcs, especially in the form of two mysterious and author-less books that read like a written correspondence between spurned pseudonyms lending a thrill of mystery to this romance. I didn’t know how much I needed a book like this until I finished it. After wiping away the cathartic tears of joy, satisfaction…and something I can’t even quite describe, I can say I feel lighter as a person. It’s left me feeling like the Grinch whose emotional heart space has grown three times its size without even knowing it had been malnourished and atrophied. Like finding something I wasn’t sure but was afraid I’d lost; the spark of the hopeful romantic previously smothered without my full knowledge or consent. I enjoyed the rollercoaster of never quite knowing who to be frustrated with or cheer for as everyone felt so obnoxiously human at times (translation: relatable in their imperfections). I had moments of empathy when they felt betrayed or slighted, wholeness, or head over heels in love but afraid to admit it (to themselves or each other). However, they were each so human in their ability to simultaneously be both their own and each other’s worst enemies. Being conflicted yet bound by conviction born of a very human sense of stubborn pride/ignorance. A delightful read for someone who isn’t looking for an explicit or graphic novel but an intimate expression of the highs and lows of a rich romance of the heart. (Edited for grammar)

Love the blending of stories and how you love every character good or bad. You become part of the story; you ask yourself the same questions they ask. We learn we humans know how to write our own good and bad stories. Loved this book!

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.

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.

This book did read like a movie! It was written so well that I could imagine who I wanted to play the main roles, and that is the echoes that it left for me. I felt that the book was a little too long, and repetitive but I liked the lessons of forgiveness that were in it. It’s not the scars that left from the experiences we’ve had but what is on the other side of those scars. Also, I liked how it was set in the 1980’s with a girl named Ashlyn who had found a book that stood out to her from a donor book drop which had a message written inside of it, but no author(Regretting Belle) Then the other book Forever and other lies had no author either, but had a message in it for Belle. These two books were written in the 1940’s about an affair between Belle and Hemi. It didn’t end well all because of interfering friends, and family! But there is forgiveness, and a beautiful reunion towards the end of the book because of Ashlyn, and Ethan who help bring healing back into Belle and Hemi’s relationship. Never give up hope is the message that I got from this book!!