It's been a few months, and Sophie Barrett is determined to return back to her work as a women's therapist. She quickly learns she isn't ready yet - she's still stuck in the mire of emotions from her fiance's death. She discovers a vacation rental in Cornwall that isn't just the perfect getaway but also includes assisting in the bookstore connected to the rental. Sophie loves books and can't wait to escape to Cornwall in hopes of rediscovering who she is. Meanwhile, in Cornwall Ginny Rose is struggling to stay financially afloat. Her husband has taken a break from their marriage and left her with their bookstore, which was his dream and not hers. Can the story found in a book from the past help both Sophie and Ginny find their way?

As a social worker and counselor, I couldn't resist a book featuring a counselor as one of the main heroines of the storyline, never mind one that also prominently features a book store. All too often, authors minimize or even vilify the role of counselor, but Lindsay Harrel takes a refreshingly new approach. In THE SECRETS OF PAPER AND INK, we see a counselor struggling with her own emotional issues after the death of her fiance; a man who despite all her training and inner strength still left scars on her sense of self-worth. Lindsay Harrel tackles this subject sensitively, painting us an inspiring portrait of healing in the aftermath of pain.

I love the historical story woven into THE SECRETS OF PAPER AND INK as well. The writing excerpts we get from Emily Fairfax show us a different struggle, as Emily has a dream of being an author in a time when women are discouraged and belittled for such a desire. The strength we see of all three women, Ginny, Sophie, and Emily, is brought together into one seamlessly written storyline that still has me treasuring my time spent with them.

THE SECRETS OF PAPER AND INK is one of the most moving and beautifully written books I've read in a long time! Lindsay Harrel's portrayal of the grief after a separation is well done, but it is her depiction of a woman grappling with the aftermath of domestic violence that really makes THE SECRETS OF PAPER AND INK stand out. I love that Lindsay Harrel doesn't flinch away from such emotionally charged targets but instead shows us a healing process. Well done!