Book Review: The Echo of Old Book by Barbara Davis

Title: The Echo of Old Books

Author: Barbara Davis
Genre: Historical Mystery - Romance
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: March 28, 2023
ISBN: 9781662511608
Read: March 4-9, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advance reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: 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.

Review: The Echo of Old Books is the first book I've read from Barbara Davis, and I really enjoyed it. Part historical mystery, part historical romance, part modern "coming to terms with self," the story is emotional and haunting.

Ashlyn Greer hasn't had the easiest life after losing both parents at a young age. However, things seem to be on the upswing when she inherits An Unlikely Story, a rare and used bookstore, where she's spent many happy hours and learned the craft of restoring old books. Beyond her love for books is a special ability Ashlyn is only starting to fully understand: she can sense and connect with the residual psychic impressions left behind by a book's previous owner(s). It's a gift that makes running An Unlikely Story interesting, but when Ashlyn happens upon two unique books, her gift quickly takes a slightly darker turn.

The books she discovers are written by two authors, Belle and Hemi, but are alike in appearance. One is titled "Forgetting Belle" and is written by Hemi, and the other is titled "Forever and Other Lies" and is written by Belle. However, both books detail the same torrid love affair between the two authors but from different perspectives. It doesn't take long for Ashlyn to become obsessed and soon finds herself in the midst of a decades old romance and mystery.

The Echo of Old Books is well-written and obviously benefits from a lot of detailed research on Davis's part. The stories of Hemi, Belle, and Ashlyn are seven together like a beautiful tapestry hanging against the backdrop of old books. Given Ashlyn's psychic gift, there is a touch of magical realism to the story, which only serves to bring emotions to the forefront and heighten the reader's need to keep turning pages.