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angelm's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’m trying to use a 5 category system to make my ratings this year:
.75 for writing style. It was well written but plodded along so slowly.
.5 for the story line. I love the idea of her feeling the books, but I felt like this story was just not very interesting. I had a really hard time finding the book.
.75 for characters. Even though I didn’t like them they were well developed.
.5 for setting. I didn’t feel like the stage was set for me to visualize the world and that’s one thing I love in a book.
1 for originality. The idea behind this story is awesome and I would love to see a similar plot that’s quicker, more colorful, and has more exciting characters.
.75 for writing style. It was well written but plodded along so slowly.
.5 for the story line. I love the idea of her feeling the books, but I felt like this story was just not very interesting. I had a really hard time finding the book.
.75 for characters. Even though I didn’t like them they were well developed.
.5 for setting. I didn’t feel like the stage was set for me to visualize the world and that’s one thing I love in a book.
1 for originality. The idea behind this story is awesome and I would love to see a similar plot that’s quicker, more colorful, and has more exciting characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment and Suicide
readwithev's review
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It’s just okay. It has a frame story (like the princess bride). All the main characters grow and develop, overcoming painful trauma, heartbreak, betrayal, and find their emotional closure. It ties up nicely at the end with a happily ever after.
The “betrayals” were predictable though which disappointed me. Initially, it seems like there’s more espionage and crime that will occur. But after about 30-40% of the way through it became clear to me that this story is all about love.
The “betrayals” were predictable though which disappointed me. Initially, it seems like there’s more espionage and crime that will occur. But after about 30-40% of the way through it became clear to me that this story is all about love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Child abuse, and Abandonment
Minor: War and Violence
jessican's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Antisemitism, Xenophobia, Suicide, and Death of parent
drnaynay's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Antisemitism, Classism, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Mental illness, Self harm, Toxic relationship, War, and Suicide
katieroth25's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Beautifully written. I was incredibly invested in each character’s story from the first chapter. The book tackles difficult themes of regret, shame, and honesty very well. This is a story I’ll be thinking about for a long time to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
magsmagicalbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my god what a beautiful book! This is one of those books that truly encapsulates you and immerses you in the story. It also has a book within the book, which takes the fun of a duel timeline to a higher level.
The love experience in the novel is heart-breaking and beautiful and will have you rooting for everyone involved until the very end. Think forbidden love, betrayal, and unreliable narrators. This book is full of feels (but little to no spice - not that kind of romance novel).
Barbara Davis has gorgeous, stunning prose in The Echo of Old Books. It's a novel that will linger with you well after you put the book down with quotes that will fill your mind for days.
Oh my god what a beautiful book! This is one of those books that truly encapsulates you and immerses you in the story. It also has a book within the book, which takes the fun of a duel timeline to a higher level.
The love experience in the novel is heart-breaking and beautiful and will have you rooting for everyone involved until the very end. Think forbidden love, betrayal, and unreliable narrators. This book is full of feels (but little to no spice - not that kind of romance novel).
Barbara Davis has gorgeous, stunning prose in The Echo of Old Books. It's a novel that will linger with you well after you put the book down with quotes that will fill your mind for days.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Mental illness
katja24's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Domestic abuse
georgimone's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
This is my first 5🌟 read of 2024.
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synopsis: 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
synopsis: 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This story was beautifully written and the audio performances enhanced the story perfectly. I wish I
had the 'gift' of feeling the emotions of books. I did a tandem read (physical/kindle book paired with Audiobook). I am so glad that it did. This book sucked me in from the beginning and held me under until the end. It's been several days since I finished this book and I still can't stop thinking about it, nor do I have the words to explain WHY you should read this book.
I picked this book based on the cover and I can say it was one of the best book decisions I've ever made.
Both of the FMCs had hard/ troubled pasts and it was nice to see their them finally get the happy endings they deserved.
This is my first book by Barbara Davis and won’t be the last
This story was beautifully written and the audio performances enhanced the story perfectly. I wish I
had the 'gift' of feeling the emotions of books. I did a tandem read (physical/kindle book paired with Audiobook). I am so glad that it did. This book sucked me in from the beginning and held me under until the end. It's been several days since I finished this book and I still can't stop thinking about it, nor do I have the words to explain WHY you should read this book.
I picked this book based on the cover and I can say it was one of the best book decisions I've ever made.
Both of the FMCs had hard/ troubled pasts and it was nice to see their them finally get the happy endings they deserved.
This is my first book by Barbara Davis and won’t be the last
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Domestic abuse, and Suicide
Moderate: Mental illness, War, and Antisemitism
amodernhobbitslibrary's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Any book that can leave me in tears deserves 5 stars.
While slow to start, I was quickly drawn into the mystery of Regretting Belle, & her tumultuous love story. An argument penned between 2 books was an exciting storytelling twist that I hadn’t come across before. The emotion was so real I felt as if I was sitting in the room listening to Belle & Hemi.
Ashlyn’s inclusion in the story was perfectly placed, offering respite & light when Belle’s story grew dark. I was thoroughly pleased by the ending and know that this book will linger in my mind for days to come.
While slow to start, I was quickly drawn into the mystery of Regretting Belle, & her tumultuous love story. An argument penned between 2 books was an exciting storytelling twist that I hadn’t come across before. The emotion was so real I felt as if I was sitting in the room listening to Belle & Hemi.
Ashlyn’s inclusion in the story was perfectly placed, offering respite & light when Belle’s story grew dark. I was thoroughly pleased by the ending and know that this book will linger in my mind for days to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Suicide
karapillar's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Cancer, Forced institutionalization, Antisemitism, Self harm, Abandonment, Classism, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Colonisation, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Racism, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, War, and Xenophobia