This book was interesting.
I got this book at a local Christian bookstore where I live, and I didn't sign up or was required to give a review of this book, but I just wanted to.

It was kind of neat how you are with the main character for a chapter, and then you are in the past with her grandma the next chapter, and you go back and forth between the two to solve the mystery.

Although there were a few things I would have changed..

-It talked about Clara reading books about wizards to the kids that came to bookshop.
Some may think it's innocent, but things like that really aren't good...like, I don't read or watch Harry Potter.

-There were a few books/authors and movies/shows mentioned I wouldn't read or watch.

-Even with Sadie's situation of her mother-in-law being a control freak with all the family money, land and documents, hanging them over Sadie's head as threat to lose everything and destroy both the lives of Sadie and her child.
I didn't really like how she hid her married name after her husband died in the war, even to keep her evil mother-in-law from stealing everything in spite of the hate she had for Sadie in her attempts at cutting all ties between Sadie and Oliver's family.

-Clara and Max were in the bookshop alone at 12:30a.m.
Although they didn't do anything or stay the night there, but were reading some of the letters and info about the bookshop, you shouldn't be out that late together even if you are engaged.

I will edit my own copy as I like.

Otherwise I liked this book pretty well, except for these things.
This was the first book I've read by this author. ( )

Such an incredible dual timeline/dual love story! Talk about capturing the heart and the imagination! Wow! This is hands down one of my favorite Pepper Basham reads to date!

The dual timelines added so much depth, with the present timeline having a You’ve Got Mail vibe, with Clara owning a small private-owned bookstore that is hurting due to the opening of Duncan’s, a big-box store, and the past timelines tie to books only being the fact that Sadie is a bookworm. Still, it is obvious that Clara and Sadie are sister soulmates, their connection defying space and time.

The romances in both timelines made my heart swoon, but Sadie and Oliver’s love story was one that came straight from my dreams. Who wouldn’t love to find someone that shares your love of reading? I will admit that I was more smitten with the past timeline (Sadie’s story) than I was with the present (Clara’s story), but not by much. I think what really took the past over the top was the whole scene in the guest room at Biltmore House after Sadie saved Victoria. The gratitude that was ushered forth for Sadie’s heroism brought a smile to my face.

Hope Between the Pages was an absolutely enchanting read that I hated to see end! The writing is perfection, the overall flow is flawless, and the story itself is absolutely captivating. I cannot rave about this novel enough!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )

Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This is a special book, and one that I totally enjoyed. The publisher's description and the positive reviews matched my reading experience - and checked all the boxes: historical fiction with a dual timeline, a book about books (and libraries), a mystery, a romance, an evil villain (one in each timeline), faith, and a happy ending.

The story alternates between Clara, a young bookstore owner living in contemporary Asheville, North Carolina, and her great-grandmother Sadie, also a booklover, who lives in 1915 Fenwick, England. Working at the Vanderbilts' Biltmore estate, Sadie's job is to maintain the Vanderbilts' library and ensure that guests have books they will like reading while visiting. In the current timeline, the future of Clara's bookstore is threatened when a new chain bookstore moves into town. The store's ownership is questioned and Clara has two weeks to locate the store's deed, from 100 years ago. With her mother's research, Clara learns of Granny Sadie's life. We also learn of Sadie's situation as author Pepper Basham describes Sadie's fairytale-like story in the alternate chapters. The plot becomes more complicated for both women, and as I read what had really happened in Sadie's life before Clara discovers the truth, I found myself on the edge of my seat.

This was one novel where I truly enjoyed both timelines, and couldn't read fast enough to learn what would happen next and what secrets would be revealed.

So why do I call this a special book? In addition to the engrossing story which combines mystery with romance, the author skillfully weaves the themes of faith, love, and loss into a meaningful and touching message. Clara says, "I'd never considered how some of our greatest losses lead us to choices that God uses for bigger things than we could have ever imagined. Sometimes brokenness and heartache force us into self-seclusion and fear, and sometimes they can propel us into something amazing, if we let them."

This was a heartwarming, well-written and satisfying novel that I highly recommend. ( )

"Any story that begins with a library is bound to be an excellent tale."

My interest was captured with the first sentence, and my fascination never waned, as I read this new book by Pepper Basham. Hope Between the Pages is a historical fiction novel told in split time, and each story is a beautiful testament to the power of love. Basham fills this book with wonderful characters, two lovely romances, and a strong thread of faith woven throughout its pages. A Book Goblin and a Library Fairy add a fun touch to her stunning tribute to the written word, and the suspense and historical detail will certainly appeal to readers who enjoy these genres. There are many scenes that require tissues, and others that leave you yearning for that same love and devotion. Hope Between the Pages is part of the Doors to the Past series and I can't recommend it enough. It is a book meant to be kept and read again!

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

A bookstore, a split-time story, threads are woven together into a wonderful story all occur within the pages of this book. The story of Sadie and Oliver along with Clara and Max captivated my attention. I despised setting this book down. I craved to know the ending. The story unfolded at a pace I appreciated for the type of book the author created.

Containing mention of fairy tales, a book fairy, the Biltmore Estate, and Asheville (a place I called home for two years of college) drew me into this story. Sometimes family members make life hard and Sadie discovered this for herself. But the story comes together in such a beautiful way. The setting and characters blended together in a way that made me feel as though I was there and actually knew the people involved. So if you enjoy books with fairy tale-type endings, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )