Pepper Basham has successfully written a delightful tale that takes you back and forth through two time periods.
It took me a bit to find a rhythm between the two stories. I would've loved a heading at each chapter notifying me of the change so I could get my head out of the early days at Biltmore and into the here and now. Once I found my footing the characters quickly took root in my heart and I found myself thinking of the characters throughout my day.
I thought the topic of a library at Biltmore was quite a lovely place for a story. The incidence of Oliver's family visiting Asheville, his love of books and the dear Sadie supplying books that would appeal to him and little Vicky was well written. I found myself wanting to know more about life at Biltmore from both visitor and employment.

Clara and her bookstore struck me as I used to have my own little bookstore filled with isles of vintage books.
The research that took her across the world and her descriptions of that new revelation were done quite well.
Most of the time my mind was able to envision the rolling hills, whitewashed houses and imagine the life in the gatehouse.
I look forward to more from Pepper Basham. I don't want to spoil this for anyone so I'll stop...but run get this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for this copy. It was thoroughly enjoyed.

Clara Blackwell, in Pepper Basham’s Hope Between the Pages, finds herself playing detective in her search for Sadie Blackwell’s, her great grandmother, past to save Clara’s bookshop, Blackwell’s. Through her search and uncovering hidden secrets, Clara finds not only love but also she learns that oftentimes the greatest losses give us our greatest rewards. A lovely story written in alternating chapters from the past to the present, readers are taken on a lovely journey in which the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, plays a part. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more by Pepper Basham.

Sometimes searching for truth in the past leads to the truth we need now. Hope Between the Pages, the latest novel by Pepper D. Basham, has a truth to find and a reason that it is needed quickly. The setting of Asheville, North Carolina is what originally drew this reader to the story of Clara, whose family bookstore is in danger of closure. Clara finds that the answer to proving that the shop she loves belongs to her is in her family history. So this novel is told in dual voices, unraveling a mystery of messy generational changes, A World War, and uncomfortable movement in social station. The two voices that tell their story in Hope Between the Pages are very believable and developed well, but the author does even better with the supporting characters for each timeline. She compares and contrasts the differences in meeting the opposite sex, jobs for women, and social norms for the times. I enjoyed this novel of Clara becoming more sure of herself through discovering her ancestors’ stories. I would suggest it to those who choose mysteries, like genealogical searches and romances.

"My mother often says that people tend to struggle between living too much in the past or living too much for the future, so they miss out on today."

I LOVED this book that celebrates books. Sometimes in a time slip story, I might like one of the versions better than the others. But with this one, I loved both the past and present premises.

Past:
"A wellread woman always carries wisdom to impart. It is a byproduct of reading. And you are an avid reader, are you not?"
Sadie works in the library for Mrs. Vanderbilt at the Biltmore estate in 1915. Her job is to help match people with books. When she is asked to match a guest with another guest, can she manage to pull that off? This story is all about station, breeding, connection and heritage of the heart.

Present:
"How long will you breathe in the life of other people's stories, but not step into your own?"
Clara is helping to operate Blackwell's Books & Things in Biltmore Village. She had her of Great Grandma Sadie, but she had never met her. When the deed to the store is missing, Clara dives into the past and discovers that there is more to her heritage than she ever realized.

First of all, I definitely appreciated the celebration of books. This one featured the joy of reading. This family had a bibliophile heritage! The connection of the past to the present was seamless.

And the love stories ... ooh. All the feels without all of the blushing. The females were both independent women with heart. She managed to add traits and situation where the guys are able to be sweet and tenderhearted while still being masculine! The backstories and connections were SO good.

Another theme for this book was the emphasis on learning to take risks. Sadie had to learn to step out of her past and realize that her background as a servant girl did not need to limit her future. Clara realized that she could follow her own dreams without feeling like she was letting down her families.

So much wisdom in this book - I could mention so many more lessons learned. Instead I will end with another favorite quote.
"I squeezed back and let the moment linger like the ending of an excellent book. God knew my story. I prayed the next chapter would hold more possibilities for the impossible."

I adored this wonderfully enchanting story with larger-than-life characters I loved getting to know and hanging out with. I was spell bound by this entertaining bookish, time slip novel that flowed beautifully.

The clock was ticking, and time was running out for Clara and Max to produce the deed to the bookstore. Clara Blackwell and Max learn about love and commitment as they search public records for the deed. They stumble upon Oliver and Sadie’s love story. They learn about how they came to own the bookstore, and how they fell in love. Clara and Max uncover some mysteries, that mirrors Sadie’s and Oliver’s in several ways.

I enjoyed the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. as the setting for this sweet story and magical bookstore Sadie Blackwell cared for. It is also where she became known as the book fairy. A friend says to Sadie, “Keep to your Bible and to your fairy tales, sweet girl. One is for your soul and the other is for your daydreams. Both will help you through this, and in both you’ll find your story.”

Max says to Clara, “I’ve given up enough of my life to fear. I don’t want to lose anymore. ”…when you’re with someone who sees beyond the scars, then the scars don’t seem as large anymore. …Neither does the fear.”

I got all choked up by this letter written by Sadie, to a friend, “It is strange how dreams can shift and change but the heart behind them beats with the same desire as when those dreams were forged. Books and imagination brought me love. Love inspired my hope, and hope let me to purpose…to serve others through generosity, kindness, and books. Isn’t it a wonder how God fashioned my desires into a greater story framed in by a beautiful binding – like the two covers of a book….”

This novel is a page-turning delight I highly recommend reading for pure book fun. This one would work well for your book club too. If you have not read a book by this author treat yourself to this one. It is a delightful read you’ll not want to rush through.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

4.5 Stars With a bookshop and book references galore, this book is perfect for people who love books! Basham writes a tribute to the importance of reading and how the sharing of books can shape a life. Both romantic stories in this dual time frame novel are engaging and well connected. The contemporary story even reads like a fairy tale. Between the incredible settings of Britain and the Biltmore Estate these wonderful characters discover their paths and purpose in life. Truly, an enjoyable read for the book at heart!

Hope Between The Pages by Pepper D Basham is a most delightful Christian dual timeline novel. It is part of the Doors To The Past series.
The novel is about the love of books that has passed down the generations. We hear about the love stories in present day and 1916. Stories fire up the imagination and link us down the years. Blackwells is a family bookshop that “was built on love.”
The action alternates between the two time periods and the voices of a great grandmother and her great granddaughter. The reader travels between America and the Lake District. As an English woman I loved having locations that mentioned Skiddaw, Derwent Water and Scafell Pike as I have holidayed in the area and these places are familiar.
Life in 1916 was still class based even though the world was on the brink of change. For some class held no sway. “It’s important to be seen as a person instead of a position.” Hearts united over a love of books with no thought to class. Others clung to the old order of things.
It was these same people who also held on to wealth, power and privileges, missing out on family and love. Those who loved were rich beyond belief.
There are times when life seems out of control and God is distant. “God what are You doing? Don’t You care?” God cares and he walks beside us. All is within His control, we just need to trust. We do not need to fear. “Whatever the future held, He was already there.”
The First World War took many lives. We witness the sacrificial nature of a character.
God sees our hearts. I loved the fact that a character no longer saw the disfigurement of another but saw through the external to the heart beneath.
There are characters with a heart for social justice who help the marginalised and the outcasts and all who just need a helping hand.
I adored Hope Between The Pages. It was a thoroughly charming book. I would like to leave you with my favourite quote:
“God was there. And here. And all the places inbetween.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Young at heart or not, who can resist a fairy tale? A good fairy tale has a castle, a prince charming, a princess, and a wicked person. All these elements add up to a delightful dual-timeline story in Hope Between the Pages. The two protagonists are great Granny Sadie who worked as Mrs. Vanderbilt’s librarian in 1915 and modern-day Clara who inherited a bookstore when her father passed away.

A good fairy tale also teaches virtue. It subtly teaches the reader about kindness, tenacity, the importance of legacy, the importance of a good name. A good story is entertaining and sometimes has a dragon. Modern day Clara has a huge dragon to slay as did her Granny Sadie.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It warmed my heart, made me laugh and I even shed a few tears. I also thought the author was smart to sprinkle literary allusions here and there.
I recommend this book to those who want a clever story that has just the right amount of romance and struggle.
Thank you #netgalley #barbourpublishing for #hopebetweenthepages.

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

This story pulled me in and didn’t let me go. I loved Sadie from the moment I’ve met her and I wanted to see what happened with her story. The present day story was also good, but I found myself rushing to Sadie’s chapters to see what she went through. It was a long time since I’ve met a character where I was really hoping for a happily ever after for her - you will have to read the book to see what happened.

I'd read of kisses, but nothing prepared me for how the touch of his lips against mine somehow reached my soul.

The author’s way with words added to the beauty of the story. Sadie and Oliver is probably one of my favourite fictional characters to date. Who can not connect with ‘kindred of the same spirit’ when it comes to a love for books and stories.

I looked up into a sky of early autumn azure and offered an impossible prayer, because if hope lived anywhere, it was with the One who wrote the stories in the stars.

Fans of split time novels should grab this one, because you will love it.

"Love is powerful. It has the strength to change hearts, restore broken lives, bring healing from grief, and provide courage to push us beyond our self-defined limits. Love makes us brave. And hope inspires our imagination."

This beautiful split time captured everyone of my emotions as I read both the contemporary and historical time lines. Anyone who is book addicted can't help falling in love with this dual timeline that involves books in so many different ways: the massive Biltmore library, a bookstore whose story passed through 3 generations and now might be lost forever, two love and soul connections made through the magic and fantasy of books, and the light and laughter of children as they come alive through the stories that are read to them.

This lovely story is filled with romance, laughter, sorrow, and suspense. Sadie and Oliver's upstairs/downstairs love overcame so many hurdles, yet they continued to fight to be together as they knew they were soul mates in every way. The same rang true with for Clara and Max. Each couple brought out the best in their partner through their love for books. The secondary characters each added a special touch to the plot. And the letters between Sadie and Oliver were a perfect touch throughout the story, and the nicknames they chose for one another were absolutely delightful.

This book will definitely be at the top of my 2021 favorites list and will be one I am sure I will read again.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Oh my word when I heard that Pepper Basham was going to write a dual timeline novel, I was so excited. I love both the contemporary and historical books I've read of hers, so it's like bringing my two favorite things together. Plus I was interested to see how her kissing scenes would come through. Yeah they were good.

I have to say, Oliver was the star of the book for me. I know there's a lot of Max lovers out there, and I do like Max, but Oliver has my heart. He's not afraid to stand up for what's right, even if it means going against the norms of society in his time. Plus he loves books! I mean what's not to love!? He is one of the most sincere heroes I have read lately. **sigh** Why does this have to be over already? LOL

The thing I liked about the way Pepper wrote this dual timeline was that they came together at the same time. In other words, when someone found out something in present day, it was the same time you came to that part of the story in historical time. And while some may think this happens in all dual timeline novels, it doesn't. Sometimes the present day storyline doesn't uncover parts of the mystery until the end.

Here are some quick reasons why you need to read this book:

- The heroes are irrisistable, both to us as readers, and to the leading ladies
- Victoria (Oliver's little sister) is a delightful secondary character that I would have loved to see more
- Oliver calls himself the Book Goblin and calls Sadie the Library Fairy. Um...need I say more?
- England. You get to visit England!
- You can't get enough of the Biltmore Estate
- Max will make all our husbands/boyfriends look lame
- The characters love books just as much as I do
- Basham is a fantastic story teller. Her words flow smoothly and poetically, and I never want them to end
- The kisses. They may not be as all steamy as some of her contemporary reads, but they are still there.
- The mystery behind the deed to the bookstore was such an interesting plot line, and the ending which solves that was fantastic!

I could go on and on, but you've got a book to go read!!! I highly recommend this book to contemporary and historic fans alike. Basham brings you a little something for everyone. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don't usually care for stories that flip back and forth between time. This one does it perfectly. For me it worked best because it starts out in the past, 1915 at the Biltmore where Sadie is the maid in charge of the library. A job she us excellent at. As the guests find out when she hears their comments and later places selections they might like out on display. Especially one particular guest. Class distinction comes into play, a barrier overcome. Hurdles can make each person better when crossed, each gaining rather than losing anything. Then present day Clara is running the family bookstore, without much of a life otherwise. There are people trying to take it from her family, mysteries open up and there is pressure before all is lost. This turned out to be one of the loveliest love stories I've ever read. The characters are to be treasured. This is the first I've read from this author...I'm a fan. Christian Historical

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#HopeBetweenthePages #NetGalley

What booklover does not love to read about books and a bookshop?! I know I sure do!

I have been wanting to read something by Pepper Basham for a while now. I kept seeing her name pop up and I finally had the chance to sit down and read Hope Between the Pages today and immediately fell in love with the way she writes and the characters of Sadie and Oliver. I also love that it's about Clara in present time fighting to save the bookshop that her Granny Sadie started many years before.

If you like a little mystery mixed in with your romance, I truly believe this book will capture your heart like it did mine! Plus now I'm wanting to travel to Biltmore!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this dual time story alternating between Clara in present day and her great grandmother in 1915. I would have loved to read a full novel with each of these characters! I loved how Grandma Sadie's job was "book maid" taking care of the library at Biltmore! I admired Clara who was content working in her family's bookstore and had helped care for her father and now her mother without thinking life was passing her by. Life really got puzzling when Clara realizes she does not have a deed to the bookstore and needs to prove ownership! I have never been disappointed in a book by Pepper Basham and Hope Between the pages did not change that! This book is great for those who prefer contemporary or those who enjoy historical fiction! I recommend it to everyone! I received an advance complimentary copy of Hope Between the Pages from Barbour Publishing. This is my honest opinion.

Author Pepper Basham, well known for her Christian romance novels, shows us that she is also quite capable of writing historical fiction with this dual-time novel. Basham takes us to the library on the Biltmore Estate, where mystery and romance unfold. I’ve never been there in person, but through her descriptions I can picture it in my mind. I can smell the books. I can feel the exhilaration the library gives to those who enter. Because after all, all the best stories have happy endings.

While trying to save a family bookshop, two love stories come to light with characters who are not only charming, but completely likeable. Basham’s unique writing style, with wit and warmth, makes this tale of intrigue, struggles, and adventures a tale for all book lovers. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this split-time novel. Both heroines Sadie and Clara were living and breathing women that virtually leapt from the pages. Brave with hearts of gold, in them we are given two strong characters to admire. With their love of all things bookish, deep affection for fairy tales, and vivid imaginations, I found Sadie and Clara very relatable and they made this book a true pleasure to read. Their determination to do what was right and follow their dreams was a constant theme in the book and one that I admired. The heroes of the novel, Oliver and Max, were equally delightful and great matches for the respective heroines.



The dual settings were both so charming. The 1910s is one of my favorite decades to read about and I LOVE books set in bookshops. Both combined made for a truly enchanting reading experience.



The author’s loving descriptions of the English countryside make Basham’s passion for this corner of the world abundantly clear. I deeply identified with the feeling of familiarity with a place you’ve only ever read of in books.



Brimming with faith, hope, and love, Pepper Basham’s latest offering is sure to delight inspirational readers everywhere. Highly recommended!



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in are my own.

Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham is a wonderful hope-filled escape to two lovely destinations. The dual timeline novel is primarily set in and around the magnificent Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1890s.

This novel is brimming with bookish goodness as both the historical and contemporary plots feature books, one in the opulent Biltmore library (see second photo) and the other in a historic bookstore. Both stories feature strong women characters who experience hope and love that sustains them through significant challenges.

Each features a love story that felt sincere and had me cheering for the couples. Sadie, the primary character in the historical storyline and family matriarch, is so fully fleshed, I had to Google to see if she was based on an actual person (I don’t think she is.)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Hope Between the Pages is the first book I have read by Pepper Basham and it was wonderful! I love the way the chapters altered between past and present.

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for this ARC!

Hope Between the Pages by Pepper D. Basham is the perfect book for book lovers. With amazing storytelling, a bit of mystery, and a homage to amazing books, this book has something for everyone. This novel is a time slip novel but with related stories it feels seamless and cohesive unlike others in this genre. I loved the many references to other literary works. The romance and mystery woven throughout worked so perfectly. I highly recommend this book. It is a treasure. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is one of those books that captures the true feeling of unconditional love. I love that it is a time slip story which is one of my favorite genres. The author has exquisitely written with such depth that I was immediately transported into the time period where the story originates.

Sadie is a wonderful character and I loved her hunger for books. She is well versed in different genres and I especially liked that she took such good care of each precious book. The treasures found in the library she took care of was fascinating. Her ability to pick out just the right book for someone was inspiring. She may have been a house servant to most people, but to a certain young man she was a princess.

The romance between Sadie and Oliver was so incredibly sweet that I cried throughout the book. I thought that Oliver was a wonderful young man who didn’t see Sadie as anything but a loving, caring woman who he adored. Their time together is special and I found that they both grew in faith and love for each other. I think the author did a great job of tying their story perfectly with the present as we meet Clara.

Clara runs a bookstore that she believes is rightfully hers. Unfortunately someone is trying to take it away from her unless she can produce the deed. For me this is where the past and present come together to produce a long ago romance that reads like a fairytale. I couldn’t put the book down because I was so invested in Sadie and Oliver. I loved that the story is set around a bookstore and the history it hides just behind bookshelves or in between pages of books. It is a masterfully written story that captures the hope of a better life. Clara has many surprises in store for her as she unravels the relationship between Sadie,Oliver and herself. Be prepared to not be able to put the book down as it surrounds you with sadness, joy, hope and most of all unconditional love.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."