would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

Globe-trotting photographer Eleanor Heysen was on a chat show in london when she received news about her father and had to rush home to be by his side

she also had to visit to the state library and would be meeting her mothers best friend katherine to discuss what she had just received from the china and it was all connected to her aunt who had died there due to an earth quake

instead of katherine she met historian Alexa Bellamy and rocked eleanors world... but it was the mystery of the glass negatives that were to have an profound shock to all....

but there was another mystery to unlock and could cause untold damage if not handled correctly...

an intriguing read and we learn stuff about the war that you never realised happened... and how shockingly the people that should own up to the guilt never really do... but they are still found out

Photographer Eleanor Heysen is just home in Melbourne for a little while to fulfill her aunt’s wish of donating items to a library archive, but when a mystery emerges and she starts working with librarian/historian Alexa Bellamy to solve the mystery, sparks fly. As the two work together to uncover the mystery and grow closer, maybe Eleanor won’t be rushing away so soon.

They had me at librarian, but it did feel a tad long at times. There was a lot to keep up with between each of the characters, their backstories, each of their family members’ histories, and their current relatives. However, I enjoyed it overall. I liked the characters, and the author did build an extensive world for them. The romanic storyline and tension was well paced.

The story introduces us to Eleanor, a photographer who comes back to Melbourne and meets Alexa, a confident historian. They have great chemistry. But the most important part of the story is about their families. Eleanor starts digging into Alexa's past and finds some hidden family secrets. This leads to a lot of emotional ups and downs. While some parts of the story are predictable, it's still very interesting. The book reveals family secrets slowly, shows the growing love between Eleanor and Alexa, and explores Alexa's emotional struggles. It's a book that keeps you wondering about the strong bond between these two women. If you like stories that combine love, mystery, and family history, you should definitely give it a read.

I reviewed an eARC from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Eleanor Heysen is a well known photojournalist who returns home to Melbourne. Eleanor receives some items from a beloved aunt that leads her to meet photo archivist Alexa Bellamy. Together they try to piece together a mystery from the previous century. It involves Chinese immigrant workers who worked the gold fields in Australia. I don’t want to give away too much as the story is complex and historically interesting.

Sparks fly between the relationship shy Alexa and the globe trotting Eleanor. I like that there is realism in jealousies and concerns about trusting new love. Alexa’s grandmother and Eleanor’s family add extra filler to the story. The story is a good mix of historical mystery and romance. The L word pops in a bit fast. I also enjoyed learning more Australian history. I enjoyed this story originally published in March 2021.

(4 Stars)

I really liked this book. The interconnection between what Eleanor’s Aunt Helen left her and Alexa’s family tree. The mystery regarding the glass plate negatives and Alexa’s ancestors was good. Although you could probably guess some of the outcomes it was still good to read. I liked the way the author brought in historical facts that related to Alexa’s ancestors’ situation. E.g. how badly Chinese immigrants were treated and about the effects of radium on the women who worked in factories that used the paint for luminous dials etc. (as in watch factories) as part of the back story. The investigating and discovering of family secrets kept from Alexa. All good.
I was disappointed we did not find out the reason Helen had the pictures. Perhaps another book?

Lots to love in this story

Fall in love here with photography and the stories behind moments frozen in time by photographers; with the city of Melbourne and the State Library Victoria's architecture and non-public areas; with research libraries and the work their staff does behind the scenes; and witness the relationship develop between Eleanor and Alexa as they investigate surprising mysteries tied to photographs taken in the past. The book is a love letter to all these things and to family and ancestry, all of it beautifully written. Be aware that there is drama but also some horrific historical events that are talked about; if you're looking for pure fluff in your reading this will probably not appeal to you. If you're interested in learning about buried/unknown history with your romance story then give this one a read. I wasn't familiar with the library where Alexa works in Melbourne and looked it up online after finishing the book; it's a gorgeous place and the author has done a great job capturing its character and layout. When I reached the end of the book I did feel like my enjoyment had been muted slightly by some of the reveals earlier on about darker historical events. The ending is a good one but I feel as though one lingering question leaves it open for the possibility of a follow-up story of some kind so Alexa and Eleanor can collaborate again. If there is a follow-up I'll happily read it to spend more time with all of these characters.

I look forward to reading more by this author in the future; they have an impressive knack for capturing visuals in words that are both evocative and eloquent. I also recommend the author's other works for their beautiful writing and storytelling.

"Tracing Invisible Threads" by C. Fonseca promises to be an engaging and evocative lesbian romantic suspense novel that weaves together family secrets, mysterious coincidences, and stolen moments of passion in the hallowed halls of a library. The story introduces us to Eleanor Heysen, a globe-trotting photographer with an edge, who finds herself back in Melbourne, her hometown, and embroiled in a family mystery.

The magnetic pull between Eleanor and Alexa Bellamy, a self-assured historian and picture-collections manager, is palpable and promises steamy encounters that ignite sparks between the characters. The description hints at their passionate encounters amidst the library's stacks, adding an element of sensuality to the story.

However, it's not just romance that's at play here. The novel delves into the complexities of Alexa's family history, and as Eleanor digs deeper, dark secrets begin to unravel. This promises a suspenseful and intriguing subplot that keeps readers engaged and guessing about what lies beneath the surface.

The concept of an "invisible thread" that binds the two women together adds a layer of mystery and connection to the narrative. As Alexa grapples with her own emotions and fears, readers are likely to be drawn into the emotional rollercoaster of her journey.

"Tracing Invisible Threads" appears to be a promising tale of love, passion, and intrigue, with well-drawn characters and a plot that combines romance and suspense. For those who enjoy opposites-attract romances and stories that explore the hidden depths of family histories, this book seems like an enticing read.