3.75

This is a dual timeline book about libraries AND dollhouses?!?! A young museum curator is in desperate need of a new exhibit for a much needed influx of cash. She stumbles upon a secret room that has dollhouses? Not exactly the briefcase full of cash she was hoping for.

The story unfolds into a layered tale about the mysterious creator of the dollhouses, the women who inspired them, and the toxic weight of buried secrets. It’s part historical mystery, part emotional exploration - buckle up!

I love a dual POV and timelines. This one just felt like something was missing. There were overly descriptive portions - the hoarders kitchen could have been thrown right out in the trash. Ew.

The characters were believable and likable, nothing felt overly forced. There were parts, in the beginning, that felt muddied to me. I struggled to keep track of who was who and I didn’t care for the quirky names of the characters, I’m looking at you Tildy.

The big reveal at the end felt too Hallmark-esque. In fact, that was my biggest complaint - it followed a formula that was predictable but didn’t have to be. Sigh. This was a solidly, albeit predictable read.

Final Grade: B, where’s my dollhouse?

*Thank you to NetGalley and WIlliam Morrow for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for my always honest reviews*

Tildy Barrow, head curator at a beautiful, private library founded by a wealthy San Francisco heiress, discovers an unknown room holding two exquisite dollhouses based on actual European homes. Soon, her research into their origin and why they were in the building at all, unfold into the stories of the library's founder (Belva Lafarge), the dollhouses' creator, (Cora) and of Tildy's own mother and how they interrelate. A bit research detective story and a bit historical fiction, it's an interesting read.

Tildy loves the exquisite library she works at and then she discovers a secret room containing two dollhouses. This book then begins to unravel Tildy's mystery of her own life and of the woman who built the dollhouses in a dual timeline. Highlighting women who are often the first erased in history and telling a complex story, this book was a very enjoyable read. Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for a chance to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't resist a novel that promised two of my favorite things: libraries and dollhouses. For the most part, promises were met. Using a dual timeline, the book followed modern day curator, Tildy Barrows and turn-of-the century artist and dollhouse creator, Cora Hale. A mysterious connection was established at the outset and held the story together until all secrets were revealed in a satisfying denouement . The writing was warm and accessible, the historical detail interesting, and the cares and concerns of the characters easy to relate to. I loved all the details about dollhouses, real and imagined, and will be thinking about them for some time to come. The overarching idea of dollhouses as portraiture was compelling. Recommended reading for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, talented women forging a place for themselves, and a bit of romance.

Thank you NetGalley, the publishers and author for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This new novel by the author of four previous books, most recently “Angels of the Pacific,” explores the power of family secrets—and, more generally, the often hidden lives of women—through the contrasting stories of Tildy Barrows, living in San Francisco in 2024, and Cora Hale, a painter and miniaturist whose career spans the 1910s to the early 1970s.

When we meet her, Tildy is the head curator of the Belva Curtis LeFarge Library, a private institution founded by a wealthy woman with an eclectic taste in books, architecture, and art. After losing both parents within five years, Tildy—still under thirty—takes refuge in her work, especially in strict schedules and the avoidance of surprises. Although she revels in the library’s rich decorations, her own life is colorless, symbolized by an apartment decorated solely in white. One day, a chance encounter with a group of schoolchildren leads to Tildy discovering a hidden room at the library that contains two exquisite dollhouses. One she recognizes as a miniature of Belva LeFarge’s Paris house; the other she can’t place, although it looks like a British aristocratic manor. But it’s when she discovers a tiny portrait of her mother in the LeFarge house that Tildy feels compelled to find out where the dollhouses came from and how they ended up in the secret room.

Meanwhile, Cora’s narrative, which begins in 1910 with her arrival in Paris as a troubled seventeen-year-old (although we get a glimpse of her, unnamed, and her mission in the prologue), gradually reveals both the origins of the dollhouses and the link between them and Tildy’s family.

As Elise Hooper notes toward the end of the novel, “Libraries are viewed as such solemn places—but why? Reading is magic.” And indeed, nothing can sweep you into another world better than a well-written novel. This wonderful story will do just that.

I plan to interview this author on my blog (link below) in April 2025.

Thank you to Net Galley and William Morrow for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book had so many things I like to read about-libraries, mysteries, history and dollhouses. Tildy Barrows is the Head Curator at a library in San Francisco. The library is facing some financial difficulties, and she is trying to figure out a way to save it. One day she discovers a secret room that contains two old dollhouses. Who is the artist and why are they at the library? Tildy soon begins to solve this mystery and find out more about these dollhouses. What a fun adventure it is! I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to learn about the dollhouses and how they were created. I liked the way the author connected the dollhouses to women's lives. I know you will like this book too!

This was my first book by Elise Hooper, so a big thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an advance digital copy to review.

Tildy Barrows, the main character, is a curator of an archival library in San Francisco built by heiress Belva Curtis LeFarge. One early morning Tildy stumbles upon a hidden room and discovers two ornate dollhouses that no one at the library had ever seen. Tildy becomes fascinated with them and determined to find out why they are there and who created them.

Tildy's adventures bring us back to times of the Great War, life in Paris during the Belle Epoque (one of my favorite periods) and even an encounter with Walt Disney. The story is told over the course of a century and has many colorful and wonderful characters. I truly enjoyed the unique perspective of the miniatures and learning more about how they were created. A bonus were the hidden surprises Tildy uncovered along the way.

This is a mystery, an adventure, and a story of self-discovery. Something for everyone. I definitely would recommend this book for a wonderful immersive read.

Tildy, employee at the Belva Curtis LaFarge Library in San Francisco, worries for her future. Her workplace is financially strapped and in need of major restoration. When she accidentally comes upon a secret room housing two dollhouses, she wonders why these exquisitely detailed and expertly constructed art pieces have been squirreled away. When she finds in one of them a miniature portrait of her deceased mother, she is driven to discover answers. She reaches out and researches Cora Hale, the designer, and finds that each of the houses she built hides the secrets of the women for whom they were designed. Cora too has secrets of her own. The answers revealed in her papers could destroy more than one reputation, an institution, and a budding relationship. Elise Hooper has given her readers a gift: a world of art, dollhouses and mystery. What more could one ask?

San Francisco - Present Day

Tildy Barrows is the head curator of a library established by heiress Belva Curtis LeFarge a hundred years ago in San Francisco. Proud of the amazing books and items archived in the "Bel", Tildy has devoted her young life to preserving, and improving the library. Her quiet life is, however, turned upside down when she is informed that the building is not only in need of major repairs, but that there is little left in the budget to do the work, or keep the library open. Dismayed, but determined to find a way to work through these issues, she stumbles upon a secret door in the attic, and entering the hidden room, Tildy discovers two amazingly detailed, handcrafted doll houses.

While researching her discoveries, Tildy finds curious "messages" throughout each dollhouse. The one that is the replica of one of Belva's mansions reveals several clues as to who designed and built each masterpiece, and Tildy is determined to find out more about this obviously talented, and relatively unknown creator. She also is stunned to find a connection to her own life in one of the intricate houses. Her search will take her across the country, and she will learn a detailed history of both Belva and the woman who created the miniature houses. What did they mean to each other? And why were the houses hidden? Are there more of them?

THE LIBRARY OF LOST DOLLHOUSES story will take readers back to the beginning of their conception, and how each house hid secrets about the women who contracted the designer who built them. It's an intriguing tale of women who were otherwise invisible to history.

Such a captivating book!! I’ve always loved dollhouses although I’ve never had one but this book makes me think it’s never too late, This story brings to light the struggles of female relationships in the early 1900’s and the lengths they had to go to for them. I love the time jumping between Cora and Tilly’s stories. The flow is perfect. All the secrets and intrigue kept me from putting the book down. I think Elise Hooper is an incredible author that gives life to her stories. I can’t wait to read more of her novels! Thank you for letting me read this ARC!

"To create art is, at its core. a hopeful act. In a world that was all too filled with heartbreak and sorrow, I needed to choose hope."

EASY five stars. This one was so good. It's a reminder that history is always more queer than it's given credit for, women were a part of all things in history whether their stories are told or not, and that history deserves to be told. Cora's first-person confessions are probably the strongest parts of the book, but I really appreciated the modern take from Tildy as she uncovers the mystery. It helps readers keep our modern perspective, an acknowledgement that we do not ever know the whole story.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Library of Lost Dollhouses is an original story highlighting the struggles of women and how they have fought to have a voice in their lives. I enjoyed how the story came together highlighting many women from different generations and how their stories weren't forgotten by the hidden revelations in Cora's dollhouses. Historical fiction fans will enjoy this latest from Elise Hooper and how it blends the past and present together.

I was drawn to this book because of two words in the title: library and dollhouses. I didn’t know what to expect but this was such a good book I often couldn’t put it down. Tildy works in a library in San Francisco that was once the home of the woman the library is named after. Tildy finds a hidden doorway and is amazed at the miniature dollhouses she finds inside. The story is told through the eyes of Tildy and the woman who built the dollhouses. We find out the history of these buildings as they were commissioned and built. The author leaves nothing for the reader to imagine as she describes the houses in great detail down to the wallpaper and drawer contents. If you’re interested in historical fiction other than wars you will probably like this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Tildy Barrows, Head Curator at the Belva Curtis LeFarge Library in San Francisco. The dollhouses stored on the upper floors of the building hold an important key to her past.

Learning about the gifted women in Belle Epoque Paris to World War I vets living in the English countryside to Walt Disney’s thriving Burbank studios in the 1950s, Tildy can put together the puzzle of her past ancestors as experienced by her late mother, Meg Leigh Barrows.

As Tildy gains knowledge of familial ties, she finds a pathway to a promising future of fulfillment. This is a book to cherish.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. for an advance copy of this book.

I wanted to love this book…as it has much of what I enjoy: historical fiction, art, multiple perspectives, strong female characters. I did enjoy a lot of it but feel it got bogged down in perhaps too much detail or trying to be too much.

Readers will be quickly drawn into Tildy’s and Cora’s stories. Although the plot is somewhat complex the pace moves at a good clip.

This book could be a great introductory pick for a book club that subsequently reads historical fiction based on other notable women in history who were inspirations for characters in Library of Lost Dollhouses.

The premise of the story was promising but the actual book didn't click for me. I never really understood the secrets built into the dollhouses or why various women felt the need to commission miniatures to share their travails/mistreatment. Did I miss something explaining that?

I usually enjoy the dual timeline scenario but I wasn't able to connect with the characters or truly feel engaged in the story. I felt like the relationships (who was Tildy's mother in all this? how did she fit in? why the name change?) were complicated and the built up suspense related to the artwork fell relatively flat once it was revealed. I found the two lesbian relationships gratuitous and unnecessary - especially two of them. One, perhaps believable and useful to further the notion that those relationships were hidden in that time period, but two seemed weirdly over the top.

Another strange insertion was the few pages dedicated to the Disney connection; out of nowhere comes Walt Disney and his love of miniatures, and then, no more.

Finally, Tildy's relationship with Ben was artificial to me; they meet, they predictably fall for each other, she holds out on him, he finds out, they break up, they reconcile.

Be prepared to read this late into the night. As a librarian discovers historic dollhouses in a secret room, her life changes. It sounded like an interesting experience. It was a fascinating story.

This was a really fun read! I loved the concept and I felt the characters were very easy to connect with. I especially loved Cora's chapters!

My review is also posted on both my Goodreads and Fable accounts.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of Cora Hale and her dollhouses. I wouldn't say this book was action-packed but it was entertaining and held my interest throughout. I also enjoyed reading Tildy's story and seeing her character come out of her shell as novel progressed. I would've liked to have heard about a few more of the dollhouses and the women behind them but overall a pleasant read.