The bookcase judders in place. Behind the books, something pings with a high, ringing note, and then the bookcase swings smoothly inwards, revealing a dark room beyond. A room where no room should be.

The Lost Bookshop meets The Lamplighter's Bookshop in this dual-period love story full of warmth and mystery, set in a crumbling library rich with secrets and history.

Behind the bookshelves lies their story . . .

2025. Annas Crawley accepts a job cataloguing old books in the crumbling library at Pearepoint Abbey, far away from Oxford and her best friend's boyfriend who she can't seem to pry out of her heart. But behind the dusty bookshelves, there is more than escape to be found. In a hidden room secrets lie in wait, echoes from the past that only Annas can see, about two extraordinary sisters, a love that transcends time, and Annas's own missing mother.

1820. After losing their parents, sisters Esme and Eleanor have inherited their family estate and are determined to live their unconventional lives to the fullest. But when they commission renowned cabinet marker John Lavallin to renovate the library and design a puzzle cabinet that holds their treasures, their carefully laid plans start to unravel at the feet of love and passion . . .

This high-concept, warm and uplifting historical novel of deep romance, the enduring spirit of family love, and beguiling secrets whispered across time will enchant readers of Evie Woods and Sophie Austin.

Readers are mesmerized by Zoë Marriott's spellbinding tales:

'Enchanting . . . a story of enduring love' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Engaging and ethereal, this takes the reader on a journey across time bound by love and secrets' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Beautifully crafted' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'The dual timeline weaves in and out seamlessly and completely draws you in' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'An absorbing timeslip novel with a dash of mystery and romance' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Zoë Marriott