Set in the town of Tilden, Nebraska, Old Books and Faded Dreams by D. L. Norris follows Maggie Davis, a hardworking middle-aged widow living in a Victorian estate she inherited with her nine-year-old daughter, Jenna. Maggie runs a cozy bed-and-breakfast that has guests from all walks of life. It becomes a hub where the townsfolk meet to gossip, with a neighbor who can’t keep her mouth shut, and a client who makes Maggie’s heart beat faster than it should. She still grieves the tragic death of her husband, but a scandal is about to destroy everything she has worked for. A family secret is discovered in an old attic trunk, and there are plans to swindle her out of her inheritance. How can Maggie save her relationships and her bed-and-breakfast business?

Old Books and Faded Dreams captivates readers with its characters and absorbs them with its storytelling. I was swept away by the emotional currents of this endearing tale and fell in love with the characters, especially Maggie and little Jenna. The pair is a joy to watch. Jenna is a smart and inquisitive kid, and the bond between mother and daughter is handled spectacularly, allowing them to evolve through realistic situations. Old Books and Faded Dreams has gorgeous prose, and the descriptions highlight surprising details of the setting, the characters, and scenes. The scenes are well-crafted, and the points of view are depicted in a way that never confuses. The author examines what keeps a small community alive and what can break it. It was an enjoyable story for me, and I can still picture the characters in my mind. ~ Reader’s Favorite, Christian Sia