The Paths We Follow

by Nola Li Barr

Originally published as Hidden Blossom

One haunting photograph. Two continents. A lifetime of untold stories.

When Anne discovers a second journal hidden within Skyline Mansion, she thinks she's prepared for more family revelations. What she doesn't expect is the weathered photograph that came with it—an image of her mother as a young girl, standing beside a mixed-race boy and a mysterious woman. The boy, she learns, is her uncle—a secret her mother has kept buried for decades.

Anne's search for answers takes her to Taiwan with Sebastian and her mother, where she finds herself caught between two worlds, navigating a maze of cultural complexities and family expectations. Each step toward finding her lost uncle unravels another family secret, testing not only the bonds with her extended family but also her deepening relationship with Sebastian.

In this second installment of the Skyline Mansion family saga, Anne must choose between preserving family peace and uncovering the truth that connects her American present to her family's Taiwanese past.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2025

About the author

Nola Li Barr writes sweet romance family sagas. Both in contemporary and paranormal settings. She writes stories she would love to read herself and loves exploring family dynamics with her characters. In the hopes of sharing her stories with her kids sooner than later, her romances are always sweet with a happily ever after. When she’s not writing she can be found reading, making photo books, and navigating the path of motherhood. Follow her on social media @nolalibarr or visit her website at nolalibarr.com.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. There is so much pain in this series old hidden pain. The Wilkins family are so nasty and hateful and frankly I’m not sure I trust Sebastian. Brian was always a jerk so no surprise there. The fact that Sebastian took so long to dump Isabella then even longer to get out from being their lawyer I’m just not sure about him. He had so many years to know her and still thinks that Anne talking to her is a good idea and that he thinks she is sorry for her actions. He needs to show more backbone. Harrison is still so sad I hope he and Anne can get to a place of healing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Anne discovers another journal, it sends her on another trip to discover more of her past, this time to Taiwan. As she digs deeper she discovers more secrets, more pain and finds herself at odds with many in her family. Many surprises meet her in Taiwan, some not pleasant, including her ex, Brian, and Anne is going to have to make some decisions, especially when it appears that the Wilkins family is determined to get their hands on her inheritance. Dramatic with lots of angst, the story continues well and the descriptions of Taiwan make you want to visit. I look forward to the next in the series to see what happens next to Anne.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series must be read in order. She's inherited most of the estate belonging to the father of her secret uncle. In an effect to learn more about her heritage she is forced to dig through old writings and talk to people who were sworn to secrecy. Will she ever learn everything? Where will everything stand when it's all said and done?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is intriguing and captivating. I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. There is definitely a lot of food talk in this one. 😊 I enjoyed learning about Taiwan and the areas surrounding it. It made me want to do a deep dive into those places that she mentioned to see for myself. I look forward to continuing the series.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jodie Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of the Skyline Mansion series and should be read in order. I liked reading this book, the characters and the storyline were great, and I can't wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.