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Echoes from the Past #8
The Broken: A completely heart-wrenching historical page-turner
Some truths are too terrible to speak, and too dangerous to hide.
London, 1955. Nurse Helen Brent has spent twenty-six years believing she’ll never find love. Then she meets her new patient, David Edevane. Despite a tragic upbringing, David is kind and stable, and their whirlwind romance quickly leads to marriage and pregnancy. But Helen’s world collapses when she uncovers a dreadful secret, and she will carry the consequences of her silence for the rest of her days…
Present day. Archaeologist Quinn Allenby has seen countless ancient remains, but the tiny baby buried with tender care in a London garden affects her deeply. When she touches the pewter brooch left with the body, Quinn is drawn into a devastating mystery. But as Helen’s tragedy unfolds, Quinn’s family begins to fracture, and she discovers that some wounds run deeper than time itself. Can she confront the growing threat within her own bloodline before history repeats itself in the most devastating way possible?
A heartbreaking story of forbidden love, family secrets, and the dangerous power of blood ties, perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, and Barbara Erskine.
Praise for the
“Hooked me from the prologue. I seriously couldn’t stop reading. I stayed up through the night and into the next morning to find out what happened… Can’t wait to read the whole series!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Captivating… unputdownable… I completed it in one day. If you enjoy romantic suspense and historical genre, this combo is definitely for you!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Gut-wrenching and spellbinding simultaneously. I enjoyed the seamless storylines with the modern-day events and 17th century love story. I literally could not put this one down!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“From the very first page, I was drawn in and could not put this one down.
Would I spend my hard-earned cash on this book? Yes.
Would I recommend to friends & family? Yes!
Will I search out the next one? You bet, I’m addicted now.
Is this a Kindle Keeper (delete on pain of death)? Definitely.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I loved this book so much that it was hard for me to put down and go to bed some nights. The characters came alive and jumped off the pages. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A captivating story… The characters felt real, and you were wanting the best for them… a book that will keep you up at night, reasoning ‘just one more chapter’… My only complaint is that the book had to end.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
London, 1955. Nurse Helen Brent has spent twenty-six years believing she’ll never find love. Then she meets her new patient, David Edevane. Despite a tragic upbringing, David is kind and stable, and their whirlwind romance quickly leads to marriage and pregnancy. But Helen’s world collapses when she uncovers a dreadful secret, and she will carry the consequences of her silence for the rest of her days…
Present day. Archaeologist Quinn Allenby has seen countless ancient remains, but the tiny baby buried with tender care in a London garden affects her deeply. When she touches the pewter brooch left with the body, Quinn is drawn into a devastating mystery. But as Helen’s tragedy unfolds, Quinn’s family begins to fracture, and she discovers that some wounds run deeper than time itself. Can she confront the growing threat within her own bloodline before history repeats itself in the most devastating way possible?
A heartbreaking story of forbidden love, family secrets, and the dangerous power of blood ties, perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, and Barbara Erskine.
Praise for the
“Hooked me from the prologue. I seriously couldn’t stop reading. I stayed up through the night and into the next morning to find out what happened… Can’t wait to read the whole series!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Captivating… unputdownable… I completed it in one day. If you enjoy romantic suspense and historical genre, this combo is definitely for you!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Gut-wrenching and spellbinding simultaneously. I enjoyed the seamless storylines with the modern-day events and 17th century love story. I literally could not put this one down!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“From the very first page, I was drawn in and could not put this one down.
Would I spend my hard-earned cash on this book? Yes.
Would I recommend to friends & family? Yes!
Will I search out the next one? You bet, I’m addicted now.
Is this a Kindle Keeper (delete on pain of death)? Definitely.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I loved this book so much that it was hard for me to put down and go to bed some nights. The characters came alive and jumped off the pages. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A captivating story… The characters felt real, and you were wanting the best for them… a book that will keep you up at night, reasoning ‘just one more chapter’… My only complaint is that the book had to end.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
About the author
Irina Shapiro
131 books1,283 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 20, 2020
Having listened to all the books in this series I have to say this one started as the most macabre in the series. Will not enlighten you with more information (no spoilers).
It saddens me that this series is coming to an end, I will no longer get to visit with Quinn & Gabe, Alex & Emma.
If you haven’t started this this series go grab it now, it is well worth it.
Wendy again has done an excellent job narrating this story.
It saddens me that this series is coming to an end, I will no longer get to visit with Quinn & Gabe, Alex & Emma.
If you haven’t started this this series go grab it now, it is well worth it.
Wendy again has done an excellent job narrating this story.
March 6, 2020
In 2015 Dr. Quinn Allenby is called to inspect the skeletal remains of an infant for the hit TV show Echoes from the Past, a program that “solves” old murders and deaths from centuries ago. A mother herself, the work is especially difficult, as the remains have been tampered with and the skeleton is new enough that, for the first time, the family might be still alive. But with the help of a broach found with the baby, she’ll work to put a name to the remains.
In 1955 nurse Helen meets David, who sweeps her off her feet. At first, their courtship is secretive, as Helen’s mother despises the thought of her only child being whisked away. And once they’re allowed to wed, Helen believes herself to be the luckiest woman alive. But when a chance discovery in her mother’s bedroom threatens not only her marriage, but her immortal soul, Helen will have to decide if the truth is worth her happiness.
Through the decades, a secret has been kept, one buried in the garden of an unassuming London home.
As always, I was immediately drawn into the story in a way I’m normally not when it comes to most books. Falling back into Quinn’s complicated life with her messy, extended family is always fun, as is following her into the past to untangle the life of someone who’s only left bones behind. Her tale is one of back stabbing siblings, unreliable parents, and a marriage stronger than most I read about. She has to fight for the shreds of normalcy like packing her daughter Emma’s lunch for school and setting up coffee meetings with her boss in between fact checking her visions.
Since this is the last book in the series, I’ll miss it greatly. The way Shapiro is able to weave the past and present together to form a seamless story is something I’ll always admire. She ended the series in a strong, yet organic, way where most storylines are tied up, and while the future is uncertain for some of the cast, they’ve all more or less ended up just where they needed to be.
Overall, and as always, I recommend this book, and all of Echoes from the Past to all contemporary and historical fiction fans who are looking for their next five star read.
In 1955 nurse Helen meets David, who sweeps her off her feet. At first, their courtship is secretive, as Helen’s mother despises the thought of her only child being whisked away. And once they’re allowed to wed, Helen believes herself to be the luckiest woman alive. But when a chance discovery in her mother’s bedroom threatens not only her marriage, but her immortal soul, Helen will have to decide if the truth is worth her happiness.
Through the decades, a secret has been kept, one buried in the garden of an unassuming London home.
As always, I was immediately drawn into the story in a way I’m normally not when it comes to most books. Falling back into Quinn’s complicated life with her messy, extended family is always fun, as is following her into the past to untangle the life of someone who’s only left bones behind. Her tale is one of back stabbing siblings, unreliable parents, and a marriage stronger than most I read about. She has to fight for the shreds of normalcy like packing her daughter Emma’s lunch for school and setting up coffee meetings with her boss in between fact checking her visions.
Since this is the last book in the series, I’ll miss it greatly. The way Shapiro is able to weave the past and present together to form a seamless story is something I’ll always admire. She ended the series in a strong, yet organic, way where most storylines are tied up, and while the future is uncertain for some of the cast, they’ve all more or less ended up just where they needed to be.
Overall, and as always, I recommend this book, and all of Echoes from the Past to all contemporary and historical fiction fans who are looking for their next five star read.
January 15, 2021
This is the next to the last in this 9 book series. I started reading them in late summer and I'm half way through the 9th book. This is a remarkable series and I highly recommend it to all.
Irina Shapiro is an incredible author!
Irina Shapiro is an incredible author!
August 3, 2022
Jo was either a sociopath or a psychopath...
This book was sad and disturbing. It shows how important honesty and trust are in family relationships. Poor Helen, if her selfish mother would have told her about her own adoption, she would have had no reason to believe that David w as s her brother. Jo had a selfish father also who cared more for his reputation than what was truly best for the baby he had saved. However the other members of her family don't seem so bad. When you find out what really happened with her adoptive brother it certainly changes the picture on her. She was broken and missing a vital piece of her soul. I personally think she was a sociopath/psychopath and I was glad she wasn't going to be allowed to hurt anyone else anymore.
This book was sad and disturbing. It shows how important honesty and trust are in family relationships. Poor Helen, if her selfish mother would have told her about her own adoption, she would have had no reason to believe that David w as s her brother. Jo had a selfish father also who cared more for his reputation than what was truly best for the baby he had saved. However the other members of her family don't seem so bad. When you find out what really happened with her adoptive brother it certainly changes the picture on her. She was broken and missing a vital piece of her soul. I personally think she was a sociopath/psychopath and I was glad she wasn't going to be allowed to hurt anyone else anymore.
May 17, 2020
I am a huge fan of Irina and her books. They keep you addicted from start to finish. The Echoes of the Past series is not really time travelling as in some of her other books, but it comes close. Dr. Quinn Allenby has a rare talent that if she holds an object from the past, she can see what happened to the person in question. Most of the books are dealing with the inequality of women and how love can turn wrong. This book is a bit closer to home and sets in the 1950's. At first you can't imagine what happened to the poor baby found burried in a couple's garden without limbs. But as the story continues, you can only feel heartbroken for the parents and little brother. In her personal life, Quinn has to deal with her newfound twin sister, who is not exactly what she hoped she would be. Her husband Gabe is in for a wild ride of seduction, but his love for Quinn and their 2 kids is too strong to even think about it. Then her brother from America appears. He is out of prison for trying to kill Quinn and her unborn child when she visited her father in New Orleans. Nothing can come good of that. But he is desperate to show Quinn he means his apologies for ever trying to hurt her and will do everything to make that happen. A very unexpected ending will have your emotions all over the place. It seems to be the final book in the series as Quinn mentions her retirement to Reese, but who knows if she might come back for one more last case.
June 22, 2020
Still hooked
I have really enjoyed this series of books. It can't be easy to keep from being repitious over so many stories and this author succeeds admirably. I very much enjoy the play between the current and past stories. Wish I didn't have to wait till September 2020 for number nine.
.
I have really enjoyed this series of books. It can't be easy to keep from being repitious over so many stories and this author succeeds admirably. I very much enjoy the play between the current and past stories. Wish I didn't have to wait till September 2020 for number nine.
.
February 27, 2021
Audible
Wow! Couldn't put it down. I've listened to 5 of these books back to back, and I'm sad there is only one left.
Talk about betrayals...
I have loved this series and I hope Irina Shapiro continues adding to the list. Can't wait to see how Quinn's family gets more convoluted. I've loved all the stories from the past. Glad to see that Thalidomide babies were part of the story.
Wow! Couldn't put it down. I've listened to 5 of these books back to back, and I'm sad there is only one left.
Talk about betrayals...
I have loved this series and I hope Irina Shapiro continues adding to the list. Can't wait to see how Quinn's family gets more convoluted. I've loved all the stories from the past. Glad to see that Thalidomide babies were part of the story.
December 13, 2021
My 2nd favourite book in the series
I really enjoyed this book it was my second favourite after the one based in Russia. I found it gripping and full of suspense invite the modern storyline and the historical; nortriptyline tinged ruthlessness demonstrating the fragility of relationships. It was a very good read.
I really enjoyed this book it was my second favourite after the one based in Russia. I found it gripping and full of suspense invite the modern storyline and the historical; nortriptyline tinged ruthlessness demonstrating the fragility of relationships. It was a very good read.
February 5, 2020
Thumbs up
Love this series please write more will miss Quinn and Gabe. What happens to her brothers, love your writing please write more of this series hate to say good bye to the characters.
Love this series please write more will miss Quinn and Gabe. What happens to her brothers, love your writing please write more of this series hate to say good bye to the characters.
February 5, 2020
Not Goodbye!
I'm very sorry to hear that this was most likely the last of the series. Quinn and Gabe became like old friends. I can understand why Quinn wanted to stop, but hopefully she'll get the urge to follow another artifact and we'll catch up with them later.
I'm very sorry to hear that this was most likely the last of the series. Quinn and Gabe became like old friends. I can understand why Quinn wanted to stop, but hopefully she'll get the urge to follow another artifact and we'll catch up with them later.
April 15, 2020
Amazing, breathtakingly good
Echoes had just got better and better, thank you so much Irina! Please Please reconsider writing more, there's so many more adventures to enjoy and i love following Quinn and Gabe with their growing brood, not forgetting Rhys!
Echoes had just got better and better, thank you so much Irina! Please Please reconsider writing more, there's so many more adventures to enjoy and i love following Quinn and Gabe with their growing brood, not forgetting Rhys!
August 12, 2020
WOW!!!!!
Great story. I never saw the ending coming . I will keep reading but I only have one more. Sad to say goodbye to Quinn, Babe and all the other characters who feel like family by now. I will have to say goodbye. Thank you Ms. Shapiro.
Great story. I never saw the ending coming . I will keep reading but I only have one more. Sad to say goodbye to Quinn, Babe and all the other characters who feel like family by now. I will have to say goodbye. Thank you Ms. Shapiro.
December 10, 2020
Another great book.
This is such a good book and set in a time that I remember. I remember the thalidomide scandal. It is good to get people to remember those times. Irina writes such readable book.
This is such a good book and set in a time that I remember. I remember the thalidomide scandal. It is good to get people to remember those times. Irina writes such readable book.
July 24, 2021
Book Review
I enjoyed Helen's story with many twist and turns. Continuing Quinn's life and what unfolds next leaves for a shocked in this book. Can't believe the next book is the last as I will miss the stories and the character Quinn of course.
I enjoyed Helen's story with many twist and turns. Continuing Quinn's life and what unfolds next leaves for a shocked in this book. Can't believe the next book is the last as I will miss the stories and the character Quinn of course.
February 9, 2023
Don’t judge a book by its cover
A twisting turning plot of archeologist Quinn’s family. And the history of the bones of a baby she needed to uncover. A lot on her plate in this best or the series so far.
A twisting turning plot of archeologist Quinn’s family. And the history of the bones of a baby she needed to uncover. A lot on her plate in this best or the series so far.
January 24, 2024
The Broken
Some families are broken more than others. No matter in the past or in the future. I have read eight books of Echoes from the past and loved every one of them. Irina Shapiro is a wonderful author.
Some families are broken more than others. No matter in the past or in the future. I have read eight books of Echoes from the past and loved every one of them. Irina Shapiro is a wonderful author.
Read
February 9, 2024This story is well written,engaging and completely believable. Ms. Shapiro knows how to spin a tale!
I would encourage readers to read all her books. Her dimensional characters and very intriguing
plotlines will keep you guessing.
I would encourage readers to read all her books. Her dimensional characters and very intriguing
plotlines will keep you guessing.
April 12, 2026
I love the series. My only gripe with this particular book is how annoying Jo and her obsession is. I get she is broken, but her character is becoming more annoying and I am starting to hate her character, but not in the love to hate type of way.
March 23, 2020
I enjoyed reading this entire series. Irina Shapiro has become one of my favorite authors. I’m sad to see the series end.
April 26, 2020
Great read
Very good series! Sad that it was the last book. Really enjoyed the characters and the glimpses in the past!
Very good series! Sad that it was the last book. Really enjoyed the characters and the glimpses in the past!
January 20, 2021
i really liked her earlier books in series
March 1, 2021
I am reading the last one now ivy enjoyed these books I would like to read more of this author
July 20, 2021
I normally rate higher on this series but the subject of the disabled child was handled poorly for my taste as a disabled reader. Otherwise it was great as are all of Irina's books.
March 28, 2022
Wow what an ending ! Brilliant ! I highly recommend this series ! Sadly onto book 9 the last one !
July 11, 2022
So sad!
But...I have to say that the ending to this book was the best outcome. Without giving anything away I can say that Jo deserved what she got!
But...I have to say that the ending to this book was the best outcome. Without giving anything away I can say that Jo deserved what she got!
July 31, 2022
Sad and predictable
October 28, 2022
Didn’t like either storyline, past or present.
December 5, 2022
Audible: good one! Although I figured out everything in the historical portion before it was revealed it was a good story. I’m sad the series is coming to an end for me.
May 2, 2023
Another twisty tale to find the story behind a carefully buried baby and the continuing saga of Quinn's family. Have enjoyed each book.
June 1, 2024
another good story
This was quite hard to read in places, and the end was a shocker! These books are great and don’t need the intimate details of Quinn and Gabes bedroom antics!
This was quite hard to read in places, and the end was a shocker! These books are great and don’t need the intimate details of Quinn and Gabes bedroom antics!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews