The Museum of Lost Dreams

by Christine Nolfi

Returning to her fractured past, a woman is determined to end a cycle of heartbreaks in a moving novel about family, sacrifice, and redemption by the bestselling author of The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.

When Bess Rollins’s parents die in a tragic accident, she is forced to abandon her dream job overseas. After three years away, she returns to her family’s estate in the Finger Lakes, a veritable monument to her brilliant late grandmother, and a reminder of the wreckage Bess left behind.

There’s the guilt over leaving her younger twin siblings, Casey and Caleb, and she struggles to rebuild a bond that may be irrevocably broken. Amid the grief, resentment still looms toward her reckless and self-indulgent mother and father. And then there’s Luke Monticelli, the devoted man Bess walked out on but never stopped loving.

Haunted by her regrets at every turn, Bess soon realizes that the past is far more complicated than she ever knew. With each secret that she uncovers about her family, Bess comes closer to healing their wounds, seizing a second chance at love, and fulfilling dreams that can lift them all—right here at home, where she belongs.

Genres: Fiction

315 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 23, 2026

About the author

Christine Nolfi is the award-winning and bestselling author of seventeen novels. Look for her 2025 release, The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.

Other works include her 2024 release A Heart Like Home; A Brighter Flame, selected by She Reads as a best book club pick and The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards.

Earlier works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines; the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings; Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie Awards. The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge was cited by The Midwest Book Review as “Poignant and powerful, as much a saga of learning to survive, heal, and forgive as it is a chilling crime story, unforgettable to the very end.”

A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband.

Reviews

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was such an emotional and heartfelt journey about grief, family, forgiveness, and finding your way back home. Bess’s return to the Finger Lakes after years away sets the stage for a deeply layered family drama filled with long-buried secrets, strained relationships, and second chances.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Bess felt incredibly real as she struggled with guilt over leaving her siblings behind while also carrying resentment toward her parents. The sibling dynamics were beautifully written, messy and painful at times, but ultimately full of love and healing. I also loved how the story slowly unraveled family secrets that completely changed the way Bess—and the reader—viewed the past.
The setting added so much warmth and atmosphere to the story. The Finger Lakes estate almost felt like a character itself, filled with memories, heartbreak, and hope for a fresh start. And Luke? Absolutely swoon-worthy. His unwavering love and patience gave the story such a tender emotional core.
This was a moving, hopeful novel about redemption, sacrifice, and learning that home is sometimes the place you need most after all. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional family sagas with romance, heartache, and healing woven throughout.

[shereadswith_coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Museum of Lost Dreams is set in upstate New York in the Finger Lakes. Bess, is called home from her dream job overseas after her parent’s sudden and tragic death. Despite a fractured relationship with her younger twin siblings, she is now their primary caregiver. She is called “home”, a place she ran away from years ago leaving her life and her love, Luke behind.

As she settles in, she is faced with resentment from her sister Casey and the challenge of facing her brother, Caleb who has a traumatic brain injury while under her watch before she left. Secrets, truths and mysteries unfold in this novel of deep family history. Bess seeks out redemption and forgiveness as she struggles with her parent’s addictive past that took their lives.

A multi time line novel encompassing a beloved and talented grandmother and the relationships that evolved creating “lost” dreams.
I enjoyed the history piecing this novel together and how author Christine Nolfi brought the characters full circle with patience, growth and forgiveness.
It’s a novel based with a history uncovered piece by piece keeping you interested and intrigued.

Secrets Buried • One Grand Estate • Unraveling the past • Fractured Family • A Tragic Accident • Hope • Second Chances • Forgiveness • Family Legacies • Inheritance

Thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours @amazonpublishing @christinenolfi for this ARC in exchange for my review

[Dawnny]

In this multi-generational story Bess returns home to the Finger Lakes, her family estate in Upstate New York, when her parents are tragically killed in an accident. Bess had left home leaving her siblings and the man she loved behind. Returning home brings her grief from the loss of her parents, guilt over leaving her siblings and back to the man she loves. It also uncovers the past and secrets. I have loved every book I've read by this author. Her ability to weave such vibrant, complex and feelable stories that always pull me in just amazes me.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this multi- time line story , the main character Bess Rollins , a young twenty seven woman returns to her home in upstate New York after working several years in the Philippines, she returns home after the untimely, unexpected death of her self absorbed, self indulgent parents, to care for her 14 year old twin siblings. Thankfully, money is not an issue due to very large inheritance from her beloved grandmother. The story focuses on Bess, as she tries to navigate her new life, trying to mend broken relationships with her ex boyfriend, her twin siblings and trying to figure out what she wants to in a possible future career. The story also includes the background of her beloved grandmother, Valerie, her complicated relationship with her daughter Shayla ( Bess’s mother) and the choices she made and the ultimate outcome. Relationships are mended, changed, secrets are divulged, and new understandings are the result. This book was extremely well written, great character development, very emotional and heartwarming. Thank you to NetGalley.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Museum of Lost Dreams


Relationships, guilt, family, secrets and trying to rebuild the past are what Bess is experiencing.

A chance to renew and discover more about her past makes this story moving in so many ways.

This author is an auto-buy for me. She writes beautiful and unique novels.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Nolfi writes the most beautiful stories of family and uncovering family secrets. She is one of my auto read authors for the way she beings the characters to life. In this book I was in the home with the family that just lost their parents. Feeling their grief and mixed emotions because their parents would not have won any parents of the year awards.

As the older sister returns home, she has to find a way to help her siblings as their legal guardian. A big part of this book is their grandmother and why she behaved like she did. Told in dual timeline from the grandmothers past and the children’s present, we read just how diffident society was. I loved this emotional book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! I think i have read 99% of Christine 's books and think this one is definitely one of her best! Bessie Rollins is 27 and working overseas at her dream job, when her parents die and she needs to come home to help care for her much younger siblings. The family home,originally owned by her grandmother is on 800 acres in NY state. Best was very close to her gramdmother,but not so much with her free spirit hippie, parents. The twins have basically been raised by a live in woman of all / substitute mother...No spoilers from me but lots of twisted history and different events all part of history entwined with present.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ IT.

[Sara]

Musem of healing wound
my past come as another fight from life
home drage me from far sea
beuty around turn my grife nt guilt but more hunt wound cure
many pen was around to write gd line there as thee want
door of hope open wide
care to who lift make my candle shine
return to search old tears night
return to find love of dream
light enter my soul
i open that door of hope and dream
my earth home thirsty for new love
come back

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote this the minute I finished the book, with all my emotions still fresh. I have read several books by Christine Nolfi, and they always leave me something to think about.

What I started thinking was a second-chance romance ended up being a story about family, true love, courage, and redemption.

I loved the past and present timelines. It had a bit of a family mystery, and that strong bond between siblings that you just can’t break.

If you enjoy stories about second chances, family secrets, and finding your way back to where you belong, this one is for you.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about the complicated relationship between mothers, daughters, and what happens when we keep secrets for generations. Bess is a selfless woman who is rewarded with the trust of her grandmother’s inheritance at age ten. Dual timelines are used to slowly uncover the secrets of her family’s past and how to find answers to move forward with her future. A heartfelt and satisfying ending make this a good book. Three and a half stars.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Christine Nolfi, the Author of “The Museum of Lost Dreams” has written a powerful, captivating, passionate and memorable masterpiece. I am a huge fan of Christine Nolfi’s books, and I loved everything about this book. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Literary Fiction,Sibling and Family Fiction, Suspense, Mystery and Romance. The setting takes place mostly in Finger Lakes, in the museum like estate that is known as home. The author vividly and visually describes the scenery, the plot, and the dramatic and colorful characters. The characters are complicated, complex, flawed. Each of them seems to have their own set of problems and dreams. There are dark secrets, betrayals, dysfunctional family actions, the use of alcohol and drugs, and mental struggles for some. This antique set home belonged to the grandmother, Valerie, and was bought by a lover for her and referred to “A museum was a place of dreams.” Unfortunately due to tragic circumstances, Valerie never married and had a daughter. Valerie was intelligent and was well know in academic circles, and had a prestigious job. The housekeeper, Raisa seemed to be in charge of bringing up the daughter, Shayla. Shayla was seeking attention, and felt that she was adopted.

Shayla marries and has a daughter, Bess. The grandmother, Valerie adores Bess and sees tremendous potential in her. She leaves Shayla an allowance, but provides a will that everything that Valerie owns, will go to Bess. Bess is 10 years old at the time. Shayla is creative and loves to craft and travel with her husband, leaving Bess alone with Raisa. Then Shayla has twins, Casey and Caleb. Bess often takes care of the young twins. There is a tragic accident where Caleb is hurt.

When Bess is older , she works overseas, and loves her job. She is called home when her parents are both killed in an accident. Raisa has been taking care of the family, and Bess is wary of the reception she will get from the twins, and Luke, her former boyfriend. Bess is aware that she has to uncover the dark secrets to mend the problems of the past, to deal with the present and prepare for the future.

I appreciate how Christine Nolfi describes the importance of charity and giving back, forgiveness, second chances, providing help for emotional and mental problems. The author discusses the importance of family, friends, communication, honesty, inclusion, love and hope. I was deeply and emotionally touched by this amazing novel. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable novel. There are twists and turns and some powerful surprises.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Museum of Lost Dreams is a beautifully moving story, steeped in memory, regret, and the quiet hope of starting again. When Bess Rollins returns to the Finger Lakes after her parents’ sudden death, she steps back into a world she abandoned—one shaped by her brilliant grandmother’s legacy and shadowed by the guilt she carries for leaving her younger twin siblings behind. The estate itself feels like a living archive of everything she’s lost and everything she’s afraid to face.

The novel unfolds with a gentle, aching honesty. Bess’s attempts to reconnect with Casey and Caleb are raw and believable, full of the awkwardness and tenderness that come with trying to mend something fragile. Her resentment toward her parents—reckless, self‑indulgent, and now gone—is handled with nuance, allowing space for anger, grief, and the uncomfortable truths that surface when the people who shaped you can no longer answer for themselves.

And then there’s Luke Monticelli, the man she once loved and walked away from. Their reunion is threaded with longing and unfinished conversations, but also with the possibility of something steadier, wiser, and more grounded than what they had before. The romance never overwhelms the story; instead, it becomes part of Bess’s larger journey toward forgiveness—of others, and of herself.

As Bess uncovers the secrets her family kept tucked away, the novel deepens into a meditation on legacy and the stories we inherit without realising it. Each revelation brings her closer to understanding the people she loved, the choices they made, and the dreams they left behind. The Finger Lakes setting adds a gorgeous sense of place—lush, reflective, and quietly restorative.

A heartfelt, emotionally rich novel about family wounds, second chances, and the courage it takes to return to the place that broke you. It lingers like a soft echo, reminding you that some dreams aren’t lost at all—they’re simply waiting for you to come home.

With thanks to Christine Nolfi, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours #partner for the gifted copy of this book!

I always love when I find a new to me author that I enjoy! And I am happy to say that I WILL absolutely be back for more because I adored this book!

This is one of those stories that quietly kind of snuck up on me. I ended up being completely enthralled by their lives and each and every one of these characters.

In this book we meet Bess who is a young woman who has to return home to help care for her younger siblings. Her parents have recently unexpectedly passed away and Bess has to struggle to find her footing in her new life. And let me tell you...the entire situation is anything but ice cream and puppy dogs. The younger siblings to not make life easy. In addition, Bess is trying to make heads or tails of a new job and her relationship with her ex boyfriend too. But don't fret, her grandma is the diamond in the ruff which makes life not as difficult.

Christine really has created such a wonderfully complex cast of people. They all had their own flaws but she writes them in this very real, messy sort of way. I kind of felt like I was a part of the family or at least a fly on the wall watching Bess (and others) find their way. They all had some sort of regret or disappointment but she wrote it in a way that the story didn't feel heavy the entire time, it also felt hopeful. I don't think that's always an easy task so bravo to that!

✨ what I loved:
💛 emotionally rich character journeys
🏛️ cozy small town setting
🌱 themes of second chances and healing
👭 complicated relationships and community
😭 heartfelt moments

I also loved how the story explored the idea that it’s never too late to rebuild your life! That is the theme of my life in 2026 so this book definitely gave me life!

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Nolfi’s The Museum of Lost Dreams is a captivating, deeply felt story about family, forgiveness, and finding the courage to face the past.
Bess Rollins has spent years working overseas, avoiding the painful dynamics of her childhood home. When she learns of the sudden death of her self-indulgent parents, she returns to the sprawling family estate—known as the “Museum”—and discovers just how much awaits her. The estate, a tribute to her brilliant and beloved grandmother, was left to Bess when she was only ten. Now, at twenty-seven, she must confront the weight of that legacy while rebuilding trust with her two young siblings and mending the relationship with Luke, the boyfriend she left behind without explanation.
As the story unfolds, long-buried family secrets come to light, unexpected complications arise, and Bess is forced to reckon with truths she never imagined. Yet woven through the turmoil is a powerful sense of healing, hope, and the possibility of second chances.
Christine Nolfi is one of my favorite authors. This novel showcases everything I love about her work—uplifting themes, heartfelt emotion, and characters who linger long after the final page. I read this nearly straight through and was completely absorbed in Bess’s journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Big Time Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed everything Christine Nolfi has written, but The Museum of Lost Dreams is on a completely different level. It is a masterpiece woven thoughtfully through various time periods in history - the 1920s through to the late 1980s - with strong women blazing a trail where there wasn't one, or if there was one, carving their own branch of that trail.

Reading The Museum is like opening one of those gifts that are in a huge box with a smaller box inside the huge box, another smaller box inside that one, and so on. We get the overall view of Bess's life in 1986 and then the author fills in the backstory, slowly, carefully, and with the perfect amount of finesse and detail to make the reader want to read faster and faster, yet slower, in order to savor the story.

There's so much more I could say and want to share, but I don't want to spoil the story. And this review sounds nothing like what I wanted to say, but the words I want just aren't coming as they should...so I will wind up with this. Read this book. You will be happy you did, you'll recommend it to everyone, and like me, will wish you could read it all over again for the first time, not as a re-read.

Thanks to the publisher and author for an ARC at my request. All thoughts, as always, are my own and happily shared.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love everything Christine Nolif writes and after reading The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves I was so excited for the author's newest novel.

The story follows Bess who returns home to Finger Lakes estate after her parents untimely passing.

She has to help care for her younger twin siblings. She is overshadowed again by her grandmother's legacy. Bess tries to reconnect with her younger siblings, and the emotion is real and raw.

While Bess is dealing with the complicated grief she feels for parents that were never there for her, Luke, her ex who she walked away from comes back into her life.

Bess's parents were menacing and reckless. This multi-generational story really stole my heart and soul.

I really enjoyed the conversations with Bess and Luke, so much more than a second chance romance, more of a love of a lifetime spanning such a long period of time.

The family dynamics were so well written and strong. And the secrets, WOW this really added to the dimension of the story and the characters.

Highly recommend this book SO much!!!

Can't wait for the next book from Christine Nolfi!!!

[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Museum of Lost Dreams by author Christine Nolfi is set to release on June 23, 2026. I was fortunate enough to be asked by the author to read an early copy that I received off from NetGalley. I’ve read almost all of Christine’s books and I truly believe that they continue to get better and better with each one she writes. This book grabbed my attention right from the start with its characters that I instantly liked and wanted to know more about. I found it kept me reading late into the night! It’s a story about family. At first it seems like it’s a broken family but that’s only because of so many hidden secrets, secrets that slowly come to light. As the story unfolds you learn how and why everything happened as it did and it made me feel somewhat sad for some of the characters but the author works her magic and is able to spin things around so that by the end it was a very happy and uplifting story of found family and happiness for all. It’s a really well written book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I believe everyone else will enjoy it too. I’m giving it a much deserved 5 star rating and look forward to adding a physical copy upon release day to my home library of favorites.

[Julie B. (readingonthebrink) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queue 🎶 music🎵 from Shake It Up
By: The Cars

Ever since coming across A Heart like Home, I have had my radar up for ANY book Christine Nolfi writes. She pens such deeply relatable characters and family drama, I cannot help but be drawn into each world she creates. For me, The Museum of Lost Dreams is my favorite novel of hers to date, and is set to release exactly one month from today.

With this latest novel, she combines multiple timelines and blends genres so seamlessly, weaving romance with literary, historical fiction AND contemporary historical fiction. I just loved how relatable she made each character, how she brought light to ways to help people with disabilities, and most importantly, how she unfolded a way to break cyclic familial trauma. Through her quiet, yet intense storytelling, Nolfi delivers a true slow-burn of second chances in every aspect of relationships, complete with a fairy godmother (Raisa).

I truly loved this novel, and cannot wait for it to be released this June! I am thankful to @christinenolfi @amazonpublishing and @suzyapprovedbooktours for my #gifted physical copy.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bess's life has been full of discontent. Her parents were less than attentive, addicted to illicit substances, and self-absorbed. Her grandmother, Valerie, favored Bess over her own daughter, Shayla, which only enhanced the dislike. And when Valerie leaves almost the entirety of her lavish estate to Bess, dislike and disinterest became hatred. Bess was relegated to her younger twin siblings' caretaker. Tragedy drives her away...and tragedy eventually drags her back.

Christine Nolfi has a stunning way with words. This book follows three generations of women and the struggles they faced. It shows how one choice can ripple through an entire generational line, impacting everyone along the way. How good intentions can be seen as inconsiderate slights and favoritism.

But what this book does best, is show the power of family. Family doesn't forget, no matter how long has passed or hoe much distance separates. And love...true love...never stops. It will be waiting.

I laughed, I cried, I cringed. And I enjoyed every second of it.

[WeReadLikeLadies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book!! I didn't fully know what to expect, but it gave off "The Book of Lost Hours" and "The Lost Bookshop" vibes so I was intrigued. You go back and forth throughout the book to different time periods which I really enjoyed. I liked being able to see all the different characters perspectives and what they went through in their lives. The main story follows Bess as she navigates moving back to New York after the sudden loss of her parents and having to help take care of her siblings and figure out a new life and new normal. I loved her character and how she handled everything she was dealing with. On top of all of that, the love story was so cute! I LOVED Luke and was rooting for them the whole time! I loved how the secrets are uncovered which gives more insight and perspective to Bess about Shayla, her mom and Valerie, her grandmother. She is able to heal herself and her relationship with Luke and her siblings. This book was seriously so good and I truly hope everyone else enjoys it as well!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story really resonated with me. Part of the setting is in Central New York, in the Finger Lakes region. My husband and I had our first (blind) date in the Finger Lakes area and his family has a family reunion on Seneca Lake every year. My early career was working with special needs children. The duo timeline story is about families and how they connect with one another, or not. Bess becomes the head of her household and needs to find her place. Does she need to be mother or sister? Raisa is the housekeeper who took care of Bess’s mother while Bess’s grandmother worked. She is the glue that holds everyone together. Luke is a teacher and is able to help Bess connect with her siblings, as well as work at rekindling their high school relationship. The home that they live in was dubbed “the Museum” by Bess’s grandmother. The house was home to many people, at different times, all of whom had different dreams for where their life would go. Some of those dreams were more realistic than others. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. I liked this book. Bess's family lived in the 'museum of dreams.' But there were many nightmares that also occurred. Bess's grandmother Valerie was a strong woman who paved the way for females. Along the way she falls in love and has a child. Unfortunately, the relationship doesn't pan out. She clashes with her daughter Shayla for many reasons. And, continuing to the next generation, Shayla clashes with her daughter Bess who was a big fan of Valerie's. After Shayla's death, Bess quits her job and returns home to raise her siblings. There is so much to this story -- dysfunctional families, rekindled love, death, disabilities, lost love, secrets, assumptions, teenage angst, family bonds, and more. Topics that most of us have dealt with or are dealing with. I was immediately drawn to the story and highly recommend it.

[Lori Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bess Rollins is happy with her life and career abroad when she is called home to the Finger Lakes to deal with her parents’ death. At home, Bess must deal with the loss of her estranged parents, face the teenage siblings she has not seen in many years, and see the one who got away. As Bess begins to face her past, she learns that much of her family’s history is not quite what she thought. Was her childhood home truly “The Museum of Lost Dreams?”

This novel is written in multiple points of view. We hear from Bess and also learn about her grandmother’s past. Author, Christine Nolfi, does a fabulous job making the characters come alive. This book may be classified as women’s fiction, but it is also a mystery that I could not put down, because I needed to learn how it would end. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to more books from this author!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh!! What a lovely story!
I was glued to the pages from the first chapter, to learn how this family residing within the Finger Lakes, would begin to heal following the tragic death of both parents,
The eldest daughter, Bess, now working in the Philippines, returns home to care for her fourteen year old siblings who have many issues.
Anger, sadness, guilt, secrets and mystery are among the challenges that must be resolved to move forward and remain together as a family unit.
I truly found myself rooting for this clan as secrets were discovered along the way.
The alternating timelines are perfect to understand how and why some of the mysteries were created and carried to present days.

Thank you to Christine Nolfi for another fabulous novel and allowing me to read and provide my own review. Well done.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Nolfi is a must-read author. I am so excited about The Museum of Lost Dreams. This book had me not wanting to put my Kindle down. The dual timeline of Valerie, Bess’ grandmother, and Bess was so fun to read. I liked that I could know the history of Bess’ family, I could see a reason for why life was as it was for Bess.

The Museum of Lost Dreams is a story of family drama, lost and found again love, coming home, and rebuilding relationships. I was invested in not only Bess’s relationship with Luke but also with her family. I cared that she mended those relationships with her siblings. As she started to rebuild her life, she uncovered more secrets about her family that gave her explanations and understanding.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Carol Deegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about mother and daughter relationships and secrets. Bess is called home when her parents are killed in a mudslide on one of their many trips. Bess has never gotten along with her parents, particularly her mother. Bess’s grandmother named her as the custodian of a large trust when she was 10 years old and now she is also the guardian of her teenage brother and sister. Through a series of events Bess finds out what really happened with her grandmother and mother and realizes why her mother was so bitter toward Bess. This is a very emotionally charged book with many surprises, both good and bad. I recommend this book to anyone who likes excellent women’s fiction. I received a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The museum of lost dreams.
Christine Nolfi.

This is one author when she writes a book. you get totally enthralled into the story.Simply do not want to stop.

This story is on dual timelines. My absolute favorites.

The Museum is a place of dreams. A place where dreams once was thought of.


If I had to choose a favorite character, it would be bess and julius. The story unfolds like a dream. So much hurt but so much love. Everything about this book it was perfect.


I could see this book as a movie.It's that wonderful..

Each time I read a book by this author it just gets better. I love reading this author's work.

I would highly recommend this story to everyone. This has been my favorite so far.By this author.

[Susan Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the shocking death of her parents, Bess Rollins is forced to return to her family’s Finger Lakes estate where guilt, grief, and and an unfinished love story are waiting. Estranged from her younger siblings and haunted by the man she left behind, Bess begins to uncover long-hidden family secrets that uproot everything she thought she knew. I absolutely inhaled this wildly original and moving story of sacrifice, redemption, and second chances.
Thank you to the author and Lake Union publishing for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from publisher.

This finely wrought novel spans three generations of women: Valerie, a pioneering mathematician; Shayla, her restless, unreliable daughter; and Bess, her sensitive, do-gooder granddaughter, who inherits not only her grandmother’s fortune but a tangled legacy of family drama. Bess’s voice is warm and compelling as she unravels long-buried secrets, and our understanding of her family is deepened and complicated by evocative flashbacks to her grandmother's life. I was swept up in this story of love, hope, and healing.

[Libby Reidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family dysfunction at its best! Bess, one of the two main characters, has returned home to care for her siblings after their parent's sudden death. Valerie, their grandmother, is the other main character. The reader learns about both women and how their choices shape the remaining family members and friends. Beautiful descriptions of the Finger Lakes in New York state. Looking forward to reading more from this author!