On Folly Beach

by Karen White

Folly Beach, South Carolina, has survived despite hurricanes and war. But it's the personal battles of Folly Beach's residents that have left the most scars, and why a young widow has been beckoned there to heal her own...

To most people, Folly Beach is simply the last barrier island before reaching the great Atlantic. To some, it's a sanctuary for lost souls, which is why Emmy Hamilton's mother encourages her to buy the local book store, Folly's Finds, hoping it will distract Emmy from the loss of her husband.

Emmy is at first resistant. So much has already changed. But after finding love letters and an image of a beautiful bottle tree in a box of used books from Folly's Finds, she decides to take the plunge. But the seller insists on one condition: Emmy must allow Lulu, the late owner's difficult sister, to continue selling her bottle trees from its back yard.

For the most part Emmy ignores Lulu as she sifts through the love letters, wanting to learn more. But the more she discovers about the letters, the more she understands Lulu. As details of a possible murder and a mysterious disappearance during WWII are revealed, the two women discover that circumstances beyond their control, sixty years apart, have brought them together, here on Folly Beach. And it is here that their war-ravaged hearts can find hope for a second chance...

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Book Club, Chick Lit, Romance, Mystery, Southern

390 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2010

About the author

With more than 2 million books in print in fifteen different languages, Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 novels, including the popular Charleston-set Tradd Street mystery series.

Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.

Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.

Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.

Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.

When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...

Reviews

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen White's books need to come with a warning on the cover that prepares the reader to not be able to do anything else but continue reading until the book is finished. On Folly Beach was a nice, comfortable summer read.

[Book Concierge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emmy Hamilton is at a loss after her husband’s death in Afghanistan. Her mother convinces her to move to Folly Beach, a South Carolina barrier island, to take over a bookstore. Reluctant at first, Emmy only makes up her mind to go when she finds a sort of love letter written in the margin of an old book that came from that store, Folly’s Finds. The first person she encounters is an irascible old woman, Lulu, who seems downright hostile. When she finds out that a condition of her purchasing the store is keeping Lulu on as a tenant for her business designing and selling bottle trees, Emmy nearly gives up. But the margin notes in the books are a mystery she cannot abandon, and somehow Lulu holds the key to the full story.

Going back and forth in time from 2009 to 1943, when Lulu was a nine-year-old girl obsessed with Nancy Drew, the novel slowly reveals the great secret. Or at least that is what White set out to do. I guessed the big secret fairly early on and was impatient for the characters to catch up.

The book is full of pat answers to major problems. You are stuck grieving the loss of your husband? Remember that he loved you and you’ll be fine. You don’t want to know the truth about the past? Nonsense, it will do you good to face it.

There’s actually a nugget of an interesting story here. White based the 1943 story on a real episode of a German spy ring that did infiltrate America and actual German U-boats that sank American merchant ships. But I grew impatient even with those chapters set in the past, because I didn’t believe in the characters, and didn’t really care about them. I wanted to slap Maggie upside the head more than once. And I would have thrown Cat out of the house, deathbed promise to my mother notwithstanding.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book from this author. I have yet to read anything by her I haven't absolutely loved and am slowly making my way through her books only slowly, because I know once I am all caught up I will be super sad waiting for the next ones to come out.

[Bloomreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Avoid. I can't believe so many people think this is a 4-star book. I've lived on Folly Beach...sunned on Folly Beach....and ma'am, this is not a realistic representation of Folly Beach. Anybody interested in a true interpretation of the Low Country needs to read "The Prince of Tides" by Pat Conroy. The description of the flavor and life of the Low Country is truly lyrical, and the plot climax an actual surprise. As far as "On Folly Beach" went, I never felt that the characters really took life. They were "on paper" to me, cardboard-thin, and I could almost see the author typing the words, and working hard, but the characters were never fully fleshed out. Predictable and strained plotlines. SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT: The only exception to the above may have been the accurate portrayal of Emmy's grief over Ben's death. That came through in a real way. Otherwise, there were too many holes in the plot and obvious giveaways in this "mystery." For example: as far as the WWII historical part of the book....who DIDN'T know Peter was a German spy almost from the point that he started asking Maggie questions about life in Charleston, about how they lived, and about what residents suspected about German activity in the area, etc? The leap that Maggie made from meeting Peter to being deeply in love with him was totally fuzzy for me. It seemed that the main attraction between this tepid character and her erstwhile suitor was the fact that he appeared very interested/in love with her, while at the same time covertly sampling the delights of sexual and vapid (yet intriguing) Cat. Also, why did Maggie marry Robert if she was convinced that Peter would return someday at any moment -- to the point that she perished in Hurricane Hugo? Did she never take ANY trips out of town during those 50+ years? Even trips to Wal-Mart? To the bathroom? I just don't get it. And I had to wonder, when Emmy and Heath dug up a box that had been buried for decades -- why weren't the contents moldy? Why wasn't the BOX ruined or moldy? Geez. I agree that the premise (as far as unknown aspects of history) was intriguing (read the author's notes at the end). Likewise, the bottle tree information was interesting. I just don't think the author was up to representing this era, or the atmosphere of the beach, for that matter. Maybe I would have liked it better when I was 20 years old. I gave it 2 stars for effort.

[Diane Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved it. It reminded me of my own books, so clearly it was the sort of story that resonates with me. Karen did a beautiful job balancing different points of view and different time periods. A delight.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Karen White novels and this did not disappoint — a gripping southern drama using a Folly Beach, South Carolina bookstore as the background for its setting.. modern day intertwining with the WWll era.

Strong female characters, family secrets and a delicious mystery dating back to 1942 made this a great pick!

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has so much going for it...Southern location, bookstores, Nancy Drew, book lovers, loss loves, broken hearts, an intriguing mystery and strong family connections. There wasn't a page that I didn't enjoy reading and even though I wanted desperately to see how Emmy and Lulu's stories would end, I truly didn't want this book to run out of pages!!! I love how White took historical facts and weaved them into her story. It really made everything come alive and I could visualize each character, smell the ocean, and feel the heartbreak.

For me a good book not only entertains, but also can help expand my knowledge of history and folklore. I've never heard of bottle trees nor had any idea about the stories behind them. Slaves from Africa thought that you could capture evil spirits within the bottles, thus keeping you safe from harm. When the sun rose the next day, the spirits were then destroyed.


She headed down the street without glancing back, hearing again the sound of the wind crying into the necks of open bottles, afraid of what she might see if she did.
p.180

Add to this, the time period of World War II,German U-boats off the eastern coastline, Foreign spies and you really have an interesting history lesson going on. History came alive within this book and I felt connected to each time period and to all of the characters. Even the ones that I didn't like so much on a personal level. I feel that she told Emmy and Lulu's story with incredible insight and she made you understand that even though they're separated by years in age, that when you lose someone you love during wartime, the loss and the feelings experienced are universal. I could easily see myself re-reading this one at some point and I normally don't re-read anything! Looks like I'm going to have to visit Folly Beach and bring this book with me! Maybe I'll come home with a bottle tree too!!!!

Highly Recommended!

[Autumn · Rating 2 out of 5]

uneventful, took me forever to read this book!!

[debbicat *made of stardust*]

not rating. i lost interest. DNF .

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a Historical Fiction by Karen White so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say by the cover i didnt expect this to be a Historical Fiction cause i thought it was a Contemporary Romance but this one was a nice surprise.

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Emmy was definately my favorite. I loved how she bought an old bookstore and found old letters from WW2. Her determination to find the owners of the letter was so sweet and and intriguing.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was in Nobleville, Indiana and Folly Beach, South Carolina in 2009 and 1942 especially when the scenery was described.

I do wish this was part of a series cause i'd like to see what other mysteries Emmy finds in the Bookstore from WW2.

Overall a Phenomenally Written Historical Fiction!! Can't wait to read more by Karen in the future!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my blog...[return][return]Filled with emotion, longing, secrets and hope, On Folly Beach by Karen White is a beautiful look at two women, brought together by circumstances unknown to the other, who learn they may not be as dissimilar as they each originally believed. The story is told alternating between present day Folly Beach 2009 and 1942 Folly Beach the year that changed so many lives. Emmy, at the urging of her mother, drives to Folly Beach to consider purchasing Folly's Finds from Abigail Reynolds and to rent a cottage from Abigail's son Heath. However before even entering the home, Emmy encounters Lulu O'Shea, the creator of the bottle trees, and Heath's great-aunt, an acerbic woman who does not take a liking to Emmy. Lulu, now into her 70's has seen a lot, held onto secrets as well as heartbreak and is uncertain of her new business partnership with Emmy. Emmy begins uncovering secret notes in books and longs to learn about the past and about Lulu's sister Maggie and cousin Cat, yet Lulu is extremely good with secrets. On Folly Beach is a beautiful look into the fragile and complex lives of people and the lengths they will go to hold on to secrets, past hurts, and grudges. White's characters are fantastically created and quite easy to imagine knowing. White weaves together a tale spanning three generations of women and the men they loved and lost due to war. On Folly Beach is a captivating, mysterious and at times heart breaking novel that will keep the reader engaged until the very end. I would recommend On Folly Beach to all readers and encourage discussion groups to choose this book.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoy Karen White's writing, and this was no exception. I just couldn't put the book down today (luckily it was a "snow day" so it was okay to binge read)! There is a lot to offer here and a lot going on. It was not hard to follow the 2 timelines, though and each had great things to offer a reader. As you read, you try to sort out the different family mysteries that the truth of have become almost lost over time. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and studies the lengths we will go to protect those we love from hurt and disappointments. I would've liked just a but more explanation/closure on one storyline, but I'm sure its details are left out purposefully to allow the reader to draw their own conclusions. Loved the characters and the setting, and am excited to read more of her books this year

[Lori Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this... Karen White does it again!!! I can almost smell the ocean and feel the sand between my toes!!!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmy Hamilton arrives in Folly Beach, South Carolina with a heavy heart. Her beloved husband, Ben, has been killed while fighting in Afghanistan; her mother, though compassionate, can barely stand for the grief of it all. Devastated at having to watch her own daughter lose someone so dear to her, Emmy’s mother encourages her to travel to the East Coast and purchase an old bookstore — Folly’s Finds — after purchasing boxes of old books on eBay.

Sifting through the novels, Emmy begins to feel a kinship to whomever owned the books before — especially after she begins finding handwritten notes in the margins, many of them with a loving or longing quality to the words. Since her mother has such fond memories of Folly’s Finds and Emmy is almost completely adrift, lost and without purpose, the idea of getting away — to another place, another time, a world about which Ben knows nothing — becomes . . . if not appealing, then not unappealing.

Life on Folly is a different animal. Emmy rents a cottage from Abigail Reynolds’ (no relation to the author!) son, Heath, a contractor with a past of his own. As Emmy adjusts to island time, meets the locals and is introduced to Lulu, Heath’s great-aunt, a tapestry of a story begins to unfurl.

Karen White’s On Folly Beach is, in fact, two stories skillfully told at once: Emmy, living in the present day and nursing her grief like a child; and Lulu, a woman who grew up during World War II and became quite adept at keeping secrets. Intertwined with Emmy’s portions of the novel in 2009 are stories from 1942, when Lulu was a child living with Maggie, her older sister, and Cat, their wild and recently widowed cousin. At 19, Cat was beautiful, seductive — and living dangerously, much to the anger of her cousins. All orphaned, the three girls lived on Folly Beach decades before Emmy arrived — but there may be more linking them than Emmy first realizes.

Take several love stories, plenty of intrigue, a giant mystery, some supernatural qualities — then shake it all up, pour it out and take a long drink. White’s novel, set in the South, has a small-town charm with plenty of questions lurking just beneath the surface of the text — and that’s what I loved most about it. Like Tradd Street and Legare Street, Emmy possess an almost metaphysical ability to “know” things before they happen — or while they’re happening, as the case may be. The fact that White doesn’t make A Big Deal about this reminds me of Sarah Addison Allen’s novels, which I love, in that characters are just . . . sort of magical. I love the unexpected touches so much that I don’t question them.

And Maggie’s romance. I loved it. I was absolutely, totally swept up in it — which is how I felt through the majority of the novel. Caught up in an age where ordinary Americans blacked out their windows, fearing German attacks, and young women were trained to spot enemy aircraft approaching the shores. When rationing kept silk stockings and sugar off store shelves, and thousands of young men left home and never came back. A lover of history and historical fiction, it’s hard for me to imagine what life was like in 1942 — and that’s why I read books. So I can feel like, even in a tiny way, I might begin to understand.

The interplay between sisters and family reminded me of Elizabeth Berg’s Dream When You’re Feeling Blue, another novel I adored. Lovers of historical and contemporary fiction will be taken in by the secrets, mysteries and questions in this atmospheric drama. And having closed the final page, I can still hear the siren song of the Atlantic Ocean calling me.

[Elizabeth Cottrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen White has combined her lovely, lyrical writing with a beautiful setting and two intertwined and intriguing stories to make a very satisfying read.

The two stories alternate -- one of librarian and Midwesterner Emmy, a new widow whose husband has died in Afghanistan and who, at her mother's urging, has purchased a book store at Folly Beach, South Carolina. There her story intersects with that of Lulu and her now dead sister Maggie who owned the store during WWII. The author skillfully weaves history, drama, espionage, love, and loss into a simmering pot of page-turning pleasure. This is a great "escape book" for those times when you just need to get your mind off of your other worries.

Examples of the author's writing I find rich and poignant:

Emmy has just moved from the midwest to Folly Beach, South Carolina, and is seeing the ocean for the first time: "She's seen oceans in movies, and in her mother's photographs, but now, standing in front of the great Atlantic, she felt the pulsing of the waves, felt the power and breadth of the water as it bled out into the horizon, endless and liquid like the earth's lifeblood. It made her feel alive, unlike anything she'd felt under the broad flat skies of home. As she stared out at the dark blue vastness, her veins seemed to pump with the ancient rhythm of the waves, giving her kinship to every person who'd ever lived by the water, yet at the same time making her feel very, very insignificant." If you're a lover of the beach, this captures some of the mystery and powerful appeal.

Later, her mother visits the beach after being gone for decades, still mourning the loss of infant sons years ago, but finally able to travel with her husband: "...it's been...reviving. I know that's an odd word, but that's how it feels. Like I've been taking shallow breaths for years and finally learned how to fill my lungs."

This was back to the caliber of White's first book The Memory of Water.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. I love Karen White. She has become one of my favorite authors. She is very creative with her stories and I usually am in complete love with her writing. I didn't feel that with this book even though it was a great story and it had a nice sense of place, regarding both time periods.

With this book, the main thing that was a miss for me were the characters. In the beginning they were so unlikable and the dialogue between the love interests was so painful. It was very stilted. They eventually became likable, but it still felt very stiff and unreal. This was not my favorite by this author, so 3 stars.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. We had a storm today in PA knocking out power which forced me to finish this book. I love all the historical facts, some which I was not even aware, shared and also the way it melded the present with the past. Plus it was set at my favorite book location, the beach. This book was a page turner for me.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! This book has it all--a little history, a little mystery, and a bit of romance. Plus it has Folly Beach for it's backdrop!

[Chris St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dual time line WW2 on Folly beach SC and 2009. Maggie lives on Folly beach during WW2, she is raising her sister Lulu who is nine both their parents are dead. She also lives with her beautiful cousin Cat who has a big void that can never be filled. There is drama and a love story, painful betrayal and redemption.
Emmy in 2009 recently lost her husband in the war in Afghanistan. The connection in this dual timeline being a box of books given to Emmy with hand written messages in the margins, this something I cannot resist. Books stores, endearing characters and a mystery to be solved. This author sure has a way with words and a story that drew me in.
Learned things I did not know about WW2, there was a German spy ring in the US and German u boats were in US waters and sank merchant ships. Enjoyable book in a great setting.

[Kelly Mattison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Karen White's storytelling. Having visited and stayed on Folly Beach in the last year, this was enjoyable to learn how it 'used' to be and the nuggets of historical events included.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It was very light on history, WWII specifically around Folly Beach. Author’s notes don’t support much.

[Marci Antoniuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man! Sometimes I get into a reading funk where I start a lot of duds and have to abandon them. This month has been the opposite of that. Reading heaven!

So, my friend Ellen recommended I read The Beech Trees, another book by Karen White, but our library didn't have it so I reserved this one instead. And she was right, Karen White is wonderful. One thing I loved about her is that every sentence was beautifully crafted, and feelings were described in a new and interesting way. This is the kind of book that made me sigh after particularly lovely paragraphs, thinking "Thank heaven for books written for grown-ups!"

This is the kind of book where a woman from the present, Emmy, starts researching an event from generations back, and her life story begins to merge with the past one while everyone learns from each other. Emmy has recently lost her husband, and I loved the concept she used of the "last first." The night after he died was the last first time she'd have to sleep in a bed without him. When months later she drove to a beach town states away, she started the last first road trip she'd take without him. The unspoken presumption is that the first time would be the hardest, and after that she'd at least know she could do it. That feels like something I would use as some small comfort after a loved one's death, and I know there would be a million little activities I'd think that about. And I loved watching as Emmy slowly made a new life for herself and found joy again.

The only thing I didn't love about the book was that near the end the past story got a touch too dramatic and unlikely for me. But overall I thought the book was lovely and captivating to read.

[Lyn (Readinghearts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read a book by Karen White before, but if they are all like this one, I will be reading more. One of the things that I really like about my on-line book clubs is that I end up meeting people who can introduce me to wonderful new authors.

Folly Beach, South Carolina is a small island whose main population is summer tourists. In the 1940s, though, in the thick of WWII, it was a place for many soldiers to gather. This book tells two stories of Folly Beach, one current and one from the 1940s.

Cat, Maggie, and Lulu are permanent residents of Folly Beach in 1941. Cat is the beautiful one, Maggie the practical one, and Lulu is the one who does not miss a thing. As WWII progresses, it has a large impact on their lives and their relationships with each other.

Sixty-six years later, in 2009 Emmy moves to Folly Beach to get a change of scene after her young husband is killed in Afghanistan. A lover of books, she purchases the book store that used to belong to Maggie in the 1940s, and discovers a Folly Beach mystery that has been hidden for years.

This book contains the blending of the two stories, the story of Cat, Maggie, and Lulu, and the story of Emmy and her new beginning. Karen White did a wonderful job of blending the two stories. In addition, both stories are wonderful in themselves, not only filled with wonderful characters, but with hope, longing, and love. I especially liked that the stories had wonderful, true to life ending. This book was definitely a hit.

[Debbie Robson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As most people who follow my reviews know, I rarely cross to the dark side (commercial fiction) in my reading. In fact there’s usually only two reasons why I do and they are 1. subject matter that fascinates me and this is rare and 2. a place that I want to read about.
On Folly Beach by Karen White fits into both categories. Folly Beach South Carolina is a place that my character Jane Townsend visits in my novel Crossing Paths. It is a brief visit but my research into the place has ensured that I will always be interested the location and I simply love reading about books set during WWII. 1939 to 1945 is such a fascinating and sad time. I am continually drawn to it and hey, you’ve got to love a main character who buys a bookstore. Emmy Hamilton is recently widowed and not coping at all with her grief.
I actually preferred the present day timeline to the one set in the early 1940s and usually with such a book it is the other way around. The reason I think is that Maggie in 1943 is a very frustrating character and sometimes annoying to boot. Whereas I found I wanted to spend time with Emmy as she gradually returned to the world about her. I think this is one of the strengths of the book - the depiction of Emmy’s state of mind.
I found several things that set this book apart for me. Firstly the bottle tree that ties both timelines together, the mysterious and cranky Lulu and White’s choice of the books that hold the hidden messages. A perfect book to take you away from your own world. And I don’t mean that lightly.

[Lisa-Buttery_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Karen White novel and I loved every minute of it! This intriguing novel is the perfect mix of mystery and history. The mystery begins when a young widow finds notes written in the margins of books. The notes take her on a journey to the 1940s as she discovers the secrets of a South Carolina family. This book is also about book lovers, which always immediately helps me identify with the characters.

This book was a great choice for our book club party, especially for the history buffs. We had fun discussing the characters, who each had secrets of their own.

The reference to bottle trees was an interesting feature of the book. They were used by slaves to scare away evil spirits and in the book were used to communicate with loved ones. Lulu loved the bottle trees, which was fitting for a young girl who had so many ghosts in her life.

One main theme of On Folly Beach is knowing when one has waited long enough to move on after the loss of a loved one. Emmy's mom told her "Love doesn't have a time span. Only pain does" So true.

[Mary Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

On Folly Beach weaves two storylines together: one set in the 1940s and one in 2009. I had high hopes, but in the end, it was just okay to me. I really liked the 1940s storyline, which centered on Maggie, her sister Lulu, and their cousin, Cat. I wish the book had only been about them. My problem was the storyline that took place in 2009 and centered on Emmy. A lot of the writing just felt stilted, and I didn't connect with Emmy.

Also, and this is very nit-picky, but I had a real problem with the cover art. In the book, Lulu makes bottle trees. In fact, her bottle trees are pretty much a character themselves. So, why would you not do bottle tree art for the book cover? Again, this is a very detailed complaint, but it just seems a no-brainer to me.

[Deborah Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but really didn't like the way some of the characters were written; Emmy, Cat, Young Lulu we're all just so unlikable and no matter how many reasons the author gave for their behaviors and attitude, I couldn't bring myself to like them. I did however love Maggie, Heath, Old Lulu and even Frank the dog so that somewhat made up for the ones I didn't like.

I almost gave this 2 stars (for the unlikable characters) but learning about the German Uboats and how close they were to America and the spies on American soil during WW2 bumped it up to 3 stars for me. I love a good history lesson.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving story. I love how Karen White weaves mystery in her stories. Her characters are people we care about.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel that linked a contemporary widow’s story with a World War II widow. I also enjoyed learning a little bit about Folly Beach and this book made me want to visit there! I like the way the author tied history into a contemporary story. I especially liked the mystery aspect and spy story during World War II and I learned something new. There are many sympathetic and lovable characters here, especially Lulu, a girl after my own heart. Who didn’t love Nancy Drew and want to be a spy as a young child? This is a quick read and especially relevant for those interested in 1940s history.

[Kayla Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one! But this is Karen White we're talking about so who's surprised?

Emmy is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and move on after her husband dies overseas when her mom buys a box of old books from Folly's Finds in Folly Beach, South Carolina. In the books, she discovers what appear to be love letters between the margins of the books. The tale that follows jumps between Emmy's present and that story of that past she finds in those margins. This wonderfully woven mystery brings many things to light and maybe, just maybe, it can help Emmy begin to heal. Highly recommended.