‘Books are the perfect antidote to the horrors of war.’ ‘A sweeping tale of love, loss, bravery and, of course, the crucial role of books’ Amanda James ‘Warm and heartfelt … I’m always a sucker for books about libraries and this one absolutely delivered’ Reader review ‘Wonderful. Brilliant … Will make you feel as if you’re walking the streets of Lisbon yourself!’ Soraya M. Lane, internationally best-selling author of The Underground Sisters In the heart of Paris, one library refuses to close its doors … 1941.

As the city’s shopfronts go dark and war rages across Europe, Frances Reed is determined to keep her library open. Delivering books to those who need them most, she knows stories are more than just words – they can save lives. Meanwhile, Cassie Watkins arranges safe passage for those with nowhere else to turn.

When a parcel of books connects Frances and Cassie’s worlds, they form a fragile network of readers, helpers, and secrets. But someone else is reading between the lines too, and discovery could cost them everything. How far will Frances and Cassie go to keep stories alive? Praise for Kerry Barrett: ‘Hooked me in instantly!’ Five-star NetGalley review ‘A delicious Art Deco novel with a delightfully acerbic heroine and a cast of fabulously diverse characters having perilous adventures in exotic locations – what more could you want? Lovely fireside reading!’ Marius Gabriel ‘What a page turner! A bookshop in wartime Lisbon is the gateway to a thrilling world of mystery, espionage, adventure and romance for brilliant and beautiful Lara’ Daisy Wood ‘Original and immersive.

If you read one Second World War novel in 2025 – make it this one’ Eva Glyn ‘A lively trip up the vertiginous backstreets of wartime Lisbon that serves up Nazi spies, Edward and Mrs Simpson and a bookshop with a difference, all seen through the eyes of an engaging young British actress. I lapped it up!’ Eliza Graham ‘I was completely swept away by the story of smart, savvy heroine, Lara and the wonderfully, eclectic cast of supporting characters. A must-read for historical fiction fans and for me, Kerry Barrett’s best book yet’ Annie Lyons ‘A gripping ‘what if’ tale with a larger-than-life heroine at its heart’ Tessa Harris ‘The ending left me wanting more—these characters are too engaging and too ingenious to disappear into the ether’ Historical Novel Society