A brand new novel in the “sometimes whimsical, often insightful, always absorbing” (Shelf Awareness) Dove Pond series that follows a gifted historian investigating the mystery of a love story lost to time.

When an antique tin of love letters is found hidden in her family home, noted historian Tay Dove rushes home to Dove Pond to investigate. Tay is still reeling from a romantic betrayal, so she’s relieved to refocus her energies on her latest project: a biography of her great-great-grandmother Sarafina, a star reporter who began her career in Dove Pond in the late 19th century before abruptly leaving town.

Tay believes the letters could be the key in solving what happened, but they only add to her questions—especially when they reveal a forbidden love affair with William Day, a wild youth who took part in a notorious train robbery. Some answers might be found in eighty-year-old Rose Day’s bookshop, which doubles as a town archive, but Rose is curiously resistant to give Tay access. Just when Tay thinks she’s reached a dead end, she finds an unlikely ally in Rose’s grandson, Luke, a fellow puzzle lover. Together, they set out to uncover what really happened all those years ago…and find the truth behind a love story that could be more precious than gold.

Perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen, The Bookshop of Hidden Dreams proves that adventure is always waiting to be found, especially within the pages of a book.

About The Author

Photograph by Tricia McCormack Photography

Karen Hawkins

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond series is a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors for her to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible. To find out more about Karen, check in with her at Facebook.com/AuthorKarenHawkins, on Instagram @KarenHawkinsAuthor, and on her website KarenHawkins.com.

Product Details

Publisher: Gallery Books (August 27, 2024)
Length: 384 pages
ISBN13: 9781982195960

Raves and Reviews

Praise for the Dove Pond series
"Hawkins has created a delightfully quirky town… Reminiscent of Sarah Addison Allen, Abbi Waxman, and Fannie Flagg, this is a great summer read for those who love small southern towns filled with magic.”—Booklist

"This heartwarming story by Hawkins will delight fans of cozy romantic fiction with its quirky characters and charming small town."—Library Journal

"The literary equivalent of warm custard or fuzzy socks... for readers who enjoy the warmth and Southern authenticity of Fannie Flagg novels mixed with a dollop of Sarah Addison Allen-style magical realism."—The Augusta Chronicle

"The beauty of Hawkins’ writing is that even when it moves into the magical––and rest assured that it does—the emotions of the characters are authentic. Every scene, no matter how far from daily reality, is rooted in kindness and friendship, the belief we can all be better, and the hope that starting over is possible. The perfect way to spend an afternoon, teacup in hand, dreaming about what could be."—Manhattan Book Review

"Like tea, a new Karen Hawkins book is always a good idea. A visit to Dove Pond, where the real magic lies in forgiveness and acceptance, is balm to my readerly soul. Write the next book quickly please!"—KJ Dell'Antonia, New York Times bestselling author of Reese's Book Club pick, The Chicken Sisters

"For readers who believe that sometimes miracles really do happen."—Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author of All the Days of Summer

"Full of heart, the perfect blend of family, forgiveness, and healing. With quirky, lovable characters and abundant small-town Southern charm, I enjoyed every minute spent in Dove Pond, where life is truly magical."—Heather Webber, USA Today bestselling author of Midnight at the Blackbird Café

"Set in a small Southern town filled with both extraordinary and ordinary magic, this novel sparkles with quirky, endearing characters, dialogue and setting. Fans of women's fiction will love this sometimes whimsical, often insightful, always absorbing story."—Shelf Awareness

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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Bookshop of Hidden Dreams
Trade Paperback 9781982195960

Author Photo (jpg): Karen Hawkins
Photograph by Tricia McCormack Photography

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