A charming, small-town story of resilience and rediscovery. Old Books and Faded Dreams transports readers on a nostalgic journey with the townspeople of Tilden, a quaint community in Madison County, Nebraska. At the center of the heartwarming story is Maggie Davis, a middle-aged widow and heiress to a grand Victorian estate. The stately home, which Maggie shares with her spunky nine-year-old daughter Jenna, also serves as a bed-and-breakfast to a once regular, but now transitory, clientele. The kitchen table is the epicenter of lively, often contentious, conversation where no topics are off-limits. Maggie's out-spoken, spinster neighbor delights in keeping everyone on guard with her opinionated, prejudicial tirades, but she is frequently reined in by an elderly, equally forthright family member who has recently become a permanent dweller at the manor. Maggie finds herself struggling with the painful memories of her husband's tragic death, as well as the stirrings in her heart associated with a new house guest. A scandalous scheme to swindle Maggie out of her inherited property rides on the heels of a sudden, unexpected death, pointing to a member of the family as suspect. The startling discovery of a sinister family secret locked away for decades in an old attic trunk threatens to overshadow a highly esteemed familial image and cherished legacy. Can relationships be salvaged? Old Books and Faded Dreams is a captivating, small-town tale about friendship, grief, reconciliation and ultimately, unconditional love. Old Books and Faded Dreams by D. L. Norris is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports the reader to the picturesque town of Tilden, Nebraska. The story follows Maggie Davis, a strong and hardworking widow living in a grand Victorian estate with her lively nine-year-old daughter Jenna. Maggie's life revolves around her bed-and-breakfast, a hub of community and conversation, with an eclectic cast of guests. Her business provides a venue for socializing, gossip, and at times, heated discussions. Maggie's life is about to be upended when a malicious scheme that aims to swindle her out of her inheritance is discovered. As if that isn't enough to rock her world, a hidden family secret is uncovered from an old attic trunk. These revelations threaten to unravel her peaceful existence. What follows is a denouement that is as twisty as it is delightful. D. L. Norris is a great storyteller with a unique gift for writing details that embellish the narrative with realism. Her characterization is stellar, and I was fascinated by Maggie, a genuinely flawed heroine who doesn't lack the grit to make her loveable. Readers will enjoy the deft portrayal of Jenna's innocence and inquisitvie spirit, characteristic of children her age, and the colorful townspeople who gather around the kitchen table, sharing gossip and secrets. The novel's setting in Tilden, Nebraska, provides a nostalgic charm, evoking the warmth of small-town life amidst the looming shadows of scandal. Themes of friendship, grief, reconciliation, and unconditional love are developed alongside the importance of community and personal growth. The discovery of family secrets injects intrigue and suspense. Old Books and Faded Dreams is a perfect read for fans of literary fiction with sophisticated characters, stellar writing, and vividly drawn settings. This one kept me awake through the night. ~ Lee Robbins, The Book Commentary D. L. Norris is a notable author and motivational speaker who has written numerous short stories and articles on health, emotional wellness, family, and cultural history. Norris's novels, The Long Way Home, Where the Heart Is, and Old Books and Faded Dreams: Collector's Edition capture in colorful, humorous style the actual events and mindsets of her beloved Scandanavian family and personal life experiences. She and her husband, Quincy, make their home in beautiful Hartford, Connecticut.