A chaser of a mystery book, with lots of switching between the present and past, all riddled with misunderstandings and what feels like an under-utilized ability integrated ‘hook’ of the protagonist. While characters do shine with personality, the narrative's reliance on "telling" rather than "showing" poses a hindrance to the reader's full immersion. Key events involving Ashlyn and Ethan predominantly unfold in the past tense coming about in low-stakes conversation, distancing readers from the emotional gravity of pivotal moments. 

The allure of romance intertwined with the ambiance of an antiquarian bookshop creates a charming setup, and the energy of the environment does read well. If you already embrace the alternating past-present writing styles, expositional dialogue and the miscommunication trope that occurs several times throughout the story, you are bound to cherish this journey into mystery and love. However, those unaccustomed or not a fan of any one of those three variables to this narrative approach might find it more challenging to fully immerse themselves in the world being crafted.