The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry explores the theme of how imagination can be a refuge in times of danger. The novel weaves historical fiction with mystery, centering on a long-buried secret that resurfaces decades later.

While the premise is intriguing, the reveal fell flat for me. The connections between characters felt improbable, making the resolution less satisfying. Additionally, the shifts between time periods felt like whiplash, making it difficult to stay immersed in the story. Though beautifully written, the emotional weight didn’t land as powerfully as I had hoped. Readers who enjoy lyrical prose and dual timelines may still find it engaging, but the execution didn’t fully work for me.