The library of lost dollhouses A novel

San Francisco's beloved Belva Curtis LeFarge Library is clinging to relevance in a fast-paced, tech-forward city. The old building is falling into disrepair, an embezzlement scandal put its endowment on life support, and a tech founder wants its most valuable painting. But the Bel is worth fighting for. After uncovering two mysterious dollhouses, librarian Tildy plans to turn the discovery into a publicity campaign. As Tildy starts to uncover connections between the dollhouses' histories and her own, her mission starts to feel less like a publicity stunt and more like something very personal. Hooper (Angels of the Pacific, 2022) blends Tildy's narration with that of Cora Hale, an up-and-coming artist who finds success in miniatures and an unexpected passion for a new patron in 1910. Fans of Kate Morton, Sarah Blake, and Fiona Davis will appreciate the novel's lush, atmospheric settings, interwoven narratives, and exploration of historical details. Hooper's heartwarming story explores the connections between memory and legacy as it shines a light on the often unseen and unappreciated labor of women in the arts.