Pearls on a String - by Jane Merling

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"A captivating historical fiction that uncovers family secrets and connects the past to the present." - Tomi Alo, Independent Book Review

Winner of the Literary Titan Silver Book Award!

Featured as one of the "Best Books We Read This Year (2022)" by Independent Book Review

When the present is forced to reckon with the past, what secrets, tragedies, and triumphs lie in wait?

Set in the progressive 1980s, the young, independent, and successful Sarah Langner decides to move to the Beaches area of Toronto where she will be rediscovering herself after her separation from her husband.

And yet, she has never felt alone. She has the support of her two loving parents, friends, and occasional roommate, Zipper.

All things considered, Sarah's life is one well-lived.

However, when her parents decide to sell the house where her cherished late grandmother, Ava Langner, had lived for decades, she stumbles upon many family secrets that will change her life... forever.

"Pearls on a String" by Canadian author Jane Merling is a story of two women who, despite having lived two very different lives during two very different times, are so intertwined that they manage to complete each other: the younger with gaps in her family history now filled, and the older with her legacy honoured with love, togetherness, and true happiness.

Go on a riveting journey to the past, as Sarah discovers just how much Ava's resilience, kindness, generosity, and positive attitude toward life pave the way to present connections that lead to lifelong friendships... and more.

Review Quotes

"A captivating historical fiction that uncovers family secrets and connects the past to the present." - Tomi Alo, Independent Book Review

"Merling has conceived an engaging story that reads like a light detective tale, and she sets the action in a variety of intriguing locations that Sarah visits, including Toronto, Hamburg, and the island of St. Lucia." - Kirkus Reviews

"Pearls on a String is an emotional story with plenty of fuzzy warm moments. You will feel like you are visiting family and close friends when you delve into this tale that explores personal identity and navigating family secrets. You will want to join Sarah Langner on her quest to discover who her grandmother really was, and root for her to find true happiness along the way." - Maria von Hatten, Editor

"Pearls on a String is a sweet and exciting historical fiction filled with love, strength, courage, tragedy, and humor. It even leaves readers with a satisfying and heartwarming ending. I would recommend it to those looking for a light, family-oriented historical novel." - Independent Book Review