Welcome to my review of The Book Share by Phaedra Patrick. I saw the book share advertised on NetGalley, and it sounded great. I wasn’t disappointed and enjoyed this a lot.
It’s never too late to start a new chapter…
The utterly charming and feel-good new novel from the bestselling author of The Secrets of Sunshine and The Library of Lost and Found.
Liv Green loves losing herself in a good book. But her everyday reality is less romantic, cleaning houses for people who barely give her the time of day. So when she lands a job housekeeping for her personal hero and mega-bestselling author Essie Starling, she can’t believe her luck.
When Essie dies unexpectedly, Liv is left with a life-changing last wish: to complete Essie’s final novel. To do so, change-averse Liv will have to step away from the fictitious worlds in her head, and into Essie’s shoes. As she begins to write, she uncovers a surprising connection between the two women – and a secret that will change Liv’s life forever…
Phaedra Patrick studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organiser and communications manager. An award-winning short story writer, she now writes full time in Saddleworth where she lives with her family.
Her debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, was translated into over twenty languages worldwide and has been optioned by a major Hollywood film studio. Her second novel, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone (named Wishes Under the Willow Tree in the UK), is also under option in the US as a TV movie. Her third novel is The Library of Lost and Found, and the fourth one is titled The Secrets of Love Story Bridge (The Secrets of Sunshine in the UK).
You can find/follow Phaedra at www.phaedra-patrick.com where she shares more information and writing tips.
The Book Share is a lovely, uplifting story about the life of Liv Green. Liv loves to relax with a book and always reads her favourite author, the famous and bestselling Essie Sterling. She has been cleaning for her for the past three years, her longest-serving staff member by some way! After Essie’s sudden death, Liv takes over, writing her final novel. This leads us on an exciting journey through her adventures to find out who Essie really is and who the love of her life was.
This is a truly feel-good book about being allowed to completely change your life and the opportunities that it may bring. Phaedra Patrick is a talented storyteller, and the characters she has developed are flawed, authentic, and believable. I was completed invested in the story and couldn’t help but wonder if Liv would be able to finish the book and how she would end the series that Essie started.
All of the characters were great, but Essie and Liv were particularly adorable. Essie has lived a secret and private life for the past ten years and is known to be a little grumpy and cantankerous. Liv is feeling down on her luck after some family drama and feeling unappreciated, so this opportunity was well-timed. Still, it could also change her life in strange ways.
A special mention for her husband’s sister, who was highly annoying and ignorant towards Liv. I didn’t warm to her but found it a little unbelievable when she suddenly changed.
I loved all the mentions of the books being read or seen throughout this book. I think I may even go back through and make a list of them to add to my wish list!
Phaedra Patrick has a beautiful writing style, making The Book Share flow wonderfully and an easy, delightful read. Some aspects were a little unbelievable, but, on the whole, it worked well, and I would recommend it to others.
| Title | The Book Share |
| Author | Phaedra Patrick |
| Series | N/A |
| Format | eARC |
| Page Count | 386 Pages |
| Genre | Women’s Humour |
| Publisher | HQ |
| Release Date | 29 March 2022 |
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