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3.5 

The Messy Lives of Book People

By Phaedra Patrick
The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick digital book - Fable

Publisher Description

The house cleaner of a famous author must carry out her employer's shocking last wish in this delightful new novel from beloved author Phaedra Patrick

Mother of two Liv Green barely scrapes by as a maid to make ends meet, often finding escape in a good book while daydreaming of becoming a writer herself. So she can't believe her luck when she lands a job housekeeping for her personal hero, megabestselling author Essie Starling, a mysterious and intimidating recluse. The last thing Liv expected was to be the only person Essie talks to, which leads to a tenuous friendship.

When Essie passes away suddenly, Liv is astonished to learn that her dying wish was for Liv to complete her final novel. But to do so Liv will have to step into Essie’s shoes. As Liv begins to write, she uncovers secrets from the past that reveal a surprising connection between the two women—one that will change Liv’s own story forever…

Don’t miss Phaedra Patrick’s uplifting new novel, The Little Italian Hotel!

Check out these other heartwarming stories from Phaedra Patrick:
  • The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
  • Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone
  • The Library of Lost and Found
  • The Secrets of Love Story Bridge

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1715 Reviews

3.5
Thumbs Up“Audiobook 🎧 I really liked this book. It is well written. I loved the narrator as she did well with voice changes within the storyline. I recommend it as a nice cozy read on a cold day.”
Beaming Face with Smiling Eyes“This was a fun read with an epic ending that I didn’t predict maybe until two or three chapters before it actually started to unfold. The story centres around main character, Liv. Liv is a mother, wife and holds down a number of cleaning jobs as, along with her husband, she tries to make ends meet. An avid reader since she was a child, Liv’s since given up her dream of becoming a writer. We learn at the outset that Liv has been working for beloved author, Essie Starling, cleaning her apartment and very slowly building a relationship of trust and confidence. However, suddenly and without warning, Essie passes away leaving Liv with the task of finishing Essie’s latest novel, no mean feat when Essie herself had lost her drive and inspiration for the story and left Liv having to tie up loose ends that Essie herself was struggling to find the much needed answers to, in order to bring the sparkle back to the book. In her quest to finalise the novel, Liv will have to find the courage to step outside her comfort zone and take a risk, even if that means impacting her family life. Will Liv finalise the novel and realise her dream of becoming a writer, and will it tear her world apart whilst doing so?”
Reviewed in:One Life To Read

About Phaedra Patrick

Phaedra Patrick is the bestselling author of several novels, including The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, which has been translated into twenty-five languages worldwide. Her second novel, Rise and Shine Benedict Stone, was made into a Hallmark movie. An award-winning short story writer, she previously studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organizer and communications manager. Phaedra lives in Saddleworth, UK, with her family.

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