The Messy Lives of Book People

By: Phaedra Patrick

Narrated by: Katy Sobey

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

©2022 Phaedra Patrick (P)2022 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Harder to get into, but glad I stayed to the end.

This book was harder for me to get interested in than previous books I’ve listened to/read by this author - which I very much enjoyed, and I nearly quit halfway through. The story finally picked up for me 3/4 of the way in and I was happy with the ending. Glad I stuck with it.

Fabulous story and performance!

Enjoyed every chapter! Wonderfully written and carefully performed. Highly Recommended! Would listen to this again!

Very enjoyable story!!

This was my very first Phaedra Patrick book. I really enjoyed the premise of the story it kept me interested with lots of twists and turns and a little bit of Mystery. I hope to be reading more of Phaedra Patrick's books in the future.

Undecided

Through most of this book I thought I didn’t like it until closer to the end when it became more interesting. I do think the storyline kind of dragged on. But the writing was flowery and very expressive and creative. I really did enjoy the writing style just not have a storyline dragged on

so so

Not my favorite story, but this one was ok. Not a thriller, there was an element of mystery to it. A story of family secrets.

Never abandon your dreams ❤️

This novel is the first of many I plan on enjoying from Phaedra Patrick. She has mastered the magic of touching your soul.
So often, I reread chapters just to listen to the emotions that could be generated by strawberry scone or a hand softly grazing another’s.
Which leads me to the magnificent job done by our narrator Katy Sobey.
So often, I felt as though the characters, female and make where talking directly to me, whispering words and images that made me see things through a different eye, and realize how fleeting love can be and how tragedy can give birth to the most wondrous acts of creativity.
I hope these two talented people get together again to allow us readers/ listeners another chance to drift off and realize how many forms love takes in our lives. 💐💐💐

Lovely Book, Lovely Voice

First time reading Phaedra Patrick. A wonderful book.

Gave me a new appreciation for writing, self, listening.

Love and Regret

How well do we really know the person we admire? Do we truly know what they hold dear and what do they truly regret? I read some of the reviews that said the story unfolded slowly but I think it was a necessity. A long time fan realizes how little she knows about her favorite author and tries to understand her through the people who loved her. It was poignant, especially the ending . In the end stories about us are the only things one remembers.

Light Summer Read

Story was find of farfetched with heroine taking on personality of woman within a series as she impersonated the author.
In doing this she's able to step out of her role as cleaning lady to finish the deceased author's final novel.
Too many coincidentally to be believable.

A fun and cosy read.

I thought this was a fun read. Nothing to serious, just a cosy mystery and some wish fulfillment.

Our main character Oliva Green, Liv for short, starts the book as a mother working multiple jobs to make ends meet for her family. She sometimes feels overlooked by the people around her.

I think anyone who has tried to juggle the stress of kids, spouse, and work will see a bit of themselves in the main character Liv.

It's something you can pick up and put down pretty easy. I listened to the book in-between errands, chores, work, and my college classes.