The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick

4.2 (26)
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Product details

Web ID: 15843500

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, mega bestselling 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 Look for Phaedra Patrick's previous charming bestsellers.

  • Product Features

    • Suggested age range - Adult
    • Format - Paperback
    • Product dimensions - 5.2" W x 7.7" H x 1" D
    • Genre - Fiction
    • Publisher - Park Row Books, Publication date - 05-31-2022
    • Page count - 352
    • ISBN - 9780778312000
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2/5

26 star ratings & reviews

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1 month ago
from Denver, CO

Great escape in one day

This was a fun read. Would love to see the author write Essie's first book.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

1 year ago

A cozy cake & tea kinda read💗, with a twist 🤓

I personally found it very comforting, and relatable something that can very much happen, I looked forward to more pages like refilling a cup of hot chocolate or putting on your comfiest socks. It also managed to throw a twist i did not see coming and it was an emotional ride I couldn’t help but feel as though I was living it. I am happy to say I un regrettably devoured this book, thank you Phaedra Patrick for taking me into the life of book people, I throughly enjoyed the story. 

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

1 year ago
from Virginia Beach Virginia

Great story

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I was angry and happy and delighted with this book the whole time. A friend told me, as I was shaking my head, that it has to be an excellent book if I’m so into it that I’m gesturing about it. Will definitely be recommending this book and will look for more books by this author.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

2 years ago
from MN

Finally a book I could re-read to be there again

Such a great story, fun read. I would honestly re-read it. There hasn't been a book yet that I've thought to read again.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

2 years ago

Great story

I really enjoyed this one! Great story with an unexpected twist.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

2 years ago
from WI

I really wanted to love this book...

The cover of this book caught my eye. After purchasing it, it sat in my TBR pile for about a year, but it went on a couple of vacations with me and didn't get read. I loved the premise of the book. The idea of a writer tasking her cleaning lady to finish a novel after the writer's death intrigued me. The secrets found were interesting, as was the journey Liv found herself on - her own path to self-discovery. I could relate a bit to Liv, her age, mother of grown children, learning to love the life she lived rather than trying to live someone else's. Those are all universal feelings, I believe. However, I had trouble connecting with some of the other characters. I felt as though some of the "drama" was rushed and left me wanting more so that I actually understood the motivations behind a certain character's actions. I also got ripped out of the story several times with editing errors, and I had to reread sections to make sure I knew what was supposed to be happening. So, while I really wanted to love this book, I could really only like it and wish it had given me more.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

3 years ago
from Knoxville, TN

A Delightful Little Respite!

Working as a 'house cleaner', forty-two-year-old Olivia Green can't believe her good fortune meeting and being hired by Essie Starling. Liv idolizes Essie, the celebrated author who abruptly disappeared from public view, years ago, after receiving the most prestigious award of her writing career. With dreams of becoming a writer, Liv has hopes of learning from Essie by watching and listening to her when she works. Liv soon realizes she is the only person Essie interacts with on a day-to-day basis and although their working relationship begins to bud with touches of light conversation, their interactions are brief. When Essie doesn't return from a short trip away, Liv fears she has disappeared once again. She's soon informed of Essie's death and her last wish for Liv to finish her final book. She's shocked and saddened by the news of Essie's death but grateful for the opportunity that has come her way. Liv wonders why Essie has chosen her to complete this monumental task and if Liv is expected to step in for her, she needs to find out more about Essie's past. But mostly, Liv wonders how on earth she'll ever pull this off! A fun read that has the serious topics of death, alcohol abuse, divorce, deception, and integrity intermingled through the story. Main character Liv is a breath of fresh air and in the midst of living her dream she brings logic and honesty to the forefront of the story. The author has certainly created a main character that is believably genuine. The audiobook is narrated by Katy Sobey whose lovely British accent and voicing is perfect for this quick and easy read. It's one that can easily be listened to at an accelerated speed. Although this isn't a memorable or stand-out story, I do recommend it as a delightful little respite for those who enjoy Women’s Fiction, giving your mind a nice little break from the superfluous minutia in your life. I do hope, if you partake, you enjoy meeting Olivia Green! 3.5 stars!

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

3 years ago
from Maryland

Charming chick lit/women's fiction story

This book which I gave 4 stars to started out a little slow for me for. I have read other of Phaedra Patrick's books so I knew it was going to get good. Oh and did it ever get good! What a great story beautifully woven together in the author's words. I felt like I was there. I could hear and see everything. I enjoyed each and every one of the characters. I liked how their lives all came together and if Georgie were a real book character, I think I would want to read every book. Anything more I would like to say would likely be a spoiler and I really don't like giving things away. This was a great women's fiction, chick lit read and if those are your favorite genres you won't be disappointed. I am excited that I get to participate in a meet the author chat later in the week. If you are new to the author and the genres, please give it a try and it starts a little slow keep going. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com