Olivia works as cleaner for several clients, among them famed author Essie Starling, and her long time favorite writer. When Essie passes away, she leaves instructions for Olivia to finish her final novel. This novel details the transformation of Olivia from cleaner to writer, fulfilling her life's dream. She uncovers secrets about the author and about her own family that lead her in surprising and sometimes uncomfortable directions. In the process, Olivia must closely scrutinize what she really finds meaningful in her life.

This story could be a book-lover's dream, as readers can easily place themselves in the novel. Most readers can identify with the place books hold in their hearts and the influence books and writers exert on their lives, just as Olivia portrays in the story. There are many different ways the story could have ended and many different points in the novel when that ending could have occurred. Personally, I felt as if it went on too long. Readers will have to decide for themselves about their satisfaction with the ending chosen by the author. This is a clean read, without strong language, violence, or graphic intimacy.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC!

I have loved Phaedra Patrick's previous novels and had high hopes for this one. Ultimately, it was a little flat for me but still an enjoyable read overall. Watching Liv become more confident in her new secret role as an author was great, and I liked the bonus mystery of who Essie's one true love was. What was less successful to me was the way Liv acted at times (for someone who is supposed to be in her early 40s, which is roughly my age, I found her to be immature), how she and her husband absolutely babied their sons who are both university aged, and the character of Chloe in general. There was a lot of charm in this book but not quite the depth I was hoping for.

Messy Lives of Book People

Liv Green is a middle aged mother of two college age sons, married to a good man since they were young, and working as a maid to help make ends meet.

In other words, she lives a fairly normal life.

One of her clients is best-selling writer, Essie Starling, whose writing Liv has enjoyed for years.

When Essie dies, her last wish is that Liv would finish the novel she was working on without telling anyone that she has died.

What follows is a delightful story of a woman redefining herself, of love and marriage rediscovered, of family secrets uncovered and of real life.

I described it to a friend immediately after I finished it as lovely and unassuming. It was the book I didn’t know I needed and it just felt good.

I really enjoyed this book about people writing books. It was interesting that see the story unfold and I was not expecting the twist revealed at the end.

A pair of bee cuff links, an unfinished manuscript, and the heroine of a book series are the catalysts for this fun Cinderella story of a housekeeper turned book person. Liv is the under-appreciated, but dedicated cleaner for an elusive novelist whose series features Liv’s favorite book character, the adventuresome and headstrong heroine, Rosie. When Liv finds the an unfinished manuscript, she can’t help but start reading it, and of course, gets caught in the act. Her adventure starts there and getting strength from fictitious Rosie, takes the mess of all the book business around her and cleans it up. This was a fun read. The characters had depth and the story was original.

It's so refreshing to read an engrossing novel with a protagonist over the age of 35 that doesn't just revolve around her chucking her whole life off a cliff! Liv Green is a wonderful main character and Patrick does an excellent job of helping her reader to experience Liv's life as Liv is trying to experience Georgia's. I was so caught up in the story that I read more than 80% of the book all in one go. The writing is crisp and the pacing is extremely good. A thoroughly enjoyable book that I'll be recommending to friends.

I love how Phaedra tells a story and gets you feeling for her characters, such a great storyteller!!

The Messy Lives of Book People is a fun read. Liv Green is a hard working house cleaner for a famous writer, who asks her to complete her final book in a long running series upon her untimely death. It's a dream come true for a woman who always wanted to be a writer but put the needs of others before herself. And its a weighty proposition when the main character, Georgia, has been her daily inspiration.

I liked the thread throughout the book - "your best day is your worst day.'" We all have had moments in life where one moment we were living high and happy, only to turn on a dime and feel sad and low when the unexpected happens. Writing for Essie, is a dream come true and yet the weight of finishing the book of her hero is overwhelming. As she edits the book and unravels the secrets of her heros life, she learns about herself.

This would be a wonderful book for book clubs. Theres so much to discuss. Ultimately, Messy Lives, is about loss, discovery and love. Its about taking chances, connections with others and never giving up on your dreams.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Park Row book for a glimpse into an authors world. I enjoyed the characters, mystery and twist at the end.

Charming. I was drawn into this book immediately. Hardworking housekeeper Liv Green, works for best selling Author, Essie, who dies suddenly. Liv is challenged with the task of completing her last novel.
For Liv, this is a dream come true, she has always aspired to be a writer. But, she is also intimidated by the 'weight' of her generosity and perplexed, Why her?
Liv is on a mission to discover everything she can about Essie and to answer the question, why was she chosen to complete the book.
There were many twists and turns in this book, which made it a page turning read. This was a light hearted, enjoyable read that I felt had depth and well developed characters, as well as an engaging plot.

Thank you NetGalley and Park Row Books for the opportunity to read and review this delightful book!

jb/https://seniorbooklounge.blogspot.com/

Liv is a 42-year-old mother of two who works three jobs to make ends meet. One of those jobs is a house cleaner. Liv loves to read and often daydreams of becoming a writer herself. One day she lands a job cleaning for her favorite author, Essie Starling. Then, something unexpected happens and Liv's dreams might actually become a reality.

Lovely novel. Its just a little bit of everything; a slice of life mystery-romance. Liv is a down to earth book lover that secretly wants to be a writer, then given the most impossible task. The novel stayed whimsical even at its lowest.

A lighthearted tale of a mum finding her creative spark, perfect for fans of Shirley Valentine. Contains a mystery and a twist at the end.

I am reviewing this book as part of Harper Collins Canada Influencer Program.

A mysterious and famous author. A kind-hearted cleaning lady, aspiring author herself. « The Messy Lives of Book People » is a beautiful and inspiring novel about what it means to be creative in a life that oftentimes lacks colour and magic. Very well-written, Ms. Patrick reminds readers that most times, we can create our own type of magic on a daily basis, and find joy in the little things (such as reading a beloved book). I recommend this book for people who want a light read. Sadly, I found the story to be extremely similar to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s « The Seven Husbands » of Evelyn Hugo (this specific book is even specifically mentioned in Patrick’s novel, making it impossible for previous readers not to make connections between the two). I can recall many instances of parallelism between the stories: the author/actress wanting to have their piece finished by an assistant/journalist in light of their death because of their relationship with the dad, etc. Extremely pleasant read, yet not the most original plot for people who have already read « The Seven Husbands ». A very special thank you to Harper Collins Canada and Park Row Books for this physical ARC copy that will now be passed onto another reader through The Book Fairy initiative.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4719954428

I really enjoyed the story of Liv, a wife and mother who cleaned to help her family’s finances. Liv worked for Essie Starling, an author of the books about a woman named Georgia Rory, books that influenced Liv throughout her life. When Essie asks Liv to help her complete her 20th book, Liv starts to live the life she dreamed of, but is it really what she wants? I recommend this book and thank NetGalley for the ARC.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were great and it was a unique storyline. There were a couple spots where it went on a little more than I liked but mostly flowed pretty well. There was a great twist that I wasn’t expecting. Good read!

This was totally not the story I expected but it was still quite the enjoyable read!

The book people in the story are all connected and yes, their lives certainly are messy. I really loved the premise of the biggest fan, working as a housekeeper for her favorite author - and all the connections that transpire throughout the story. We see all sorts of bookish angles, including the author, the academic, the publisher, the publicist, the book binder, the reader, and even the journalist.... writing and reading from all angles all interwoven in one big messy story that all revolves around my favorite things... books..

It has an inspirational angle I wasn't expecting and I really enjoyed following Liv's growth from beginning to end - despite endless obstacles and uncovered secrets. A fun mystery, and a heartwarming story!

I had such high hopes for this book. It starts so strong and then it just peters out. A huge let down. It could have been so good.

The stuff bibliophile dreams are made of, and will leave you grinning. Delighted to include this charming title in ‘Summer Reading,’ my latest round-up for Zoomer magazine’s Books section highlighting guaranteed great beach pleasers (see mini-review at link).

Liv has always dreamed of becoming a writer. But, with a growing family, her dreams have been put on indefinite hold and she has been content to work as a house cleaner. One of her clients is a reclusive but very famous author named Essie and Liv is one of her biggest and most loyal fans. Just when Liv is beginning know her better, Essie passes away. That’s when Liv discovers that Essie has left very specific instructions in her will. She wants Liv to finish her last novel, with a six months deadline.

The Messy Lives of Book People is a story of a women who is suddenly at the threshold of a new and exciting challenge. Much of the book revolves around Liv’s growth as an author, while building her confidence and envisioning her future.

This book is sweet and quite charming at times, and I enjoyed the author’s writing style. However, the pace is a little slow in some places and the mystery was, for me, fairly minimal. Overall, The Messy Lives of Book People is a nice way to escape into a quieter world for a few hours.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

Here’s another book for book lovers that was recently released from the author of The Library Of Lost and Found and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. Liv Green is the housekeeper of a famous author. She's always dreamed of being a writer and publishing her own book. Now it looks like she'll get her chance when her employer's last wish is for Liv to complete her final book.