Many of Wade Rouse's novels, written under the pen name of Viola Shipman, are heartwarming tributes to family, love, and the challenge of following one's hopes and dreams in the face of others' disapproval. The Page Turner, by contrast, has so different a tone from other Shipman novels that I had a difficult time identifying empathetic characters, and I found little of it to be charming or heartwarming.

Emma is a recent college graduate whose parents own a publishing house, The Mighty Pages, that focuses mainly on highbrow literary novels, including the ones written by the patriarch himself. The exception is the romance novels of their highest-selling author, Marcus Flare. Emma prefers romances herself and has written a thoughtful one over the past four years, but she hasn't dared to tell her parents about it, knowing they will look down on her for writing in that genre. She was much closer to her grandma, GiGi, who introduced her to books that filled her heart and encouraged her ambition. But GiGi is no longer alive, and Emma is no longer close to her older sister, Jess, a prominent book influencer who has bought into their parents' literary tastes.

For the first half of the book, I couldn't tell where the plot was going. There were many pages of Emma's complaints and musings about her unsupportive family and the way men treat women in books, as exemplified by Flare's misogynistic romances. It felt to me like a feminist diatribe rather than a stimulating plot. As a result, I did not engage with the character of Emma. Several of the other characters also come across as one-note, in particular the odious Flare and Emma's seemingly clueless mother. There is some redemption late in the book for one of these, but not the other. I also consider the plot about how Emma's first novel was treated by the publishing world unconvincing.

There is more plot in the latter half of the book, and the ending is satisfying. However, this book is a miss overall for me. I would highly recommend other Viola Shipman books such as The Wishing Bridge (a charming 2023 Christmas-adjacent novel), The Heirloom Garden, and the Summer Cottage.

My thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide na honest review of this book.

This was a fun cat and mouse book within the publishing world. There are family secrets, redemption and reconciliation. I liked the characters, especially the eccentric VV (who did not get enough screen time IMO.) I did feel it got a little silly at times and heavy handed at others, but it was enjoyable and definitely different.

I am a fan of Viola Shipman/Wade Rouse. This is the best book written by this author! The combination of family drama and the publishing industry brings the story to life. Throw in the references to Michigan, and it makes for a great read. This book sheds light on the publishing industry, while trying to maintain the struggles in families. I loved Emma and Gigi and wasn’t fond of Emma’s family until the story took a big turn. I figured out the twist early on, but was thrilled to learn the whole story. This is a must read! Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy!

I received an ARC copy of this for a review.

I have to admit, this was not my favorite book by this author. While I did enjoy it, it was not a top 10 read for me. I found it slow at the beginning and I never got invested in the characters like I do with many of this author's books. Still worth a read, especially if you are a Viola Shipman fan. Pick this one up April 2025.

My Mom and I love Viola Shipman's writing! We discovered their books through Brenda Novak's book club a few years ago and now Viola Shipman is a must read. The Page Turner was a personal favourite, all of the bookish content was wonderful.

The Page Turner by Viola Shipman ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Harlequin Trade Publishing
Pub Date: 4-8-25

Thank you @netgalley, @htpbooks, and @viola_shipman for this eARC.

The Page Turner is an enjoyable novel set in the world of books - reading, writing, publicizing, and publishing.

Emma Page, recent college graduate and aspiring author, is at the center of this story focused on family dynamics, a mystery, and whether some writing genres are more worthy than others.

The relationship between Emma and her grandmother, GiGi, is the heart of the story. GiGi instilled a lifelong love of reading - and the value of all books - in Emma. I would love a follow up with GiGi as the main character. What a story that would be!

The Author's Notes and Acknowledgements are so valuable to the overall reading experience for me. This is true both inside and outside of this novel:

"Go now and read! Anything and everything! Hug your librarian! Support your local bookseller! And go to places you never imagined, be people you never dreamed, walk in shoes to places you thought you’d never travel, experience the world, and be changed. It is a privilege to evolve and change. We should never be the same people we were. Books help us on that journey." - S.I. Quaeris

"My grandma— my pen name, Viola Shipman— and my mother— a floor, ER and ICU nurse and, later, a hospice nurse— sensed I was “different,” and they swept me under their wings, loved me unconditionally and made sure I cherished my uniqueness. One of the ways they did this was by pushing books into my hands from the earliest of ages and making it clear that reading and education would not only change my life but quite possibly save it." - Viola Shipman

#thepageturner #violashipman #htpbooks #netgalley

Viola Shipman is a favorite author of mine. I was so excited to read The Page Turner. It was fabulous!!

Lovely, lovely!! Emma was adorable. I absolutely loved GiGi. This was everything the author hoped it would be, a testament to love and family. to unconditional love. This was definitely a feel good read.

The book is wonderfully written! I couldn't put it down!
Thank you for letting me read this book! Definitely recommend!

Viola Shipman has never disappointed me with any of her books and she once again hits a "home run". I always love her characters and her story lines. Shipman fans cannot miss her newest novel!! Thanks, as always, for the advance copy.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved the main characters! They had great chemistry and worked so well together. I loved how the book just flowed. My first by this author but will not be my last!!!

In this novel, Viola Shipman delves into the complexities of family secrets and the publishing world, but the execution sometimes fell flat. Emma deserves more than the one-dimensional characters surrounding her, like Marcus Flare and her clichéd mother. The story builds toward a predictable happy ending, I did like the characters quite a lot and found this to be quite enjoyable.

If asked, Emma Page, would tell you that she never really fit in, especially in her own family. She certainly would never tell you that her words, her courage, and her love of that family would be the things that will help them protect all that matters to them. Viola Shipman's new book is a tribute to books, and more importantly, the power of embracing our own voice.

Viola, you wrote an absolutely fantastic story! I devoured this book. I could not put it down. I talked about it with everyone. My husband kept asking how things were going in the story. It was beautifully written, and just darling. I loved it! Highly, highly recommend this book. Viola, you have a gift for writing.

I've heard really great things about this author but haven't read any of his books until now. I liked the premise but the characters felt very basic - evil author, optimistic college grad, aloof mother, etc. I liked the South Haven, Michigan setting for Gigi's place and the love was clearly felt for "rom-com beach reads". Also, this is a minor thing but it felt weird that Emma's friends were referred to as "Gin and Juice". Why can't we just call them by their name?

2.5 stars, rounded up.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Violet shipman does not disappoint with this new story. I enjoyed the welleveloped characters and the interesting plot line. His loyal followers will enjoy this one!

Viola Shipman does not disappoint. I liked the family aspect of this book. A family in the book industry. It wasn't a typical Viola book but still had all the elements.

I adored this book with the themes of family and loyalty, and the insight into the publishing world. The characters lacked a bit of depth plus some parts were very far fetched so this is definitely a light-hearted read that is meant to not be taken seriously. Think of it as a good palate cleanser book.

I enjoyed this read. Set in South Haven, Michigan, the book also offers a charming look at the publishing industry, with a fun family mystery woven in. I especially enjoyed following Emma as she navigates her first year post-college, balancing her dreams of becoming an author with the realities of life. It delves into family, loyalty, strength, and the fight for what’s right, with characters who are complex yet lovable—just like life. The family at the heart of the story shares a vision for the future, but they each have very different ideas on how to achieve it. The dynamics are relatable, reflecting the challenges we all face in our own relationships.

This was my first Viola Shipman book. I enjoyed the insight into the publishing industry and how different genres of books are regarded. I loved the main character’s relationship with her grandmother. I found it hard to like several of the other characters, and I found their eventual transformations into nicer people somewhat unbelievable.