Viola Shipman is a must-buy author for me, and I was surprised this took me a while to get into. At first, I was put off by the references to bloggers and influencers. It seemed too modern, not like his other books. In fact, I put it down for a long time. But I'm glad I gave the novel a second chance. I found at its heart a story of love and family ties.

A family-run publishing company falls on hard times and becomes a victim of those trying to destroy it. The family that was slowly falling apart reconnects to save the things that are most important to them.

It is a love story about books, publishing and family.

I did receive an advanced digital copy for review, but immediately purchased a physical copy to add to my collection. I'll never doubt a Viola Shipman book again.

I'd like to thank Wade Rouse, Graydon House, and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I started reading this and realized it wasn’t for me, but I am giving it 3 ⭐️ because it wouldn’t be fair to rate it lower if I didn’t fully read it.

Emma has been a life long reader with hopes of one day being a published writer. With encouragement from her Gigi, she decided to chase that dream, without telling her book publisher parents. When her beloved grandmother passed, Emma graduates from college and mistakenly decide where she wants to work and if she is willing to risk it all to chase her dream. When Marcus Flair, a famous writer, threatens her family, she decides she will beat him at his own game and hopefully get her own dream fulfilled too.

I always enjoy the voice of Viola Shipman, a gay author that uses the pen name of his grandmother. This book hit a little closer to home for him and you could tell in the way he weaved the story. I enjoyed it and will recommend it!!

I have been a huge fan of Viola Shipman's stories since I read the very first one. They are full of feelings, family, and memories. The Page Turner took a little bit of a turn from the usual feel of her stories. There is plenty of family, but the drama this time took place more in the business world rather than the personal lives of the characters. So there was all of that business drama added to the family issues.

Emma Page doesn't fit into the family business but when a situation arises, she is thrown into the foray and discovers some long buried family secrets. Can things be set right or is it too late?

I thoroughly enjoyed The Page Turner and the only thing I'm sad about is that it's over and now I have to wait on Viola's next book.

I had a hard time getting into this one. I struggled to like our main character and to feel connected to her. I thought the writing was descriptive and the setting lovely, but I just could not connect many feelings towards Emma.

Another ode to all things family, books, and Michigan from a talented author who includes heart and drama and secrets in every sweet story. This was a slow - but not boring- novel - gentle pacing but it held my interest. It was very much a love story to romance novels and a peek into the publishing side of the industry. Enjoyable and endearing.

This was definitely an interesting read. It centered in the world of publishing and a family in publishing and all that jazz.
The whole story was moving especially that note to the reader at the end. I am looking forward to their next book

thank you to netgalley for the e-arc. this moved so slow, why were things beginning to feel like they're happening towards the end? the mystery in the end was entirely obvious and a let down.

I struggled with this one. I don't know what happened but I just kept putting it down and then trying again later. I could not get into it so have decided it's just not for me. The narrator did an ok job but since I didn't finish it I won't say she didn't do good. I won't even say the book isn't good. I only read about one-third and gave up. I may try again later on, but for now it's a DNF for me.

There is nothing written by Viola Shipman that I have read to date that has earned less than five stars. This novel is no different. When one member of a family cannot forget all her grandma had taught her, she stands up to her parents and her sister, risking losing them and everything she loves to make them see just how far they've moved from the goal.

The Page Turner was my first read by Viola Shipman, and it will definitely not be my last.
I absolutely adored this book and Emma Page's story. This book was cozy and cute and gave me all the feels.

Lots of aspects of reading, writing and publishing in this book, which I found very interesting. Otherwise it was a slow read, which I did finish. It was just OK.

Super cute, super fun book. It was a quick, easy read. I read through it in one sitting. Will read more from Viola Shipman in the future.

I love books that part the curtain into a new world—and The Page Turner does just that, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into publishing and the world of literary gatekeeping. Emma’s journey is layered with complexity: she’s caught between the popular romances she adores from her grandmother’s secret library and the “serious fiction” her prestigious literary family insists is worthy of publication. That tension, combined with a long-buried secret that could unravel her family’s legacy, creates a compelling blend of coming-of-age, women’s fiction, and quiet romance.

This was a fun read that also gave me plenty to think about. Don’t let the playful cover art fool you—and don’t underestimate Emma. She and this book have far more grit and backbone than first impressions suggest.

For anyone who’s ever felt torn between voice and expectation, this story offers both comfort and courage.

Thank you to Viola Shipman, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this unforgettable novel. This review reflects my personal response to the book.

Thank you net galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

It took me a long time to get to this book. It was a slow start but WOW. The message of this book was very clear to me, all books are worthy of being read. We all have our own cup of tea and it's ok to read what we like and shouldnt be ashamed by it. I am not sure why it took Gigi's granddaughter so long to figure out she was the mysterious author she loved so much, I figured it out within the first few chapters. But I loved their relationship and the familial relationship that the matriarch had with the rest of the family too. I grew up with a grandmother who read paperbacks with long haired men on the cover, I guess they are called bodice rippers now. I love the "beach read" "chick lit" genre and I am sure she would have too. I love them because I read for fun, I read for entertainment and I read for escape. Sometimes even the simplest books can speak to you and they don't have to be approved of by literary minds like the Parents in this story. The Author's Notes were also very touching and I am glad I took the time to read them. I am a big fan and will continue to seek out anything this author writes.

Emma Page appreciates fine literature, especially as she has come from a literary family. Not following her parents’ tradition, Emma has a love for romance, and penning a romance novel would not be in line with her parents’ vanity press. In fact, the family is known as the Mighty Pages, and to refer to them as literary snobs would be right on target. Emma stands out from her family, even her sister Jess, a well respected book reviewer.

But there was a much deeper story to be told other than Emma hoping that her publisher will buy her story. Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse) touches on deep issues in this book. One of those serious issues is that of the Bechdel Test. As much as I read, this term was new to me. I didn’t realize that the simple way for this test to be passed is having two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. In this book, there are Emma and her sister Jess, and their conversations. Not only is this one of the issue explored, I love how the author gave great substance to their conversations.

Not only will the reader gain so much by reading this book, there is also his personal letter to his readers at the end of the story. There is also an excellent discussion guide included with this book. One discussion point that really stood out to me was this one: “Books written for, by or about women are often categorized as “beach reads” or “chick lit” which can diminish their value in many readers’ eyes before they even read the book. In addition, hopeful stories with happy endings are often deemed “less than” by literary critics who tend to prefer books with heavier or darker themes.” Serious food for thought.

Emma’s journey to publication also offers insights into the publishing industry, including submissions and acquisitions. The bad, as well as the good. I was thoroughly engaged in the story of Emma Page and her family, as I have been with every Viola Shipman book I’ve read.

Many thanks to Graydon House and to NetGalley for this book for review. This is my honest opinion.

I loved this book! I always enjoy books by Viola Shipman and this was as good as expected. I loved the interesting characters, the family tensions and the mysterious discoveries. This book kept me reading much later in the night than is good for me! Thanks #NetGalley

I just couldn’t get into this one, I kept trying and trying to care and I never really got around to it.

The Page Turner by Viola Shipman was a slow start for me. I wasn't so sure about it at the beginning of the book but after getting further into the book I actually started to enjoy it. It was a sort of different style for me. I actually got use to the authors writing style and laughed outloud a few times. I loved a few of the references like when it mentions Schitt's Creek. I absolutely loved that show! The story was full of quirky family members.... Like the grandmother. I fell in love with her and her advice she gave her granddaughter. I would say all in all I still enjoyed this book. If you start it and decide to DNF it in the beginning... My advice would be for you to hang on a few chapters in before you make your final decision. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Happy reading y'all! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc.

I loved the beginning of the book- it took me back to Michigan, a place I grew up and love dearly. I just felt like it fell flat for me and I didn’t want to continue reading. I found myself not able to pay attention and ultimately DNF.