I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A young woman dreams of being an author while she uncovers secrets about her grandmother's past.

Thank you NetGalley for an early reading opportunity. I just finished your novel “The Page Turner” and a personal letter to readers, I absolutely loved it!!! This is the first time I have read a book by the author, I requested it in NetGalley because the description and concept called to me. This book was incredible; it made me feel so many emotions. It was so real and relatable to our world. I will be to recommending it to my friends! I came into reading it not know anything about the writer. I am here sitting in Missouri in my office tearing up because the writing hit so many spots. Thank you so much for making this book! As a therapist I use books to escape into words, to travel through the pages of other worlds and to shut my mind from my own thoughts. Once again thank you! This book has second chances, family, judgment, working passed trauma and so much more.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing - Graydon House, and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this ARC.

How far would you go to protect your family’s legacy and everything they’ve worked for—especially when it belongs to the one person you admired most? The Page Turner is a beautifully crafted novel that pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of publishing while exploring the complexities of family, identity, and ambition.

Emma Page, a recent college graduate, has always felt like an outsider in her own family. Her parents, the driving force behind Mighty Pages, a small but prestigious literary publishing house, are unapologetic book purists—quick to dismiss the “mainstream” women’s literature Emma adores as mere “summer beach reads.” Her older sister, Jess, shares their literary snobbery, leaving Emma feeling judged, shunned, and constantly measured against their revered matriarch, Gigi. But unlike the rest of her family, Gigi embraced Emma’s love of books without pretense. Her Michigan lakefront boarding house was the only place Emma ever truly felt at home. So when that sanctuary comes under threat, Emma is determined to protect it at all costs.

Adding to her struggles, Emma has secretly written a manuscript—one she knows her family would likely dismiss—but fears their disapproval too much to share it. Meanwhile, Mighty Pages is floundering, and in a desperate bid to save it, her parents align themselves with one of the publishing industry’s most unscrupulous authors. Unbeknownst to them, his hidden agenda has the power to upend everything they’ve built. To preserve both her family’s legacy and her own aspirations, Emma must confront her doubts, challenge her assumptions, and navigate the treacherous waters of both the literary world and her own family’s expectations.

A compelling exploration of family dynamics, ambition, and the pursuit of both professional success and personal fulfillment, The Page Turner is a heartfelt novel that will leave you rooting not just for the survival of Mighty Pages, but for Emma’s long-overdue recognition as a writer in her own right. Don’t miss this captivating read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Graydon for the ARC opportunity.
This is my second novel by Viola Shipman. I like it better than the other novel I’ve read as the storyline captured my attention more. Admittedly, it took me awhile to get into. I was over halfway before it picked up for me and the beginning did not hook me. I do think the topic was interesting and I liked most of the characters. Parts felt rushed, like when the sisters suddenly got along again. I appreciated the author’s note at the end as well.
3/5 stars

I’m giving this book 4 stars due to it having a slow start. After reading the summary of this book I was very interested in the storyline and excited to read it. At first the book did drag a bit, but I was very glad I stuck it out. I ended up loving the rest of the book. I loved Emma and her love for books, her Gigi and her family in spite of how different they acted from herself. This book is about relationships of family, friends, yourself and how you will handle some of life’s tough decisions. I also enjoyed the little “Easter eggs” that the author left which lead me to figure out part of the mystery in this book earlier the Emma did, which delighted me. I am 100% in agreement with the author that books help us escape in good times and especially the hard time in our lives, they help us feel grounded and can also teach us about ourselves and others.

This was my first Viola Shipman novel and it won’t be my last. Shipman writes from the heart and helps bring us into a world that you don’t feel alone in. Keep writing and showing us a different part of this world.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House for this eARC in return for my honest review.

Emma Page is a recent college graduate whose parents own a small publishing company; her sister, Jess, works for them as an influencer. Emma secretly has written a romance novel; a book she knows her parents will frown upon and not the type of book they would publish. She is trying to determine her future after college. Emma learns her beloved grandmother, Gigi, who recently passed away, wrote romance novels; a connection she never realized. She discovers the publishing house is in financial trouble and their involvement with an author, Marcus Flare, who they think will save them. He is someone you will dislike immensely. This book will give you an insight into the publishing world and a behind-the-scenes look at what transpires among authors and publishers. It is a story about family secrets, family hurts, unconditional love and strong women. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

If you are looking for a book that defines the joy of reading, shares the emotions behind experiencing a story, and emphasizes the importance of books, then this book is for you. Emma is a recent college graduate, and the child of parents who own their own book publishing firm, The Mighty Pages. She’s also written her first novel and is searching for her first job. The Mighty Pages has experienced some down times in the publishing industry, so they partner with Marcus Flare, an author Emma despises. Emma’s nervous about sharing with her parents that she wrote a novel as hers is not one they typically work on, and even more so now with their partnership with Marcus. As she learns more about the deal with Marcus, and their struggles in the publishing world, Emma wants nothing more than to help her family.

While the story itself was very slow moving and really didn’t get to the meat of the plot until well past the halfway point, the message about books and reading is what really drew me in. The idea of writing under a pen name to hide your identity and some of the behind the scenes of the book world provided additional layers to the story. And I enjoyed the setting along the water in Michigan, the summer cottage with the eyebrows, and the true bonds of family.

Thank you to Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review.

The Page Turner by Viola Shipman is a charming and heartwarming story about Emma Page, who navigates the high expectations of her literary parents while secretly writing the romance novels they despise. The book captures the warmth of Emma’s connection with her late grandmother’s “fluff” romance novels, offering a sweet reminder of how stories can transcend generations. While Emma’s emotional rollercoaster can feel a bit exaggerated at times, her journey of self-discovery is relatable and endearing.

The supporting characters, especially VV, the quirky literary agent, bring a unique charm to the story. Although some plot twists were predictable and certain aspects of the book stretched believability, the novel’s focus on family dynamics and Emma’s growth made for an enjoyable read. The Page Turner is a heartfelt reminder of finding your voice amid expectations, and it’s sure to resonate with anyone who’s ever sought solace in a beloved book. This definitely wasn't a book I'd find myself reading again, but I did enjoy the time I spent with it.

Thanks to Graydon House and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

This was not at all for me... I expected it to be fluffy, and a quick easy read. The blurb made it sound interesting and I do like a good peek behind the publishing curtain. Unfortunately, from the very beginning I found this one full of purple prose that irritated me rather than advanced the story. I didn't enjoy the characters and I didn't particularly enjoy the writing. This one was definitely not a good fit for me...

This was another amazing story by Viola Shipman. Loved the characters and family dynamic they had. A very compelling story. And a few twists and turns to keep the reader interested from beginning to end. I loved Emma and her passion and courage. Loved how outspoken she was when it was needed. And her relationship with her grandmother really spoke to me. A truly wonderful story.

The Page Turner is a story about how books are an important part of readers lives for different reasons.
Emma Page tries to please her parents and somehow not leave behind her Grandma’s memory as she graduates from college and tries to find her way. Her parents are always looking for the next new thing and Emma isn’t ready to let her Grandma’s home go.
She never feels like her parents include her but she tries to find a way to help them when she realizes their publishing company is in trouble. With the help of her sister they come up with a plan that will either sink them or lead them to success .
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more Viola Shipman books in the future. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy for my opinion.

Emma is fresh out of college trying to figure out what she wants to do with life. She's at odds with her family who sees her as naive and unlike them. She doesn't understand why they've collaborated with a misogynistic writer. She gets sucked into his nefarious plot to destroy her family while at the same time discovering a secret about her deceased grandmother. Can she find a way to save her family and honor her grandmother's legacy?

I struggled to relate to the protagonist. She was unlikable at times, seeming too obtuse even for her young age. The plotline was somewhat predictable and the ending wrapped up believably but not inspirationally or satisfactorily. Just an okay read that wasn't really for me.

If you love books about books (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), The Page Turner is an absolute must-read! This one’s got everything: family drama, publishing industry intrigue, and a main character you can’t help but root for.

Emma Page is the odd one out in her literary-obsessed family—her parents are pretentious "serious" authors, her sister is a book influencer with major clout, and Emma? Well, she secretly writes romance, the very genre her family snubs. But when she stumbles upon a buried family secret that could shatter her parents' reputation, she’s faced with an impossible choice: let their publishing empire crumble or protect the very people who’ve never respected her passion.

Shipman takes us from the Hamptons to Lake Michigan, serving up a juicy insider’s look at the publishing world while wrapping it all in wit, heart, and a touch of scandal. Think Elinor Lipman meets Jennifer Weiner—sharp, charming, and just the right amount of drama. Plus, the themes of book snobbery and following your creative dreams will resonate with anyone who’s ever been told their favorite genre isn’t “real” literature (which, as librarians, we know is nonsense!).

This one’s perfect for fans of smart, layered family stories with a dash of romance. And fair warning—you’ll be wishing for a sequel by the last page!

A florid piece of crap featuring one dimensional villains and a tiresome heroine who goes around declaiming all the time.

It’s deeply unshocking that this book, featuring a misogynistic author writing women’s fiction under a pen name, is actually the work of a male author using a female pseudonym. He clearly has a terrible opinion of women — they’re all either vapid and shallow and spend most of their time screaming at each other, or bound by an equally shallow “girl power” type code rooted in their own sense of youthful superiority.

And he must particularly hate young women, since his “heroine” can apparently be bribed into putting up with continued sexual harassment and stalking from a dude because he sends her …. stickers and a Taylor Swift t-shirt.?

While at first I couldn't relate much to Emma Page, this book came around and turned into one of the most delightful surprises for a reader. Funny at times, The Page Turner is a small glimpse into the world we don't often see: the journey behind the book. I appreciate the commentary in this novel and how Shipman draws on their own experiences to bring everyone to life. The secrets unfold slowly, with a good use of flashbacks to tell the story. I do find the puzzle pieces all coming together tough to believe, especially surrounding Emma.

By the end I was engrossed, and finding plenty to relate to. Shipman's letter to readers at the end of the novel was one of my favourite parts. THAT I was all in on. A true celebration of books.


"Books are a chance to right the wrong in our wold, an opportunity to rewrite ourselves". (quote from the author's letter to readers).

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Shipman, and Graydon House for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

I love a book with a strong female character who remains true to her voice throughout the novel. Emma is a recent Univ. of Michigan graduate who wants to be a writer but is being pushed into following her parents’ and sister’s footsteps by working in publishing. Emma thinks her parents are elitist sell-outs who have forgotten their roots and she is all too happy to remind them at every opportunity. Along the way, Emma uncovers a plot to destroy her parents and she’s forced to make some decisions. I’m not sure it was all that realistic but all in all, I loved the biting and quick dialogue as well as the clear love of all things bookish the author conveys with this story.

From the author: This novel is about overcoming fear and rediscovering your voice. As I write: Every voice is important. Every story needs to be heard.

Emma Page is a recent college graduate with dreams of writing romance novels. She has written a novel that she thinks is good but knows that her snobby parents will not approve. Her parents own the ‘Mighty Pages' publishing group and they do not dally with books that would be considered mainstream, or popular. Rather they give their attention to books that they con
sider to be “fine literature”.

Emma is surprised to learn that Mighty Pages, is in trouble financially at the same time that she learns that their company is forming a partnership with Marcus Flare who, in her opinion, is a “snake”. Emma has no use for Marcus, whom she believes, does not love or support women but in actuality he belittles romance, fiction and character driven books and is a total sexist and chauvinist. He is also self-fish and greedy.

Believing that working with a company such as her parents is not really his style, Emma seeks out the reason that Marcus has suddenly become so friendly. with her family. After confiding what she has learned, Emma and Jess decide to flip the story. They must come up with a way to save the family business from an unscrupulous partner.
A captivating story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Books aren’t just books. Books are family. Authors are friends. The stories we read are timestamps in our memories. They bookmark important chapters in our lives and growth. Books are a chance to right the wrong in the world, an opportunity to rewrite ourselves. We can reimagine and reinvent, see the world in an entirely new way simply by turning a page. Or, sometimes, we can just escape from our own lives."

#EmptyNestReader #instagram #Goodreads #ThePageTurner #ViolaShipman #fiction #FebruaryReads #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #ebooks #NetGalley #BooksAboutBooks

Thanks to Viola Shipman, NetGalley and Graydon House for this Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for a fair review. Publication Date: April 8, 3035

The Page Turner by Viola Shipman is a delightful and heartwarming novel that expertly navigates the world of family dynamics, the publishing industry, and the charm of summer romance. Emma Page has long felt like an outsider in her literary-minded family, where her "serious" parents hold highbrow standards and look down on anything deemed popular or lighthearted. As Emma secretly writes her own romance manuscript, she draws inspiration from the beloved, yet often disparaged, novels her late grandmother cherished.

The story takes a twist when Emma uncovers a long-buried secret in her grandmother’s belongings—a secret that could destroy her parents’ business, The Mighty Pages, and shatter their carefully cultivated reputation in the literary world. As Emma grapples with the choice of exposing the truth and potentially ruining her family's legacy, readers are taken on a journey that explores themes of authenticity, self-acceptance, and the power of storytelling.

Shipman’s writing is a treat, weaving together humor and emotional depth, and the vibrant setting—from the quaint family cottage to the glamorous Hamptons—adds a touch of escapism to the story. The Page Turner is a celebration of finding one’s voice, the complexities of family, and the sometimes surprising power of “fluff” fiction. This novel will resonate with readers who appreciate a good blend of romance, family drama, and a dash of mystery, making it a perfect summer read.

I did not expect this book to be what it was about. Once I got into it it was a bit predictable. Overall it was an okay book but nothing that I would highly recommend or read again. A good combination of women's fiction and mystery. I just think this was not a book for me.

I'm sorry, but I really hated this book. The main character was insufferable, the writing itself was awful, and the dialogue was completely unbelievable. Apologies to Shipman fans, but I won't be reading any more of his work.