“The Page Turner is a novel about how books save us, whether we are writers or readers.”

The Page Turner had a much deeper, empowering message than just the fictional story. It was intriguing, reflective, and thought provoking with the sweetest dedication, an adorable cover, and an author’s note that gives the story a whole new meaning. A story of standing up for yourself and not letting anyone keep you from following your dreams.

A book about books and the ins and outs of the publishing world with so many literary references and quotes! I loved hearing big name publisher names inside the story. The MC, Emma Page, is telling her family's story of being the daughter in a famous literary family, whose parents are both NYT best selling authors and own a publicist business. Being a nepo baby, Emma feels like she has to live up to her pretentious parent’s fame even though her passion /dream is different from their expectations. But when she discovers a long lived family secret, cue the chaos, drama, threats, blackmail, and revenge.

I adored the strong bond Emma had with her Gigi and their alliance against her parents. Emma and Gigi were both sassy and sarcastic which I enjoyed and laughed multiple times while reading. I also loved hearing the literary/pop culture references. The first 20% of the book was a little slow and confusing, but the last 80% was so good.

I read this book in tandem with the audiobook. The narrator, Katharine Chin, did a fabulous job bringing the quirky, pretentious family and their story to life. Chin delivered a flawless performance from start to finish.

Thank you @htpbooks, @htp_hive, @harlequinaudio, @graydonhouse, and @netgalley for the #gifted ARC & ALC. All thoughts/opinions are my own.

This book was a great story to listen to. Viola Shipman has penned a true testament to authors and the publishing industry. The characters in this book have many facets, some you love and some you hate but inevitably the good win out. I love multi generational books and this one has a wonderful close relationship between grandchild and grandmother. There are some twists and turns in this book that keep you wanting to listen more. The narrator had a wonderful voice that made listening to this book even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.

Viola Shipman’s The Page Turner is an engaging mix of family drama, literary intrigue, and self-discovery. At its heart, it’s a novel about embracing one’s passions despite external judgment, wrapped in a compelling, multi-layered story.

Emma Page has always felt like an outsider in her book-obsessed family. Her parents run The Mighty Pages, a struggling publishing house that values only highbrow literature, while her sister, Jess, is a powerful book influencer. Emma, however, secretly writes romance—the very genre her family dismisses. When she uncovers her late grandmother’s hidden legacy as a beloved romance author, she finds both inspiration and a shocking secret that could shatter her family’s reputation.

As Emma wrestles with her identity as a writer, she must also face a vengeful industry insider threatening to expose her family’s hypocrisy. What follows is a thought-provoking exploration of ambition, integrity, and the divide between literary prestige and popular fiction.

One of the novel’s standout elements is its behind-the-scenes look at publishing. Shipman delves into how books are chosen, marketed, and judged, shedding light on the lingering bias against commercial fiction. Many readers will relate to Emma’s frustration with literary snobbery and the undervaluing of books that bring joy to millions.

The characters are well-developed and authentic. Emma is witty, self-aware, and relatable as she navigates family expectations and her own creative dreams. Jess is a fascinating mix of confidence and insecurity, while their parents, though pretentious, are not without complexity. Their rigid ideals create tension, but their love for their work and family remains evident.

Shipman’s writing balances humor, warmth, and insight, making The Page Turner more than just a novel about books—it’s about self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of storytelling in all its forms. Whether you love romance, literary fiction, or simply a great story about following your dreams, this book is a must-read.

The Page Turner explores the world of book publishing and snobby elites in Viola Shipman’s new novel.
Emma is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan, who was very close to her grandmother, Gigi. Her parents own a small literary fiction publishing house and her sister is an influencer working for them. Her parents sign a contract to partner with Marcus, who is a successful author but slimy human, who is bent on revenge and destroying her parents. We learn Marcus has a connection to her beloved grandmother, and Emma and her sister, Jess, work to stop him.
Overall, I thought this was a good solid read. The twist at the end wasn’t surprising, but I thought the message of the book was wonderful. Books really can save us.

Fun behind the scenes look at the publishing industry with a strong female protagonist and an engaging family story. Wade's fans and those who love books about books will love this.

This was an okay read for me, which was disappointing because I LOVED this cover. Katharine Chin did a solid job as the narrator, but even her performance couldn’t save The Page Turner from its many inconsistencies.

For one, it’s hard to believe that Emma’s grandmother, Gigi, could be written as such a beacon of warmth, joy, and wisdom while somehow raising a son who turns out to be… kind of a jerk. Then there’s the "bad guy"—why on earth would he trust Emma or think she’d actually go along with his plan? The tone of the novel is strange, I don't know what to call it. It isn't women's fiction, it isn't chick-lit, it isn't a family saga. I think it was supposed to be about love, as Gigi's books were but it didn't have the warmth for that. It just didn't work for me.