The messy lives of book people

Title:

Author:

Summary:

"Mother of two Liv Green barely scrapes by as a maid to make ends meet, often finding escape in a good book while daydreaming of becoming a writer herself. So she can't believe her luck when she lands a job housekeeping for her personal hero, megabestselling author Essie Starling, a mysterious and intimidating recluse. The last thing Liv expected was to be the only person Essie talks to, which leads to a tenuous friendship. But when Essie dies suddenly, a devastated Liv is astonished to learn of her last wish: for Liv to complete Essie's final novel. But to do so Liv will have to step into Essie's shoes, and as Liv begins to write, she uncovers secrets from the past that reveal a surprising connection between the two women--one that will change Liv's own story forever..." -- Back cover.

General Note:

Includes questions for discussion.

Physical Description:

341 pages ; 21 cm

Genre:

Domestic fiction.

Subject Term:

Female friendship -- Fiction.

Women novelists -- Fiction.

Women household employees -- Fiction.

Secrecy -- Fiction.

Life change events -- Fiction.

Recluses -- Fiction.

Publisher:

Park Row Books,

Publication Date:

2022

ISBN:

9780778312000

Publication Information:

Toronto, Ontario : Park Row Books, [2022].

Call Number:

PATRICK

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003532473	Adult Fiction	PATRICK Phaedra	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

The house cleaner of a famous author must carry out her employer's shocking last wish in this delightful new novel from beloved author Phaedra Patrick

Mother of two Liv Green barely scrapes by as a maid to make ends meet, often finding escape in a good book while daydreaming of becoming a writer herself. So she can't believe her luck when she lands a job housekeeping for her personal hero, megabestselling author Essie Starling, a mysterious and intimidating recluse. The last thing Liv expected was to be the only person Essie talks to, which leads to a tenuous friendship.

When Essie passes away suddenly, Liv is astonished to learn that her dying wish was for Liv to complete her final novel. But to do so Liv will have to step into Essie's shoes. As Liv begins to write, she uncovers secrets from the past that reveal a surprising connection between the two women--one that will change Liv's own story forever...

Don't miss Phaedra Patrick's uplifting new novel, The Little Italian Hotel!

Check out these other heartwarming stories from Phaedra Patrick:

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone The Library of Lost and Found The Secrets of Love Story Bridge

Reviews (1)

Library Journal Review

Patrick (The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper) has written a novel about a woman's search for herself while living the life of someone else, a famous author no less. Single mother of two Liv Green is struggling to make ends meet. She loves to read and dreams of becoming a writer. When her favorite author, Essie Starling, a notorious recluse, hires her as her house cleaner, Liv is beyond excited. Then Essie dies suddenly, and Liv learns that Essie's dying wish is for her to finish her final novel. As Liv researches and begins to write, she realizes a connection the two women share. Liv is a relatable character thrust into a unique situation. Essie's final request gives her the opportunity for new experiences, allowing her to expand her horizons while pursuing her dreams. Narrator Katy Sobey brings Liv to life, giving depth to both the personal struggles and the triumphs of the main character. The ending, while not surprising, will satisfy readers. VERDICT Informed listeners will also enjoy the many novels the protagonist reads, including both classics and more recent books.--Elyssa Everling