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Review : The Book Share by Phaedra Patrick

We’re delighted to be sharing Elena’s thoughts about The Book Share by Phaedra Patrick.

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Book cover for The Book Share by Phaedra Patrick.  A woman sits cross legged on a yellow armchair with stacks of books either side of her.  The background is red and book title in white with the author's name in yellow
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HQ (31 Mar. 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0008418454
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008418458

Liv Green loves losing herself in a good book. But her everyday reality is less romantic, cleaning houses for people who barely give her the time of day. So when she lands a job housekeeping for her personal hero and mega-bestselling author Essie Starling, she can’t believe her luck.

When Essie dies unexpectedly, Liv is left with a life-changing last wish: to complete Essie’s final novel. To do so, change-averse Liv will have to step away from the fictitious worlds in her head, and into Essie’s shoes. As she begins to write, she uncovers a surprising connection between the two women – and a secret that will change Liv’s life forever…

Book Review

Liv is a cleaner, mum to two older boys and a wife, is cruising along nicely. Despite having a job she’s less than thrilled with, cleaning for 3 different clients who don’t really appreciate her, she’s happiest when she’s cleaning for best-selling author Essie Starling. Liv has always adored books and loves nothing more than to be swept away into the world of reading to escape the mundane.

One day however her life changes beyond her dreams. Essie dies unexpectedly and her wish is that Liv finish the book that she herself hasn’t been able to finish. Liv can hardly believe what is being asked of her and isn’t sure whether she is up to the job. For years she has been hiding in the shadows not realising her own potential and this is just such a scary prospect! Can she overcome her own mental blocks and complete the book, fulfilling Essie’s wish and realising her talents?

I totally adored The Book Share to the point where I couldn’t put it down.

Liv is a likeable and relatable character who has always put other people first so this chance to shine by writing the book is her chance to prove herself. I felt that those closest to her didn’t really appreciate her enough and felt that she had so much to give! I loved that she made her own cleaning products for her clients out of necessity showing her resourcefulness. She is hardworking and reliable and I felt that the opportunity to write presented itself at exactly the right moment.

As the story progresses, she grows in confidence and starts to appreciate her worth. This changes things with regards to her closest relationships.

The book is written really well and in a style which meant I was engaged from the very beginning.

The characters are well depicted and the story itself is charming and entertaining, meaning that I was totally invested throughout.

I was sad when this book finished and thoroughly recommend it!

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Phaedra Patrick studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organizer and communications manager. Her books have been translated into twenty-five languages worldwide and her first three novels were all USA Today bestsellers. Her second novel Rise and Shine Benedict Stone has been made into a Hallmark movie. Phaedra lives with her family in Saddleworth where she writes full-time.

Twitter @phaedrapatrick

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