The Messy Lives of Book People

The Messy Lives of Book People

Phaedra Patrick

eAudio - 2022

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 int...o 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... Look for Phaedra Patrick's previous charming bestsellers! The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone The Library of Lost and Found The Secrets of Love Story Bridge

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Subjects
Women household employees > Fiction.
Women novelists > Fiction.
Recluses > Fiction.
Female friendship > Fiction.
Life change events > Fiction.
Published
[United States] : Harlequin Audio 2022.
Language
English
Corporate Author
hoopla digital
Main Author
Phaedra Patrick (-)
Corporate Author
hoopla digital (-)
Other Authors
Katy Sobey (-)
Edition
Unabridged
Online Access
Instantly available on hoopla.
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Physical Description
1 online resource (1 audio file (9hr., 51 min.)) : digital
Format
Mode of access: World Wide Web.
ISBN
9781488213533
Access
AVAILABLE FOR USE ONLY BY IOWA CITY AND RESIDENTS OF THE CONTRACTING GOVERNMENTS OF JOHNSON COUNTY, UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, HILLS, AND LONE TREE (IA).
Contents unavailable.
Review by Booklist Review

What if you had the chance to step into your favorite author's shoes? That's what happens to Liv--wife, mother, aspiring writer, and house cleaner. When the famous recluse and best-selling author Essie dies unexpectedly, Liv learns that Essie's final wish was for Liv to finish her manuscript on her behalf, while keeping her death a secret. But to accomplish this, Liv must unravel Essie's past to find a perfect ending for her characters. Liv quickly discovers that nothing pertaining to Essie is as it seems, while her journey shakes up her marriage and family life and calls into question who gets to do "real" writing. Fans of lively fiction will be instantly drawn into the world Patrick (The Secrets of Love Story Bridge, 2020) creates with her signature charming, breezy style which is further enlivened with nods to popular literature. The elusive Essie is part J. D. Salinger and part J. K. Rowling, the plot pairs The Devil Wears Prada with Weekend at Bernie's, and Patrick imbues this novel about writing a novel with just the right touch of suspense.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by 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

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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