Liv Green is an avid reader, regularly losing herself in books to escape her mundane reality as a cleaner for people who either barely notice her or consistently take her for granted. However, she does have one job she enjoys- cleaner to her favourite author, Essie Starling.

Except, one day, Liv receives an unwelcome phone call. Essie has suddenly passed away and her will leaves Liv with an astonishing task: finish Essie's last ever novel. But Liv can't deny that as much as she wants to be a writer, it's a world away from her struggling family life. As she starts to write, she uncovers surprising connections that promise to spark great changes in her life.

Maybe it’s never too late to start a new chapter…

This is a story that recognises the endearing quality of books and their profound meaning and impact on readers. It's rather a love letter to readers and writers, and the bubble that is a good book that they share.

This is a nice story. Read it for that. But, reading critically, it's lacking.

The writing is simplistic, never giving the reader anything to become attached to so it lacks substance. This does make this story an easy read if a little unsatisfying.

The plot is prosaic; nothing bad, but also nothing new. Much of it reads like a YA mystery, the type that makes you roll your eyes at the unbelievable access the protagonist gets and gets away with, as opposed to adult contemporary fiction. Everyone tells Liv their deepest secrets with little to no prompting.

It doesn't lean enough into the tropes it's conveying, nor recognise that it's featuring something silly, like a coffee shop themed as a laundrette. This should be funny but Liv (and other characters) just gloss over it. Yes, this would be true for the character (especially one experiencing grief) but the book isn't for her, it's for the reader.

This style of book should be fun but, underneath that, be making serious points, such as relationship issues and money difficulties, whereas this book did the opposite. The consistent subterfuge was occasionally entertaining but hampered by its sheer awkwardness. Or it implements a literary tone, which would be gritty and the characters would be messy. This is too neat and convenient.

Also, it skips periods of days or hours in an awkward manner, which was jarring to read, especially as it's such a fast-paced novel. However, these flashbacks, memories and thoughts do help to provide context and character exploration.

On this point, the characters are fine but, overall, did little to establish themselves.
-Liv is a nice enough protagonist though seemed to lack all backbone to her, which seems like an outdated personality to use in this manner. Her relationship with Essie isn't established sufficiently before Essie's death so her thoughts on the writer just seem like she's whining rather than reminiscing.
-The solicitor, Anthony, seems ill-researched. He waits two months to share details of the will (already wrong), bypassing the fact that anyone mentioned in a will receives a copy of it. It is these -admittedly small- details that take the reader out of the story.
-Essie doesn't come across as a mysterious, captivating writer, just an unlikeable, aloof woman.

This certainly isn't a bad book and will be one that many enjoy, just one that did not work for me. I did like the twists and plot development in the last twenty per cen, however, so there was some benefit for me from pushing through to the end.

I really loved this heartwarming story about Liv and her beloved author Essie. The characters are very well outlined, and the way Essie’s story is slowly storting to spin into Liv’s live was really good. This is a must read for booklovers, romcoms, but also with a serious well written plot! Loved it!

Thanks Netgalley for the Arc in advanced of a holtes review.

Olivia 'Liv' Green is married to Jake and has two grown sons, Mack and Johnny. She has three cleaning jobs - one in an office, where she is classed as the invisible person, at a family home, where she is more of a general dogsbody and at the home of the reclusive author Essie Smart. Of the three jobs she likes that one the best as she is a huge fan of her books.
When Essie dies unexpectedly, her solicitor asks Liv not to reveal her death, but to finish the current book. Liv's life begins to change in so many ways. With the helps of a few props she feels the fear but does it anyway!
She also discovers things about her father who was killed in an accident a few years before.
I really liked this as it is a lovely story.

I loved this book. The way Liv changes and develops whilst she is completing the novel is inspiring. A brilliant twist at the end. Couldn’t put this one down!

Liv Green works as a cleaner for Essie Starling, a renowned author whose books Liv adores. When Essie disappears Liv is given the task of finishing what is to be Essie's final book.

This was a pleasant enough book. There is no one really nasty in it to give it a bit of a bite and everything works out all right in the end. I wasn't convinced though. One thing that struck me is the quality of Essie's writing' There are snippets of her work dropped in throughout and it's all very cliched which means that I couldn't believe the main premise of the book i.e. that Essie would have a huge fan following. But maybe that's just me. I didn't dislike the book, but neither can I work up any real enthusiasm for it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Loved this book, read it with a smile on my face.

Liz is a cleaner for well known Author Essie Starling who is writing her 20th book. Liz has almost wanted to write and maybe she gets the chance at last. The two have a work relationship, but Essie is finally breaking down some of her barriers.

This is my first book by this author, but will not be my last.

A fantastic read. 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Plot

It’s never too late to start a new chapter…
The utterly charming and feel-good new novel from the bestselling author of The Secrets of Sunshine and The Library of Lost and Found.

Liv Green loves losing herself in a good book. Her everyday reality is less romantic, cleaning houses for people who barely give her the time of day. But 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 an astonishing last wish: to complete Essie’s last ever 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…

Review

I really liked this book.

As someone whose wanted to write all her life I saw a lot of myself in our MC
Liv. I loved her sprit and how she finally sees the importance in herself while others around her, including her slightly self centred husband Jake, have just assigned her the role of wife and mother who is only qualified to clean other peoples messes.

Even though the plot line is a little fantasy like, it’s way more than just being someone’s ghost writer. It’s about breaking away from the norm and finding the person you’ve always wanted to be and realising that maybe others saw in you what you didn’t see.

Phaedra Patrick’s writing flows beautifully and the book is so easy to read, it’s finished before you want it to be leaving you with a very big book hangover.

A beautifully written, uplifting book with a wonderful heartfelt message throughout.

Rating

5/5


Recommend

Absolutely.

Thank you to and HQ and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Book Share is an embodiment of every bookworms' greatest wish; to be asked by your favourite author to help write their latest book.

Liv Green has loved Essie Starling's books since she was a child. Reclusive author Essie Starling disappeared from public life after an awards ceremony many years ago and hasn't ventured out since. Liv has been working as her cleaner for the last few years but it has taken a while for the prickly author to thaw.

"For the past decade, Essie had refused most interviews and no longer took part in book tours. Invitations to give talks, attend literature festivals or go to parties were ignored. She didn't even take calls from agent and publisher, contacting them by email or via her latest personal assistant."

Liv greatly admires Essie, Liv's husband does not. He works in his family-owned book binding company and looks down on the Georgia Rory series despite it being on book 20 and having a legion of fans but Liv finds herself increasingly frustrated with his outlook.

"It's a skilled trade"

"And so if writing books, no matter what kind they are, why should a book on politics be more highly regarded than a novel that entertains millions of readers? "

When Essie dies unexpectedly Liv is left with an extraordinary last wish: to finish the final Georgia Rory book. Liv is sworn to secrecy and finds herself living out her wildest dreams but unable to share the news with those closest to her.

The Book Share is a surprisingly emotive book and has an unexpected depth to it. I read it within a few hours and I would highly recommend it.

A world famous, highly successful author who asks her cleaner to finish her last novel and keep an enormous secret may seem a somewhat improbable premise, but somehow it seems to work rather well in The Book Share.

Although being a cleaner wasn’t what Liv had wanted to do – she had wanted to go to university – she was someone who took great pride in her work, even making her own natural cleaning products. I hated the way others seemed to look down on her or take advantage thinking a cleaner was a very lowly job. Working for Essie was a dream job for Liv though, as she was a massive fan of her writing and knew all her Georgia Rory books inside out. Essie always saw something a bit more then ‘just a cleaner’ and gave Liv the chance to prove it.

Essie was a bit of a strange character and difficult to warm to initially. Although she’s not in the book for very long, her influence pervades the whole story. She appeared so aloof and standoffish to most people (not like any author I’ve met before), and was perhaps a little eccentric. Yet, she didn’t look down on anyone and always treated people with respect. It seemed to me that there was something which had happened in her past which had made her like this and I was eager to find out.

I have to admit this one took a little while to grow on me but suddenly I realised that I was totally invested in Liv’s story, desperately hoping she’d find her own happy ending. I loved watching her blossom and grow in self confidence throughout the book. Phaedra Patrick writes about quirky characters with such an engaging style that it’s easy to just fly through the pages of her books. The Book Share is a hopeful story about fresh starts, a charming feel-good read.

This was such an interesting concept that I couldn't help but want to read it!

Liv is just your normal person, struggling with day to day life and trying to balance her work life and her family life. At times she makes bad decisions but that makes her incredibly realistic and in turn makes her likeable!

I loved learning about Essie's past throughout the book and whilst this is a very unique plotline it didn't take away from how real the struggles werr that both characters faced.

Overall I really enjoyed this book!

This book had me hooked from the start! I've never read a book with a plot like this, and it was phenomenal. I felt like I was on a self-discovery path, along with Liv. I think we can all relate to the feelings and emotions Liv went through in both motherhood and her own marriage. The writing style really appealed to me, with enough detail to get you hooked, but not too much waffle where you felt there was actually no plot to be read. The character development, and scene setting was very enjoyable.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I really enjoyed this book. Liv is a book lover, and this is her story. Her job is a cleaner, for an author Essie Starling.

Essie is crabby, but she likes Liv as she reads her books and has tea with Liv.

Liv is unsure what to do about something in her life, and adsorbs herself in a book to let her mind travel through the pages.

A few days later, Liv receives a phone call, it’s Essie’s lawyer informing her of her death. Essie has left Liv something in her will.

Liv has been asked to find Essie’s book, as well as something else. Liv is shocked but, decides to do it. From here, what follows is Liv begin to write and make the book the best she can and finds out about Essie along the way.

Her growth is shown as well as how her relationships change with her family. Making her see what is more important to her.

Highly Recommend This Book.

The book began gently, a sweet introduction to the main character, Olivia (Liv), and her day-to-day life and that of her family.
It is an enjoyable start but somewhat uneventful yet, as the story unfolds, you understand why Liv changes metaphorically and literally.
She swaps her mundane life and steps into the shoes of best-selling author Essie Starling, who happens to be Liv’s hero and idol.
A dream come true that turns out to be so much more.
Startling revelations, a determined journalist, and a complicated past, all take Liv on a journey she never expected.

Comparing books is never something I like to do, and this is no exception, but I will say that this story, especially the second half of the book, gave me The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes. One reason is that the past holds the key to so many of the unanswered questions, but maybe you’ll see something else or might not even see it at all, but I’d love to know if anyone gets those vibes too.

I was sure this book would be a 3/4 star, but I can’t give it any less than 5!
Yes, the beginning is slower, but I was intrigued and happily went on this adventure with Liv.
I would ask questions only to answer them myself. I loved that, and that is because you get a real insight and sense of who Liv is and what drives her, helping you see things through her eyes, and so BAM! Question answered.
I love Liv and her message. I am 40 this year and have felt too old to change or believe in my dreams. Liv being 42 gives hope that age is just a number, and it is never too late. And before anyone says, It is fiction, I know, but if you connect with a story, character, or message, that is a powerful thing and can reignite a passion deep within that you may have forgotten.

Finally, the other characters we meet are just as wonderful in many unique ways. I can guarantee some you will adore, some you may dislike, and some will have you changing your opinions about them.

A thoroughly beautiful book. Full of love, loss, sadness, joy, heartbreak, and self-belief.
And let me say, several times towards to end, my eyes misted over, and tears caressed my cheeks. A very tender and touching final few chapters.

Thank you, @NetGalley and HQ, for the arc of the ebook in return for my honest review.

The Book Share is wonderfully warm and engaging. It shows us the power of stories and how we can all be the author of our own.

Liv cleans for renowned author Essie Starling. This is a dream come true for Liv, as she's loved the Georgia Ray books since she was a child.

But Liv's ordinary, somewhat joyless life, is about to be upended.

Essie dies quite suddenly, leaving her final novel unfinished. She leaves her final wishes. That Liv finishes it for her, and keeps her death a secret, until Nov 1st. A date we will learn the significance of over time.

As Liv becomes fully absorbed in writing Georgia's final adventure, she herself becomes stronger and more able to hold her head high.

But just how will Georgia's story end?
And will Liv be able to piece together the mystery of Essie's withdrawal from society?

A brilliant story, written with heart and soul. I loved it.

What a beautiful book about an author and her cleaner and how life can pan out in a million different ways you would never expect. This book felt honest and real with relatable flawed characters with real lives who are thrown together in a way that just paints a really beautiful story. It’s sad but also heartwarming.

Loved this book and founds myself getting lost in it and could not put in down with twists and turns. The story is about a woman called Liv who loves reading and works as a cleaner for a writer called Essie and when Essie dies suddenly it is up to Liv to finish the story of Essie's main character called Georgia Rory in her 20th book. Liv is married with 2 sons so goes to Essie's flat everyday to continue the book and try to finish the final book.
Lots of twists and turns as Liv grows more confident and starts to take control more of her life.
Brilliant read would highly recommend thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for a advanced copy.

It’s my first time reading this author and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a real feel good story about Liv, a cleaner who is taken on journey of self discovery and awakes a passion for words she thought she’d lost. I really thoroughly enjoyed it, couldn’t put it down, flew through the pages. Liv is such a likeable character,with many twists in the story that keeps you wanting more. I loved it. Definitely recommend reading this one.

This is my first Phaedra Patrick novel I’ve read and WOW, had me gripped from the start to a very satisfying end.

Liv is a cleaner to a very famous, reclusive author Essie, whom she admires very much, Liv has dreams to write herself but life, children, a husband and finances kept that dream in the distance.

Until something tragic happens and with it comes a huge responsibility but also something she’s always wanted to do, sacrifices have to be made.

Emotionally written I felt Liv’s connection to the author, how hard she worked and the dream opportunity being presented which takes her out of her comfort zone and she loves it!
A few surprises too, just WOW!

I did enjoy this for the most part, at toes it did feel like it was a bit slow going and I was kind of waiting for something to happen. I did find it a really interesting concept though and the journey Liv went on personally throughout the book

I’d like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this ARC to read and review truthfully.

This book is an absolute gem! I loved it from the moment I started it. I read it in one sitting (even during work). I fell in love with the main protagonist instantly and was rooting for her from the outset. A book about a book was inspired. Liv felt like my friend and now that I have read this I am sad that it’s finished. However, like Liv, this story is one that I will read and re-read forever. This is my first novel by Phaedra and will definitely not be the last. Fantastic book!