The Messy Lives of Book People

After listening to Phaedra Patrick's The Library of Lost and Found a couple of years ago, I was more than a little eager to read and review this latest book. Within its gorgeous cover and book nerd enticing title is a cozy read. 

But I didn't love it as much as I had hoped. Parts of it just didn't make sense to me and the characters lacked depth. My main issue is Liv - I hate characters who are doormats to those around them and I cringed at the many times she let people walk all over her. Some aspects are glossed over and readers will have to suspend disbelief at her sudden bond with the aloof and reclusive Essie as well as many of the situations Liv finds herself in. 

The secondary characters range from Liv's family, former bosses and the varied menfolk that may or may not be Essie's secret love. Unfortunately, they all came off as stereotypes and Liv's husband's concerns and guilt tripping Liv about their ADULT children's needs not being met was maddening and unbelievable. 

I love that this story focuses on books and the writing process and appreciate the themes of finding your own passion and purpose (and backbone!), but I'm sad to say this story fell flat in many areas for me. Its slow pace, cliched characters and lackluster mystery about Essie's long-lost love were hard to get past although the connection between the two women was an interesting one.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Park Row Books for my complimentary copy of this book provided in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 2.5 stars

Author: Phaedra Patrick

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from publisher

Publisher: Park Row Books

First Published: May 31, 2022

Book Description from GoodReads: In the winning new novel from the beloved author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, the house cleaner of a famous reclusive author must carry out her employer's life-changing last wish...

Have you ever wished you were someone else?

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, mega-bestselling 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.