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The Messy Lives of Book People Spiral-Bound | May 31, 2022

Phaedra Patrick

★★★☆☆+ from 10,001 to 50,000 ratings

$20.59 - Free Shipping

From the bestselling author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper comes an unforgettable new novel, in which the housecleaner of a famous reclusive author must carry out her unusual last wish of finishing her final book, turning her life upside down and revealing long-buried family secrets. Readers of Fredrik Backman, Matt Haig, Nina George, and Gail Honeyman will love Phaedra Patrick's latest heartwarming charmer.

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

Publisher: HarperCollins
Original Binding: Trade Paperback
Pages: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 0778312003
Item Weight: 0.6 lbs
Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.9 x 7.8 inches
Customer Reviews: 3 out of 5 stars 10,001 to 50,000 ratings
“Utterly enticing. This book is packed full of gripping and giddy moments… [A] gorgeous story.” —Beth Reekles, author of Lockdown on London Lane

"Whenever I need my faith in humanity restored (which, let's face it: lately is often), I pick up a Phaedra Patrick book. The Messy Lives of Book People is no exception. Witty, relevant and delightful, with the perfect touch of mystery, this story is a salve to the soul—and I'm already looking forward to reading it again." —Colleen Oakley, USA Today bestselling author of THE INVISIBLE HUSBAND OF FRICK ISLAND

“I have consumed this book! What a masterpiece. Intriguing, moving and full of truths about writing and life. I loved it!” —Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins

“The Messy Lives of Book People is the perfect book if you need a lift, or to feel better about the world. It’s a read-in-one-sitting-while-smiling kind of a story. Just lovely.” —Claire Pooley, bestselling author of The Authenticity Project

“Fans of lively fiction will be instantly drawn into the world Patrick creates with her signature charming, breezy style which is further enlivened with nods to popular literature.” —Booklist


“A feel-good story in which hearts are mended, lives find purpose, and books are the touchstones to finding life’s secrets… [a] simply delightful read.” —Library Journal, starred review
Phaedra Patrick is the bestselling author of several novels, including The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, which has been translated into twenty-five languages worldwide. Her second novel, Rise and Shine Benedict Stone, was made into a Hallmark movie. An award-winning short story writer, she previously studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organizer and communications manager. Phaedra lives in Saddleworth, UK, with her family.