A review by bek67
The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick

challenging mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Narrator is was good, but I'm always a sucker for a British accent! 

I liked this book but didn't love it so 3 stars for me. Liv was mostly likable as a character and Essie was an interesting character as well. Interesting premise as Essie wants Liv (her cleaning lady) to finish her novel after she has dies, but it most be done in secret. 

I really struggled with the dynamic between Liv and her husband.

There is certainly history there but to know the hubs was willing to take out a substantial loan for his family business without consulting his wife is IMO grounds for a least a separation. No clue how they worked that one out. And the hubs was going to do it just to appease the sister?? The entire plot around this seemed weird and weak at best. Maybe that is because I'm a pragmatic person and would not have let this sister bully me and my parents just because she was jilted at the alter. I mean this sub plot didn't work at all for me. Maybe if it was done in a different way?