What is it like to be: The Keeper of Stories (by Sally Page)

#TheKeeperofStories #NetGalley

Often children follow the path of their parents but, here, Sally Page wrote her novel after her daughter, Libby Page, has published several. I think that Sally writes stories that are every bit as involving and heart warming as Libby’s (not that there is a competition. I loved Libby’s first novel The Lido).

As this story opens, Janice is working as a house cleaner. (See Phaedra Patrick for another good story about a cleaner). This job may not be high prestige but Janice brings a lot to it, including her curiosity about people.

In a way that reminded me of Maeve Binchy, in parts of this book, Ms. Page ably sketches the life stories of her characters. One, for example, has created a doll house but…it has an undertaker’s on the first floor. Readers will find out why.

Janice is an appealing and curious woman who enjoys reading and learning about people. What will happen as she learns more about herself? What will Mrs. B’s role be in this process? Read this enjoyable novel to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this title. I look forward to her next book. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in January 2023.

Advance Praise

“I absolutely loved it! So different, clever, funny, and charming.”

-Katie Fforde, Sunday Times (London) bestselling author

“Funny, wise, moving, and full of lovely moments…The characters are endearing and unforgettable.”

-Hazel Prior, author of the Richard & Judy Book Club Pick Away with the Penguins

“Absolutely spellbinding…Warm-hearted, thoughtful, funny, and yet deeply poignant.”

-Celia Anderson, author of 59 Memory Lane

“A treasure of a book. Beautiful, emotional, and heartfelt with a cornucopia of characters you’ll love spending time with.”

-Phaedra Patrick, author of The Library of Lost and Found

Some e book bargains (and there are many good ones) for 7.23.23

I enjoy this writer’s novels.

I just bought this.

I enjoyed this one

I LOVE this series

A favorite series

a kind of boarding school story for grownups

start of the series

I liked this one

first in a series of 4

yes, that Ahab

this has gotten good reviews

there are many great books for kids by this author.

What happened: The Night It Ended (by Katie Garner)

#TheNightItEnded #NetGalley

Would you like to read a suspenseful thriller set in the world of a boarding school? How about one with a protagonist whose life looks pretty perfect, but is it? She is a criminal psychiatrist. What will happen when she investigates a death at this school? It won’t be easy as there is some lack in cooperation. It is made even trickier because the school is one for troubled students.

Turn the pages. Wait to see what happens. Enjoy the characters, the setting and the clues.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in June 2023.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Standing ovation for the brilliant Katie Garner! Captivating, ingenious, and absolutely audacious, this tour de force in structure and storytelling kept me turning the pages as fast as I could. Yes,  The Night It Ended is a dark gothic murder investigation at a mysterious school for troubled girls—but don’t judge, don’t assume, don’t try to figure it out—just let Garner’s masterful sleight of hand carry you away through the gasp-worthy twists and turns. Do not miss this!” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of The House Guest


“A gorgeously atmospheric dark academic thriller set at a snowy boarding school so vividly rendered you can practically feel the frost freezing your blood. Garner centers female rage in the most delicious and page-turning of ways, plunging readers into a world where women’s machinations, conspiracies, anger, and even violence rule all. The Night It Ended is a twisty, frantically-paced story you’ll be desperate to devour all the way to the ice-cold ending.” —Ashley Winstead, author of The Last Housewife


“Set at an exclusive school for trouble teenaged girls, The Night It Ended by Katie Garner is dark, twisted, and utterly compelling. Impossible to put down, you won’t know who or what to believe and the creepy location will have you looking over your shoulder more than once. One heck of a debut with an ending that left me speechless.” —Hannah Mary McKinnon, internationally bestselling author of Never Coming Home