The setting of this novel is enough a warm a booklover’s heart! The old home is three stories tall and the first two stories are the retail floorspace for a lovely bookstore and the upper story is dedicated to Glory and Eli’s living quarters. When Adelle comes on the scene, it’s quite evident that she’s ready to stir up some trouble! However, her son Ben is the poster child for adorable, smart and well behaved and he lends a lighter feel to Adelle’s visits to the bookstore. The plot twist blindsided me a little bit because it was saved until the bitter end when Glory’s past rushed up to meet her. So, buckle up and enjoy the warm and quirky characters and a small-town drama that you’re bound to love!
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed everything Robin W. Pearson has published, and I don’t hesitate to recommend her backlist. I always enjoy Ms. Pearson’s novels because she crafts fabulous characters (warts and all!) and is a fresh new voice in the fiction world. Her tagline is “rooted in the soul of the story,” and that absolutely suits her perfectly! She is a Christy Award winner for her novel debut, A Long Time Comin’.
I received an early e-copy of this book from Net Galley and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

There’s something so incredibly special about a slow, Southern fiction read. Now don’t go thinking slow = boring! I’m trying to think of the best words to describe the feeling I get when reading these types of stories. They are almost poetic in nature. Full of intrigue and charm. Their characters are flawed, relatable and beautiful. The story will draw you in and your heart just grows around these unique characters. Such an incredibly diverse cast of characters in this one especially – different personalities and generations coming together, all of whom bring a level of depth and add layers of complexity to this inspiring story that focuses a lot on forgiveness.

“The Stories We Carry” or the skeletons we hide in our closet is perhaps another way to describe the foundation of this novel. Glory Pryor and her husband, Eli, have been running a successful bookshop in their little town of Gilmore, NC. They’re nearing retirement age and Eli dreams of selling and moving onto their next adventure. Glory, however, can’t fathom the idea. The bookshop is her entire world. She grips onto the business as tightly as she does the secrets of her past. What Glory didn’t anticipate, was a woman by the name of Adelle and her adorable little son, Ben, stepping into their bookshop and then into their lives, causing her comfortable and calculated world to be tipped off its axis. Glory is finding it harder to keep her secrets buried, but she’s not the only one holding back her truths.

I really couldn’t put this book down due to the unanswered questions surrounding a few characters. It was like trying to solve a mystery. There were so many different avenues I could see this one going, but it took a turn I hadn’t at all suspected. Surprised and so very happy with the way this one ended. Such a great representation of the importance of FAITH, FAMILY and FORGIVENESS. You’ll want to get this onto your TBR. And truly, can you really go wrong with a story when the setting so heavily involves a quaint little bookshop? I think not.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this book and author. I found the writing to be easy to read while still having depth to the characters and the plot. There were fun and interesting twists and turns as well as an enjoyable tempo to the story. I will look for more books by Robin W. Pearson after reading this one!

I normally love all books about a bookstore and books. Unfortunately, this one fell flat. The story itself was interesting, but the writing wasn't for me. It's rare for me to skim through so that I can get to the ending.

2.5 stars rounded up
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Gentle yet powerful, this book is a meditation on faith, family, and resilience. It made me reflect on the legacies we inherit and the ones we leave behind.

I am not sure where to start with this review. I love Robin Pearson's books. They are honest stories that make you wish you lived in the town she writes about. She has a way of making life come alive in her writing, maybe because her characters could be me.
Glory has a secret. One she hasn't even told her husband.
Adelle comes to town sure she knows what she is supposed to do after the loss of her husband.
Both ladies are about to get shaken to their cores as their worlds collide. Will they be able to find a common ground that will allow them to come to an agreement that they may never get along.
I stayed up way to late one night finishing this novel. Yes, I paid the price at work the next day, but I had to know the ending before I went to sleep. Maybe you can pace out your reading so you don't stay up pass your bedtime, but I don't regret doing it and I would do it again. In fact, I probably will with Pearson's next book.

This is a deep personal read, filled with emotions.
It took me a bit to get into this book, but glad that I persevered!
We do spend most of our time in a book store, a refuge for some, and a catalyst to forgiveness for all.
This is a story of grief and loss, and a journey back to God.
A young widow and a darling little one stubble into this book store, and lives will be irreparably changed.
There is some mystery here, and we are led one way and then another, and you will be page turning for answers! Was I surprised, no, I guessed before the facts came out, but it is a journey, and I needed to know how everything turned out!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.

A small-town bookstore owner finds herself at odds with a newcomer bent on disrupting her quiet life in this Southern women’s fiction novel by award-winning author Robin W. Pearson. Wonderful novel!

Thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale House for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I had a difficult time getting into this story. It felt too long to get to the ending which was very satisfying. I will however read this author again as I have enjoyed her previous books.

The Stories We Carry explores grief, secrets, and second chances through the lives of two women whose paths intersect in unexpected ways. The premise is compelling, and the themes of healing and forgiveness are powerful. While I appreciated the tidy resolution and the emotional core of the story, the pacing felt uneven at times, and some parts were a bit disjointed. Still, readers who enjoy character-driven Southern fiction with heart and faith elements may find this one meaningful.

A bit different of a book than I expected.

Great book for book lovers & bookstore owners, especially if you're from the south. Fun to read about different books & people's lives.

Thanks to netgalley & the publisher for this ARC read. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to like this book - nice Southern location, set in a bookstore... But I just couldn't get on with the protagonist. She didn't feel real or compelling, and the hints at her backstory were too obtuse to keep me interested. I only got 37% through before I abandoned it. I'm sorry.

This new release from Robin W. Pearson explores the stories (aka secrets) that we can carry with us and how they shape our futures and our behaviors and responses. There are a couple mystery's woven into this plot--and there are many messages of faith. I think little Bennett and Neomie were my favorite characters. I liked seeing some diverse characters--Glory reminded me of some ladies I know.

For me--I just had to keep putting this down and taking a break because it seemed like it was trying too hard to include too many "stories" for characters. It got bogged down and I could even quit mid chapter--something I rarely like to do.

If you'd like a book with older main characters of diverse backgrounds as well as a small town feel--with a bookstore background, you may enjoy this novel!

3 Stars
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC to read. All opinions are 100% my own.

Most of us have something in our past that we keep just to ourselves. Reconciling those memories with the present is often difficult and requires introspection. Such is the case in The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson. At times the plot seemed to drag.

Releases Oct. 7th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Moving story of Glory, a mature woman who loves her bookstore and her late-in-life husband. When a younger Adelle arrives in town and becoming involved in planning a festival, Glory is immediately drawn to the woman's young son but is suspicious of the woman herself, with good reason. Will Adelle threaten all Glory has built? Satisfying story with a good message and plenty of literary references for book lovers.

I enjoyed the mystery woven throughout this book and appreciated the strong character growth. However, at times, the story felt a bit extreme, with certain elements of the plot and characters coming across as forced. While I typically enjoy Christian fiction, some aspects felt overly heavy-handed. That said, The Stories We Keep still delivers an engaging journey of faith, forgiveness, and healing. It’s a heartfelt read for those who enjoy deeply introspective stories about family, redemption, and second chances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Robin W. Pearson for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Publication: 10/7/2025

ARC REVIEW

WHAT YOU WILL FIND

🌟 BEAUTIFUL STORY TOLD WITH PASSION AND POISE

🌟 ENDEARING CHARACTERS THAT WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART

🌟 BOOK OUTLINE FLOWS SMOOTHLY AND CHAPTERS FOLLOW EACH OTHER PERFECTLY

🌟 DESCRIPTIVE STORY TELLING

MY OPNION

WAS A WO DERDUL BOOK THAT I ENJOYED READING AND AM HONORED TO HAVE READ. IT IS A LOVELY BOOK THAT I LOOK FORWARD TO PURCHASING THE HARD COPY.

🌟🌟🌟🌟
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Wow! This story certainly gives you food for thought.
I didn't know if I was gonna like it when I opened it but I was pleasantly surprised. It turned out that I enjoyed it very much.
I loved that this book shows that there's always two sides to a story and that we all have them no matter who you are.
I think that's why I enjoyed it so much.
Adelle and Glory sometimes made me snicker but at other times I found myself smh.
Sometimes for it's hard for people to change or let go. I can definitely relate to these two women.
I enjoyed the supporting characters too. They made me smile just as much. It tickled me pink when they couldn't decide who's side to take lol.
This is a can't put down book that you will be turning the pages long into the night like me to see what happens next.
This book has Southern charm written all over it. I highly recommend it.
5 stars for a job well done and for letting me make new friends.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

An emotional book to read. Page turning right to the end. It has such depth and insight into God's love and seeing His hand at work in our lives. Such an encouragement to continue walking each day in His love.

I am a sucker for a beautiful cover, and the heartfelt story, and this book had it all! Robin, you wrote the most darling story with The Stories We Carry. I loved the characters and the way the setting just made the reader feel as though they were there, and those were their friends, Beautifully done!