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!

THE STORIES WE CARRY by ROBIN W PEARSON takes place in Glory Pryor ‘s precious bookstore, By the Book, in the small town of Gilmore. The story
is full of mystery and secrets buried in the hearts of characters, whose interactions uncover lies and hurts, hatred and jealousy. I like the discussions about quotations, which can turn quite ugly, and the underlying Scriptures that often come up in the most secular of novels. I love five year old Bennett who seems wise beyond his years and who often shows more grace than his mother……
This is a really lovely book which I cannot reommend highly enough for the great story, unforgettable characters and strong Christian message of forgiveness, family, unconditional love and redemption.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.