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I loved this one! The beginning took me a little to get into because it was kind of annoying to have a main character who has everything and just complains but then it got really good. I loved the ending and the author’s note at the end.

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A book for book lovers! I adore books like this! If there is not already a category for this type of book, there should be! I adored the messy and dysfunctional family of writers and all the drama they brought to the game! Think the show Schitts Creek but in a literary setting. Imagine coming from a very well know family of writers and trying to write a book and get it published and having to live up to their standards! If you are a book lover, you much read this!

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Viola Shipman’s <i>The Page Tuner</i> was clearly a book close to the author’s heart. Given that Viola Shipman is a pen name chosen so Wade Rouse could honor his grandmother and what she meant to him in his life and that this book very heavily features a lead character who was deeply influenced by her grandmother—feeling as though she was the only person in her family who cared about or understood her, something that very much parallels Wade’s own experience—I wanted to be careful and considerate in how I addressed this review and the issues I had with the book.

I do think that Shipman wanted this book to resonate with anyone who felt like the black sheep of the family. The themes of the novel also lead me to believe that there were a great number of criticisms that he had to face from his family growing up. Those experiences, while raw and valid, unfortunately do not always translate into one’s ability to write a compelling novel with well-developed characters. This, I think, is truly the biggest issue at the heart of <i>The Page Turner</i>.

Every character who exists as an antagonist in this story is deeply one-dimensional, honestly bordering or fully entering the cartoonish realm. The fully villainous character is one that I almost expect to turn each corner twirling his mustache and cackling maniacally, that’s how excessive his negative traits are presented every time he’s on the page. He exists as a misogynist, writing romance novels simply because he knows they can turn a profit—his debut was a roaring success, earning him an intensely loyal fan base despite the fact that his work quality has diminished significantly over time.

Other antagonists include the entire family of main character, Emma, barring her loving grandmother who has unfortunately passed away. Each family member is written either as an elitist snob with no consideration or care for any book that isn’t pretentious in nature or a complete sell out whose job as an influencer has resulted in a complete loss of authenticity as they no longer even read the books they promote.

What’s interesting about all of this is that these are some very reasonable critiques of society, social commentary that certainly has earned a place among discussion spaces over the years. But it seems that the author has taken a lot of these issues and built them up like a keyboard warrior, believing that the true way to respond to these existing problems is to hate on and belittle anyone around them who engages in such behavior and thought. And while I can certainly empathize with this, the unfortunate truth of this viewpoint is that it can very quickly turn into a situation where a character’s entire personality is solely existing to judge others intensely for so much as <i>daring</i> to judge her.

Emma is a deeply unhappy, judgmental, and rude person at her core. As a result, I was a very unhappy reader for every second that I had to put up with her. She lashes out verbally on a near constant basis. While I’ll give her that she is often lashing out in her head rather than unfairly toward the characters around her, since we readers are experiencing this world and story from her point of view, we unfortunately don’t get an reprieve or escape from it. And this is unfortunate, truly, because Emma made this reading experience so utterly painful and awful for me. Though I have a deep appreciation for Emma’s connection with her grandmother and many of the causes that she cares about, my ability to care about those messages is diminished by how awful a person Emma is for the vast majority of the novel. And if I feel that way, I can’t even imagine how those who don’t share those important opinions felt about her.

She’s difficult to root for nearly every step of the way. Perhaps the only time I didn’t hate her came when she was finally—though a little too late for me to like the book—acknowledging that she’d been a complete asshole to her sister. But even this development was minimal at best. Nothing felt truly earned here, even with the changes her parents make—because Emma is still being judgmental toward them all even then!

And sure, she puts in efforts to save her family’s publishing business and she fights back against the misogynistic sexual harasser who is trying to destroy their lives—did I mention that the villains felt cartoonish and caricature-y?—the resolution comes swiftly and feels very deus ex machina. The bones of the story had some potential, even merit. It’s just unfortunate that when the author sat down to write, he simply could not bring together a single character who felt grounded, real, and developed.

I’ve said it many times; exceptionally written characters can save a book with a bad plot. Ideas for a good plot, however, cannot save a book with poorly written and underdeveloped characters.

In the end, I honestly cannot tell you whether or not I liked the narrator. I was able to get through the book, at least, so I suppose we could say that’s a plus? But the main character was just so unlikable that I’m seriously concerned I’ll associate the narrator’s voice with Emma the next time I hear it and so my opinion of the narration is clearly clouded by my abject distaste for the main character in general.

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Earlier this year, I was lucky to receive and review an ARC ebook of Viola Shipman's latest novel, The Page Turner, and it was exactly what the title implied. I was quickly hooked and didn't close the book until I finished it later the same day. The characters, the setting, and the beautiful writing add up to become the best Shipman novel I've read. I recently received an advanced copy of the audiobook. The reader in the audio version did a great job adding depth to the story by bringing the characters to life. Her voice was pleasant and engaging. I often struggle with maintaining attention to audiobooks and speed them up to help. (Please note that this issue is not a reflection on the reader. It's just how my brain works.) This audiobook worked well at a faster speed. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of both the ebook and the audiobook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

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I really wanted to like this one, but it was a DNF for me at 50%.

The plot seemed interesting, but the FMC and her family were over-the-top unlikable. Everything about this family is toxic. They have no respect for each other, and frankly, I don't think any of them actually like each other at all. The way Emma's family spoke to her was not okay, but then to fully shut her out of a big change for the family publishing company and have her find out along when it's being announced to the press....just no. And the fact that Emma acts like she's treated so poorly but then accepts all of her family's wealth and notority and the perks that come along with being from her publishing family...hypocritical much?

Yea, I just couldn't with this book.

I gave it two stars because the narrator was good.

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One of my favorite books of the year! Still coming to terms with the death of her beloved grandmother, Emma is trying to figure her life out. Her parents don't understand her, they run a publishing company for only "serious" writers. Emma has secretly written a romance novel. When she goes back to her childhood home, long hidden secrets will be revealed.. Katherine Chin, great narration!

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This is a drama-filled look into the publishing industry. The writing is excellent, and as a writer myself, I love that the story raises questions about what types of books constitute art and that the main character desires to level the playing field for all writers. The characterization of the villains was a little over the top for me. I had a hard time buying that anyone behaves or speaks this way in real life, and that did make me look upon the book as more frivolous than the author probably intended. Still, I was definitely entertained and I listened to the entire book (at triple speed, like I do) in a single afternoon because I didn't want to turn it off. If you're looking for a bit of a soap opera plot with hints of mystery and a dose of family dysfunction, this is your book. If you're able to suspend your disbelief, it's a lot of fun!

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As other reviewers have stated, this was another dnf for me. The narration was well done but the main character was just too unlikeable.

I really wanted to like this, but it wasn't right for me.

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The Page Turner is the kind of story that wraps you up in warmth, nostalgia, and bittersweet moments that stay with you long after you’ve finished listening. Viola Shipman delivers a heartwarming, yet thought-provoking journey about family, love, and the books that shape us.

Listening to the audiobook was a truly immersive experience—the narrator brought each character to life with just the right touch of emotion, making me feel like I was sitting in a cozy corner of a bookstore with the characters themselves. The pacing was perfect, allowing the story to unfold in a way that felt both natural and compelling.

The novel weaves the power of literature with real-life experiences, as the main character discovers the connections between her grandmother’s life and the beloved books she left behind. It’s a gentle exploration of loss, discovery, and the healing power of stories, all wrapped in a narrative that’s both tender and uplifting.

If you’re a fan of heartfelt stories about finding your way through life, with a touch of bookish magic, The Page Turner is a must-listen. It’s a tale that will leave you smiling and reaching for your favorite novel as soon as you’re done.

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This was my first time reading from this author. I really enjoyed this book. It was a great read. Audiobook was good. I am interested in reading more from this author.

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DNF @ 40%
I could not get into this.
I hated the characters from the start.
Emma does nothing but complain and judge others from the beginning.
I’m not sure what it was with this read, but it was off to me.
I wanted to love it so much and appreciated the way the author tried to get into the “deeper meaning” of things but it ended up being a drag for me 😫

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for the ALC 🎧

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4.25 ⭐️ Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this 🎧 ARC.

I thought the narrator for this story was perfect in carrying the characters plot line, and the message being shared with the reader. This story felt like validation for what happens when we listen to our gut, especially as women. I really appreciate the story is based on the author‘s personal experience and her relationship with her grandmother and her journey to becoming an author in a world that does not immediately think of women. I recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a little bit more about what it takes to be in the literary world, and for anyone who wants to share in the experience of womanhood 💛

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The Page Turner, written by Viola Shipman, narrated by Katharine Chin, is a scandalous behind-the-scenes (fictionalized) look inside a small, family run publishing company and the secret from their past that is thoroughly messing with their present. I loved the sisters dynamic, the parent tensions, the sweet depiction of Emma's relationship with her grandmother, and the "get even" vibe against an absolute douche of a man. Highly recommend!!

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Campy, as in the characters are just a smidge too over-the-top. Provides and interesting behind the scenes look into the publishing world but not much else. Will be a fun read for those that like books about books. The author's note at the end is enjoyable.

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I think the audio on this book was very high quality!! The story as well was fantastic, each character unique and important to the novel!

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“Every book is important to someone.”

Good grief. No. Just…no. DNF @ 23% and it was painful just getting that far.

The female protagonist is insufferable. God a man can’t even breathe in her presence without her taking some kind of offense to it.

I had hoped her character arc would find me noticing some maturity but nope. And how many times can you say nepo baby in the same book?? Ugh hard pass on this one.

I will say the only reason I made it as far as I did was the narration of the audiobook. That was done very well.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author for the ALC and ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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A good look into the world of a writer. From dealing with agents, publishers and competitors in the literary world, life is not as rosy as one assumes. Emma is brought up in this world and has graduated from college, following her family footsteps by writing her own novel. Still grieving her beloved grandmother death, doubting her talent as a writer and dealing with a slightly dysfunctional family. She discovers a secret that will destroy her family.
A story of Emma’s personal growth, love of her family and her writing. Reconnecting with her sister to solve and resolve the secret hanging over their heads. The beginning is very slow, finally picks up and becomes a page turner about 2/3 into the book. I rate it 3.5 stars and rounded up due to the slow pace of the beginning. The narrator was very good. I did enjoy listening to her. Thank you #NetGallery and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #ThePageTurner

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The Page Turner by Viola Shipman is a love letter to family and novels. The Page family is full of secrets and fiercely protective. However, they don't always see each other for who they actually are. This emotional journey shows that there's always another side to the story. I definitely recommend this book to every booklover of all ages. Though this book is labeled as adult, I believe it is appropriate and could be enjoyed by ages 14 and up.

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Wellllll I was not a fan of this one. I loved all the book talk and learning the ins and outs of the publishing world but that’s about where my likes end.

The characters were compared to the Rose family in Schitts Creek and I think that was a completely false comparison and it just irked me for the rest of it. The characters were way worse. There wasn’t really one likeable character except Gigi in the entire book.

Emma was negative and depressing. The book just felt like a pity party for herself. Then her family was not any better at all and there was an attempt for character growth but it just didn’t make sense for them at all.

It felt like the author was trying to hard with too many monologues and attempts at deeper meanings of everything.

I must say the note to the readers was nice and refreshing. Wish that showed through in the actual book more!

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I hit play on this audiobook giddy with anticipation because I adore books about books. The further the story progressed I could feel my eyes glazing over and tedium setting in. Cue the pretentiousness, lectures and honestly, I finished this because it was an ALC. I'm going to try and steer away from spoilers, but I'm going to talk a little more in depth about this novel than I usually do.

Viola Shipman is the pen name for Wade Rouse. The author's note included at the end was enjoyable and a great nod to a love of reading.

The premise is that Emma Page, a recent college graduate with dreams of becoming an author. Her parents own an indie publishing house called The Mighty Pages sounds like a perfect match, right? Wrong. The Mighty Pages pride themselves on only publishing serious literary fiction and non-fiction. Emma has grown up hearing her parents openly mock anything mainstream such as the romance and women's fiction novels she used to read with her GiGi and her own manuscript.

There are huge swaths of this novel where little of consequence occurs. It's whining, judgmental nonsense, underdeveloped characters and plot rinse and repeat. The villain of the piece, Marcus Flare, could have been removed and the main plot would have remained unchanged for the most part. He seemed like he was going to start twirling his mustache any moment and turn into a cartoon. The portrayal Emma's friendships with other women seemed odd. It took maybe 70% before the main character began doing anything concrete. The opening chapters that feature the family show them shaming Emma's, clothes, hair, makeup, size, reading choices, ideas, basically all things Emma related. I kept thinking for people who shun anything they deem frivolous in publishing; their physical appearances seem to be their number one focus. There are a few sentences here and there to explain away behaviors, but the conflict resolution if you can even call it that is weak at best. Then suddenly everyone is cool POOF just hugging it out. There's a lot of lectures that read as preachy on subjects such as family challenges, the publishing world, literary agents, books, misogyny, and women's struggles.

Perhaps this was a case of too much telling and a lack showing. The very best stories don't spell out what readers should think or feel. There is an implied trust that a reader will be able to think for themselves.



Thank you to Harlequin Audio for providing an Advance Listening Copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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