This book isn't for me. I personally didn't finish it. I didnt like being in the FMC's mind. I didnt feel a need to know what happened or have any desire to finish it. Not everyone book is for every person and im learning to put books down that I'm not enjoying. I DNF'd at 25% in. I still want to give this author a chance so I will checkout her next book

I have read several of Viola Shipman novels, and always enjoy the setting in my home state with places that are very familiar and that I have very warm memories of visiting. The Page Turner takes place mostly at Emma Page's grandmother's home in South Haven, a favorite vacation spot for my family, which lent an almost nostalgic feel to the novel. It's always fun to read the 'name-dropping' about a familiar place, and this one made me hungry for Clementines' onion rings!

As an avid reader, I loved the insider's look at the publishing industry, how deals are made and the snobbery of some publishers and writers about 'chick-lit'. The venting feels a bit self-serving at times, as the author writes primarily the novels that are dismissed by Emma's parents as trivial. I get it, but me thinks thou dost protest too much! I struggled a bit with the pacing and the story really didn't capture my interest until about the 50% mark. I also didn't really buy into the revenge motivation and plot, I just kept thinking that there was no way Emma would agree to do it, and if she did, it would never work anyway.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Katherine Chin, whose narration was excellent. Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Harlequin Audio for the digital and audio ARCs of The Page Turner by Viola Shipman. The opinions in this review are my own.

Emma Page is a recent college graduate and has returned home. Emma grew up in a “book family” and her high brow parents run The Mighty Pages a publishing company and her sister is an influencer working for them. Emma learns the business is suffering and her nemesis is about to take over and ruin the business.

This book was slow to get to a point - Emma is hard to like, she wants to be the enlightened 22year old hero - she reads more as a spoiled pretentious recent college graduate. The story is predictable and not that deep - I wanted to like it and find redeeming qualities in any of the characters - it just fell short.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early review audiobook.

The Page Turner had a great premise, a family that writes and publishes books, but it did not work for me. It felt very slow and repetitive for the first half of the book. The characters go into these long-winded, philosophical rants that were just really hard to connect with. The final straw for me was the offer Jess was given in exchange to protect her family. It just felt gross and dirty and I did not understand the purpose - were we all being punked? I'm sure this book will find it's audience, it just wasn't for me.

This book was lovely. A true ode to family & sisterhood. I absolutely LOVE books about books & The Page Turner was such a fun look into publishing. I loved the hint of mystery, the family drama & the love of the sisters.
The audio was great as well. Thank you for letting me read this early.

Thank you to Viola Shipman, Net Galley, and Harlequin Audio for the advanced copy of this audio book The Page Turner! Directly from the book, “This is a masterpiece!”. This book is truly a good read for anyone 8-80! I read the book and immediately went back and read it again! Who can’t love a book that mentions their own Indy bookshop “Andersons Bookshop!” The entire story inspires you. It restores you and reminds you reading is good for the soul, it connects people, books saves lives. The premise of the story, a failing family run publishing company, tension between daughters and parents and dear grandmother has passed with difficult decisions but overall family prevails. Funny thing in the book the sister calls out the other sister because she can’t recall a single quote from her favorite book, well Viola had left me with so many amazing quotes!

“ You can overcome and go anywhere when you read”
“Read what you love”
“Art is salvation from the madness.”
“Books might save lives and might just save the world.”
“Everyone deserves to be a heroine in their own story.”

If you love to read and even if you don’t, this book is for you!

I want to extend my gratitude to @viola_shipman @netgalley and @htpbooks for the #gifted e-book, and to @harlequinbooks for the #gifted audiobook.

This was a captivating read. I was fascinated by the story's exploration of finding one’s voice, as well as the themes of sisterhood and family connection.

Emma grows up feeling like an outsider in a family that elevates serious literature above all else. Her parents, esteemed authors and publishers of The Mighty Pages, look down on popular books, while her sister, Jess, wields significant influence with her sharp critiques. Inspired by her late grandmother’s treasured summer romances, Emma sets out to pen her own love story. When she uncovers a damaging secret hidden among her Gigi’s belongings, she realizes that someone else is already on the inside, aware of the truth. Emma faces a pivotal decision: confront her parents’ egos or risk exposing The Mighty Pages, potentially shattering their legacy.

Emma’s journey, her profound connection with Gigi, and the intricate family dynamics make this story truly unforgettable. The contrast between her relationships with her parents and sister, versus the extraordinary bond she shared with her beloved grandmother, adds so much depth. Additionally, the book offers a compelling glimpse into the world of publishing.

The narrator delivered an exceptional performance, vividly bringing these characters to life. I was particularly impressed by her intonation for Emma’s parents, perfectly capturing their highbrow demeanor.

If you’re searching for a quick, immersive read that draws you in and holds your attention until the last page, this book is a must-read. Mark your calendars—it's set to be published on April 8, 2025!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and alc.

Like other reviewers have said, I was excited to read this book. However, it ended up being a bit of a letdown. I suppose I just had a hard time getting into the story and I also had a hard time connecting with the characters. I did enjoy the narrator of the audiobook though (Katherine Lin). I may be interested in reading more by Viola Shipman in the future though.

Title: The Page Turner
Author: Viola Shipman
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Katharine Chin
Publisher: Harlequin Audio~ Graydon House
Genre: Women's Fiction
Pub Date: April 6, 2025
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 336


A note from the author ~ Dear Reader:
My latest novel, The Page Turner, is a story about why we too often judge one another – and the books we read – by a glance at the collective cover without knowing what is inside. It is also a story about how reading and books not only change us but also save our lives. They did mine.

Story features Emma Page, a recent college graduate wants to change the world. Her family own publishing house, but she sees parents and sister as elitist. Emma’sr grandmother Gigi whom she adored and had an amazing relationship. If fact, spent never every summer with her grandmother Emma believe she knows everything about her ~r but does she?

I had a hard time liking Emma; however, I had a feeling this hard code know-it-all female is intelligent and as she gets more experience under her belt getting older just might be getting wiser and softer.

Disappointed but this was not one of my favorite Viola Shipman stories; as the story points out we women do have certain taste in books. In fact, I picked this story as I love Viola Shipman’s stories.
Yes- I indeed have my favorites.
At one time I followed Reece, Jenna and of course Oprah. Their selections did introduce me to new authors – so served a good purpose however, I often didn’t always like the books they picked. I am an avid reading and have been since I was a young girl. I kept a Journal of books read but did not list much feedback Once I joined Goodreads – I now providing comments is a must and I do check before selecting something new to read.

Will I read another Viola Shipman story? – You Betcha !

Note: As you probably already know Wade Rouse chose his grandmother’s name Viola Shipman as his pen name. He states he grew up with
her in the Ozarks and her extraordinary life was filled with beauty, hope as well as tragedy and is his inspiration for so many of his stories. <
Here is a link for more info.
https://waderouse.com/about/

Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin audio- Graydon House for granted me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 6, 2025.

The Page Turner lived up to its title. The story immediately drew you in and kept you entertained. First, I love the cover! I’m a big fan of Viola Shipman having read most of his books. Page Turner felt a little different, but was as well written. I enjoyed getting to know the Page family, with all the usual family drama. A book about books is always appreciated, but really was intrigued by the inside look into the publishing world. If you are a book lover you will love this story of family, mystery, secrets and drama. Katharine Chin sees a great job on the narration.

Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for an early copy. All opinions are my own.

“The Page Turner is a novel about how books save us, whether we are writers or readers.”

The Page Turner had a much deeper, empowering message than just the fictional story. It was intriguing, reflective, and thought provoking with the sweetest dedication, an adorable cover, and an author’s note that gives the story a whole new meaning. A story of standing up for yourself and not letting anyone keep you from following your dreams.

A book about books and the ins and outs of the publishing world with so many literary references and quotes! I loved hearing big name publisher names inside the story. The MC, Emma Page, is telling her family's story of being the daughter in a famous literary family, whose parents are both NYT best selling authors and own a publicist business. Being a nepo baby, Emma feels like she has to live up to her pretentious parent’s fame even though her passion /dream is different from their expectations. But when she discovers a long lived family secret, cue the chaos, drama, threats, blackmail, and revenge.

I adored the strong bond Emma had with her Gigi and their alliance against her parents. Emma and Gigi were both sassy and sarcastic which I enjoyed and laughed multiple times while reading. I also loved hearing the literary/pop culture references. The first 20% of the book was a little slow and confusing, but the last 80% was so good.

I read this book in tandem with the audiobook. The narrator, Katharine Chin, did a fabulous job bringing the quirky, pretentious family and their story to life. Chin delivered a flawless performance from start to finish.

Thank you @htpbooks, @htp_hive, @harlequinaudio, @graydonhouse, and @netgalley for the #gifted ARC & ALC. All thoughts/opinions are my own.

This book was a great story to listen to. Viola Shipman has penned a true testament to authors and the publishing industry. The characters in this book have many facets, some you love and some you hate but inevitably the good win out. I love multi generational books and this one has a wonderful close relationship between grandchild and grandmother. There are some twists and turns in this book that keep you wanting to listen more. The narrator had a wonderful voice that made listening to this book even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.

Viola Shipman’s The Page Turner is an engaging mix of family drama, literary intrigue, and self-discovery. At its heart, it’s a novel about embracing one’s passions despite external judgment, wrapped in a compelling, multi-layered story.

Emma Page has always felt like an outsider in her book-obsessed family. Her parents run The Mighty Pages, a struggling publishing house that values only highbrow literature, while her sister, Jess, is a powerful book influencer. Emma, however, secretly writes romance—the very genre her family dismisses. When she uncovers her late grandmother’s hidden legacy as a beloved romance author, she finds both inspiration and a shocking secret that could shatter her family’s reputation.

As Emma wrestles with her identity as a writer, she must also face a vengeful industry insider threatening to expose her family’s hypocrisy. What follows is a thought-provoking exploration of ambition, integrity, and the divide between literary prestige and popular fiction.

One of the novel’s standout elements is its behind-the-scenes look at publishing. Shipman delves into how books are chosen, marketed, and judged, shedding light on the lingering bias against commercial fiction. Many readers will relate to Emma’s frustration with literary snobbery and the undervaluing of books that bring joy to millions.

The characters are well-developed and authentic. Emma is witty, self-aware, and relatable as she navigates family expectations and her own creative dreams. Jess is a fascinating mix of confidence and insecurity, while their parents, though pretentious, are not without complexity. Their rigid ideals create tension, but their love for their work and family remains evident.

Shipman’s writing balances humor, warmth, and insight, making The Page Turner more than just a novel about books—it’s about self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of storytelling in all its forms. Whether you love romance, literary fiction, or simply a great story about following your dreams, this book is a must-read.

The Page Turner explores the world of book publishing and snobby elites in Viola Shipman’s new novel.
Emma is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan, who was very close to her grandmother, Gigi. Her parents own a small literary fiction publishing house and her sister is an influencer working for them. Her parents sign a contract to partner with Marcus, who is a successful author but slimy human, who is bent on revenge and destroying her parents. We learn Marcus has a connection to her beloved grandmother, and Emma and her sister, Jess, work to stop him.
Overall, I thought this was a good solid read. The twist at the end wasn’t surprising, but I thought the message of the book was wonderful. Books really can save us.

Fun behind the scenes look at the publishing industry with a strong female protagonist and an engaging family story. Wade's fans and those who love books about books will love this.

This was an okay read for me, which was disappointing because I LOVED this cover. Katharine Chin did a solid job as the narrator, but even her performance couldn’t save The Page Turner from its many inconsistencies.

For one, it’s hard to believe that Emma’s grandmother, Gigi, could be written as such a beacon of warmth, joy, and wisdom while somehow raising a son who turns out to be… kind of a jerk. Then there’s the "bad guy"—why on earth would he trust Emma or think she’d actually go along with his plan? The tone of the novel is strange, I don't know what to call it. It isn't women's fiction, it isn't chick-lit, it isn't a family saga. I think it was supposed to be about love, as Gigi's books were but it didn't have the warmth for that. It just didn't work for me.