An Evening with Sally Page: Insights and Inspiration from a Beloved Author
Welcome back, book lovers! I recently had the incredible opportunity to host and meet the author Sally Page at our book club meeting, and what a night it was. Sally was warm and open from the start sharing her enchanting storytelling to her candid insights into the writing process, Sally left us all inspired and eager for more. So this blog is dedicated to all books by Sally Page.
We couldn't wait to quiz her and there was a lively discussion on the behind-the-scenes stories especially about who the character, the Reverend Ruth from the Book of Beginnings which was my Book of the Month for July, was based on. Her research, in particular about Highgate cemetery and the ghosts that may appear. I now want to visit Highgate Cemetery, who new the people that are buried there.
Sally's books are about friendship, hope and belief but they are multi layered funny and charming, just like Sally herself. I think her books should be at the top of your reading list.
So, join me on this literary adventure, and don’t forget to sign up for my weekly blog posts to stay updated on more exclusive author encounters and book recommendations!
Let me know if you have had an author visit your book club. I would love to here your experiences.
Alis x
Books By Sally Page
Title: The Keeper of Stories
Genre: Family Saga, Humorous Fiction
Publisher: One More Chapter
Date Published: 2022
Book Length: 384
About Book: She can’t recall what started her collection. Maybe it was in a fragment of conversation overheard as she cleaned a sink? Before long (as she dusted a sitting room or defrosted a fridge) she noticed people were telling her their stories. Perhaps they always had done, but now it is different, now the stories are reaching out to her and she gathers them to her…
When Janice starts cleaning for Mrs B – a shrewd and tricksy woman in her nineties – she meets someone who wants to hear her story. But Janice is clear: she is the keeper of stories, she doesn’t have a story to tell. At least, not one she can share.
Mrs B is no fool and knows there is more to Janice than meets the eye. What is she hiding? After all, doesn’t everyone have a story to tell?
Title: The Book of Beginnings
Genre: Family Saga, Humorous Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date Published: 2023
Format: Paperback
Book Length: 416
About Book: Her new chapter starts now…
Jo Sorsby is hiding from her past when she agrees to run her uncle’s beloved stationery shop. Glimpsing the lives of her customers between the warm wooden shelves, as they scribble little notes and browse colourful notebooks, distracts her from her bruised heart.
When she meets Ruth, a vicar running from a secret, and Malcolm, a septuagenarian still finding himself, she suddenly realizes she isn’t alone.
They each have a story that can transform Jo’s life… if only she can let them in.
My Thoughts: The Book of Beginnings by Sally page is a book about secrets, friendship, hope and belief. This is the second time I have read this book and although, I usually think there are too many books out there to read a book twice, I couldn’t resist as Sally Page came to our Book Club.
As I read through the book the characters return to me like old friends, Sally's writing makes you feel as if you are part of each conversation. I loved the camaraderie between Jo, Ruth, and Malcolm it felt like a friendship had been bonded for the long term wherever their lives would take them. Malcolm was still my favourite character, his personality opened up like a beautiful flower as the friendship progressed. Sally Page’s writing has the ability to get under the skin of people and makes you want to get to know them.
At times I cried, not because of the sadness, but simply because of the raw honesty, but at times I laughed because of the gorgeous quips, the description of the people’s faces and the antics the three friends got up to.
I loved the historical element from beyond the grave, and really enjoyed the musings between the three amigos on what the ghosts would talk about.
In conclusion, a book that is worthy of all 5 stars that is funny and sad and a great testament to true friendship. If you love a book that has a bit of everything romance, friendship, laughter, and raw emotion then this book is for you.
Title: The Secrets of Flowers
Genre: Family Saga, Humorous Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date Published: August 29th 2024
Format: Paperback
Book Length: 432
About Book: Follow the flowers and you will find your way home…
One year after her husband’s death Emma has become a wallflower, hiding among the brighter blooms in the florist where she works.
But when a colleague invites her to a talk on the Titanic, she begins a quest to uncover who arranged the flowers on board.
As Emma discovers the lost story of the girl and the great ship, she realises that flowers may unlock long buried secrets in her own life…
Will she be able to unlock the mystery of the Titanic and heal her heart too?
Comments