The Keeper of Stories has many stories within the main story - that of a mouse of a woman who finds her inner lioness. And Janice's story is the most interesting of all because, although she believes herself to be 'just a cleaner,' she really is a brave, loving and resourceful woman, one whom I would be proud to have as a friend. Absolutely spellbinding...a warm-hearted, thoughtful, funny and yet deeply poignant’ Celia Anderson, author of 59 Memory Lane

Sally Page on how The Keeper of Stories became a best-seller Sally Page on how The Keeper of Stories became a best-seller

If you ever feel like you need some light entertainment in between more serious or painful reads, then this is the right book for you. I certainly felt I could do with such a book and it filled that craving nearly perfectly. The Keeper Of Stories deftly weaves together ancient stories with modern-day life, creating a unique blend of fantasy and reality.

Basically, this is a sweet book that means very well and has its moments of sunshine. But it could have been so much more had it been handled differently. I don’t know how I would have felt about this had I read it, but I know that the audiobook was certainly a wonderful way of getting to know this story. So why only three stars? Because I found the main character, Janice, pretty annoying and clueless. She is portrayed as a smart middle aged woman, but her actions are all on the contrary: she stays with her freeloading husband, she doesn't stand her ground with people that push her around, and miraculously, she is friends with many of her clients. Having said that - and if you are prepared to get past this - the stories are nice and the dialogues with the dog made me smile all the time.

The Keeper of Stories | Bookclubs Discussion questions for The Keeper of Stories | Bookclubs

Not that she’s complacent. ‘I’ve always worked to support myself and my family,’ she says proudly. ‘I feel that even if it all stopped tomorrow, I’d do what I’ve always done and go out and get a job.’ [ends} This book is an immersive experience that left me feeling uplifted by its message of hope and resilience.Janice is a wonderful woman whose authenticity pulls you along…the breadth and originality of supporting characters makes this debut an immersive delight’ Dorset Magazine