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The Secret of the Book Keeper
Theo, a 17-year-old American backpacker exploring Europe, tries to brush off the odd behavior of the townspeople of Bridgingdale, an obscure English village—until a suspicious fire in the town square reveals the first of the town’s many secrets.
At the center of it all is the mysterious and daring 17-year-old Leyna, a Book Keeper with an ancient calling to mend tears between the literary world and reality.
When fantastical monsters and villains start escaping their stories, Leyna insists it is someone else’s nefarious doing, but the townspeople refuse to accept this as possible. Only Theo believes her. Together they must work to discover and stop the saboteur before it’s too late . . . for both worlds.
At the center of it all is the mysterious and daring 17-year-old Leyna, a Book Keeper with an ancient calling to mend tears between the literary world and reality.
When fantastical monsters and villains start escaping their stories, Leyna insists it is someone else’s nefarious doing, but the townspeople refuse to accept this as possible. Only Theo believes her. Together they must work to discover and stop the saboteur before it’s too late . . . for both worlds.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
298 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2024
About the author
J.A. Hemingway
2 books17 followersJ. A. Hemingway is the author of The Secret of the Book Keeper and its sequel, The Enemy of the Book Keeper. She lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three sons. She has a B.A. in Broadcast Communications from Brigham Young University. She has worked as a freelance writer, as an online reviewer of theatrical performances and books, as well as worked on production teams creating inspirational media. When she is not writing or reading, she enjoys hiking and the outdoors, making memories with her family, watching British television, and daydreaming about new characters. Visit her at www.jahemingway.com and on social media @jahemingwaybooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 31, 2026
A most excellent teen fantasy adventure!
I loved everything about this book. Part love letter to reading, part Once Upon a Time, this story was completely unique and kept me guessing the whole time. It was so fun to try and anticipate what book character would show up next.
I really hope I can convince one of my children to read it because I know each of them will love it.
"I'd say he isn't liking this dance much either, " Theo nodded toward the unpleasant-looking fellow.
"That's Mr. Darcy," Leyna explained.
"So, he's the one all the girls are swooning over. I don't see why." Theo shrugged.
"He gets better with time," Leyna grinned.
Don't miss this one. You won't regret it.
Huge thanks to J.A. Hemingway for sending me this beautiful book in a completely charming package!
5/31/26: Reread in anticipation of book 2 releasing next month. I remembered I really liked this book, but I didn't remember why because I have the memoryof a goldfish when it comes to books. It was un-put-downable this second time through. I loved it so much all over again. Can't wait to start book 2!
I loved everything about this book. Part love letter to reading, part Once Upon a Time, this story was completely unique and kept me guessing the whole time. It was so fun to try and anticipate what book character would show up next.
I really hope I can convince one of my children to read it because I know each of them will love it.
"I'd say he isn't liking this dance much either, " Theo nodded toward the unpleasant-looking fellow.
"That's Mr. Darcy," Leyna explained.
"So, he's the one all the girls are swooning over. I don't see why." Theo shrugged.
"He gets better with time," Leyna grinned.
Don't miss this one. You won't regret it.
Huge thanks to J.A. Hemingway for sending me this beautiful book in a completely charming package!
5/31/26: Reread in anticipation of book 2 releasing next month. I remembered I really liked this book, but I didn't remember why because I have the memoryof a goldfish when it comes to books. It was un-put-downable this second time through. I loved it so much all over again. Can't wait to start book 2!
October 25, 2024
Thank you to the author for a gifted copy.
GREAT FOR YA.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
What I loved most about this was that it’s a book you can easily hand to a teenager without any glaring content warnings for a category that’s hard to describe.
I thought the story was great. It’s a fun concept with the hidden town and all of the monsters jumping out of classic books. I liked the action it brought and seeing how the characters worked together each time.
Theo, I adored. He was a wonderful MMC. Easy to root for, open to rolling with new information and a loyal person. I liked his friendship with Leyna (and maybe a little bit of romance too?) and am excited to see that continue in book two.
This is an urban/portal fantasy and not a full fledged new world or anything. Diving into different books was fun and y’all know I love a Pride and Prejudice moment. I thought the magic system worked well inside the confines of the magical realism. The ending was solid and left a good opening for the next book that I definitely will be reading.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Urban/Portal fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: flirting
- Violence: low – moderate
GREAT FOR YA.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
What I loved most about this was that it’s a book you can easily hand to a teenager without any glaring content warnings for a category that’s hard to describe.
I thought the story was great. It’s a fun concept with the hidden town and all of the monsters jumping out of classic books. I liked the action it brought and seeing how the characters worked together each time.
Theo, I adored. He was a wonderful MMC. Easy to root for, open to rolling with new information and a loyal person. I liked his friendship with Leyna (and maybe a little bit of romance too?) and am excited to see that continue in book two.
This is an urban/portal fantasy and not a full fledged new world or anything. Diving into different books was fun and y’all know I love a Pride and Prejudice moment. I thought the magic system worked well inside the confines of the magical realism. The ending was solid and left a good opening for the next book that I definitely will be reading.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Urban/Portal fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: flirting
- Violence: low – moderate
July 7, 2025
Idk how I feel about the ending tho…
June 18, 2026
LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS!!! I’m normally too cool for YA or anything remotely approaching fantasy but I LOVED YHIS!!
October 21, 2024
Fun YA fantasy novel! I loved reading about a new type of magic and trying to solve the mystery along the way. Can’t wait for more!
October 20, 2024
Ok stay with me here.... If you know musicals, I felt like I was in the city of Brigadoon in this book.
WHAT IF characters were able to come out of books into reality, but they aren't ever the heroes, only the monsters? Enter Book Keepers who keep fiction and reality separate and if they become blurred, the Book Keeper can get them back into their story!
I loved being in this world and I was just enthralled throughout. Theo is our outsider to this town but he's quickly intrigued by Leyna. I really liked that Theo, once Leyna explains what is going on, is the only one to quickly want to help her figure out the mystery going on.
I feel it's best to not know a lot going into this book so that you will enjoy the ride and be pleasantly surprised. I love the town and its people. The ending shocked me and I hope the author plans to write more in this world!
WHAT IF characters were able to come out of books into reality, but they aren't ever the heroes, only the monsters? Enter Book Keepers who keep fiction and reality separate and if they become blurred, the Book Keeper can get them back into their story!
I loved being in this world and I was just enthralled throughout. Theo is our outsider to this town but he's quickly intrigued by Leyna. I really liked that Theo, once Leyna explains what is going on, is the only one to quickly want to help her figure out the mystery going on.
I feel it's best to not know a lot going into this book so that you will enjoy the ride and be pleasantly surprised. I love the town and its people. The ending shocked me and I hope the author plans to write more in this world!
January 10, 2025
What an exciting book! Hemingway had me turning pages right up to the last chapter and gasping out loud at a plot twist I didn’t see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this one! It would be a great one for teen readers—I could see either male or female readers enjoying it.
October 20, 2024
Such a fun story, very creative.
January 19, 2025
The only problem I have with this book is that there isn’t a sequel already! A very fun read with a creative and unique premise.
September 7, 2025
THE SECRET OF THE BOOK KEEPER
{The Secret Of The Book Keeper Series #1}
by: J.A Hemingway/Jannifer
@jahemingwaybooks
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~All of Leyna’s efforts to protect the world from literary monsters escaping from their pages are undone and the only one who can help her is Theo, a traveler and stranger who finds himself entangled in the secrets of her village…
“You should be careful with this storm brewin.”
Today with celebrating National Read A Book Day, I found myself reading this intriguing story, THE SECRET OF THE BOOK KEEPER. It is a fast-paced, unique, and charming YA fantasy. With vivid imagery/writing, I felt immediately immersed and not wanting to put this book down. It wonderfully blends the meeting of magical realism while colliding with classic literature. It absolutely left me eager to see what was to happen next. Set against the beautiful England setting, there is much to enjoy. I thoroughly enjoyed the many twists and turns, endearing and relatable characters, a touch of suspense, sprinkles of magic, swoony moments, a villain, and how it’s about dear books. I loved how it’s weaved with beautiful themes of bravery, kindness, strength, love, and belonging. I will also say that, the ending absolutely left room for a possible sequel, which I am hopeful for because I need to know what’s going to happen next, ahead. Definitely a captivating story worth the fun read, my friends!❤️
“Help where you can. Life is more about what you give than what you get.”
•Content: some danger, mild violence, secrets, death of loved ones mentioned (from past), jealously, arrest, prison cell, hiding, betrayal, no language, kisses only.
“In words, there is power. Power for good; power for evil. Every person can feel this power as words compel them to action or provide healing, or, at their worst, words can even break someone.”
#thesecretofthebookkeeper
Telling stories is what makes us human. It makes us feel and connect and understand”
#jahemingwaybooks
“The truth is, it doesn’t matter who you are or how important you are; tragedy comes to everyone, even here.”
#allaboutthebestreads
“Life is so much fuller when you reach out a kind hand.”
{The Secret Of The Book Keeper Series #1}
by: J.A Hemingway/Jannifer
@jahemingwaybooks
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~All of Leyna’s efforts to protect the world from literary monsters escaping from their pages are undone and the only one who can help her is Theo, a traveler and stranger who finds himself entangled in the secrets of her village…
“You should be careful with this storm brewin.”
Today with celebrating National Read A Book Day, I found myself reading this intriguing story, THE SECRET OF THE BOOK KEEPER. It is a fast-paced, unique, and charming YA fantasy. With vivid imagery/writing, I felt immediately immersed and not wanting to put this book down. It wonderfully blends the meeting of magical realism while colliding with classic literature. It absolutely left me eager to see what was to happen next. Set against the beautiful England setting, there is much to enjoy. I thoroughly enjoyed the many twists and turns, endearing and relatable characters, a touch of suspense, sprinkles of magic, swoony moments, a villain, and how it’s about dear books. I loved how it’s weaved with beautiful themes of bravery, kindness, strength, love, and belonging. I will also say that, the ending absolutely left room for a possible sequel, which I am hopeful for because I need to know what’s going to happen next, ahead. Definitely a captivating story worth the fun read, my friends!❤️
“Help where you can. Life is more about what you give than what you get.”
•Content: some danger, mild violence, secrets, death of loved ones mentioned (from past), jealously, arrest, prison cell, hiding, betrayal, no language, kisses only.
“In words, there is power. Power for good; power for evil. Every person can feel this power as words compel them to action or provide healing, or, at their worst, words can even break someone.”
#thesecretofthebookkeeper
Telling stories is what makes us human. It makes us feel and connect and understand”
#jahemingwaybooks
“The truth is, it doesn’t matter who you are or how important you are; tragedy comes to everyone, even here.”
#allaboutthebestreads
“Life is so much fuller when you reach out a kind hand.”
October 31, 2024
I received a free copy of this book for review.
This newly released young adult book is a charming portal fantasy! It follows a teenage boy who stumbles into a mysterious town during his travels and discovers the girl he meets there is in charge of mending the tears between the literary world and reality.
This story is perfect for fans of Inkheart, Pages and Co, Once Upon a Time tv show, and a younger version The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heap as it delves into characters or creatures from classic literature escaping into the real world. It is always such a fun thing to imagine and I really liked the way that world building and magic system played out. The story was fast paced and engaging. The ending leads up perfectly for a sequel to follow!
This is a young adult novel I would be completely comfortable handing to teens of any age as well as older middle grade readers as there is no overly mature content and the romance is very mild.
This newly released young adult book is a charming portal fantasy! It follows a teenage boy who stumbles into a mysterious town during his travels and discovers the girl he meets there is in charge of mending the tears between the literary world and reality.
This story is perfect for fans of Inkheart, Pages and Co, Once Upon a Time tv show, and a younger version The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heap as it delves into characters or creatures from classic literature escaping into the real world. It is always such a fun thing to imagine and I really liked the way that world building and magic system played out. The story was fast paced and engaging. The ending leads up perfectly for a sequel to follow!
This is a young adult novel I would be completely comfortable handing to teens of any age as well as older middle grade readers as there is no overly mature content and the romance is very mild.
October 21, 2024
Have you ever read something that moved you to sadness or joy? Have you heard words so cutting that they physically hurt? In words, there is power. Power for good; power for evil. Every person can feel this power as words compel them to action or provide healing, or, at their worst, words can even break someone. While everyone has felt this power, there are very few who have the ability to harness this power, and by doing so enter the words and the stories made by the power of words.
Oh bookish novels, how I love thee. And this one had so many things going for it: a portal fantasy within a portal fantasy, a high-stakes mystery that kept me guessing, a budding romance, several nods to literary classics, and a town that could have been Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls (quaint-English-village style). All in all, a charming read. Can’t wait to read the sequel when it comes out!
Oh bookish novels, how I love thee. And this one had so many things going for it: a portal fantasy within a portal fantasy, a high-stakes mystery that kept me guessing, a budding romance, several nods to literary classics, and a town that could have been Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls (quaint-English-village style). All in all, a charming read. Can’t wait to read the sequel when it comes out!
October 27, 2024
The scene: A cozy English village tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Oh but the towns people are a little dubious, and you can’t leave.
The story: A long line of book keepers have been charged with mending well-loved literary works as they are read cover-to-cover throughout the world. Oh but they have to mend books before characters, mostly villains escape and destroy the world.
The characters: A boy, A girl, A handful of busybody townsfolk. Oh but one of them is causing all sorts of trouble.
The Secret of the Book Keeper is a must-read for anyone who loves a well-crafted story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended!
The story: A long line of book keepers have been charged with mending well-loved literary works as they are read cover-to-cover throughout the world. Oh but they have to mend books before characters, mostly villains escape and destroy the world.
The characters: A boy, A girl, A handful of busybody townsfolk. Oh but one of them is causing all sorts of trouble.
The Secret of the Book Keeper is a must-read for anyone who loves a well-crafted story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended!
October 9, 2025
What a fun and imaginative story. The Secret of the Book Keeper hooked me right from the start, the idea of literary monsters breaking free from their pages is just too good to resist. I loved Leyna’s fierce determination and the mysterious connection she shares with Theo, who stumbles into her strange little village by pure chance. Their chemistry felt real, and the world-building was so vivid that I could almost see the stories coming to life around them.
It’s a perfect mix of fantasy, adventure, and heart. If you’ve ever wished your favorite books could come alive (but maybe not too alive), this is such a clever and magical read!
It’s a perfect mix of fantasy, adventure, and heart. If you’ve ever wished your favorite books could come alive (but maybe not too alive), this is such a clever and magical read!
October 22, 2024
What a unique story idea! It kind of made me think of Inkheart meets Brigadoon. And can we talk about that cover? So cool.
Theo and Leyna were both great characters. I almost wish we'd had some chapters from Leyna's POV. The villains coming out of books idea was really fun and it was interesting to see which villain was coming next. I also had a good time trying to figure out who the bad guy was in the real world.
Also, now I just want a magical library containing every book in the world.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of her book. All thoughts are my own!
Theo and Leyna were both great characters. I almost wish we'd had some chapters from Leyna's POV. The villains coming out of books idea was really fun and it was interesting to see which villain was coming next. I also had a good time trying to figure out who the bad guy was in the real world.
Also, now I just want a magical library containing every book in the world.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of her book. All thoughts are my own!
November 10, 2024
A magical debut!
This was such a clever premise for a book. I adore a small town setting and this cozy English village was perfection. The characters are great, especially the two mains, Theo and Leyna.
I was so invested that I finished it in one sitting. I would love to see more books in this world. I highly recommend!
My thanks to the author for this gifted copy. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
This was such a clever premise for a book. I adore a small town setting and this cozy English village was perfection. The characters are great, especially the two mains, Theo and Leyna.
I was so invested that I finished it in one sitting. I would love to see more books in this world. I highly recommend!
My thanks to the author for this gifted copy. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
January 31, 2025
One of the most delightful books I’ve read in a long while. It’s very readable, has a quick pace, and endearing characters. I read it aloud to three boys (10, 13, and 15 years old) and they all loved it. The physical book itself is also beautiful. It’s a lovely hardcover book, with beautiful weight, paper, and binding. I’m very impressed by this self-published story and cannot recommend it enough. It also sets itself up very well for a second novel, and I can’t wait to read that, too!
October 30, 2024
Witty and Wonderful!
What a clever story! Full of adventure, wit, unexpected twists and turns, a touch of romance and fantastical ideas. Bookish friends will love the library aspect and classics weaved in to the imaginative tale that seems so familiar and yet so unique. Highly recommend and can’t wait to read it aloud to my kids.
What a clever story! Full of adventure, wit, unexpected twists and turns, a touch of romance and fantastical ideas. Bookish friends will love the library aspect and classics weaved in to the imaginative tale that seems so familiar and yet so unique. Highly recommend and can’t wait to read it aloud to my kids.
January 19, 2025
I got sucked into this story, had so much fun reading it, did not want this book to end! I’m so glad the author had a New Year’s resolution to publish the sequel this year, so hopefully I won’t have to wait long for another fun journey.
January 23, 2025
Truly a fantastic book. It says it’s YA but I’m a grown man and loved it. Story is fantastic. Characters are great and you really fall for them and the place. I can easily see this made into a show. Can’t wait for a sequel!
January 30, 2025
Awesome
What a great read. I am particularly impressed by the flowing dialogue and intriguing mystery. The characters had layers and felt real. Also the storyline is intelligent and creative.
What a great read. I am particularly impressed by the flowing dialogue and intriguing mystery. The characters had layers and felt real. Also the storyline is intelligent and creative.
July 11, 2025
Fun premise, loved the British-isms (which I now understand very well hahaa), and some good twists! (I did guess who it was pretty early on, but still a fun read). Felt like a bit of name-dropping for all the classics, which was fun :)
December 16, 2025
Loved this book! Such a fun YA mystery, adventure, love, and a little who done it what more can you ask for? Great world building, the characters were so fun and interesting. I loved having someone to root for.
June 18, 2026
It was so fun to read a book by someone that I personally know and met because of Bookstagram. This book was so different than anything I’ve read before and I loved the premise. A teenage boy is thrown into a hidden town that has run-ins with creatures and people from classic books. This book kept me interested, it had a sweet romance and I’m excited to read the sequel!
December 6, 2024
Super fun, well paced, and adventurous read. My whole family enjoyed it! The mysteries kept us guessing until the end... Really looking forward to book 2 when it's eventually available!
February 9, 2025
Excellent story.
February 10, 2025
Great premise, very enjoyable read. The characters were pretty solid and the story unique. I’m looking forward to the sequel!
February 20, 2025
4.5 rounded up.
June 14, 2025
great read
Took me a little bit to get into but I loved it! Words are such a powerful force and can be used for good or bad. I can’t wait to see if he makes it back!
Took me a little bit to get into but I loved it! Words are such a powerful force and can be used for good or bad. I can’t wait to see if he makes it back!
June 22, 2025
After a slow start, this was a good read that kept my interest in what happened next. I'm not normally a fantasy fiction fan, but the literature references won out. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews