The Last Page Cafe

by Kate Storey

'A lovely story that celebrates books, family and kindness. Touching and beautiful.' Hazel Prior on The Memory Library

‘Beautiful and emotional’ Sue Moorcroft on The Forgotten Book Club

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Sometimes the last page is just the beginning… At fifty-four, Erin McRae feels like she’s been living in the margins of her own story. Ever since she inherited her late mother’s café, The Bookmark, she’s been stuck in a comfortable routine. Her greatest escape is the mismatched book club she founded, bound together by one unusual they choose their next book based solely on the last page.

But when a book’s final words hit too close to home, Erin and her fellow members begin to see their own lives reflected in unexpected ways. As the club’s discussions grow deeper, long-buried secrets surface, old wounds start to heal, and romance leaps off the page. With The Bookmark under threat of closure, Erin must ask can she write herself a happier story?

A heartwarming novel about friendship, second chances, and the surprising ways stories shape our lives, perfect for lovers of Evie Woods, Sally Page, and Pip Williams.

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Readers and authors have fallen in love with Kate ‘A gorgeous story full of emotion and a very special library.’ Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop

'An absolute joy to read. Uplifting, beautiful, and perfect for any book lovers!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The Memory Library delivers on its promise of hope, friendship and second chances. It's a love letter to the written word.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The Memory Library is so joyful. Kate Storey writes from the heart and the gut about mistakes and how we can learn from them. Great characters and a truly heartwarming story – I loved it!' Laura Pearson, author of #1 Kindle bestseller The Last List of Mabel Beaumont

‘A powerful and poignant story. There were tears shed.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A gorgeous novel that pairs my (and many people’s) perennial love for books about books with themes of family – and just how complex they can be.' Platinum

‘I laughed out loud and had more than one glassy eye!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An utterly gorgeous page turner about the power of books, family and forgiveness.' Phaedra Patrick, The Library of Lost and Found

‘A real treasure for booklovers everywhere who completely appreciate the joy, knowledge and healing that books can bring.

Genres: Chick Lit

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 12, 2026

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

This book did not captivate me the same way The Memory Library or The Forgotten Book Club did.

Author Kate Storey explores the power and price of prediction in The Last Page Cafe.

Erin McRae is a stressed-out middle-aged single mom with tons of responsibilities and a business that’s three months away from financial ruin. She also runs The Last Page Book Group out of her bookshop in Blackheath, England. The club reads a book a week, and they choose their next book by reading the last page first!

Yes, you read that correctly.

Sacrilidge!

For Erin, prediction feels like survival. She craves living within the margins of her own story. While her need for certainty has protected her, it has also shrunk her world. Erin can’t imagine rewriting the ending to her own story because the tool of predictability she has a tight grasp on doesn’t allow her to see that it can also be used to help her build something … an entirely different and happier life!

I saw a great deal of myself in Erin. I may not go to the lengths of reading the last page of a book first, but I am a planner and always have backup plans if things don’t go as predicted. Perhaps that’s why she irritated me so much; maybe that’s what a mirror is supposed to do…show you the things you can change. I enjoyed watching her transformation as she realized that her real safety wasn’t in knowing how everything would work out, but in knowing that she could handle whatever came her way.

I’m glad I found my own ‘Adam Darling’ and am looking forward to adding greater space for trust, curiosity, and possibility in 2026. This book would be great for … book club!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Page Café by Kate Storey is another heart-warming, uplifting, feel-good story about books, community, second chances, fresh beginnings, evolving legacies, fostering new and established relationships, embracing or redefining change, finding courage in adversity and overcoming obstacles to fulfill your dreams. We get to see all these scenarios demonstrated in the characters’ lives and events. All assisted by a caring community of persons who share common goals and interests.

Erin McRae is a fifty-four year old woman dealing with some tough challenges but she has inherited her mother’s business called The Bookmark. She is happy being a business owner, as it means she has a purpose outside of being Jack’s mother. But this legacy is not really her own for it was her mother who built it and then passed it on to her. She constantly worries she will mess it up or be a disappointment and always tries to do what she thinks her mother would have wanted. Her own ideas don’t get explored until later on when she is at risk of losing The Bookmark due to finances. The rent on the café she loves increases and her son is getting a new job and moving out. She is facing some big changes. And this is a major problem for unexpected events make Erin very uncomfortable.

The only place Erin feels in control is in her book club of eclectic members. But she has created a strange rule for this group. They must read the last page first before choosing their novel. A peculiar stipulation that Erin has set up. Why does she require this? Well that is an interesting question. You’d naturally think it would spoil the surprise or fun in reading a story. But Erin says she feels safer in knowing the outcomes. This is something that mirrors her own life—not just in reading fiction. She is not a person to take chances and does not like anything upsetting her balanced system.

Out of this bizarre reading requirement, though, something very good develops. When the group members decide to write their own last pages, new perspectives arise that bring about some stunning revelations and alterations in their lives. Romance springs forward, too. While secrets surface and deep wounds heal. It becomes obvious the Book café offers a great community service. And seen in this light, there is hope for its continuation, when it comes under threat of ending. With a little help from her friends and support from the fundraiser, Erin is encouraged to try a new direction (which ends up being pretty cool). She has always been guarded in her steps as she has not been one for surprises but the negatives that happen in her life force her to reconsider another path, or at least take a second look at her views and make a few small alterations. These small, though vital, changes provide a fresh burst of energy in her life that allow her to make constructive decisions and strengthen her future.

The Last Page Café by Kate Storey is unique but it covers universal and foundational ingredients that matter and establishes the importance of community and relationship building. There is quite a delightful and varied cast of characters who made me smile, chuckle and cheer as they came together to discuss books and solutions to life in their book club. And the number of wonderful books mentioned in this novel were such great reminders of ones I need to add to my TBR list or to reread! I really enjoyed this story. It has lots to offer readers who appreciate the special gift of friendship and sharing through the love of books and book clubs across the world. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really lovely story which is all about friends, new relationships, books and bookclubs. A group of women meet once a week in a cafe run by one of the women in the group and discuss the book of the week. This was such a great story from Kate which also left me with titles of books that I might be want to read in the future. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin runs The Bookmark Cafe, a local community hub where people can send their time eating and drinking whilst working or reading. Its a comfortable setting where mess from children is allowed. This inclusive atmosphere means Erin is loved by the locals. She, however, does not see her worth, due to a past relationship she has a negative view of herself, she's loathe to change or take risks. Her weekly bookclub embodies this as her idea is to read the last page of a novel first to decide if she wants to rate the risk of reading it. When a new member arrives, all she knows is thrown into array and she's completely thrown.
I loved the fact the novel featured older characters, they all had their own foibles and fears, Joe was lovable. Tybault the cat stole the scenes he was in. It was a warm, comfortable novel. A perfect book to read on a winters day if you want a cosy read.

[Tracey- Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet read , i loved the idea of The Last Page Cafe and bookclub . I could never start with reading the last page of a book , but I did like that as a bookclub that they did.
Riley was a good character that I connected too.
I loved the book mentions and music choices throughout the story , added so much to the plot . Was playing the songs as mentioned and it added so much to the read.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Storey is fast on track to becoming one of my favourite authors!

I read The Memory Library back in 2024 and really loved it - I'm surprised I haven't found The Forgotten Book Club yet, but I couldn't resist this in the meantime!

Books about books are never a miss. Reading a celebration of the love of reading? Perfect! Bonus points for being set in London, the families and friendships, and the diversity and representations of different lifestyles and struggles.

I enjoyed every reference to real songs and books, though I'm shocked I haven't actually read a single book mentioned! A few are on my TBR so maybe this is my sign to hurry up.

This was fun, fast, and sweet. More please!

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded up.

This was a feel good story about family, love, and the power of community. It follows Erin, a 54 year old woman who, after inheriting her mother’s cafe, struggles with a series of life events that put her business at risk. This is a bookish book that incorporates a book club along with multiple book recommendations throughout. It’s uniquely entertaining to add books to your TBR while in the process of reading another book, and I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of this story.

I have read other books by this author, which, for me, were five star reads. While I enjoyed this book, I did not find it nearly as engaging as The Memory Library, for example. I think the reason I felt this way was because I had a hard time warming up to the FMC. Erin had a series of struggles in her life, and because of this, she built barriers out of fear in an effort to protect herself from pain. In her unwillingness to attempt anything where there was a possibility of her getting hurt, she not only closed off her ability to find happiness, but also allowed herself to judge others for their life choices. Although there was significant character growth throughout the novel, her general negativity and pessimism grated on me after a while.

My distaste for Erin was balanced by the secondary characters, who were all adorable with compelling individual backstories. Additionally, the theme of taking control of your life and having the ability to re-write the last page of your own story resonated with me as someone finds herself entering a new phase in life with children who are now grown. Overall, The Last Page Cafe was a heartwarming story of self discovery and found family, and is the perfect book for someone looking for a lighthearted and cozy read.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Kate Storey for an advance digital copy of this book.

[Gold Bunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover and title caught my interest because I enjoy fun, easygoing stories about books, especially set in a café. The book was a nice, relaxing read, but it moved quite slowly. It took a long time before anything changed with the main character’s problems, which was a bit frustrating and made me lose interest for a while.

The premise of reading the last page first was an interesting one and formed a good basis for the story to be built upon in order to promote positive action in each member of the book group, which was lovely and cosy to read about. Tybalt was a great character addition who made the cafe feel more homely and cosy, but I feel that he could have had a greater role in the story and character-building. The romance aspect was written well and was annoying for the right amount of time before it resolved.

The autism representation was well-written and was helpful because it showed a positive and neuroaffirming view from a female perspective. However, it seemed like it was just added without much planning, as there wasn't much explanation or build-up before it appeared.

Overall, I think it was a cosy, lighthearted, emotional but slow read. Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Storey and the publisher for the eARC.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot wait to read! Love this author!!!

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Last Page Cafe
Kate Storey
Publication Date: March 12th, 2026
Avon Books UK | Avon
352 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction | Romance

I have been a fan of Kate Storey since she came out with The Memory Library in 2024. She has never disappointed me, and The Last Page Cafe may be her best yet. This is a bittersweet story about a bookstore/café that mixes whimsy with real-life situations and the regrets we face in life. Storey's writing feels like wearing a cozy sweater, but she can also be very realistic. In this one, she deals with the idea that while everyone has to die, the way we do it and with whom is up to us. Sometimes we choose the people in our lives, and sometimes they choose us. It can really be that simple.

Storey sets up the setting of the café in excellent detail. I could smell old books and coffee grounds as I was reading. I could imagine the folks slurping their coffee and turning the pages. This book made me want to turn on the fireplace, brew a cuppa joe, and wrap myself in a warm blanket. The café in this story feels like a character in its own right; it was like it wrapped its arms around its visitors—a sanctuary, if you will.

Can you imagine if your local bookstore came with a bit of a mystery, and the people who gather there become your found family? The characters had depth to them and there was plenty of growth. Their storylines were relatable, especially our protagonist, Erin, who is handled with a gentle touch. Watching Erin go from isolation to community touched me in so many ways; it was genuinely heartwarming.

Anyone who reads my reviews will know it is these types of stories that I love most. I so appreciate how the author is able to balance the lighthearted moments with the heavier topics of life and loss. While the pacing slows down during the middle of the book, the emotional payout at the end of the story is so worth it. It’s a lovely reminder that while some parts of our lives can be sad, the next chapter can be better than we ever expected and can be something wonderful.

This was a charming, life-affirming story for anyone who believes in the magic of books and the power of a good, strong cup of coffee, like me. With a last name like Storey, is it any wonder she became an author—and a good one at that? Kate Storey is a gem, and so are her books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book club members in Erin’s café always read the final page of a book first.

What a wonderfully charming and entertaining book. I really loved The Last Page Café – even if the concept of reading the final page of a book first almost brought me out in hives!

There’s a realistic and gentle plot that encompasses events that feel familiar and relatable. That’s not to say that there isn’t drama, but it’s so good to find situations that belong to real people so that there is balance and engagement in a really well told story. Reading The Last Page Café makes you feel as if you’re in safe, competent hands.

And what real people there are between the pages of The Last Page Café. I thought the intensity of the book group members worked brilliantly, and I found myself wondering how they all were getting on when I wasn’t reading about them. The balance of ages from younger Jack and Riley through the middle years of Erin and Adam to the more mature Joe meant that there was almost a Shakespearean seven ages of man presented providing a character for any and every reader. The sense of community they engender and the manner with which Adam’s inclusion initially threatens the balance of the book group seemed absolutely realistic.

And it’s a sense of community and inclusion that runs through this narrative like a shining, golden thread. Kate Story illustrates how looking out for others, but equally caring about ourselves, ensures a better life for all. There’s a vivid and inspiring sense of belonging that shows how, together, we can be greater than the sum of our parts. I thought the way the author explored Erin’s insecurities through her early prickliness towards Adam, her desire to maintain the status quo at all costs and her desperate need for control (hence reading the final page of a book first), gave true insight into humanity and why others behave as they do on occasion. As the story progresses, there’s a real sense of growth for the characters, making for a really satisfying narrative. There’s also a dramatic impact on the reader as Kate Storey gently nudges them to consider their own attitudes towards the status quo.

The other themes feel just as accessible and interesting. The contrast between confident public persona and private insecurity, the way we can be too quick to judge others, that what constitutes family may not equate to blood lines, and the way change can be a catalyst for positivity as well as threat, all combine into a story that speaks right to the heart of who we are. If it doesn’t sound contrived or cliched, reading The Last Page Café made me feel as if I belonged too so that I found the story hugely inspirational.

Wise, heart-warming and uplifting, The Last Page Café is the perfect counterbalance to a challenging world. It’s entertaining, certainly, but also inspiring and I thought it was a gorgeous read that will stay with me.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin McRae is fifty four, divorced with a grown up son Jack who is about to return home from , it's been just the two of them since husband Andrew left when Jack was little and Erin is unsure what the future holds if Jack gets a job and moves away. The one thing keeping her going is the legacy she inherited from her mum, her little cafe, The Bookmark Cafe, which she adores but, when she receives a letter saying the rent is increasing by an extortionate amount, she fears she will lose everything, including a base for her quirky little book club, a group of people that find solace and peace here every week, their one unusual rule is that they choose their next book by reading the last page first, to see if it's worth it. When they discuss what the last pages of their own lives may say they start to see unexpected futures for each of them. Can Erin save the cafe and will she have a happy ending?

The Last Page Cafe is the latest novel by Storey, which is a beautifully written, captivating read which had me staying up till the small hours on a school night to find out how this book ended and no, there was no way I was reading the last page first because I know, without even reading the blurb, that this author's books are always going to be worth reading. This one is a tale of a group of people who come together through their love of reading and, the fact that they get to do it in the comfort of this wonderful cafe where nothing is too much trouble for the owner Erin is an added bonus. It's a real community spirited story, where everyone is welcome, even if they don't agree with the last page rule, and everyone is listened to. The characters are beautifully depicted, I loved them all, but especially Joe and Tybalt the cat, who was always going to win my heart. This is an emotional tale of community, friendships and second chances and I loved hearing all their last page stories. A relatable read, which reduced me to tears more than once, from one of my go to authors.

I'd like to thank Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin McRae is divorced, fifty four and has an adult son called Jack. Ever since she inherited her late mother’s Mary’s café, The Bookmark, she’s been busy and doesn’t have a lot of time to herself. Here she holds a books club, where they read the last page of the novel first and then decide if they will read it or not.

The members include Erin, Joe, Susan, Mercy, Nuala and Riley and one night Adam Darling arrives. He’s a journalist, in his fifties and doesn’t understand Erin’s policy of choosing a book and she finds him annoying. Erin is keeping a secret The Bookmark under threat of closure, the landlord has upped the rent, and the future is looking grim for her and mum’s legacy and she feels like a failure.

Riley who works at the café comes up with the idea of everyone writing their own last pages or final chapter, and not how they die and more along the lines of what they want to do or achieve and this causes all sorts of repressed feelings and emotions to bubble to the surface.

I received a copy of The Last Page Café by Kate Storey from Avon Books UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The narrative is created around two things I love books and reading and no I’m not a member of a book club unless online ones count?

A story about friendship, between people from different walks of life and age ranges, providing a place where they can drop in, have something to eat, swap over and read a book and an outlet for so many lonely customers and as it turns out a very important resource for the community.

The perfect choice for readers and book lovers and I've added a few to my long want to read list as many are mentioned throughout and I liked the possible budding romance between Erin and Adam and both have given up on love and five stars from me.

I highly recommend all of Ms Storey’s books including The Last Page Café, The Forgotten Book Club and The Memory Library.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third Kate Storey book, and each one has centred around a library or book club — a theme I absolutely adore. I love any story about books, book clubs, or libraries, so this was right up my street. Kate’s writing always has such depth and her characterisation is wonderfully sharp, capturing people with all their quirks and flaws. I’ve really enjoyed every one of her novels, and I can’t wait for the next.

When Erin inherited The Bookmark Café from her mother, she believed she was set for life in a job she adored. It provided enough for her and her son, Jack, and allowed her to employ Riley — a young girl who sees Erin as more of a mother than her own ever was. After the breakdown of her marriage, Erin has become wary of relationships, and the book club she runs at the café has a unique rule: they read the last page of every book first, a small ritual that helps Erin feel she’s protecting her heart. But when her landlord suddenly raises the rent to an unaffordable level, Erin feels the weight of responsibility — to honour her mum’s legacy, to keep Riley employed, and to maintain a safe home for herself and Jack. The question is whether she can hold everything together.

This was such a lovely, uplifting read, full of warmth, community spirit, and the quiet courage it takes to start again. Erin’s journey — balancing responsibility, vulnerability, and the hope of something better — felt tender and believable, and the café setting added that comforting, bookish charm I always enjoy. Kate Storey writes with real empathy for her characters, and by the end I was rooting for Erin, Riley, and Jack to find the security and happiness they deserve. I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last Page Café is a gentle, comforting novel centred on change and the quiet courage it takes to move beyond resistance. Kate Storey writes with warmth and clarity, creating a story that feels reflective without becoming heavy.

The book is an easy read, carried by a strong sense of nostalgia and a cosy, wistful atmosphere. The characters are well written and believable, each navigating personal crossroads in ways that feel authentic. Their hesitations, doubts, and gradual shifts are portrayed with sensitivity, making the theme of transformation feel human rather than dramatic.

At its heart, the novel explores how people respond when life nudges them out of familiar routines. It thoughtfully captures that tension between holding on and letting go, showing how growth often begins in discomfort.

While the writing and characterisation are definite strengths, the story unfolds in a quiet, understated way that may not surprise every reader. It’s less about big twists and more about emotional evolution.

Overall, a well-written, character-driven novel that gently reflects on change, resilience, and the fear of stepping into the unknown. A lovely choice when you want something calm, thoughtful, and quietly reassuring.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are books that feel like a gentle hand on your shoulder, guiding you into a world where comfort and possibility intertwine—and The Last Page Café is one of them. Kate Storey has crafted a story that feels both tender and hopeful, the kind of novel you want to curl up with on a quiet afternoon, a mug of something warm in hand.

The café itself becomes more than a setting; it’s a symbol of second chances, of community, and of the quiet magic that happens when people open their hearts. Storey’s writing is inviting and unpretentious, with characters who feel like old friends—flawed, endearing, and deeply human.

What lingers most is the atmosphere: the hum of conversation, the scent of coffee, the sense that even in life’s messiness, there’s beauty to be found in connection. It’s a book that reminds us that endings can be beginnings, and that sometimes the smallest places hold the biggest stories.

Warm, uplifting, and quietly profound, The Last Page Café is a novel that leaves you with a smile and a renewed belief in the power of community and love.

My thanks to Kate Storey, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin McRae inherited her mother Mary’s cafe called The Bookmark where books are available for people to sit and read whilst they drink their coffee and eat their cake. There is an area for children to play and the cafe has become a community hub. But for 54 year old, divorced Erin life is about the change, her son is going to leave home and it looks like the cafe will have to close.

Briefly, Erin runs a book club from the cafe where the book is chosen after reading the last page of the book. There are just 6 members, plus Tybault the cat, who was always going to be my favourite character! But the usual calm of the book club was disturbed when a new member Adam Darling turned up to join the club and questioned the logic of reading the last page first!

This is a real comfort read with all the bookclub members having their own journeys to navigate. An easy read with plenty of books mentioned in the narrative, should you wish for recommendations, some of which I had to google! A cozy storyline with a romance element and an enjoyable found family vibe. Lovely book if you need a nice relaxing read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Last Page Cafe, fifty two year old business owner Erin McRae has inherited her mothers cafe and enjoys running it although it is no longer as busy as it used to be. Left by her husband right after her baby was born, Erin now steels her self against getting her hopes up, and lives a routine life where she avoids change and surprises at all costs. she even insists her book club read the last page of their next book, so they know what happens before they decide whether to read it so she will not be
surprised!

I love a found family story filled with quirky characters that support each other and this novel is full of those lovely people. I will admit to having trouble with Erin herself for quite a while, but she does manage to grow and change as the story progresses. The Last Page Cafe is a book about growth and believing in yourself, about embracing change, love and friendship, and if you are looking for an uplifting hopeful story I would recommend giving this one a try.

Thank you to net galley and Avon books UK for the digital copy of this book.

[Becca Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to Netgalley Avon books and Lisa Timoney for my advanced copy.

Having read and loved the forgotten book club, I was so excited to read this one and it was another joyful, heart-warming read. Set in a café in Blackheath, we meet Erin,a single mum managing a cafe inherited from her mum. Everyone is welcome at the Bookmark... mummies with little ones with sticky fingers, lonely old ladies and everyone in between! Until Erin is faced with an insane rent hike putting the café's future at risk...

I loved Erin's informal book club...even if I am TOTALLY averse to reading the last page of a book first (however...my best friend does this so it made me smile a lot!)

Kate's gift at storytelling is her ability to make you fall in love with her characters. I ADORED Riley and Joe... developed quite the crush on Adam and loved Erin's relationship with her son. I loved the way they all came together to try and save the bookmark.


This was a lovely read and I'm so grateful for the chance to have received an ARC.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Alexander Petkovski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for auto-approving me this book by Kate Storey. This is my third book from this author and sad to say my least favorite of the three. The concept of the story is really interesting, the main character Erin is an owner of a cute and cozy bookstore and she has created a book club called "The Last Page" where readers decide which book to read next solely on reading the last page of the books that are considered. The other really interesting plot point the Erin's struggle to keep the bookstore afloat.

Nothing connected to me in this novel. The characters were one-dimensional, especially Erin and her lack of decisions making. Many more characters are introduced, all with their own storyline but nothing stuck. The main premise of the book went nowhere, also the romance part was barely existent. I'm sad I didn't enjoy this novel by Kate Storey, but I will definitely continue reading her books.

[LP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Well, Erin was my least favorite character by far. I thought she was a grump who couldn't accept any kind of change, and she was so quick to judge. Also, for someone who owns a shop called The Bookmark, why doesn't she use one herself? Folding down the pages! Made me cringe. But that's a me issue :) And I could NEVER read the last page first.

The others in the book group were far more interesting. I even liked Susan more than Erin, and I didn't particularly like Susan at all. Riley's performance for Joe's birthday was fantastic and possibly my favorite scene in the book. Actually, Riley was my favorite character. She seemed wise beyond her years. Her "last page" was brilliant. I liked Adam and loved his "last page" but don't understand what he saw in Erin. The ending was a little too "let's put on a show and save our space" fast to believe.

[Miruna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Page Café by Kate Storey was such a cozy, comforting read. It’s the kind of book that feels like a warm drink and a quiet afternoon—perfect for switching your brain off and just enjoying the story. The café setting is charming, and I loved the gentle, small-town atmosphere woven throughout.

The characters are easy to like, and the story has that comforting theme of fresh starts, healing, and finding connection when you least expect it. Nothing is overly dramatic or stressful, which honestly made it ideal holiday reading. It’s simple in a good way—relaxing, familiar, and reassuring.

While it’s not a book that tries to reinvent the genre, it does what it sets out to do really well. If you’re looking for something cozy, light, and uplifting to read on vacation or during a quiet weekend, this is a great choice.

[ABain · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Kate's first book, The Memory Library, and I had high expectations going into this one. I was a bit disappointed with this story as the pacing was slower than I was expecting, and I struggled to get fully drawn into the plot.

I really liked the café setting. It wasn’t just a place for coffee and pastries, but more like a community hub, offering a space for reading and relaxation, with a lovely play area for kids that gave parents a much-needed break.

It was also a story of community, second chances at love and being able to move on.

This book may not have been my favourite, but I’m still excited to explore more of her work under different pen names.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a cozy and light hearted read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely book with a main character - much like myself - who likes to be in control, to know what is happening, know when and where things are heading - the comfort of certainty and knowledge. This book allows us, alongside Erin and her lovely book group, to explore how we live and how we can consider making our own choices rather than letting life happen to us. There is a little romance but this novel is so much more than that.
This book has a real warmth in its relationships and the concept of a cafe where books are front and centre was utterly charming. The book discussions also reminded me of some books that I have enjoyed myself which I loved. This was a perfect book for snuggling up on the sofa on a winter's day with a warm cup of coffee.

[Lorraine Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting Kate at an author event I purchased her first two books and devoured them straight away. I recommended them to all my friends.

Living close to the area where they are set makes them even more special.

When I saw this one as an advanced read, I kept everything crossed to be able to have the early opportunity to read it.

Set in Blackheath just a stones throw away, the setting is clearly fixed in my mind. Kates writing transports you to a book club in the most lovely cafe. I loved the characters nd the relationships within the group.

You are championing Erin on to safe her cafe.

With a lovely happy ending it mKes this a delightful read.

I love all the books Kate entwines within the pages and already have a to be read list.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book from Ms. Storey. We are capture in the world outside of London at the Bookmark, a struggling cafe where a group of folks from all walks of life come together to discuss books. Yet unlike most book clubs, this group is different - they read the last page first before reading the book. We meet lots of wonderful folks all trying to figure out their next chapter. Ms. Storey does a wonderful job for us as readers to get to know each character. The concept of how they would want their last chapter, their last page is very inspiring not only to read but also reflect in one’s own life. A great book to be read and maybe with a book club too!

Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When anything new or outside the norm is scary. Erin life followed her dreams, young love that survived university, marriage, the blip of infertility and then a wonderful son. Hand grenade thrown by her husband who decided being married and having a son didn't suit him. Leaving her ideal house and moving in to a flat with her baby. Leaving her event's manager job to work alongside her mum in the local cafe.
Having to read the final page of a book before reading the story is the quirk of the book group that meets once a week in the cafe.
A wonderful group of diverse people, people who become friends as the story progresses. On the surface they all have busy and fulfilling lives but need the group.
I have really enjoyed the book and wish the characters well on their next chapters.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a book group where they choose books based on the last page. The characters in the book are well developed and grow as they start to write their last pages. There’s an older widower who is just delightful and I can imagine him with a twinkle in his eye for example.
The MFC is struggling with running the business especially due to hike in rent. And so the story develops gently, yet with purpose. There is romance which is sweet and this is a clean book with no smut which would not have fitted the tone or voice of the book.
Thank you to the publisher Avon and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a warm cozy slow paced blanket. The cozy vibes it gives is not like, the Spell Shop whimsy cozy type of vibes. Its more like, the feeling after a good cry after a break up/loss - emotional but full. It has tender moments that just makes you want to believe again. The theme of control felt very present in the book (tied to the Last Page Book Group picking weekly books based on reading the last page) and there’s growth and depth in the characters and their situations. Really enjoyed this portrayal of found family/community coming togetherness, personal growth and why risk taking can be worth it.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first read by this author and when I saw this book I thought what a feel good cosy book

And the book was just that and very thought provoking

It centres around Erin a 54 year old who has inherited her mother's cafe The bookmark a women just trying to do her best like all of us,

The only place Erin feels in control and accepted is her her book club full of people of all walks of life all trying to figure out there own next chapter

They decide to read the last page of the book before deciding on what to read it is wonderfully written and very thought provoking for your own life