Review of The Last Page Cafe by Kate Storey
Release date: March 12th, 2026
Publisher: Avon
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REVIEW
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 and allows her to make constructive decisions that will strengthen her future.
The Last Page Café by Kate Storey is unique but it covers universal and foundational ingredients that matter in how it demonstrates 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 discus 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.
