Six Little Words

by Sally Page

Can one small note give her the courage to find a new path?One Note. One Act of kindness. Her new beginning is closer than she thinks.

Kate gave up her dreams of being a painter years ago. But six little words pinned to the noticeboard of her local café could change her path forever.

‘To be, or not to be…’ – printed on orange card with no explanation – appears one morning.

Each day, a new line from a different Shakespeare play is added, sparking curiosity throughout the café. Among the regulars is Bardy, a retired English teacher grappling with writer’s block.

As Kate and Bardy follow this breadcrumb trail, they discover a local community group encouraging people to rediscover their own creative spark – and the long-lost courage to chase it.

For Kate, their new group might just offer a second chance at happiness, if only Bardy can find the strength to share his story too…

Genres: Contemporary, Chick Lit

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 12, 2026

About the author

After studying history at university, Sally moved to London to work in advertising. In her spare time she studied floristry at night school and eventually opened her own flower shop. Sally came to appreciate that flower shops offer a unique window into people’s stories and she began to photograph and write about this floral life in a series of non-fiction books. Later, she continued her interest in writing when she founded her fountain pen company, Plooms.co.uk.

In her debut novel, The Keeper of Stories, Sally combines her love of history and writing with her abiding interest in the stories people have to tell. Sally now lives in Dorset. Her eldest daughter, Alex, is studying to be a doctor and her younger daughter is the author, Libby Page. Both are keen wild swimmers.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norfolk. Kate Oliver is a divorced mum, she gave up on her dream of being a painter years ago until she read six little words printed on a card, pinned to the noticeboard of her local café and each day a new line from a Shakespeare play is added.

Everyone who visits Luigi’s café is talking about it and eight of them assemble a group and local community centre are encouraging people to rediscover their creative spark, or find one and they have nine weeks for each person to enter something into the MACKL competition.

The members are: Luigi a widower, Bardy a retired English teacher, Taylor a young a teenager who had a tough childhood, Linda and Leonard a married older couple, Kate a cancer survivor, Satya a cosmetic entrepreneur and stressed out mother, and Pia a Danish lawyer.

Over cake and coffee and lots of conversation and banter, each selects a project to work on and the rules state no one can have made money from their craft and of course one of the members has and is keeping it a secret and they are not the only ones!

I received a copy of Six little Words by Sally Page from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK in exchange for an unbiased review.

I really liked this story, the characters are funny and diverse, have struggled in some way, need to find the courage to mix with people again and unlikely friendships and bonds are formed.

A narrative about finding a new path, being kind to one another, hearing aids need to be worn and are of no use stuck in a flipping draw, sticking up for your friends and what’s right, new beginnings and everyone has a hidden talent and you just need to find it.

Five stars from me, it also cover serious topics such as work place bullying and loss of self-esteem and fear of it coming back after having and beating cancer and I highly recommend.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+
‘To be on not to be’ that is indeed the question, pinned on orange card in Luigi’s coffee shop in coastal Norfolk. The six words have other words added to it on the days following its appearance and astonishingly, it even has an insta account! Among the regulars curiously looking at the card are Kate and Bardy. It seems this tantalising quote will lead them to a local community group with the objective of sparking or reigniting creativity. Bardy, a retired English teacher, is struggling with writer’s block whereas as Kate has several issues to grapple with. Can the group help each other to find that inner spark and more?

In a world that seems to be going increasingly mad, this is a soothing antidote and a wonderful distraction. The characters are lovely, they’re a diverse group but all are crafted well and so likeable ( maybe not you Tash but thankfully your mustard yellow aura fails to dominate the proceedings!).

I love the appropriate quotes from the Bard at the beginning of the chapters, the use of Shakespeare in the formation of the group and indeed, in the character of Bardy. It’s used cleverly and the creative idea it spawns are fabulous. Each chapter all has the arriving or departing bird life which is a delightful reference to this part of the U.K. The glorious setting gets the artistic juices flowing in several direction and it’s used to great effect. There’s a bit of everything to suit all tastes.

It’s also genuinely funny in places and I find myself chuckling out loud on more than one occasion. This is often courtesy of Leonard whose refusal to wear his hearing aids leads to several faux pas. There’s really good dialogue, some wonderful lively discussions, plenty of cake/ pastries and a glass or two of wine.

It’s obviously a novel that focuses on the courage to find something within yourself but it’s also about friendship and it’s fluctuating dynamics, loss and grief, love, health issues, kindness and understanding.

As well as the lovely characters there’s a delightful whippet called Noy who is not entirely responsible for some colourful scenes.

A lovely, engaging, immersive read.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction for the early copy in return for an honest review.

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.


Bardy, a retired English teacher, sees some folks as colors; brilliant colors: golden yellow, turquoise, ultramarine. His marriage is falling apart. He still loves his wife but she wants change. His boys are grown and living their own lives. Tay, his foster daughter, is trying to to work her way into college for art. Brady, aka Jon Shakespeare, is coordinating a group of locals interested in art into a workshop, of sorts. They meet weekly to support each other, work on their projects, give feedback and encouragement for the eight weeks preparation period. All forms of art are accepted: poetry, painting, sculpture, storytelling, music, cooking, carving, etc. The only caveat to participating is the artist cannot have made money as an artist prior to entering the contest…someone(s?) in this group aren’t following the rules…

Kate is divorced. Her three daughters are all doing well and have moved off the island after supporting her thru years of chemotherapy and surgery. The cancer is in remission and
Kate is trying to decide what she wants to do now. Oil painting is on her mind even before she notices the SIX LITTLE WORDS - “To Be Or Not To Be”. This was the first quote of prolific wordsmith, William Shakespeare, posted on the wall in Luigi’s coffee shop. Someone is updating them daily.

Pia is an extremely attractive lawyer from London. She and her equally striking dog, have just met Kate in the coffee shop. They hit it off from minute one, two outliers drawn together by that intangible something. Kate is also noticing Bardy. He was the English teacher for all of her girls. She finds him attractive but thinks he’s attracted to Pia. This is a triangle trying to be a rectangle and ends up almost being a complete wreck when another angle tries to join!

Other characters join the group: Tay, Luigi, (Bardy’s BFF and owner of the coffee shop), an older married couple, birders, Leonard and Linda, an aggressive realtor/sculptor, Tash and a few others who come and go; an eclectic group, for sure! No one has decided what they will do for submission to the contest until week 5 or 6. At times, the weekly meetings feel like group therapy sessions.

Character development happens along with the story itself progressing. Author, Sally Page,tackles big issues facing folks during various stages of life: empty nesting, second careers, moving on after facing potential death from illness, life after divorce, life after abuse, falling in love as a senior, falling in love the first time, etc. Each of these situations are respectfully presented and sprinkled with appropriate bits of humor and actionable information.

Up to this point, I’m leaning towards a 5 star rating. If the book had ended with Bardy’s chapter 52 where he and Kate are finally reading the same Shakespeare quotes at the same time, I’d have been a happy reader. Unfortunately, there’s a bizarre epilogue with three News Flashes that have me deleting one Star.

Recommended for readers who enjoy character driven fiction, small town stories, meandering love stories and contemporary themes done with a touch of quirkiness, humor, kindness and caring📚

Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, via Kindle, with thanks to the author and publisher

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous, beautifully wrought story about friendship and community! I loved it. Each and every character was special and real, and I couldn’t help but open my heart to them.
There was so much depth in the exploration of their emotions, and how they had to set themselves free of the past to move forward. It was a joy to follow them as their group formed and adapted, and as they gained strength and insight from supporting each other.
There were a few surprises on the way, too.
An unhesitating five stars - I’d give it more if I could.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I LOVE Sally's books and I'm always thrilled to get a new one to read.

Sally has this ability to write about painful experiences but infuse it with such light and love and happiness and hope. It's a real joy to read. Whilst the characters might have done through something difficult and their stories are not always happy, I have never left a book feeling anything other than uplifted. They're good for the soul.

It can be difficult to depict colour and beauty and art in words, but she's managed it beautifully. The same with the description of nature and silence and wildlife and peace and being at one with nature.

There are some fabulous characters and they're mostly all loveable. They're so real and familiar and flawed and recognisable.

It's a passionate plea about the importance of friendship, community, and how family is more than just blood. About second chances, about achieving your dreams, especially as our main protagonists are older characters, they can often feel like they're too old to do anything new but that's not right.

I loved that she added a touch of synaesthesia in it, that ability to see colours. I don't know what it's actually like to live with it, it might be horrible, but from my layman's perspective it sounds really beautiful to be able to see the colour of other people's souls., as it were.

There's not much in the way of real hard-hitting plot, but I don't mean that as a negative. I love character-driven stories rather than plot, and so I really preferred that this is more about the characters themselves than what they are actually doing.

This is going to sound like a negative, because the word is normally seen as a negative, but I don't mean it that way. But it feels a bit disjointed. And the reason I take that as a positive is that Sally has done such a deep dive into the characters' emotions that their thoughts and feelings and speech often overlap each other, along with the added 'seeing colours' element, which adds to the disjointed nature, and I think it really works. It makes it busy and imperfect, and I think that is what actually makes it perfect because that's how people are in real life. So for me, it made me more involved and care more for the characters than if they were too....clinical, too perfect, too structured. I think this is a much better way of depicting the characters and their stories.

I've read all of her books and I have to say The Book of Beginnings is still my favourite, but this is still a remarkable, accomplished novel, full of love and joy and hope and magic. It really is a tonic.

[Helen_t_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperCollins for access to the Netgalley of this latest Sally Page novel which comes out on 28th August. I've read all of her titles so far, and she goes from strength to strength with each one. This one is her best yet. It has heart, warmth, humour, and insight, and delivers a strong feelgood hit.

It features a diverse and eclectic mix of people, each with their own back stories, who come together as individuals attending a local community art group to enter an annual competition, including Kate, who gave up her dreams of being a painter years ago; Bardy, a retired English teacher grappling with writer’s block; Pia, a Danish human rights lawyer; retired businessman Leonard, and his wife Linda, a former nurse; cafe owner Luigi; entrepreneur Satya; and Bardy's former foster child Tay.

The characters are all loveable, well drawn, rounded, and relatable. I became so fond of them as the story unfolded, and they all feel very real.

As they work on their individual creative projects, they quickly become friends, forging an amazing bond and becoming a support network for each other, as they deal with their respective troubles and issues. This story is a hymn to found-family, and to friendship - especially male friendship, a subject not commonly featured in many novels.

The weekly meetings of this group, and their respective artistic, as well as personal challenges, are a great vehicle for Sally Page to explore the nature of creativity, and how therapeutic and beneficial it can be, which in turn prompts you, as the reader, to consider your own creative outlet.

With its north Norfolk coastal setting, this novel delivers a huge sense of place. It has really beautiful descriptions of the seascape, the skies, the light, and of course the sands and the beaches, populated by huge populations of seabirds, some who are native, some migratory.

This evocation of the natural world and the birdlife in particular, reflects important aspects of the novel, as the storyline explores both the definition of home, and the make up of the people in the art group, and the wider local community.

Just like the local birdlife, some people are confirmed homebirds. Some have arrived from other places - both home and abroad - and settled there, and some are seasonal migrants, natural travellers, passing through en route to other places.

How home is defined is a big consideration for some of the characters, especially Jon, who has a decision to make, and has to ask himself:
'Is home a place or a person?...Is home a place or people?'

With its themes of the transformational, life-enhancing power of friendship and creativity, as well as love, loss and second chances; a dash of Synaesthesia; and a sprinkle of Shakespearian references; this is a thoroughly enjoyable, heart-warming, thoughtful and uplifting read. I loved it. Perfect for fans of Claire Pooley, Ruth Hogan and David Nicholls.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for Goodreads

[Sarah Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this authors book the keeper stories so when I saw this one on NetGalley UK, I requested it quickly and it went to the top of my to be read list. I’m always amazed by how prolific some of the authors I read with a new book every year.
This novel tells the story of a group of adults get together to form a creative group after noticing a poster with six word incomplete quotes from Shakespeare on a café pin board. We are introduced to all the members of the group and gradually learn more about their backstory as the book progresses.
I struggled at the beginning quite a bit to keep up with the number of characters. This is something quite often find difficult in novels eventually I got all the characters straight and was glad I persisted with the book
I loved the Colour synaesthesia element and found this very interesting with one of the characters seeing people as colour aura. His love interest for example is seen as silver only when he touches her very cute.
I liked the fact that this book makes you think deeply about what it means to be creative. I know a lot of people who say they’re not creative but make the most amazing knitted items or play musical instruments. I never thought I was creative although I participate in Amraam putting other peoples ideas on this stage but I discovered I could needle felt and crochet and these creative outlets have been a significant helped me in my retirement.
I liked the little chapter headings which I assumed were Shakespearean, but the pendant in me wanted them all to be six words long
I love the way the characters are developed in this novel their interactions and the way they behaved given the storyline where they realistic. I felt I knew some of the people very well by the end of the novel and recognise some of my friends in them.

I can’t help thinking I want to see wobble the musical
I love the ending. It was quirky and fun just what you needed.

I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK. The book is published in the UK. On the 28th of August 2025 by Harper Collins UK, Harper fiction.
This review will be on that UK, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and my book blog bionic Sarah S book WordPress after
publication will also appear on Amazon UK

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a group of creative people who come together to help each other with their amateur competition entries, though this is just a way of getting them known to each other, almost a MacGuffin as it were.
I must admit, not being creative nor a birder nor a twitcher, I found parts of the book boring e.g. each week beginning with a piece on birds was particularly annoying for me. There was a lot of description of nature too, which will appeal to others more than me. I also thought the mentions of Covid and lockdown felt dated: most people don’t want to read about it now.
But I loved the fact that most characters were mature and so brought a wealth of interesting backstories to the book. In particular, I loved Linda’s wiseness. But, that said, I loved Tay the most. I thought she was well described and fascinating. As for her disciplinary meeting, that was the highlight of the book for me.
Finally, being a pedant, I wish more of the quotes had been only six words, as per the title.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Page's books are always great and a must-read for me.
It took me a while longer to get into, maybe because I was away, but the story revolves around a diverse group of people, brought together by a small orange card pinned to a notice board in a cafe. To be or not to be...
Bardy and Kate are the two main characters, with Bardy, a newly separated former teacher, running a group for creatives in the area, and Kate, a single mother to two adult children, who has a special interest in painting.
They have one of those connections that you, as a reader, can feel from early on, but life keeps throwing curveballs at them.
The group comprises interesting characters, and somehow, all their stories overlap, allowing you to get to know and love each of the different people.
It's a story that creeps up on you, then hooks you in, leaving you wanting to keep reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate's intruiged by the little notice in her local cafe referencing a Shakespeare quote. As each day passes another quote is added. It seems a community group is being formed to showcase creative skills.
The group, wide ranging characters are brought together under the guidance of Bardy, a retired teacher. Each have their own creative ideas and long lasting friendships are made.
I was slowly engrossed in this book, the characters are all delightful and grew as the book develops. The story is heartwarming and uplifting, some sadness but mostly good humoured throughout. I think this is my favourite Sally Page novel.......so far

[Claire Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely heartwarming and uplifting read - its a story of friendships and kind people - Kate is divorced and her girls have grown up and moved away, she sees a curious note in her local coffee shop inviting people to join a creative club and she decides to join. Here she meets an eclectic group of people who have their own stories to tell and they bond over their shared interest. I really enjoyed this - its quirky, fun and made me laugh out loud in places - Pasta Bake ( This had me giggling for ages ! )

[Claire Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Sally Page. Fantastic setting - North Norfolk is a wonderful place - and I absolutely loved all the characters. Such a mix of people and what a great way to come together - I really want to be part of that group! I thought the support they gave to one another when they needed it was really touching. A real heartwarming story, which reminded me that there is still some humanity out there (even if just in a book!)! And a great ending - very clever and just perfect!

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I found it hard to get into the characters. Halfway, though, and I was pulled in by this little group of people who were drawn together by their love for art and creativity. I loved the diversity, personalities, and how special each character was in their own unique way.

It is truly a heartwarming story about new beginnings, community, second chances, and of course friendship. It reminds us that even when life can be difficult and we are trying to navigate our way through it, true friendship can help make that journey a little easier.

Thank you at #NetGalley and @HarperCollinsUK for this ARC. Another fabulous book by Sally Page!

[Susanne Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was first by this author, I was intrigued by the premise of notes bringing people together. The story wasn’t quite what I thought I was expecting, but I found I really enjoyed it none the less.

At first I found the writing style a little hard to understand, I felt it jumped around and it was written like a stream of consciousness narrative. I persevered, taking time to check who’s pov I was reading and sometimes re reading parts, it did grow on me the more I read, becoming invested in the characters and the storyline really helped.

I found I really quite liked Kate, she was so human and relatable. She felt lost, and lonely, she’d fulfilled her parenting duties and her husband had left her and now she didn’t quite know where she fitted. I really enjoyed her story unfolding, her connection to Linda through her sister and I teared up a few times at Linda’s beautifully kind words.

I liked the friendship between Brady and Lou and how they were there for each other, a beautiful life long friendship, and Tay was interesting and both men were looking out for her.

I loved the underlying message of you can be creative in any number of ways, not just the conventional ways, and how women often dismiss their creative side as it’s not seen as important or they feel laughed at. So true and relatable.

The friendship group was beautiful and I loved how they all met up outside of group and helped and encouraged each other, they were having a blast so much that they forgot they were meant to be entering a competition!

A great and interesting read, a little different to my usual but I’m so pleased I read it as I feel it will stay with me a long time.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect book to read on a gray November day. It is a celebration of community, the inner creative spirit, and the ability to move on from a significant life change that has immobilized you.

As described in her author notes, Ms. Page says the idea for this book came from a creative competition that was initiated during lockdown to inspire creativity in people 65 and older. It was called the King Lear Prize. This was the kernel of an idea that became a fully developed cast of characters and issues.

Kate, divorced, mother of three grown daughters, and cancer survivor happens upon a small orange card on a café bulletin board that says' to be or not to be'. This becomes an invitation to join a group whose members will try to find their own creativity and enter a competition. The only caveat is they are not professional. Kate has had a successful career painting and selling images of her mother’s china but decides to keep this bit of information to herself. Becoming part of this group is a means of new connections.

The members of this group are a varied bunch. Bardy (aka Jon Shakespeare) is the organizer. He is a former English teacher whose wife has left him. Luigi, a widower and Bardy’s longtime friend owns the local café. Tay, is a young woman who has had a difficult life as the daughter of one of Bardy’s foster kids. Linda and Leonard are a married older couple who face the typical problems of accepting aging. Satya, is a harried wife and mother trying to balance home life with her career as entrepreneur, and Pia is a Danish lawyer with an edge, just resettled in Norfolk.

Each of the characters are well developed. The issues grappled with are universal but the twist is their camaraderie in supporting each of their individual pursuits. The underlying theme is that there is creativity within everyone that can lead to surprising outcomes.

I loved each of the characters. Bardy, especially. I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of synesthesia and he has this condition in which he sees people as colors. For him, he is spot on in his feelings about people by the colors they evoke. Kate, also a favorite. As she works out a trauma in her life, she is able to figure out how to move forward. The others were colorful, warm, and despite wide differences, came together as a whole.

So many books reflect the dark sides of the characters. The stories are bleak. Sometimes, hopeless. This was a book that raises the spirit. The problems were as real as the characters but not insurmountable. Choices needed to be made and 'with a little help from their friends,; resolution was possible.

The Shakespeare references were delightful, despite the hoaky end quote! Also enjoyable were the all the bird descriptions introducing each chapter and the descriptions of Norfolk. Made me want to book a flight.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone for the opportunity to read and objectively review this advanced readers copy.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this eCopy to review.

I didn’t expect a note on a café noticeboard to spark such a heartfelt journey, but Six Little Words did just that. Sally Page returns with another warm, uplifting novel that celebrates creativity, connection, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again.

📝 Plot Summary
Kate, once a promising painter, now finds herself adrift coping with grief, a recent divorce, and the silence of an empty nest. Her days blur together until one morning, she spots a curious note pinned to the café noticeboard: “To be, or not to be…” printed on orange card. Each day, a new line from Shakespeare appears, and the mystery draws in the café’s regulars.

Among them is Bardy, a retired English teacher battling writer’s block and his own regrets. Together, Kate and Bardy follow the trail of quotes to a local community group that encourages people to rediscover their creative spark. For Kate, it’s a chance to reclaim her artistic voice. For Bardy, it’s an invitation to finally share his story.

The novel unfolds gently, with kindness at its core. It’s a story about second chances, unexpected friendships, and the healing power of words.

💖 What I Loved
The Shakespeare Thread: The daily quotes are a brilliant device subtle, poetic, and full of meaning. They guide the characters without overpowering the story.

Kate’s Journey: Her emotional journey is beautifully paced. She’s vulnerable but never weak, and her rediscovery of art is deeply moving.

Community Spirit: The café regulars and the creative group feel like real people quirky, flawed, and full of heart.

Sally Page’s Voice: Gentle, wise, and quietly profound. Her writing feels like a warm blanket on a cold day.

🌟 Final Thoughts
Six Little Words is a tender, life-affirming novel perfect for fans of The Keeper of Stories, The Book of Beginnings, or The Lost Bookshop. If you love stories that celebrate everyday magic and the bravery of starting over, this one will speak to you.

[Mark taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six Little Words by Sally Page is a novel about a group of friends in a small village who form a group together to help them enter an art competition because of a 6 worded notice board placed in a caffe.

Going into this the latest novel by Sally Page as a reader who has enjoyed her previous books and even given them all five stars gave this reader an air of anticipation.

Unfortunately while Six Little Words was still an enjoyable read which for the right reader is still one that would be recommended, it did not meet the high expectation that came from the previous books by this writer.

The problem is while all the basics from Sally Page’s previous works were there a found family, people being able to deal with issues because of the group of friends.

As well as the usual cosy setting, this one the barren landscape of Norfolk and the wildlife that makes their home either permanent or migrantrey..

Which is used as a symbol at the very heart of, Six Little words.

Added to his while most if not all the major characters were likeable, added to this even if some or all of the people in the novel were unlikeable, it does not alter my enjoyment of the novel.

For me the issue was that the connection with enough of the characters to raise the novel to the high standard of the other Sally Pages’s novels was missing in Six Little words

Having said that, Six Little Words still has a good plot line with the issues they were dealing with through the novel. Kept me wanting to come back to the story, it is just that as a reader there was no investment in the outcome either good or bad.

Having said all this if you have read Sally Page’s books previously then it is still worth picking up as a reader you will still gain something from it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many women, Kate Oliver gave up on her dreams of being a painter when she became a mother. Even now, divorced and with her children growing, she's lost confidence in herself until she sees a bright orange card pinned to the noticeboard in the window of her local cafe bearing six little words... 'To be or not to be'.

Each day, a new line from a Shakespeare play is added to the card. Everyone seems to be talking about it, and eight of the most curious and diverse assemble a group. Kate, a cancer survivor, Luigi, the cafe owner and widower, Pia a danish lawyer, Satya a stressed mum and business entrepreneur, Taylor, a troubled teen, Bardy a retired teacher and an older married couple, Leonard and Linda.

At the same time, the community centre is running a craft competition. Incentivised by the little group they've created, they all select a craft project to work on. The only rule of the competition is that you can't have profited from your craft, but one member has done just that but isn't revealing it to the rest of the group.

I loved the diversity and execution of each and every character. They were really well rounded and all special in their own way. The unlikely friendships made and struggles they have faced felt extremely relatable, true to life, and easy to connect with. I must admit I had a real soft spot for Leonard who, with his refusal to wear his hearing aids had me chuckling out loud with his faux pars!

As a lover of Shakespeare, I loved the appropriate quotes at the start of each new chapter.

An immersive, comical, heart warming tale that had me laughing out loud, grinning like a mad woman and sighing all in good measure.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC.

[Chronically Bookish Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ but happily rounding up to 5!

I must admit, when I started reading this book it took me a little while to be really interested in the characters and I found myself noticing little misspellings or punctuation errors (sorry about that!)

But it didn’t take too long before I was completely enthralled by this little group of people drawn together by art and creativity, and the many different ways that this manifests in us.

So much of this story, and these characters was relatable, and I especially loved how the author highlighted how normal it has become for us all to underrate or underestimate any creative leanings we might have. Either by viewing time spent creating something as time wasted or lost, by viewing our particular creative outlet as not being “real” art, or by allowing ourselves to be discouraged by disparaging comments made by people who don’t know or care anything about the joy and balance that indulging our creativity can bring to a life.

Among our little group of characters, who become such fast friends (with a touch of romance for some!) there is no judgement or expectations, only support, understanding and encouragement. Despite their varying backgrounds and lived experiences, they find true fellowship and I think we would all wish to find ourselves part of a group such as this.

It is a story that leaves you smiling, but also reflective and I know that it has left me with questions about myself that I will be mulling over for some time to come.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this book.

[Narelle Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books that come along and just feel right - you enjoy the way they unfold their story, develop their characters, share their words. Sally Page's book, 'Six Little Words', is that book for me - filling in spaces and creating pictures for me of people and places that I'm so glad I have met. While Kate and Bardy are the two central characters finding their way towards each other slowly and of course with a certain number of obstacles, everyone who makes up the group preparing some artistic endeavour for the MARKL competition are engaging - you want to know what is next for all of them. This book highlights the importance of community and creativity breathing life into the characters that inhabit this town in Norfolk. It was just a joyful book filled with foibles and successes - it made you want to return to any creative activity you had ever tried and see how it works this time round. I wanted to sit in their houses and stare at the water with them. I wanted to be at that table telling them how my project was going. I wanted to invite them round for a meal and a drink. I think an author has done a brilliant job when you genuinely don't want to close the page on this group of people. Louise May Alcott said in 'Little Women' , 'I like good words that mean something'. Not six little words but definitely what Sally Page has achieved for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm and cosy story about a diverse group of people who gather together ostensibly to enter an arts competition. In reality all have experienced a range of losses or a change of circumstance, so are seeking connection and companionship, while exploring their creative abilities. Page has the ability to write about different characters and give them distinct voices and personalities, making you care about each and everyone. There’s humour in the story and I found myself snorting with laughter several times.

After being immersed in gruesome scenes in Vietnam and discovering historic murder graves Ireland, in other books I’m currently reading, I found this like sinking into a hot bath, just what I needed!

Six Little Words intersperses quotes from Shakespeare, nature writing and lovely descriptions of the North Norfolk Coast. If you do not feel like being creative in some way at the end, I would be surprised.

The only thing that rankled was men in their early sixties were repeatedly referred to as old!

This would appeal to readers of Rachel Hore, Philippa Ashley and Jenny Colgan.

If you enjoy Six Little Words I would also recommend The Book of Beginnings by the author. It was a big hit at my bookclub.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like a gentle nudge from the universe—the kind that reminds you it’s never too late to begin again.

Sally Page weaves a quietly uplifting story about Kate, a woman who once dreamed of being a painter, and Bardy, a retired teacher stuck in a creative rut. Their lives intersect thanks to a curious café noticeboard and a trail of Shakespeare quotes that spark something unexpected: hope, connection, and the courage to try again.

What I loved most was how naturally the story unfolded. The characters aren’t flashy or dramatic—they’re real, a little bruised, and beautifully ordinary. Page has a gift for making small moments feel significant: a shared glance, a whispered confession, a group of strangers slowly becoming something like family.

There’s a lovely thread of creativity running through it all, not in a grand, showy way, but in the quiet rediscovery of what makes us feel alive. Whether it’s painting, writing, or simply showing up for someone else, the book celebrates the kind of art that happens when we let ourselves be seen.

It’s warm, a little quirky, and full of heart. If you’re in the mood for something that feels like a soft blanket and a fresh start, this one’s worth curling up with.

With thanks to Sally Page, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book a really lovely gentle read.

A new community group which encourages locals to rediscover their hidden talents brings a group of people together each nervous to begin with, but soon becoming each other's cheerleaders and firm friends.

Kate is divorced and has spent her life bringing up her girls but now with them flown the nest she finds the courage to take up painting, a dream she has had for many years,

Brady is separated from his wife and has two grown up boys who he only sees occasionally as they live abroad, is a retired English teacher who has always harboured a dream to write.

The group brings these two characters together each having a connection but facing a few obstacles along the way.. The other members of the group are diverse , each having wonderful personalities, who I loved getting to know.

I loved learning about all the characters back stories.
Finding yourself and your dreams can be difficult but along with the help of friends it can make the process easier.

New beginnings, friendships, community, second chances and kindness are themes portrayed beautifully throughout this book . A really uplifting book which celebrates the best qualities that we may sometimes take for granted.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate gave up her dreams of being a painter years ago. But six little words pinned to the notice board of her local cafe could change her path forever. "To be, or not to be...." - printed on an orange card with no explanation - appears one morning. Each day, a new line from a different Shakespeare ply is added, sparking curiosity throughout the cafe. Among the regulars is Bardy, a retired English teacher grappling with writers block. As Kate and Bardy follow the breadcrumb trail, they discover a local community group encouraging people to rediscover their own creative spark - and the long-lost courage to chase it. For Kate, their new group might just offer a second chance at happiness, if only Bardy can find the strength to share his story too.

This is a heartwarming and funny feelgood story. We get to meet a great bunch of characters who all have their own backstory. They all attend weekly meetings and forge a great network of support for each other. I was quickly pulled into this intriguing story. It's very well-written and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Published 26th March 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #SallyPage for my
ARC of #SixLittleWords in exchange for an honest review.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really lovely book. It took me a little bit to get into it fully, a slower start but as it came together and the whole cast of characters were introduced it became something I wanted to continue reading. The diversity of the characters was really good, ranging in age from a 17yr old girl with a rough start in life to a 64yr old retired teacher, and then an 80yr old couple made up of a former nurse and a her business owner husband, as well as several others who came together to form a group for people wanting to share creativity that grew into something so much more. The bonds and friendships that were formed within the group were very touching and often unexpected. They saw the characters changing in various ways, opening up about things, changing things about themselves and just growing into themselves. It was a great way to show that people who seem so very different can have things in common, and even when it seems they don't, they can become an integral part of your life. There's even a bit of a love story in there. So many subjects are looked at, from grief, recovery from cancer, marriage break-ups and more. And it's all explored in a really nice way. I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Haxxunne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow build to a resounding finish
—
This book really did not grab me from the first page—in fact, it tried so hard to dissuade me from reading it, that I was prepared, for the first time this year, to DNF.

But.

I got over the first ten percent, and by then I was invested. Somewhere in Norfolk, Bardy is a retired English teacher who is still involved with his pupils’ lives; sadly, his marriage is on the rocks and his days are spent looking back at what went wrong and wondering if there’s any way back to the golden past. Meanwhile, Kate is suffering from empty nest syndrome, especially since her wayward ex-husband left her for a woman half his age. As these two lost souls, and others, get embroiled in a messy, ad hoc art group, how much of their selves will they reveal in their works of art, and what will become of their new fragile, friendships?

It takes its time to get going, but the inevitable romance, the tentative friendships that build into something meaningful, the invisible but necessary web of connections between these disparate characters slowly criss cross and form into something with shape and colour and potential. This was my first Sally Page, but it won’t be my last.

[Emily Kitching · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well she’s done it again!

Kate has had a tough life - battling illness, grieving her sister, raising her kids after her husband left her for a younger model. Her kids have now flown the nest, can Kate find the happiness she’s been missing?

Sally Page truly has a talent for writing people, her characters are always interesting, funny, so incredibly loveable - but also complex and flawed and often struggling with their past. Every time I read one of these books I’m so fully invested, and this was no different.

This book was just so lovely - I adored the characters, loved the descriptions of the scenery and couldn’t wait to see what happened next for each of our characters. Whilst we had a main character to root for, there were so many little relationship nuances to see develop, and I felt like I was smiling for most of this book. The banter was wonderful, but there were also some really deep and heartfelt moments.

Uplifting, funny, heartfelt and feel-good - I will be recommending this to all my reader friends!

[Beverley Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six Little Words - Sally Page due for publication 28 August 2025

A book of new friendships, love, creativity and hearts that are broken healing through the power of friendship.

A group of very different people meet to enter an art competition led by a retired art teacher Brady. But the group becomes much more, weaving each characters story into the pages using Shakespeare quotes and colourful landscapes of the North Norfork coast. Friendships grow troubles are shared and solutions found.

I loved each character and their stories. They were drawn so well I could picture them all. I wanted Noy the greyhound in Brenda's jokey knitted outfits to come and sit beside me. I wanted spikey Tay as my friend and caring Linda when I was feeling burdened and unwell. I wanted to know what colour Brady with his Synesthesia saw me surrounded by.

An uplifting read that made me smile and shed a few tears especially when we hear about Kate's relationship with her sister.

A quietly beautiful read.

Thanks to Netgalley for a pre publication copy.

[Lynne James · Rating 4 out of 5]

As warm and charming as ever, Sally Page's latest novel tells the story of a group of characters brought together by an arts competition.
Kate, the main protagonist, is drawn in by a card with the six little words
To be or not to be
written on it. Written originally by William Shakespeare they are used as a hook by John Shakespeare in the Norfolk village in which Kate Oliver is living, to get people to join together to support one another as they consider entering for an arts competition.
Each character's story is drawn out through the book, while Kate and John's coming together is the overarching plot.
Character driven rather than incident driven, this is a gentle novel , well written, as one would expect.
The friendship between John and Lou is particularly poignant.
There are no earth shattering events in the novel, simply an engaging story of friendship among a very disparate group of people, each of whom gains support from the others as the story unfolds.
A comforting, rather than challenging, read, restoring ones faith in human nature.

[Misfits farm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six little words- the first ones from the Bard himself- Shakespeare- “ To be or not to be”, those immortal lines we all know. Pinned on a notice board in a café. Each day there is a new one. Inspirational in a way and most definitely thought provoking. Kate has had a rough ride in recent times and is coming to terms with her life. She was a successful artist- a secret she keeps close. She develops friendships and finds a community wanting to explore their creative selves, but without the confidence to develop it. Together they can take the first steps perhaps.

This is a tender piece of writing, let me explain. Each of the characters, just like real life, has their own issues in one way or another. They are from a range of backgrounds and ages and for now the common thread is being creative. Through getting to know one another slowly they find they have more in common then they ever thought. A book about courage and living for the day, being kind and true to yourself, whoever that maybe- not always as simple as it sounds. A beautiful meaningful read.