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The Stories We Carry
A small-town bookstore owner finds herself at odds with a newcomer bent on disrupting her quiet life in this Southern women’s fiction novel by award-winning author Robin W. Pearson.
Glory Pryor has carved out a life for herself in Gilmore, North Carolina, cultivating a community around her bookstore, By the Book. While her business is a success, she carries the weight of stories of her own she’s never told anyone. She holds out hope that one day her estranged brother will turn up on her doorstep so she can finally learn where he’s been all these years. Glory’s husband Eli thinks she has her arms wrapped too tightly around the could-have-beens, and that it’s time for them to let go of the store as they head into their retirement years. Glory has different opinions on that—she’s not ready to give up the dream she’s built just yet. Then Adelle Simonette shows up with her young son, Bennett, and Glory’s carefully controlled life begins to crumble.
Newly widowed Adelle Simonette is a single mother trying to find her footing and navigate parenting her young son. Lost in her grief, one thing she’s certain of is that she needs to confront Glory Pryor and everybody who knows her because the woman’s been living a lie. Adelle thinks it’s high time Glory made things right. But Adelle’s finding it hard to tell the truth . . . and there will be no going back once she does.
In the wake of deeply personal grief and loss, two women reckon with a lifetime of silence and secrets to find a path forward toward healing, hope, and restoration.
Contemporary women’s fiction for fans of Denise Hunter, Vanessa Miller, Rachel Hauck, and Rhonda McKnightA small-town Southern saga that features bookish heroines and themes of family, forgiveness, and reconciliationIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
Glory Pryor has carved out a life for herself in Gilmore, North Carolina, cultivating a community around her bookstore, By the Book. While her business is a success, she carries the weight of stories of her own she’s never told anyone. She holds out hope that one day her estranged brother will turn up on her doorstep so she can finally learn where he’s been all these years. Glory’s husband Eli thinks she has her arms wrapped too tightly around the could-have-beens, and that it’s time for them to let go of the store as they head into their retirement years. Glory has different opinions on that—she’s not ready to give up the dream she’s built just yet. Then Adelle Simonette shows up with her young son, Bennett, and Glory’s carefully controlled life begins to crumble.
Newly widowed Adelle Simonette is a single mother trying to find her footing and navigate parenting her young son. Lost in her grief, one thing she’s certain of is that she needs to confront Glory Pryor and everybody who knows her because the woman’s been living a lie. Adelle thinks it’s high time Glory made things right. But Adelle’s finding it hard to tell the truth . . . and there will be no going back once she does.
In the wake of deeply personal grief and loss, two women reckon with a lifetime of silence and secrets to find a path forward toward healing, hope, and restoration.
Contemporary women’s fiction for fans of Denise Hunter, Vanessa Miller, Rachel Hauck, and Rhonda McKnightA small-town Southern saga that features bookish heroines and themes of family, forgiveness, and reconciliationIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
21 people are currently reading
5264 people want to read
About the author
Robin W. Pearson
5 books455 followersRobin W. Pearson’s writing sprouts from her Southern upbringing, her belief in Jesus Christ, and her love of her husband, seven children, and their dog, Oscar. Her novels are “rooted in the soul of the story” and include her Christy Award–winning debut, A Long Time Comin’, as well as ’Til I Want No More, Walking in Tall Weeds, and her latest, Dysfunction Junction. Robin has corrected grammar up and down the East Coast in her career as an author and editor and in her calling as a homeschooling mama of many. She loves to share about her faith and her family through her fiction; her blog, https://robinwpearson.com/mommy-conce... at conferences such as Breathe, Fiction Readers Summit, and Vision Christian Writers; and with her friends and followers @robinwpearson. They're the source of all the characters living and breathing in the stories waiting to be told about her belief in Jesus Christ and the experiences at her own kitchen sink. Learn more on https://robinwpearson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 17, 2025
The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson
4 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This is a heartfelt, Southern family story. Set in the small town of Gilmore, North Carolina, this Christian fiction is about Glory Pryor, who runs a bookstore in town and newcomer Adelle Simonette, who moves there with her young son. Their paths cross and both women have experience's they never expected. Adelle's is walking through grief from the loss of her husband. Glory is keeping secrets buried as her and her husband Eli are nearing retirement age as they look to moving on from the store to new things. Glory doesn't expect Adelle and her son working on her heart during their time there.
I really enjoyed this book. I have been loving general contemporary women's fiction stories lately and this was another good one to add to my recommendation list going forward. It’s reflective and emotional without feeling too heavy. This is my first book by Robin and she writes with such warmth and depth, especially when exploring themes of family and faith.
I appreciated how both Glory and Adelle’s stories showed their real life struggles. Glory wasn't much of a believer, and didn't want a lot to do with God, but she had the foundation of faith from her life growing up. We see some of her faith come back to her in this book. She was funny and I loved her relationships with others in this book.
I loved that Glory was over 60 with her sweet husband Eli. Their relationship was real, funny and sweet. Adelle was in her 40's, with her 4 year old son. Middle aged characters in stories really bring the reality of life and depth to the story. Lots of relatability.
Our characters experience healing and it was beautiful. I wasn't too sure how I felt with the ending when the big secrets were revealed, but it was tied up nicely in the end.
Overall, this was a beautiful, faith-filled story about community, second chances, forgiveness and the little ways God works through the people around us.
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for an e-book copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.
4 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This is a heartfelt, Southern family story. Set in the small town of Gilmore, North Carolina, this Christian fiction is about Glory Pryor, who runs a bookstore in town and newcomer Adelle Simonette, who moves there with her young son. Their paths cross and both women have experience's they never expected. Adelle's is walking through grief from the loss of her husband. Glory is keeping secrets buried as her and her husband Eli are nearing retirement age as they look to moving on from the store to new things. Glory doesn't expect Adelle and her son working on her heart during their time there.
I really enjoyed this book. I have been loving general contemporary women's fiction stories lately and this was another good one to add to my recommendation list going forward. It’s reflective and emotional without feeling too heavy. This is my first book by Robin and she writes with such warmth and depth, especially when exploring themes of family and faith.
I appreciated how both Glory and Adelle’s stories showed their real life struggles. Glory wasn't much of a believer, and didn't want a lot to do with God, but she had the foundation of faith from her life growing up. We see some of her faith come back to her in this book. She was funny and I loved her relationships with others in this book.
I loved that Glory was over 60 with her sweet husband Eli. Their relationship was real, funny and sweet. Adelle was in her 40's, with her 4 year old son. Middle aged characters in stories really bring the reality of life and depth to the story. Lots of relatability.
Our characters experience healing and it was beautiful. I wasn't too sure how I felt with the ending when the big secrets were revealed, but it was tied up nicely in the end.
Overall, this was a beautiful, faith-filled story about community, second chances, forgiveness and the little ways God works through the people around us.
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for an e-book copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.
October 17, 2025
This is the first Robin W. Pearson book I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. TSWC has the slow, ambling style of a Southern novel, and it’s a refreshing change to my usual genre.
Glory is a hoot and Eli is a darling. The other characters filled in the nooks and crannies of the story and filled the pages with emotion and rounded out the story very well.
Glory was most definitely carrying a lot of stories with her and could have buckled under the weight. Isn’t that like all of us, especially wives and mothers? So I found her very relatable and fascinating.
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited.
Glory is a hoot and Eli is a darling. The other characters filled in the nooks and crannies of the story and filled the pages with emotion and rounded out the story very well.
Glory was most definitely carrying a lot of stories with her and could have buckled under the weight. Isn’t that like all of us, especially wives and mothers? So I found her very relatable and fascinating.
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited.
October 22, 2025
4.5
With that cover and that title and that author, how could I not read The Stories We Carry? It might as well have had a neon sign attached that blinked, “For Carrie. Read ASAP.” The opening paragraphs hooked me, and the combination of warmly woven layers, vibrant characters, and complex secrets kept me fully absorbed until the last word. Listen, y’all – Robin W. Pearson’s books could be set anywhere because they shine a light on issues common to us all. But her writing voice is perfect for Southern fiction, rolling richly off the page in a soft, poetic cadence that captures the easy rhythm of front porch conversation and family dinners. And that setting! Pearson paints such a vivid picture of By the Book that I felt as though I were curled up there in Glory’s favorite nook, observing the comings and goings in the bookstore and reflecting on the power of stories to speak truth. Including this one.
There are a myriad of compelling characters in The Stories We Carry, and they represent different generations, different ethnicities, and different socioeconomic backgrounds. But the two main points of view we follow belong to Glory – a bookshop owner on the upper end of middle age – and Adelle – a young widow who’s recently moved to town with her adorable little boy. Pearson has gifted each woman strengths as well as flaws, the latter of which helped them feel all the more ‘real’ and relatable to me and gave the story the kind of depth and complexity that make it a perfect ‘book club read’. It also made me want to reach in and shake both women at one point or another… usually when their most authentic layers stepped on my own toes a bit haha! I loved, loved, LOVED the Famous Quotes club – not as much for why it started as for what it became and the character growth it facilitates. It made my story-loving heart AND my THE Story-loving heart so happy. And ohhhh the secrets and twists – add a bowl of popcorn to my ‘curled up in the bookstore’ imaginings because I was riveted to the brewing drama. The author’s carefully executed hints and timing of the reveals kept me hanging on every word, an investment which then allowed me to deeply appreciate the larger portrait of grace she’d been painting all along.
Bottom Line: The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson is a love letter to the power of stories, a cautionary reflection on the power of secrets, and an inspiring reminder that God is in the business of redemption. As Pearson warmly blends multi-generational perspectives, layered secrets, and small-town Southern charm, she also introduces us to a cast of characters who are relatably human and authentically flawed, inviting us to see ourselves and our need for Jesus in their beautiful array of personalities, failures, and giftings. I so enjoyed settling in to the cadence of this story, picturing the characters, ‘hearing’ their voices, and immersing myself in Glory’s delightful bookstore. Not to mention how I became completely absorbed in the mysterious secrets that Glory and Adelle – and the author – are keeping from us. Bookish, heartfelt, and reflective, The Stories We Carry is a must-read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
With that cover and that title and that author, how could I not read The Stories We Carry? It might as well have had a neon sign attached that blinked, “For Carrie. Read ASAP.” The opening paragraphs hooked me, and the combination of warmly woven layers, vibrant characters, and complex secrets kept me fully absorbed until the last word. Listen, y’all – Robin W. Pearson’s books could be set anywhere because they shine a light on issues common to us all. But her writing voice is perfect for Southern fiction, rolling richly off the page in a soft, poetic cadence that captures the easy rhythm of front porch conversation and family dinners. And that setting! Pearson paints such a vivid picture of By the Book that I felt as though I were curled up there in Glory’s favorite nook, observing the comings and goings in the bookstore and reflecting on the power of stories to speak truth. Including this one.
There are a myriad of compelling characters in The Stories We Carry, and they represent different generations, different ethnicities, and different socioeconomic backgrounds. But the two main points of view we follow belong to Glory – a bookshop owner on the upper end of middle age – and Adelle – a young widow who’s recently moved to town with her adorable little boy. Pearson has gifted each woman strengths as well as flaws, the latter of which helped them feel all the more ‘real’ and relatable to me and gave the story the kind of depth and complexity that make it a perfect ‘book club read’. It also made me want to reach in and shake both women at one point or another… usually when their most authentic layers stepped on my own toes a bit haha! I loved, loved, LOVED the Famous Quotes club – not as much for why it started as for what it became and the character growth it facilitates. It made my story-loving heart AND my THE Story-loving heart so happy. And ohhhh the secrets and twists – add a bowl of popcorn to my ‘curled up in the bookstore’ imaginings because I was riveted to the brewing drama. The author’s carefully executed hints and timing of the reveals kept me hanging on every word, an investment which then allowed me to deeply appreciate the larger portrait of grace she’d been painting all along.
Bottom Line: The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson is a love letter to the power of stories, a cautionary reflection on the power of secrets, and an inspiring reminder that God is in the business of redemption. As Pearson warmly blends multi-generational perspectives, layered secrets, and small-town Southern charm, she also introduces us to a cast of characters who are relatably human and authentically flawed, inviting us to see ourselves and our need for Jesus in their beautiful array of personalities, failures, and giftings. I so enjoyed settling in to the cadence of this story, picturing the characters, ‘hearing’ their voices, and immersing myself in Glory’s delightful bookstore. Not to mention how I became completely absorbed in the mysterious secrets that Glory and Adelle – and the author – are keeping from us. Bookish, heartfelt, and reflective, The Stories We Carry is a must-read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 8, 2025
OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
There’s something so incredibly special about a slow, Southern fiction read. Now don’t go thinking slow = boring! I’m trying to think of the best words to describe the feeling I get when reading these types of stories. They are almost poetic in nature. Full of intrigue and charm. Their characters are flawed, relatable and beautiful. The story will draw you in and your heart just grows around these unique characters. Such an incredibly diverse cast of characters in this one especially – different personalities and generations coming together, all of whom bring a level of depth and add layers of complexity to this inspiring story that focuses a lot on forgiveness.
“The Stories We Carry” or the skeletons we hide in our closet is perhaps another way to describe the foundation of this novel. Glory Pryor and her husband, Eli, have been running a successful bookshop in their little town of Gilmore, NC. They’re nearing retirement age and Eli dreams of selling and moving onto their next adventure. Glory, however, can’t fathom the idea. The bookshop is her entire world. She grips onto the business as tightly as she does the secrets of her past. What Glory didn’t anticipate, was a woman by the name of Adelle and her adorable little son, Ben, stepping into their bookshop and then into their lives, causing her comfortable and calculated world to be tipped off its axis. Glory is finding it harder to keep her secrets buried, but she’s not the only one holding back her truths.
I really couldn’t put this book down due to the unanswered questions surrounding a few characters. It was like trying to solve a mystery. There were so many different avenues I could see this one going, but it took a turn I hadn’t at all suspected. Surprised and so very happy with the way this one ended. Such a great representation of the importance of FAITH, FAMILY and FORGIVENESS. You’ll want to get this onto your TBR. And truly, can you really go wrong with a story when the setting so heavily involves a quaint little bookshop? I think not.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
There’s something so incredibly special about a slow, Southern fiction read. Now don’t go thinking slow = boring! I’m trying to think of the best words to describe the feeling I get when reading these types of stories. They are almost poetic in nature. Full of intrigue and charm. Their characters are flawed, relatable and beautiful. The story will draw you in and your heart just grows around these unique characters. Such an incredibly diverse cast of characters in this one especially – different personalities and generations coming together, all of whom bring a level of depth and add layers of complexity to this inspiring story that focuses a lot on forgiveness.
“The Stories We Carry” or the skeletons we hide in our closet is perhaps another way to describe the foundation of this novel. Glory Pryor and her husband, Eli, have been running a successful bookshop in their little town of Gilmore, NC. They’re nearing retirement age and Eli dreams of selling and moving onto their next adventure. Glory, however, can’t fathom the idea. The bookshop is her entire world. She grips onto the business as tightly as she does the secrets of her past. What Glory didn’t anticipate, was a woman by the name of Adelle and her adorable little son, Ben, stepping into their bookshop and then into their lives, causing her comfortable and calculated world to be tipped off its axis. Glory is finding it harder to keep her secrets buried, but she’s not the only one holding back her truths.
I really couldn’t put this book down due to the unanswered questions surrounding a few characters. It was like trying to solve a mystery. There were so many different avenues I could see this one going, but it took a turn I hadn’t at all suspected. Surprised and so very happy with the way this one ended. Such a great representation of the importance of FAITH, FAMILY and FORGIVENESS. You’ll want to get this onto your TBR. And truly, can you really go wrong with a story when the setting so heavily involves a quaint little bookshop? I think not.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
September 12, 2025
Southern-writing maven, Robin W. Pearson’s newest release, THE STORIES WE CARRY, is a treasure. Examining the stories—and secrets—that people carry and how these shape their futures, behaviors, and reactions was an unfolding mystery that kept me turning the pages. Like a delicious cup of Earl Gray on the front porch, Pearson’s storytelling invites readers to linger over each character’s memories and secrets, savoring the warmth and complexity of Southern life.
THE STORY: THE STORIES WE CARRY takes place in Gilmore North Carolina. Glory, a passionate bookstore owner, lives with her husband Eli, whom she married later in life. Their close-knit circle is disrupted when Adelle, a young widow new to Gilmore with her child, Ben enters their lives. Eli dreams of building a new life in a home away from the bookstore, while Glory cannot imagine leaving the place she loves. Adelle harbors a secret that threatens to unravel the peaceful existence Glory and Eli have built, forcing them all to confront truths that could change their lives forever.
Pearson’s prose is as comforting as the scent of apple blossoms drifting through an open window on a summer evening. Her characters—like the indecisive owner of By the Book—are flawed and sometimes frustrating, making their growth feel authentic and relatable. And any story set in a bookstore, especially the charming By the Book, will always draw me in for a comfortable read.
This book is highly recommended for fans of Robin Pearson, Southern novels, contemporary women’s fiction, light mysteries, and soul-searching stories featuring a community of interesting and unique characters from different generations. As always, a clean read and a strong, but believable faith message.
I received this book through the publisher Tyndale and was not required to give a positive review.
THE STORY: THE STORIES WE CARRY takes place in Gilmore North Carolina. Glory, a passionate bookstore owner, lives with her husband Eli, whom she married later in life. Their close-knit circle is disrupted when Adelle, a young widow new to Gilmore with her child, Ben enters their lives. Eli dreams of building a new life in a home away from the bookstore, while Glory cannot imagine leaving the place she loves. Adelle harbors a secret that threatens to unravel the peaceful existence Glory and Eli have built, forcing them all to confront truths that could change their lives forever.
Pearson’s prose is as comforting as the scent of apple blossoms drifting through an open window on a summer evening. Her characters—like the indecisive owner of By the Book—are flawed and sometimes frustrating, making their growth feel authentic and relatable. And any story set in a bookstore, especially the charming By the Book, will always draw me in for a comfortable read.
This book is highly recommended for fans of Robin Pearson, Southern novels, contemporary women’s fiction, light mysteries, and soul-searching stories featuring a community of interesting and unique characters from different generations. As always, a clean read and a strong, but believable faith message.
I received this book through the publisher Tyndale and was not required to give a positive review.
October 22, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a hard book for me to read. The story is raw and honest, slow and meandering in the way of southern fiction. There is a lot of meaning in that, yet I didn’t find any of the characters particularly endearing, which made it hard to connect to them on an emotional level. However, the themes woven throughout the story were meaningful and kept me reading to see how things resolved. I do wish some of the redemption would have come earlier in the story to allow more time to build the reconciliation, but I did enjoy where the characters ended up in their own stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and am not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and am not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2025
The Stories We Carry, by Robin W. Pearson, is a contemporary Christian story that takes place in Gilmore North Carolina. This is a nicely written story that is easy to read and imagine. The story focuses on bookstore owner, Glory, her husband, close friends and a young single mom, Adelle, and child new to the area. This nicely written story show the struggles Glory and her husband have with moving forward with their lives at this age. He wants a home away from the book store Glory does not want to leave. Being fairly newly married, they both have pasts that affect who they are and how they want to live.
Adelle is a newly widowed with a young child that have moved into the area. It's evident she is in town for a reason and has something against Glory. I found this part of the story to be what held my attention the most and kept me reading to find out what Adelle's story was.
I enjoyed how the story shows such a realistic side to Glory and her husbands relationship. I appreciate how the author brings into the story their time in life and the changes that are taking place, not only with work but also physically.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review.
Adelle is a newly widowed with a young child that have moved into the area. It's evident she is in town for a reason and has something against Glory. I found this part of the story to be what held my attention the most and kept me reading to find out what Adelle's story was.
I enjoyed how the story shows such a realistic side to Glory and her husbands relationship. I appreciate how the author brings into the story their time in life and the changes that are taking place, not only with work but also physically.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review.
November 1, 2025
Oooooo soooo preachy, preachy, preachy! Do not recommend unless you want heavy duty bible talk
September 4, 2025
I have never read anything from this author previously. The title stuck out to me as a story not to be missed. My assessment was accurate. The beginning of any good story focuses on the particulars of the current situation. Then, the story came into action!
Glory a book store owner is married to the love of her life; Eli. Although they have known each other since elementary school, love came later for the couple. Glory has put her entire life into the store while Eli gave up his business to start a life with Glory. Glory has secrets well hidden.
Adelle comes to town with her only son Bennette. With secrets of her own she starts to create relationships with the people in town; including Glory. She came to town with a purpose in mind but as she gets to know the people of "By The Book" her mission becomes more challenging.
This story is about how secrets and grief hurt our hearts and leave us stuck if we don't heal. I loved this book. I feel like everyone has a past and only God can change our future. This is a serious read with humorous twists. You will fall in love with the characters. Definitely a must read!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
Glory a book store owner is married to the love of her life; Eli. Although they have known each other since elementary school, love came later for the couple. Glory has put her entire life into the store while Eli gave up his business to start a life with Glory. Glory has secrets well hidden.
Adelle comes to town with her only son Bennette. With secrets of her own she starts to create relationships with the people in town; including Glory. She came to town with a purpose in mind but as she gets to know the people of "By The Book" her mission becomes more challenging.
This story is about how secrets and grief hurt our hearts and leave us stuck if we don't heal. I loved this book. I feel like everyone has a past and only God can change our future. This is a serious read with humorous twists. You will fall in love with the characters. Definitely a must read!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
November 16, 2025
Two women with two devastating secrets cross paths in a genial bookstore. As they get to know one another, their skepticism of each other grows, while their secrets threaten to surface and expose their pain and vulnerabilities. A charming story of hope, healing, and forgiveness, The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson will deepen your appreciation of books and the community it fosters.
Glory Pryor, the spunky owner of By the Book bookstore, has an immense love for her books and her husband, Eli Pryor. At sixty-four-years-old, she does not live a laggard lifestyle. She enjoys the abundance of her life, filled with a successfully bustling business to manage, and a charismatic husband to love. However, as much as she appreciates the blessings of her life, she remains burdened by a regret from her past, that leaves her stifling towards emotional healing and growth. The guilt from her past leaves her faithless and with a hardened heart towards God. When an unexpectant visitor arrives at her bookstore, she will be faced with releasing the burdens from her past and accepting the promise of her future.
Adelle Simonette is a new resident in town. As a recent widow and newly single parent to her young, spirited son, Bennett, she has much change to adjust to in her life. Although she attempts to personify herself as an innocent recent widow who happened to stumble upon By the Book bookshop, she has a malicious plan with the intent to enact vengeance. The weight of bitterness and grief she carries prevents forgiveness and healing. It is not until she surrenders to the love and will of the Lord, as well as the kindness of the community, that she experiences liberation and redemption.
The Stories We Carry is a lovely novel with a modern setting in the fictional small town of Gilmore, North Carolina. The story has an overall inspiring message of hope, with a likable diverse cast of characters. The plot includes encouraging Christian faith content with the incorporation of scriptures mentioned throughout the storyline. As a reader, I loved that this was a bookish story, with the primary setting in a bookstore and the main characters being lovers of books and reading. There were mentions of book titles and authors that I enjoyed as well. Although this was an inspiring novel, there were aspects of the story that seemed overly prolonged. This stifled the pacing of the novel, which made me lose interest in the storyline at times. Overall, this is a nice story with clean, faith-based content.
With gratitude, I received a digital advanced reader copy of this novel from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley. The opinions in this review are unbiased and my own.
Glory Pryor, the spunky owner of By the Book bookstore, has an immense love for her books and her husband, Eli Pryor. At sixty-four-years-old, she does not live a laggard lifestyle. She enjoys the abundance of her life, filled with a successfully bustling business to manage, and a charismatic husband to love. However, as much as she appreciates the blessings of her life, she remains burdened by a regret from her past, that leaves her stifling towards emotional healing and growth. The guilt from her past leaves her faithless and with a hardened heart towards God. When an unexpectant visitor arrives at her bookstore, she will be faced with releasing the burdens from her past and accepting the promise of her future.
Adelle Simonette is a new resident in town. As a recent widow and newly single parent to her young, spirited son, Bennett, she has much change to adjust to in her life. Although she attempts to personify herself as an innocent recent widow who happened to stumble upon By the Book bookshop, she has a malicious plan with the intent to enact vengeance. The weight of bitterness and grief she carries prevents forgiveness and healing. It is not until she surrenders to the love and will of the Lord, as well as the kindness of the community, that she experiences liberation and redemption.
The Stories We Carry is a lovely novel with a modern setting in the fictional small town of Gilmore, North Carolina. The story has an overall inspiring message of hope, with a likable diverse cast of characters. The plot includes encouraging Christian faith content with the incorporation of scriptures mentioned throughout the storyline. As a reader, I loved that this was a bookish story, with the primary setting in a bookstore and the main characters being lovers of books and reading. There were mentions of book titles and authors that I enjoyed as well. Although this was an inspiring novel, there were aspects of the story that seemed overly prolonged. This stifled the pacing of the novel, which made me lose interest in the storyline at times. Overall, this is a nice story with clean, faith-based content.
With gratitude, I received a digital advanced reader copy of this novel from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley. The opinions in this review are unbiased and my own.
October 14, 2025
The Stories We Carry is a beautifully written book by Robin W. Pearson that centers around Glory Pryor, the owner of By the Book, a bookstore located in Gilmore, North Carolina. At over 60 years of age, Glory’s life and work are built and confined by the walls of By the Book. Among the books, Glory feels sheltered and protected from the heartache and secrets that her life has carried. With her husband Eli, Glory couldn’t imagine her life any other way—despite Eli’s pleadings for retirement. When Adelle, a 40 year-old woman, and her 4 year-old son Bennett, come barreling into By the Book one day, Adelle is trying to hold her life together piece by piece since the death of her husband. However, Adelle and Bennett’s entry into Glory’s life causes Glory’s world to start turning topsy turvey, slowly dismantling the carefully crafted life she has built book by book. As Glory’s Friends create the Famous Quotes Group, the discussions cause a deep interpersonal reflection to happen within Glory in hopes of rebuilding her life anew.
I loved reading The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson. As I was reading The Stories We Carry, I loved how Ms. Pearson wrote the plot layer by layer, slowly revealing Glory’s and Adelle’s respective storylines. I love that The Stories We Carry wasn’t necessarily fun and fluff, but that it came across as raw and real. I appreciated that Adelle was a Christian and that Glory had issues with Christianity. I love how I never knew where The Stories We Carry was going and how it was still beautiful through Adelle’s and Glory’s respective brokenness. When you read The Stories We Carry, you feel the weight of what Adelle and Glory both carry in their lives. (It may even cause you ponder and contemplate the stories you carry, as it did for me.) Ms. Pearson also paints a vivid picture of how what happens in our lives often stays with us, leaving imprints that can effect us today—good or bad. I love how The Stories We Carry dealt with issues, not necessarily giving the book closure, but allowing growth and reconciliation of the issues brought up in the book to be taken care of off page. I highly recommend The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson!
Have you read The Stories We Carry? What did you think of the book?
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Karen from Book Lovers and Launchers for the opportunity to read The Stories We Carry and for letting me be on the Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on my blog Leslie’s Library Escape, NetGalley, and Amazon.
I loved reading The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson. As I was reading The Stories We Carry, I loved how Ms. Pearson wrote the plot layer by layer, slowly revealing Glory’s and Adelle’s respective storylines. I love that The Stories We Carry wasn’t necessarily fun and fluff, but that it came across as raw and real. I appreciated that Adelle was a Christian and that Glory had issues with Christianity. I love how I never knew where The Stories We Carry was going and how it was still beautiful through Adelle’s and Glory’s respective brokenness. When you read The Stories We Carry, you feel the weight of what Adelle and Glory both carry in their lives. (It may even cause you ponder and contemplate the stories you carry, as it did for me.) Ms. Pearson also paints a vivid picture of how what happens in our lives often stays with us, leaving imprints that can effect us today—good or bad. I love how The Stories We Carry dealt with issues, not necessarily giving the book closure, but allowing growth and reconciliation of the issues brought up in the book to be taken care of off page. I highly recommend The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson!
Have you read The Stories We Carry? What did you think of the book?
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Karen from Book Lovers and Launchers for the opportunity to read The Stories We Carry and for letting me be on the Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on my blog Leslie’s Library Escape, NetGalley, and Amazon.
October 8, 2025
The Stories We Carry by Robin Pearson is so beautifully written. Pearson has a way of weaving complex relationships into her stories and bringing healing to the brokenness within them that keeps me thinking and turning pages—and this story takes that up a notch.
Glory Pryor loves her bookstore in Gilmore, North Carolina—and her husband. Her books are the children she never had, and Eli offers her the love she’d never experienced before they married just before she turned sixty. Though her books’ stories are as easy to read as opening their covers, Glory holds her own stories tight to her heart.
When a new widow, Adelle Simonette, and her adorable four-year-old son move to town, Eli welcomes them both, but Glory senses a need to be wary. Yet that little boy… she falls for him instantly, and he for her.
Eli encourages Glory to join the annual festival, and she reluctantly agrees. Together with their closest friends—including Adelle and her son—they create lists of bookish quotes to share at the event.
As Adelle builds a new life in Gilmore, she harbors her own secret and her own agenda, struggling between what she feels she must do and God’s will for her. As Glory and her friends discuss quotes, layers of Glory’s and Adelle’s stories unfold, leading to a life-altering moment for both women.
The secondary characters feel so real—I loved each of their unique personalities. The relationship between Glory and Eli is simply beautiful. Who doesn’t love a man who makes you tea and stretches your comfort zone in the best of ways?
The interactions between Glory and Adelle crackle with tension, and when the truth that changes them both comes out, their brokenness is exposed—and ultimately healed.
Pearson’s writing is stunning. This story will stay with me for a long time. If you enjoy women’s fiction set in a small town—with complicated yet honest relationships, secrets, and themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption—this is a book you need to read.
*****Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
Glory Pryor loves her bookstore in Gilmore, North Carolina—and her husband. Her books are the children she never had, and Eli offers her the love she’d never experienced before they married just before she turned sixty. Though her books’ stories are as easy to read as opening their covers, Glory holds her own stories tight to her heart.
When a new widow, Adelle Simonette, and her adorable four-year-old son move to town, Eli welcomes them both, but Glory senses a need to be wary. Yet that little boy… she falls for him instantly, and he for her.
Eli encourages Glory to join the annual festival, and she reluctantly agrees. Together with their closest friends—including Adelle and her son—they create lists of bookish quotes to share at the event.
As Adelle builds a new life in Gilmore, she harbors her own secret and her own agenda, struggling between what she feels she must do and God’s will for her. As Glory and her friends discuss quotes, layers of Glory’s and Adelle’s stories unfold, leading to a life-altering moment for both women.
The secondary characters feel so real—I loved each of their unique personalities. The relationship between Glory and Eli is simply beautiful. Who doesn’t love a man who makes you tea and stretches your comfort zone in the best of ways?
The interactions between Glory and Adelle crackle with tension, and when the truth that changes them both comes out, their brokenness is exposed—and ultimately healed.
Pearson’s writing is stunning. This story will stay with me for a long time. If you enjoy women’s fiction set in a small town—with complicated yet honest relationships, secrets, and themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption—this is a book you need to read.
*****Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
October 21, 2025
This was my first book I have read from this author, but I will definitely be checking out her other books as well.
This book is about Glory having a bookstore where she and husband live above the store. They were thinking of selling it and moving to find her husband Eli long lost daughter and grandchild that he learned he had. However, he later learned he did not have a daughter or grandchild out there. Eli was hurt because he was so looking forward to finding them and meeting them.
Then Adelle, and her four-year-old son Ben moved to town, Eli welcomes them both, but Glory senses a need to be wary, she felt it was more to Adellev from the start. Glory not knowing the boy Ben was her nephew, but she falls for him instantly, and he falls for her too. Adelle came to town to find Glory, her husband's sister. She came back to take what she thought belonged to her because Glory used his journals to write a book. That Eli had no idea about the book after all those years of being together and was upset because he thought his wife was keeping money from him. But it was all about her brother and trying to find him through writing the book, hoping her would see his own words and find her.
I enjoyed the relationship of Glory and her husband Eli. He supported her in everything, and he encouraged her as well. He stood up for his wife when Adelle upset her after she let the truth, be know why she really came to town, Ends up she is Adelle long lost brother wife. He was not about to let anyone take what belonged to his wife. At the end, they put their difference to the side and Adelle ended up giving Glory more of her brother’s journals. This book is necessary read you will really enjoy it.
I received an eBook copy as a member of the launch team but also ordered my own paperback copy to give away, and I got the Audible as well. I was not required to post a positive review and all thoughts are my honest opinion.
This book is about Glory having a bookstore where she and husband live above the store. They were thinking of selling it and moving to find her husband Eli long lost daughter and grandchild that he learned he had. However, he later learned he did not have a daughter or grandchild out there. Eli was hurt because he was so looking forward to finding them and meeting them.
Then Adelle, and her four-year-old son Ben moved to town, Eli welcomes them both, but Glory senses a need to be wary, she felt it was more to Adellev from the start. Glory not knowing the boy Ben was her nephew, but she falls for him instantly, and he falls for her too. Adelle came to town to find Glory, her husband's sister. She came back to take what she thought belonged to her because Glory used his journals to write a book. That Eli had no idea about the book after all those years of being together and was upset because he thought his wife was keeping money from him. But it was all about her brother and trying to find him through writing the book, hoping her would see his own words and find her.
I enjoyed the relationship of Glory and her husband Eli. He supported her in everything, and he encouraged her as well. He stood up for his wife when Adelle upset her after she let the truth, be know why she really came to town, Ends up she is Adelle long lost brother wife. He was not about to let anyone take what belonged to his wife. At the end, they put their difference to the side and Adelle ended up giving Glory more of her brother’s journals. This book is necessary read you will really enjoy it.
I received an eBook copy as a member of the launch team but also ordered my own paperback copy to give away, and I got the Audible as well. I was not required to post a positive review and all thoughts are my honest opinion.
October 13, 2025
The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson is a layered and complex novel that uses its unique southern voice to convey universal themes. Set primarily in a bookstore in a small town, it appealed to my bookworm tendencies — all the books are mentioned. 😉 The sense of place is strong, but it was the characters, main and secondary, that made the novel. They resonated with me, as they struggled for truth, justice, and redemption through the lens of the stories they have told themselves over and over. Glory Pryor opened her bookstore to give to others what she couldn’t give to her long lost brother. Many years later, Adelle Simonette comes to town grieving so many losses and determined to reclaim what she views as her right. The two women are oil and vinegar right from the start, even though Glory’s husband takes Adelle under his wing and Adelle’s son claims Glory’s heart. Secondary characters love both women, though Adelle and Glory just can’t see why. There is a lot of tension, and the two characters’ intertwining stories are slowly revealed in a way that keeps the reader wanting more and more. It sure kept me turning the pages furiously. But if you are tempted to rush to find out what is going on (as I was), please slow down. So many nuggets of wisdom and grace and love are shared. Though not someone who re-reads books often, The Stories We Carry is one that is still calling me to savor it yet again.
The Stories We Carry left me wanting to curl up in Glory’s happy place and find the peace that Pearson shares. Grab a friend and read it together. You are going to want to talk about this book!
Highly recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
The Stories We Carry left me wanting to curl up in Glory’s happy place and find the peace that Pearson shares. Grab a friend and read it together. You are going to want to talk about this book!
Highly recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
September 30, 2025
A small-town bookstore owner finds herself at odds with a newcomer bent on disrupting her quiet life in this Southern women’s fiction novel by award-winning author Robin W. Pearson.
Glory Pryor has carved out a life for herself in Gilmore, North Carolina, cultivating a community around her bookstore, By the Book. While her business is a success, she carries the weight of stories of her own she’s never told anyone. She holds out hope that one day her estranged brother will turn up on her doorstep so she can finally learn where he’s been all these years. Glory’s husband Eli thinks she has her arms wrapped too tightly around the could-have-beens, and that it’s time for them to let go of the store as they head into their retirement years. Glory has different opinions on that—she’s not ready to give up the dream she’s built just yet. Then Adelle Simonette shows up with her young son, Bennett, and Glory’s carefully controlled life begins to crumble.
Newly widowed Adelle Simonette is a single mother trying to find her footing and navigate parenting her young son. Lost in her grief, one thing she’s certain of is that she needs to confront Glory Pryor and everybody who knows her because the woman’s been living a lie. Adelle thinks it’s high time Glory made things right. But Adelle’s finding it hard to tell the truth . . . and there will be no going back once she does.
In the wake of deeply personal grief and loss, two women reckon with a lifetime of silence and secrets to find a path forward toward healing, hope, and restoration.
Glory Pryor has carved out a life for herself in Gilmore, North Carolina, cultivating a community around her bookstore, By the Book. While her business is a success, she carries the weight of stories of her own she’s never told anyone. She holds out hope that one day her estranged brother will turn up on her doorstep so she can finally learn where he’s been all these years. Glory’s husband Eli thinks she has her arms wrapped too tightly around the could-have-beens, and that it’s time for them to let go of the store as they head into their retirement years. Glory has different opinions on that—she’s not ready to give up the dream she’s built just yet. Then Adelle Simonette shows up with her young son, Bennett, and Glory’s carefully controlled life begins to crumble.
Newly widowed Adelle Simonette is a single mother trying to find her footing and navigate parenting her young son. Lost in her grief, one thing she’s certain of is that she needs to confront Glory Pryor and everybody who knows her because the woman’s been living a lie. Adelle thinks it’s high time Glory made things right. But Adelle’s finding it hard to tell the truth . . . and there will be no going back once she does.
In the wake of deeply personal grief and loss, two women reckon with a lifetime of silence and secrets to find a path forward toward healing, hope, and restoration.
September 12, 2025
The setting of this novel is enough a warm a booklover’s heart! The old home is three stories tall and the first two stories are the retail floorspace for a lovely bookstore and the upper story is dedicated to Glory and Eli’s living quarters. When Adelle comes on the scene, it’s quite evident that she’s ready to stir up some trouble! However, her son Ben is the poster child for adorable, smart and well behaved and he lends a lighter feel to Adelle’s visits to the bookstore. The plot twist blindsided me a little bit because it was saved until the bitter end when Glory’s past rushed up to meet her. So, buckle up and enjoy the warm and quirky characters and a small-town drama that you’re bound to love!
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed everything Robin W. Pearson has published, and I don’t hesitate to recommend her backlist. I always enjoy Ms. Pearson’s novels because she crafts fabulous characters (warts and all!) and is a fresh new voice in the fiction world. Her tagline is “rooted in the soul of the story,” and that absolutely suits her perfectly! She is a Christy Award winner for her novel debut, A Long Time Comin’.
I received an early e-copy of this book from Net Galley and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed everything Robin W. Pearson has published, and I don’t hesitate to recommend her backlist. I always enjoy Ms. Pearson’s novels because she crafts fabulous characters (warts and all!) and is a fresh new voice in the fiction world. Her tagline is “rooted in the soul of the story,” and that absolutely suits her perfectly! She is a Christy Award winner for her novel debut, A Long Time Comin’.
I received an early e-copy of this book from Net Galley and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
September 24, 2025
Make yourself a spot of tea, or a cup of coffee, and be prepared to sit back and enjoy this slow-paced bookish story that will reveal how the stories the characters carry (and we by extension), can impact how we view our past, present, and future. Come along and enjoy this healing story.
"It was Glory's childhood friend who introduced her to 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry', her all-time favorite book. She determined to become one of the Logan's, bold and full of sass, for she surely loved as fiercely as they did. And she wanted to protect her family just as much -her big brother in particular. Her only brother and hero. The difference was they played for keeps, and Glory had lost big time."
"By The Book was more than a business to Glory; it was her sanctuary."
The characters regularly meet to hash out best book quotes for the upcoming town festival.
"Home is not a place, but a feeling of belonging."
"We are all connected, and our actions ripple through the lives of others."
"Family is not just blood, but the people who choose to be there for us."
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
"It was Glory's childhood friend who introduced her to 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry', her all-time favorite book. She determined to become one of the Logan's, bold and full of sass, for she surely loved as fiercely as they did. And she wanted to protect her family just as much -her big brother in particular. Her only brother and hero. The difference was they played for keeps, and Glory had lost big time."
"By The Book was more than a business to Glory; it was her sanctuary."
The characters regularly meet to hash out best book quotes for the upcoming town festival.
"Home is not a place, but a feeling of belonging."
"We are all connected, and our actions ripple through the lives of others."
"Family is not just blood, but the people who choose to be there for us."
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
October 6, 2025
The book was like a cozy hug on a lovely fall day. From the beautiful bookstore setting, to the cast of characters this is the perfect book to read as you snuggle beneath the covers and enjoy a hot beverage on a fall day.
This was my first book I've read from this author, but I'll definitely be checking out her back catalogue of books. I enjoyed the relationship of Glory Pryor and her husband Eli. It's not often you read a book with an already married and devoted couple as the hero/heroine. The twists of how their story intertwines with Adelle and her son Ben were done beautifully. I thought I'd figured out where it was going, but the author kept me wondering til close to the end.
I also really enjoyed the themes of forgiveness and grace that were woven throughout the story. I think all too often we all hold on to secrets or wrong perceptions of the past, much to our detriment. This was an inspiring story of learning to forgive and live free, not shackled by shame or regret in a prison of our own making.
*I read an early ARC from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
This was my first book I've read from this author, but I'll definitely be checking out her back catalogue of books. I enjoyed the relationship of Glory Pryor and her husband Eli. It's not often you read a book with an already married and devoted couple as the hero/heroine. The twists of how their story intertwines with Adelle and her son Ben were done beautifully. I thought I'd figured out where it was going, but the author kept me wondering til close to the end.
I also really enjoyed the themes of forgiveness and grace that were woven throughout the story. I think all too often we all hold on to secrets or wrong perceptions of the past, much to our detriment. This was an inspiring story of learning to forgive and live free, not shackled by shame or regret in a prison of our own making.
*I read an early ARC from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
October 28, 2025
With rich writing that you can sink into and enjoy, Robin W. Pearson weaves a story that makes you so incredibly angry at the characters . . . and then breaks your heart and puts it back together again. I would compare her writing to Kristin Hannah's but with a swirl of Southern charm and hope at the end of the story. I don't actually like Kristin Hannah's books, but I love Robin W. Pearson's stories so much! Because in The Stories We Carry I get the skillful writing, the charming setting, the deeply thoughtful characterization, but then this author does something special. She takes her characters to dark places and she heals them and when I put the book down my heart is just thrumming with that warm golden feeling of hope at the end of a hard battle. And isn't that just the picture of us, broken and hurting, healed and glorious, stepping forward with our Lord into something more lovely than we imagined possible. Such a great book, folks! Honest, broken, and beautiful. So lovely to behold!
April 16, 2025
This new release from Robin W. Pearson explores the stories (aka secrets) that we can carry with us and how they shape our futures and our behaviors and responses. There are a couple mystery's woven into this plot--and there are many messages of faith. I think little Bennett and Neomie were my favorite characters. I liked seeing some diverse characters--Glory reminded me of some ladies I know.
For me--I just had to keep putting this down and taking a break because it seemed like it was trying too hard to include too many "stories" for characters. It got bogged down and I could even quit mid chapter--something I rarely like to do.
If you'd like a book with older main characters of diverse backgrounds as well as a small town feel--with a bookstore background, you may enjoy this novel!
3 Stars
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC to read. All opinions are 100% my own.
For me--I just had to keep putting this down and taking a break because it seemed like it was trying too hard to include too many "stories" for characters. It got bogged down and I could even quit mid chapter--something I rarely like to do.
If you'd like a book with older main characters of diverse backgrounds as well as a small town feel--with a bookstore background, you may enjoy this novel!
3 Stars
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC to read. All opinions are 100% my own.
July 21, 2025
I am not sure where to start with this review. I love Robin Pearson's books. They are honest stories that make you wish you lived in the town she writes about. She has a way of making life come alive in her writing, maybe because her characters could be me.
Glory has a secret. One she hasn't even told her husband.
Adelle comes to town sure she knows what she is supposed to do after the loss of her husband.
Both ladies are about to get shaken to their cores as their worlds collide. Will they be able to find a common ground that will allow them to come to an agreement that they may never get along.
I stayed up way to late one night finishing this novel. Yes, I paid the price at work the next day, but I had to know the ending before I went to sleep. Maybe you can pace out your reading so you don't stay up pass your bedtime, but I don't regret doing it and I would do it again. In fact, I probably will with Pearson's next book.
Glory has a secret. One she hasn't even told her husband.
Adelle comes to town sure she knows what she is supposed to do after the loss of her husband.
Both ladies are about to get shaken to their cores as their worlds collide. Will they be able to find a common ground that will allow them to come to an agreement that they may never get along.
I stayed up way to late one night finishing this novel. Yes, I paid the price at work the next day, but I had to know the ending before I went to sleep. Maybe you can pace out your reading so you don't stay up pass your bedtime, but I don't regret doing it and I would do it again. In fact, I probably will with Pearson's next book.
October 8, 2025
"The Stories We Carry" by Robin W. Pearson is a novel with an emotional journey set in a small town bookstore. The story is about family and found family as well as finding home and what that means. This was my first book I've read by this author and it won't be my last.
The story has a wonderful Christian message, a homey atmosphere and a cast of characters that is multigenerational with an adorable 4 year old boy that brings everyone together. This is a cozy fall read with traditional fall activities as well as multiple mentions of tea and coffee. There are great literary references and quotes sprinkled throughout which is fitting for the bookstore setting.
My only criticism is that the pace feels a bit slow at times but picks up again. The ending is worth the slow moments and the reader is rewarded with a sweet ending.
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishing for a complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The story has a wonderful Christian message, a homey atmosphere and a cast of characters that is multigenerational with an adorable 4 year old boy that brings everyone together. This is a cozy fall read with traditional fall activities as well as multiple mentions of tea and coffee. There are great literary references and quotes sprinkled throughout which is fitting for the bookstore setting.
My only criticism is that the pace feels a bit slow at times but picks up again. The ending is worth the slow moments and the reader is rewarded with a sweet ending.
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishing for a complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 4, 2026
Women’s fiction.
Southern fiction.
Small town.
And bookish.
Count. Me. In.
Set in a small‑town bookstore, The Stories We Carry blends the warmth of community with a hidden history tucked between the shelves...a history that refuses to remain unspoken when a widowed newcomer arrives and begins asking questions that could change everything.
The novel is rich with history, secrets, and emotional depth, offering those pull‑at‑your‑heartstring moments that keep you turning pages for more. The story unfolds with a gentle Southern cadence, inviting you into lives shaped by love, loss, and the truths we hold dear.
At its core, this is a story about family, forgiveness, and reconciliation, told with tenderness and a deep appreciation for the stories we inherit and the ones we choose to share. It’s bookish, heartfelt, and beautifully layered...perfect for lovers of Southern women’s fiction.
Southern fiction.
Small town.
And bookish.
Count. Me. In.
Set in a small‑town bookstore, The Stories We Carry blends the warmth of community with a hidden history tucked between the shelves...a history that refuses to remain unspoken when a widowed newcomer arrives and begins asking questions that could change everything.
The novel is rich with history, secrets, and emotional depth, offering those pull‑at‑your‑heartstring moments that keep you turning pages for more. The story unfolds with a gentle Southern cadence, inviting you into lives shaped by love, loss, and the truths we hold dear.
At its core, this is a story about family, forgiveness, and reconciliation, told with tenderness and a deep appreciation for the stories we inherit and the ones we choose to share. It’s bookish, heartfelt, and beautifully layered...perfect for lovers of Southern women’s fiction.
October 6, 2025
This is a lovely story that reads well. The author paid great attention to detail while crafting each chapter down to the gestures of the characters and the beats on each page. The characters felt real in the best ways. I felt like I was in "By the Book" shop silently being part of the plot as a bystander. And yet at the same time, I felt at home. If "By the Book" were a real bookstore, I'd love to visit and spend time there. Glory was one of the most vibrant heroines I've ever read. I liked how the author made her multi-layered. I also adored how her husband treated her in this story. It is clear he is her rock. I like how faith elements were woven through the storytelling. And the food sounded delicious! After reaching "the end" I felt satisfied as a reader. I hope to read more masterpieces by Robin W. Pearson!
October 8, 2025
The bookstore setting drew me to The Stories We Carry, but then the story was a bit tedious because so much of it never left the bookstore. The theme of our stories shaping us was well-developed along with themes of acceptance and pushing past our past. The main character, Glory Pryor, is difficult to like, and she is not the only one. Glory's husband, Eli, whom she married late in life is, however, is a bit easier to develop a fondness for. Four-year-old Bennett will capture readers hearts; his mother will likely not, at least not initially. The pace of the story is what led to my giving this book three stars. It is very slow to develop, and I was glad when the book drew to a close.
I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Stories We Carry from Tyndale Book Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Stories We Carry from Tyndale Book Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
October 11, 2025
The Stories We Carry
Robin W. Pearson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Glory Pryor has built a life for herself centered around her bookstore, By the Book. Though outwardly successful, Glory carries deep pain that she’s never shared with anyone. Her husband, Eli, knows parts of the story and wants to help Glory find a life outside the walls of By the Book, but Glory isn't ready to retire or share the truth yet.
Following the recent death of her husband, Adelle Simonette wants to make a home for her young son, Bennett. Still drowning in grief, she believes she can't move on until she finds Glory Pryor and confronts her for living a lie.
This story demonstrated the burden carried when secrets are held and intermingled with guilt. Pearson artfully conveyed how years, making up a lifetime, can pass when issues are left unattended. Christian principles were woven throughout the pages, but regrettably, the main character never reached a decision for Christ. This left us feeling unsettled with other questions remaining unanswered.
We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.
Robin W. Pearson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Glory Pryor has built a life for herself centered around her bookstore, By the Book. Though outwardly successful, Glory carries deep pain that she’s never shared with anyone. Her husband, Eli, knows parts of the story and wants to help Glory find a life outside the walls of By the Book, but Glory isn't ready to retire or share the truth yet.
Following the recent death of her husband, Adelle Simonette wants to make a home for her young son, Bennett. Still drowning in grief, she believes she can't move on until she finds Glory Pryor and confronts her for living a lie.
This story demonstrated the burden carried when secrets are held and intermingled with guilt. Pearson artfully conveyed how years, making up a lifetime, can pass when issues are left unattended. Christian principles were woven throughout the pages, but regrettably, the main character never reached a decision for Christ. This left us feeling unsettled with other questions remaining unanswered.
We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.
November 23, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for granting me this ARC in exchange for my honest reviews.
I understand the fact that we are not supposed to be told what the book is about in the 1st 3 pages but I feel like if someone found me reading this book in the first couple of chapters and asked what it was about I wouldn't give a good answer. I found it quite slow paced but the ending might have been a bit rushed,which made the plot twist feel a bit underwhelming. The characters could have done with a little more exposition though I loved the occasional battles of wits that took place between the FMC and the protagonist. I enjoyed the poems. None of the characters were that likeable to me especially Adelle. It would have been a better read without that much mention of the bible and its verses though I understand that might be a cornerstone of christian literature. adios
I understand the fact that we are not supposed to be told what the book is about in the 1st 3 pages but I feel like if someone found me reading this book in the first couple of chapters and asked what it was about I wouldn't give a good answer. I found it quite slow paced but the ending might have been a bit rushed,which made the plot twist feel a bit underwhelming. The characters could have done with a little more exposition though I loved the occasional battles of wits that took place between the FMC and the protagonist. I enjoyed the poems. None of the characters were that likeable to me especially Adelle. It would have been a better read without that much mention of the bible and its verses though I understand that might be a cornerstone of christian literature. adios
July 16, 2025
This is a deep personal read, filled with emotions.
It took me a bit to get into this book, but glad that I persevered!
We do spend most of our time in a book store, a refuge for some, and a catalyst to forgiveness for all.
This is a story of grief and loss, and a journey back to God.
A young widow and a darling little one stubble into this book store, and lives will be irreparably changed.
There is some mystery here, and we are led one way and then another, and you will be page turning for answers! Was I surprised, no, I guessed before the facts came out, but it is a journey, and I needed to know how everything turned out!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.
It took me a bit to get into this book, but glad that I persevered!
We do spend most of our time in a book store, a refuge for some, and a catalyst to forgiveness for all.
This is a story of grief and loss, and a journey back to God.
A young widow and a darling little one stubble into this book store, and lives will be irreparably changed.
There is some mystery here, and we are led one way and then another, and you will be page turning for answers! Was I surprised, no, I guessed before the facts came out, but it is a journey, and I needed to know how everything turned out!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 10, 2025
If you’re looking for a charming Southern novel, cozy as a hot cup of chai tea on a rainy day, then you’ll love The Stories We Carry. Filled with spunky characters and some lovely lines (“The sun is willing and able to carry on a conversation with us, and you’re already in your nightgown.”), Robin Pearson’s latest novel offers a fun glimpse of small-town community and colorful backstories in abundance. And it was such a joy for me to see the marriage between the main characters portrayed in a lovely light where two “seasoned” people who have known each other for decades fall into a late marriage and love each other well. Filled with secrets and sass, book talk and food talk, I found this novel to be a pleasant read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
October 10, 2025
I have been waiting months for this book to release and it did not disappoint AT ALL! I love the heart and soul elements that this author infuses in to her stories and the southern charm is perfection. I struggled with Adelle in this story but her character growth was well written and her secrets kept me eagerly turning pages to find out what they were. The bookish elements to the story were my favorite thing and I loved the Book Quote group parts, because of the quotes, I now want to go read the Screwtape Letters. This is definitely one of my top 2025 reads!
I received an eBook copy as a member of the launch team but also preordered my own paperback copy. I was not required to post a positive review and all thoughts are my honest opinion.
I received an eBook copy as a member of the launch team but also preordered my own paperback copy. I was not required to post a positive review and all thoughts are my honest opinion.
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