The Last Page Cafe

by Kate Storey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genres: Books About Books, Chick Lit, Friendship, Cozy, Womens Fiction, Contemporary, Book Club

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2026

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

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

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

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

Yes, you read that correctly.

Sacrilidge!

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

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

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

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

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Change is feared in this book. All of the characters that attend Erin’s book club are at a point in their lives where change is coming – except this is certainly not welcomed. Naturally, we as humans like consistency and being thrust out of our comfort zone requires bravery to accept things beyond our control. Therefore, in this novel, Storey encourages readers to question why we are so reluctant to change when it can lead to new beginnings and new experiences.

I thought this backbone to the novel was very poignant, especially considering the different stages of life that Erin’s friends are at. From parenting revelations to loneliness in widowhood, the main characters represent those milestones that I’m sure readers have experienced at least one of them. As an outsider looking in however, I was frustrated by the narrowmindedness displayed, even though I could relate to their feelings. More like a pot calling the kettle black! Yet, in another sense, it meant that this book didn’t feel like the escapism I enjoy from reading, perhaps being a close reminder of how Erin’s behaviour is very similar to my own.

On the other hand, I was with Adam when it came to the book club’s premise: reading the last page first to determine whether the book will be any good. For me, this felt sacrilegious! Yet, all of the book club’s original attendees seem to accept Erin’s doctrine, again symbolising the fear of change and ensuring control of situations. When Adam walks in, the dynamics of the book club change and Erin is forced to accept this different balance. It leads her to altering her attitude towards events around her and I especially admired her ability to be happy for her son when a new job comes up – even if it means him leaving the nest.

There’s a lot of layers in this book which I think adds to the success of the storytelling. The characters felt like real people going through real experiences and this made them all the more endearing. Some parts were predictable but I did not wish for any dramatic plot revelations, instead more interested in seeing the characters evolve into more confident people who can accept change. All the characters bring some different to the plot and it was lovely to see how, when writing their own ending for book club, they have acknowledged that change can be a good thing and they are in charge of their own destiny.

Cliches aside, this was a sweet read that is surrounded by books. The café is a hub to the community and I liked seeing how Erin cared so much for her customers. It’s a lovely story for those who adore books with realistic characters who change, plus an emotional layer running throughout as well.

With thanks to Avon and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Victoria Skye Better · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Page Cafe by Kate Storey is a warm, emotional story that feels familiar if you enjoy books like The Memory Library and The Forgotten Book Club, where small, meaningful spaces and stories quietly shape people’s lives. It’s the kind of novel you can’t really ignore, you just end up stopping, settling in, and taking it all in.

The story moves through personal struggles, family issues, and the everyday connections between people, all centred around the café. And yes, there’s a cat, because of course there is, and it adds its own charm whenever it appears.
Sure thing, like in real life, nobody cancelled business problems - so the café’s future is under threat, and suddenly this cosy little place becomes something everyone is trying to hold onto.
The author shows how, as the children grow older, their worries shift and become more complicated in different ways.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful, comforting read about connection, change, and the stubborn importance of places that feel like home.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Cindy Spear · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Gold Bunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Tracey- Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[nedime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a charming and cosy read and I absolutely fell in love with all the characters (except Chegs, he can go in the bin). I really loved the development of learning to let go and the shift from 'what if it all goes wrong?' to 'what if it all goes right?' mentality. I think we could all do with a bit more of the latter! Definitely recommend to anyone seeking a heart-warming story that shows how books bring people together, and how we can change and grow. Thank you Avon Books for access to the eARC via Netgalley ❤️

[Cheryl Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story about a bookshop with a cosy bookclub plus friendships and coffee. What's not to love?

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Helen Haythornthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a lovely, heart-warming story about the members of the ‘Last Page Book Club’ as they face life’s challenges, and help each other out when times are tough.

This Book Club is like no other though, as they read the last page of a book before deciding whether it’s a book they’d like to read. This is all because of Erin who runs the club, and likes to know what to expect at the end. After reading about this, I was so tempted to read the last page of this book first, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do so. 🫣

As part of the story, the group decide to write their own last chapters and reflect about whether they are living life to the full, or whether there is another path they would like to follow. This prompts new experiences and actions, and it’s great to see them offering advice and support to each other while they consider changing the trajectory of their life or career.

There are just so many things I could relate to in this story, which stirred a myriad of fond memories, and I loved the references to the books they read and discussed. There are some fabulous characters and I had a soft spot for Joe, a widowed 75 year old, who decided to try to find someone to share his twilight years with. Although there are tough times for a few of the characters, I did find myself chuckling away throughout the story - and I love it when a book can make me do that.

When you read a book about a group of people deciding where they would like their lives to go, and what they would like to do in the future, it makes you think about your own life - and I enjoyed that self-reflection as I read. There won’t be any major changes here, but I do love the way books like this can give so much to the reader, in addition to a wonderful story.

This is the third book I’ve read under Lisa’s pen name of Kate Storey and I’ve loved each one. They are a joy to read and leave me with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest—this one didn’t grab me the way the author’s last two books under her pen name Kate Storey did. One of those in particular, The Memory Library, completely swept me away and had me fully captivated. And honestly, when a book hits you like that, it sets the bar really high for anything that comes after it.

Because of that, I’m trying not to be too harsh here. Had I not read those earlier books first, I might have had a different experience with this one… or maybe not. Unfortunately there’s no going back in time and erasing reading experiences.

For me, I just didn’t connect with the characters in the same way this time around, and the pacing felt a bit off. My mind kept wandering and I found myself setting the book down to do something else, only to come back and have the same thing happen again.

That said, I did enjoy the setting and some of the side characters, and the premise itself is a lovely one. I can absolutely see this finding its audience as a sweet, emotional, pick-me-up kind of read.

I am thankful to have received a complimentary eARC from Avon Books UK via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 54, Erin McRae has spent her years in a comfortable routine owning and operating her late mothers cafe, The Bookmark. After several unexpected twists and turns in her own life, she is always looking to understand the ending of any situation. With the creation of her own book club, there is a rule enacted that books are chosen based on how it ends on the last page.

But when a book's words have a more profound impact than expected, Erin and her very different book club members find themselves questioning what they want the final page in their lives to look like. These deep discussions lead to changes in people's future from their career, old choices that they want to revisit, and even a new chance at romance. In the midst of this, Erin must handle her potential eviction from The Bookmark and the direction she wants to take in her own life.

Another Kate Storey read, another thumbs up from me! First off, the last page book club was such a different and unique take on a book club related book. I also enjoyed the different development of all the characters. And though very different, their ability to support and encourage one another in their pursuits. This is a great read and author for when you are looking for a feel-good story.

Thank you to Avion Books UK, NetGalley, and Kate Storey for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lynne Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bookmark is a café owned by Erin who runs a book club once a week with five others all the characters are relatable and well written especially Joe!
Erin's anxiety and fear of the unknown makes her want to know what happens at the end of the book before she has read it so they choose the book for the following week by reading the last page of the book.
A book filled with fantastic friendships,love and change.
A book club I'd happily be a member of.

[Fleury · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it.

It was a nice, gentle, pleasant book but much too slow.

Waited forever for some to actually happen which made it a quite boring book, for me.

I didn't like the protagonist Erin much, she was sometimes a little rude.

I gave it 2 stars because I did like how all the other books got mentioned, I've read many of them. Also the music references was very nice.

Not sure I'll continue reading Kate Storey's books. This was waaaaaaaay too bland for me.

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin is living her life afraid of any change or any event that she cannot foresee. For her, it makes sense to read the last page of the book first, so that she is prepared for the ending. But when the future of her beloved Bookmark Café is threatened, she is determined to make the changes necessary to save the café. Heartwarming read!

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book it was beautiful and emotional.

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

As the club’s discussions grow deeper, long-buried secrets surface, old wounds start to heal – and romance leaps off the page. With The Bookmark under threat of closure, Erin must ask herself: can she write herself a happier story?

[Bobby W · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Debbie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst I enjoyed this as an easy, cosy read I did find it repetitive in places and slow to get going. The main character was frustrating for the most part and it had a predictable ending.

[Gillian Poucher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light and heart-warming story with an interesting cast of characters who find family and community at their weekly book club in the cafe Erin inherited from her mother.

[Kate K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 ⭐️

I was shocked at how much I really enjoyed this book. The character development was engaging and the plot moved at a steady pace. Would absolutely recommend this book for a cozy reader expirience.

[Jo Fitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming story where you see the importance of community supporting local businesses and how the right friendships can help you get through anything.
Being part of a book club, I felt connected to the characters. The rule of reading the last page first was interesting but not sure I could do it.
I loved the challenge that was set by new book club member Adam to write their own last page. It was interesting seeing how each of the characters tackled this challenge and how they changed because of it.
I charming, easy read story. Thank you @Netgallery for this ARC.

[Pauline Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose this book as I wanted something lighthearted to read after reading a very ‘heavy’ but excellent book.
Very disappointing, had a feeling of deja vue but then realised it was a brand new book, only just released.
Every book nowadays seems to be about a cafe in trouble or something to do with a book club.
Even the characters are similar and somehow the main character always falls in love with a person who isn’t their type.
This book was very predictable from start to finish. My fault for picking yet another read of the same genre, hence the 2 star rating .

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off well

I was more interested in the romance between her and Adam but the book focused too much on café plans and workshops for my liking.

[Alyson- FictionAly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded up.

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

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

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

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

[Nicki Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book.
I had high hopes for this book but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I personally just didn't like the main character. For me, she came across as rude and arrogant but I don't think that's how the author wanted her to come across. She felt she wasn't judgemental, but to me she was.
Towards the end of the story the main character got better, but I just felt like she was hard work which made the book hard work.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot wait to read! Love this author!!!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute cosy read about friendship, found family, coffee and books, oh and there’s a cat….
Sometimes you just need a comfort read…
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