The Keeper of Happy Endings

Rory Grant is reeling. Her fiancé was working with Doctors without Borders and was abducted in Sudan. It has been 5 months and no word. She is supposed to be starting back at grad school soon but she really doesn’t have the motivation, despite her nagging mother’s attempts. And then she sees an empty row house that tugs at her. And she decides to skip grad school and open the art gallery that she has been dreaming of. Soline Roussel is the owner of the building. She once lived there and ran her wedding dress business from it. Until 4 years ago when there was a fire. She sustained burns on her hands and was no longer able to make dresses. She is now a recluse. Until Rory reaches out. Rory finds a box with a dress, a shaving kit, and some letters while renovating the row house. A box of Soline’s memories. And a tentative friendship between two woman with almost 40 years between them begins. Rory is technically the main character of this story, but it was Soline who stole my heart. Alternating between present day and Soline’s experiences in France when the Germans invaded, it is a story of tragedy, bravery and strength. She lost the love her of life to the Nazis and has been pining over him since. But still she has thrived. This story was really sweet and beautiful. It covers mother daughter relationships, romantic love, and so much bravery. I really enjoyed it.

Author not the best but compelling story for quiet time or book club.

I always read the last page to create interest in how we get to that point, and this story contains a plot twist that I didn't even see coming, and a worthwhile one at that! I loved the story lines and how the lines cross. And that it's a *clean* book with happy endings <3

2025 felt chaotic and hard so I bought this book for all of my friends for Christmas because it’s an uplifting book with a genuine happy ending that just makes you feel good that we could all use right now. In case you get anticipatory anxiety like I do, no one dies on the 2nd floor at any point in the book. I just kept waiting to read ‘and she died quietly upstairs’ but rest assured - she doesn’t!! Haha. That’s not a spoiler just reassurance. Not the very best book (but solidly very good) of all time but the feel-good book we need.

Loved the book random purchase not my usual style and I couldn’t put the book down not what I expected good buy!!