Hey there LRC1943,
Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. I understand you want to make a book in Pages that you can share with your family and friends only. I’ll be happy to help with this.
You can create an EPUB book in Pages and then just share it to your family and friends without publishing it. Take a look at the following articles for info on how to do this:
Create an EPUB book in Pages
Use advanced book creation options in Pages
Share the book over email, AirDrop, or any other sharing option once you’re done.
Let me know if this helps.