The Boardwalk Bookshop
My Rating: 4.25
Genre: Fiction
Format: eARC*
Publication Date: May 31, 2021
Author: Susan Mallery
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The Boardwalk Bookshop Blurb
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery—a story of friends who become family, giving each other courage to start over…
When fate brings three strangers to a charming space for lease on the California coast, the Boardwalk Bookshop is born. Part bookstore, part gift shop, part bakery, it’s a dream come true for Bree, Mikki and Ashley. But while their business is thriving, their personal lives are…not.
Bree, wounded by brilliant but cold parents and her late husband’s ultimate betrayal, has sworn to protect her heart at all costs. Even from Ashley’s brother, a writer and adventurer who has inspired millions. He’s the first man to see past Bree’s barricades to her true self, which terrifies her. Mikki has this divorce thing all figured out—somehow, she’s stayed friends with her ex and her in-laws…until a new man changes how everyone looks at her, and how she sees herself. Meanwhile, Ashley discovers that the love of her life never intends to marry. Can she live without being a wife if it means she can have everything else she’s ever wanted?
At sunset every Friday on the beach in front of the Boardwalk Bookshop, the three friends share a champagne toast. As their bond grows closer, they challenge one another to become the best versions of themselves in this heartachingly beautiful story of friendship, sisterhood and the transformative power of love.
The Boardwalk Bookshop Review
As a quick reminder, here is my rating structure:
- 1 star: Did not finish
- 2 Stars: Finished but I do not recommend
- 3 Stars: Liked but could use some improvements
- 4 Stars: Loved this book!
- 5 Stars: Rare. The unput-down-able, binge read obsession.
My star ratings are also based also genre based. I compare all books with books of the same genre. While I would love to believe that my love of books in general transcends all bias, there are genres I prefer over others.
I’m human.
Example: If I read a mystery novel and think it deserves a 5-star rating, then I have compared it to other mystery books, and determined it to be one of my absolute favorites. The unputdownable mystery.
This will hopefully keep me from comparing Outlander, a personal obsession of mine, with the experience of reading The Hate You Give. Both 5 star books for me, but completely and totally different. I couldn’t even try to rate them against each other, so I don’t. Makes my life easier. 🙂
My Thoughts
Such a great story about friendship and overcoming trauma. These women figure out their lives and show that you can forge new friendships as adults.
There is a romantic element to each woman’s story, but I wouldn’t say that’s the focus of the book. I love that Susan Mallery can write so beautifully about women, their relationships, and their own personal journeys without focusing on finding themselves within a romance. The journey is is as important as the happily ever after.
My only complaint is the sheer volume of stories in this one book. Normally, I hate bouncing around, but somehow this was seemless, though I did wish I got to spend more one-on-one time with each woman. This book would have made a great series!
Plus, I think I need to steal the idea of #Champagne Fridays! Popping bubbles to celebrate another week in the books.
Conclusion
Women’s fiction lovers should snatch this one up, perfect for the beach reading.
*Special thanks to Susan Mallery, Netgalley, and HQN for providing a copy The Boardwalk Bookshop in exchange for an honest review.
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