I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery Published by MIRA on May 31, 2022
Genres: Fiction / Family Life / Marriage & Divorce, Fiction / Family Life / Siblings, Fiction / Friendship, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Pages: 400
Format: Audiobook, eBook
Source: Publisher
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"A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism."—Kirkus
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.
I’m very happy to bring you a review of Susan Mallery’s latest release, THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP. I posted an excerpt earlier this week, so check it out here.
THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP is just one of the many Susan Mallery books that I’ve read–or in this case listened to–and it was what I expect from her novels. Full of friendship, family, conflict, strong women, flawed and realistic characters, and situations that you could see yourself in fill the pages of her books. In this novel, three women come together to share one prime retail space, combining their passions for happy shoppers. Mikki runs the gift shop, Bree runs the book store, and Ashley owns a bakery. While the women were strangers before going in on the same space, they’ve grown to be great friends in the short months that they’ve joined their businesses. The three are very supportive of each other and an outlet to discuss their family and dating problems. But that doesn’t mean that they get along perfectly throughout the book.
While business is bustling at their storefront on the beach, each of their personal lives is a bit of a mess at the moment. Bree is scared of commitment and only has one night stands, and when someone that really loves her wants more than she’s ready to give, she struggles when she realizes that she has those feelings too. Mikki has been divorced for three years and is finally starting to date, but just when she finds a great man to share her life with, her ex-husband throws a giant wrench in those plans. And Ashley just might have the most challenging problem of all: a loving and committed boyfriend who vows to never get married when that’s all she wants to do with him to cement their relationship.
What I really love about Susan Mallery’s writing is how vividly she paints the picture of the location and how unique her characters are, all while keeping them grounded and realistic. None of their troubles are easily solved, and they’re aren’t going through those problems alone. They all reach out to each other for support as well as involving their other loved ones.
I give The Boardwalk Bookshop a four out of five. I always enjoy seeing characters and places from her previous novels pop up in her other novels. It’s like getting a peak at what they’ve been up to since the novel they were featured in. Great location, fantastic characters in real-life situations, and engaging writing keep me coming back for more from Susan Mallery. I haven’t been disappointed by any of her books yet, and this one proved to be really great to listen to as an audiobook that I purchased on Audible. Narrator Tanya Eby does a great job of distinguishing the characters and keeping me coming back for more.
Find THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP
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About Susan Mallery
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship and romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—forty million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.
Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two Ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as Mom.
Find Susan Mallery
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
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