***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
"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.
The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery is a wonderful story about three friends who all own shops in the same retail space. This story is about the power of friendships and found families.
Bree, Mikki, and Ashley have rented one retail space for their own shops. Bree owns The Boardwalk Bookshop, Mikki owns The Gift Shop and Ashley owns Muffins to the Max. Although they didn’t know each other before they became co-owners of the space, they soon became fast friends, and make sure they spend every Friday afternoon together with a bottle of wine on the beach to go over their week.
Bree is divorced and the child of inattentive parents who cared more about their next book than their own child. Her ex-husband was almost as enamored by her parents as he was with her and eventually cheated on her. But, will Ashley’s author brother make her rethink her vow to never date an author? Ashley is in love with her boyfriend and expects a proposal any day now, but when he claims to want to spend the rest of his life with her but doesn’t want to marry her, can she live without the formal commitment of marriage? Mikki is divorced with two children about to leave the nest. She and her ex-husband have stayed on friendly terms as they co-parent their children. She’s happy to put all her energy into her store, but when an unexpected friendship happens with a handsome man, can she finally move on from her marriage?
The Boardwalk Bookshop was a quick book to read. It was easy to follow the three friends and their lives as they changed throughout the book. Their friendship with each other was so beautiful, especially since they hadn’t known each other very long. They are so supportive of each other and their businesses.
The romances were good, and not the entire focus of the book, as it was more about each individual’s personal growth. There is a bit of steam in this book, but nothing too unusual.
I also enjoyed the setting. Owning a bookstore (or gift shop or muffin shop) right on the beach must be a dream come true, and I liked the way the author weaved the location into the story. I thought Bree was the toughest character to like in the beginning, but she really grew on me throughout the book. Mikki was my favorite character and I enjoyed her story the most.
I highly recommend The Boardwalk Bookstore to anyone who enjoys Women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
UK Cover:
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, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have 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.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this book! I saw it around on social media and your review makes me excited to pick this up. The setting sounds beautiful as well. Thank you for sharing!
Those covers are so different! I think I prefer the U.K. one. I enjoy seeing both covers when you post that. It is interesting what a different take the publisher can have on a book. I first became aware of that when I tried to purchase a single book that was missing from my Chronicles of Narnia set. Of course, that book has been around quite a while, but I was astonished at the variety of covers.
I definitely liked the UK cover a lot more.
Yes, I’m waiting for this one to become available at the library. Just finished The Summer Getaway.
I hope you enjoy it when you get it
This sounds so wholesome. I haven’t read a book about friendships between women (or anyone, really) in far too long.
It’s a bit steamy, but I loved the relationships between the friends.
This sounds like a fun read. I’m putting this on my TBR too.
It’s so good, I hope you enjoy it!
This sounds really good!
Thank you, Carrie!
I want to own a shop on the beach next to friends. This sounds like the coziest of cozy reads.
It really was, Kami. Let’s set up shop at the beach!
Wonderful review, Wendy. I also enjoyed this story and agree, I liked Mikki the best as well. Perhaps because she was easier to relate to for me.
Thanks, Carla.
I love the premise of this story. I want to do that myself! Excellent review, Wendy!
I can definitely see you owning a bookstore on the beach, Tessa!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this book! I saw it around on social media and your review makes me excited to pick this up. The setting sounds beautiful as well. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! It’s a good one!
I’m waiting for my library’s audiobook copy of this book as I love this author! Great review! I prefer the UK cover.
I hope it comes in soon for you, Jodie. I think you’ll like this one.
Great review, Wendy! I like both covers but think the UK one draws me in more.
I agree, the UK version is much more eye-catching. And I just like it more!
Those covers are so different! I think I prefer the U.K. one. I enjoy seeing both covers when you post that. It is interesting what a different take the publisher can have on a book. I first became aware of that when I tried to purchase a single book that was missing from my Chronicles of Narnia set. Of course, that book has been around quite a while, but I was astonished at the variety of covers.
Thank you, Linda. I always wonder what goes on in the minds of these marketing folks at publishers.
I think I like the UK cover & this sounds really good, great review 💕
I like the UK cover a bit more too.
I absolutely love that cover! And owning a bookstore on a beach would be my dream come true for sure. 🙂
It sure would be!
This sounds like a great holiday read and I love the covers. Another one to add to my ever growing TBR !
Thank you, Janette!
The beach sounds very tempting at the moment.
It sure does, Rosie!
Sounds a lovely read. I like that the focus is more on personal growth rather than the romances.
I agree, Mallika! I like personal growth stories the best.
This book sounds great! I love the UK cover, too.
Thank you, Amanda
Wonderful review Wendy! So happy you loved this one too!🤗📚☕💜
Thank you, Susan
I would live in those shops. Great review!
Me too, Rae!