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Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories #2
The Bookstore Wedding
In this star-crossed short story from New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman, timing is everything as two sisters learn to let love follow its own path.
Isabel, the long-lost Gibson sister, is finally back home on Brinkley’s Island, Maine. With Sophie and Violet, her sister and her niece, she’s got the family bookstore—and with Johnny Lenox, she’s got something even more special.
But even as life settles, not everything is falling into place. Isabel and Johnny have set the date three times, baked three wedding cakes, invited the whole island to three parties, only to have each attempt at matrimony fall apart at the last minute. Disasters seem to be conspiring against their happy ending, and Isabel is starting to wonder if their love is meant to be.
When family history comes back to haunt the Gibson sisters, Isabel knows that if she wants to make it down the aisle with Johnny, first she and Sophie will have to face the pain of their past and their present, and decide what it means for their future.
Isabel, the long-lost Gibson sister, is finally back home on Brinkley’s Island, Maine. With Sophie and Violet, her sister and her niece, she’s got the family bookstore—and with Johnny Lenox, she’s got something even more special.
But even as life settles, not everything is falling into place. Isabel and Johnny have set the date three times, baked three wedding cakes, invited the whole island to three parties, only to have each attempt at matrimony fall apart at the last minute. Disasters seem to be conspiring against their happy ending, and Isabel is starting to wonder if their love is meant to be.
When family history comes back to haunt the Gibson sisters, Isabel knows that if she wants to make it down the aisle with Johnny, first she and Sophie will have to face the pain of their past and their present, and decide what it means for their future.
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2024
About the author
Alice Hoffman
118 books23.1k followersAlice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The World That We Knew; The Marriage of Opposites; The Red Garden; The Museum of Extraordinary Things; The Dovekeepers; Here on Earth, an Oprah’s Book Club selection; and the Practical Magic series, including Practical
Magic; Magic Lessons; The Rules of Magic, a selection of Reese’s Book Club; and The Book of Magic. She lives near Boston.
Magic; Magic Lessons; The Rules of Magic, a selection of Reese’s Book Club; and The Book of Magic. She lives near Boston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 703 reviews
July 9, 2024
The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman picks up five years after the events in The Bookstore Sisters. The Gibson sisters, Sophie and Isabel, who have since returned to Brinkley’s Island, run the Once upon a Time Bookshop with a bakery section selling delectable treats based on their late mother’s recipes. Isabel and Johnny Lenox are planning their wedding for the fourth time, after their last three plans fell through at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances.
The narrative follows Isabel and Sophie as they navigate the challenges that come their way as they plan for Isabel’s wedding.
“Love makes you do unexpected things. It’s never what you think it will be.”
This is a lovely story that revolves around themes of family, sisterhood, love, second chances, community and of course the therapeutic value of books and reading. Stories such as these are rarely unpredictable, but what makes them special is the journey to the end and Alice Hoffman does not disappoint! I loved the bookstore setting and the author’s depiction of the close-knit community and how everyone banded together to support the sisters in their time of need was truly touching. A few emotionally heavy themes are woven into the narrative and the author addresses the same with compassion. I loved the literary references and the baked treats with their enchanting names. Beautifully written with endearing characters (including a dog named Hank, who has a very important role to play), and full of hope and heart, this is a heartwarming story and a wonderful addition to this short story series.
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
“He informed her that a famous philosopher had written that people lived their lives forward and only understood them when they looked backward. But by the time that happened, there was usually very little time left. Life would slip away before you knew it, so you had to live every day as if it was your last, for it just might be. Today would soon be the distant past, and you would have to strain to remember what you did or who you spoke to.”
This was my Amazon First Reads selection for July 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
The narrative follows Isabel and Sophie as they navigate the challenges that come their way as they plan for Isabel’s wedding.
“Love makes you do unexpected things. It’s never what you think it will be.”
This is a lovely story that revolves around themes of family, sisterhood, love, second chances, community and of course the therapeutic value of books and reading. Stories such as these are rarely unpredictable, but what makes them special is the journey to the end and Alice Hoffman does not disappoint! I loved the bookstore setting and the author’s depiction of the close-knit community and how everyone banded together to support the sisters in their time of need was truly touching. A few emotionally heavy themes are woven into the narrative and the author addresses the same with compassion. I loved the literary references and the baked treats with their enchanting names. Beautifully written with endearing characters (including a dog named Hank, who has a very important role to play), and full of hope and heart, this is a heartwarming story and a wonderful addition to this short story series.
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
“He informed her that a famous philosopher had written that people lived their lives forward and only understood them when they looked backward. But by the time that happened, there was usually very little time left. Life would slip away before you knew it, so you had to live every day as if it was your last, for it just might be. Today would soon be the distant past, and you would have to strain to remember what you did or who you spoke to.”
This was my Amazon First Reads selection for July 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
August 3, 2024
Short and sweet, yet powerful with a hidden meaning. Really liked this little story of two sister and the connection they share through thick and thin.
August 19, 2024
EXCERPT: The original building had been a barn, built in 1670 by the island's founder, William Brinkley, who had lived alone with no other company for a dozen years. The sisters had added a bakery, and now on weekends there was often a line out the door. Their mother's secret recipes brought the crowds; people couldn't get enough of their favorites, especially I Must Be in Heaven Chocolate Brownies or Blue Moon Blueberry Muffins. Visitors came from Portland and Boston on hot summer days, and they continued taking the ferry over all through the fall. They sprawled in the grass with their new books and their sticky treats or made themselves comfortable in the old wicker chairs where Isabel and Sophie used to curl up to read when they were girls.
ABOUT 'THE BOOKSTORE WEDDING': Isabel, the long-lost Gibson sister, is finally back home on Brinkley’s Island, Maine. With Sophie and Violet, her sister and her niece, she’s got the family bookstore—and with Johnny Lenox, she’s got something even more special.
But even as life settles, not everything is falling into place. Isabel and Johnny have set the date three times, baked three wedding cakes, invited the whole island to three parties, only to have each attempt at matrimony fall apart at the last minute. Disasters seem to be conspiring against their happy ending, and Isabel is starting to wonder if their love is meant to be.
When family history comes back to haunt the Gibson sisters, Isabel knows that if she wants to make it down the aisle with Johnny, first she and Sophie will have to face the pain of their past and their present and decide what it means for their future.
MY THOUGHTS: A wonderful story about love, friendship and the importance of family.
The Bookstore Wedding follows on from The Bookstore Sisters, which does need to be read first, and there is a third novella in the pipeline, expected to be published February 2025.
This is more of a family drama than a romance, focusing on the relationship between sisters Isabel and Sophie, although it does have a romantic element to it.
I wish recipes were included, because the cakes sound amazing and enticing.
A brief and satisfying read, ideal for an afternoon at the beach or curled up in front of the fire.
⭐⭐⭐⭐+
#TheBookstoreWedding #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Alice Hoffman was born in New York City and grew up on Long Island. She currently lives in Boston.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing a digital ARC of The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
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ABOUT 'THE BOOKSTORE WEDDING': Isabel, the long-lost Gibson sister, is finally back home on Brinkley’s Island, Maine. With Sophie and Violet, her sister and her niece, she’s got the family bookstore—and with Johnny Lenox, she’s got something even more special.
But even as life settles, not everything is falling into place. Isabel and Johnny have set the date three times, baked three wedding cakes, invited the whole island to three parties, only to have each attempt at matrimony fall apart at the last minute. Disasters seem to be conspiring against their happy ending, and Isabel is starting to wonder if their love is meant to be.
When family history comes back to haunt the Gibson sisters, Isabel knows that if she wants to make it down the aisle with Johnny, first she and Sophie will have to face the pain of their past and their present and decide what it means for their future.
MY THOUGHTS: A wonderful story about love, friendship and the importance of family.
The Bookstore Wedding follows on from The Bookstore Sisters, which does need to be read first, and there is a third novella in the pipeline, expected to be published February 2025.
This is more of a family drama than a romance, focusing on the relationship between sisters Isabel and Sophie, although it does have a romantic element to it.
I wish recipes were included, because the cakes sound amazing and enticing.
A brief and satisfying read, ideal for an afternoon at the beach or curled up in front of the fire.
⭐⭐⭐⭐+
#TheBookstoreWedding #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Alice Hoffman was born in New York City and grew up on Long Island. She currently lives in Boston.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing a digital ARC of The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 6, 2024
4-5 stars, I dithered between the two!
Alice Hoffman, who is one of my favourite authors, writes a second novella about the Bookstore Sisters, Sophie and soon to be married Isabel. The first few page recaps their story (thank you, the memory isn’t what it was!) and advances things for these delightful characters.
It’s a really lovely, emotional story with a few smiles and of course, plenty of cake. I love the relationship between the sisters, much like me with mine!
Well worth downloading if you have Amazon Prime as it’s one of the First Reads for July.
Alice Hoffman, who is one of my favourite authors, writes a second novella about the Bookstore Sisters, Sophie and soon to be married Isabel. The first few page recaps their story (thank you, the memory isn’t what it was!) and advances things for these delightful characters.
It’s a really lovely, emotional story with a few smiles and of course, plenty of cake. I love the relationship between the sisters, much like me with mine!
Well worth downloading if you have Amazon Prime as it’s one of the First Reads for July.
July 7, 2024
It’s hard to write about a short story without giving too much away, so I’ll simply say it’s as sweet and uplifting as The Bookstore Sisters. What could be sweeter than
“I’ll Miss you Forever Cakes , Never Get Lost Oatmeal Cookies, Marry Me, Marry Me Wedding Cake , Fall Madly In Love Cookies” ? Except maybe “I Must Be in Heaven Chocolate Brownies” and the love between sisters who run the family bookstore and bakery and read to each other when needed . Feel good, predictable and I’ll say it again sweet . Can’t wait for the third story The Bookstore Keepers to be published in 2025
“I’ll Miss you Forever Cakes , Never Get Lost Oatmeal Cookies, Marry Me, Marry Me Wedding Cake , Fall Madly In Love Cookies” ? Except maybe “I Must Be in Heaven Chocolate Brownies” and the love between sisters who run the family bookstore and bakery and read to each other when needed . Feel good, predictable and I’ll say it again sweet . Can’t wait for the third story The Bookstore Keepers to be published in 2025
July 13, 2024
This is a great follow up to The Bookstore Sisters” and a very short story.
This follows the sisters through some tough times when a medical situation comes about for Sophie and Isabel’s wedding has to be put off yet again.. for the fifth time.
Will she and Johnny (her love since childhood) ever get married?
This was my First Reads pic on Amazon for July!
I will read all of these short stories by Alice Hoffman!
This follows the sisters through some tough times when a medical situation comes about for Sophie and Isabel’s wedding has to be put off yet again.. for the fifth time.
Will she and Johnny (her love since childhood) ever get married?
This was my First Reads pic on Amazon for July!
I will read all of these short stories by Alice Hoffman!
July 2, 2024
Short stories are hard to connect to, because there’s not a lot of character development. But this one was good for a short story.
It’s a cute story of a couple who keeps trying to get married every year, but something tragic or natural disasters always prevent it from happening. It follows some of these events.
There ends up being 2 weddings and my favorite part was the dog signing the marriage certificate with his paw.
Thank you to Amazon First reads for this free advance copy.
It’s a cute story of a couple who keeps trying to get married every year, but something tragic or natural disasters always prevent it from happening. It follows some of these events.
There ends up being 2 weddings and my favorite part was the dog signing the marriage certificate with his paw.
Thank you to Amazon First reads for this free advance copy.
July 7, 2024
The Bookstore Wedding is the 2nd installment in what has now become the Once Upon A Time Bookshop Stories.
📖📚🕯️
I read The Bookstore Sisters back in 2022 and recently learned this installment existed after being notified by my Amazon Prime First Reads. And it was the perfect choice for me to start back reading since I’m still recovering from surgery and have had a challenging time focusing and concentrating due to insurmountable bouts of fatigue and brain fog.
The Bookstore Wedding is a heartwarming continuation of the two sisters, Isabel and Sophie. It picks up the pieces following the first story.
♡ What I loved: ♡
♡ The sisterly bond – an unexpected event occurs that really shakes up the lives of the sisters.
♡ The many desserts and their unique names
♡ All the books mentioned! The Bookstore is still very much at the heart of this novella.
Although I’ll add something funny came up. So, Jane Eyre was mentioned in the story which undoubtedly made me roll my eyes since I didn’t have a good experience reading that book a few months ago. However, it seems my less-than-popular opinion was similar to the character’s regarding Jane Eyre! I was cheering!
“She was involved with Jane Eyre and she said she felt a strong kinship with the woman in the attic. She wondered why Jane would fall in love with someone who was so obviously wrong for her. If Violet had been the one to write the novel, she would have had the two women leave together at the end, triumphant, but she had a feeling that was not where the story was headed.”
♡ The small town charming vibes
♡ Favorite Quote:
“He informed her that a famous philosopher had written that people lived their lives forward and only understood them when they looked backward. But by the time that happened, there was usually very little time left. Life would slip away before you knew it so you had to live every day as if it was your last, for it just might be. Today would soon be the distant past, and you would have to strain to remember what you did or who you spoke to.”
♡ How good things can come out of the bad
“How lovely that something good had come of this difficult time, something unexpected and rare.”
Apparently, the 3rd installment will be releasing on Amazon Prime Reads again in February 2025. I’ll be on the lookout for it and would love to continue with the series!
📖📚🕯️
I read The Bookstore Sisters back in 2022 and recently learned this installment existed after being notified by my Amazon Prime First Reads. And it was the perfect choice for me to start back reading since I’m still recovering from surgery and have had a challenging time focusing and concentrating due to insurmountable bouts of fatigue and brain fog.
The Bookstore Wedding is a heartwarming continuation of the two sisters, Isabel and Sophie. It picks up the pieces following the first story.
♡ What I loved: ♡
♡ The sisterly bond – an unexpected event occurs that really shakes up the lives of the sisters.
♡ The many desserts and their unique names
♡ All the books mentioned! The Bookstore is still very much at the heart of this novella.
Although I’ll add something funny came up. So, Jane Eyre was mentioned in the story which undoubtedly made me roll my eyes since I didn’t have a good experience reading that book a few months ago. However, it seems my less-than-popular opinion was similar to the character’s regarding Jane Eyre! I was cheering!
“She was involved with Jane Eyre and she said she felt a strong kinship with the woman in the attic. She wondered why Jane would fall in love with someone who was so obviously wrong for her. If Violet had been the one to write the novel, she would have had the two women leave together at the end, triumphant, but she had a feeling that was not where the story was headed.”
♡ The small town charming vibes
♡ Favorite Quote:
“He informed her that a famous philosopher had written that people lived their lives forward and only understood them when they looked backward. But by the time that happened, there was usually very little time left. Life would slip away before you knew it so you had to live every day as if it was your last, for it just might be. Today would soon be the distant past, and you would have to strain to remember what you did or who you spoke to.”
♡ How good things can come out of the bad
“How lovely that something good had come of this difficult time, something unexpected and rare.”
Apparently, the 3rd installment will be releasing on Amazon Prime Reads again in February 2025. I’ll be on the lookout for it and would love to continue with the series!
August 15, 2024
I absolutely loved how everything came together in this book's plot—a full-circle plotline! Being a huge fan of Alice Hoffman, I knew this book would be good, and I'm glad it did not disappoint.
July 6, 2024
Wedding Bell Blues
Review of the Amazon Prime First Reads advance release (July 1, 2024) of the Amazon Original Stories eBook & audiobook (August 1, 2024)
The Bookstore Wedding continues the story of The Bookstore Sisters (2022) which I reviewed at the time as The Prodigal Daughter Returns. As the theme of the first story centered around books and bookshops, I felt quite positive about it and gave it a good review. This 2nd entry is more along the lines of romance fiction and despite the various obstacles to its forecasted wedding plans, it layered on so much sweetness that it became completely unrealistic. I see that Alice Hoffman is otherwise known as a magical realism writer, and although there is no actual "magic" here, it is definitely in the realm of romance fantasy.
The cloying aspect is accentuated by an extended listing of baked goods with cutesy names which the sisters sell as a sideline in their bookshop. These include "I'll Miss You Forever Cakes", "Never Get Lost Oatmeal Cookies", "I Must Be in Heaven Chocolate Brownies", "Blue Moon Blueberry Muffins", "Treat Me, Don't Trick Me Cookies", "Good Witch Gingerbread", "Please Can I Have Some More Apple Cookies", "Double Bunny Hop Coconut Macaroons", "Cheshire Cat Peanut Butter Cookies", "Do Right Spice Cookies", "Marry Me, Marry Me Wedding Cake", "Midnight Chocolate Cake", "Kiss Me Twice Carrot Cake", "Make the Most of Life Pink Lemonade Cake", "Fall Madly in Love Cookies", "Love Me Do Chocolate Chip Cookies", "Do I Dare Cheese Puffs"(I think I found them all, might have missed a few).
There is a nice twist towards the end, but this otherwise really overdid it in the sweetness department. Admittedly I'm not a romance fiction reader and picked this up due to its being a free book.
The extended story of The Bookstore Sisters will continue with the next entry in the series The Bookstore Keepers with an expected publication date of February 4, 2025.
Trivia and Links
Amazon Prime First Reads are available to Amazon Prime subscribers. Commonly they offer advance reads of books in Kindle eBook format one month before the date of official release. The current month's selection is available here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Kindle short stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here.
Review of the Amazon Prime First Reads advance release (July 1, 2024) of the Amazon Original Stories eBook & audiobook (August 1, 2024)
The Bookstore Wedding continues the story of The Bookstore Sisters (2022) which I reviewed at the time as The Prodigal Daughter Returns. As the theme of the first story centered around books and bookshops, I felt quite positive about it and gave it a good review. This 2nd entry is more along the lines of romance fiction and despite the various obstacles to its forecasted wedding plans, it layered on so much sweetness that it became completely unrealistic. I see that Alice Hoffman is otherwise known as a magical realism writer, and although there is no actual "magic" here, it is definitely in the realm of romance fantasy.
The cloying aspect is accentuated by an extended listing of baked goods with cutesy names which the sisters sell as a sideline in their bookshop. These include "I'll Miss You Forever Cakes", "Never Get Lost Oatmeal Cookies", "I Must Be in Heaven Chocolate Brownies", "Blue Moon Blueberry Muffins", "Treat Me, Don't Trick Me Cookies", "Good Witch Gingerbread", "Please Can I Have Some More Apple Cookies", "Double Bunny Hop Coconut Macaroons", "Cheshire Cat Peanut Butter Cookies", "Do Right Spice Cookies", "Marry Me, Marry Me Wedding Cake", "Midnight Chocolate Cake", "Kiss Me Twice Carrot Cake", "Make the Most of Life Pink Lemonade Cake", "Fall Madly in Love Cookies", "Love Me Do Chocolate Chip Cookies", "Do I Dare Cheese Puffs"(I think I found them all, might have missed a few).
There is a nice twist towards the end, but this otherwise really overdid it in the sweetness department. Admittedly I'm not a romance fiction reader and picked this up due to its being a free book.
The extended story of The Bookstore Sisters will continue with the next entry in the series The Bookstore Keepers with an expected publication date of February 4, 2025.
Trivia and Links
Amazon Prime First Reads are available to Amazon Prime subscribers. Commonly they offer advance reads of books in Kindle eBook format one month before the date of official release. The current month's selection is available here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Kindle short stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here.
July 25, 2024
Typical Hoffman that actually makes me want to reread her short stories. I long for the water, books, and cake.
Full Review:
I suggest readers start with the first book in the series, "The Bookstore Sisters" and then start this one. The second book in the series follows sisters Isabel and Sophie. Newly reconciled, sisters continue to live, bake, and run their family's bookstore on Brinkley's Island, Maine. Years later, Isabel is still scared to marry the man she loves because something always seems to come up that prevents it. When another incident occurs though that delays her wedding, Isabel starts to wonder if she's just destined to be alone forever.
I loved reading this since it reminds me a lot of Hoffman's short story collections. I have zero idea why I can't stand the Practical Magic series, but love everything else she writes, but here we are.
Full Review:
I suggest readers start with the first book in the series, "The Bookstore Sisters" and then start this one. The second book in the series follows sisters Isabel and Sophie. Newly reconciled, sisters continue to live, bake, and run their family's bookstore on Brinkley's Island, Maine. Years later, Isabel is still scared to marry the man she loves because something always seems to come up that prevents it. When another incident occurs though that delays her wedding, Isabel starts to wonder if she's just destined to be alone forever.
I loved reading this since it reminds me a lot of Hoffman's short story collections. I have zero idea why I can't stand the Practical Magic series, but love everything else she writes, but here we are.
August 19, 2024
I enjoyed this short story about two sisters, their bookstore, and love in its multiple forms. I’ve only read two Alice Hoffman books (so far) and just from those two, I know she’s an excellent storyteller. Hoffman demonstrates her skill again in The Bookstore Wedding, even with its short length.
July 11, 2024
If you haven't already read it, I would encourage you to read The Bookstore Sisters before you read this story. I had read the first story a while back, but went ahead and reread it before I started this one. Although the author gives you a good synopsis of the first story at the beginning of this one, there are always details and nuances that add depth to the tale.
I tagged this as a romance, and it does have a romance - two, in fact - but that is not the primary focus. At the heart of these stories is the relationships between women at various stages of life, and also the relationships between couples, especially as it relates to loss. I've read a number of Alice Hoffman's novels and liked most of them, some more than others, but once in a while she really hits it out of the park, as she did with these stories.
I tagged this as a romance, and it does have a romance - two, in fact - but that is not the primary focus. At the heart of these stories is the relationships between women at various stages of life, and also the relationships between couples, especially as it relates to loss. I've read a number of Alice Hoffman's novels and liked most of them, some more than others, but once in a while she really hits it out of the park, as she did with these stories.
July 6, 2024
A cozy, magical, emotional, short story revolving around a bookstore - and the bond between two sisters, Isabel and Sophie. 10/10, recommend !! 🌺✨📚💖
July 11, 2024
A short story by Alice Hoffman of two sisters, set on Brinkley Island in Maine.
Isabel has finally returned to the family home, where her two sisters, Violet and Sophie, and the family bookstore is where this story begins...but there is someone else, as well. Johnny Lennox, who she's known for most of her life.
This is a love story, if a somewhat reluctant story for Isabel, it seems like she just can't seem to trust that love is in the cards for her. Even after all the time, and her affection for Johnny. They've set the date several times, and yet... she questions if they are really ready. There is so much on her mind, she really needs to explore her feelings, which leads her to another decision.
Will there be a wedding?
August 4, 2024
Another short and sweet story from Alice Hoffman. The two sisters, Isabel and Sophie, are running their family bookstore. After a few attempts to get married, Isabel & Johnny are still waiting for their wedding to happen. Some life setbacks are in store, but love always has a way to overcome them.
July 2, 2024
A free book from Amazon by Alice Hoffman? Yes please! Just a nice short story that made me smile and believe in love.
August 15, 2024
This was a short and sweet read.
Really enjoyed this one in between those thriller reads!
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this through you.
Really enjoyed this one in between those thriller reads!
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this through you.
August 14, 2024
Sweet story from the always magical Alice Hoffman.
August 1, 2024
It’s been 5 literary years since we had a visit to Brinkley Island and got to check in with Sophie & Isabel. Things are going well at the bookstore, especially with the newly renovated bakery aspect. I really wish I could eat some of their family confections.
Isabel and Johnny are planning another wedding. They’ve had a few mishaps along the way. Sophie and her daughter are managing thru the teenage years with less drama until Sophie finds herself reliving her mother’s health crisis.
Author, Alice Hoffman, gives life to her characters. They are familiar, honest, faulty and remind me of folks I know and care about. That’s tough to do in 34 pages. I really wish these stories were longer. Still, we get to know how they think, feel, hurt, dream and love.
Hoffman paints lovely word art describing Brinkley Island and her marshes. These passages are transportive but fleeting, due to the length of the story. I really wish it were longer.
This is a lovely short story. I gave 4 stars to the first one and this one is better, say 4.5 - If I round up and the next story is even better, then a 5 rating loses its impact. If I round down, there’s no difference between the first two. I really wish the rating system had 7 stars📚
Isabel and Johnny are planning another wedding. They’ve had a few mishaps along the way. Sophie and her daughter are managing thru the teenage years with less drama until Sophie finds herself reliving her mother’s health crisis.
Author, Alice Hoffman, gives life to her characters. They are familiar, honest, faulty and remind me of folks I know and care about. That’s tough to do in 34 pages. I really wish these stories were longer. Still, we get to know how they think, feel, hurt, dream and love.
Hoffman paints lovely word art describing Brinkley Island and her marshes. These passages are transportive but fleeting, due to the length of the story. I really wish it were longer.
This is a lovely short story. I gave 4 stars to the first one and this one is better, say 4.5 - If I round up and the next story is even better, then a 5 rating loses its impact. If I round down, there’s no difference between the first two. I really wish the rating system had 7 stars📚
July 4, 2024
Grateful a decent book came out from Amazon first reads! Short novella with so much emotion, plot, and resolution. Loved Sophie and Isabella and the growth of their relationship and bond. Can’t wait for book 3 in Feb 2025!
July 8, 2024
#1 rule of writing: show don’t tell….not the case here
This reminds me of the perfect example of telling and not showing. Everything was told to the reader and no emotion was actually shown. Made for a very shallow, boring read.
This reminds me of the perfect example of telling and not showing. Everything was told to the reader and no emotion was actually shown. Made for a very shallow, boring read.
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July 28, 2024
“Love had waited for her. All she had to do was say yes.”
“There was no protection from some things, only courage, only truth.”
Loved the writing!
“There was no protection from some things, only courage, only truth.”
Loved the writing!
August 18, 2024
This is the second short story in this series and it was a great read!! This one is five years after THE BOOKSTORE SISTERS. The first few pages recap the previous book so you are all caught up!!
Sisters Isabel and Sophie run the bookstore, ONCE UPON A BOOKSHOP which also has a bakery with items from their mom’s recipes.
This is a book of love, persistence, resilience and a lot more!! Highly recommend and a third one will be out in Feb 2025!!
Sisters Isabel and Sophie run the bookstore, ONCE UPON A BOOKSHOP which also has a bakery with items from their mom’s recipes.
This is a book of love, persistence, resilience and a lot more!! Highly recommend and a third one will be out in Feb 2025!!
August 13, 2024
The Bookstore Wedding is a short story by Alice Hoffman, published under the Amazon Original Stories banner. A family tragedy when she was ten saw Isabel Gibson determined to avoid the pain of losing who and what she loved, by denying it. Less than a decade later, she headed for New York, leaving behind Brinkley’s Island, her father, her sister, Sophie, the family bookstore, and Johnny Lennox.
Twelve unfulfilling years on, the Once Upon A Time Bookshop is still there, and Sophie, widowed mother of Violet, needs a hand running it, having broken her leg. Isabel returns with her dog Hank, who makes his approval of Johnny Lennox very plain. After a while, Isabel stops fighting it and gives in to his persistent proposals. But three planned weddings have failed due to circumstances beyond their control. Surely the fourth time will be lucky? Sad, sweet and heart-warming, this is Alice Hoffman romance at its best.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley
Twelve unfulfilling years on, the Once Upon A Time Bookshop is still there, and Sophie, widowed mother of Violet, needs a hand running it, having broken her leg. Isabel returns with her dog Hank, who makes his approval of Johnny Lennox very plain. After a while, Isabel stops fighting it and gives in to his persistent proposals. But three planned weddings have failed due to circumstances beyond their control. Surely the fourth time will be lucky? Sad, sweet and heart-warming, this is Alice Hoffman romance at its best.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley
July 18, 2024
100% cheese. Beyond cheese. For cheese merchants only :)
This was a free Amazon First Reads short story for Prime subscribers.
This was a free Amazon First Reads short story for Prime subscribers.
August 8, 2024
I experienced an audio story that profoundly moved me. It beautifully wove together themes of sisterhood, books, and a few other elements to create a narrative that was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. The story revolves around two sisters whose bond is palpable through every word spoken. Their shared love for books becomes a symbol of their connection, bringing them solace and joy amidst life's trials.
The narrator's voice was soothing, yet carried the weight of the story's emotions perfectly. As I followed along, I could feel the depth of the sisters' relationship and the comfort they found in each other and in their shared literary adventures. The portrayal of their interactions was so vivid that it felt as if I were right there with them, sharing their laughter and their tears.
What struck me the most was how the story managed to balance its sad and warm elements. It acknowledged the pain and struggles the sisters faced, yet it also celebrated the resilience and love that carried them through. The books they cherished became a metaphor for hope and escape, a reminder of the beauty that exists even in difficult times.
By the end of the audio, I was left with a mix of emotions. I felt the sadness of their challenges but also the warmth of their enduring bond. It was a touching reminder of the power of relationships and the small, yet significant, comforts we find in the things we love. This story will stay with me for a long time, a testament to the strength of sisterhood and the solace found in shared passions.
The narrator's voice was soothing, yet carried the weight of the story's emotions perfectly. As I followed along, I could feel the depth of the sisters' relationship and the comfort they found in each other and in their shared literary adventures. The portrayal of their interactions was so vivid that it felt as if I were right there with them, sharing their laughter and their tears.
What struck me the most was how the story managed to balance its sad and warm elements. It acknowledged the pain and struggles the sisters faced, yet it also celebrated the resilience and love that carried them through. The books they cherished became a metaphor for hope and escape, a reminder of the beauty that exists even in difficult times.
By the end of the audio, I was left with a mix of emotions. I felt the sadness of their challenges but also the warmth of their enduring bond. It was a touching reminder of the power of relationships and the small, yet significant, comforts we find in the things we love. This story will stay with me for a long time, a testament to the strength of sisterhood and the solace found in shared passions.
August 11, 2024
"The Bookstore Wedding" is a short story by Alice Hoffman and the follow-up to "The Bookstore Sisters." Fans of Hoffman know that she writes beautifully, especially in exploring the bonds of siblings. This story follows the one of the sisters in her repeated failed wedding plans with a few bittersweet twists and turns and a theme of second chances.
What I love most about Alice Hoffman's books are the vivid settings and memorable characters, and while a lot of short stories don't have an opportunity to devote time to rich description and development, "The Bookstore" Wedding manages to accomplish this well. The descriptions of the baked goods in particular made me wish for an afternoon spent baking. I'm holding out hope that one day, Hoffman will release a cookbook based on the recipes in her books.
Though stories in this genre tend to be somewhat predictable, "The Bookstore Wedding" was still entertaining and made for a nice afternoon reading break, like a Hallmark movie in short story format. I'll be looking forward to future stories in the series.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
What I love most about Alice Hoffman's books are the vivid settings and memorable characters, and while a lot of short stories don't have an opportunity to devote time to rich description and development, "The Bookstore" Wedding manages to accomplish this well. The descriptions of the baked goods in particular made me wish for an afternoon spent baking. I'm holding out hope that one day, Hoffman will release a cookbook based on the recipes in her books.
Though stories in this genre tend to be somewhat predictable, "The Bookstore Wedding" was still entertaining and made for a nice afternoon reading break, like a Hallmark movie in short story format. I'll be looking forward to future stories in the series.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
August 4, 2024
Alice Hoffman is a master story teller, as we all know. This little short love story is not typical for her style of writing, but a “sweet” delight in more ways than one.
Main characters Isabel and Johnny have set the date for their wedding 5 times and something always happens to delay it. Isabel’s sister Sophie is also a key character in this story of the two sisters, Sophie is dealing with her own personal drama, but they are both doing their best to keep their departed mother’s book store open. In the process memories burst forward of their youth and how much enjoyment they had growing up around books, sleeping in the children’s section, and how they remember their mom, always baking “sweet” things with special names.
A love story revolving around books, baking, fond memories, and small town coziness, what’s not to like?
Main characters Isabel and Johnny have set the date for their wedding 5 times and something always happens to delay it. Isabel’s sister Sophie is also a key character in this story of the two sisters, Sophie is dealing with her own personal drama, but they are both doing their best to keep their departed mother’s book store open. In the process memories burst forward of their youth and how much enjoyment they had growing up around books, sleeping in the children’s section, and how they remember their mom, always baking “sweet” things with special names.
A love story revolving around books, baking, fond memories, and small town coziness, what’s not to like?
August 8, 2024
When I saw the page count u thought oh this shall go breezily but tell me why a 50+ pages book has done what more than a 500+ could not do?
I fell in love with the characters and their close knitted community, their support was so immeasurable and their love for the family touch so deeply in me. The author explored a explained the topics of grieve and forgiveness and second chances so well I feared a bit whiles reading it.
I was so filled and happy when I was done with this book which was a surprise because rarely do short stories lives me satisfied. If wonder where a novel from the author would leave me if a short story from her was that good.
“I’m sure I’ll do something else stupid, and then you’ll be angry at me again,” Isabel said sadly. “If you do, I’ll forgive you all over again,” Sophie assured her. “We can fight and still love each other. That’s what sisters do.”
Thank you Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC
I fell in love with the characters and their close knitted community, their support was so immeasurable and their love for the family touch so deeply in me. The author explored a explained the topics of grieve and forgiveness and second chances so well I feared a bit whiles reading it.
I was so filled and happy when I was done with this book which was a surprise because rarely do short stories lives me satisfied. If wonder where a novel from the author would leave me if a short story from her was that good.
“I’m sure I’ll do something else stupid, and then you’ll be angry at me again,” Isabel said sadly. “If you do, I’ll forgive you all over again,” Sophie assured her. “We can fight and still love each other. That’s what sisters do.”
Thank you Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC
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