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The Boardwalk Bookshop
When fate brings three strangers to a space for lease on the California coast, the Boardwalk Bookshop is born. 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 her late husband's ultimate betrayal, has sworn to protect her heart. Mikki has somehow stayed friends with her ex until a new man changes how she sees herself. Meanwhile, Ashley discovers that the love of her life never intends to marry. 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 power of love.
617 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2022
4265 people are currently reading
16253 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,119 reviews
June 3, 2022
The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery is a new contemporary romance novel. The story in The Boardwalk Bookshop is one that is told by changing the point of view between the characters to give all sides of the story.
Bree, Mikki and Ashley were strangers just a few short months back but all three women now count themselves as friends. The three women had all had their eye on what they just new would be the perfect retail space for their various businesses but the size and price was just to much for any one of them.
Bree, Mikki and Ashley got together after they found that they all had interest in starting up in the same place and decided they would combine efforts and all use the same space. This worked well for all of them and now they have turned to each other to lean on in their personal lives too. Bree needs to learn to not protect herself so closely, Mikki just how to move on after her divorce and Ashley opens herself up to new ideas and takes a deeper look at her relationship.
The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery is one of those novels that once I picked it up and began to read it easily pulled me into the story and didn’t want to let go. I loved getting to know all three of the women involved and going deeper into their lives as they took their journeys and discovered themselves. Each situation is completely different and having the new friendships helped guide them all along and I was all for it with each turn of the page. Not being the first book I’ve read from Susan Mallery I knew I enjoyed her writing but with each read I finish I always just look forward to more.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Bree, Mikki and Ashley were strangers just a few short months back but all three women now count themselves as friends. The three women had all had their eye on what they just new would be the perfect retail space for their various businesses but the size and price was just to much for any one of them.
Bree, Mikki and Ashley got together after they found that they all had interest in starting up in the same place and decided they would combine efforts and all use the same space. This worked well for all of them and now they have turned to each other to lean on in their personal lives too. Bree needs to learn to not protect herself so closely, Mikki just how to move on after her divorce and Ashley opens herself up to new ideas and takes a deeper look at her relationship.
The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery is one of those novels that once I picked it up and began to read it easily pulled me into the story and didn’t want to let go. I loved getting to know all three of the women involved and going deeper into their lives as they took their journeys and discovered themselves. Each situation is completely different and having the new friendships helped guide them all along and I was all for it with each turn of the page. Not being the first book I’ve read from Susan Mallery I knew I enjoyed her writing but with each read I finish I always just look forward to more.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 31, 2022
Six months ago, Bree Larton, Mikki Bartholomew and Ashley Burton were strangers. It was serendipitous when all three were eyeing (literally) a prime beachfront property for sale in Los Angeles. It was too large and expensive for them individually but after sitting down over coffee together, they realized their combined businesses and resources would be ideal. So, Driftaway Books, The Gift Shop and Muffins to the Max became The Boardwalk Bookshop and one shared space on the beach. Their becoming friends was a lovely bonus. Business life was good but their personal lives…not so much.
Bree’s troubled upbringing left her commitment phobic and down on the possibility of love, even when the right one showed up. Mikki’s amicable divorce was working pretty well until she began dating and met a wonderful man. Ashley and her boyfriend were deeply in love with each other but he was unwilling to ever marry, a surprise she stumbled upon.
I got caught up in these women’s lives from the onset as they were interesting and had so many layers. I loved their relationships with each other and how supportive they were even though they’d only been friends for a short time. On the surface, their issues didn’t seem that complicated but as the story progressed, they became much more nuanced and less clear cut. The men in their worlds were all decent guys, none of them doing anything that would easily cast them as heels. I found myself going back and forth about their situations, totally immersed in trying to figure out the right resolution.
This was a wonderful exploration of modern day, mature relationships that had lots of edges and considerations. Bree, Mikki and Ashley were beautifully developed and fleshed out, so much that I felt a kinship with them and wished their store was a real one. I listened to the book and Tanya Eby’s storytelling skills were ideal for these characters. Each time I had to pause I couldn’t wait to get back to these women to see where they’d land. It was a great listening experience about three women confronting relationship challenges that were realistic, relevant and not so easy to figure out…just like real life.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Bree’s troubled upbringing left her commitment phobic and down on the possibility of love, even when the right one showed up. Mikki’s amicable divorce was working pretty well until she began dating and met a wonderful man. Ashley and her boyfriend were deeply in love with each other but he was unwilling to ever marry, a surprise she stumbled upon.
I got caught up in these women’s lives from the onset as they were interesting and had so many layers. I loved their relationships with each other and how supportive they were even though they’d only been friends for a short time. On the surface, their issues didn’t seem that complicated but as the story progressed, they became much more nuanced and less clear cut. The men in their worlds were all decent guys, none of them doing anything that would easily cast them as heels. I found myself going back and forth about their situations, totally immersed in trying to figure out the right resolution.
This was a wonderful exploration of modern day, mature relationships that had lots of edges and considerations. Bree, Mikki and Ashley were beautifully developed and fleshed out, so much that I felt a kinship with them and wished their store was a real one. I listened to the book and Tanya Eby’s storytelling skills were ideal for these characters. Each time I had to pause I couldn’t wait to get back to these women to see where they’d land. It was a great listening experience about three women confronting relationship challenges that were realistic, relevant and not so easy to figure out…just like real life.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
June 10, 2022
To start this review, let me say this... I normally enjoy Susan Mallery. That being clarified, this was one of the worst books I have read in a long time. To begin with, one character in particular drove me nuts. Bree.. Yes, her character's history is sad, but really? It was over the top obnoxious.
I can parallel many emotional feelings, with my own life. But I was more annoyed with the content of the book, more than the possible messages Susan was trying to convey. The language was over the top, the graphic sexual conversations, and content were disgusting, and did not need to be there. I know Susan's other books had elements of those things, but this book felt even more disgusting, and extreme and with the lack of charm I have read from her previous books. It was crude and almost like reading a porn novel.
There were VERY few comedic moments, that I come to expect with Susan's writing. The only noteworthy giggle I got out of this read was the following quote. Oscar said to Ashley "Drama Queen" and Ashley said back to Oscar "Felon". (I did giggle). I won't give anymore away, but that was funny.
I am disappointed with this book and wish I could have enjoyed it more. But alas I did not.
I can parallel many emotional feelings, with my own life. But I was more annoyed with the content of the book, more than the possible messages Susan was trying to convey. The language was over the top, the graphic sexual conversations, and content were disgusting, and did not need to be there. I know Susan's other books had elements of those things, but this book felt even more disgusting, and extreme and with the lack of charm I have read from her previous books. It was crude and almost like reading a porn novel.
There were VERY few comedic moments, that I come to expect with Susan's writing. The only noteworthy giggle I got out of this read was the following quote. Oscar said to Ashley "Drama Queen" and Ashley said back to Oscar "Felon". (I did giggle). I won't give anymore away, but that was funny.
I am disappointed with this book and wish I could have enjoyed it more. But alas I did not.
June 1, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP by Susan Malley is a standalone women’s fiction that immediately had me thoroughly engrossed in three very different women’s lives as they come together in their business and personal lives.
Three women show up to check out a beach front business property on the California coast. While none can afford or use the entire space individually, they decide to come together and lease the property as the Boardwalk Bookshop. Bree runs the bookstore, Mikki runs the gift shop and Ashley runs the bakery. Every Friday they toast with champagne on the beach as their businesses thrive, their friendship grows, but their personal lives are in turmoil.
This is a wonderful story with three successful and intelligent businesswomen at different stages in their personal lives and I found all their stories believable. There is a roller-coaster ride of emotions with each. Bree was the toughest and yet the most damaged by her past. Mikki was very much like some personal friends and her decisions were very relatable. Ashley was an amazing character who gave so much, and I was very glad when she got her HEA. I fell in love with each of these main characters and even though they all could stand on their own, the men who eventually come into their lives and make them happy left me feeling very satisfied. The secondary characters were fully drawn, entertaining and at times quirky. Once again, Ms. Mallery pulled me into others’ lives effortlessly.
I recommend this women’s fiction story of three engaging women.
THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP by Susan Malley is a standalone women’s fiction that immediately had me thoroughly engrossed in three very different women’s lives as they come together in their business and personal lives.
Three women show up to check out a beach front business property on the California coast. While none can afford or use the entire space individually, they decide to come together and lease the property as the Boardwalk Bookshop. Bree runs the bookstore, Mikki runs the gift shop and Ashley runs the bakery. Every Friday they toast with champagne on the beach as their businesses thrive, their friendship grows, but their personal lives are in turmoil.
This is a wonderful story with three successful and intelligent businesswomen at different stages in their personal lives and I found all their stories believable. There is a roller-coaster ride of emotions with each. Bree was the toughest and yet the most damaged by her past. Mikki was very much like some personal friends and her decisions were very relatable. Ashley was an amazing character who gave so much, and I was very glad when she got her HEA. I fell in love with each of these main characters and even though they all could stand on their own, the men who eventually come into their lives and make them happy left me feeling very satisfied. The secondary characters were fully drawn, entertaining and at times quirky. Once again, Ms. Mallery pulled me into others’ lives effortlessly.
I recommend this women’s fiction story of three engaging women.
September 23, 2024
Catching up…
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Okay let’s be clear here. Look at the title and look at the book cover. Would you not be a little bit enticed here? A woman lying on the beach with a book and the title is about a bookshop on a boardwalk? I’m in. Are you?
Mallery is known for women’s friendship fiction where each has problems and flaws, but…they are all hopeful with dreams. Especially for a new bookstore business to be successful on the boardwalk.
So, pull up a towel, with a nice comfy pillow on a sandy beach with this book. Add a little conversation, a few favorite snacks with your girlfriends, some gossip, maybe some tears, and hope for some important changes to occur in life. It’s time, right?
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Okay let’s be clear here. Look at the title and look at the book cover. Would you not be a little bit enticed here? A woman lying on the beach with a book and the title is about a bookshop on a boardwalk? I’m in. Are you?
Mallery is known for women’s friendship fiction where each has problems and flaws, but…they are all hopeful with dreams. Especially for a new bookstore business to be successful on the boardwalk.
So, pull up a towel, with a nice comfy pillow on a sandy beach with this book. Add a little conversation, a few favorite snacks with your girlfriends, some gossip, maybe some tears, and hope for some important changes to occur in life. It’s time, right?
May 29, 2022
Holy cow, THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP is one crazy story! It is also my nineteenth book I’ve read by Susan Mallery. After you read this wonderful story, you will know exactly why. Three women share a retail space after each being interested in renting the store. Bree owns the bookstore, Ashley owns Muffins to the Max and Mikki owns the gift shop. They didn’t know each other before sharing the space, but in six short months they have become great friends. I was so excited to read this book and it wasn’t because its about a bookshop right on the beach, well not the only reason. Oh, who am I kidding……that is totally the reason. The women give each other strength and lots of advice to help in dealing with the problems they are going through.
THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP is exactly why I love Susan Mallery’s books. She had me sad on one page and giggling out loud on the next. This story is all about friendship and relationships and the life lessons are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to these three women and all the secondary characters. So when you have three women who work and relax with eachother, there is bound to be some drama right? The sisterhood they share is exactly what they all need at this time in their lives. THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP is a perfect story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down! You also won’t be able to stop yourself from laughing at Harding and the way he won’t leave Bree alone!
In THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP, all of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with these women. I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two and I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Susan Mallery does that to me each and every time. She has me longing to find friends just like her characters. There is so much heart in Susan’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. Susan Mallery is the queen of writing heartfelt stories about women and family drama. If you are looking for a quick, funny, feel good story, you can’t go wrong with THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP is exactly why I love Susan Mallery’s books. She had me sad on one page and giggling out loud on the next. This story is all about friendship and relationships and the life lessons are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to these three women and all the secondary characters. So when you have three women who work and relax with eachother, there is bound to be some drama right? The sisterhood they share is exactly what they all need at this time in their lives. THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP is a perfect story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down! You also won’t be able to stop yourself from laughing at Harding and the way he won’t leave Bree alone!
In THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP, all of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with these women. I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two and I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Susan Mallery does that to me each and every time. She has me longing to find friends just like her characters. There is so much heart in Susan’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. Susan Mallery is the queen of writing heartfelt stories about women and family drama. If you are looking for a quick, funny, feel good story, you can’t go wrong with THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 2, 2022
(free review copy) It was fine, it was textbook Mallery. All of the relationships were pretty disjointed and things seemed a bit jumpy/jarring when stories switched but again, it was fine. No objections, but no gushing either.
June 10, 2022
I did not enjoy this and ultimately DNF'd. There was something off from the very beginning. From the first page, I felt like I was dropped into the middle of the book. I didn't appreciate all the sex talk and sex toy talk. I know this is a romance (my favorite genre) but please give me some plot, character development, *something* before we delve into the sex. It just felt crass and not funny. I couldn't connect with the characters. They seemed self-absorbed and it was very disjointed jumping from character to character. When I found myself avoiding reading, I knew it was time to DNF.
Read
December 20, 2023No rating. Giving up on this book. Over halfway through and just can’t be bothered any more. Not that interested in Bree, Mikki and Ashley their friendship and their love lives or lack there of. And I very quickly got over the repeated conversations about how good Earl is etc. Earl is a vibrator.
I went into it expecting a lot about books since it is titled The Boardwalk Bookshop. But it doesn’t happen.
Maybe the trouble was my expectations or just not the right book for this reader. Others may like it. I found it disappointing.
I went into it expecting a lot about books since it is titled The Boardwalk Bookshop. But it doesn’t happen.
Maybe the trouble was my expectations or just not the right book for this reader. Others may like it. I found it disappointing.
August 24, 2022
The Boardwalk Bookshop is what brought three random women together. They met by chance there, and quickly became friends and business partners. Each are at different stages in life and have relationship issues to overcome.
I started out really enjoying this story. I liked the friendship and support system the women provided to each other. Halfway through the book, though, I started to lose interest. Their issues became too augmented and repetitive in the storyline. While I was interested enough to finish the book, I didn’t like it as much as I’d hoped.
I started out really enjoying this story. I liked the friendship and support system the women provided to each other. Halfway through the book, though, I started to lose interest. Their issues became too augmented and repetitive in the storyline. While I was interested enough to finish the book, I didn’t like it as much as I’d hoped.
November 25, 2022
Good grief
I definitely didn't mind the sexy parts that was great. Not typical for Mallery but it was still good to see in her romance book. But the overall book was just a mess. Don't read this book and think and it's just gonna be about a book shop, it's not. It follows three women, Ashley, Mikki, and Bree who go in together to buy a storefront on the beach. Bree runs the bookstore, Ashley a bakery, and Mikki a gift shop. All 3 women are at different points in their lives and of course they all are dealing with relationship issues. One romance came out of nowhere (felt forced), another had that whole I’m going to ignore what you say you want because I know what you need hero, and another had a potential second chance romance.
Ashley feels as if she knows where her life with her long term boyfriend is going, until he admits he wants to be with her forever, but not get married. Mikki is in a great relationship with her vibrator, but realizes she doesn’t want to be alone and bitter like her mother, so starts online dating. And last we have Bree, daughter of two literary powerhouses who doesn’t do long term relationships or love, til she meets Ashley’s brother (who is a psychopath). That last part was me.
It's 2022, it's okay if people don't get married, and Ashley started working my nerves about that entire thing. Considering most of my friends are now divorced, her thinking no marriage meant people could leave at any time drove me up the wall. Her entire storyline was boring.
Mikki was my favorite character. I loved her being caught between the road she took and a new one. If the book had just followed her I would have given this 5 stars.
Bree worked my nerves. For being so smart about others, she was blind to herself. And Mallory does my least favorite thing with an independent and sexually active woman, act like she’s not really happy til a man comes along.
The plot jumped around too much and the flow was pretty bad. I think things take place over maybe 6 months? Way too short for some of the things going on in this book. Way too many I love yours after like a day for me too.
The ending was ehhh, just not really satisfying except in Mikki’s case.
I definitely didn't mind the sexy parts that was great. Not typical for Mallery but it was still good to see in her romance book. But the overall book was just a mess. Don't read this book and think and it's just gonna be about a book shop, it's not. It follows three women, Ashley, Mikki, and Bree who go in together to buy a storefront on the beach. Bree runs the bookstore, Ashley a bakery, and Mikki a gift shop. All 3 women are at different points in their lives and of course they all are dealing with relationship issues. One romance came out of nowhere (felt forced), another had that whole I’m going to ignore what you say you want because I know what you need hero, and another had a potential second chance romance.
Ashley feels as if she knows where her life with her long term boyfriend is going, until he admits he wants to be with her forever, but not get married. Mikki is in a great relationship with her vibrator, but realizes she doesn’t want to be alone and bitter like her mother, so starts online dating. And last we have Bree, daughter of two literary powerhouses who doesn’t do long term relationships or love, til she meets Ashley’s brother (who is a psychopath). That last part was me.
It's 2022, it's okay if people don't get married, and Ashley started working my nerves about that entire thing. Considering most of my friends are now divorced, her thinking no marriage meant people could leave at any time drove me up the wall. Her entire storyline was boring.
Mikki was my favorite character. I loved her being caught between the road she took and a new one. If the book had just followed her I would have given this 5 stars.
Bree worked my nerves. For being so smart about others, she was blind to herself. And Mallory does my least favorite thing with an independent and sexually active woman, act like she’s not really happy til a man comes along.
The plot jumped around too much and the flow was pretty bad. I think things take place over maybe 6 months? Way too short for some of the things going on in this book. Way too many I love yours after like a day for me too.
The ending was ehhh, just not really satisfying except in Mikki’s case.
June 18, 2022
The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery takes us to a store on the beach that houses a bookshop, gift shop, and muffin shop. Three women have come together to lease the space. You can pick up a snack, a book, and beach towel plus a cute tote bag to hold everything all in one charming shop. We get to meet Bree, Ashley, and Mikki. I enjoyed the descriptions of the lady’s unique store. They each managed to put their own spin on their spaces while making it cohesive as a whole. I found the book to move along at snail’s pace and I thought the book was way too long (the story could have easily lost over a hundred pages). The transitions were jarring as we jumped between the three women (go from woman to woman in the same chapter). I got tired of Bree and her issues early on. I found many details to be repetitive (about all three women). I did not find the characters to be unique. They are similar to other Susan Mallery characters. There is foul language as well an intimate situations in the book including references to women’s personal pleasure devices (I do not wish to read about women naming their devices or their bedroom antics). The ending is nice, but I wish there had been an epilogue so we could see how the characters are faring in the future. It was interesting learning about the different champagnes and sparkling wines. The three women tried something different each Friday after work as they enjoyed watching the sunset on the beach. There is a recipe for red, white, and blue muffins at the end of the book along with discussion questions and a preview of Home Sweet Christmas (Susan Mallery’s next book). The Boardwalk Bookshop is beach book with a busy bookshop, mouthwatering muffins, an attractive author, chilled champagne, a sad sack, firm friends, and relationship woes.
June 3, 2022
Didn’t have much luck with the last book I read by Susan Mallery but I flew through this which centralised around three friends, all with very different outlooks on life and love and who were real, relatable and as frustrating as they were loveable, flaws and all. And their men-folk weren’t bad either.
One I’d recommend to anyone who likes a rollercoaster romance featuring perfectly imperfect characters navigating their way through the highs and lows of life.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion>.
One I’d recommend to anyone who likes a rollercoaster romance featuring perfectly imperfect characters navigating their way through the highs and lows of life.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion>.
June 2, 2022
This is my favorite Mallery book by far. I connected with the characters. I could not put it down. I was so invested in these three girls and their lives. This is a hot must read. Bree was by far my favorite, and I loved the bookshop! I HIGHLY recommend this one.
5 stars and a great summer read.
5 stars and a great summer read.
April 15, 2022
This is my 7th book by Susan Mallory and I find I always gravitate to any book that has the title “bookshop” in it! This bookshop is right on the beach and Bree runs it with 2 other women who have other businesses in with hers. This is about their friendship, their romantic relationships and it got a little carried away at times with the sex scenes. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2022
Susan Mallery can always be counted on to tug at the heartstrings as she zeroes in on relationships, romance, and family. I always enjoy her books and grab new ones when I can.
This book centers on three women, Mikki, Bree and Ashley whose paths crossed at just the right time to enter a business relationship that benefitted all three. They share business space and their ventures support each other. Bree has a bookshop, Mikki a gift shop and Ashley a bakery. Each of them is at a different stage in life and has their own issues to deal with; however, they provide guidance and support to each other in both business and their personal lives. Bree grew up in a household with cold, indifferent parents and she had a previous romantic relationship that, combined with her upbringing, left her with trust issues. Ashley is living with her boyfriend Seth and is completely in love. She's just waiting for him to propose and can't wait to get married and seal their relationship. Mikki has been divorced for three years, has to children who are almost grown, and has a great, amicable relationship with her ex. She feels she is at a point where she needs to get back to finding a new relationship.
Following these women traverse their issues was fun. The women gave each other strength and provided caring and advice to each other. Their support of one another was heartwarming and I think everyone wishes for such great friends in their lives. The novel was character driven and the characters were realistic and likable.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on May 31, 2022.
This book centers on three women, Mikki, Bree and Ashley whose paths crossed at just the right time to enter a business relationship that benefitted all three. They share business space and their ventures support each other. Bree has a bookshop, Mikki a gift shop and Ashley a bakery. Each of them is at a different stage in life and has their own issues to deal with; however, they provide guidance and support to each other in both business and their personal lives. Bree grew up in a household with cold, indifferent parents and she had a previous romantic relationship that, combined with her upbringing, left her with trust issues. Ashley is living with her boyfriend Seth and is completely in love. She's just waiting for him to propose and can't wait to get married and seal their relationship. Mikki has been divorced for three years, has to children who are almost grown, and has a great, amicable relationship with her ex. She feels she is at a point where she needs to get back to finding a new relationship.
Following these women traverse their issues was fun. The women gave each other strength and provided caring and advice to each other. Their support of one another was heartwarming and I think everyone wishes for such great friends in their lives. The novel was character driven and the characters were realistic and likable.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on May 31, 2022.
September 5, 2022
Three women pair together to open their storefronts in a building along the ocean in California and quickly bond as not just business owners but as close friends. Each is struggling with relationship issues, wondering what their futures hold. With the love and support of each other they each discover new love.
While I enjoyed the book it felt a little repetitive at times and it seemed the women were portrayed as needing a man to fulfill their lives despite their successes in their careers.
3.5 stars.
While I enjoyed the book it felt a little repetitive at times and it seemed the women were portrayed as needing a man to fulfill their lives despite their successes in their careers.
3.5 stars.
May 14, 2022
This book has all the makings of a fun summer romance ~ friends, sunny California, and a bookstore on the beach. However, it just wasn't for me. While I've enjoyed many of Susan Mallery's books in the past, I wasn't able to connect with the characters in this one, and found the women to be self-absorbed and unsympathetic. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advance digital copy!
June 22, 2022
<1!! This book was ridiculous. I'm a sucker for a book with "bookshop" in the title and this sounded like a good, light, summer read. Instead, it was just crass. For instance: telling a friend she would get hits on a dating profile because she looked f*ckable, an author at a book signing event talking about his "dick", first date discussion surrounding her vibrator, and on and on. I am no prude but this was terrible.
June 1, 2022
This book centers around three women, at difference stages of their lives but they happen upon each other at the moment that they need to be a unit. It was very interesting to see how the women become business partners, sounding boards and finally close friends. I think women of all ages will find something in common with one of these strong women. The fact that they do not think they are strong is also something I think many women will identify with. I enjoyed being on the journey of their developing friendship and them building a solid fountain for the future.
I am a fan of Susan Mallery, and have read almost all her books. Since I have read so many, I do see similar speech patterns, phrases used and personality traits in her characters from book to book. I do wish that the characters were more unique, but I suppose they are what is needed for the plot. They do seem like cookie cutouts of previous characters.
Susan Mallery’s book released prior to this one, The Summer Getaway, is definitely one of my favorites of hers. I am sad to say this book was a bit disappointing. It was just an okay Susan Mallery book, which is still better than many other books I read.
I want to thank Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity of reading the advance reader copy. My review is my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
I am a fan of Susan Mallery, and have read almost all her books. Since I have read so many, I do see similar speech patterns, phrases used and personality traits in her characters from book to book. I do wish that the characters were more unique, but I suppose they are what is needed for the plot. They do seem like cookie cutouts of previous characters.
Susan Mallery’s book released prior to this one, The Summer Getaway, is definitely one of my favorites of hers. I am sad to say this book was a bit disappointing. It was just an okay Susan Mallery book, which is still better than many other books I read.
I want to thank Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity of reading the advance reader copy. My review is my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
June 6, 2024
Here's the thing about Susan Mallery books, I think she's a good writer, last year's book was great..The Vineyard at Painted Moon.. Since then she's gone in a direction I don't like.. I'll start with positive firsts.
+ I loved the Cover, It's a really simple, but cute and something you want to read in the summer months to come.
Okay, here's what I didn't care for.
- I read allot, and I just read this 3 days ago, and I don't remember much of the story. It's very predictable.
- Susan Mallery has become vulgar, in her last book called The Summer Getaway, I think I wrote that it was one of the most sexual books i've ever read and I'm no prude, This was just as bad.. the first words in this book was, I want more Sex... this book was full of sex and sexual slang.. I don't know if Susan herself is unhappy herself or is trying something new... I won't be buying anymore of her books, I'll get them from libby.
+ I loved the Cover, It's a really simple, but cute and something you want to read in the summer months to come.
Okay, here's what I didn't care for.
- I read allot, and I just read this 3 days ago, and I don't remember much of the story. It's very predictable.
- Susan Mallery has become vulgar, in her last book called The Summer Getaway, I think I wrote that it was one of the most sexual books i've ever read and I'm no prude, This was just as bad.. the first words in this book was, I want more Sex... this book was full of sex and sexual slang.. I don't know if Susan herself is unhappy herself or is trying something new... I won't be buying anymore of her books, I'll get them from libby.
Read
April 3, 2023I’m getting annoyed with all the characters. It’s very choppy and too repetitive for my taste. I don’t really buy the plots. Lots of potential but I put the book down and don’t care what happens next.
TW:
The part that bothered me the least was the frank talk about sex but I’m sure there’s a bunch of peeps who don’t want the direct talk about it.
Personally I think it’s about time women owned up to their sexuality in books, but refusing to date because your trusty NAMED vibrator is always at hand (haha) is bullshit. A character’s vulnerability to admit she is afraid to get hurt again shouldn’t be extracted as if a dentist was pulling a tooth.
TW:
The part that bothered me the least was the frank talk about sex but I’m sure there’s a bunch of peeps who don’t want the direct talk about it.
Personally I think it’s about time women owned up to their sexuality in books, but refusing to date because your trusty NAMED vibrator is always at hand (haha) is bullshit. A character’s vulnerability to admit she is afraid to get hurt again shouldn’t be extracted as if a dentist was pulling a tooth.
August 6, 2022
Spoiler ahead.
This has to be one of the worst books I have ever read. I LOVE Susan Mallery books but WHERE was her head writing this.
I am FAR from a prude and will read books with Sex etc, however please tell me where Earl the vibrator belongs in this book? I mean seriously , who writes a character that talks about her vibrator with a name let alone on her first date with someone? Absolutely ridiculous, I really would have thought the author would and should have had more common sense then this.
The story line could have been very good except for these stupid chapters about "Earl the vibrator".
This was something an un educated author would have put in that couldn't think of anything else to fill the pages. Absolutely absurd and childish.
This has to be one of the worst books I have ever read. I LOVE Susan Mallery books but WHERE was her head writing this.
I am FAR from a prude and will read books with Sex etc, however please tell me where Earl the vibrator belongs in this book? I mean seriously , who writes a character that talks about her vibrator with a name let alone on her first date with someone? Absolutely ridiculous, I really would have thought the author would and should have had more common sense then this.
The story line could have been very good except for these stupid chapters about "Earl the vibrator".
This was something an un educated author would have put in that couldn't think of anything else to fill the pages. Absolutely absurd and childish.
June 1, 2022
Bree, Mikki and Ashley made a combined business decision that paid in dividends none of them expected. Not only are their individual businesses (bookstore, gift shop and bakery) thriving as they share the same space, but a lifelong friendship develops and blooms. In fact, the women also find more in their lives that they did not expect.
Their weekly get-together over champagne solidifies their bond week after week. But, during this time each woman finds herself involved in romantic entanglements. However, the chance for happily ever after for each of them seems highly doubtful.
For Bree, taking a chance with Ashley's brother is a risk, as she worries if things do not work out, will her friendship with Ashley be soured. For Ashley, she is in love with her partner and the two live together. But, when he tells her that he never plans on marriage, Ashley begins to doubt the strength of his love. Meanwhile, Mikki is enjoying a "happy divorce". She and her ex co-parent well, enjoy other activities together, and the question comes up as to whether or not they can give it another go. However, with a new man in her life, Mikki might be forced to view long-range plans for her life.
What a wonderful book about friendship and the power of love between strong women who only want the best for each other. I enjoyed each "love story" as it developed and truly felt for each of the women as they explored the possibility of love and a happy future. For a book that will give all the feels, The Boardwalk Bookshop definitely checks all the boxes.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/JpubfnFC_9U
Their weekly get-together over champagne solidifies their bond week after week. But, during this time each woman finds herself involved in romantic entanglements. However, the chance for happily ever after for each of them seems highly doubtful.
For Bree, taking a chance with Ashley's brother is a risk, as she worries if things do not work out, will her friendship with Ashley be soured. For Ashley, she is in love with her partner and the two live together. But, when he tells her that he never plans on marriage, Ashley begins to doubt the strength of his love. Meanwhile, Mikki is enjoying a "happy divorce". She and her ex co-parent well, enjoy other activities together, and the question comes up as to whether or not they can give it another go. However, with a new man in her life, Mikki might be forced to view long-range plans for her life.
What a wonderful book about friendship and the power of love between strong women who only want the best for each other. I enjoyed each "love story" as it developed and truly felt for each of the women as they explored the possibility of love and a happy future. For a book that will give all the feels, The Boardwalk Bookshop definitely checks all the boxes.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/JpubfnFC_9U
June 23, 2022
I thought of giving this one three stars but I just didn’t like it that much. First, it’s too long. There is so much stupid drama and practically everyone is an idiot. With the story line of the three main characters and them coming together, I would have liked the book to start with more of that history or maybe even back to when then first met and more details of that. It seemed really glossed over and would have been interesting to get into it more.
Bree is perhaps the most horrible character of this story. It would Have helped me like her more if the author would have given us a more deep look into her background right away so we could understand why she was actually such a complete asshole. I still dont completely understand that, but don’t care anymore either. I felt that hers and Hardings relationship was kinda made up from the beginning. I didn’t find it believable that Harding would fall for her just so soon and that she was “perfect” because she was definitely not giving that vibe at all. She must be really hot.
Ashley. I don’t even know what to say. She spent Waaaaay too much time on Seth. MAKE A DECISION please! Yea can’t believe she made it to a year and had absolutely no idea he didn’t want marriage. Literally unbelievable. And perhaps the only character I would have loved to know better, Dave, got mixed up with her at the end. That would have been a way more interesting story line, a leading man in a wheel chair! I would have so wanted to stick around for that!
And Mikki is also an idiot. After all the work perry did and their history I just felt he would have been a better ending for her.
Also, for a womens fiction book, there was a lot of sexy times. I don’t mind that kind of stuff at all, but all these people were so stupid, I didn’t wanna go there with them. Susan Mallery has been hit and miss lately. Maybe she is running out of ideas? I don’t know but this one didn’t work for me.
Bree is perhaps the most horrible character of this story. It would Have helped me like her more if the author would have given us a more deep look into her background right away so we could understand why she was actually such a complete asshole. I still dont completely understand that, but don’t care anymore either. I felt that hers and Hardings relationship was kinda made up from the beginning. I didn’t find it believable that Harding would fall for her just so soon and that she was “perfect” because she was definitely not giving that vibe at all. She must be really hot.
Ashley. I don’t even know what to say. She spent Waaaaay too much time on Seth. MAKE A DECISION please! Yea can’t believe she made it to a year and had absolutely no idea he didn’t want marriage. Literally unbelievable. And perhaps the only character I would have loved to know better, Dave, got mixed up with her at the end. That would have been a way more interesting story line, a leading man in a wheel chair! I would have so wanted to stick around for that!
And Mikki is also an idiot. After all the work perry did and their history I just felt he would have been a better ending for her.
Also, for a womens fiction book, there was a lot of sexy times. I don’t mind that kind of stuff at all, but all these people were so stupid, I didn’t wanna go there with them. Susan Mallery has been hit and miss lately. Maybe she is running out of ideas? I don’t know but this one didn’t work for me.
March 25, 2022
Mallery seems to have success with her recipe; 3 women, strangers to each other, form a bond and discuss their less than perfect marriages. It’s repeated in this book, too, but she’s thrown in a rather enormous helping of sex and discussions surrounding it. I felt like I was viewing an odd section of life in a fishbowl. Are there truly people out there who act like this and enjoy reading about it?! It was all too petty and dramatic for me. I felt it overshadowed Mallory’s intent to explore friendship, sisterhood and the transformative power of love.
I was pulled in by the gorgeous cover and the idea of a bookshop pulling people together. The story had so much potential; a shared retail space with a gift shop and a bakery. I could see myself frequenting it often. I could even trudge through the endless arguments and discussions about their marriage problems, but I was repulsed with putting that alongside bedroom escapades and discussions of women naming their vibrators! Come on! Ugh.
Please check out other reviews as this author seems to have a following of 5-star reviewers. I wish someone had warned me prior to opening this book.
I was gifted this advance copy by Susan Mallery, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I was pulled in by the gorgeous cover and the idea of a bookshop pulling people together. The story had so much potential; a shared retail space with a gift shop and a bakery. I could see myself frequenting it often. I could even trudge through the endless arguments and discussions about their marriage problems, but I was repulsed with putting that alongside bedroom escapades and discussions of women naming their vibrators! Come on! Ugh.
Please check out other reviews as this author seems to have a following of 5-star reviewers. I wish someone had warned me prior to opening this book.
I was gifted this advance copy by Susan Mallery, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 19, 2022
I always know before I start a book by the author that I’ll be getting an entertaining story about three different women and usually they’re all at some sort of crossroads in their lives. Her books are about friendships, romantic relationships, parenthood, marriage, divorce and more. So yes, predictable in some ways, but the path each woman takes is always interesting and I sometimes find comfort in knowing what I’m in for. I found this to be steamier than some of the authors more recent releases which was a pleasant surprise too. There is some definite heat, I can’t complain about that 😉 Add in a bookstore, a California beach setting and plenty of drama and love and this was a fun summer read. Tanya Eby narrates and I’ve gotten so used to listening to her tell the authors stories that it’s a fun experience.
October 31, 2022
This felt like it took feminism back a few steps. A book I wish I had never read.
June 23, 2022
DNF at 20%. Idk. Maybe it’s me, but I was bored to tears and just couldn’t get into it or really keep up with what was going on. Too many characters and not enough character development to base off of who is who. I picked up the audiobook because I loved the cover & title so much and wanted a beachy vibe read… but it just wasn’t for me 🤷🏼♀️
May 26, 2022
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.
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.
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