The Little Bookshop by the Harbor

Up-Island #2

by Jean Stone

A new life filled with the celebrated seaside charm and small-town heart of Martha's Vineyard, a newfound family, romance--and an exciting venture. What more could Maddie Clarke ask for?
And why would anyone want to stop her?

It's been a life-changing year since Maddie moved to the picturesque, historic fishing village of Menemsha on Martha's Vineyard, where her late mother was born. Maddie has rediscovered her grandmother as well as her own Indigenous roots as half Wampanoag, along with the tribe's rich history and traditions. She's also found an unexpected second chance at love with restauranteur Rex Winsted. And then she spots a vacant shop right on the harbor . . .

Maddie boldly decides to end her days as a college journalism professor and open a bookshop that will also serve teas her grandmother makes from island herbs. Maddie's son, Rafe, a college senior, plans to craft baskets in the ancient Wampanoag way, sell them at the store, and donate the profits to benefit Wampanoag kids. For Maddie, it's all too good to be true . . . until the threats begin.

Not wanting to spoil the dream, Maddie tells no one. But an unexpected incident makes the situation worse, and just as the shop is about to open, revelations from the past erupt. And another surprise ahead could radically impact not only Maddie's future, but Rex's, too. Facing a decision she never saw coming, Maddie learns that even peaceful waters must weather storms . . .

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Womens Fiction, Summer, Books About Books

337 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[Briann]

The plot was all over the place. There was simply too much going on. I was initially engaged by the mystery, but the big reveal was a huge let-down and disappointment.

Furthermore, Maddie really annoyed me with her poor communication, victim mentality, and constant dishonesty. She seemed to lie to nearly everyone around her, which made it difficult for me to sympathize with her or even like her.

[Donna Repsher]

The Little Bookshop by the Harbor is the first book I've read by Jean Stone, and I found it to be overly lengthy and a somewhat dull and plodding romantic suspense read., which may be due to the fact that I've not read the first book in this series. I'm giving it 2.5 stars.

Maddie, the heroine, has returned to her roots in Menemsha, on Martha's Vineyard, where her late mother was born. She has Wampanoag roots, and I found the tribal information included in this novel fascinating. She's there after divorcing her husband and to care for her 90-year-old grandmother, after her grandmother's cottage was half-destroyed by a fire. It's there she finds a new romance with restauranteur, Rex Winsted. Not long after moving there, it's clear that someone wants her off the island and that someone keeps leaving her somewhat threatening notes, but it's not until the fifth such note that she informs the local police, or Rex, with whom she has an affair straightaway, and who then takes a trip to California for a visit, and while there suffers a traumatic motorcycle accident requiring more than one surgery and aftercare.

When Maddie, an English professor, learns that the local bait and tackle shop on the island is going out of business, she ponders the idea of renting the space and opening a bookshop. Having done so myself, I was interested in how she'd go about it, and was disappointed that more time wasn't spent on this titular bookshop and how she went about it--it almost seemed like an afterthought, as other residents, including her visiting father and her college-student son, Rafe, seemed more interested in the bookshop than Maddie.

The denouement, and the mystery of who sent the threatening notes was a very long time coming, involved characters who were barely introduced and didn't make a lot of sense to this reader. All in all, I was seeking far more suspense than this novel provided, and was left rather disappointed by this slow=moving, romantic mystery.

My thanks to Netgalley for an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Karin]

This book was such a fun read. It was easy to get into the story and most characters were likeable. The mistery was a bit unexpected (I clearly judged by the cover+title haha), but that was also what got me hooked in the end.

I think I would give it 3.5 stars, as I am not sure if I'll remember the exact story in a year. On the other side, a personal bonus for me was that it wasn't too spicy :)

Looking at other reviews, some comment on the late appearance of the finished bookstore, but that didn't bother me at all. It was the story of how it got to be ♡

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for my own and honest opinion.

[Lily]

In this powerful new novel set in Martha’s Vineyard, readers follow Maddie after she relocates to the historic fishing village of Menemsha after her mother’s death. Having rediscovered her grandmother and own half-Wampanoag heritage and traditions, Maddie chooses to leave her journalism professor position behind and open a bookshop that also sells her grandmother’s teas and her son Rafe’s baskets (which will help support the tribe). Keeping her dream a secret means that the unexpected incident makes things worse, especially when revelations from the past come to life. Emotional, dramatic, and whimsical, readers will love the slowness and community of Menemsha life, while the character relationships really bring the emotional core of the story to life. With a ton of details bringing the community and Maddie’s life to the page, readers will particularly enjoy the importance of her relationships to the narrative and her commitment to becoming part of her community on the island. The pacing is great, and the depth of detail really stands out over the course of the book, making this a perfect summer read. Entertaining, emotional, and detailed, modern fiction readers will love this new novel from Jean Stone and the characters that bring it to life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advance copy.

[Moira]

I'm so glad I read book 2 in the series, despite the reviews I read. It was worth it and every bit as good as the first story. There's mystery, romance, and second chances for both Maddie and Rex.

Although I figured out the cause of her ill feelings early on, the rest of the story reveals itself chapter by chapter. The characters and small town Cape Cod are true to form: very realistic. As a reader who grew up on the Cape in the 70's, where liquor licenses were seasonal and we joked the sidewalks rolled up at 5pm, the description of off-season life was spot on.

It was great to reconnect with Rafe, Stephen, Joe, Rex, Maddie and Grandma. The history of the Wampanoag tribe on Martha's Vineyard was interesting and connections to the Kennedy clan and Chapaquidick provided a realistic experience.

Although I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I can't wait for another book in the series!

[Paula Ackley]

If I live into my 90's I hope that I am as feisty, sassy and sharp witted as Grandma Nancy!

The Little Bookshop by the Harbor (An Up-Island Novel) is a great summer book to enjoy on the beach, by the pool, in a hammock or inside on the couch with the AC on and drinking iced tea. With nothing too heavy this easy read has romance, family dynamics, mystery and reconnecting with one's heritage. I loved that Ms. Stone's MFC was a mature professional woman with a college aged son who through a new relationship, start of a new business and a greater understanding of her Wampanoag roots follows her inner voice which sends her down a new road along her life's path. We are never too old for second chances. Never too old for changing direction. Never too old to let go and follow your bliss.

This is a standalone. You do not have had to read Up-Island Harbor to enjoy this second novel in the Up-Island series but I may just go and get book #1 so I can see how things started.

[Aimee Beloved Nerdy Auntie]

The Little Bookshop by the Harbor is one of those cozy reads that leans heavily into atmosphere and family dynamics. Thanks to NetGalley for this book. All opinions are my own. The seaside setting and small-town bookshop charm were definitely highlights, and I appreciated how much the story centered on relationships and personal history. That said, the pacing felt slower than I wanted, and it took a while for things to really move. I also found parts of the plot a bit predictable, which made it harder to stay fully invested in the story. But if you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong focus on family connections and a slower unfolding of secrets, this might work for you. It’s not a high stakes kind of story at all. For me, it’s not bad, but it’s not one I’d reread. An okay read with comforting elements.

[Karen]

We return to Up Island in The Little Bookshop by the Harbor. Maddie is fully ensconced on the island, living with her grandmother, and embracing her Wampanoag heritage. When she learns of a bait shop closing, she takes the opportunity to lease the space and open a bookshop. Although the bookshop doesn’t open until the end of the book, there is a lot of angst involved with a life-altering and expensive decision. We feel the anxiety Maddie is going through. Is this the right decision for her? After all, she is a ‘washashore’ to the island. But with the encouragement of her friend, Rex, she decides to take the plunge and do it. The author gives us peeks into the history of the Wampanoag tribe which I enjoyed. This is for anyone who enjoys nice, enjoyable stories about family, love, forgiveness, and second chances.

[Kim]

Cozy, simple, and very readable, but I wanted much more. The characters were mildly interesting, except for Grandma who was the hook to keep reading. The protagonist’s focus of figuring out her life was fairly predictable, the romance was fine, the mystery was there but it was all very easy and vanilla. I kept looking for more about the Bookshop but that got laid by the wayside. There were too many elements that were thrown in and hammered - it had me thinking, “ I got it and I get it so move on.” There were just a few too many things that were not completely honest, not believable, some too much of a mashup. The big reveal was asking a lot of the characters and the reader.


Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Perrin Larton]

This book had a bit of romance, some mystery, small town issues, finding and being accepted into your cultural ancestry, making life changing decisions, and beginning again. I loved that Maggie had come back to take care of her elderly grandmother in her home town of Memensha on Martha's Vineyard, even though that was where her mother had died. Now she is beginning again, leaving her college level teaching position and opening a bookshop. I loved the romance Maggie fell into and the surprise that resulted from the romance.

A well crafted story with likable characters and a storyline that moved along but wasn't hurried. A nice read for a lazy sunny afternoon.

[Jas]

A nice palate cleanser where everything is predictable and nothing strains your mind., even the mystery is low stakes. This was less about a bookshop than the title implies. Instead, it is a book about a middle aged woman reconfiguring her life. The dialogue drove me a bit crazy, sounding unlike anyone I know actually speaks. Lots of “wow” and “geez.” It made the characters seem very lifeless to me. However for the right reader this book would be a pleasant escape.

I won a copy in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

[Alicia Scott]

Thank you NetGalley for the arc! This was a fun fast paced read. I loved the setting, feel of the story. The FMC Maddie would irritate me throughout the story. At times I would stop reading and think “why is she doing that” or “why did you say that”, or “just tell him”! I loved the story of hers and Rex. The friendship that blossomed and grew over time. Her grandma Nancy was a fun character for being 90, and so witty. I loved learning about her family Wampanoag and their indigenous roots. A clean slow romance, with a little mystery involved. 4⭐️

[Katie]

I think I was expecting more of the cosy bookshop feel with this one, but although it didn't feature predominantly I did still enjoy it. I found the location idyllic and enjoyed reading about the area. The story works as a standalone but is the second in a series so it might have been better if I'd read the first. I really loved learning about her family Wampanoag and their indigenous roots! There was some romance and of course a little bit of mystery. All together it was a nice read and if the next focused more on the bookshop, I'd definitely love to continue with the series.

[Paula Korelitz]

This novel works well as a stand-alone read. While some plot points were predictable, it moves along at a pleasant pace with well-drawn characters who navigate both a romance and a cozy mystery.

The protagonist, Maddie, has returned to her family's hometown of Menemsha on Martha's Vineyard, hoping to explore her Wampanoag tribal heritage while caring for her 90-year-old grandmother. When she overhears that a local shop is closing, she seizes the opportunity to open a bookstore in its place.

[Barbara Selman]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced book for my review. It is my first book by this author. There is another book before this on which I did not read but I felt it was good as a stand alone. Maddie returns to home town on Vineyards to care for her grandmother. Then she finds out about a shop closing and decides to take a chance and open up a bookstore. I enjoyed her journey and felt it was an overall good read.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

An interesting and clever romantic mystery story, I loved the writing with vivid and descriptive details that wisk you away to Martha's Vineyard and a sweet little bookshop. Amazing, heartwarming characters. I love that Maddie was strong and getting a second chance at reinventing her life. A book full of friends, family, forgiveness and forever. A very heartfelt, entertaining read. This series is perfect for fans of uplifting women's fiction.

[Toni]

Not having read the first book in this series, I still got what was happening pretty easily. Maddie has come back to Martha's Vineyard to take care of her grandmother. She stumbles upon an opportunity to open a bookshop. This is pretty cozy for a while and has a romance. There is some trauma when an accident happens. Overall, it was a pretty good read.

[Jen N]

I really enjoyed this book - a bit of mystery, a bit of romance and an interesting tight-knit group of characters. The book moves forward with never a dull moment. Honestly, this is the first printed book I've read this year (I love audio books!) and it was a treat. I was lucky to have won it on a Goodreads Giveaway!

[Anne Goldbach]

A good story but with frustrations

Generally speaking, this book had a decent plot. What frustrated me most was Maddie’s immature character and constant self doubts and attitude switch ups which didn’t sync with her past careers, accomplishments and experience. I agree with others that certain parts of the plot involving Rex were way too protracted. Hence the 3 starts.

[Marley W]

It took a bit to get into but once I committed to reading it I did enjoy it. A very peaceful read and though it wasn’t a dramatic page turner I did find myself thinking of the book wanting to continue reading it

[Gabriela]

If I could give it a zero I would have. So we go from letting the guy that she has only
Known for a few months take control
Of her entire future by arranging her business dealings and then when he is in a coma and later recovering we don’t visit to give him time to heal….ridiculous.

[Nancy Reynolds]

The story continues. I definitely recommend reading the first story before picking up this one. It follows Maddie and her settling onto the island. Again, it's very slow and ponderous reading. But I enjoyed the setting.

[Gloria L. Barnes]

This is the second book in this two book series. Up-Island Harbor is the first book. I loved this series. I love Jean Stone’s writing style. It kept me fully engaged and had me rushing to finish both books. I will be researching other books by Jean Stone to read.

[Barbara Lack]

What a lovely book. There were a lot of ups and downs for Maddie and Rex. There were a few mysteries that were solved. Some unexpected surprises. The ending left me smiling.

[Deanna]

This was a cute book. I haven’t read book 1 but it didn’t bother me.

[Brooke Davis]

This was a wonderful summer read. I enjoy a good mystery. This one is set on Martha's Vinyard with romance and drama and multigenerational connections that twist and unravel.

[Sarah]

THE BOOKSTORE IS NEVER OPEN ONE DAY IN THIS BOOK!
It should be called, the little bookshop that is about to open by the harbor.

[Brenda]

Sweet, personal growth, family drama, an accident and trauma, some mid-level threats, a mystery, secrets, and a bookshop by the harbor. Not quite four stars but close, and overall and enjoyable read.

[Sarah Dressler]

If you are looking for a read to grab for the beach or to read between heavier novels, this might be one you want to grab.

If you enjoy:
Mature-age FMCs
Bookshops
Familial drama
The Vineyard and Cape

For what it's worth: I wasn't prepared for the FMC to sleep with a random man in town in the first 30 pages of the novel.

Thank you to the publisher for my early reading copy!

[Ifeanyi Omoike]

The Little Bookshop by the Harbor is a heartwarming story about a woman who moves in with her grandmother and tries to get her life back on track while juggling her roles as a teacher, mother, daughter, and granddaughter. On top of all this, she also finds herself navigating a new relationship filled with secrets, mystery, and threats—all while attempting to open a bookshop.

Before I started reading, I took time to see what other readers were saying, and I have to agree that the title is somewhat misleading. I usually love bookshop-centered stories, which is what initially drew me to this one. While the idea of opening a bookshop is present, the story isn’t really about the bookshop. It doesn’t fully come into existence until the very end, and even then, we don’t quite get to savor the cozy bookshop atmosphere I was hoping for.

Still, the family dynamics were a definite strength. I especially enjoyed the relationships portrayed—her bond with her quirky grandmother, her sweet and lovable son, and her father, who is a bit temperamental but quietly supportive. If I had to choose a favorite, her relationship with her father stood out the most, though her connection with her son came in a very close second.

The mystery subplot was interesting, though I suspected the culprit fairly early on. Even so, the secrets revealed along the way were genuinely surprising and added depth to the story.

Overall, this was a pleasant read. While it may not deliver the immersive bookshop experience the title suggests, it does offer insight into what it takes to open one. If you enjoy stories about complicated family dynamics and women starting over in life, this book may be one you’ll appreciate.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.