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The Bookstore Diaries
Listening Length: 11 hours and 8 minutes
Jax has a slight issue with control—as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax.
Still, she’s living the bookworm dream—until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary’s owner is…to read it.
As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who’s always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control—especially with the right wrong guy—can set you free.
Jax has a slight issue with control—as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax.
Still, she’s living the bookworm dream—until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary’s owner is…to read it.
As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who’s always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control—especially with the right wrong guy—can set you free.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 3, 2026
54 people are currently reading
23365 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
870 books15.6k 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 228 reviews
November 27, 2025
⭐ Rating: 4/5
As a lifelong bookworm, I’m always a sucker for stories set in bookstores, and The Bookstore Diaries felt like slipping into exactly the kind of cozy, slightly chaotic world I love. Jax is the kind of heroine I connect with instantly—hyper-competent, a little controlling (okay, a lot), and trying desperately to hold everything together. She runs the Painted Lady Bookstore, a gorgeous Victorian house turned bookshop, but outside those walls her life feels like it’s fraying: an ex getting engaged for all the wrong reasons, a beloved sister (Ryleigh) talking about leaving town to find a husband, and a charming contractor who keeps looking at her instead of the sister she hired him to help keep nearby. 
I loved the whole vibe of this book. The town uses lockboxes at the bookstore to stash their private diaries (how cool is that?), and when an accident erases the names on them, Jax has to start reading them to match secrets back to owners. That’s when everything really kicks off—affairs, heartbreaks, hidden hopes—spilling out in ways that shake up not only the town, but Jax’s own carefully managed life. Add in an African Grey parrot named Ramon with big personality and you get that classic Susan Mallery blend of humor, warmth, and emotional messiness that still somehow feels hopeful. 
The tropes here are my catnip:
📚 Bookstore / booklover heroine
🏡 Small-town women’s fiction with strong community
👩❤️👨 Slow-burn romance with the “right wrong guy” (the contractor)
👭 Sister relationship & found family
🗝️ Secrets revealed / diaries & lockboxes
💔 Divorced heroine co-parenting with her ex
For me, this was a very cute, engaging read. I loved watching Jax loosen her grip on control, learn when to step back, and when to fight for what (and who) she wants. The romance is more slow-build than high-angst, which fit the story perfectly. My only small quibble—and the reason this lands at 4 stars instead of 5—is that a couple of the diary-related reveals and emotional resolutions wrapped up a little faster than I wanted. I was so invested in these characters and their secrets that I would’ve happily spent another hundred pages with them.
Still, when I finished the last page, I had that warm, contented feeling I look for in this kind of book. If you love small-town stories, complicated families, and a bookstore at the heart of everything, The Bookstore Diaries absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
As a lifelong bookworm, I’m always a sucker for stories set in bookstores, and The Bookstore Diaries felt like slipping into exactly the kind of cozy, slightly chaotic world I love. Jax is the kind of heroine I connect with instantly—hyper-competent, a little controlling (okay, a lot), and trying desperately to hold everything together. She runs the Painted Lady Bookstore, a gorgeous Victorian house turned bookshop, but outside those walls her life feels like it’s fraying: an ex getting engaged for all the wrong reasons, a beloved sister (Ryleigh) talking about leaving town to find a husband, and a charming contractor who keeps looking at her instead of the sister she hired him to help keep nearby. 
I loved the whole vibe of this book. The town uses lockboxes at the bookstore to stash their private diaries (how cool is that?), and when an accident erases the names on them, Jax has to start reading them to match secrets back to owners. That’s when everything really kicks off—affairs, heartbreaks, hidden hopes—spilling out in ways that shake up not only the town, but Jax’s own carefully managed life. Add in an African Grey parrot named Ramon with big personality and you get that classic Susan Mallery blend of humor, warmth, and emotional messiness that still somehow feels hopeful. 
The tropes here are my catnip:
📚 Bookstore / booklover heroine
🏡 Small-town women’s fiction with strong community
👩❤️👨 Slow-burn romance with the “right wrong guy” (the contractor)
👭 Sister relationship & found family
🗝️ Secrets revealed / diaries & lockboxes
💔 Divorced heroine co-parenting with her ex
For me, this was a very cute, engaging read. I loved watching Jax loosen her grip on control, learn when to step back, and when to fight for what (and who) she wants. The romance is more slow-build than high-angst, which fit the story perfectly. My only small quibble—and the reason this lands at 4 stars instead of 5—is that a couple of the diary-related reveals and emotional resolutions wrapped up a little faster than I wanted. I was so invested in these characters and their secrets that I would’ve happily spent another hundred pages with them.
Still, when I finished the last page, I had that warm, contented feeling I look for in this kind of book. If you love small-town stories, complicated families, and a bookstore at the heart of everything, The Bookstore Diaries absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted eARC; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 Something is in the air at The Painted Lady Bookstore, and it’s not just the spirited, rambunctious African Gray Parrot Ramon (but oh my goodness, can we bottle up that personality please?!?) Jax and Ryleigh and sisters who are deeply devoted to each other but they are down on their luck in the love department. Jax is divorced and doing her best to co-parent her two children with her ex while running her bookstore. Ryleigh is crushing her professional goals as a teacher but finding the right person to settle down with in their small town is difficult. When a construction project at the bookstore accidentally mixes up the diary lockboxes in the wall and secrets threaten to be revealed, relationships are pushed to their boundaries. It’s a summer of change for these sisters and hearts are not left unscathed in this heartfelt novel. Susan Mallery brings beautifully complex characters and high stakes in a novel you will not want to put down.
📖 Book Review 📖 Something is in the air at The Painted Lady Bookstore, and it’s not just the spirited, rambunctious African Gray Parrot Ramon (but oh my goodness, can we bottle up that personality please?!?) Jax and Ryleigh and sisters who are deeply devoted to each other but they are down on their luck in the love department. Jax is divorced and doing her best to co-parent her two children with her ex while running her bookstore. Ryleigh is crushing her professional goals as a teacher but finding the right person to settle down with in their small town is difficult. When a construction project at the bookstore accidentally mixes up the diary lockboxes in the wall and secrets threaten to be revealed, relationships are pushed to their boundaries. It’s a summer of change for these sisters and hearts are not left unscathed in this heartfelt novel. Susan Mallery brings beautifully complex characters and high stakes in a novel you will not want to put down.
November 20, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A nice story about family relationships and love. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. My favorite character was Ronan, the African Gray parrot. He was funny and charming.
I had trouble connecting and caring about the main characters. It was clear from the first chapters what was going to ultimately happen. but it took a frustratingly long time for either sister to get a clue. I also didn't understand why there wasn't more interaction between the sisters and their mom and stepdad.
Anyway, it was good enough to read to the end and had enough positives to make it enjoyable.
A nice story about family relationships and love. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. My favorite character was Ronan, the African Gray parrot. He was funny and charming.
I had trouble connecting and caring about the main characters. It was clear from the first chapters what was going to ultimately happen. but it took a frustratingly long time for either sister to get a clue. I also didn't understand why there wasn't more interaction between the sisters and their mom and stepdad.
Anyway, it was good enough to read to the end and had enough positives to make it enjoyable.
February 26, 2026
2.5 stars ⭐️
This story follows Jax, a control-loving bookstore owner who inherited the Painted Lady Bookstore—a charming Victorian mansion turned bookshop. Jax thrives on order, but her personal life is anything but. Her ex is newly engaged for questionable reasons, her sister Ryleigh is considering moving away to find a husband, and the handsome contractor Jax hoped would distract her sister seems far more interested in Jax herself. When an accident erases the names from the bookstore’s lockboxes—where townspeople store their private diaries—Jax is left with only one way to return them: she has to read them. What follows is supposed to be a cascade of secrets and scandals that shake up the small town and Jax’s carefully managed life.
Unfortunately, the title and premise led me to expect something much juicier and more secret-driven than what we actually get. I went in thinking this would be packed with shocking town revelations and layered drama. Instead, there’s really only one notable secret revealed for much of the story, with a couple more surfacing toward the very end. The “secrets” aspect felt minimal and underdeveloped, which was disappointing given how central it seemed to the setup.
The book leans much more heavily into romance, and even that felt fairly middle-of-the-road for me. It’s not a terrible story by any means—it’s simply… fine. A bit bland. The stakes never felt especially high, and the emotional tension didn’t quite land the way I hoped it would.
One bright spot for me was the African Grey parrot (the sweet bird at the bookstore absolutely stole the show). The pet added personality and charm in a way that some of the human characters didn’t quite manage to do.
As for the audiobook itself, the narration was solid and kept me engaged, even when the story lagged. The narrator did a good job differentiating characters and maintaining a steady pace, which made it easy to keep listening.
Overall, this isn’t a bad book—it just didn’t deliver on the promise of its premise. If you’re looking for a light, romance-forward story set in a cozy bookstore with a touch of small-town drama, this may work for you. If you’re expecting a secret-filled, scandal-heavy plot, you might walk away feeling a little underwhelmed like I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing me with an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
This story follows Jax, a control-loving bookstore owner who inherited the Painted Lady Bookstore—a charming Victorian mansion turned bookshop. Jax thrives on order, but her personal life is anything but. Her ex is newly engaged for questionable reasons, her sister Ryleigh is considering moving away to find a husband, and the handsome contractor Jax hoped would distract her sister seems far more interested in Jax herself. When an accident erases the names from the bookstore’s lockboxes—where townspeople store their private diaries—Jax is left with only one way to return them: she has to read them. What follows is supposed to be a cascade of secrets and scandals that shake up the small town and Jax’s carefully managed life.
Unfortunately, the title and premise led me to expect something much juicier and more secret-driven than what we actually get. I went in thinking this would be packed with shocking town revelations and layered drama. Instead, there’s really only one notable secret revealed for much of the story, with a couple more surfacing toward the very end. The “secrets” aspect felt minimal and underdeveloped, which was disappointing given how central it seemed to the setup.
The book leans much more heavily into romance, and even that felt fairly middle-of-the-road for me. It’s not a terrible story by any means—it’s simply… fine. A bit bland. The stakes never felt especially high, and the emotional tension didn’t quite land the way I hoped it would.
One bright spot for me was the African Grey parrot (the sweet bird at the bookstore absolutely stole the show). The pet added personality and charm in a way that some of the human characters didn’t quite manage to do.
As for the audiobook itself, the narration was solid and kept me engaged, even when the story lagged. The narrator did a good job differentiating characters and maintaining a steady pace, which made it easy to keep listening.
Overall, this isn’t a bad book—it just didn’t deliver on the promise of its premise. If you’re looking for a light, romance-forward story set in a cozy bookstore with a touch of small-town drama, this may work for you. If you’re expecting a secret-filled, scandal-heavy plot, you might walk away feeling a little underwhelmed like I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing me with an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
February 12, 2026
As a longtime fan of Susan Mallery, I was thrilled to get my hands on an advanced copy of The Bookstore Diaries—and it absolutely delivered the kind of heartfelt, character-driven story I’ve come to expect from her.
I’m always a sucker for books about bookstores and the people who love them. There’s just something magical about stories set among shelves and stories within stories. And let’s be honest—adding an African gray parrot as a minor character? That’s the kind of delightful detail that instantly wins me over.
Mallery has such a gift for digging into complicated family dynamics without ever letting the story feel heavy. She explores layered relationships, misunderstandings, and emotional growth in a way that feels authentic, but she balances it all with warmth and humor. The result is a story that’s engaging, heartfelt, and genuinely enjoyable to read.
Cute, fun, and full of heart, The Bookstore Diaries builds to a satisfying conclusion that left me closing the book with a smile.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’m always a sucker for books about bookstores and the people who love them. There’s just something magical about stories set among shelves and stories within stories. And let’s be honest—adding an African gray parrot as a minor character? That’s the kind of delightful detail that instantly wins me over.
Mallery has such a gift for digging into complicated family dynamics without ever letting the story feel heavy. She explores layered relationships, misunderstandings, and emotional growth in a way that feels authentic, but she balances it all with warmth and humor. The result is a story that’s engaging, heartfelt, and genuinely enjoyable to read.
Cute, fun, and full of heart, The Bookstore Diaries builds to a satisfying conclusion that left me closing the book with a smile.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2026
Actual stars - 3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC of The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery. All opinions are my own.
Jax is divorced and co-parenting her two children with their father in their previous home (they take turns moving in and out of the house so the kids can stay) and she's the owner of the Painted Lady Bookstore that she inherited. Her sister, Ryleigh, just turned down a marriage proposal from her long time boyfriend.
Jax's ex-husband, in a bid to get around their parenting plan which stated that neither parent can have a boyfriend/girlfriend over until/unless they are engaged or married, proposes to his girlfriend. Now, she has no idea that he has no intention of marrying her and is planning her dream wedding, along with her overreaching mother.
Jax tries to set her sister up with her contractor, but he's only interested in Jax.
And in the middle of all this, Ramon, Jax's parrot has a fued with the cat...and pretty much any one that doesn't like Jax.
I really enjoyed the book, even though some of the dialogue was a little eye-roll worthy to me. The narrator, Tonya Eby is not really my favorite. She seems to have one tone, which is always overly peppy and robotic. It's ok through most of the book, but there were others where a more nuanced tone would have worked better.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC of The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery. All opinions are my own.
Jax is divorced and co-parenting her two children with their father in their previous home (they take turns moving in and out of the house so the kids can stay) and she's the owner of the Painted Lady Bookstore that she inherited. Her sister, Ryleigh, just turned down a marriage proposal from her long time boyfriend.
Jax's ex-husband, in a bid to get around their parenting plan which stated that neither parent can have a boyfriend/girlfriend over until/unless they are engaged or married, proposes to his girlfriend. Now, she has no idea that he has no intention of marrying her and is planning her dream wedding, along with her overreaching mother.
Jax tries to set her sister up with her contractor, but he's only interested in Jax.
And in the middle of all this, Ramon, Jax's parrot has a fued with the cat...and pretty much any one that doesn't like Jax.
I really enjoyed the book, even though some of the dialogue was a little eye-roll worthy to me. The narrator, Tonya Eby is not really my favorite. She seems to have one tone, which is always overly peppy and robotic. It's ok through most of the book, but there were others where a more nuanced tone would have worked better.
January 31, 2026
Jax owns the Painted Lady Bookstore she inherited from her parents and is totally consumed with running it to perfection. She’s newly divorced but has a good working relationship with her ex, especially regarding parenting their two children.
Ramon, however, is probably her best friend. He’s finicky, opinionated and blurts out inappropriate statements around the bookstore. He’s also an African Gray Parrot with a great vocabulary.
Marcus is the quiet and handsome contractor Jax hired to do work around the bookstore. He’s professional but completely smitten with Jax.
Fun and cute, you’ll love this upbeat story.
Thanks Edelweiss and MIRA.
Ramon, however, is probably her best friend. He’s finicky, opinionated and blurts out inappropriate statements around the bookstore. He’s also an African Gray Parrot with a great vocabulary.
Marcus is the quiet and handsome contractor Jax hired to do work around the bookstore. He’s professional but completely smitten with Jax.
Fun and cute, you’ll love this upbeat story.
Thanks Edelweiss and MIRA.
March 2, 2026
Another phenomenal book from Susan Mallery! But then again, when aren’t her books terrific?
The Bookstore Diaries has it all!
A Beloved Bookstore! The idea of keeping hidden diaries buried in the walls of said bookstore… Control issues. Divorce. Love. ? New Love?. Ideas of getting married and happily ever afters … Kids. Birds. Cats. An ex-husband and his new girlfriend. A HOT contractor. Another friend who recently lost his wife… And… Two sisters who are very close! And a town where everyone knows everyone else… and their business!
Jax owns ‘The Painted Lady Bookstore’. It’s a hub of activity in their town. It’s also her second home. You see, Jax is divorced with two kids. And they have an amicable relationship. And crazy thing is… they alternate homes every other week. SO THE KIDS CAN STAY IN THEIR HOME!! But… the parents move out. So, Jax moves in to the apt above her bookstore, every other week! And… she has a bird. An exquisite specimen named Ramon… who is a character all by himself! 🤣🤣
She’s also having some work done on the bookstore. Hence the hot contractor…who’s turning heads all over town. Her sister Ryleigh is looking for a husband and can’t seem to find one. They are close. But…she’s thinking she might just move out of town to try to meet men. Jax is NOT happy, so she decides to try to introduce hot contractor to sister…😳🤣😉
In the interim, Ryleigh’s friend is still trying to process the loss of his wife… alongside his little boy. And Ryleigh has been their rock through it all. As a matter of fact, he introduced Ryleigh to her last boyfriend… but that’s not working out so well…
Moving onto the bookstore again… one of the contractors made a big boo-boo that caused a lot of chaos in the store… and they’re all trying to work through that. It revolves around these secret diaries…
This was fun! 🤩. This was sad. 😢 This was hysterical! 🤣This was enlightening! 😳🤔 This one truly had it all… and made me fall in love with ALL of the characters!
All the stars for me!!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨
#BookstoreDiaries by @SusanMallery. Narrated beautifully by @ TanyaEby.
*** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, BUT, LOOK FOR IT SOON!!! *** RELEASE DATE IS: 3/3/26! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
The Bookstore Diaries has it all!
A Beloved Bookstore! The idea of keeping hidden diaries buried in the walls of said bookstore… Control issues. Divorce. Love. ? New Love?. Ideas of getting married and happily ever afters … Kids. Birds. Cats. An ex-husband and his new girlfriend. A HOT contractor. Another friend who recently lost his wife… And… Two sisters who are very close! And a town where everyone knows everyone else… and their business!
Jax owns ‘The Painted Lady Bookstore’. It’s a hub of activity in their town. It’s also her second home. You see, Jax is divorced with two kids. And they have an amicable relationship. And crazy thing is… they alternate homes every other week. SO THE KIDS CAN STAY IN THEIR HOME!! But… the parents move out. So, Jax moves in to the apt above her bookstore, every other week! And… she has a bird. An exquisite specimen named Ramon… who is a character all by himself! 🤣🤣
She’s also having some work done on the bookstore. Hence the hot contractor…who’s turning heads all over town. Her sister Ryleigh is looking for a husband and can’t seem to find one. They are close. But…she’s thinking she might just move out of town to try to meet men. Jax is NOT happy, so she decides to try to introduce hot contractor to sister…😳🤣😉
In the interim, Ryleigh’s friend is still trying to process the loss of his wife… alongside his little boy. And Ryleigh has been their rock through it all. As a matter of fact, he introduced Ryleigh to her last boyfriend… but that’s not working out so well…
Moving onto the bookstore again… one of the contractors made a big boo-boo that caused a lot of chaos in the store… and they’re all trying to work through that. It revolves around these secret diaries…
This was fun! 🤩. This was sad. 😢 This was hysterical! 🤣This was enlightening! 😳🤔 This one truly had it all… and made me fall in love with ALL of the characters!
All the stars for me!!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨
#BookstoreDiaries by @SusanMallery. Narrated beautifully by @ TanyaEby.
*** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, BUT, LOOK FOR IT SOON!!! *** RELEASE DATE IS: 3/3/26! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
February 3, 2026
A book set in a bookshop with a hilarious parrot for comic relief? Sign me up!
Jax is the owner of the Painted Lady bookshop, currently going through a divorce, and a mother of two. Her sister, Ryleigh is a teacher, but she's got bigger dreams than staying in their current small California town. Harris, Jax's ex, gets engaged to a woman he's not in love with, a colleague of Ryleigh's, and soon she's planning the wedding of her dreams that may not even be happening. To add fuel to the fire, an incident in the bookshop involving the diaries kept there, where the owner's names get erased from the shelves causes a stir.
This was a story of sisterhood, friendship, and relationships being tested, and it was so good! The character development was well written, and I loved seeing the growth of the sisters throughout the story. Jax could be set in her ways and have strong feelings, but ultimately, she loves her sister and would do anything for her. Ryleigh dreams of moving to San Diego, but it would also break her heart to live her family and friends behind.
One of my favorite characters in this book was Ramon, Jax's parrot, who could talk and added the perfect amount of comedic relief to this book.
Thank you to Susan Mallery, MIRA books, NetGalley, and HTP Hive for my e-ARC.
Jax is the owner of the Painted Lady bookshop, currently going through a divorce, and a mother of two. Her sister, Ryleigh is a teacher, but she's got bigger dreams than staying in their current small California town. Harris, Jax's ex, gets engaged to a woman he's not in love with, a colleague of Ryleigh's, and soon she's planning the wedding of her dreams that may not even be happening. To add fuel to the fire, an incident in the bookshop involving the diaries kept there, where the owner's names get erased from the shelves causes a stir.
This was a story of sisterhood, friendship, and relationships being tested, and it was so good! The character development was well written, and I loved seeing the growth of the sisters throughout the story. Jax could be set in her ways and have strong feelings, but ultimately, she loves her sister and would do anything for her. Ryleigh dreams of moving to San Diego, but it would also break her heart to live her family and friends behind.
One of my favorite characters in this book was Ramon, Jax's parrot, who could talk and added the perfect amount of comedic relief to this book.
Thank you to Susan Mallery, MIRA books, NetGalley, and HTP Hive for my e-ARC.
February 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery is a light, charming small-town story filled with family dynamics, second chances, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
Jax is a classic control-loving heroine who suddenly finds herself in situations she absolutely cannot control—between her sister’s plans to leave town, her complicated ex, and the handsome contractor who definitely complicates things further. The Painted Lady Bookstore (a Victorian mansion turned bookshop — yes please) is such a cozy, whimsical backdrop, and the diary lockbox premise adds a fun layer of intrigue as secrets spill into the open.
I really enjoyed the community aspect of this story. The town gossip, the sister relationship, and the slow unraveling of hidden truths created that hallmark small-town warmth Mallery is known for. On audio, the story flowed well and was easy to sink into — perfect for a weekend listen.
And I have to say — I loved Ramon the bird. He completely stole every scene he fluttered into and added such a fun, quirky layer to the story. Honestly, he might have been my favorite character.
For me, the pacing lagged a bit in the middle, and while I appreciated Jax’s growth journey, I wanted just a touch more emotional depth in some of the romantic moments. The “right wrong guy” trope is there, but I didn’t feel all the sparks I was hoping for.
Overall, this is a sweet, low-angst, comfort read about learning to loosen your grip on life and let love (and community) in. If you’re looking for something cozy with family drama, bookstore vibes, small-town secrets — and an unforgettable bird — this one will hit the spot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery is a light, charming small-town story filled with family dynamics, second chances, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
Jax is a classic control-loving heroine who suddenly finds herself in situations she absolutely cannot control—between her sister’s plans to leave town, her complicated ex, and the handsome contractor who definitely complicates things further. The Painted Lady Bookstore (a Victorian mansion turned bookshop — yes please) is such a cozy, whimsical backdrop, and the diary lockbox premise adds a fun layer of intrigue as secrets spill into the open.
I really enjoyed the community aspect of this story. The town gossip, the sister relationship, and the slow unraveling of hidden truths created that hallmark small-town warmth Mallery is known for. On audio, the story flowed well and was easy to sink into — perfect for a weekend listen.
And I have to say — I loved Ramon the bird. He completely stole every scene he fluttered into and added such a fun, quirky layer to the story. Honestly, he might have been my favorite character.
For me, the pacing lagged a bit in the middle, and while I appreciated Jax’s growth journey, I wanted just a touch more emotional depth in some of the romantic moments. The “right wrong guy” trope is there, but I didn’t feel all the sparks I was hoping for.
Overall, this is a sweet, low-angst, comfort read about learning to loosen your grip on life and let love (and community) in. If you’re looking for something cozy with family drama, bookstore vibes, small-town secrets — and an unforgettable bird — this one will hit the spot.
March 3, 2026
My absolute favorite thing about Susan Mallery books is that I’m completely immersed in the story from start to finish. She does an amazing job of keeping the conflict and tension right there on every page to hold onto the reader. She’s a master at tackling a story with complicated family dynamics. Her characters are three dimensional and could easily jump off the page. I adored this story. Mallery always rights great characters with believable flaws. Jax was totally relatable. She’d do anything for her family. Loyal and loved to control her world. The African grey, Ramon, was hilarious! Her sister, Ryleigh wants a family and kids but realizes something else when her boyfriend proposes. I loved the character growth these two sisters went through. Their backstory was interesting and unique. Humor and heart! As usual, Tanya Eby did a wonderful job bringing this book to life. I love her voice! I received this book from Harlequin audio and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 3, 2026
I absolutely loved this book!! This book was sweet, cute and hilarious!!
This follows Jax and Ryleigh, they are sisters. One of them is divorced, a single mom and coparent with her ex husband who is now fake engaged to his girlfriend. This creates all kinds of unnecessary drama for Jax.
Ryleigh dreams of getting married having children, but her and her boyfriend are not on the same page. Alex, who is her best friend understands her way more than her boyfriend.
The bookstore has diaries that contain secrets, a huge bird that talks, and fun activities for the community.
One sister has a bit of a control issue and is afraid to fall in love again, while the other sister is afraid of losing herself and not finding love.
Will they have their HEA?
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
He falls first
Single mom
Strong family
This follows Jax and Ryleigh, they are sisters. One of them is divorced, a single mom and coparent with her ex husband who is now fake engaged to his girlfriend. This creates all kinds of unnecessary drama for Jax.
Ryleigh dreams of getting married having children, but her and her boyfriend are not on the same page. Alex, who is her best friend understands her way more than her boyfriend.
The bookstore has diaries that contain secrets, a huge bird that talks, and fun activities for the community.
One sister has a bit of a control issue and is afraid to fall in love again, while the other sister is afraid of losing herself and not finding love.
Will they have their HEA?
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
He falls first
Single mom
Strong family
March 3, 2026
The idea of this book is really cute. A bookstore that lets people keep their diaries there anonymously, a safe place to keep your secrets, until they are doing renovations and the labels/numbers identifying them are gone. They have to figure out how to get the diaries to their rightful owners. I was expecting more of the diaries to come into place but it was mostly about the bookstore owner and her sisters life. Their lives although very different were very much about accepting what they really want. One sister is dealing with divorce and kids and the other with finding love for herself. Yes there was parts that involved the diaries and people reading diaries that weren’t there’s, but it was a very minor thing. Overall not bad, I think I just had different expectations. This book was given to me for free from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.
done-with
February 24, 2026I wasn't familiar with the author prior to this one. I am not generally a fan of romance or the type of story frequently cast as a "women's book" (such a foolish descriptor) - but I've been in a slump and really felt like I needed a feel-good, upbeat, light-hearted story. This one, with its bookstores and redemption, small town secrets and scandals, seemed perfectly suited.
Unfortunately, I just couldn't find my way into it. There's nothing wrong here, it just wasn't for me. I found myself irritated rather than charmed and the pacing didn't engage me the way l hoped it would. This just wasn't a good fit for me...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Unfortunately, I just couldn't find my way into it. There's nothing wrong here, it just wasn't for me. I found myself irritated rather than charmed and the pacing didn't engage me the way l hoped it would. This just wasn't a good fit for me...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Family is not only blood, but who you choose to be a part of yoir life. Jax has 2 great kids, an ex-husband with a 50/50 parenting plan, a younger sister who is searching for love, and her bookstore where Ramon, her parrot of 30 years, lives.
Jax has issues with relinquishing control, and isn't sure she's ready for a committed relationship with Marcus.
Ryleigh realizes she's in love with her best friend, Alex. He and his son, Noah, are the closest thing to a family unit she has, bonding after Alex's wife passed away 2 years prior.
Harris, Jax's ex, wants his girlfriend to spend the night when hes with the kids. To conform to the parenting plan, he has to be engaged or married so he proposes to his girlfriend to get around the issue. All of these relationships come to a head during the bookstore renovation where diaries are read by Cheryl, store associate, after not being claimed. Passages bring insite into the feelings and goings-on of the town, bringing closure to some, and love to others.
The story is good, overall. Ryleigh gives a sense of woe-is-me some of the time, which I don't enjoy. My favorite character is Ramon, the parrot, and Marcus, the handsome and patient contractor. I also really enjoyed Cheryl and her quick-wit, no-nonsense, take-action mindset.
Jax has issues with relinquishing control, and isn't sure she's ready for a committed relationship with Marcus.
Ryleigh realizes she's in love with her best friend, Alex. He and his son, Noah, are the closest thing to a family unit she has, bonding after Alex's wife passed away 2 years prior.
Harris, Jax's ex, wants his girlfriend to spend the night when hes with the kids. To conform to the parenting plan, he has to be engaged or married so he proposes to his girlfriend to get around the issue. All of these relationships come to a head during the bookstore renovation where diaries are read by Cheryl, store associate, after not being claimed. Passages bring insite into the feelings and goings-on of the town, bringing closure to some, and love to others.
The story is good, overall. Ryleigh gives a sense of woe-is-me some of the time, which I don't enjoy. My favorite character is Ramon, the parrot, and Marcus, the handsome and patient contractor. I also really enjoyed Cheryl and her quick-wit, no-nonsense, take-action mindset.
February 23, 2026
The way I adored this book.
Jax and Ryleigh were just two sisters working their way through life to figure out what they wanted and how to find love. It was just such a sweet story. Add in a silly animal sidekick? Sold. Ramon was such a fun parrot! Just everything about this story was sweet and perfect.
Tanya Eby was a great narrator! She really brought the characters to life and gave the story so much emotion.
Thank you Susan Mallery and Harlequin Audio for a gifted copy of the audiobook!
Jax and Ryleigh were just two sisters working their way through life to figure out what they wanted and how to find love. It was just such a sweet story. Add in a silly animal sidekick? Sold. Ramon was such a fun parrot! Just everything about this story was sweet and perfect.
Tanya Eby was a great narrator! She really brought the characters to life and gave the story so much emotion.
Thank you Susan Mallery and Harlequin Audio for a gifted copy of the audiobook!
January 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy of the bookstore diaries in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, I almost DNF’d this book, but I am so glad I stuck with it. I ended up falling in love with all of the characters and rooting for them to get their happy endings. It really was a heartwarming story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
February 23, 2026
I’m not going to lie I wanted to dnf this book but I’m glad I didn’t. The beginning was a bit slow but I loved the storyline. I enjoyed reading about both sisters and the characters were fun to read about! This romance book was also set in a bookstore which I loved!!
Thank you netgalley for this ark!
Thank you netgalley for this ark!
February 28, 2026
This was a really sweet book. It followed a couple of sisters and their love lives and I loved the whole bookstore diary theme and of course I loved Ramon’s the parrot. There were times that Riley’s story got a little repetitive and annoying, but I still enjoyed the book.
January 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery
Oh man, I wanted so badly to love this one! The idea was great, the setting was lovely, and on paper this should have been a win for me. Unfortunately…. No
The biggest issue for me was the characters. The main characters’ constant introspection became exhausting and, honestly, a little ridiculous. I found myself repeatedly thinking, “Come on, you can figure this out,” or “What a friggin’ idiot.” It’s hard to fully enjoy a book when you’re actively rooting against the MCs—or wishing the side characters would run away and never look back
The writing also felt repetitive, and the story dragged more than it needed to. The same emotional beats were revisited over and over again, making the book feel longer than it should have been
That said… this is a 3-star read for one very important reason: Ramon. Ramon, the parrot. The only character I was truly invested in & yes, he is a bird. RAMON steals the book and absolutely steals your heart. Honestly, he saved this story for me- Thank you, Ramon, for doing the heavy lifting
Oh man, I wanted so badly to love this one! The idea was great, the setting was lovely, and on paper this should have been a win for me. Unfortunately…. No
The biggest issue for me was the characters. The main characters’ constant introspection became exhausting and, honestly, a little ridiculous. I found myself repeatedly thinking, “Come on, you can figure this out,” or “What a friggin’ idiot.” It’s hard to fully enjoy a book when you’re actively rooting against the MCs—or wishing the side characters would run away and never look back
The writing also felt repetitive, and the story dragged more than it needed to. The same emotional beats were revisited over and over again, making the book feel longer than it should have been
That said… this is a 3-star read for one very important reason: Ramon. Ramon, the parrot. The only character I was truly invested in & yes, he is a bird. RAMON steals the book and absolutely steals your heart. Honestly, he saved this story for me- Thank you, Ramon, for doing the heavy lifting
October 24, 2025
Ramon stole the show in “The Bookstore Diaries” and was my favorite character, but who was he really? Jax’s secret boyfriend? No, he was an African Gray Parrot who lived at the bookstore. He was very popular with the customers, especially the children, and he tended to repeat everything he heard. His words of wisdom graced each chapter and his love for Jax knew no boundaries. I love stories set in bookstores and I was intrigued by the title and immediately fell in love with all of the characters. The storyline was full of family drama, lasting friendships and lots of romance. Not only does the book take place in a bookstore, the locale is sunny California by the beach! This is the perfect escape for book lovers and those of us who can only dream about a California vacation.
Jax had her hands full with managing the bookstore, taking care of her two children, and dealing with her wayward ex-husband, whose behavior created a train wreck that I couldn’t look away from. Her sister Ryleigh had both personal and professional decisions to make, and could a change of scenery be what she was really looking for? The bookstore was the most important character because it represented a safe haven for all, a place to read, reflect and jot down your dreams, and a way of life that was full of possibilities. I felt at home at The Painted Lady Bookstore and I know all of you will, too!! Happy reading!!
Jax had her hands full with managing the bookstore, taking care of her two children, and dealing with her wayward ex-husband, whose behavior created a train wreck that I couldn’t look away from. Her sister Ryleigh had both personal and professional decisions to make, and could a change of scenery be what she was really looking for? The bookstore was the most important character because it represented a safe haven for all, a place to read, reflect and jot down your dreams, and a way of life that was full of possibilities. I felt at home at The Painted Lady Bookstore and I know all of you will, too!! Happy reading!!
October 28, 2025
Mallory delivers her trademark storytelling expertise into her new novel about sisters. Jax and Ryleigh are sisters both in need of help in the love department. Jax has been divorced for over a year now and while things are great with her kids, bookstore, and precocious bird, but her love life is non-existent and she's not sure if she even wants to change that. Ryleigh has been dating her boyfriend for a year and she's expecting a proposal. But when the perfect opportunity arises and there's no proposal, she starts questioning her relationship.
March 4, 2026
The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery (2026)
11h 9m narrated by Tanya Eby, 384 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating as a movie: R for adult content and language
Featuring: Books About Books, Fictional Town in Southern California, Bookstore Owner, African Grey Parrot, Divorcée, Parenting Plan, Victorian Home Turned Bookstore, Sisters, Santa Barbara, California; Teachers, Construction, Baseball Coach, Memorial Day, San Diego, California; Cat - Ragdoll Mix, Passivity, Sex - Low Details, Control
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏠📚🦜
My thoughts: 📱25% 2:47:16 Chapter Seven - It took a minute but I love it. I'm taking a break now, but will probably be up till midnight with it.
I was annoyed about Jax sitting by and letting the situation unfold the way it did. I go blindly into books so I was good but the blurb doesn't match the story, it's pretty misleading.
Recommend to others: Yes, not the best book about books this year but it was good overall.
Songs for the soundtrack: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" by Jane Taylor
Books and Authors mentioned: Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, Taxi Driver by Paul Schrader, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, The Lion King by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton [based on] Kimba the White Lion by Osamu Tezuka; A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Titanic by James Cameron, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown by John Gordon [based on] Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis, Wicked (known in full as Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz) by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman [based on] Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, with illustrations by Douglas Smith [based on] The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum [and based on] The Wizard of Oz by Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, and Edgar Allan Woolf; Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, I'm Your Huckleberry: A Memoir by Val Kilmer, Tombstone by
Kevin Jarre
Memorable Quotes: The large African gray parrot huffed loudly, sounding amazingly like Jax’s mother when she was annoyed, then flew out of the stockroom and into the store. Jax turned her attention back to the book Ramon had dissed, running her fingers across the beautiful floral cover. While she could never admit it to the parrot or anyone, she’d read an advanced copy of the novel in question and well, he was right. Despite the glowing reviews and the upscale advertising campaign, it really hadn’t been a very good story. “But it will be someone’s favorite,” she told herself as she wheeled the now-full cart into the main store. “Because there’s a person for every book.”
“I want to amend the parenting plan.” What he said and what she’d been thinking were so at odds, she needed a couple of breaths to process. Her first instinct was to say absolutely not. They’d worked hard on making sure they had everything in place to give their children the best possible life. Harris, the child of divorce himself, had hated going back and forth between his mom’s and his dad’s places and had wanted something different for their children. It had taken Jax a few days of internet research to come up with the idea of leaving the kids in what had been the family home while she and Harris alternated weeks when they were with them. Although it had taken them a few months to settle into the new routine, now it was simply how things were. When she wasn’t with her children, she lived in the bookstore. “How?” she asked cautiously. “It’s working the way it is. They’re so comfortable and happy.” He shifted in his seat. “I want Shawna to spend the night.” He looked away, then back at her. “We’ve been going out for nearly six months. It’s getting serious. It’s not reasonable that I can’t see her for a week at a time.” Jax resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Oh, you can see her, Harris. She’s welcome to hang out as much as you want. She can have dinner with the kids every night. But this isn’t about seeing her, is it? You want to be able to sleep with her on the weeks you’re in the house. This is about you getting laid.” “You getting laid. You getting laid.” The singsong voice came from up above. Jax groaned while Harris chuckled. “Way to go, Ramon.” “Don’t encourage him.” “You might want to keep him out of the kids’ section until he gets tired of saying it.” “You getting laid,” Ramon repeated, then flapped his wings. “Go outside.” She opened the door and he flew out, echoes of “You getting laid” trailing behind him. Jax had no idea how she was going to distract Ramon with a new phrase but she would figure out something. In the meantime, she had a Harris-sized problem to deal with. She shut the door again and returned to her desk.
11h 9m narrated by Tanya Eby, 384 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating as a movie: R for adult content and language
Featuring: Books About Books, Fictional Town in Southern California, Bookstore Owner, African Grey Parrot, Divorcée, Parenting Plan, Victorian Home Turned Bookstore, Sisters, Santa Barbara, California; Teachers, Construction, Baseball Coach, Memorial Day, San Diego, California; Cat - Ragdoll Mix, Passivity, Sex - Low Details, Control
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏠📚🦜
My thoughts: 📱25% 2:47:16 Chapter Seven - It took a minute but I love it. I'm taking a break now, but will probably be up till midnight with it.
I was annoyed about Jax sitting by and letting the situation unfold the way it did. I go blindly into books so I was good but the blurb doesn't match the story, it's pretty misleading.
Recommend to others: Yes, not the best book about books this year but it was good overall.
Songs for the soundtrack: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" by Jane Taylor
Books and Authors mentioned: Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, Taxi Driver by Paul Schrader, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, The Lion King by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton [based on] Kimba the White Lion by Osamu Tezuka; A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Titanic by James Cameron, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown by John Gordon [based on] Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis, Wicked (known in full as Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz) by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman [based on] Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, with illustrations by Douglas Smith [based on] The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum [and based on] The Wizard of Oz by Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, and Edgar Allan Woolf; Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, I'm Your Huckleberry: A Memoir by Val Kilmer, Tombstone by
Kevin Jarre
Memorable Quotes: The large African gray parrot huffed loudly, sounding amazingly like Jax’s mother when she was annoyed, then flew out of the stockroom and into the store. Jax turned her attention back to the book Ramon had dissed, running her fingers across the beautiful floral cover. While she could never admit it to the parrot or anyone, she’d read an advanced copy of the novel in question and well, he was right. Despite the glowing reviews and the upscale advertising campaign, it really hadn’t been a very good story. “But it will be someone’s favorite,” she told herself as she wheeled the now-full cart into the main store. “Because there’s a person for every book.”
“I want to amend the parenting plan.” What he said and what she’d been thinking were so at odds, she needed a couple of breaths to process. Her first instinct was to say absolutely not. They’d worked hard on making sure they had everything in place to give their children the best possible life. Harris, the child of divorce himself, had hated going back and forth between his mom’s and his dad’s places and had wanted something different for their children. It had taken Jax a few days of internet research to come up with the idea of leaving the kids in what had been the family home while she and Harris alternated weeks when they were with them. Although it had taken them a few months to settle into the new routine, now it was simply how things were. When she wasn’t with her children, she lived in the bookstore. “How?” she asked cautiously. “It’s working the way it is. They’re so comfortable and happy.” He shifted in his seat. “I want Shawna to spend the night.” He looked away, then back at her. “We’ve been going out for nearly six months. It’s getting serious. It’s not reasonable that I can’t see her for a week at a time.” Jax resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Oh, you can see her, Harris. She’s welcome to hang out as much as you want. She can have dinner with the kids every night. But this isn’t about seeing her, is it? You want to be able to sleep with her on the weeks you’re in the house. This is about you getting laid.” “You getting laid. You getting laid.” The singsong voice came from up above. Jax groaned while Harris chuckled. “Way to go, Ramon.” “Don’t encourage him.” “You might want to keep him out of the kids’ section until he gets tired of saying it.” “You getting laid,” Ramon repeated, then flapped his wings. “Go outside.” She opened the door and he flew out, echoes of “You getting laid” trailing behind him. Jax had no idea how she was going to distract Ramon with a new phrase but she would figure out something. In the meantime, she had a Harris-sized problem to deal with. She shut the door again and returned to her desk.
February 7, 2026
Susan Mallery’s The Bookstore Diaries kicked my door open, scattered my emotions across the floor, and then politely offered me a comfy chair and a cup of something warm while I processed the mess.
Published by Harlequin Audio, and many thanks to the publisher for the gifted ARC, which I experienced entirely on audio and ended up loving more than I expected.
Let me be clear right away: this isn’t a twisty, high-drama, gasp-out-loud kind of book. It’s a slow, cozy, emotionally observant story that sneaks up on you while you’re relaxed and then suddenly hits a little too close to home. Listening to it felt like being invited into the Painted Lady Bookstore after closing time, when the lights are low, the town noise has faded, and everyone’s secrets feel louder than they should. The audio format suits this story beautifully. The narration leans into the warmth, the humor, and the quiet tension of people who are trying very hard to keep their lives under control… and not quite succeeding.
Jax is the kind of main character who can easily come off as “a lot,” and honestly? She is. She’s competent, controlling, opinionated, and absolutely convinced she knows what’s best for everyone around her. But hearing her story unfold on audio softened her edges for me. Her inner thoughts felt less sharp and more vulnerable, like confessions whispered rather than declarations shouted. I didn’t always agree with her choices, but I understood where they came from, and that made all the difference. There’s something deeply relatable about a woman who keeps everything running smoothly because she doesn’t trust what will happen if she stops.
The book isn’t really about the diaries in the literal sense. It’s about what happens when private thoughts are exposed, when carefully curated lives start to wobble, and when control slips through your fingers whether you’re ready or not. The emotional payoff comes from watching characters sit with discomfort instead of rushing to fix it. On audio, those pauses matter. I found myself lingering in the car just to finish a chapter, rewinding certain scenes because the emotional beats landed quietly but stuck.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.5 stars
“There’s a person for every book.”
That line stopped me in my tracks when I heard it out loud. It sums up not just the heart of the story, but the experience of listening to it. This book knows exactly who it’s for. If you love cozy settings, bookstores as emotional anchors, sister dynamics that feel complicated but genuine, slow-burn romance, and stories about emotionally capable adults figuring things out imperfectly, this will feel like slipping into something familiar and comforting. Audiobook listeners who enjoy character-driven narratives with warmth, wit, and low-stakes chaos will especially appreciate how well this story translates to listening.
When it ended, I felt that specific mix of contentment and mild sadness that comes from leaving a place you enjoyed more than you realized while you were there. And honestly, that’s the highest compliment I can give a book like this. So now I’m curious… would you rather experience a story like this through headphones during everyday life, or save it for a quiet night curled up with the pages?
#TheBookstoreDiaries #SusanMallery #AudiobookReview #HarlequinAudio #RomanceReads #RomanceAudiobook #CozyFiction #BooksAboutBooks #WomensFiction #Bookstagram #AudioBooks
Published by Harlequin Audio, and many thanks to the publisher for the gifted ARC, which I experienced entirely on audio and ended up loving more than I expected.
Let me be clear right away: this isn’t a twisty, high-drama, gasp-out-loud kind of book. It’s a slow, cozy, emotionally observant story that sneaks up on you while you’re relaxed and then suddenly hits a little too close to home. Listening to it felt like being invited into the Painted Lady Bookstore after closing time, when the lights are low, the town noise has faded, and everyone’s secrets feel louder than they should. The audio format suits this story beautifully. The narration leans into the warmth, the humor, and the quiet tension of people who are trying very hard to keep their lives under control… and not quite succeeding.
Jax is the kind of main character who can easily come off as “a lot,” and honestly? She is. She’s competent, controlling, opinionated, and absolutely convinced she knows what’s best for everyone around her. But hearing her story unfold on audio softened her edges for me. Her inner thoughts felt less sharp and more vulnerable, like confessions whispered rather than declarations shouted. I didn’t always agree with her choices, but I understood where they came from, and that made all the difference. There’s something deeply relatable about a woman who keeps everything running smoothly because she doesn’t trust what will happen if she stops.
The book isn’t really about the diaries in the literal sense. It’s about what happens when private thoughts are exposed, when carefully curated lives start to wobble, and when control slips through your fingers whether you’re ready or not. The emotional payoff comes from watching characters sit with discomfort instead of rushing to fix it. On audio, those pauses matter. I found myself lingering in the car just to finish a chapter, rewinding certain scenes because the emotional beats landed quietly but stuck.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.5 stars
“There’s a person for every book.”
That line stopped me in my tracks when I heard it out loud. It sums up not just the heart of the story, but the experience of listening to it. This book knows exactly who it’s for. If you love cozy settings, bookstores as emotional anchors, sister dynamics that feel complicated but genuine, slow-burn romance, and stories about emotionally capable adults figuring things out imperfectly, this will feel like slipping into something familiar and comforting. Audiobook listeners who enjoy character-driven narratives with warmth, wit, and low-stakes chaos will especially appreciate how well this story translates to listening.
When it ended, I felt that specific mix of contentment and mild sadness that comes from leaving a place you enjoyed more than you realized while you were there. And honestly, that’s the highest compliment I can give a book like this. So now I’m curious… would you rather experience a story like this through headphones during everyday life, or save it for a quiet night curled up with the pages?
#TheBookstoreDiaries #SusanMallery #AudiobookReview #HarlequinAudio #RomanceReads #RomanceAudiobook #CozyFiction #BooksAboutBooks #WomensFiction #Bookstagram #AudioBooks
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to read The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery, narrated by Tanya Eby, in exchange for my honest review.
I went into The Bookstore Diaries really excited about the premise. A small-town bookshop, anonymous diaries, and “the town’s juiciest secrets” being revealed? That sounded like the perfect setup for layered drama, messy revelations, with a dash of romance.
For me, though, the story didn’t quite deliver on that promise.
The diaries themselves ended up playing a much smaller role than I expected. A few secrets are revealed, but they don’t create much lasting impact or tension. I kept waiting for the fallout to escalate or for the revelations to ripple through the town in a bigger way, and that momentum never fully arrived.
The story follows two sisters as they navigate love and self-discovery. While I appreciated the focus on their individual growth, balancing two romantic arcs meant neither felt fully developed for me. Jax and Marcus slowly built a strong friendship, which I liked, but I didn’t quite feel the romantic spark. Ryleigh and Alex felt sweet, though their emotional progression sometimes stalled, then quickened unnaturally.
I also struggled to fully connect with the sisters’ relationship. We’re told they’re incredibly close, but I didn’t always feel that depth on the page. Similarly, some family dynamics are referenced without being fully explored, which leaves parts of the emotional landscape feeling a bit incomplete.
Let’s talk about the parrot, which plays a significant role. I can absolutely see how some readers would find that charming and quirky. For me, it felt a bit too much at times. I get it was supposed to be the comic relief, Jax’s emotional devotion to that bird felt deeper than her devotion to any human in her life, including her previous marriage. There were multiple points where I wanted to gently take her by the shoulders and say, “Ma’am. Respectfully. Re-evaluate.”
I listened to the audiobook. Tanya Eby is clearly talented and expressive; however, the performance style didn’t quite match my personal preferences for this story. I found the frequent upward inflection at the end of many lines made certain moments feel lighter than intended. Additionally, the parrot's voice heightened my awareness of that character, and it may be why I found it more annoying than others. This is entirely subjective and may work very well for other listeners.
Overall, this felt like a softer, lower-conflict story than the description led me to expect. Readers looking for a gentle, character-driven read with light romantic elements may enjoy this more than I did. While it wasn’t the right fit for me, I appreciate the cozy setting and the exploration of control, family, and learning to let go.
I went into The Bookstore Diaries really excited about the premise. A small-town bookshop, anonymous diaries, and “the town’s juiciest secrets” being revealed? That sounded like the perfect setup for layered drama, messy revelations, with a dash of romance.
For me, though, the story didn’t quite deliver on that promise.
The diaries themselves ended up playing a much smaller role than I expected. A few secrets are revealed, but they don’t create much lasting impact or tension. I kept waiting for the fallout to escalate or for the revelations to ripple through the town in a bigger way, and that momentum never fully arrived.
The story follows two sisters as they navigate love and self-discovery. While I appreciated the focus on their individual growth, balancing two romantic arcs meant neither felt fully developed for me. Jax and Marcus slowly built a strong friendship, which I liked, but I didn’t quite feel the romantic spark. Ryleigh and Alex felt sweet, though their emotional progression sometimes stalled, then quickened unnaturally.
I also struggled to fully connect with the sisters’ relationship. We’re told they’re incredibly close, but I didn’t always feel that depth on the page. Similarly, some family dynamics are referenced without being fully explored, which leaves parts of the emotional landscape feeling a bit incomplete.
Let’s talk about the parrot, which plays a significant role. I can absolutely see how some readers would find that charming and quirky. For me, it felt a bit too much at times. I get it was supposed to be the comic relief, Jax’s emotional devotion to that bird felt deeper than her devotion to any human in her life, including her previous marriage. There were multiple points where I wanted to gently take her by the shoulders and say, “Ma’am. Respectfully. Re-evaluate.”
I listened to the audiobook. Tanya Eby is clearly talented and expressive; however, the performance style didn’t quite match my personal preferences for this story. I found the frequent upward inflection at the end of many lines made certain moments feel lighter than intended. Additionally, the parrot's voice heightened my awareness of that character, and it may be why I found it more annoying than others. This is entirely subjective and may work very well for other listeners.
Overall, this felt like a softer, lower-conflict story than the description led me to expect. Readers looking for a gentle, character-driven read with light romantic elements may enjoy this more than I did. While it wasn’t the right fit for me, I appreciate the cozy setting and the exploration of control, family, and learning to let go.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚The Bookstore Diaries
✍🏻Susan Mallery
Blurb:
This summer, the town's juiciest secrets are revealed in New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery's joyful and sparkling new novel
Jax has a slight issue with control-as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax.
Still, she's living the bookworm dream-until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary's owner is...to read it.
As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who's always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control-especially with the right wrong guy-can set you free.
My Thoughts:
This was a really sweet book. It followed a couple of sisters and their love lives and I loved the whole bookstore diary theme and of course I loved Ramon’s the parrot. This story follows Jax, a control-loving bookstore owner who inherited the Painted Lady Bookstore—a charming Victorian mansion turned bookshop. Jax thrives on order, but her personal life is anything but. Her ex is newly engaged for questionable reasons, her sister Ryleigh is considering moving away to find a husband, and the handsome contractor Jax hoped would distract her sister seems far more interested in Jax herself. When an accident erases the names from the bookstore’s lockboxes—where townspeople store their private diaries—Jax is left with only one way to return them: she has to read them. What follows is supposed to be a cascade of secrets and scandals that shake up the small town and Jax’s carefully managed life.The Bookstore Diaries is a cozy, cute novel centered around a beloved small town bookstore. Ramon, an African grey parrot lives at The Painted Lady and steals the show constantly. He’s smart as hell and is constantly putting Jax in check. Ramon is hands down my favorite part of the book. The Bookstore Diaries has closed door, implied spice. Parts of it moved slow, as we’re following two lead characters, but I adored them both. Overall, it’s a feel good type of read & Ramon the parrot offers the comedy factor needed to keep the story light. We love a bookstore story & Ramon stole the show.
Thanks NetGalley, Mira Publisher and Author Susan Mallery for the complimentary copy of "A Bookstore Diaries" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#MiraPublisher
#SusanMallery
#TheBookstoreDiaries
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Susan Mallery
Blurb:
This summer, the town's juiciest secrets are revealed in New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery's joyful and sparkling new novel
Jax has a slight issue with control-as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax.
Still, she's living the bookworm dream-until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary's owner is...to read it.
As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who's always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control-especially with the right wrong guy-can set you free.
My Thoughts:
This was a really sweet book. It followed a couple of sisters and their love lives and I loved the whole bookstore diary theme and of course I loved Ramon’s the parrot. This story follows Jax, a control-loving bookstore owner who inherited the Painted Lady Bookstore—a charming Victorian mansion turned bookshop. Jax thrives on order, but her personal life is anything but. Her ex is newly engaged for questionable reasons, her sister Ryleigh is considering moving away to find a husband, and the handsome contractor Jax hoped would distract her sister seems far more interested in Jax herself. When an accident erases the names from the bookstore’s lockboxes—where townspeople store their private diaries—Jax is left with only one way to return them: she has to read them. What follows is supposed to be a cascade of secrets and scandals that shake up the small town and Jax’s carefully managed life.The Bookstore Diaries is a cozy, cute novel centered around a beloved small town bookstore. Ramon, an African grey parrot lives at The Painted Lady and steals the show constantly. He’s smart as hell and is constantly putting Jax in check. Ramon is hands down my favorite part of the book. The Bookstore Diaries has closed door, implied spice. Parts of it moved slow, as we’re following two lead characters, but I adored them both. Overall, it’s a feel good type of read & Ramon the parrot offers the comedy factor needed to keep the story light. We love a bookstore story & Ramon stole the show.
Thanks NetGalley, Mira Publisher and Author Susan Mallery for the complimentary copy of "A Bookstore Diaries" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#MiraPublisher
#SusanMallery
#TheBookstoreDiaries
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 3, 2026
This novel is more than a romance since it also includes some valuable life lessons and insights on what not to do if you want to have a successful relationship. It had me in stitches during the back-and-forth banter between the characters. It also included a favorite character who was not human but rather Ramon the parrot. I never knew what Ramon would do or say next, but suffice it to say that the author gave that bird some personality with a capital “P.” I think that this is one of the best books by this talented author that I have ever read, with a depth to it that drew me into the story quickly and a delightfully readable plot, switching between the main characters and their individual dilemmas. Jax is a control freak, so relationships with her are tough. That may be the reason that her closest friend seems to be Ramon, her parrot. Ryleigh is her younger sister, a teacher who doesn’t want to grow old alone so she is trying to decide whether to move or not in order to find love and start a family. The secondary characters are equally engaging, with Shawna as the fiancée of Jax’s ex-husband, a nice girl who has no idea what she is getting herself into when she accepts Harris’s proposal. I really liked the custody agreement that Jax and Harris have so that their children can stay in their home and the parents take turns living with them. Those scenes showed that divorce can be amicable if not totally agreeable. The entire book was fun to read, with appealing characters, a charming setting (who wouldn’t love a bookstore in a Victorian house) and a little tease of a mystery about the diaries that are kept in the bookstore, with some startling revelations that occur as a result of the renovation in the bookstore. This book is a slam dunk success with me, from beginning to end. I was invested in the lives of each believable character, even the ones I didn’t like much. I was absorbed by the threads of the dual storylines and loved how the author wove them together even as they seemed to be tearing apart. This book has a well-crafted and charming plot and was such an enjoyable read that I am enjoying just picking it up again and reading sections over and over, just to get another laugh from such a refreshing and warm-hearted novel.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
February 24, 2026
When Secrets Spill Between the Shelves: Why The Bookstore Diaries Stole My Heart
There’s a very specific kind of comfort that comes from a novel set in a bookstore — the quiet creak of wooden floors, the promise of hidden stories, the sense that something life-changing might be tucked between the shelves. That’s exactly the feeling I got reading The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery — and honestly, it felt like coming home.
From the very first chapter, I could picture the Painted Lady Bookstore — a charming Victorian house filled with stories and secrets. Jax, the owner, is the kind of character I instantly recognized. She’s organized to a fault, fiercely independent, and determined to hold her world together with careful planning. And if I’m being honest? I saw a little bit of myself in her need for control.
The heart of the story kicks in when a renovation mishap muddies the names on private diaries stored in the shop. Suddenly, secrets that were meant to stay hidden are dangerously close to being exposed. I expected drama (and there is some), but what surprised me most was how deeply emotional the fallout felt. This wasn’t just about spilled secrets — it was about vulnerability, trust, and the fear of being truly known.
What really stayed with me, though, were the relationships. The sister dynamic felt raw and real — messy in the way only family can be. There’s love, frustration, loyalty, and that complicated history you can never quite escape. The romance is soft and slow-burning, which I personally adore. It doesn’t overpower the story; it grows quietly in the background, like something steady and safe.
And can we talk about Ramon the parrot? Absolute scene-stealer. I didn’t expect to fall in love with a bird, but here we are.
If I had one small wish, it’s that the diary mix-up had played an even bigger role throughout the book. The premise is so intriguing that I wanted just a bit more chaos. But even so, I found myself lingering over chapters, not wanting to leave this world.
Reading The Bookstore Diaries felt like spending time in a place where stories matter — where people are flawed but trying, where love shows up imperfectly, and where even long-held secrets can lead to growth.
This wasn’t just a cozy read for me — it was a gentle reminder that sometimes, the stories we’re most afraid of sharing are the ones that set us free.
There’s a very specific kind of comfort that comes from a novel set in a bookstore — the quiet creak of wooden floors, the promise of hidden stories, the sense that something life-changing might be tucked between the shelves. That’s exactly the feeling I got reading The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery — and honestly, it felt like coming home.
From the very first chapter, I could picture the Painted Lady Bookstore — a charming Victorian house filled with stories and secrets. Jax, the owner, is the kind of character I instantly recognized. She’s organized to a fault, fiercely independent, and determined to hold her world together with careful planning. And if I’m being honest? I saw a little bit of myself in her need for control.
The heart of the story kicks in when a renovation mishap muddies the names on private diaries stored in the shop. Suddenly, secrets that were meant to stay hidden are dangerously close to being exposed. I expected drama (and there is some), but what surprised me most was how deeply emotional the fallout felt. This wasn’t just about spilled secrets — it was about vulnerability, trust, and the fear of being truly known.
What really stayed with me, though, were the relationships. The sister dynamic felt raw and real — messy in the way only family can be. There’s love, frustration, loyalty, and that complicated history you can never quite escape. The romance is soft and slow-burning, which I personally adore. It doesn’t overpower the story; it grows quietly in the background, like something steady and safe.
And can we talk about Ramon the parrot? Absolute scene-stealer. I didn’t expect to fall in love with a bird, but here we are.
If I had one small wish, it’s that the diary mix-up had played an even bigger role throughout the book. The premise is so intriguing that I wanted just a bit more chaos. But even so, I found myself lingering over chapters, not wanting to leave this world.
Reading The Bookstore Diaries felt like spending time in a place where stories matter — where people are flawed but trying, where love shows up imperfectly, and where even long-held secrets can lead to growth.
This wasn’t just a cozy read for me — it was a gentle reminder that sometimes, the stories we’re most afraid of sharing are the ones that set us free.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In The Bookstore Diaries Deluxe Hardcover Edition, we follow Jax as she navigates running her open-while-renovating family bookstore and a unique yet efficient custody arrangement.
One where the children stay in the marital home while the parents take turns moving in and out each week.
Everything is going as close to perfect as possible until her ex-husband proposes to his girlfriend - not because he loves her, but because he wants to be able to sleep with her in the marital home.
And then the construction team that is working on her bookstore cleans the markings off the wall that holds the town’s hottest secrets.
Can Jax keep it together while the hot construction manager does whatever he can to make it up to her and her husband’s future wife and mother-in-law do whatever they can to make her uncomfortable?
Here's my 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review of The BookStore Diaries Deluxe Hardcover Edition by Susan Mallery
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Pages: 284
This Book in 5 Emojis: 📚🧱🪽👩👧👦👷🏽♂️
My Thoughts On This Complicated Entrepreneurial Romance
I originally requested this pretty ARC because I LOVE a book with a control freak lead 🤣 Being a control freak myself, I love seeing how they navigate the bombs and chaos the authors throw at them.
I am not sure how @susanmallery came up with the dynamics for Jax's custody arrangement, but I believe it is pretty cool!
And I'm not surprised her selfish ex-husband had to go and mess it up 😒
But I'm kind of glad he did because otherwise, Jax would have never given Mr. Hot Construction a chance! I love how natural their relationship sparked and bloomed. It wasn't rushed for the plot or over dramatized.
The way Jax overcame her mental walls to make way for love was really relatable.
I would highly recommend this book to any readers who love a strong women with her own bag and her own mind.
In The Bookstore Diaries Deluxe Hardcover Edition, we follow Jax as she navigates running her open-while-renovating family bookstore and a unique yet efficient custody arrangement.
One where the children stay in the marital home while the parents take turns moving in and out each week.
Thank you @htpbooks for this free copy!
One where the children stay in the marital home while the parents take turns moving in and out each week.
Everything is going as close to perfect as possible until her ex-husband proposes to his girlfriend - not because he loves her, but because he wants to be able to sleep with her in the marital home.
And then the construction team that is working on her bookstore cleans the markings off the wall that holds the town’s hottest secrets.
Can Jax keep it together while the hot construction manager does whatever he can to make it up to her and her husband’s future wife and mother-in-law do whatever they can to make her uncomfortable?
Here's my 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review of The BookStore Diaries Deluxe Hardcover Edition by Susan Mallery
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Pages: 284
This Book in 5 Emojis: 📚🧱🪽👩👧👦👷🏽♂️
My Thoughts On This Complicated Entrepreneurial Romance
I originally requested this pretty ARC because I LOVE a book with a control freak lead 🤣 Being a control freak myself, I love seeing how they navigate the bombs and chaos the authors throw at them.
I am not sure how @susanmallery came up with the dynamics for Jax's custody arrangement, but I believe it is pretty cool!
And I'm not surprised her selfish ex-husband had to go and mess it up 😒
But I'm kind of glad he did because otherwise, Jax would have never given Mr. Hot Construction a chance! I love how natural their relationship sparked and bloomed. It wasn't rushed for the plot or over dramatized.
The way Jax overcame her mental walls to make way for love was really relatable.
I would highly recommend this book to any readers who love a strong women with her own bag and her own mind.
In The Bookstore Diaries Deluxe Hardcover Edition, we follow Jax as she navigates running her open-while-renovating family bookstore and a unique yet efficient custody arrangement.
One where the children stay in the marital home while the parents take turns moving in and out each week.
Thank you @htpbooks for this free copy!
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