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The Bookstore Diaries
Not yet published
Expected 3 Aug 27This 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.
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.
- GenresFictionBooks About Books
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 3, 2027
11 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
863 books15.5k 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 45 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.
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.
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December 30, 2025A story that takes place in a bookstore in a small California coastal town, focuses on family, relationships, and friendships, and is written by Susan Mallery? I’m all in! While the title includes “diaries,” this novel really centers on the lives of two sisters, Jax, the owner of the Painted Lady Bookstore, and her sister, Ryleigh, a teacher. Both sisters are successful in their chosen fields but have had disappointments in love (and, for Jax, in marriage). Some of the most enjoyable portions of this book were following each sister’s revelations about what they want out of life and how they’ve both gotten in their own way toward finding love. The other plotline I enjoyed was watching the relationship between Jax and her contractor, Marcus, unfold. Between running a bookstore, dealing with her ex-husband, and being mom to her two children, Jax has built a “safe” life where she can control the narrative. Watching her open herself up and risk being vulnerable was a delight.
The dialogue flows, and the other characters, including Jax’s two children, Cheryl, Jax’s events coordinator, and Ramon, Jax’s African gray parrot, add humor and an emotional connection. And the diaries? Townspeople wrote those, and the diaries are kept behind a brick wall in the bookstore. Each brick is marked, so that the owners can easily locate their diaries. When a well-meaning worker cleans the wall, thus erasing the markings, Jax faces matching each diary with the owner. Secrets are revealed, with some of those affecting both Jax and Ryleigh.
What kept me from a five-star rating was the repetition of the same dialogue, introspection, and narrative being rehashed repeatedly throughout the book. When a character repeats the same thing over and over again, I just want to skip those parts. Still, I enjoyed spending time in the Painted Lady, and recommend this charming, comfortable read. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital ARC.
The dialogue flows, and the other characters, including Jax’s two children, Cheryl, Jax’s events coordinator, and Ramon, Jax’s African gray parrot, add humor and an emotional connection. And the diaries? Townspeople wrote those, and the diaries are kept behind a brick wall in the bookstore. Each brick is marked, so that the owners can easily locate their diaries. When a well-meaning worker cleans the wall, thus erasing the markings, Jax faces matching each diary with the owner. Secrets are revealed, with some of those affecting both Jax and Ryleigh.
What kept me from a five-star rating was the repetition of the same dialogue, introspection, and narrative being rehashed repeatedly throughout the book. When a character repeats the same thing over and over again, I just want to skip those parts. Still, I enjoyed spending time in the Painted Lady, and recommend this charming, comfortable read. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital ARC.
November 28, 2025
The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery is a cute & cozy novel. While I did enjoy Jax’s story, I would have loved more of the diary entry readings. The concept is brilliant- I honestly thought that’s what the book was about 📚
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“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.”
✨✨✨✨✨
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
✨✨✨✨✨
“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.”
✨✨✨✨✨
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I want to shop in The Painted Lady
Author Susan Mallery has created another lovable community around the Painted Lady Bookstore in California. “The Bookstore Diaries” revolves around owner Jax, with interesting secondary storylines for members of her extended family, both of blood and that she’s made.
I appreciate Harlequin Trade Publishing for sharing a digital copy of the book via NetGalley. These are my opinions.
I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t like Jax. Reading her described as a control freak gave me pause. I very much enjoyed how Mallery was able to make her likable. About the time her need for control was getting to me, Jax started paying some attention to her sister and others’ perceptions of herself.
Much of “The Bookstore Diaries” revolves around making choices. How do we decide? What if we don’t decide, but the choice happens to us? How much authority do we have to help others decide — that’s a big one for Jax who really wants to fix others’ lives!
This book moved quickly and kept me entertained no matter which storyline it focused on. Ramon and his role in Jax’s life was great fun. And the actual diaries themselves, although not as much a focus as I anticipated die play crucial roles in resolving some relationships.
Author Susan Mallery has created another lovable community around the Painted Lady Bookstore in California. “The Bookstore Diaries” revolves around owner Jax, with interesting secondary storylines for members of her extended family, both of blood and that she’s made.
I appreciate Harlequin Trade Publishing for sharing a digital copy of the book via NetGalley. These are my opinions.
I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t like Jax. Reading her described as a control freak gave me pause. I very much enjoyed how Mallery was able to make her likable. About the time her need for control was getting to me, Jax started paying some attention to her sister and others’ perceptions of herself.
Much of “The Bookstore Diaries” revolves around making choices. How do we decide? What if we don’t decide, but the choice happens to us? How much authority do we have to help others decide — that’s a big one for Jax who really wants to fix others’ lives!
This book moved quickly and kept me entertained no matter which storyline it focused on. Ramon and his role in Jax’s life was great fun. And the actual diaries themselves, although not as much a focus as I anticipated die play crucial roles in resolving some relationships.
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.
October 13, 2025
Wow, wow, wow!!! I absolutely loved Susan Mallery's latest, The Bookstore Diaries!! Longtime favorite author of mine, Mallery has taken her specialty of writing about small town domestic drama up a few notches with this book. She has a special gift of drawing her readers in and letting them get lost in the story.
The story centers around sisters Jax and Ryleigh and their family, friends, and love lives. The setting is a beautiful old bookstore called the Painted Lady, with views of the ocean from the apartment at the top. The writing is so immersive, with the details and descriptions being so vivid and real, I got lost envisioning myself at this bookstore and partaking in the fun events they host. As always, with Mallery, the characters are realistic and likable. She writes from the heart and deals with realistic emotions and problems, making it very relatable to the reader. If you love a powerful, emotional story, you need to read this immediately. You won't be disappointed. I look forward to her next story.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the advanced copy
The story centers around sisters Jax and Ryleigh and their family, friends, and love lives. The setting is a beautiful old bookstore called the Painted Lady, with views of the ocean from the apartment at the top. The writing is so immersive, with the details and descriptions being so vivid and real, I got lost envisioning myself at this bookstore and partaking in the fun events they host. As always, with Mallery, the characters are realistic and likable. She writes from the heart and deals with realistic emotions and problems, making it very relatable to the reader. If you love a powerful, emotional story, you need to read this immediately. You won't be disappointed. I look forward to her next story.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the advanced copy
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!!
December 2, 2025
While The Bookstore Diaries has an appealing premise and a cozy setting many readers may enjoy, it ultimately didn’t work for me. I found the storyline fairly predictable, and the narrative tended to repeat itself in ways that made it difficult to stay engaged. By the midpoint, I realized I could skim large portions without feeling that I had missed any meaningful developments.
What I struggled with most, however, was the underlying message. The book leans heavily into themes that suggest loneliness is inescapable and personal fulfillment hinges on finding romantic partnership. These ideas didn’t resonate with me and, at times, felt at odds with a more empowering or nuanced perspective.
That said, readers who appreciate light, Hallmark-style romances with familiar tropes may still find comfort and charm in this story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What I struggled with most, however, was the underlying message. The book leans heavily into themes that suggest loneliness is inescapable and personal fulfillment hinges on finding romantic partnership. These ideas didn’t resonate with me and, at times, felt at odds with a more empowering or nuanced perspective.
That said, readers who appreciate light, Hallmark-style romances with familiar tropes may still find comfort and charm in this story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 4, 2025
✨ARC Review ✨
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Susan Mallery for the arc. All thoughts are my own.
What to expect:
📚 Bookstore Setting
👭 Sister Dynamics
💌 Dual POV
😂 Standout Side Characters
❤️ Light Romance
I don’t know what it is about books set in bookstores this year, but it has become one of my favourite settings to read. This story gives us a dual POV between Jax and Ryleigh, two sisters who see love in completely different ways but are both trying to take control of their lives.
You get to see how one accidental mix up in the bookstore sets everything in motion for both of them. I do wish the diaries had played a bigger role, especially with it being the title, but it didn’t take away from the overall charm.
Ramon might actually be one of my new favourite characters. He is hilarious, unpredictable in the best way, and steals every scene he is in.
Overall, this is such a cozy, feel good read and I would absolutely recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Susan Mallery for the arc. All thoughts are my own.
What to expect:
📚 Bookstore Setting
👭 Sister Dynamics
💌 Dual POV
😂 Standout Side Characters
❤️ Light Romance
I don’t know what it is about books set in bookstores this year, but it has become one of my favourite settings to read. This story gives us a dual POV between Jax and Ryleigh, two sisters who see love in completely different ways but are both trying to take control of their lives.
You get to see how one accidental mix up in the bookstore sets everything in motion for both of them. I do wish the diaries had played a bigger role, especially with it being the title, but it didn’t take away from the overall charm.
Ramon might actually be one of my new favourite characters. He is hilarious, unpredictable in the best way, and steals every scene he is in.
Overall, this is such a cozy, feel good read and I would absolutely recommend it.
November 15, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Susan Mallory for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.
The Bookstore Diaries is most definitely a must read. Ms. Susan is back with another of her top tier storytellings. First of all, Ramon is my favorite character hands down, no question. This story is chopped full of everything...drama, chaos, friendship and romance. The second best part, after Ramon of course, is that the setting is a bookstore. The character development and world building is simply perfection. Ms. Susan has a way of reeling you in and you get lost in the pages, and you're begging for more by the end.
I wholeheartedly recommend that y'all get y'alls hands on this book.
The Bookstore Diaries is most definitely a must read. Ms. Susan is back with another of her top tier storytellings. First of all, Ramon is my favorite character hands down, no question. This story is chopped full of everything...drama, chaos, friendship and romance. The second best part, after Ramon of course, is that the setting is a bookstore. The character development and world building is simply perfection. Ms. Susan has a way of reeling you in and you get lost in the pages, and you're begging for more by the end.
I wholeheartedly recommend that y'all get y'alls hands on this book.
November 27, 2025
The Painted Lady Bookstore is everything you want in a small-town shop- its cozy, sophisticated and holds the keys to the town's most precious secrets. Sisters with woeful dating pasts share time and reasons why love is gone past them both. Add in a HILARIOUS, verbose bird named Ramon, a couple of lookers and a renovation and Susan Mallery has you eating out of her hands. A bit spicier than normal and most definitely well-received, The Bookstore Diaries will be one of the ones she's best remembered for. You are not only hooked, you're lined and sinkered as well.
I can't thank Mira enough for giving me the chance to read this ARC on NetGalley and provide an honest review.
#TheBookstoreDiaries #NetGalley#goodreads #libraryninja📚
I can't thank Mira enough for giving me the chance to read this ARC on NetGalley and provide an honest review.
#TheBookstoreDiaries #NetGalley#goodreads #libraryninja📚
November 28, 2025
This story feels like stepping into a tidy little bookstore where life is a bit chaotic, a bit sweet, and full of people trying hard to hold things together. I liked the cozy setup and the sister dynamic, and the gentle romance adds a soft warmth to the story. The family drama stays light, and the small town secrets offer just enough tension without pulling you into anything heavy. I did wish the diary concept had been explored more, since the premise is so strong. Still, the whole book carries an easy charm. It is the kind of read you reach for when you want comfort more than surprise, and it leaves you with the pleasant feeling of closing a familiar shop door behind you.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!
December 9, 2025
Susan Mallery fans are 'in store' for a festive holiday read. Jax's family and friends have made the bookstore an epicenter of the community. While Jax rebuilds her life after the divorce, the walls she carefully constructed after being hurt threaten to topple by a contractor that has Jax scaling new heights professionally and personally. Will she trust her heart to a man who was a present distraction or a gift for all seasons?
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of 'The Bookstore Diaries in exchange for an honest review. Booklovers will find themselves eagerly paging through the novel while laughing at Ramon's antics and cheering for the protagonists to ring in the new year with love.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of 'The Bookstore Diaries in exchange for an honest review. Booklovers will find themselves eagerly paging through the novel while laughing at Ramon's antics and cheering for the protagonists to ring in the new year with love.
October 11, 2025
This book was so fun, heartfelt, and full of the small town drama Susan Mallery does best! I loved the whole setup of the Painted Lady Bookstore, with its lockboxes of secret diaries just waiting to stir up trouble. When Jax accidentally opens that Pandora’s box, the story takes off! Between juggling her sister’s love life, her own feelings for the charming contractor, and the chaos unleashed by everyone’s secrets coming to light, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The humor and romance made this one of those feel good reads that leaves you smiling. Perfect for book lovers and anyone who’s ever dreamed of running their own cozy little bookstore!
November 16, 2025
If Susan Mallery writes it, I will read it. Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy of The Bookstore Diaries. This stand-alone novel is about a sweet book store in California owned by Jax and her bird Ramon. People come to the bookstore and write diary entries and store them in a wall in the bookstore for safe keeping. When handsome Marcus comes in and helps with a remodel at the bookstore, sparks fly. Jax's sister Ryleigh is also looking for love and it may be closer than she thinks, IF she decides not to move to San Diego for a fresh start. This book has a lot of heart, a lot of humor, and a lot of Ramon the talking bird.
December 9, 2025
While The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallory does have the bookstore diaries debacle as part of the plot, to me it wasn't the main plot. The relationship between the wonderful female main character Jax and her contractor Marcus seemed to be the main focus. There are also several other subplots with great characters. However, Ramon stole the story line. Absolutely loved him. (Have to read the book to know about Ramon!) At particular points in the book, I could not put it down until I knew how that particular event resolved. A definite page-turner.
Releases Mar. 3rd. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Releases Mar. 3rd. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 20, 2025
Susan mallery is one of my go to authors I don’t s en read what the book is about before picking it up. I loved this book. Two sisters both with relationship issues. Jax is divorced and Ryleigh is in a relationship wanting a proposal. The book follows Jax, her ex husband and Ryleigh. Her ex is leading a woman on and is just an ass. Jax meets a contractor when he’s doing work on her bookshop. Ryleigh is still mourning her best friend’s death and spends a lot of time with her husband and child. She just wants to get married and have a family.
Thank you netgalley for the arc of this book.
Thank you netgalley for the arc of this book.
December 1, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book.
This story begins in the Painted Lady Bookstore where Jax is invested in her work, moving on from her divorce and juggling two kids, her husband's new girlfriend, and a sister on a hunt for a new job and a husband. Add a talkative parrot into the mix, and there is always entertainment. The bookstore is undergoing a construction project and boxes that contain community diaries are involved - despite this being the title of the book, this storyline felt pretty underdeveloped to me, but an interesting concept. Overall, this is a happy read!
This story begins in the Painted Lady Bookstore where Jax is invested in her work, moving on from her divorce and juggling two kids, her husband's new girlfriend, and a sister on a hunt for a new job and a husband. Add a talkative parrot into the mix, and there is always entertainment. The bookstore is undergoing a construction project and boxes that contain community diaries are involved - despite this being the title of the book, this storyline felt pretty underdeveloped to me, but an interesting concept. Overall, this is a happy read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to NetGalley & the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
Unfortunately, I just didn't love this book. The "diaries" are in the name and the blurb, yet they really hardly play a role in the story, and even then, not until about the 75% mark. This was really confusing, and quite honestly, a missed opportunity for the promised "scandal". Because of this, the story lacks focus. It's also quite repetitive as the same issues seemed to be rehashed over and over again. With the exception of Ramon, the majority of the characters were not likable. I did, however, love the description of the bookstore think it would be awesome in real life.
2.5 stars
Unfortunately, I just didn't love this book. The "diaries" are in the name and the blurb, yet they really hardly play a role in the story, and even then, not until about the 75% mark. This was really confusing, and quite honestly, a missed opportunity for the promised "scandal". Because of this, the story lacks focus. It's also quite repetitive as the same issues seemed to be rehashed over and over again. With the exception of Ramon, the majority of the characters were not likable. I did, however, love the description of the bookstore think it would be awesome in real life.
November 3, 2025
The Bookstore Diaries is a sweet, feel-good romance set in a charming small town on the California coast. I’m a sucker for any story that features a bookshop, and I absolutely wish I could visit this one! The writing is easy to read and engaging, I finished it in a single day. It’s the perfect pick when you’re in the mood for something cozy with a guaranteed happy ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA for this advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA for this advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 11, 2025
This was a fun book. There were a few different storylines that kept my attention.
I also enjoyed the Ramon character as my family has an African Gray as well, who has had many keepers throughout the years of her life.
I am also a sucker for a small coastal town, bookstores, or any small business owners. I think this will appeal to fans of Mary Kay Andrews, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Pamela Kelley.
I also enjoyed the Ramon character as my family has an African Gray as well, who has had many keepers throughout the years of her life.
I am also a sucker for a small coastal town, bookstores, or any small business owners. I think this will appeal to fans of Mary Kay Andrews, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Pamela Kelley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sisters Jax and Ryleigh each need help the relationship department, but can rely on each other for support. Their family bookstore has lots of quirks, but the star is an African parrot named Ramon who just may understand more about feelings than either sister.
As always Susan Mallery gives the story lots of emotional feelings and situations. Recipes and discussion questions are included.
Thanks to Harlequin Harper Collins for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
As always Susan Mallery gives the story lots of emotional feelings and situations. Recipes and discussion questions are included.
Thanks to Harlequin Harper Collins for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Susan Mallery has a hit with this book. I love the characters and storyline. Jax, Ryleigh, Marcus, Alex are such a pleasure to meet and grow with in this journey they take us on. Heartwarming and heartbreaking must read. I was given an advanced reader copy of this very well written book by NetGalley and I am freely sharing y review. #netgalley @netgalley #susanmallery @susanmallery #harpercollinspublishers @harpercollinspublishers #harlequintradepublishers @harlquintradepublishers
November 4, 2025
The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallory. Always enjoy her writing and depth she brings to her characters that immerse you into her stories. Small town contemporary second chance romance. Loved it, enjoy. Thank you to #NetGalley and#HarlequinTradePublishing for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases March 3 2026
November 27, 2025
Enjoyed this book. Much happening, but the characters were likable and loved Ramon. We did jump at the end forward a couple of yearss for the epilogue, but all is well. This is a definite addition to your TBR list.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The sweetest present the heart ever got. The Bookstore Diaries is delightfully ironic. Heartache has a sense of humor that pushes the boundaries of romance. Mallery delivers captivating emotion through irresistible characters and dares to be unforgettable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A strange family relationship. The story was engaging but the family dynamics were quite different. Susan Mallery always entertains. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
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