The Bookshop by the Bay is the story of two women who have been friends since childhood. Jess is a high profile lawyer in Charleston working with her husband. When he has an affair and their marriage breaks up, she heads to her childhood home on Cape Cod with her thirty-year-old daughter, Caitlin to regroup and figure out what she wants to do next. Her BFF, Alison works for the local newspaper, but with so many things going digital, her job is being cut back further and further. She knows that it will eventually disappear, so she needs to figure out what she will do. Both of these women have some tough decisions to make, but with each other's support, as well as family and friends things begin to work out. When the local bookstore is up for sale, they decide to purchase it and become partners. Caitlin also helps out, as she is also at loose ends and needs to decide her next steps as well. With the lovely setting, and great characters, this story of friendship and new beginnings is a winner.

I love stories where female friendships are showcased and they support and help one another. Throw in a family angle, and I am in. Pamela Kelley does a great job creating realistic and relatable characters and situations. I wanted to pop into this story and get to know these three women. The Bookshop is a great place to find peace as well as grow and make decisions for the next chapter in their lives. There is romance in the story, but that is not the main plot. All three women find someone to care about, but the theme of friendship, support, new beginnings and standing on your own two feet supersedes the love stories. This is a great summer read or listen that I highly recommend.

I received this book from NetGalley.

Jess is a high-profile attorney in Charleston, SC who has just figured out her husband has cheated on her and knocked up his secretary. Jess decides to heat to Chatham MA to her childhood home to regroup. Their thirty year-old daughter, Caitlin, is struggling to figure out what she wants to do with her life. Her boyfriend dumps her on their one-year anniversary and she lost her job the same day. Caitlin decides she needs a break also, and goes to visit grandmom also with Jess so that she could regroup also. They both decide that they will stay for the summer.

Allison is Jess' best friend - she still lives in Chatham and is excited for Jess' visit. Allison's career at a local magazine is winding down due to a continuing shift from print to online consumption. Not sure what she is going to do next, Allison is trying to find her way. Divorced from Chris, they have been able to remain on friendly terms and he helps her brainstorm her next chapter. Their thirty year-old daughter, Julia, has opened a jewelry store in town as owner and creator and is enjoying her time even though money is quite tight.

Allison goes into the local bookshop on a regular basis. When the owner confides in her that she wants to sell the business and retire, Allison thinks this could be her next step. She would not be able to afford it though and makes a passing comment at dinner with Jess. After discussion with the accountant, Jess decides she is in a position to purchase and go into business with her BFF.

As the summer winds down, Jess and Caitlin realize that maybe they do not want to go back to Charleston, their priorities have changed. Maybe they are on the path to a second chance at life.

Absolutely darling book! I read this one sitting. I enjoyed each and every character and the small town setting. Fun summer read for sure! Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy.

Jess and Alison have been best friends since they met in Chatham on Cape Cod. As adults, they have gone their separate ways with Jess living in Charleston, SC and Alison staying in Chatham. When Jess discovers her husband’s infidelity, she returns to Chatham for a visit with her mom. Jess brings along her daughter, Caitlin, hoping that she and Alison’s daughter, Julia, could finally become friends like their Jess and Alison.

Jess is a lawyer and Alison works as an editor for a magazine and is best friends with her ex-husband. When Alison is told that she needs to reduce her hours to part-time, she isn’t sure what she is going to do….until she stops in at the bookstore and finds out that the owner wants to sell.
The two friends enter into a business venture for the summer until Jess and Caitlin are to return to Charleston. But, after spending the summer in Chatham, they aren’t sure if they want to go back to their old lives or stay.

This book is about family, friendship, relationships and being set in the seaside town of Chatham, it has all the feel of a small town.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book published on June 6, 2023.

The Bookshop by the Bay is the ultimate summer beach read. The story follows the characters of Julia, Jes, Alison, and Caitlin. Jes and her daughter Caitlin head back to Jes' hometown of Chatham, MA for the summer when her marriage implodes. From there, Jes and Alison decide to buy the local bookstore when the owner decides to retire.

The story is fun, light-hearted, romantic, and uplifting. I really loved how Caitlin and Jes really discovered what they wanted from life after spending time in Chatham. I felt like I was transported to the Main Street of Chatham, and was shopping in the bookstore and enjoying a fresh bagel and coffee at the coffee shop next door.

Grab yourself a copy and stick it in your beach bag.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC!

The Bookshop by the Bay by Pamela M. Kelley. Pub Date: June 6, 2023. Rating: 3 stars. This women's fiction novel tells the story of childhood friends who meet back up in their hometown following the separation of a marriage for one of them. Finding out her husband cheated on her and is now expecting a baby with the mistress, she flees back home to the bay and finds solace in old friendships and family. There, she invests in a bookshop/coffeeshop that is for sale and starts a new journey of self discovery and figuring out what she really wants in this next stage of life. This book did a lot of telling and minimal showing. I just couldn't connect with the characters like I wanted to, but nonetheless loved the setting for the book. I think everyone who loves to read dreams of opening their own bookstore and to see a storyline that fulfills this dream was charming. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. #netgalley

This book is about two lifelong friends, both at low points in their lives, going in together to own and run a bookshop, a place of comfort and good memories. In pulling together they build a stronger friendship, strong relationships with their daughters, and even open their hearts back up to romance and second chances. This was a cheerful summer read, perfect for the beach, full of hope and romance. I love books about bookshops and this fun summery cover pulled me in.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A perfect summer read. Bookshop by the Bay is about lifetime friendships, mother/daughter relationships, starting anew, second chances and taking a risk. Jess grew up in Chatham and moved to South Carolina when she got married, returning for her daughter for vacations. Alison is her best friend who stayed in Chatham. When her marriage is over Jess returns home for the summer to figure out what to do. Join Jess and Alison and their daughters as they discover that sometimes when you leave your comfort zone amazing things can happen.

This is a great work of women’s fiction that explores strong female characters, explores mother/daughter relationships, fresh starts, second chances, romance, friendships, taking chances, and family. I highly recommend this and hope that Pamela Kelley returns to Chatham with more stories.

Thank you NetGalley, Pamela M. Kelley and St. Martins Press for the ARC of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jess’ marriage is falling apart. Her best friend, Alison is also being downsized but in her job. Both need new beginnings, companionship, purpose and their hometown of Cape Code provides the perfect setting for their reawakening. As the pieces start to fill in the puzzle I realized it is always good to have an uplifting book in my back pocket. Women coming together in support of one another is never trite nor trivial.

I found it all a bit simplistic and it took throwing my skepticism out the window to accept this could really be someone’s life and reality, but what the heck it was a pleasant few hours. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy.

The Bookshop by the Bay is an inspirational novel. The message found within this entertaining story is embrace change because things often have a way of working out for the best. Jessica is a lawyer in her mid 50's when she decides to temporarily leave Charleston and her cheating husband behind. Jessica returns to her mother in Cape Cod and brings her adult daughter along. Jessica reunites with her best friend, Alison,who has never left Cape Cod. When Alison's hours at work are trimmed, she confides to Jessica that she would love to own the local bookstore that is for sale. Alison makes that a reality and the women become partners. Life outside of the bookshop is full of intrigue and romance. This is a feel good story with depth and fascinating characters. The Bookshop by the Bay should definitely be a stop for all book lovers.

I truly enjoyed this story of starting over in life + careers, life after divorce, the mother/daughter relationship for three generations, and friendships that have spanned decades. It's the perfect beach read for this summer! It's a fun quick read that will leave you rooting for both Jess and Caitlin, but also for Allison and Julia.

Happy Pub Month to Pamela M. Kelley and The Bookshop by the Bay! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Pamela Kelley for allowing me to read an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) for an honest review! This book was published on June 6, 2023.

I’ve read other Pamela M. Kelley books that I’ve absolutely loved but The Bookshop by the Bay was just okay for me. It was enjoyable for a summer read but was the magic, charm, and connection that I usually experience wasn’t quite as strong this time.

Jess, a high power lawyer, loves her job. She feels on top of the world in her profession. However, her personal life has been rather lack luster. When it comes to romance, there hasn’t been a spark or a fuse in a long time. She can’t help but wonder if she’s fallen out of love with her husband. There is a niggling feeling that he may have been unfaithful to her but has no substantial evidence until she surprises him at work one day and learns that he’s been sleeping with his assistant. Jess needs a break and a space to clear her head. She and her daughter, Caitlin, head back to Jess’ childhood home of Cape Cod to spend much needed time with her best friend Allison.

Allison feels like her professional life is crumbling. The magazine that she works for is making major decisions about downsizing and she will need to explore additional income options. Her personal life is great. She is divorced from her husband and they are much better together as friends than they ever were as a married couple.

Caitlin comes to find she is in need of some soul searching to find her passion and place in life.

The three women set out on the adventure of fulfilling Allison’s dream of owning a bookshop. In the meantime, both Jess and Caitlin find exactly what they need to be happy.

What I liked:
📕The mother daughter bond between Jess and Caitlin. Caitlin’s ability to drop everything to support her mother in a time of need.
📗The depth of Jess and Allison’s lifelong friendship.
📘The women expand their social network with a local shop owner/jewelry maker named Julia.
📙That Allison and her ex-husband Chris are able to have a genuine friendship after their divorce.
📖That each woman is able to expand their minds and open their hearts to new possibilities!

You should consider picking this book up if you are in search of a good summer read!

I couldn’t resist the idea of The Bookshop by the Bay by Pamela Kelley. A book about a bookshop and a beach town is very appealing. Ms. Kelley’s book is about the survival of small towns, the survival of female friendships, and the strength of family.

I enjoyed the characters and the well plotted story line. Ms. Kelley’s writing style provides lush details that many readers will relish and some will find a little too much. I’m the type of reader who will skim over the overly descriptive paragraph if I’m finding it does not add to the story. Overly descriptive reads make me wonder if the author is hoping for their book to be turned into a movie.

The Bookshop by the Bay is an excellent choice for a beach read. It is interesting and has only moderate conflict. The story is character driven with much of the focus on mother/daughter relationships, fresh starts, second chances, and opportunities. Filled with strong female characters, it is an appealing women’s fiction read.

The Bookshop by the Bay follows four women, Jess and her best friend Alison, and their daughters. Jess is trying to decide what to do with her life now that her marriage is over. Alison's place of employment is downsizing and she knows her time will come. And it just so happens the local bookshop owner is ready to retire...

I just love all of Pamela's novels and this one is no different. She always has such strong characters that might have lost themselves but become strong by the end of the novel. I love the friendships and the real issues she touches on.

This is the perfect summer read about friendships and family.

I don't know why I waited so long to read this one, it was a joy to read! Reminiscent of Nancy Thayer and Dorthea Benton Frank, Pamela M. Kelley should be right up there with the queens of summer books!

The book centers around the lives of two mother-daughter duos. Caitlin and her mother Jess are from Charleston. They live the perfect South Carolina life. A handsome husband, tickets to the hottest parties of the season- when Jess's marriage crumbles, the two retreat to her childhood home on Cape Cod.

Once there we meet up with Allison and her daughter Jess. A long-time divorcee, Allison's career is taking a nosedive. Jess, on the other hand, is starting her own jewelry business and is betting it all with a contest sponsored by an internet celebrity.

One for-sale bookshop changes everything for the foursome, as everyone looks for their new normal.

A super cute, mother/daughter bonding read, I can't wait to share this one with my own mom! Happy Summer reading, friends!

The Bookshop by the Bay is a beachy, feel-good summer read and one you won’t want to miss. It’s the story of friendship, second chances, and finding your own place in life surrounded by people who will support you.

Jess is a successful attorney who discovers that her husband, who works at the same law firm, has been having an affair with his secretary. When other events makes it clear that things cannot continue, she takes a leave of absence, and heads to her hometown of Chatham, Massachusetts, just outside of Cape Cod. Her life-long friend, Allison, works in Chatham for a magazine that is slowly going out of business. Her dream job is to own her own book shop, but that is not financially feasible. The two women also have grown daughters who have grown up together, but have never been friends. Jess’s daughter, Caitlin has been fired from yet another temp job and cannot seem to figure out what she’s meant to do with her life. Allison’s daughter, Julia, owns her own jewelry store and creates her own pieces, but is still trying to make it a success.

When the opportunity arises for Jess and Allison to join forces as co-owners of the local, beloved bookshop, with it’s attached coffee shop, it seems everyone finds their dreams coming true. The daughters, Caitlin and Julia also find an invaluable friendship of their own.

This story had a bit of a slow start for me because it was difficult to keep track of all the various characters. But as the story progressed, I was able to keep track of everyone, and ended up really loving each of the characters, their story arcs, their friendships and relationships with one another.

There are beautiful examples of strong bonds between mothers and daughters, female friendships, and the idea that wealth and status should not define us. It exemplifies that being comfortable in your own skin, enjoying a slower life, and finding your own path in life, has infinite value. The Bookshop By the Bay is an inspiring story, about starting over, finding your own dream and surrounding yourself with people who matter. The story is scenic, seasonal and wholly satisfying.

Two lifelong friends, Jess and Allison, are at different points of their lives and ready for change. They turn to each other, and their daughters, for a fresh start and new beginnings.

📚 What worked:
• Small town story line
• Friendships
• second chances
• book about books
• audiobook

What didn’t work - This was a really slow paced book with multiple POV’s, that were a bit confusing, and an ending that was too predictable for my liking.

Although this one wasn’t for me, it does make for a light beach read with feel good vibes and the audiobook was great! I really did enjoy the narrator and she did a great job narrating multiple characters.

Thank you to @netgalley, @stmartinspress & @macmillan.audio for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A light hearted, easy beach read. Perfect for the summer months! Thank you to net galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

There are just sometimes when you need to retreat to the place you felt safe, warm and happy. Jess finding out that her husband has been having an affair is just that time. She and her adult daughter, who is dealing with some issues herself, both pack up and do just that. Cape Cod here they come for some time to reflect, breathe in the healing salt air and for Jess, to reconnect with her long time best friend Alison. Unsurprisingly Alison is at a crossroads of a sort as well. Together these women and others laugh, cry, support and help each other heal and move forward. I adored this book immensely. Beautifully written and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

This type of review is hard for me because this book has all of the ingredients for a great read, but when put all together, it just didn't work for me.

For starters, there were just too many storylines and characters: 4 main and 5 secondary. To add to the confusion, 4 of the 9 had names starting with the letter J. I felt like each time the POV changed, (sometimes within a chapter) I had to stop and think, "wait, who is this person and how do they fit into the story?". The hardest part, however, is that the writing was very dry. It read more like a journalistic/documentary retelling of events, rather than an engaging story that draws you in and just flows. For example, 3 of the characters went out to dinner and we were given a detail accounting of the roughly 8 dishes ordered. It was choppy and obscure details were given page time instead of actual substance or character building dialogue.

There were also some predictability and believability issues. Who buys a bookstore and an out of business coffee shop and gets both up and running all in a matter of 2-3 weeks? Mind you, this was all done by people with no prior experience.

So the deal is that the premise is cute. I especially loved the idea of the mother-daughter relationships and all of the "it's never too late to start over and create your best life" vibes. However, this really felt more like a first draft to me and could really use some significant editing.