Das Buch erzählt die Geschichte von Joy, deren Leben nach dem plötzlichen Tod ihres Ehemanns Yves eine unerwartete Wendung nimmt. Yves, ein renommierter französischer Kunsthändler, hinterlässt ein wertvolles Gemälde an eine unbekannte Frau namens Robyn im irischen Küstenstädtchen Ballycove. Entschlossen, das Geheimnis hinter dieser Erbschaft zu lüften, reist Joy nach Ballycove und trifft dort auf Robyn, die eine charmante, aber finanziell angeschlagene Buchhandlung betreibt. ​
Während Joy sich in das Leben der Kleinstadt einfügt, entwickelt sie eine enge Freundschaft mit Robyn und der Schriftstellerin Fern. Gemeinsam setzen sie sich zum Ziel, die Buchhandlung zu revitalisieren und stossen dabei auf verborgene Geheimnisse, die ihre Beziehungen und Selbstwahrnehmungen auf die Probe stellen. ​

Faith Hogan gelingt es sehr schön, die Atmosphäre des malerischen Ballycove einzufangen und die Dynamik zwischen den drei Frauen authentisch darzustellen. Die Charaktere sind vielschichtig und ihre individuellen Entwicklungen fügen der Geschichte Tiefe hinzu. Besonders die Themen Freundschaft, Vergebung und Neuanfang werden sensibel und einfühlsam behandelt.

The Bookshop Ladies is a cosy, feel good novel about finding friendships in the most unlikely of situations. Joy arrives in Ballycove from Paris with the intention of handing over a painting bequeathed by her husband following his tragic death. The story takes us on a journey to discover the reason for this and the relationships that link the characters. A great read to escape from everyday life.

Joy and her recently retired husband are excited to embark on the next phase of their lives when a tragic accident shatters the couple’s dreams. Joy learns that her husband has a daughter that he kept secret from her. Reeling in shock, Joy is tasked with a trip to Ballycove, Ireland, to deliver a painting her husband cherished but one she never liked to a stranger whose existence has crushed her reality.

Fern was thrilled to find overnight success as an artist, but life had other plans for her. One fateful night triggered her to escape from the limelight and into the arms of the man she was meant to marry. A lifespan later, she retreats to the tranquility and charm of Ballycove to heal both new and old hurts.

Robyn was content to lose herself in books and let the world carry on without her—but that didn’t pay the bills. Living out her lifelong dream of owning her own bookshop in her beloved Ballycove but facing an uncertain future, she discovers support and inspiration from the most surprising connections.

Once again, Faith Hogan introduces fetching characters with real-life flaws and relatable life troubles and transports readers to the idyllic seaside town of Ballycove, Ireland, to experience genuine friendships and explore relationships.

The Bookshop Ladies delivers good feels straight to the heart. A delightful read.

Opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Aria for the read of Faith Hogan’s The Bookshop Ladies.

The Bookshop Ladies is the tenth novel by best-selling Irish author, Faith Hogan. Just as Joy Blackwood and her husband, renowned Paris gallerist Yves Bachand are about to enjoy their retirement, he is killed in a car accident. His dying words “I have a daughter” haunt her. They never managed to have any children who survived. His will, though spells out who and where she is, and Joy decides to take the painting he bequeathed to Robyn Tessier and deliver it personally to Ballycove: she needs to know the details.

Robyn Tessier has gone into serious debt for her dream of owning a bookshop in Ballycove and, while her reticent ways may not hinder her online sales, breaking even when she’s so shy with in store customers isn’t helping. Her great-uncle Albie Keeling suggests an ad in the window welcoming volunteers so that she can take a break to strategise. The support and comfort she receives from Kian Lawson is that of a friend or older brother. Having fallen hard for him at fourteen, she wishes it were more, but doesn’t want to ruin the friendship they have.

Albie Keeling’s welcome into his spare room above the bakery is genuine, but Joy is still overcome by nerves when she visits the bookstore. Too overcome, in fact, when she sees the young woman who could only be Yves’s daughter, to state her purpose. Somehow, she ends up agreeing to volunteer a few hours a week. Her marketing and publicity background has her making suggestions to improve the business, but the longer she delays telling the truth, the harder she knows it will hit those she is coming to care about.

Of course, hers isn’t the only dishonesty about the situation, and when marriage discord brings Robyn’s mother, successful artist Fern Turner home to Ballycove for some family comfort, secrets will be exposed, and things come to a head. Can past mistakes be forgiven?

Once again, Hogan gives the reader women facing challenges and finding ways to support each other. Readers of her earlier novels will be familiar with some of the Ballycove residents, and will enjoy returning to this lovely setting. Some aspects of the story may seem predictable, but the guaranteed feel-good of this uplifting tale is very welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Aria & Aries.

A sad and sweet story, a tad predictable but still an enjoyable read. I loved the fact that it was set in different countries and how the characters came together. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Wow. Love this book and will have no problem reading it again as it just reeled me in and kept me reading. It is captivating, a book about friendship, secrets and so much more. As I do love Ireland and Irish authors this book was right up my alley. I couldn't put it down.

Well written and what a storyteller is this author. She really brought the story and the characters to life. I enjoyed it, was entertained by it, got emotional and was happy. All of the things I want from a book all in the covers of this book. Loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for giving me the opportunity to read adn review this book.

I just adore this author’s books and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

The three main characters, Joy, Fern and Robyn, are all strong women and very relatable. They all lead very different lives but they are linked, although they don’t know how at the start. The situation is complex and there are many emotions stirred up for all three of them. They are very relatable and realistic characters, with their flaws and their fears.

The story is beautifully woven and very poignant, the characters have to go through so many emotions, and how the various relationships develop is a real joy to read.

There’s a lovely sense of community running through the novel too, and it really brings the whole story together.

Yet another captivating and gorgeous novel from a very accomplished and sensitive writer.

This was such a trit. It was sweet and cute read It hooked me from the page one. Loved the Scenery...
Just great book.

Another lovely story from Faith Hogan, I really became invested in all of the characters. A tale of friendship and secrets, with realistic characters. I really enjoyed it.

What a very enjoyable book this was to read. No complicated plot that had you confused and characters that you got from the off and could get into too. Nice to see some of the characters from previous books pop up as minor characters in this one. Definitely a book to recommend!

In The Bookshop Ladies, Joy Blackwood is determined to uncover why her late husband, a French art dealer, left a valuable painting to Robyn Tessier, a woman in the small Irish town of Ballycove. Upon arrival, Joy discovers that Robyn runs a struggling bookshop and is overwhelmed by unrequited feelings for the charming Kian. As Joy becomes immersed in the town's daily dramas, revealing her true intentions becomes increasingly challenging. When she finally confronts the truth about the painting, her revelation disrupts the close-knit community she has come to cherish.

This heartwarming tale beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. Joy's journey alongside Robyn highlights the power of community and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. The Bookshop Ladies is a gently compelling and emotionally satisfying read, leaving readers eager to return to Ballycove for future adventures.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

This is a gorgeous story and one that I could not put down.

From a very dramatic start in Paris, Joy finds herself on the way to Ballycove in Ireland. She is on a mission to deliver a valuable painting to a young woman and to discover who she is. The woman, Robyn, is starting her bookshop and does not know Joy. So when they meet, a misunderstanding means that Joy ends up working with Robyn and then begins the start of something very special.

Joy is originally an American she married a French art dealer and they lived a comfy life. It was such a surprise to discover that he had kept an important secret from her for many years. He had a daughter.

The two women are wonderful and the author has created a wonderful connection, it is only Joy who understand the relationship. As much as she wanted to hate Robyn, she could not help but find a lovely young woman who needed to find some confidence.

The story weaves around the shelves and boxes of the bookshop and the community. The village sounds fabulous, with a bakery, coffee shop and hotel all within walking distance, the sea close by and the people. There are some older residents and one in particular is Albie, he is just wonderful and is quick with advice.

The whole feel of the story is one of starting over but also of finding the confidence to accept things as they are. It is all well and good to think the worst or carry guilt but it will not help anyone. This is something several of the characters have to learn.

The story has such a wonderful pace and there are some wonderful heartwarming moments. There is also some tension, drama and a mystery that will leave some people shocked. I really enjoyed the relationships between characters gradually developed and the author has a real feel for the emotional side of things in her writing. Several moments as I read, especially towards the end, I had a lump in my throat.

If you are after a wonderful story of family, friendships and new adventures then this is one for you. There is a nice amount of romance, not huge amounts or all lovely-dovey either but enough to make the story connect in ways that work for the cast. I adored this book and would love to disappear into the bookshop with the Ladies in Ballycove. It is a book I would definitely recommend.

A really cosy read set in Ireland - I loved the descriptions of the location. Great characters and a story that kept me hooked. Recommended.

Joy and her husband have been in a traffic accident. On the way to hospital Joy’s husband confesses that he has a secret daughter.
Later Joy discovers that he has left a valuable painting in his will to his daughter and Joy travels to Ireland to deliver it in person to the girl.
A feel good story about, secrets, friendships and new beginnings.
A fantastic read that bought tears to my eyes.

4 Stars
One Liner: Sweet and cozy

One minute Joy Blackwood was excited about spending the rest of their retirement life with her husband Yves. The next instant, he suffered a heart attack and passed away. However, his dying confession about having a daughter breaks Joy’s heart. Not knowing what to do, Joy decides to take the painting Yves left for Robyn and hand it over personally to the girl in Ballycove (Ireland).
However, meeting Robyn brings out the protective instincts in Joy. The introverted girl is trying to keep her bookshop afloat and pining after a guy who sees her as a friend. As Joy becomes a part of Robyn’s circle, she wonders what the truth will do to them.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Joy, Robyn, and Fern.

My Thoughts:
The blurb and the cover make it clear that this is a heartwarming and uplifting story about women who bond with each other despite the conditions. The book delivers on what it promises.
The story begins with Yven’s retirement, the reveal, and his death. So, straight away, we get into the main plot. Similarly, we also get the other POVs to tell us about the present and a certain incident in the past that changed everything. I like this approach we can focus on what the characters do from here on.
Joy, Fern, and Robyn are the three main characters. Robyn is in her early twenties and easily the sweetest girl you’ll find. Her character growth is beautiful to read. From being an introvert in love with a childhood friend to becoming a confident bookseller and learning to set boundaries, I enjoyed reading her arc the most.
Joy is a kind person, way too kind most of the time because she has a good heart. One character says, ‘You are a class act, Joy’. That sums up her arc. I wouldn’t have minded if she had a bit of a mean streak but she doesn’t.
Fern feels more realistic in her reactions. She is flawed, which I liked, given how the other two are super sweet. She balances out the emotion well.
Albie is easily my favorite. He is such a wonderful side character who actually plays a vital role without seeming to. This ninety-year-old is full of life, charm, and wonderful nuggets of wisdom he shares with others. And, how can I not mention his old tortoise, Dolly Patron?
The setting is beautiful with its cloudy weather, spacious bookshop, beach, and cute streets. Typical small-town charm. (Here, I have to mention that I first thought the book was set in Australia based on the cover. For Irish settings, my mind needs looming dark clouds or a moody sky, lol).
I wish the ages of the characters weren’t so confusing to track. Robyn’s was easy to calculate but the other two were complicated. I’m still not sure if I got it right.
Though the book is just 304 pages, the pacing is on the slower side, especially in the first half. Once we settle into the plot, the narrative gets better but doesn’t pick up speed. However, this pace works for the plot, so can’t complain.
I was surprised when a new subplot was introduced so late in the book but must admit that it worked well. It was necessary not just for a certain shift but also to establish the contrast between the two characters.
The ending is obviously happy and hopeful. Though there is no real romance, there is a wee bit of it to make the ending sweeter. It could feel a bit too sweet for some.

To summarize, The Bookshop Ladies is a heartwarming story about finding family, forgiveness, moving on, self-worth, and second chances. It’ll make me a nice and cozy read on cold afternoons.
Thank you, NetGalley and Aria & Aries (Aria), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Another lovely book by this author. You are drawn in from the first pages with Joy facing the devastating unexpected loss of her husband and how she sets off to deliver a painting bequeathed to someone she doesn't know. Great story full of humour and emotion and very likeable characters. Full of warmth it is a book that you don't want to put down.

Thank you to Aria and Aries for my Copy of The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hogan
The opening of this book tugs at the heartstrings. Joy's world is shattered when she loses her beloved husband, Yves, and discovers his hidden secret about having a daughter. The thought of spending their retirement together is abruptly taken away when Yves tragically passes from a heart attack, leaving Joy utterly devastated.

In the midst of her grief, Joy summons the courage to personally deliver Yves' painting to his daughter, Robyn, in the quaint village of Ballycove, Ireland. The story unfolds in the captivating backdrop of the art world in Paris, where careers blossom, new life enters the world, and love takes shape. The narrative then transitions to the tranquil setting of an Irish village, where the intricacies of human relationships are explored during a summer of reflection.

The characters in this tale are deeply moving, each carrying their own burdens, fears, and vulnerabilities that enrich their interactions. The women in the story are portrayed as resilient and determined, pursuing the simple yet fulfilling joys of life - painting, managing a bookshop, and enjoying retirement above a bakery. This heartwarming narrative beautifully encapsulates the essence of friendship and love.

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A lovely book with believable characters. When Joy’s husband dies, he leaves a painting to someone called Robyn and Joy doesn’t know why. She heads to Ireland to track down this person. Robyn is trying to set up a bookshop over there and needs some help. She recruits Joy without realising who she is or the connection. An excellent tale of friendship, family, and secrets.

My first by this author and definitely won’t be the last!
Ironically the book starts with a man, Yves Bachard’s passing causes untold pain for wife Joy Blackwood, apart from shock and grief, it’s his dying words that cause Joy untold pain. In order to carry out Yves wishes Joy needs to visit Ballycove in Ireland, what kind of welcome will she receive?
The story is built on betrayal.

I loved that you could almost feel momentum building as the book progressed. My favourite character was Albie, he was so caring and spoke a lot of sense. Least favourite has to be Mr Lawson for his ego. Joy, an appropriate name for one who brought so much to others! The ladies book club name was funny, made me laugh out.

What a delightful story! Joy is happily married and living in Paris looking forward to more time with her successful husband who is about to retire. Her world is turned upside down after her husband dies leaving a valuable painting to a mysterious woman in a country town in Ireland. She decides to deliver the painting and find out her husband's secret. What she discovers is far beyond her expectations and changes her life and also the people she meets and becomes friends with in Ballycove. The bookshop is the centre of the story, the characters, including Dolly the turtle, are wonderful, and their journey together is just an enjoyable and very satisfying read. Sad to come to the end of it!