I finally found a Alice Hoffman book that I not only like but ended up loving. I loved the relationship between the sisters. It didn't have the writing style that made me dislike previous books. Nor was it the case of Practical Magic where I saw the movie before.

I picked this book not because I have the same birthday as the author (lol - although that’s how I first came across her, during a birthday month Bookstagram challenge). Anyway, this was a cute little read!

This was the sweetest novella. Alice Hoffman is such a gifted writer, whether she's weaving a story to fill 400 pages or 50 pages. This is a little joy of a book.

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book. This was not my cup of tea. It has really great writing. But I just couldn’t get into it. I apologize. I had to DNF! Maybe in the future I can try again and read it. But at the time I don’t think it’s my kind of thing.

I was thrilled to read The Bookstore Wedding after previously reading The Bookstore Sisters (I recommend reading them in order). These short novellas are so fabulous, cozy, sad, and bittersweet, and Alice Hoffman has a way of writing that pulls the reader into the story. It's like magic.

This was absolutely amazing! I was totally enthralled with this story from beginning to end, I could barely put it down, and when I finally read the last page, the house was dark, I was hungry, thirsty, needed to pee and my neck was stiff. But damn, it was worth it!

I'm not sure what I was expecting with this short story, but it really isn't what I got. I felt as though this was good for a short story but I just truly felt no connection to the characters. I've never read the first in this series and can't help but wonder if that is why? I enjoyed the magical realism, and I always love Alice Hoffman's writing, but I was just left wanting more.

Lovely book cover. Fast paced and engaging book.
I was in the mood for a quick romance read and this satisfied it.
My rating: 4.25/5

"The Bookstore Wedding" by Alice Hoffman was a lovely short story. Full of love, strength, sacrifices, and connections. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

This novella is about the Bookstore Sisters, Sophie and soon to be married Isabel.

It’s a really lovely, emotional story with a few smiles and of course, plenty of cake. I love the relationship between the sisters.

My favorite part was the dog signing the marriage certificate with his paw.

I thought this was a lovely novella. I wish it had been longer but it was perfect to get me out of my slump. Such a moving story in so few pages!

Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Alice Hoffman does it yet again!!! Another masterpiece!!! beautifully written and execution was on point. 5/5 stars

The Bookstore Wedding is a heartwarming and charming tale that beautifully captures the magic of love, books, and unexpected connections. Set against the cozy backdrop of a quaint bookstore, the story follows two unlikely souls brought together by fate and their shared passion for literature. The author creates a delightful blend of romance and nostalgia, weaving in rich details about the bookstore's history and the characters' personal journeys. With its tender moments and engaging plot, this novel is perfect for book lovers who enjoy stories about love blossoming in the most unexpected places. A true literary escape!

I am sure many readers will disagree with me, but this novella was so-so. The author is very good at writing books, fleshing out the characters, magical scenes and drawing in readers with descriptions. Perhaps because this was so short, she just didn't have time to do that. It fell flat for me, as did the first in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary arc. This is my own opinion.

Thank you Amazon Original Stories, Alice Hoffman and Netgalley for the eArc of The Bookstore Wedding.


This is the first book Ive read of Alice Hoffman and it's the second in The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories. Even though this is a short novella, it has a little bit of everything and is written beautifully. The story telling of Isobel and Johnny who plan to get married come across barriers in doing so. Life often throws things at you and this little gem portrays this very well. I loved the MC's including Isobel's sister Sophie. For such a short novella, it's very emotive and has me tear up, especially at the end. A truly lovely book and would love to read more of these in the future.

4 stars

This is a sweet short story in the romance genre but not sappy. It's believable and you want the characters to have a happy ending. Hoffman does a great job of pulling together the whole story in such a short piece. I didn't realize that this is actually the second story in a series (and yes, of course I'll go back and read the first one - and wait for the third)

This is a nice, enjoyable, and refreshing little read.

The Bookstore Wedding is the 2nd installment in what has now become the Once Upon A Time Bookshop Stories. This a beautiful short story filled with hope and love. It’s about 2 sisters, Isabel and Sophie, who come back together after Isabel has moved away to be there for each other during a trying time. It goes on to tell how Isabel surprises Sophie by giving up her very special day to make Sophie’s life complete only to be surprised herself when the love of her life, Johnny Knox, arranges an unexpected union at the couples favorite spot. This is a fun and heartwarming read quick afternoon on the beach read. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity.

I haven't read the first offering in the Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories series (I found out about its existence after I'd read this). I'm sure that readers of the first story would have enjoyed this even more, but I didn't feel like that impeded my enjoyment of this charming story in whimsical Alice Hoffman fashion. I will now go back and read The Bookshop Sisters while we wait for #3 in the series!

This short story had heart, but not in the overly romantic, semi-believable way that most romance novels have. This love was the type that hangs on through the messy heartbreak that comes from living life along with its trials but still remains steadfast and beautiful and special in it’s own unique way. With the loss they experienced as young girls, Isabel vows to not attach herself and fall in love, even though she’s always been in love. You get to follow the two sisters move away, become a mother, work through health issues and fall in live while they navigate life running their fathers bookstore and selling their mothers baked goods. This book is not a grand love affair in the showy, loud way stories are made to be, but it is a love story found nestled in the marshes of a small town.