Can we talk about how much I adore Alice Hoffman? Seriously, everything she writes is pure magic, and The Bookstore Wedding is no exception! This cute short story is the second in the "Once Upon a Time Bookshop" series, and let me tell you, it completely swept me off my feet.

This story is about sisterhood and the beautiful mess that comes with family—something I think we can all relate to. The way Hoffman captures that bond is just heartwarming. Plus, the food descriptions? I was practically drooling! If you love bakeries and delicious treats, you’ll feel right at home.

Hoffman’s writing is so immersive; it honestly feels like she’s inviting you into this cozy world filled with love and peace. And those references to books and poems? Perfect for all the book lovers out there.

The characters feel like old friends by the time you finish the story, and the language? Impeccable, as always! I can’t recommend this enough if you're looking for a short read that warms your heart. Can’t wait for the third one to drop!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alice Hoffman for an ARC of this book. Unfortunately, it was a miss for me. I will mention that I did read this as a stand-alone book (3 separate books total) and maybe that is where I went wrong. Overall, not for me.

As the story opens, Isabel is planning her wedding yet again—over and over, fate and circumstance have conspired to keep her from marrying Johnny. The town has gotten used to it by now. Isabel wants to get married, she does...but other priorities come first.

This is the first of Alice Hoffman I've read, though of course I've seen her books around for years and years. It's the second in a short story series following Isabel and her family, and I'm curious about the origin of the story, so to speak—whether one of the stories was originally planned to be a novel. There's a bit more backstory in here than I would have expected in something so short, including some details that appear to be covered in the first story of the series.

All in all, it's a pretty quiet story, one for those who like their romance understated and drama viewed from a distance. I would have liked a deeper dive into the characterization and character development, especially since there is that distance with the events of the story (told in pretty broad strokes), but it's sweet.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

Another short and sweet story from Alice Hoffman. The two sisters, Isabel and Sophie, are running their family bookstore. After a few attempts to get married, Isabel & Johnny are still waiting for their wedding to happen. Some life setbacks are in store, but love always has a way to overcome them.

A delightfully romantic short story by Alice Hoffman, in which Isabel Gibson returns to her sister, Sophie, her niece, and the Once Upon a Time bookstore in Brinkley's Island, Maine, after 12 years in exile in New York where she got married and divorced. Her feelings and innate love for Johnny Lenox has never gone away but the universe seems to be conspiring against them as their wedding has had to be cancelled 3 times. There are challenging familial circumstances, as we wait to see if their preparations for their their next wedding with finally result in marriage, or will the fates intervene once again? Many thanks to Amazon Original Stories for an ARC.

The Bookstore Wedding was a quick read and showed the love between two sisters and their home. It shows that all you need is family.

Sisters Isabel & Sophie are from an island in Maine, and weather thick & thin in this book. Isabel has 5 weddings dates & Sophie battles cancer while they run the family bookstore.

A cute romantic short story. I liked the bond the sisters had. Lots of delicious baked goods play a role also.

Thank you to Amazon First reads & NetGalley for this free advance copy.

What an emotional, lovely little thing this book was!

It's actually my first time reading Alice Hoffman's work and this has been a great, small introduction to her writing.

It's a short story, with a large time span condensed into little pages, all full of emotion and humanity. A quiet, nature filled celebration of what it means to be human, to love, loss, grief, and beautiful surprises made of love.

Grateful to have received this in order to share my view on it.

The Bookstore Wedding is the perfect story to celebrate family and love. I appreciated reading this Alice Hoffman story about hope and happiness.

A quick beautiful thought-provoking soulful story… it gave all the feels… so beautifully written!

Thank-You Netgalley for the opportunity to read for an honest review.

"The Bookstore Wedding" is an adorable, heartwarming read that perfectly captures Isabella's personal journey.

When I finished reading The Bookstore Sisters, I wished it had been a full length story. I wanted more of the Gibson sisters and was so happy to get an opportunity to return to their world.

As expected, this story involves a wedding, or more like all the disasters that were keeping Isabel's wedding from happening. The worst of all befalls the family in the lead up to the latest wedding. Bringing back scary and painful memories from their past, this event served as a reminder to value today and prompted some to open their hearts.

It also showcased the wonderful people of Brinkley as they all rallied to support the Gibson sisters. I especially loved the way everyone picked out books to provide comfort to Isabel and Sophie on this journey. Lovely choices and explanations of how they could ease some pain.

Hoffman showed the beauty in the pain and highlighted the power of love. This touching tale warmed my heart, and I really hope we get to revisit the Gibson sisters again.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After their mother's death, Isabel no longer wants to love, because love leads to loss and heartbreak. She leaves her small town (and sister and family bookshop) behind for New York. She also leaves her best friend Johnny, who she knows she will fall in love with if she stays.

Eventually the estranged sister returns home to help in her Sister and neice's time of need, and she's reconnected to Johnny, who has never stopped loving her. But things hust can't seem to fall into place.

The story is about love, loss, and timing.

This is my first time reading any of this author's work. The story is written in 3rd person. It's written in the tone of a fairytale story. The writing is sort of clipped, which was an artistic choice that I didn't love.

I liked Johnny's unwavering love and patience, and the relationship mending between the sisters.

I give this 3.5 stars

#NetGalley #TheBookstoreWedding #ARCReview #jaimison1221_reads

Alice Hoffman has once again charmed me with The Bookstore Wedding, the second installment in the "Once Upon a Time Bookstore Stories" series. Having read The Bookstore Sisters last year, I felt compelled to continue with the series, and I'm glad I did. This short read earns a solid 4 stars from me.

Hoffman's writing style is both enchanting and evocative, weaving together themes of love, family, and the magic of bookstores. The narrative, though brief, is richly detailed and emotionally resonant, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and the special moments they share.

The Bookstore Wedding beautifully captures the essence of its setting, making the bookstore feel like a character in its own right. Hoffman's talent for creating vivid, atmospheric scenes shines through, adding depth and warmth to the story.

I'm eager to explore more of her books. Her ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary creates a unique reading experience that stays with you long after the last page.

Overall, The Bookstore Wedding is a delightful, heartfelt addition to the series and a must-read for anyone who loves stories about love, family, and, of course, bookstores.

I am a fan of Alice Hoffman. Practical Magic was one of her favorites for me. The Bookstore Wedding is her next work of art. I loved it.

Not usually a fan of romance or short stories but who can resist a charming tale by Alice Hoffman …
And just luved all the magically named treats from the sisters' bakery!
Already looking forward to the next installment.

With thanks to NetGalley for this e-ARC!

I feel that Alice Hoffman is the queen of magical realism. In this adorable novella magic is in the air along with all those enchanting moments that make it up….love, family, community and just plain life and all it entails. A short, bewitching read.

Enjoy!

The Bookstore Wedding centers around the Gibson sisters, Isabel and Sophie, on Brinkley Island, Maine where they run the family bookstore. The story stresses the importance of love, connection and faith in the future. Life is short and can be fragile, but that shouldn't stop people from following their hearts and dreams. I enjoyed the scenery and the baked goods the sisters made, but I was sometimes frustrated with the sisters' reluctance to make certain relationships a priority. The Bookstore Wedding is #2 in the series, after The Bookstore Sisters. I did not read the first book, so that may have affected my understanding of all the sisters had gone through up until this time. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the digital ARC.

This novella was the perfect length, full of heart while keeping the story short and sweet. We start with Isabel and Johnny as each attempt to plan their wedding is stalled, seemingly by fate. But neither wants to give up since their families and fellow townspeople are also rooting for their wedding.

I enjoyed the relationship between Isabel's family members, especially with her sister, Sophie, as they all supported each other throughout the story. And, of course, this story has a sweet romance in store for each sister, ending with the perfect wedding! Alice's writing style is lyrical and descriptive, encapsulating the charming Brinkley’s island (with plenty of delicious baked goods throughout the book!)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Short story by one of my favorite authors. A planned wedding delayed numerous times due to unseen circumstances. What family means in this beautifully told story. Just what I needed to read to escape a hot summer day.