The name Alice Hoffman rang familiar, but I couldn’t come up with any title I’d read. Turns out, I actually read 2 books by her, The River King and A Probable Future, in 2008 and 2011, so it’s been a while! This novella is the proof that there’s some truth in the proverb “three time’s a charm”. While I had been moderately enthusiastic about the two novels, I enjoyed this one a lot more!

The story is set on a Maine island, with a bookshop managed by two sisters. One sister has a growing daughter, the other has a partner who recently lost his father. There’s love, family, grief… I cared about them all. There’s lots of emotions, but as it was just a short story, I found it was rather contained and not too overwhelming. I read that there are other stories with the same characters, and I would love to read some more about the bookstore keepers!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book for review consideration.

I thoroughly enjoyed all these short stories and really wish they'd been full length novels.
I am a huge fan of the author and her writing and can't wait to see what comes next.

Alice Hoffman books are always a good time. I do think this series needs to be read together and would be great as a weekend read to allow for the full depth of story and plot. I will never skip a read from this author.

I don’t know where I’ve been hiding, but I didn’t realize this was a short story (very short) to finish out a series. I really felt the lack of not having read the others. Even though I could follow along easy enough, I had this feeling that there was sub-plot or hidden connections that I was missing. Even with that feeling, I could appreciate the depth of the author’s writing.

A short story about Isabel and Johnny and their navigation through grief, family bonds and hope for the future. This was an enjoyable read although as the third in a series (I didn’t know this before reading), I would have liked to read the other two books first for some more of the backstory, Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Originals for this arc.

A sweet short story about grief and new life and how to love your family in the middle of it all. Best if you read the first two in the series because they definitely build on each other!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing company for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Bookstore Keepers by Alice Hoffman!

Well written and an easy read, I wish it was longer! I did not realize this was part of a series. It read well as a standalone.

Alice Hoffman once again showcases her mastery of magical realism in The Bookstore Keeper’s, the third short story in a series of three. Although I didn’t read the first two, I had no trouble understanding the essence of this beautifully woven tale.

At its heart, this is a story about sisterhood—the unbreakable bond, the love, the conflicts, and the deep-rooted connection that transcends time and even reality itself. Hoffman’s signature blend of magic and emotion is on full display, creating a world that feels both enchanting and deeply human.

The prose is lyrical, the atmosphere is immersive, and the themes of love, loss, and destiny are handled with the kind of delicate, bittersweet touch that makes her work so special. If you love magical realism and stories that explore the complexities of family, The Bookstore Keeper’s is a must-read.

I've read a few books from Hoffman in the past and I have always enjoyed them very much. This is not an exception. The plot is doing it's thing and making me question things, cry, laugh and not making me want to put it down. Hoffman is talented as few and her writing is on point!

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was excellent! Alice Hoffman does so well with her short stories- they pack a mighty punch despite being so short. I've loved each and every one of the short stories in this mini-series. The characters are complex and well written, the scenery is easily pictured based on the descriptions, etc.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC for an honest review.

This is a lovely addition to Alice Hoffman’s Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories! It’s just as lovely as the previous two. It’s full of happiness and sadness and such an immersive experience.

Three stories are beautifully connected with characters dealing about letting go, moving forward and the things that connects us. Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for sending me this ARC.

Another charming short book from Alice Hoffman in the Bookstore series. Lots of quotes to highlight about love.

This is the first thing I’ve ever read by Alice Hoffman, but I really enjoyed it. The island setting was so atmospheric and ethereal. I loved getting to know the family and their connections to the island/each other. I plan on reading the other books in this short story series, although I feel they could maybe just be put into one novel instead of being released as short stories?

I'm giving this 5 stars because it was beautiful but it appears to be related to other books I'd not read from this author, so I found myself missing some details.

Thank you net galley and Amazon. Sweet short story or family and love. Holding o.n And letting go. Starting over and living the life you choose.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this wonderful story. I reread #1 and 2 in preparation for this one. Wonderful story and characters and fingers crossed there will be more installments!

What a lovely novella this was, a great completion the the trilogy. Alice Hoffman always has a way of catching your attention and your heart with her stories. Loved this.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

There was really nothing special here. This was definitely something that did not really resonate with me as a past reader of this author. It is the little moments of magic that really set her apart and bring her stories to life after all. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.