This was the third Novella in the Bookstore Sisters series by Nora Robert’s. I would suggest reading these in order. The story continues with Isabel, Sophie, Violet, and Johnny. I really won’t talk to much about the story as to not spoil the first two novellas. It is a heartwarming story that takes place on an island off the coast of Maine. I really hope that Nora continues on with these stories of the sisters and their families.

TOO SHORT! I knew it was a short story but it ended too soon!!!!

The Bookstore Keepers was very emotional story of loss, love, hope and family. From the beginning, I found the characters relatable.

This is the third book in ’The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories’, and while it isn’t the first in the series, it is, more or less, a continuation of the lives of the characters in this series. A story of family, of love, life, hope, and finding a way to heal.

A relatively short story which is a very moving, believable story, of life, relationships, sorrow, and ultimately, hope.


Pub Date: 18 Feb 2025

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Amazon Original Stories

I immediately saw the name Alice Hoffman and knew I had to read this! I had no clue that this was part of a series of novellas titled The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories but since i didn’t read the other 2 I feel that this one is a stand alone read. Right from the start I was so engrossed with the story and could vividly imagine the scene playing out. So many emotional stories concerning grief, acceptance, healing and hope. This short story spans so much and you really feel for the characters and live through their experiences. I really admired the relationships between all of the characters and the message of love and family being of utmost importance and value. Such an amazing novella as Alice Hoffman never disappoints since her writing transports you into another world altogether. Truly magical and beautifully written! Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

Alice Hoffman always writes so beautifully! This was one story in the book The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories. It evokes a lot of emotions from sadness, grief, loss, love and hope. It is about family and relationships centered around a bookshop that had been in the family for a long time. This story is not about the bookshop so much as it is the two sisters. One is dealing with her daughter, and the other is dealing with her husband's loss of a parent. Then there is a new dream to pull the family together and bring them all closer. I loved the story and the characters.

Thanks to Amazon Original Stories through Netgalley for an advance copy.

I read the blurb and was iintrigued. I thought why not, lets give the book a try.
The Bookstore Keepers by new to me author Alice Hoffman, is a complex story.
Estranged sisters Isabel and Sophie are back home, just like Johnny. Johnny who never left and Sophie still has feelings for him. A beautiful warm, quiet story, a slow burn that gives all the feels. 4.5 stars.

I was unaware that this was the third in a series of novellas entitled 'The Bookstore Keepers' however that did not impact my appreciation for this story. This novella stands firmly on it's own. The opening page immediately grabbed my attention when Johnny awakens from a vivid dream because that is something that is common to many people. His wife Isabel silently accompanies him to the nursing home where Johnny's father is living. Upon arrival, they see the EMT's which sets in motion a story about grief, support, acceptance, and joy. My recommendation is to read this story when you need affirmation that our life paths are different, but contain similar moments.

I adore Alice Hoffman’s work and this book was no exception. It was an excellent continuation to the story and helped me to understand and love these characters even more. I recommend that you read this entire trilogy!

Gorgeously emotive, vividly descriptive, and engagingly whimsical in a unique narrative blend that only Alice Hoffman can pull off more often than not. This story and the other one in this series are ones I will be returning to in the future.

Alice Hoffman is one of my favourite authors and I have loved all the books in this series. The Bookstore Keepers is about love, loss and letting go. So beautifully written.

A delightful, feel-good novella about family and love. What’s not to like?

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the ARC to read and review.

*May Contain Spoilers*


I loved it. I wish there was more. I wanna know what happens with Violet as in does she come back for good after going and being in Paris for awhile? Do Isabella and Johnny get another dog? How are they as parents? What’s their little girl like? I can’t wait though to see the final product of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley, Alice Hoffman, and Amazon Original Stories for allowing me to read this story before it’s officially published in Feb 2025.

The Bookstore Keepers is a beautiful short story by one of my favorite authors. This story is about sisters Isabel and Sophie, the love of family, and following dreams. Short and sweet, a delightful read. Thanks to author Alice Hoffman, Amazon Original Stories, and Net Galley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

5.0 stars
HIGHLY recommend

This is the final and third book in "The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories". It was a perfect and sweet ending to a lovely series.

As always, Alice Hoffman writes beautifully and spins a perfect story. I have yet to find a book by Alice Hoffman that I didn't love!

The short story covers so much from grief to healing to incredible life changes to following one's dreams. It is a lot in a small package.

To enjoy this story the most, please read the first books in this series before this one.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6562802755 - posted 1/20/2025
Books by Dorothea blog: https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/01/review-bookstore-keepers-earcebook.html- posted 1/20/2025

Sarà che è la prima volta che prendo in mano l'autrice e non conosco né ambientazione né personaggi, ma non ho trovato niente di rimarchevole in questo racconto. Immagino volesse essere una storia di lutto e rinascita e nuovi inizi, ma è tutto così all'acqua di rose e allo stesso tempo farcito di forzati buoni sentimenti che più stucchevole non poteva essere.

A slice of life story that will leave readers reflecting on life, loss, and love.

Admittedly, this was my first taste of a Hoffman's writing. She is a larger than life figure in the writing world and I was so afraid that her stories wouldn't live up to the hype. I am so pleased to share that the tale she has woven here is everything I expected and more.

Readers follow a husband and wife living on a small Maine Island. We are given glimpses of who they were in the past and tag along as they become something new. Grief is the driving force that helps our characters evolve and that journey is shown is such a genuine and evocative way way. I was supremely impressed that I felt so invested in the outcome of each and every character in such a short time!

This is a great pick for anyone who has known the heartbreak and evolution that comes with loss.

I enjoyed the 3rd installment in this short story series by Alice Hoffman. It’s always fun to see familiar characters again, and get caught up on their lives. This author's writing always has a bit of a magical quality to it.. I hope she continues on with this series, I’m already excited to read #4!

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Bookstore Keepers is the 3rd book in this series. My only complaint is that they are short stories that leave me wanting so much more! Each book is about 2 sisters, Isabel and Sophie, and you learn a bit about their immediate family members. There is loss involved but the story is mainly about love, love for your child, love of a parent, and love for your spouse. And all of this centers around a bookstore which makes it a perfect read! I’m anxious to see if Alice Hoffman continues to write these short stories with these characters but what would make me the happiest would be a full length novel. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc that I received off the Read Now section. They are short, fun reads that I highly recommend and I’m giving this a 5 star rating.

This is a short story which follows, Johnny and Isabel a couple who live on a small island with their dog. Isabel and and her sister run a bookstore together and Johnny has been grieving the loss of his father. Unfortunately I did not enjoy this read and didn’t really see what the story was about, nothing particularly happened within this short story and there didn’t seem to be any point that the story was trying to tell. It did however have some lovely quotes and share the beauty of love.

Alice Hoffman is in my top five authors. She has such a lyrical way of writing, and I can't get enough. What I also love is stories about sisters. Oh, and a bookstore too!! My favorite!! This short story didn't disappoint.

It's a heartwarming story that is part of "The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories" series is fabulous, as is the author. Read it and you'll be happy you did.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.