The Bookshop Ladies

This is the second book I have read by Faith Hogan and I loved it - a definite 5 star read for me!

Joy Blackwood is presented with a shocking discovery on the sudden death of her husband. He leaves a painting in his will to Robyn Tessier and she has no idea why but is determined to find out why.

Robyn is finding her way in life by setting up a bookshop in Ballycove - she is shy and needs help to make a go of her new venture. Joy finds herself become embroiled into the life of the village and its inhabitants as she sets out to find out her husband’s secrets.

A tale of friendship, betrayal and secrets. An examination of what family means. A genuine warm hearted story.

To be recommended.

Another great book from Faith Hogan. Set mainly in Ireland Robyn opens a bookshop but is struggling. In another world Joy’s husband dies and on his deathbed declares he has a daughter. Joy sets off to find her and along the way meets Robyn and her family but how will she explain her reason for her visit. Loveable characters and easy to follow. Thanks to Faith and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley.

A book of two parts. One set in the art world of Paris where a career as an artist is started, a baby is born, one is lost and a couple is formed. Those simple events are then unpicked over the summer in Ireland in a tiny village. tTe characters are great, they have their own hurts, and fears and nerves that shape them and the relationships that they have. The women are strong and fight for what they want, and that isn’t millions, but the joy of a life together painting, running a bookshop and happily retired above a bakers. A lovely lovey tale of friendship and love,

When Joy's husband is suddenly dying of a heart attack he reveals that he has a daughter in Ireland and he wants her to take a painting to her. Ballycove is a small Irish village and Joy gets roped into helping Robyn run her bookshop and also meets her mother Fern. Lovely book thoroughly enjoyed reading it

I absolutely loved this book, my favourite read of the year so far. Such a feel good vibe from the book, with the characters so well described I felt like I knew them.

This is a book about the important things in life. Family (whether actual or found), community, a sense of purpose. A lovely easy read which is both warm hearted and well written. The characters were sympathetic and felt very real. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wished it was longer.

This is the first book I’ve read by Faith Hogan and I definitely plan to check out more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book to review.

Firstly, what a lovely cover. It draws you straight into the Bookshop world. A mystery unfolds, when Joy's French husband dies in an accident, having just managed to tell her that he has a daughter, He has left a painting to his daughter, Robyn, and Joy goes to Ireland to deliver it, becoming very involved in helping to promote the bookshop.
This is a lovely book, without being sentimental it draws on the family relationships. Thanks to netGalley for a chance to read and review this book.

Another fantastic read. When Joy's husband leaves a valuable painting to a young lady in Ireland, as much as she is reeling from a secret he confessed fo her she decides to fly over to Ballycove and deliver the gift as instructed. When she meets Robyn who is struggling to get her bookshop profitable she suddenly finds herself helping out the delightful girl and really starts to get close to her and the rest of the family. A lovely story, warmhearted setting and delightful characters that you really resonate with and I really enjoyed it

The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hogan is a fabulous read, it makes you feel good for having read and enjoyed it. It is a story of friendship, also secrets, lies and family. Most of all family in whatever shape you want to make it.
Jo Blackwood is haunted by her husband’s last words to her about a daughter. He sees but then le@ves a painting to this daughter that Jo never knew about.
So she goes to Ireland from France to find her and give her this precious painting. Robyn Tessier, who is living in Ballycove, a small town on the west coast of Ireland, is a very shy retiring young woman, who has no idea that Jo’s husband was her father. Her mother, Fern has never told her.
It is a story of people getting to know each other and becoming friends in the most unlikely situations and becoming a family.
Highly recommended

This was my first book by this author and won’t be my last. This was a poignant read of how events of the past can shape the future and of the bonds between family and friends and how secrets and betrayal always come out in the end.

This was heartwarming and beautiful read that was heartbreaking at times and set against the beautiful backdrop of Bally cove. I also enjoyed the references to Paris as this is one of my favourite cities and what’s not to love about a book set around a bookshop.

I would love a sequel to this to see where the characters lives go and how the bookshop continues to grow.

A fabulously enjoyable book. I've enjoyed books by this author before and this was no exception. Full of warm heartedness and feelgood moments to lift the spirits. Delightful characters with a good sense of community and welcoming strangers in their midst. Set in Western Ireland in a close knit coastal village although the book does start in Paris. A wonderful holiday read which will restore one's faith in human nature with strong family and friendships

Firstly I love this cover and it instantly draws you in. I am a big fan of the authors work and really enjoyed being brought back to Ballycove. Faith Hogan is a wonderful storyteller and this is the perfect summer read. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.

Captivating and heartwarming this story will make you feel good from the very beginning. Faith Hogan is an amazing storyteller and this book just confirms it once more. I loved being back to Ballycove ( such a pleasure to see a cameo from previous characters, too!) and hope to read more soon!
One of my favourite Irish novelists, most recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aria - Head of Zeus and the author for an early copy.
#TheBookshopLadies #NetGalley

This is the first book I have read by Faith Hogan but it definitely won’t be the last as I absolutely loved it.
The story is set in the beautiful setting of Ballycove a small town in Ireland and is all about Robyn Tessier and her bookshop.
The characters were all wonderful and I really felt like I was there with them. My favourite character was Albie.
A 5 star beautiful heart warming story that shows the true meaning of family. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel.
Thanks to NetGalley, Aria and Aries and Faith Hogan for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

The Bookshop Ladies is a lovely gentle tale with twists and turns, secrets, guilt and revelations based mainly in Ballycove in Ireland. Hogan has the ability to draw you into her stories and make you care deeply about her characters.

Robyn has taken on the running of a bookshop but has to find the social skills to make it a success. Joy arrives in Ballycove with her own agenda but gets drawn into making the bookshop a success. Robyn’s mother Fern has her own problems and past secrets and she ends up helping the bookshop too. The glue keeping these disparate characters together is the lovely elderly Albie with his pet giant tortoise, Dolly.

I really didn’t want this book to end and feel it lends itself to a continuation of the story in another book. I have now read every Faith Hogan I can find and have never been disappointed.

Having read a previous book by the author I was looking forward to this one and it didn’t disappoint. The same setting has been used and some of the characters made an appearance but Joy and Robyn were the stars of the book.

The book unfolded with the secrets being kept but all with a good reason and you hoped as the secrets came out the bonds of the friendship weren’t destroyed,

Looking forward to the next book.

I love Faith Hogan as an author and this is another wonderful book. The characters, setting and plot were very engaging and I devoured the book! A lovely warmhearted story of family and community.

Faith Hogan has the ability to draw you into her stories and make you care deeply about her characters and that's absolutely true of this one!
I really didn’t want this book to end.

Faith Hogan takes you on a journey of how secrets and betrayal does not mean the end. It can bring friendship and extended family.

Faith has been able to draw you in and connect with the three leading women (Robyn, Fearn and Joy)!and the developing relationships despite a big secret hiding under the surface.
Teamed this with a charming little struggling bookshop owned by Robyn and the help of Joy they try and turn the bookshop into a success. You have gripped a book lovers heart.

Albie the loveable great uncle who is the glue to the family is like a comfort blanket and warm hugs.

I would 100% recommend and without a doubt read more of Faith’s books.

What a great read, I loved the way the book evolved and all the characters were written in such a way that they were believable. It was interesting to see how Joy's like became entwined with Robyn and her mum. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am pleased to find there is a back catalogue for me to explore. I would highly recommend this book.

I have read one of Faith Hogan's other books set in Ballycove and I do love her style of writing. The characters are so true to life as are the situations they find themselves in. You don't need to have read any of her other books to enjoy this one. After losing her art dealer husband, American Joy discovers that he has a daughter she never knew about. Apart from feeling extremely upset and hurt, she sets out to deliver a painting he left to his daughter Robyn in his will. Joy does not not immediately tell the people in Ballycove who she really is so we discover the lives of those closest to Robyn. As Joy becomes a part of the daily life of Ballycove, she finds it so much harder to admit to who she is and why she is there. I loved this book and how the story panned out. I loved how Joy becomes part of the community in Ballycove and the situations presented here are not false or unrealistic. It was one of those books where I couldn't wait to see what happened but then again, didn't want it to end. Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this lovely book.

This is a really great book to read with lots of sub plots to follow too keeping you hooked in from start to finish and being left with wanting to know just that little bit more...

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.
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus Ltd for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hogan! Such a tender and triumphant story that shows no matter how terrible the past you can start afresh in a new place with new friends and even learn to love those who have done you wrong. Forgiveness is a huge part of this novel’s moral fabric and the best way to work through it. Being open to letting go of those hurts allows for a chance of healing. The story shows well how bitterness, anger and guilt can only drain and damage the ones holding on to it. It can even affect creativity as it did for Robyn’s mother, Fern, a great artist. But yes, it is hard to get to that place. Possibly the only way is meeting the challenge head on by communicating with the person who has caused the injury to your heart. Injury to emotions is painful and Joy has every right to be angry when her husband confesses a truth, just before he passes from a tragic event on his retirement party night.

The sense of betrayal Joy feels after a secret is revealed is understood. But how she ultimately deals with the shock and after-effect is constructive—even if she does not realise what she is doing at first. For her, the natural reaction is to head to Ireland to hand deliver a gift left in her husband’s will. Her plan is to just drop off the painting, meet Robyn, and run back home. But what meets her there is nothing of what she expects: acceptance, love, friendship and an appreciation for her exceptional business promotion skills. The people of Ballycove bring out in her some very positive reactions. She begins to blossom like the beautiful green leaves of spring. And when she meets Robyn in her little bookstore, struggling, she feels compassion towards this innocent girl whose likeness to someone she loved deeply, almost takes her breath away. The longer Joy stays and becomes more involved, the more the betrayal begins to fade. And the warmth of the community wraps itself around her heart and allows her to heal in places she did not even know she needed before. With the loss of her husband and really nothing to keep her in Paris, will she decide to make Ballycove, Ireland her new home?

I felt completely engaged with the characters and could sympathise with each of them for various reasons as this novel seems to level everyone—not elevate any one individual. It shows each person’s humanness: how everyone will make a mistake at one time or another. Which drives a message home to us all. Nobody is perfect: we all do something we regret at some point in our lives. Nobody can truly cast stones at another. But how we deal with those errors and hurts determines our outcome. As seen in The Bookshop Ladies, it is best to confront the issue. And looking at it from another’s perspective can make a difference. Then help your ‘neighbour’ where you can (as Joy did) and this itself often provides release from one’s own pain. The bookshop resurrection was a delightful pathway to restoration from all three ladies and the valuable discoveries within it. This wonderful setting invokes passion and where lives become renewed and pieces of the puzzle are completed.

So, in summary: this is a heart-warming novel with flawed characters who make mistakes but experience restoration. These three women’s journeys (Joy, Fern and Robyn) are beautifully executed. We get to hear from each of them and share in their perspectives. Another great character is Albie. I love how he seems to be the voice of wisdom throughout! His gentle humour, unconditional love and far-reaching understanding provides a lot of cheer and common sense in the story. The settings: Paris and Ballycove are both inspiring. But my heart was truly snatched away by Ireland’s charm when Joy makes her life changing choice. I felt many emotions and by the end I was filled with awe and brimming with satisfaction. I loved this story so much and highly recommend it. This is my second Faith Hogan novel and I will be reading many more! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Aria and Aries and Netgalley for my review copy.

Having read several Faith Hogan books before I was delighted to get this ARC and it didn't disappoint. Great book lovely characters, apart from two nasty pieces! Love the way Ballycove is the setting for many of Faiths books yet they stand alone. Definitely be suggesting these books to friends and family

Who doesn't love a Bookshop?! I certainly do and so I was naturally drawn to a book set in a bookshop, particularly when it was written by the wonderful Faith Hogan and set in Ballycove.

A brilliant tale of friendship, love (complicated and simple!) and embracing the future, even if it doesn't happen as you planned. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me and highly recommended.

As is usually the way with Faith Hogan books The Bookshop Ladies is a very warm hearted and endearing book where characters come together, sometimes initially in adversity and discover peace and a solution to their problems by helping each other and/or others. This book centres around three women. Joy, Robyn and Fern whose lives are connected. Although initially they are unaware of this. The death of Joy's husband and the betrayal of Fern's finds them all gathered in Ballycove on the West Coast of Ireland. A favourite spot of the author in which to set her novels. Other characters from previous novels have cameos in this story but the main narrative involves the three women and Uncle Albie. The book was a pleasure to read. The characters are well rounded, easy to empathise with and totally believable. There was a nice balance of pathos and humour and the final twist was timed exactly right to bring the book to a satisfactory conclusion. I'm very happy to give this book a 5* recommendation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I do love a Faith Hogan book, and this was no exception. We're back in the beautiful town of Ballycove and this time the story is set in a struggling bookshop, with a little mystery about a painting left to the owner, Robyn.

Robyn is the owner of the bookshop, although her family have owned the whole building for many years. Robyn has always dreamt of owning a bookshop but isn't great with people and is struggling to make her dream viable and the bookshop profitable. Her mother, Fern, is a well known artist and lives in Dublin with her French husband, but ends up back in Ballycove after trouble in her relationship.

Then we have Joy, who had been living in Paris, but has recently lost her husband in a tragic accident, and has travelled to Ballycove to solve a mystery and give a valuable painting to Robyn that her husband left her in his will.

There are a few secrets that people are hiding in this book, mainly Joy by not telling anyone why she is there, but of course Fern too, as she knew Joy's art dealer husband many years ago. But Joy gets sucked into life in Ballcove and ends up working in the bookshop quite by accident, helping Robyn with marketing and making the bookshop very popular.

There were some lovely side characters, the main one being elderly Albie, Robyn's great uncle. He was full of gentle wisdom for everyone and the one that everyone went to for advice. Fern wasn't my favourite character, I found her quite hard to like, but I really loved Joy and Robyn and how their relationship developed. Of course the secrets were eventually revealed and everyone came to accept the past was the past, and they moved on with their lives much happier. In the end everything tends to happen for a reason and Joy found her 'family' in Ballycove. Really lovely book.

I enjoy Faith Hogans books and this was no exception. I was completely caught up in this warm and engaging story and loved the way it developed. Absolutely recommend this as a great summer read.

Having enjoyed previous titles from Faith Hogan, I was eager to read this latest offering. This is, yet again a beautiful tale, set in Ireland with easy to get to know characters and a wonderful plot.

This was my first book by Faith Hogan but it certainly won't be my last! I will be adding her other books to my TBR pile and marking her as a favourite author.

What a gorgeous story this was. I was drawn to it because of the title and picture on the cover. I love bookshops so of course I just had to read about Robyn and her bookshop.

Faith has created such wonderful, real characters that I became to care for very early on. I was totally invested in their lives and laughed and cried along with them.

Love the twists and turns of the story and would love to see a sequel to this to see where everyone ends up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

A very enjoyable book that i won’t hesitate to recommend to others. Thanks for the opportunity to read & review it.

When Joy’s husband dies, she travels to Ireland to meet the step daughter she didn’t know existed.

This is the story of three women:
Joy, an American living in Paris who has been recently widowed and needs a purpose in life.

Robyn, a shy young girl whose dream of owning her own bookshop, is about to come true - but owning the bookshop is just the start; now she has to make it successful.

Fern, Robyn’s mother, a successful artist whose marriage is not what it seems.

The author writes lovely stories with strong characters. This is the story of how these women meet and form an unlikely friendship, in a small Irish village. The village itself and all the minor characters who come and go, are as much a part of the story and I ended up feeling as though I knew them all personally.

I really enjoy Faith Hogan’s books and this one did not disappoint. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet book about female friendship. Perhaps the plot is a little predictable, but entertaining and a nice read. Set mostly in the West of Ireland, the book centres on Robyn , a young woman who has taken over a bookshop.
I like the characterizations in yhe book, though some of the problems are perhaps too quickly resolved. Certainly entertaining though
Thanks to Net galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

this book had me hooked from cover to cover. everything about it was just so beautiful. I really enjoyed the characters and the depth of the story. so beautifully written.

I discovered Faith Hogan last year and have read a few now. I really like her writing style.
Joy is returning home with her husband Yves when they are involved in a car crash. As he is being rushed into hospital, his dying words to Joy are 'I have a daughter'.
Joy is shocked.
Yves has left a painting to a woman called Robyn. So Joy sets off to Ballycove in Ireland to track down this mysterious woman.
Robyn has taken over a bookshop. She is quite a shy young woman who lacks many friends. Her best friend is Kian, who she has been in love with forever. Her mother, Fern, has her own marital woes
She returns to Ballycove to get some headspace and decide on her future.
I loved this. I really enjoyed the way the author brought all the characters together, and they really are a lovely bunch. I really liked Albie, full of wisdom.
The ending was a little predictable. I knew straight away who the culprit was. This does not take away the enjoyment of the story.
I really look forward to Ms. Hogan's next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for the ARC in return for an honest review.

A lovely book about families set in Ireland. A great cast of characters and a lovely story too. Highly recommended.

Set in France and Ireland, this is a,true page turner. A storyline full of deceit, surprises, and love. An atmospheric and emotional book with vivid descriptions and characters .I enjoyed reading it immensely.

Joy's husband's last words were to tell he he had a daughter. Joy is devasted and is left wondering how her husband could have done this to her.
During the reading for the will Joy finds out that an expensive painting has been left to Robyn,her husband's daughter.
Robyn's address is a village in Ireland so Joy decides to travel from France to deliver the painting in person and find out about Robyn and who her mother is.
Robyn has opened a bookshop and its not doing very well, this has been her dream so she is anxious to make it work.
Joy plucks up courage to enter the bookshop and is somehow roped into becoming a bookshop volunteer before she can even tell Robyn who she is.
Joy loves the bookshop and is determined to help Robyn make it a success before she has to return to France. She also keeps it a secret who she is and why she is there.
This is such a good read. It was nice to read a feel good book where people want the best for those around them. The people in the village are so neighbourly and helpful. Joy and Robyn are great characters.
Faith Hogan never fails me by writing a book that captures my attention and imagination from the first page.

A real celebration of the warmth and charm you get from the Irish. Set in a small village on the west coast of Ireland, three women with seemingly nothing in common forge an alliance that strengthens and enriches all of their lives. Definitely escapism of the highest order. My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this advance digital copy. This is bound to be a hit.

A great feel good book outlining the strength of the female characters. At the end of the day family comes first. Not your typical romantic novel but it ticks all the boxes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the advance copy of this book.

This is the first book I have read from this author and I will definitely be looking to read more. The story had everything I look for in a great read. Interesting plot with wonderful settings. The characters are interesting and people who I would love to meet. All in all an excellent read which I thoroughly recommend.

Joy is happily married and unfortunately could not have children, coming back from her husbands retirement party they are in a car crash and on the way to the hospital he declares he has a daughter then he dies. when the will is read he leaves a painting to his daughter Robyn who lives in Ireland.
So Joy goes to Ireland to take the painting to Robyn who owns a book shop that is loosing money, but things get out of hand and Joy ends up working as a volunteer in the shop and they start to get closer with her and the close community including Robyn`s mam Fern, but she still has to tell Robyn about the painting and who she is.
A brilliant book about friendships. very well written and very tearful.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

When Joy Blackwood’s husband dies suddenly, she is shocked to discover that he has left a painting to Robyn Tessier. Becoming intrigued, wondering who she is, Joy decides to take the painting to the small village of Ballycove to discover the reasons why.

On arriving in the village, she becomes involved with Robyn, who runs a small unsuccessful bookshop. Developing a supportive friendship with her and others in the village, Joy doesn’t want to leave. Lots of great characters make up the storyline, with Robyn, who is shy and lacking confidence, Fern, her mother, and Albie, an engaging old man. Joy finds a welcoming community which draws her in. Chapters of the book are written by various characters, giving a more rounded viewpoint.

The book is about family, relationships, betrayal, and secrets to explore. However, when Joy’s secret reason for visiting the village is exposed, the atmosphere becomes tense and her visit seems threatened.

The book is well written with its twists and turns, and other stories woven into the main thread, it makes an engaging read.

This was my first book by Faith Hogan and I have to say that it was a delight to read. I loved the descriptions of Ballycove, and that amazing bookshop with all it's hidden cubby holes and shelves and shelves of books.

It was an interesting journey that Joy had to take, from learning at the very last moment that her husband had a daughter that she knew nothing about. I liked the little flash backs so that we got to see what really happened, and how it all interlinked and was woven together so well. Robyn never felt like she fitted in and now she knows why.. Joy enters her life and helps and supports her before Robyn is even aware of who she is and the significance she holds. Joy allows Robyn to flourish and believe in herself and open herself up to love, and to get rid of past dead weight relationships that she couldn't see were toxic for her at the time.

It was told beautifully and Joy was really taken into the family by Uncle Albie long before she told everyone who she was. I loved how the notion of family wasn't just linked by blood, but by love, and Joy was excepted and loved by all.. I was totally invested on the characters right from the start and I loved every minute of it.

A wonderfully uplifting story of the important things in life - family, friendship, community but also secrets, betrayals and consequences. Set mostly in Ireland this is a perfect summer read. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this book.

What a lovely book. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Robyn starts a bookshop in Ballycove where she grew up, something she has always wanted to do. The shop needs work and she inherited books in the shop and also paid for boxes of them from the last person who ran the shop. Fern is Robyn’s mother who is married but things go wrong and she comes back to Ballycove from Dublin for a bit of TLC. In the meantime Joy arrives in Ballycove from Paris. Joy was married but her husband died on a car crash. She was not injured but at the hospital her husband uttered his final words which shocked her and made her feel her marriage was not what she thought it was. Joy went to Ballycove to fulfil a legacy in his Will. Joy started to help out at the bookshop and eventually the story of the reason why she is there comes to light. The three women have their moments especially when Fern realises Joy’s secret. Some drama along the way but the book ebbs and flows with drama and love, it is a must to read. So far as the characters are concerned, I loved them all but Albie. I need an Albie in my life

I read this book over two sittings, I enjoyed it that much! We start in Paris and end up in Ballycove with the main characters, Robyn and Joy, later to be joined by Fern, Robyn's Mum. This is a story of if you have a dream you need to work to achieve it - but it made me smile at many points whilst reading it, at the characters (lots of love for Albie!) and I ended it happily satisfied at reading a hug of a book.

I love books about books, from writers/publishers to cosy bookshops, and this delightful book was such a cosy read. I loved the interweaving stories and seeing the different perspectives.

I was rooting for Robyn to find love, and it was very different from who I expected.
I admired the forgiveness and selflessness of Joy and think she's an incredible character.
I loved the drama and support, and of course, I found the found family aspect. And the subtle references to other books by Faith were perfect.

I adored this.

Such a delightful story. Reading about Ballycove feels like coming home.
The characters are so rounded and believable and even the baddies are not so bad.
The descriptions of Ballycove make me want to walk along the beach, then sit in a comfy chair outside of the bookshop and soak up the atmosphere.
Well done Faith Hogan.

Heartbreak and Humour. As he lay dying, Joy's husband Yves tells her he has a daughter. He has left her a valuable bequest, so Joy decides to travel to Ireland to deliver it. She finds herself working in a bookshop with a resident tortoise! Love the reference to The Ladies Midnight Swimming Club.

The Bookshop Ladies is a touching and charming story set in Ireland. The plot begins with Joy discovering that her husband had a daughter (Robyn) and has left an expensive painting to her in his will. Joy travels to Ireland to find her and begins to volunteer at her bookshop. The bookshop becomes the heart of the story, symbolising dreams, second chances, and community spirit.
Whilst the plot is perhaps predictable, it’s a delightful read with well-developed characters.

I have already read several of Faiths books set in Ballycove and as always this one didn’t disappoint. As a reader and lover of bookshops I was invested from the beginning even though it started in Paris.They say it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to open a successful bookshop. How the story came together across genarations and how the main protagonists were connected and came together is what made this a joy to read.

Yves Bachand a well know renowned and respected figure in the Art world lives in Paris with his wife Joy. Their life is about to begin a new chapter when things take a turn for the worse and go horribly wrong.
What will be the next step for Joy? And will she find the answers she seeks?

The book features three very strong and interesting female characters, all in their own ways. Joy, Fern Tessier and her adult daughter Robyn Tessier.
From the start of the book I was drawn in and hooked. An absolutely lovely read.
Friendship, love, loyalty and family bonds.
I could picture every aspect of the bookshop, and so would have loved to have been able to visit, choose a book and have a coffee there.
Simply delightful.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

A Faith Hogan book is always going to be a comforting read, and The Bookshop Ladies didn't disappoint. Feel good, heart-warming and a book about books always gets my vote.

We travel from Paris to Ballycove and the three main characters are Joy, Fern and Robyn. Their stories are interlinked and complex. A secret revealed could have devastating consequences but the women are all so awesome that it becomes the glue that binds them.

It was such a joy to return to Ballycove and this human interest story was beautifully written and a joy to read.

What a gentle, lovely read! I really enjoyed this book. This isn't my first Faith Hogan book and it won't be my last.
Three lady's lives are entwined by one man. Not a love triangle but something quite different. An affair, a daughter and an artist; all linked by one magical Irish town and its bookshop. Simply charming!

Faith hogan is an absolutely incredible author, I just love her style and how her characters work so well together once again another amazing read.

The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hagan

Having read this author before , I knew I was in for a treat by reading this. I was not disappointed.
Great plot and characters , and mainly set in Ballycove , Ireland.
Would recommend.

I loved this book, really enjoyed it. A beautifully written story about friendship, family, betrayal, secrets and new beginnings.
Widow Joy Blackwood is in search of answers to a shocking confession by her dying husband Yves Bachand. After finding out he left a painting to a Robyn Tessier in his will, Joy leaves Paris to deliver the painting in person. This takes her to Ballycove in Ireland and a job in a bookshop.
You are just drawn into the story right from the beginning. I was totally hooked and couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed the interweaving stories told through different perspectives of Joy, Robyn and Fern, who are well developed, strong and interesting female characters. All the characters are well written. I just loved Albie and how he welcomed Joy into his family.
I loved the setting of the bookshop and the descriptions of Ballycove, written in a way that makes you picture yourself right there walking along the beach, looking in all the little nooks of the bookshop and sitting outside with a coffee enjoying the view.
Overall, a cosy emotional and warm hearted captivating read. Definitely recommend this one.
With thanks to #NetGallery @ariafiction #AriaAndAries for an arc of #TheBookshopLadies by @FaithHoganAuthor in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 6 June 2024.

A very enjoyable book. Loved the setting - who wouldn't want to live in a village like Ballycove! What a wonderful sounding place, with a community that really looks out for one another. And how fantastic to feel welcomed into such a family. I struggled with the writing a little at times but that could be me, rather than the story.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

This is the sort of book that leaves you feeling bereft when it’s finished, I’m going to miss Joy, Fern and Robyn. It took a little while for me to feel a connection with the main characters, but then I did and the book just took off. Starting in Paris then quickly moving to Ballycove, Ireland, this is a heart warming and very moving tale of friendship and love. I have no business experience so reading about building up a business is fascinating for me. I highly recommend this book.

5 stars – Bookshops; good for the mind and soul…

*sighs* as I’m sure The Bookshop Ladies can attest.

Humans… we’re complicated creatures, aren’t we?

Whaaa?! Don’t look at me like that! *shrugs* I’m not having an existential crisis; well, no more than usual *snorts*. This is just the consequence of my latest book hangover thanks to my second (only) trip to Ballycove. *looks off into the distance and taps fingers distractedly* I remember this feeling well from my first visit… *looks back* I’m just going to take a beat and let my feelings settle.

Joy, Robyn, and Fern’s story spoke to me in ways I couldn’t even imagine, let alone articulate. I was there; I was one of them.

TBL is a tale of secrets and truths, family, and friends, finding yourself, and most of all (to me, anyway) of belonging. Finding that one place, people and/or person, which has your soul screaming, ‘we are right where we belong!’ And if it takes your soul a while to admit it, hopefully we have an Albie to point out the obvious.

“…because sometimes, family is more about belonging together than anything else.”

Can I ask one thing of you before I go? Will you take a chance on my non-sensical mutterings and give TBL a go? Some stories come along just when you need them, like whispers on the wind, and I very much needed that warm embrace.

*slaps hands down* Och *wipes face*, listen to me prattling on. Away with you now and heed what I say.

Just when I needed a book full of joy, I found this one. I’m sure it was deliberate on the author’s part that one of the main characters was called Joy, although initially this seemed something of a misnomer.

When Joy’s husband dies she travels to rural Ireland to deliver a painting he left to a girl called Robyn, someone she’d never heard of before the reading of the will, but suspects is either his former mistress or his illegitimate daughter. Along with the painting she intends to deliver a piece of her mind, but events overtake Joy and she ends up working in Robyn’s bookshop, helping her to turn its fortunes around.

This book has a huge heart, wonderful characters you care about instantly, and a rich feeling of community. I loved ever minute of it and became completely lost in its world. A proper treat for any reader, which I wholeheartedly recommend.

Another top read from a favourite author!

Widowhood has brought many surprises to Joy Blackwood, not least of which is the valuable painting left to a young Irish woman, Robyn Tessier. Why does she know nothing of her? Determined to find out what the story is behind this bequest, Joy sets off for Ballycove, arriving to find Robyn running an unprofitable bookshop while suffering from unrequited love. Before she knows it, she is part of Robyn's daily life - and she still hasn't admitted to why she is there . . .

I have never been disappointed with any novel from this author; she has an understanding of the human spirit as well as relationships and every time I read I conclude that she is a natural successor to the late Maeve Binchy. This is a sparkling example of how to entwine lives and grab the readers attention and make them really care about all characters. An absolutely delicious read and one I'm more than happy to both recommend and give a full house of glowing stars.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

Another lovely heart warming read from Faith Hogan. Always lovely to return to Ballycove and bump into some old friends from her other books. A beautiful tale of complicated relationships, friendship and family.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Faith Hogan's "The Bookshop Ladies" unfolds like a warm embrace, inviting readers into the life of Joy Blackwood. When her French art dealer husband Yves dies in a car accident Joy discovers that he had a daughter by another woman.

Shocked by the news, she travels to the small Irish town of Ballycove where she intends to hand over a painting left to her husband’s daughter. Instead, she meets his daughter Robyn who has taken on a chaotic bookshop with very few customers and when Joy gets drawn into her life, she can’t bear to disclose the truth about how and why their lives have become intertwined.

I love Faith’s writing style, she paints very vivid scenes of the Irish countryside and captures the essence of small-town life, drawing readers deeper into the world of Ballycove.

In summary, Faith Hogan's "The Bookshop Ladies" is a captivating tale that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired. With its engaging characters, picturesque setting, and heartfelt storytelling, this novel is sure to resonate with book lovers everywhere.

Joy comes to a small West Irish town to solve the mystery of why her art dealer husband left a valuable painting to someone she has never heard of. Robyn runs a small rundown bookshop in a building that is owned by her mother, a famous artist. Joy goes into the bookshop intending to introduce herself to Robyn, but ends up with a part time job! The presence of Joy in the town starts to positively affect Robyn, the bookshop and the town. It becomes harder and harder for Joy to admit she is really there. The backstory of how the painting came to be in existence is told alongside.

This is a charming story, packed full of lovely characters, and I found myself rooting for them all. I would love to read another book about this cast of characters - they really stayed with me when I had finished the book.

Enjoyed reading. Felt sorry for joy but pleased to see how life changed for her.

Love a book featuring the love of books in a bookshop. Plenty of secrets, new beginnings, potential romance and books!

I hadn’t read any of Faith Hogan’s books before but I will certainly be looking out for others. A lovely, well written story, set in a beautiful sounding village in Ireland. I felt fully invested in the characters and wanted them all to succeed.

When Joy Blackwood’s husband died, just after his retirement she was distraught. More so, when just before he died he told her that he had a child – something he and Joy hadn’t managed to have together. After the reading of the will, Joy finds that he has left a very expensive painting to his daughter, and she decides to travel to Ireland and give the daughter the painting personally. When Joy arrives in Ballycove, she finds that the bookshop that Robyn runs is in complete disarray, and so far from profitable that Robyn may have to close it down. Robyn thinks that Joy has come to volunteer in the bookshop, and Joy doesn’t dissuade of that idea. Slowly, Joy comes to find something in Ballycove that she had been missing all her life – family. However, when Robyn and her mother Ferne find out who Joy really is, will her happiness come crashing down?

A really lovely story, which is wonderful for a summer’s afternoon, and will leave you feeling warm and happy.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6537069997

A huge thank you to the publishers for sending me a widget for this book.
Another lovely read, in beautiful Ballycove, with characters you care deeply about from the first page.
Being back in Ballycove is a joy as is the cameo appearance of some characters we have come to know from the previous books.
In Paris Joy’s husband dies as a result of a car crash on the way home from his retirement party. If this wasn't cruel enough, his parting words to her make her question their whole life together.
Meanwhile in Ballycove in the west of Ireland, Robyn is struggling to get her lifelong dream of opening a bookshop off the ground, cope with her anxiety and social awkwardness and her unrequited love for Kian.
When their two worlds collide amazing things happen.
There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends that become family.

The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hogan

In Yves dying moments after a car crash in Paris he manages to tell his wife Joy that he has a secret daughter. Joy goes to Ballycove in Ireland to pass on a valuable painting on to Robyn, Yves daughter, but stays much longer than expected as she becomes immersed in the community. But what will happen when they learn who Joy really is?

What a wonderful book, I enjoyed it so much! Faith Hogan is a fabulous author and I loved the story, the characters and the setting... I'd like to move to Ballycove too! A fabulous few hours spent in fabulous company. Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Joy’s husband's dying words are that he has a child. Joy is heartbroken and when she finds he left his daughter a picture in his will, she embarks on a trip that will take her through a variety of emotions.
Robyn wants to run a bookshop in Ballycove, on the west coast of Ireland. She’s shy but knowledgeable. When a strange lady wanders into the shop, she offers her a job - a friendship is born, but there are secrets to be uncovered and truths to be unearthed.
A heartwarming, easy, yet emotional read. I was swept into the small town of Ballycove, into the lives of this slightly dysfunctional but loving and supportive family.
Great summer read.

Heartwarming, poignant and well plotted. A novel about friednship, greed, communities and life
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I was really lucky to receive The Bookshop Ladies as an ARC and what drew me to this book was that it was set in a bookshop. As book lovers, there is no greater pleasure that reading a book that is all about loving books and where better place to show that than in a bookshop.


This story features found family, secrets, friendship and of course, a bookshop.

Told through the three different perspective’s of Joy, Fern and Robyn. Three women who are connected in different ways and have to navigate secrets and betrayals. We start the story (no spoiler) with Joy who has just lost her husband in a tragic car accident. But with his dying breath he announces he has a daughter and in his will a painting has been left to Robyn. Joy, reeling from grief and the betrayal, instead of mailing the painting to Robyn, decided to fly out to Ballycove, Ireland in order to hand it over in person.

Full of emotions, Joy turns up in this small Irish Village, worlds away from her home in Paris and finds something more and better than she was expecting. This story is about interlinked lives, finding family and forgiveness and ultimately finding home.

Having never read anything by this author, I didn’t know what to expect. These characters really grew on me and what I would give to be a part of Ballycove and the little bookshop. It did feel like sometimes something was missing and although by the end I really enjoyed it, I felt like I wasn’t fully satisfied in reading.

When Joy's husband dies his last words tell her he has a daughter.
She then finds out he has left a valuable painting to a woman called Robyn Tessier in Ireland.
She takes a trip to Ballycove where she finds Robyn struggling to run a bookshop. She finds herself drawn into the community but at what cost?

Shocked by her art dealer husband’s deathbed confession that he had a daughter – they were never blessed with a family of their own – there’s a further surprise when his will is read, and Joy discovers he’s left the painting on his study wall to a woman who lives in Ireland called Robyn Tessier. Might this be his daughter – or perhaps even his mistress? She needs to find out, and rather than sending the painting, travels from her home in Paris to Ballycove – where she finds the young woman struggling to run a bookshop. A misunderstanding sees her helping her out, their joint efforts beginning to change the bookshop’s fortunes – and, having grown closer to both Robyn and her family, it becomes increasingly difficult for Joy to make clear the real reason for her visit. Many of Joy’s questions are answered – but when her own secret is revealed, she knows that the deep friendships she’s made will never be the same again, and that her stay will be over.

The characters – all very real, and every one of them so sympathetically drawn – and the relationships between them made this a book that entirely won my heart. There’s Joy’s essential loneliness in the absence of a family of her own, and her increasing sense of belonging as her presence makes an impact on everyone around her – and the growth in Robyn’s fragile self-confidence as she sees small changes and a little friendly support making such a big difference. And other strong friendships too – Joy’s with Robyn’s wonderful grandfather Albie (he’ll be a real favourite with everyone who reads this book…) and her more unexpected and particularly touching one with Robyn’s mother Fern – and relationship issues as the younger woman endeavours to sort out her feelings about the entirely oblivious Kian.

There’s always something rather special about a bookshop setting – and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the transformation the women were able to bring about while working closely together, their mutual trust and respect slowly building. Emotionally, the book hits every single note with absolute perfection – with that lingering threat always in the background that once the real reason for Joy’s visit is revealed it will blow everything apart. There are a few other surprises along the way too – overall it’s a fairly gentle read, but completely compelling, and I felt entirely immersed in everyone’s lives and experiences. It explores, in some depth, the power of friendship – but also the importance of family, however complicated, and whether tied together by blood or the love between the individuals who become part of it.

I found the whole book absolutely captivating – and its perfect ending left me with a really warm glow inside. A new favourite from an author who never disappoints? Yes, I really think it might be – I loved every moment, and really couldn’t recommend it any more highly.

I loved this story, it was so heartwarming. Touching in places and gave me sadness and joy whilst i was reading. Loved the characters, I found the story very emotional, uplifting. I loved the journey that Joy took and how it all came together in the end

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Bookshop Ladies.

When Joy is informed by her husband moments before he passes away that he has a daughter, she is hurt and shocked.

She later is informed that he left a painting for his daughter Robyn, she leaves Paris to travel to Ireland to locate her and when they meet, she finds herself being a volunteer at the bookshop.

I loved the setting, and the characters.

I highly recommend this book.

The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hogan

One sure way to entice us bookworms is to write a book about books and this one has all the warmth, friendship and female empowerment we would expect from a Faith Hogan novel. It’s like receiving a big warming hug, but in book form. Our central character is Joy and we meet her at a hugely traumatic point in her life. Joy lives in Paris with her husband Yves Bachand, a well-known art dealer who has made the career of many a new struggling artist. Joy has a very successful career of her own in public relations. Everything is turned upside down when Yves suffers a massive heart attack and in his dying moments manages to tell Joy he has a daughter. Over the next few weeks as Joy starts to comes to terms with losing her husband, she’s also trying to get her head around his dying words. Could he possibly have been unfaithful? The whole idea adds a new level of devastation because Joy and Yves couldn’t have children of their own. Their solicitor approaches Joy about an unusual request in his will, he has bequeathed a painting he owned to a girl called Robyn. When Joy returns home she goes into Yves’s office where the painting hangs and studies it, trying to see what he saw in this particular work of the Seine. Joy takes in the muddy coloured water, the litter and the green surroundings and thinks it could be a river anywhere. There is nothing to suggest this is the Seine that lovers travelling to Paris dream of walking along. Where are the honey coloured stones, the lampposts and the bridges? It takes time for her to notice anything about it she likes, but there is a streak of light that catches her eye in the top corner. The more she looks at it the more she wonders whether it was this glimmer that kept bringing Yves back to the painting. A promise that the grey cloud would lift and the sun would break through changing the whole scene to something altogether more hopeful. In this moment she makes a decision, she will travel to a Ireland and put this painting in the hands of Robyn herself.

We’re back in the gorgeous coastal village of Ballycove, where our other main character Robyn lives. Robyn has a small bookshop, with largely second hand books on various subjects from rare birds to trains. It’s been just ticking over for several years and while Robyn’s family own the building, including her flat above the shop, she has taken over the stock from it’s previous owner Douglas who has retired. To say the shop is a little tired is an understatement and it really needs some pizzazz to bring it back to life again. Yet it is lovely in it’s own way with it’s floor to ceiling bookshelves and their carvings of animals, little rooms for every subject and a darling little children’s section in a small nook. Although Robyn has put the stock onto online book sites she isn’t exactly turning a profit and she wonders if she’s made a big mistake. Her grandfather Albert suggests that she hire someone or find a volunteer to do a few hours in the shop to free Robyn up for business planning and working on her vision for the shop. Into this scenario walks Joy, renting the flat above Albert’s and hoping to stay for only a couple of weeks in order to pass on the painting. She can see that it belongs with Robyn as it was painted by her mother Fern. Joy both welcomes and dreads meeting Robyn and definitely her mother. If she can do it quickly, almost like ripping off a band aid, she can get the painting handed over and be back on a plane to Paris in no time. However, she hadn’t factored Robyn into the equation. She walks past the shop twice plucking up courage and when she does finally walk in she’s so taken aback by this girl who looks so much like Yves she could only be his daughter. Stunned into silence, Robyn’s chatter takes over and she assumes that Joy is there to apply for the position she advertised in the window. In her stunned state Joy doesn’t argue and soon she is Robyn’s new book assistant. Joy walks away wondering what on earth she’s done and how she’ll cope if Robyn’s mum turns up before she leaves.

I really enjoyed the women in this novel, especially Joy who is so resilient and generous with her time, her emotions and her heart. I felt like Ballycove worked it’s usual magic, but Joy matches it, bringing her enthusiasm and joie de vive to the bookshop. She’s using her professional skills of course, but there is just that touch of enchantment about her too. She’s like a bookish Mary Poppins, thinking up events and little touches to brighten the place including a toy train track which is one of my favourite parts of the brilliant Barter Books in Alnwick, Northumberland. Yet it’s the fact that she’s giving her time and expertise freely to her husband’s secret daughter that makes her all the more extraordinary. Yet I think she gets something special from Robyn too. Robyn allows her to spend time with someone with the characteristics and mannerisms of Yves and in a sense it seems to comfort her that he’s still here in the form of this shy, bookish girl. I also think Robyn balances some of the grief Joy went through when they lost their own baby who would have been a similar age. I was waiting to see what would happen when Robin’s mother Fern arrived. Would Fern immediately know who Joy was and what would it do to her relationship with Robyn? I felt sad that Joy might lose everything she’s built in Ballycove and the sense of family she’s enjoyed with Robyn and her grandfather. There’s a lovely little romantic subplot and a lot of personal growth on Robyn’s part, particularly the unresolved emotions around being bullied at school. The word that always best describes Faith’s writing is charming. It’s like making new best friends and although her stories are emotional and raise serious issues, they are always uplifting too. This felt like a lovely warm hug in a book and added lots of ideas to my imaginary future bookshop.

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion.

I had not read any books by this author before so had no idea about her style or how the book would pan out.
But I was not disappointed.

Joy, married to a Frenchman, is involved in a car accident, where her beloved husband has a heart attack and as he dies announces he has a daughter. This comes as a shock to Joy as they were not able to have children themselves.
He leaves Robyn, his daughter a painting which Joy decides to deliver to Ireland herself from her home in Paris.

She finds Robyn trying to run a book shop full of dusty old antiquated books and helps her turn this round into a profitable enterprise.
Along the way she meets many people including Fern, Robyn’s mother and her husbands lover.

This is a tale of friendship, redemption and building bridges.
It’s well written and kept me interested right to the end.
Well worth a read

I did enjoy this story, it had such a warm feeling of community and family ties. The characters were all likeable and it had a lovely setting in a small place by the sea, in Ireland. There were a few surprises and old secrets revealed. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

incredibly moving book. absorbed the whole thing with a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. Highly recommend

3.5 stars - Joy Blackwood and her husband Yves are on their way home from Yves retirement party, whilst planning their future in the backseat of a cab they are involved in an accident. It's bad, but not horrible, everyone seems to be okay - except when Joy notices that Yves is having a heart attack.

On the way to the hospital, Yves admits something to Joy that he has kept from her for years - he has a daughter.

6 months later, still grieving and in shock - Joy is notified that the painting hanging in his office, the one she has always felt an eerie sort of distaste towards, has been left to a one Robyn Tessier in Ballycove, Ireland.

Painting packed and ready to go, Joy feels she needs to be the one to deliver this painting to Robyn, who Joy assumes was Yves mistress - she does not even know what she will do when she gets there, only that she feels lost and empty and needs answers.

The next thing Joy knows she is being roped into volunteering in a Bookshop facing the ocean in one of the most beautiful towns she has ever seen. The pieces slowly start slotting together but before Joy knows it she is in too deep. Sucked in these peoples homes, lives and hearts.

This is SUCH a cozy story, It does deal with quite a bit of grief - but it's written in such a subtle way that the main focus is on the healing and the characters who need it. This book was the epitome of found family and finding "your place" and home when and where you least expect it.

This was also a fairly quick read - the writing just flows and when you look again, you have read like 20% (less)