Publication Date: 10th September 2024
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
4 Stars
One Liner: Sweet and cozy
One minute Joy Blackwood was excited about spending the rest of their retirement life with her husband Yves. The next instant, he suffered a heart attack and passed away. However, his dying confession about having a daughter breaks Joy’s heart. Not knowing what to do, Joy decides to take the painting Yves left for Robyn and hand it over personally to the girl in Ballycove (Ireland).
However, meeting Robyn brings out the protective instincts in Joy. The introverted girl is trying to keep her bookshop afloat and pining after a guy who sees her as a friend. As Joy becomes a part of Robyn’s circle, she wonders what the truth will do to them.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Joy, Robyn, and Fern.
My Thoughts:
The blurb and the cover make it clear that this is a heartwarming and uplifting story about women who bond with each other despite the conditions. The book delivers on what it promises.
The story begins with Yven’s retirement, the reveal, and his death. So, straight away, we get into the main plot. Similarly, we also get the other POVs to tell us about the present and a certain incident in the past that changed everything. I like this approach we can focus on what the characters do from here on.
Joy, Fern, and Robyn are the three main characters. Robyn is in her early twenties and easily the sweetest girl you’ll find. Her character growth is beautiful to read. From being an introvert in love with a childhood friend to becoming a confident bookseller and learning to set boundaries, I enjoyed reading her arc the most.
Joy is a kind person, way too kind most of the time because she has a good heart. One character says, ‘You are a class act, Joy’. That sums up her arc. I wouldn’t have minded if she had a bit of a mean streak but she doesn’t. (Also, I love the alternate spelling of Joy used at times)
Fern feels more realistic in her reactions. She is flawed, which I liked, given how the other two are super sweet. She balances out the emotion well.
Albie is easily my favorite. He is such a wonderful side character who actually plays a vital role without seeming to. This ninety-year-old is full of life, charm, and wonderful nuggets of wisdom he shares with others. And, how can I not mention his old tortoise, Dolly Patron?
The setting is beautiful with its cloudy weather, spacious bookshop, beach, and cute streets. Typical small-town charm. (Got to mention that I first thought the book was set in Australia based on the cover. For Irish settings, my mind needs looming dark clouds or a moody sky, lol).
I wish the ages of the characters weren’t so confusing to track. Robyn’s was easy to calculate but the other two were complicated. I’m still not sure if I got it right.
Though the book is just 304 pages, the pacing is on the slower side, especially in the first half. Once we settle into the plot, the narrative gets better but doesn’t pick up speed. However, this pace works for the plot, so can’t complain.
I was surprised when a new subplot was introduced so late in the book but must admit that it worked well. It was necessary not just for a certain shift but also to establish the contrast between the two characters.
The ending is obviously happy and hopeful. Though there is no real romance, there is a wee bit of it to make the ending sweeter. It could feel a bit too sweet for some.
To summarize, The Bookshop Ladies is a heartwarming story about finding family, forgiveness, moving on, self-worth, and second chances. It’ll make me a nice and cozy read on cold afternoons.
Thank you, NetGalley and Aria & Aries (Aria), for eARC.
#NetGalley #TheBookshopLadies
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