The Bookstore Sisters (The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories)

This snippet of a story was incredible. I had put in my Kindle bookshelf months ago. I love any book that has book in the title. I happened to run across it early yesterday morning, say around 4 am. I'm one of those bookish chicks that's sleep with her Kindle. OMG this novella back an emotional punch for me. Having lost my amazing mother in 2016, God rest her beautiful soul and being super close to my sister I was touched by this story. I loved it. I loved every word. Every description and every character. I didn't think it was possible to adore a novella, but as The Monkees sing but I'm a change the lyrics and say the I read a page now Im a believer 😘. Just perfection. Im on to the next Installment. Why did I wait so long?

The story line was sometimes hard to follow. I wasn't always sure if the characters were speaking in first person or third person. It was an interesting story but when I got into it, it ended. The reader is forced to purchase the next book in the series if they want to know what happens to the characters. I'm not sure if I would recommend this short story book to those readers who want a book with a beginning, middle and ending in one!

I had chosen The Bookstore Wedding as one of my July Amazon First Reads . Liking it so much I K.U. Borrowed The Bookstore Sisters moments after finishing.

My 4 Star rating is because there are elements of this story that would have been better had they been more "fleshed out". 36 pages just didn't give enough room IMHO. That said it is a story that is sure to tug at the heartstrings regarding the emotional look at Love and grief.

Would highly recommend this book to others.

'The Bookstore Sisters: A Short Story' penned by Alice Hoffman is a cozy and charming novella that managed to hold my attention throughout. It weaves a heartwarming tale of sisterhood and the love for books, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The novella's strength lies in Hoffman's skillful storytelling, as she artfully portrays the bond between the sisters and their shared passion for literature. The setting of the bookstore provides a delightful backdrop, immersing readers in the world of books and the joys of reading.

The characters are endearing and relatable, making it easy to invest in their lives and relationships. The portrayal of sisterly dynamics is tender and authentic, adding depth to the narrative. I appreciated how the novella explored themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery in a concise yet impactful manner.

However, while 'The Bookstore Sisters' succeeded in creating a cozy atmosphere and capturing the essence of sibling relationships, it lacked the level of excitement or emotional intensity that I had hoped for. The plot, although enjoyable, did not offer significant surprises or moments of heightened emotion that would have elevated the reading experience.

The brevity of the novella also contributed to a sense of wanting more. Certain plot threads and character arcs felt underdeveloped, leaving me yearning for further exploration and depth.

In conclusion, 'The Bookstore Sisters: A Short Story' is a pleasant and easy read that will appeal to those seeking a heartwarming story about family and books. Although it holds attention with its warm ambiance and relatable characters, it falls short in providing the excitement and emotional engagement that could have elevated it to a more memorable reading experience.