by Susan Mallery
Publisher: Mira Books
Pages: 448
Format: eARC
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: When fate brings three strangers to a charming space for lease on the California coast, the Boardwalk Bookshop is born. Part bookstore, part gift shop, part bakery, it's a dream come true for Bree, Mikki and Ashley. But while their business is thriving, their personal lives are…not.
Bree, wounded by brilliant but cold parents and her late husband's ultimate betrayal, has sworn to protect her heart at all costs. Even from Ashley's brother, a writer and adventurer who has inspired millions. He's the first man to see past Bree's barricades to her true self, which terrifies her. Mikki has this divorce thing all figured out—somehow, she's stayed friends with her ex and her in-laws…until a new man changes how everyone looks at her, and how she sees herself. Meanwhile, Ashley discovers that the love of her life never intends to marry. Can she live without being a wife if it means she can have everything else she's ever wanted?
At sunset every Friday on the beach in front of the Boardwalk Bookshop, the three friends share a champagne toast. As their bond grows closer, they challenge one another to become the best versions of themselves in this heartachingly beautiful story of friendship, sisterhood and the transformative power of love.
Kritters Thoughts: Three women are business partners and through this they have become friends. Bree, the owner of the bookshop is a widow who keeps relationships at arms length. Ashley owns the muffin business and is in a long term relationship, but she is ready for the next level. Mikki is the gift shop and has been happily divorced for three years and may just enter the dating market, but it could turn her world upside down.
As I like to warn folks who read my reviews, there were definitely some sexy times in each of the women's stories and while it worked in each of their stories, if you try to avoid books with these scenes, this one may be on the cusp - but you may want to try this one as there is enough plot to enjoy this book.
Out of the three women and their storylines, I think I liked Brees the most. She had the best arc from beginning to end. From her rocky childhood to a bad relationship, she had the most bottom to top rise and I enjoyed her as a character. On the other side, Ashley's story was frustrating. To spoil a bit, her boyfriend isn't into the formality of marriage and that is what Ashley wants next. Her story felt like it plateaued and fast and had no rise or fall - I found her to be whiny and just didn't love her story.
I love a Susan Mallery stand alone book and always enjoy a summer weekend with one by the pool or just soaking in some sunshine!
Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row
Ebook 2022 Challenge: 43 out of 100
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from Harper Collins. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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