The Bookstore Keepers

Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories #3

by Alice Hoffman

The Gibson sisters weren’t expecting to speak to each other ever again after Isabel ran off to New York and left Sophie alone. But here they are, years later, running the family bookstore together on Brinkley’s Island, Maine. Isabel also thought she’d left Johnny Lenox behind, but whether or not she knew it, Johnny was always going to be there for her.

Five years into their happily ever after, Isabel and Johnny are making the most of their second chance at love. Then one night, Johnny awakens from an extraordinary dream…and their world is irrevocably altered. Isabel does her best to give Johnny space as he struggles to accept the new chapter life has opened for them. But Johnny can’t do it alone—no one can. As the whole family is soon to discover, seasons change, but love never does.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Romance, Audiobook, Books About Books, Novella, Magical Realism

35 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2025

About the author

Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The World That We Knew; The Marriage of Opposites; The Red Garden; The Museum of Extraordinary Things; The Dovekeepers; Here on Earth, an Oprah’s Book Club selection; and the Practical Magic series, including Practical
Magic; Magic Lessons; The Rules of Magic, a selection of Reese’s Book Club; and The Book of Magic. She lives near Boston.

Reviews

[Jaidee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 "lovely, folksy, three spoonfuls of sugar is two too much " stars !!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Amazon Original Stories. This will be released Feb. 2025. I am providing an honest review.

I have many of Ms. Hoffman's books on my tbr and so I decided to try this little sample (third in a series).

Overall this was lovely with a folksy tale of grief and new beginnings. A feel good short story that any middle class Western person can relate to. Nothing earth shattering but some lovely women's fiction prose that is supposed to make you misty (and it did...but I did feel manipulated the way you do when watching a pretty good Hallmark film) I am not going to lie that it veers on being overly sweet and is just on the safe side of cloying. Common sense wisdom abounds and I suppose that is an ok thing.

I will not rush to read more of her work but also would not stay away if a book magically popped up.

[Angela M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The is this the third story in the Once Upon a Time Bookshop Series . Alice Hoffman is a versatile and prolific writer and I love her writing whether it’s in the more serious literary historical fiction to the sweet family sagas like this one . Sweet and filled with love yet still some universal issues such as grief are here . Even though I’ve read some heavier stories already this year, my plan is to get in some that are filled with hope as this one is . Looking forward to the fourth in the series “The Bookstore Family” to be published in May, 2025.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third tale in the Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories is not so much about the bookshop. It is a book about families which opens with a death and ends with the promise of a birth.

It is a heart warming story about the relationships between sisters, Isobel and Sophie, and Sophie's adult daughter Violet. Hoffman writes with a simple style but lots of depth of feeling. Now that Isobel's secret is revealed I am very much looking forward to the fourth story The Bookstore Family.

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite authors, and I was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to read this novella, the third in the series. It was just as lovely as the previous stories. I felt both happiness and sadness while reading this story, and I hope there will be several more stories because I want to know what happens next for the characters.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t know this was part of a series but enjoyed it so much! I love a short story. I could have done a full novel with these characters.

[Cristina Neves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very emotional story about family, relationships, loss, sadness and the way Isabel, Johnny, Sophie and Violet deal differently with everything life throws at them.
But mostly about love, hope and finding your own way, knowing there will always be a loving home to return to.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Taury · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short Novelette. It is a 3-part series. I think it would have been better if Alice Hoffman had just written one book. The flow would have better.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bookstore Keepers is a short story by Alice Hoffman, published under the Amazon Original Stories banner. It is the third in the Once Upon A Time Bookshop Stories series. Ferry boat captain Johnny Lenox is visited in a dream by his father, Jake, and he understands immediately what it means. His wife of five years, Isabel wishes she could help, but grieving is something each person does their own way. Eventually, Johnny realises he needs to be for a child what his father was for him. Will Isabel agree?

Isabel’s sister, Sophie Bloom runs the Once Upon A Time bookstore and Bakery on Brinkley’s Island, but she’s looking forward to the day when her daughter Violet graduates from college and comes back to take over the business. But Violet has plans that include a one-way trip to Paris and a bakery school course. How will she break the news to her mom? During her crossing back to the island Johnny Lenox listens, and tells her “a secret can be the heaviest baggage of all”. Sad, sweet and heart-warming, this is Alice Hoffman at her best.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.

[Ruben · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been 5 years since Isabel and Johnny were able to tie the knot. They're now living the happy married life until one night Johnny has a very revealing dream, one that will change their lives forever.

Ever since the dream, Johnny has kept Isabel in the dark and does not even act as himself anymore. What's nagging Johnny? Will he tell Isabel about it so they can go on with their happily ever after?

On the other hand, Sophie thinks it is time for Violet to take over the family bookstore, but is it what Violet wants? Perhaps Sophie has gone too far and not thought really of Violet's feelings.

Will they as a family be able to overcome their feelings and the obstacles to face?

[Kira FlowerChild · Rating 4 out of 5]

...his passing broke something in Johnny.

This refers to the passing of Johnny's father, but it echoed so strongly my feelings about losing my mother. It has been more than twenty-five years and although the broken places have mended somewhat, the loneliness after losing not only my mother but also several other female relatives I was particularly close to has not diminished.

This is a story of grief and loss, but also of life going on, people growing and changing, and new life coming into the world. It is the third in a series of short stories about two sisters who are reunited after a long separation. They inherited the Once Upon A Time Bookshop from their parents and added a bakery in which they used their mother's recipes to great success. Their stories are full of ups and downs, condensed somewhat because of the brevity of the format. With Alice Hoffman's beautiful writing, an enchanted island setting, and much love and laughter, I highly recommend these short stories and I hope the author continues to tell us about the Bookstore Sisters.

[Book.ishJulie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bookstore Keepers is short story number three within The Once Upon A Time Bookshop Stories series from Alice Hoffman, where "family, independence, and finding your place in the world" take centre stage.

This was a heartfelt and cozy story about loss, grief, and change yet had such a strong message of hope woven throughout. Its never-ending atmosphere translated into vivid imagery within my mind. Although this is the only book from this series I have read, I found the characters and island to be well developed (especially for a short story), and I never felt that I was lacking previous information!

Jennifer Jill Araya narrated this audiobook in the perfect fairy tale way. Her narration was straightforward, yet had a magical air to it!

This series features 40-ish page/hour-ish long books, and they're just the sort of story to slip into when you've got just a bit of spare time!

Thank you NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories and Brilliance Publishing for the complimentary copies to read and review.

[Linda Galella · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a standalone short story, THE BOOKSTORE KEEPERS is a bit too short and a lot sweet; very, very sweet. If you’ve read the first two installments of this series, all of the sugary components will be diluted by information you’ve been privy to.

This story revolves around Johnny and Isobel. The synopsis is good so I’ll refrain from regurgitating it. I did enjoy having Johnny as the central character; quite an emotional guy.

Grief, love and finding a new path forward are central themes this mini work by Alice Hoffman. It’s clear that there will be another volume in this series. Hoffman didn’t exactly leave cliffhangers but there are very big threads, more like ropes, waiting for readers to grab onto and and find out what happened to Violet, the niece/daughter, who opted to…oops, spoiler. She’s a great character and could support a full length book of her own.

Hopefully, the next book will be a bit longer with more sister time📚

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Alice Hoffman. This short book was so tender and love filled. It made me happy every time I read it. I have been blessed with some wonderful sisters that have supported me through the ups and downs in life. I’d be lost without them. This book is heartwarming.

[Jen Oden · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not convinced that this book wasn’t written by ChatGPT.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice Hoffman’s writing is divine!

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Third in the Once Upon a Time Bookshop series brings new life and the death of two dearly beloved. During Johnny's grief he makes a major decision. Probably my least favorite of the quartet of stories this third in the series shows the longest passage of time.

Now looking for a great tie up for the story, I go to the fourth, and I believe the last, of the series The Bookstore Family.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot about grief. Not as good as the other two…I will finish the series and read book 4

[Jess ❈Harbinger of Blood-Soaked Rainbows❈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet short story ARC I got as a read now on Netgalley. I didn't realize until I started reading that this was #3 of a short story series written by the author for Amazon kindle originals. I didn't feel like not knowing the backstory was a hindrance though as I was able to acclimate well to the setting and the characters. Alice Hoffman writes beautifully and the characters even for such a short story were really dynamic and I found myself aching with them and feeling the same feels they were experiencing.
At its core, it is a story about two sisters who run a bookstore out of their old cabin on an island off the coast of Maine. I wanted to visit that fictional bookstore in the worst way! Their story in this installment is tried by grief and loss and letting go which seemed to be the theme. Themes of sisterhood and friendship and motherhood and partnership also run throughout.
This is more "women's fiction" than I tend to enjoy, and there weren't really any traces of Hoffman's signature magical realism but I did enjoy this sweet story and am interested in reading the first two to get the background. Alice Hoffman really does stand the test of time and still writes things that are relevant and beautiful. I will keep reading anything she writes.

[Karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great short story and third book in this short story series!!

This is the third book in a series of Amazon Original short stories called the Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories. These books are only 39 pages each so really take no time at all to read.

They are about love and loss and finding what you lost once again. Two sisters Isabel and Sophie along with Sophie’s daughter and Isabel’s husband are the main characters. The sisters are both so different and so loveable in their own way. And Sophie’s daughter is more like Isabel than she would care to admit. This is a story of life highs and lows.

This author wrote another short story I loved (What my Mother Taught Me) and so I have come back for more and I love her style. It is blunt and full of emotion, it’s just different and a real change of pace.

I will be reading all these little beauties highly recommend even if they don’t usually sound like your cup of tea.. it’s only short so why not!!

They are all available on KU and the last one is yet to be released.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in a series I haven't yet read, The Bookstore Keepers worked beautifully all on its own to fulfill the publisher's promise of a "deeply moving short story about the love of family and the power of dreams."

Made me cry, it did. Lovely all on its own. (I will be reading the others because of this!)

*A sincere thank you to Alice Hoffman, Amazon Original Stories, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheBookstoreKeepers #NetGalley

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Putting the short in short story.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another wonderful heartwarming addition to the Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories collection by Alice Hoffman. I love both Isabel and Sophie, and it has been fun to see their lives evolve with each short story. Once again, something unexpected happened in this story that caught me off guard but also made me love them even more. These stories are deeply moving and evoke such a strong sense of love, family, community, and following your dreams. I do wish there had been more involvement with the bookstore and more discussion of Sophie’s life and how she has been doing since the previous story, but I still really enjoyed it overall! Thank you to NetGalley, Alice Hoffman, and Amazon Original Stories for the gifted ARC in an exchange for an honest review.

[anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

a story about mourning, but mostly about love and closeness, very warm; the characters stand out and despite such a short moment with them, it is impossible not to love them

thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read it

[Cameron Sauschuck · Rating 2 out of 5]

spoiler sorry…

but this could have been done without killing the dog off, hard no for me

[Emily G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately not for me.

I found the characters decisions to be unrealistic and was not a fan of them.

Well written and a nice easy read, just not for me

Thankyou to NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

[John Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing saga of Isobel and Sophia running their family bookstore on a small island in Maine. Short, but heartfelt. Love and sadness abound, I await the next installment.

[mackenzie ✧*:･ﾟ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

WOW, this was my first Alice Hoffman read and it does really well as a standalone but now I definitely want to read the first two short stories in this series! Such a beautiful, raw depiction of grief in all its forms and having supported my partner through losing his dad way too young, I appreciated the realness. I loved the whimsical descriptions and overall vibe. One star off because I didn’t feel like their sudden decision as a solution to grief was necessary.

[Lauren Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will there be a 4th??? I think there can and hopefully will be. Not ready to leave the bookstore yet!