The Little Bookshop by the Harbor

by Jean Stone

A new life filled with the celebrated seaside charm and small-town heart of Martha’s Vineyard, a newfound family, romance—and an exciting venture. What more could Maddie Clarke ask for?
And why would anyone want to stop her?

It’s been a life-changing year since Maddie moved to the picturesque, historic fishing village of Menemsha on Martha’s Vineyard, where her late mother was born. Maddie has rediscovered her grandmother as well as her own Indigenous roots as half Wampanoag, along with the tribe’s rich history and traditions. She’s also found an unexpected second chance at love with restauranteur Rex Winsted. And then she spots a vacant shop right on the harbor . . .

Maddie boldly decides to end her days as a college journalism professor and open a bookshop that will also serve teas her grandmother makes from island herbs. Maddie’s son, Rafe, a college senior, plans to craft baskets in the ancient Wampanoag way, sell them at the store, and donate the profits to benefit Wampanoag kids. For Maddie, it’s all too good to be true . . . until the threats begin.

Not wanting to spoil the dream, Maddie tells no one. But an unexpected incident makes the situation worse, and just as the shop is about to open, revelations from the past erupt. And another surprise ahead could radically impact not only Maddie’s future, but Rex’s, too. Facing a decision she never saw coming, Maddie learns that even peaceful waters must weather storms . . .

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 28, 2026

Reviews

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was such a fun read. It was easy to get into the story and most characters were likeable. The mistery was a bit unexpected (I clearly judged by the cover+title haha), but that was also what got me hooked in the end.

I think I would give it 3.5 stars, as I am not sure if I'll remember the exact story in a year. On the other side, a personal bonus for me was that it wasn't too spicy :)

Looking at other reviews, some comment on the late appearance of the finished bookstore, but that didn't bother me at all. It was the story of how it got to be ♡

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for my own and honest opinion.

[Ifeanyi Omoike · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Little Bookshop by the Harbor is a heartwarming story about a woman who moves in with her grandmother and tries to get her life back on track while juggling her roles as a teacher, mother, daughter, and granddaughter. On top of all this, she also finds herself navigating a new relationship filled with secrets, mystery, and threats—all while attempting to open a bookshop.

Before I started reading, I took time to see what other readers were saying, and I have to agree that the title is somewhat misleading. I usually love bookshop-centered stories, which is what initially drew me to this one. While the idea of opening a bookshop is present, the story isn’t really about the bookshop. It doesn’t fully come into existence until the very end, and even then, we don’t quite get to savor the cozy bookshop atmosphere I was hoping for.

Still, the family dynamics were a definite strength. I especially enjoyed the relationships portrayed—her bond with her quirky grandmother, her sweet and lovable son, and her father, who is a bit temperamental but quietly supportive. If I had to choose a favorite, her relationship with her father stood out the most, though her connection with her son came in a very close second.

The mystery subplot was interesting, though I suspected the culprit fairly early on. Even so, the secrets revealed along the way were genuinely surprising and added depth to the story.

Overall, this was a pleasant read. While it may not deliver the immersive bookshop experience the title suggests, it does offer insight into what it takes to open one. If you enjoy stories about complicated family dynamics and women starting over in life, this book may be one you’ll appreciate.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ashli Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Little Bookshop by the Shore is a warm, comforting story filled with seaside charm, found family, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. Set in the idyllic fishing village of Menemsha on Martha’s Vineyard, the novel beautifully captures the rhythm of island life and the pull of home—both inherited and chosen.
Maddie’s journey of reconnecting with her Wampanoag roots is especially meaningful, with Indigenous history and traditions woven thoughtfully throughout the story. The bookshop-and-tea-shop dream is cozy and inviting, and the themes of second chances, motherhood, community, and love give the book its heart. The touch of mystery adds intrigue while keeping the focus on relationships and personal growth.
This is a soothing, heartfelt read that will appeal to anyone who loves small-town settings, bookish stories, and hopeful narratives about starting fresh and finding where you truly belong.

[Christine Lussier · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I forgot how much Maddie drives me insane when reading about her life. The character needs a swift I don't know what--new description? New persona? She becomes involved with Rex and then acts like she hardly knows him. He is in a major accident & she doesn't try to stay in touch but once. It's just bizarre. I like her grandmother though-lol, her secrets and all. The story finally comes to an end with a good ending, it just needed something else. Maybe for the characters to be more credible? As others have mentioned, zero bookstore. She decides to open one after hearing that the bait shop is closing. It magically all works out (of course), and opens at the end of the story with her hardly doing anything with it. So a good fluff read? Yes. Will I read the next one? Probably b/c I will forget that she drives me nuts with her attitude/thoughts/way of life lol.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Stone & Kensington Publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

We return to Up Island in The Little Bookshop by the Harbor. Maddie is fully ensconced on the island, living with her grandmother, and embracing her Wampanoag heritage. When she learns of a bait shop closing, she takes the opportunity to lease the space and open a bookshop. Although the bookshop doesn’t open until the end of the book, there is a lot of angst involved with a life-altering and expensive decision. We feel the anxiety Maddie is going through. Is this the right decision for her? After all, she is a ‘washashore’ to the island. But with the encouragement of her friend, Rex, she decides to take the plunge and do it. The author gives us peeks into the history of the Wampanoag tribe which I enjoyed. This is for anyone who enjoys nice, enjoyable stories about family, love, forgiveness, and second chances.

[Miruna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Little Bookshop by the Harbor by Jean Stone was a pleasant, easy read with a cozy seaside setting, but it didn’t quite deliver what I was expecting. The town and atmosphere were lovely, and I enjoyed the small-community feel and themes of fresh starts and connection.

However, despite the title, there isn’t actually a bookshop open for most of the story. The idea of the bookshop is only briefly touched on toward the end, which was a little disappointing since I was hoping it would play a bigger role. Because of that, the story felt more like a general small-town romance than a book-lover’s read.

Overall, it’s a light, relaxing book and enjoyable enough if you’re looking for something gentle and low-stress. Just don’t go into it expecting a strong bookshop-centered storyline.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Little Bookshop by the Harbor by Jean Stone. This small town romance I thought by the title would be set in a bookshop but it wasn’t. The Bookshop didn’t make an appearance until the end. For me, I thought the book was long winded. I liked the characters but Maddie constantly jumping to the wrong conclusions without talking to Rex first started to drive me crazy. Give it a read, this is just my opinion. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Kensington Publishing for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases April 28, 2025

[Tracy Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. I did not enjoy this book, it actually made me mad while reading it. I wanted to slap the main character, Maddie. She is 45 years old university professor but acts like a teenager. I take that back some teenagers are more mature than she is. The title is misleading because the bookshop is only opened at the end of the book and there was not much about that.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Bookshop by the Harbor is story-telling at its best. I loved this story of Maddie and her new life Up-Island. The characters feel like new friends, and the story is detailed, emotional, and compelling. There were some twists, uncomfortable secrets, new friends, and the love, understanding, and forgiveness of family. It’s a wonderful read and I hope there will be further opportunities to return Up-Island.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasant story about life on Martha's Vineyard. It probably helped my enjoyment of the location as I had visited the area many years ago. Interesting native American issues. A sweet romance and a bit of a mystery. Not a page turner, but as it progressed the need to see how things resolved became greater. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[JXR · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute book with some fun plotting. Maddie, the main char, occasionally disappoints, but in general this is a good and bright vibe. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Rosite Sony · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I described this story in one word it would be "hug" this story feel like a hug to me. I enjoyed it.