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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed the first two short stories in this series but this one was eh.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
The Bookstore Keepers by Alice Hoffman is part of the Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories. It is a brief but beautifully written slice of life centering on two sisters and the generational family bookstore the two sisters currently run. It is a book about life, love, sadness, grief, mothers and daughters. It is a book about family and ultimately love of family. Thank you to Net Galley and Amazon Original Stories for my ALC. I gave this book 3.5 stars.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
When I got this short story, I didn’t realize it was part of a series. With that being said, I’m sure I would have liked it a lot more if I had a better knowledge of the characters. I thought the story was alright, but I didn’t find it as moving as some might. I’m not sure that I will look to read more of these short stories in the future, as I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I would have liked.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reading copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reading copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A beautiful short story about love, family, grief, letting go and finding yourself. Hoffman took delicate subjects and packed them into this tiny book in a beautifully sensitive way. It’s not often I find a book that can make me cry, let alone a short story, but this one definitely did that. Loved it!
I received this short story as an ARC, and really enjoyed it. I read the first two in preparation for this one, and loved how the stories flowed into one another.
Though this is a short story, it is jam packed. You get to know the characters more deeply than I would think possible in 42 pages.
It explores what it means to grieve, what it means to love, what it means to grow and change. All wrapped into the author’s descriptive writing style.
Though this is a short story, it is jam packed. You get to know the characters more deeply than I would think possible in 42 pages.
It explores what it means to grieve, what it means to love, what it means to grow and change. All wrapped into the author’s descriptive writing style.
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
thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In her third short story about the Gibson sisters, Alice tells a tale of love, loss and rebirth as each character must come to terms with life's surprises and decide how they really want to live.
This lovely, heartwarming novella was a quick read.
A recommended read for fans of Alice Hoffman and short stories about life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This lovely, heartwarming novella was a quick read.
A recommended read for fans of Alice Hoffman and short stories about life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Alice Hoffman knows how to pack heart in even the shortest of stories. I will admit I haven't yet read the first and second of the "Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories," so all of these characters are new to me. It was incredibly easy to slip into the minds of each character and empathize with their inner turmoil. The only reason this short story wasn't a five-star read for me was that I felt there was too much packed into the short period. I would have preferred if Hoffman had kept the focus mainly on two perspectives, as I got confused there for a moment when more were added in after spending time with the original two voices.
I look forward to reading #1 and #2 and any future releases!
Thank you Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for providing me a digital copy to review.
I look forward to reading #1 and #2 and any future releases!
Thank you Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for providing me a digital copy to review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Pregnancy