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

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 49,078 ratings

Price: 0.99

Last update: 12-26-2024


About this item

An Amazon Charts bestseller

From New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman comes a heartfelt short story about family, independence, and finding your place in the world.

Isabel Gibson has all but perfected the art of forgetting. She’s a New Yorker now, with nothing left to tie her to Brinkley’s Island, Maine. Her parents are gone, the family bookstore is all but bankrupt, and her sister, Sophie, will probably never speak to her again.

But when a mysterious letter arrives in her mailbox, Isabel feels herself drawn to the past. After years of fighting for her independence, she dreads the thought of going back to the island. What she finds there may forever alter her path—and change everything she thought she knew about her family, her home, and herself.


Top reviews from the United States

Lanna Lucky
5.0 out of 5 stars Meaningful short story
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
This is a meaningful short story. A very good work of art, using meaningful descriptions, painting a very wonderful setting. A very memorable read in a very fast paced world.
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Story
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2024
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!
Kathleen
5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
For such a tiny story, it was packed with everything it needed to say. It was very heartfelt and a lovely story.
James Field
3.0 out of 5 stars A Cozy Read That Falls Short of Sparking Enthusiasm
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2023
'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.
Obsessed Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars OMG
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2024
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?
jjpbookluvr
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but left wanting...
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2024
It was good, but it left me wanting more of the story...more back story, more history, and more about the characters themselves.
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2024
I loved this short story. It really shows the importance of being there for one another. If we could all be like these two sisters, just imagine what we could accomplish. Great short story…… on to the next…
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Making your past right.
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
I loved that this book took everything wrong from childhood right. Created good memories and strong ties with those that were apart for so long. I love how it ended with so many positive beginnings.

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