This story had so much promise. The premise is amazing, but the execution is not that great.

It is easy to see where the author wanted to introduce conflict, but every potential conflict fell flat. Each instance of conflict was wrapped up in about four sentences. For example, the author wants the reader to believe that Jess is pining over her relationship with Parker, but I didn't feel any kind of connection.

Also, there was a huge missed opportunity with the food. I could easily have craved every food listed, of which there was a lot, but it was just a long list of names of foods followed by "it was delicious." There was entirely too much telling and not enough showing.

It was also hard to connect with Jess's ability to purchase a bookstore and coffee shop directly out of her savings account. This isn't a possibility for most readers, so it is hard to believe.

This book just wasn't great for me.

I gave up on this at 11% and here’s why: I felt nothing for any of these characters because I was told things instead of feeling them along with the characters. If I’m reading a romance novel, I want to feel all the feels. Eventually joy and happiness but first the sadness when her husband cheats on her or the sadness of when the boyfriend dumps her.
Instead, I’m TOLD that Jess hasn’t had sex with her husband in a year and she knew there were problems in their marriage. Am I actually supposed to feel shocked and saddened that he cheats on her with his young assistant?
When Caitlin goes to dinner on her one-year anniversary and thinks he’s going to propose, she thinks she’ll say yes not because he makes her heart go pitter pat but because he was good enough and she was thirty so she should probably get married, but then instead he dumps her, am I actually supposed to feel bad that she’s spared a lackluster marriage?
Also, the dialogue was wildly unbelievable—completely inauthentic. Also, this is told from multiple points of view, which is a great device to tell the same information but from a new and unique perspective. Instead, she just repeats the same information almost verbatim in different chapters.
NetGalley provided the advance copy of this novel, which releases June 6, 2023.

My Thoughts

As a person who has always liked stories that take people out of their chosen life path and steer them to something they never considered this particular novel was a good reading choice for me.

Also, the fact that these 4 women found a way to fill their personal needs as well as their bank accounts was a plus.

Starting over at any age is something no one finds easy but doing so constructively sure made things smooth out faster for Allison, Caitlin, Jess and Julia once they all got past a few bumps in the way.

A joyful conclusion to a book with many highs and lows along the way.
[EArc from Netgalley]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

I have not read a Pamela Kelly novel until now and I am wondering why I haven’t. I was immediately grabbed and remained engrossed in the novel. I absolutely loved this book and felt like I was friends with the characters in here. Love this setting and boom! Will definitely work to find and read more of her other works.

Heartwarming, emotional and empowering - The Bookshop by the Bay was a fantastic read! Loved the characters and genuinely felt like I was losing friends when the book ended.

I was hooked from the beginning! This is my first time reading a book by Pamela Kelley, and I’ll definitely be reading more!

Y’all, I was so impressed by this novel! I have not read any books from this author and I’m really glad I started off with this one! Great main character and the writing was outstanding. It draws you in from the very beginning.

I really enjoyed this. Loved the character development. I'm hoping it becomes a series. I'm all in for that.

I enjoyed this book this is my honest opinion. I generally prefer Detective stories as sometimes this genre is too slow and uneventful. The Bookstore by the Bay by Pamela M. Kelley is a sweet story that does keep you interested. Complicated relationships, betrayal, and new love are all in this book. It's a fast read that leaves you uplifted. Who wouldn't love owning a bookstore on the Bay? The characters are all like family and all seeking a happy fulfilled life. Thank you NetGalley and publishers St. Martins Press for this eARC I recommend this book.

I really liked this book. Set mainly on Cape Cod, this would be the perfect beach read. It was definitely predictable, but that did not stop me from thoroughly enjoying the book. Recommend!

‘The Bookshop by the Bay’ is my first Pamela M. Kelley book. I thoroughly enjoyed this beach read based in Chatham, MA (Cape Cod). The characters were well developed and very relatable, I will definitely look into Ms. Kelley’s other books.

The Bookshop by the Bay by Pamela Kelley is a book that draws you into the story immediately. Unhappy in her marriage, Jess is struggling with what to do when circumstances help her with her decision. Encouraged by her best friend, Alison, Jess decides to leave Charleston and spend the summer in her hometown of Chatham, Massachusetts. Her daughter, Caitlin, also goes with her. Caitlin recently lost her job and does not have a clear career path going forward. They can stay with Jess's mother for there is plenty of room. While Jess and Caitlin are in Chatham, the woman that owns the local bookstore wishes to retire. Jess, who is a successful attorney, decides to purchase the bookstore for Alison to run and the attached coffee shop. Caitlin loves working at the coffee shop and is named the manager. Jess and Caitlin are in no rush to return to Charleston and are enjoying the summer in Chatham. They both begin to have thoughts about returning to Charleston. Pamela Kelley's characters have real-life struggles that help with the story. There is good character development with the fast-paced story that is hard to put down.

I always love Pamela Kelley's books because they are light and fun and always set in wonderful beach towns that make you wish it was summer! This book was no exception. The story follows two mother-daughter duos as they make decisions that will shape their future. The book was a little slow to start, but once I got into it, it read very quickly! This will be a great summer read for anyone who dreams of owning a bookstore!
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Loved this book. I’ve never read anything by Pamela Kelley before but will now include her on my list of authors I enjoy reading. This novel was about friendships between women and the relationships of mothers and daughters. The characters seemed so real and were people you would enjoy spending time with. I know I did.

When Jess finds out that her husband, Parker, cheated on her and impregnated his young assistant Jess has some decisions to make. For the time being, she and her daughter, Caitlin, retreat to Jess’ childhood home in Chatham on Cape Cod. As Jess reconnects with her mom and her childhood friends, she realizes that Chatham is still home to her. Jess and her friend, Allison, invest in and established bookshop and coffee shop. The magic of second chances develops and possibilities abound for her and Caitlin. I loved this easy, feel good, read. Thanks to @netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC. I highly recommend it

A quick easy clean romance that would be perfect while on a summer vacation to the beach. One dislike... too many characters introduced too fast. It took a bit of time for me to remember who was who.

Thanks for the opportunity to read this book.

Childhood friends Jessica and Alison grow up in Chatham., Mass. Jess moves to Charlotte, works at her husband's, Parker Coleman, family law firm and has a 30 year old daughter, Caitlin, who still lives at home. Alison stayed in Chatham, and is a magazine editor who married and divorced Chris Page, raised her daughter, Julia, also 30, who is a designer and maker of jewelry in Chatham. . These are the main characters in this novel. Everyone reevaluates their lives and make major life decisions that kept this novel moving swiftly.

Pamela M Kelley creates characters you care about and plausible situations you can relate to that kept the "one more chapter" excitement going.

The Bookshop by the Bay by Pamela M. Kelley follows two life long friends (and their daughters) as they navigate a shift in their lives as the result of infidelity, divorce and second chances.

When mother and daughter Jess and Caitlin head to Chatham Cape Cod to escape the unfolding drama of infidelity in Charleston, they stay with Jess's mom. Through small town talk, Jess and childhood bestie, Allison realize their beloved bookstore is for sale. As Jess is navigating a separation, Catlin is without a job/career and Allison's job is downsizing, Jess decides to buy the bookstore and attached coffee shop as an investment.

This is a breezy beach read with two beautiful settings. I enjoyed the generational relationships as well as moving through a bitter period of your life with grace and kindness.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Publication date 6/6/23.

A quick, easy to read romance that was a little too sweet for me but might be the perfect summer read for someone else.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eArc of this book. Chick lot but lovely, likeable characters. The book quickly introduces ever so many characters that it is difficult to keep them sorted. Entertaining beach read.

3.5*stars