DNF

I think I requested this arc because it called itself a beach read, but I didn’t realize it wasn’t a true romance. I would recommend this to readers looking for a lighthearted, feel good story about lifelong friendships and mother/daughter relationships.

A cozy, heartwarming novel about second chances, seaside life, and the power of books. The small-town setting is charming, and the friendships feel authentic. A sweet escape for book lovers.

Jess loves her work as a lawyer in the city of Charleston. But when she finds her husband, Parker, has been cheating on her with his assistant, she retreats. She returns with her thirty-year-old daughter Caitlin, to her childhood home on Cape Cod, in Chatham. Caitlin has always been bright but is still looking for her passion and career. Jess needs to regroup with her best friend, Allison, and come up with a plan for the future. After twenty years as an editor for the Chatham magazine, Allison needs to take a step back. When a beloved local bookstore is for sale, a long-held dream turns into a reality. Allison and Jess set a plan in motion and what was once a place that held warm childhood memories is now theirs to run. As the two friends, along with the help of their daughters, reopen the doors of the cherished bookstore and adjacent coffee shop to the community, they also open themselves up to the possibility of romance, the bonds of mothers and daughters, and the magic of second chances.
This was a very good women's fiction book. All the characters were very likable, and it was a fun read. I loved how the friends worked together to get the shop in order and changed their lives for the better, as friends. I also loved how coming home gave them peace and strength to deal with their chaotic lives. The only real problem I have was the amount of story smashed into this one book. There were enough characters and storylines that there could have been two contemporary women's fiction books created. I became confused at times about which character I was reading about. I want to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

This is a lovely book where you see somebody coming into their own. The setting as well as the side characters really help immerse you into the character’s life in this book. It’s an entertaining book.

The Bookshop By the Bay by Pamela M Kelley
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We follow four different women:
Jess who finds her life in upheaval after her husbands affair.
Her daughter Caitlin who just lost a job and is looking for something she can find meaning in.
Allison is a long time best friend of Jess, and invites them to come to Cape Cod. Allison’s career has hit a low and she is looking to branch out.
Allison’s daughter, Julia, who has her own custom jewelry store and a boyfriend she is happy with but still doesn’t want to say yes to marrying him.
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This was a fun audiobook to listen to. I don’t read a ton of women’s fiction so it was a nice palette cleanser read. I love a good story with women who are friends and have each others backs and encourage each other. This book delivered!
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Also they buy and run a bookstore/slash coffee shop shop. YES.
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A feel good novel! Loved the setting and the characters. I read the second one before I read this one and it was fun to revisit the same characters I loved in the Seaside Sisters.

I am always going to love a book about a bookstore and second chances, and Pamela M. Kelley delivered. Tuck this one away in your beach bag (or any day you are dreaming of being seaside).

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this one with me. All thoughts are my own.

This was such a great book. I read it in one day! I have read several by this author and I have loved every one of them. I would definitely recommend this book.

A good story that makes you believe good is real! Heart warming and inspirational. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This novel met my expectations on all levels...characters, setting, and plot. I recommend this novel and thank you #netgalley

This story showcased the relationship among several strong women. The support they give one another while embarking on an adventure of opening a bookshop and coffee bar was truly inspiring.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book. The scenery and picturesque town makes me want to move to the cape. I love how all her characters are so invested in their community. This book is about difficult situations, moving forward, and the connections between mothers, daughters, and friends.

I liked this book. I did not love it. For that reason, I gave it two stars. Overall, it felt very cliche and expected. It was a feel good story and would be a good beach read. I found it hard to stay engaged and interested in this book.

I enjoyed this beach read. It is a dream to own a bookstore/coffee shop and loved getting to read about the women live that dream. I also really liked the character development.

I enjoyed This book. It was well written. I was able to engage with characters and plot. I would Read another book by this author and I recommend This book

3.5 rounded up.

I really enjoyed this novel. There was the perfect amount of beach, a little bit of drama, and some great new beginnings for the characters. I loved the long time friendship between Jess and Alison and even how throughout the book they became even closer. The ‘new beginnings’ were all around with the main characters and, at first, I thought it would be too much for a beach read but the author did it all seamlessly.

I’ve enjoyed this author in the past and will continue to enjoy her books in the future!

A great story about figuring out who you are and what you want. There were 2 smaller stories going on by side characters and we see some from Kelley's previous book. It's a nice easy read and I always enjoy Pamela Kelley's books.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

What a cute beach read! Loved the cover and storyline. Easy read that gave me all the feels. Highly recommend!

The Bookshop by the Bay had a premise that intrigued me. Two friends at different points in their lives looking for a second chance happen upon their childhood bookstore being for sale? And their daughters help? I was excited for the small town, easy breezy vibes of this book. I do feel like it delivered on being a light beach read. Overall, the story was engaging, and while predictable, it was comforting. I just felt that the drama peaked early and the resolution was to 'nice'.
Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for a review.