I wanted to love this book. I REALLY wanted to love it. Black women, a bookstore, and bringing on the sisterhood to tackle the big challenges of life?

It has so many choice ingredients...but the bread didn't quite rise.

The characters felt two-dimensional and exaggerated, more like a telenovela than real life. The bookstore planning seemed wildly impractical all the way through. Indeed, the life events were improbably dramatic en masse (you're telling me these super opinionated and never-not-ready-to-fight-with-each-other women didn't say, "Girl, one therapist not working doesn't mean all therapists won't work—we're finding you a recommendation!). It was the difference between a telenovela and a rom-com. While some of the moments of sisterhood were beautifully done, overall, the book felt like an author with real talent needed another round of revisions/support from the editorial teams around her to help move it from caricatures to characters, and from plot points to storytelling.

Ms. Lindo-Rice, it's clear you've got the chops, talent, imagination, and passion to succeed. I look forward to continuing to read your work and will purchase this nonetheless, because again: Black women, a bookstore, and bringing on the sisterhood is a story I want to read and support.

I was not familiar with any of Michelle Lindo-Rice's previous works but the description of The Bookshop Sisterhood was one that I found intriguing. I worked for four years in a bookstore so I love anything related to bookstores.

Four best friends who decide to open a bookstore together. But before they can open the bookstore, each of the four friends has major life-changing events.

This could be the case of not all books are for all readers. I just found that each of the four main characters all had such major issues in their lives and it was a downer. I found it hard to relate to any of the characters and finally cut my losses by waving the white flag. Their lack of business planning in opening the bookstore was one thing I could not get past.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is one of those books that reminds me of why I like to watch reality tv. I was LIVING for the drama and the gossip between this group of friends. There so many levels of their friendship and it's relevant in how this story reads. I enjoyed the writing that Michelle shared in The Bookshop Sisterhood, too.

There were things about this book that I liked and some things I didn't. When it started I liked the fact that these ladies had formed a friendship that lasted quite some years and were able to bond over books and other things and it also seemed that because of this bond they were there for each other in times of need. I also liked that when they bickered they were able to make up quickly, for the most part, like sisters would. I enjoyed the references to other books/authors throughout the book since they were opening a bookstore after all which made it a little relatable and realistic.

The drama that came up in their lives I felt at times was unnecessary because with the exception of Leslie, the other three basically brought the drama upon themselves. Also, Yasmeen was way too naive and gullible for me and I felt Toni's situation was drawn out more than it needed to be. Overall I did enjoy the book and how it came together but I felt the ending was a little rushed. I would have liked to see some more expansion into the closure of the ladies' drama and to see what happened once the Bookstore was finally owned by the 4 of them especially since the rest of the book had been very detailed.

The entanglement into the web of drama is unreal and so gravitating.
You know you are always told not to gossip but I appreciate the good drama in this book. Now please don't bring it into my real life. lol
I was expecting a comfy found family novel and I was thrown into the lake without a paddle but I made it ashore and the swim was so fun!

If you are looking for a fun read full of d-r-a-m-a please pick this book up and give it a chance! Didn't disappoint at all.

This was my first Michelle Lindo-Rice novel and it won't be my last!
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced digital copy of Michelle Lindo-Rice's novel.

There were things about this book that I liked and some things I didn't. When it started I liked the fact that these ladies had formed a friendship that lasted quite some years and were able to bond over books and other things and it also seemed that because of this bond they were there for each other in times of need. I also liked that when they bickered they were able to make up quickly, for the most part, like sisters would. I enjoyed the references to other books/authors throughout the book since they were opening a bookstore after all which made it a little relatable and realistic.

The drama that came up in their lives I felt at times was unnecessary because with the exception of Leslie, the other three basically brought the drama upon themselves. Also, Yasmeen was way too naive and gullible for me and I felt Toni's situation was drawn out more than it needed to be. Overall I did enjoy the book and how it came together but I felt the ending was a little rushed. I would have liked to see some more expansion into the closure of the ladies' drama and to see what happened once the Bookstore was finally owned by the 4 of them especially since the rest of the book had been very detailed.

Thank you to the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really wanted to enjoy this book more! I loved the book description and the premise (women owned bookstore) but unfortunately it didn't deliver in the way I hoped and it was almost a DNF for me. I thought in parts it was trying too hard to bring too much complexity into what could simple have been a story of enduring friendship. I also had hoped that the actual bookshop would have been a larger character! There were some inaccuracies that needed cleaning up ie) the colonoscopy - not that was that major but kind of changed how I felt about reading the book - almost like I couldn't really trust and delve deeply into the story. Thank for the opportunity to review this book.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Women's Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Books About Books, African American Fiction
Spice Level: References to sex and some sex on page
Language: I don't remember any swearing

*THE BOOKSHOP SISTERHOOD* explores friendship.

There are four main female characters—the white woman is described as having a blonde bob and we know through inference the other three women are black. I loved how these four have been such good friends for about two decades.

Problems are heaped upon these friends: marital strife, partners not stepping up, illness, financial woes, getting lied to, and more. Sometimes the women do not handle the stress well and lash out at each other. Some of the things said are rough. I would have a hard time forgiving my friends if they ragged on me like this.

I also like the thread of the dream of owning a bookshop together that weaves through the story. There are also elements of faith and forgiveness that took some turns I didn't expect. I liked how the women expressed their faith because it was authentic and subtle.

If you want to read about a group ride and die friends, this is the perfect book for you!

Happy reading!

"The Bookshop Sisterhood" by Michelle Lindo-Rice is a heartwarming and deeply moving novel that celebrates the power of friendship and resilience. This beautifully crafted story follows four best friends—Celeste, Yasmeen, Toni, and Leslie—as they stand on the brink of realizing their dream of opening a bookstore. Their vision is to create a haven for their community, a place where readers can find solace in an intriguing book, enjoy a comforting beverage, and connect with fellow book lovers.

Just as the excitement of their grand opening builds, their lives are thrown into disarray. Toni faces devastating news just months before her wedding, Celeste grapples with a marriage on the verge of collapse, Leslie uncovers a shocking family secret, and Yasmeen's life takes an unexpected turn after winning the lottery—but not in the way she hoped.

As the grand opening of the bookstore looms, the four women must rely on each other more than ever to navigate their personal crises. Through their grief and uncertainty, they discover the strength of their sisterhood and learn that even the most unexpected plot twists in life can lead to beautiful new beginnings.

Lindo-Rice's "The Bookshop Sisterhood" is a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and the transformative power of community, making it a must-read for anyone who loves stories of hope, love, and resilience.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

I love books set in bookstores and libraries, and I love to read women's fiction in the summer. So I thought Michelle Lindo-Rice's new book The Bookshop Sisterhood would be the perfect read. But I was so wrong. I almost could not finish this book.

First off, we are barely introduced to the characters when we are dropped into their soap opera-worthy drama with men. Since I didn't get to know the characters there was no connection with them and therefore I had little care for their problems. And then, how they handled their problems made me dislike all the main characters. They were constantly sniffling or being nasty to each other only to turn right around and pledge that they were there for each other. These women would not have been my friends in real life. They felt false and un-genuine in their claims of friendship.

Don't even get me started on their lack of proper grammar when speaking. Using "ain't" is a pet peeve of mine so that grated on my nerves but what really got under my skin was the lack of the verb "are" in their dialogue.

Then there were the inaccuracies that could have been cleared up with a simple Google search. I like for my realistic fiction to be based on reality and not just how the author thinks the real world works. For example, Yasmeen is taking her father to his colonoscopy appointment. Ironically, when I read this scene it was the morning of my own colonoscopy. Yasmeen makes a comment to her father about needing to be empty because her mother had made him an egg sandwich. However, the night before she stopped and got fast food for her parents and later ordered a pizza. I know for a fact that the day before a colonoscopy you are on a clear liquid diet.

Another example... when Toni is at the gynecologist's office she is taken from the waiting room by a Physician Assistant (PA) to see a doctor. I see a PA and she never gets me from the waiting room - a nurse does. And I only see the PA, not the MD in the office. I don't think the author (or the editors) understands what a PA is.

In a lot of ways it reminded me of the fanfiction stories I read 20 years ago where writers often got the real-world workings wrong because they weren't taking the time to do even basic research (which we overlooked, or left comments about, as these were considered first draft stories).

While I love women's fiction, I don't care for romance novels. And with all the talk of sex and texting nude pictures so too much like a raunchy romance novel for me.

I was also disappointed with the lack of talk about the bookstore. I felt deceived as there was actually very little time spent discussing the bookstore and even their book club meetings barely discussed books. I mean they mention playing games but we don't see that. Instead, they once again discuss men.

As you can see I was very disappointed with this book. I read it in big chunks just to get through it and tried not to roll my eyes too much at the ridiculousness of it all. However, I know that everyone has different reading tastes so if you enjoy romance novels then this will probably be a more enjoyable read for you.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Tuesday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2024/07/the-bookshop-sisterhood-by-michelle.html

Many thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. This book is about 4 friends from different walks of life who decide to open a bookshop together due to their shared love of reading and their sister like bond. From the moment they decide to go into business together, their lives begin to unravel and challenge their friendships in ways they did not think possible. The bond and humor amongst these women is inspiring and I enjoyed the book immensely.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel for review purposes.

When I started this novel I didn't think I would be the target audience, I am much older than the main characters and I wasn't at all sure that I would be able to relate to the storylines. I was wrong.

The writing is so engaging that I soon felt drawn into the friend circle and entirely invested in the lives of the women.

A great read!

This book could be so much but it falls short in many ways. It’s not a terrible book, but is not something I would reread or tell everyone else they need to read it.

I was rooting for these women and was excited about the bookstore angle. I loved that there were so many real books discussed - some I’ve read and some I’ve added to my tbr!

However - this book is just depressing. All 4 women have sadness and tragedy upon sadness and tragedy. They constantly make ridiculous decisions and act like naive/selfish teenagers. And the “friendship” that ties them together isn’t friendship. It’s toxic, and the way they interact is juvenile and truly unacceptable - whenever they argue, they manage to find the most hurtful things to fling at each other…but they’re still sisters and best friends forever. No. Just no.

The bookstore part is really just adding to the darkness and stress of the plot and giving them something else to bicker about. If there was a strong focus on the bookshop OR their independent lives, and if they weren’t ALL enduring constant chaos - often of their own making - this book could be saved. I really didn’t like these women and felt a sense of dread for them every time I picked up this book, but still was rooting for them to get it together.

The Bookshop Sisterhood by Michelle Lindo-Rice is a heartwarming tale of friendship and sisterhood, with a dash of romance and family drama thrown in, that stays with you long after you have turned the last page.
After reading the first chapter, I wasn't sure that this was the book for me; it failed to grab my attention and I almost put it aside. I am so glad that I continued reading! The story of four friends sticking together through thick and thin, no matter what challenges are thrown in their paths or what mistakes they make, is one that is sure to resonate with even the most jaded of readers.
Well-written and engaging, this book is the perfect summer read, and can be read for the pure pleasure of the four inter-mingling stories or for the lessons found therein, or for both.
I am happy to have received a copy of #TheBookshopSisterhood from #NetGalley .

Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing ARC of The Bookshop Sisterhood by Michelle Lindo-Rice. I love good book that is a solid story with a lot of mess. This is in that vein. this book follows 4 friends that love books, and the ups and downs they are going through in their lives. This was my first read by this author and I will check out other works by this author.

This one caught my attention because of the cover but the story fell flat for me. There was so much drama between each FMC and the story didn’t come together as seamless as I’d like. I was excited that the friend group would be opening their own bookshop but so much of the story was the drama and hardship each of them faced. Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc.

I feel like I keep searching through so many anticipated releases, waiting for something that will break the reading slump. Unfortunately, this one just wasn't the one to do it. I just felt bored.

This was really good. This is the first book I have read by Michelle Lindo-rice. It was better than I thought it would be. I love the friendship the girls had. The ending was really good. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

I know some of y’all like a lot of mess and a quick finish. This is right up your alley.

If you just read this book and go along for the ride, you’ll definitely enjoy it. This book is 100% more for entertainment than in-depth consumption. There were times I felt like I was watching a BET show like Tyler Perry’s Sistas. It seems like maybe there was one character too many. It was almost as if, for the sake of the book, everyone had to have something going on all at once.

You have the once-broke friend who wins the lottery and pretty much runs through all the money. Yeah, one of the friends is a financial advisor and couldn’t connect her to someone to help her? You have a friend who is having fertility issues and a troubled past but didn’t think to tell her lawyer husband? Another woman’s daughter is sick, and her husband is a gambler, yet she still allows him to have access to major accounts? Then there’s a friend suffering from PTSD from a carjacking who refuses to go to therapy even though it’s destroying all of her relationships. It did feel like a lot of stereotypical tropes were on display.

There was this lingering depiction of the black women being selfish or self-serving, sassy, and being at times irresponsible. Even Darryl as the down-on-his-luck Black man who needs a ninth chance or a character like Skins—because what would this book have been without Black men coming from jail? I think I would’ve preferred if the drama was cascading. Plus, it always appears when we get these very strong in presence and personality women characters, they have to be immature in some other way, especially in their communication style.

This is definitely the kind of book I could see recommended for a book club or just to casually read on the weekend, but the minute you start to look deeper into it, there’s just too many things to pick apart. But something tells me this book could easily have a follow-up based on how it ended, and people would eat that up as well just because it’s so drama-filled, and the drama and situations are so over the top.

While some of the obstacles the characters are facing are very real and could easily happen, it’s the way in which the situations unfold that make them feel very distant and soap operatic. I can understand having smart characters that make occasionally biased or misinformed decisions, but it just felt like it was one dumb choice after another.

And to say that this book is about sisterhood is really loosely using that term. These women spend more time arguing and jabbing at each other—and not in the keke way. It made it quite obvious where the book was going to go, but also unfortunate in the pace at which we arrived there. By the time the climax happens, the ending just quickly wraps up.

All that is not to say I didn’t enjoy reading this book; it is definitely a guilty pleasure. It may not have been what I was really hoping for, but I’m also not mad at it. It knows what it offers and what it’s doing.

368 pgs
Pub Date: Jul 30th

Thanks to Netgalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for this Digital Arc.

Fiction

Unfortunately this ended up to be a "not for me" dnf. I normally am into this sort of prime-time soap opera story where things are a bit dramatic and exaggerated but I had immediate problems with Toni's storyline. Being someone who has dealt with infertility, the way the gynecologist does one ultrasound and immediately pronounces her infertile bothered me greatly because it was so far from realistic. And then because that continued to bother me several chapters down the line, other things that seemed unlikely popped out at me, like a woman using coins at a major casino in a book set after 2015 and a 6'5" person having to duck under a doorframe in a public place. I truly think I could have enjoyed the book if the infertility was dealt with in a more realistic way.