Back in February, after reading the novella / short story Bookstore Keepers, I said I wouldn’t mind reading more about those endearing characters, their island life and their bookshop: I didn’t know I was so prescient! I saw another of these stories on Netgalley and quickly grabbed it. I’m not too sure how this works for the writer (meaning, releasing one story at a time), but to me as a reader it’s a good formula, as I get a bite size of emotional roller-coaster (which might be too cloying on a long format), and I grow fond of the characters along the way!

I read this longish short story over a sleepless evening, and it really helped. Not that it is so boring that it put me to sleep, far from it! On the contrary, it helped me take my mind off the worries I had. It made me feel emotional in a good way and find a sense of calm and satisfaction.

It’s not necessary to have read any of the previous stories, although it gives added depth. Here we have Sophie’s young adult daughter Violet trying her luck in Paris, with the dream of becoming a pastry chef, using Sophie’s favorite recipes from the island.

The story is full of sad and sweet emotions. I have only one reservation, which is that the pastry recipes are not one bit believable. Paris is the postcard, picture-perfect version of itself. Well, I guess I was not coming for realism, so it doesn’t matter much. It was like biting into a vanilla cream puff, both fluffy and crunchy: utterly satisfying.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book for review consideration.

This is the kind of short story I hate. Sad middle class characters I couldn’t care less about and the story is boringly predictable and sickly sweet.

This book destroyed me.


I would leave the review at that if it was long enough. I love this series and I sincerely hope this wasn’t the last one but if it was it was a heartbreakingly beautiful end.

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy of The Bookstore Family by Alice Hoffmann exchange for a honest review.Even though this is a short story it packs a lot of emotions in a few pages.Violet is losing her mother to cancer and she travels home to Maine to spend her last summer with her.Right before she leaves she meets Remy, a fellow baker ,who might be the love of her life.In Maine she experiences so many emotions and comes to the realization that live is the most important ingredient in life.A very emotional yet heart warming tale.

Alice Hoffman is a favorite author of mine. Pick up The Bookstore Family. You won't want to miss this one.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. This is book 4 in the delightful short read series by Alice Hoffman. At only 43 pages in length it was sure packed a punch in the emotions it evoked in me. Love, heartbreak, goodbyes, hope and new beginnings, it was such a well rounded read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Our main character, Violet she runs off to Paris, meets a charming man, that she is swept up by only to have to return home when her mother falls ill, leaving him in Paris. Such a charming read it made my little heart flutter with joy. #thebookstorefamily #alicehoffman #theonceuponatimebookshopseries #contemporaryromance #tea_sipping_bookworm #goodreads #getlitsy #thestorygraph #fable #netgalley

Short and bittersweet! Not sure if this is the last in the series, but loved it! Perfectly paced and the end was chef’s kiss!

I thoroughly enjoyed this short story by the incomparable Alice Hoffman. A sweet story involving family and all the corresponding emotions that come from being in a family…happiness, love, tragedy, sadness, hope. Well developed characters that you’d want to know. I haven’t read the first three in this little services, but now they are on my TBR pile.

Sometimes going home isn't always.What you're hoping for. The family is always there.There's the memories, the recipes, the love.

This short story follows 3 other books. Each book is unique in its own way. It's about sisters, family love, and oh, so much more.
I have loved each story so much.

Simply a sweet story.

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This one is my favorite in the story! It follows Sophie daughter, Violet, who is grown up and living abroad after graduating from university. This one will make you cry! It is a beautiful conclusion to the series and includes romance, family, and finding your independence and purpose.

Thank you to Netgalley, Amazon Original Stories, and Alice Hoffman for my free copy of this book.
I'm a big fan of Alice Hoffman, but this is the first story. I've read in the series. It was a lovely heartwarming. Feel good story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was refreshing considering some of the subject matter was pretty heavy. The settings of both Paris and the island off of Maine made for beautiful scenery. The recipes and cooking aspect of the book was mouthwatering. And finally, the bookstore in the interesting in books is something that always appeals to me. I highly recommend reading it. It's just a short read that you could do in an afternoon or a plane ride.

This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor.
The Bookstore Family is a heartwarming story.
The author's writing style is simple, but also impactful with plenty of depth.

Though it may not be the best, it features the beautiful prose and memorable quotes characteristic of Alice Hoffman's writing. This book marks the fourth entry in the Once Upon a Bookshop series, which features short stories. The first two works present detailed portrayals of the Gibson family as they experience significant losses, love, and achievements within their family business.
In this story, the setting is Paris, where Violet has made her home. She brings her mother’s beloved recipes to life in a new and unfamiliar country. However, as she bakes, she realizes that no matter where she is, her heart truly finds its place in Maine.

Hoffman changes long stories into focused character studies, showing a family's love and loss experiences.

I loved this latest installment of The Bookstore Series! Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC of #TheBookstoreFamily. This short read kept me smiling and crying, but in a good way. I have loved the evolution of the characters as they have repaired family hurt over generations. The resilience of the characters has been a joy to watch unfold. Keep writing books in this series and I will continue to read them.

Thank you Amazon Originals and NetGalley for this ARC.

A short, enjoyable story from award winning author Alice Hoffman.
This is the 4th and possibly last instalment in this short story series. I haven’t read the previous 3 books but really enjoyed this one..

Violet is living in Paris and living her dream as a patisserie yet something is missing. Violet is searching for love or that missing piece. Will she find it while living her dream or does the pull to return to Maine grow stronger?

A lovely book to escape into over a lazy afternoon, I really enjoyed this and now need to go back to read the beginning 3 .

A cute short story and quick read to possibly wrap up the series.
At times I did find myself thinking it’s hard to believe that this was written by the person that wrote Practical magic due to it feeling disjointed. But how much can you really sayin 43 pages. I’m sure if it were longer it would have felt less disjointed.

But if you are reading this series you will probably enjoy it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Thankyou for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Bookstore Family by Alice Hoffman in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Such an amazing read. A beautifully written novel with engaging characters.
Would definitely recommend this book.

I love any book set in New England and/or Paris. Violet reminded me a lot of myself and finding new beginnings. Hoffman is a wonderful storyteller that develops the characters and plot leaving the reader wanting more. This was a sweet story and found myself rooting for Violet.

I didn’t realize that this book was part of a series. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other books in the series first. That being said, I still really enjoyed this one. I am a fan of Alice Hoffman, for sure. This isn’t my favourite of hers but it’s still a pretty good one.

Well in this series of short stories, this was certainly my favorite. Even though I didn’t think I would like one more than the Wedding short. It had me smiling and tearing up. I’ll say it again….she is a master story teller to fit this much into just a few pages.

>>Thank you to netgalley and Amazon for a review copy of this short story. My opinions are my own.