I may have jumped into this without reading the first three short stories but I don’t feel like I needed anything more, it was a truly beauty tale. Hoffman packs everything from loss and love, to heartbreak and hope, and even the power of baked goods into this little story.

At just 42 pages you’ll fly through this but it will leave a lasting impression!

I didn’t realize this was so short AND part of a series when I requested the audiobook. I love Alice Hoffman, though, and while it’s a quick listen, the family connections and love story are sweet and well-developed. A sign of a good short story to me is the desire to want to know more when it’s over and I’d totally read a full length novel set on this island with these characters.

4 Stars

This was a beautiful conclusion to The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories. Alice Hoffman has such an amazing gift to be able to pack so much emotion into very few pages. The narration was perfectly executed.

Thank you to Brilliance publishing for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook.

"A Heartfelt Tale with Hoffman’s Signature Magic"

"The Bookstore Family" is a warm, enchanting novel that blends the everyday with a touch of the mystical; exactly what fans of Alice Hoffman have come to love. Starting of in Paris then ending in a small town where a cozy, slightly chaotic bookstore serves as the heart of a quirky, tight-knit family, the story explores themes of love, grief, and resilience with lyrical prose and deep emotional insight.

Hoffman's characters are vivid and endearing, particularly the multi-generational women whose bonds are tested and strengthened through trials both ordinary and extraordinary. The magical realism is subtle but effective, adding a gentle shimmer to the otherwise grounded narrative.

Alice Hoffman’s writing is always so lyrical, and this novella was no different—full of heart, emotion, and just the right amount of magic.

Following Violet as she returns home from Paris was such a satisfying journey. I really connected with the themes of second chances, complicated family ties, and finding your way back to where you belong (even when it’s messy). It wasn’t super long, and I do wish we got a little more time with some of the side characters, but overall it felt like a warm hug of a read.

Cute story.
Short story. I sometimes have a hard time reviewing short stories because I love character development, and I just don't get enough of that in a short story/novella. I also look at plot structure and pace - that is another thing that is hard to do in a novella.
Felt like I just didn't know enough about our MMC.
However, overall, it was a nice, quick read. Definitely a good palate cleanser.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this story.
Happy Reading!

Thank you NetGalley for a free copy of the audiobook!

The Bookstore Family is a heartwarming short story about family, grief, chasing your dreams, and new adventures. It’s the fourth (and likely final) book in the Amazon Original short stories called The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories. Each book is around 40 pages, making it possible to binge the entire series in a single sitting!

This short story follows Violet, who, 5 years ago, left her family bookstore to attend culinary school in Paris. Now working as a pâtissière in an upscale Parisian restaurant, Violet is still searching for connection and inspiration. She gets a taste of it at the café at the Museum of Romantic Life, but just as life begins to come into focus, she’s urgently called home to the USA to be with her sick mother.

The earlier books in the series had sisters Isabel and Sophie as main characters, but this one focuses on Sophie's daughter Violet. The story can be read as a standalone, but it’s definitely worth the (small) effort to read all the short stories to get acquainted with the Gibson sisters and their charming family bookstore on Brinkley’s Island, Maine.

This short story will take readers through a myriad of emotions, from hope and inspiration during Violet’s self-discovery journey in Paris to moments of intense sadness when she returns to be with her sick mother. The dialogue between mother and daughter is very authentic, and anyone who has been in a similar scenario will find the scenes extremely emotional and heartfelt. The ending nicely ties up loose ends for most of the characters in the series, which is very satisfying for readers—but it’s also a strong sign that this book will be the end of this beloved series.

Violet is an introspective character who’s easy to resonate with. Despite having a settled life at the start of the story, she yearns for more, which is very relatable. The latter half of the story shows her struggle with guilt and grief and questions some of her life choices, which is very authentic and compelling. Alice Hoffman does a phenomenal job making all the characters genuine and giving them emotional depth—an amazing feat for a story that’s only 43 pages!

Overall, this short story and entire series are a must-read for anyone who loves heartwarming, family-oriented, authentic storytelling. Fans of Alice Hoffman’s full-length novels and those who enjoy authors like Anna Quindlen and Mary Kay Andrews will especially love this series. Or if you’re looking for a heartfelt series you can fully immerse yourself in during a daily commute, this is a great option!


🎙️Narrator Performance 🎙️
Jennifer Jill Araya has narrated the previous books in this series and returns to deliver another heartfelt and engaging performance. She brings protagonist Violet vividly to life with an exuberant, smooth voice perfectly suited to a young woman who's excited about new adventures. Araya shows off her great acting skills later in the story, during the emotionally melancholy scenes, by shifting her performance of Violet to give her more emotional depth. All the characters are given distinct, expressive voices that match their voices from previous audiobooks. If you’re considering reading this series, the outstanding & consistent performance by Jennifer Jill Araya makes the audiobooks the definite way to go!

In The Bookstore Family, the anticipated fourth installment of Alice Hoffman's Once Upon a Time Bookshop series, readers are invited back to the enchanting Brinkley’s Island, Maine. This novella shifts focus to Violet, now 30, who has ventured to Paris to pursue her culinary dreams. Despite her professional success, Violet grapples with loneliness and unresolved grief from her father's death during her teenage years. A family crisis draws her back to the island, prompting a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the enduring bonds of family

Hoffman's signature lyrical prose and subtle magical realism permeate the narrative, weaving themes of love, loss, and healing. The story delves into the complexities of familial relationships, particularly between Violet, her mother Sophie, and Aunt Isabel, as they navigate past traumas and present challenges. The Once Upon a Time Bookshop, though less central in this installment, remains a symbol of shared history and connection.N

While the novella stands on its own, familiarity with the preceding stories enriches the experience, offering deeper insight into character development and thematic continuity. Hoffman's ability to convey profound emotion within a concise format is commendable, making The Bookstore Family a satisfying addition to the series.

For those new to the series, starting with The Bookstore Sisters provides a comprehensive introduction to the Gibson family's journey. Longtime fans will appreciate the continued exploration of themes that resonate with the heart, affirming Hoffman's place as a master storyteller.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy!

This one felt like a hug in book form. The Bookstore Family is a gentle, hopeful story about chosen family, second chances, and the kind of love that grows in quiet, steady ways. It’s heartfelt without being overly sentimental—and I adored the setting. I mean, a cozy little bookstore as the heart of the story? Yes, please.

The characters are layered, a little messy, and beautifully human. Watching them fumble their way toward connection and healing felt like rooting for real people. It’s not fast-paced or flashy, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s about warmth, belonging, and finding your people.

4 stars for a story that made me smile, sigh, and believe (just a little more) in good things coming back around.

Emotions ran deep throughout the story, blending sadness with a subtle thread of hope that never felt forced. The narrative unfolded naturally, capturing moments of vulnerability without dragging the mood down. It kept me engaged and curious about what would come next.

Closure came gently but firmly, giving a sense of peace rather than finality. The narrator’s performance added just the right touch of nuance, bringing the characters’ feelings into sharp focus without overwhelming the listener. It was easy to connect with the journey on a personal level.

Even after the story ended, its impact lingered—a quiet reminder that difficult experiences can lead to growth and healing. The balance between melancholy and optimism made the listening experience feel authentic and meaningful, leaving a lasting impression that felt both comforting and inspiring.

The Bookstore Family feels like it could be the perfect ending to this lovely series. Book 4 brings everything—love, hope, heartbreak, goodbyes, and new beginnings. I absolutely loved it.

It’s a short read, but it really delivers. This time, we follow Violet as she runs off to Paris, meets a charming man, and then has to return home when her mother falls ill. And yes—you guessed it—the handsome guy stays behind in Paris.

What follows is the sweetest snail mail romance that totally warmed my heart. Such a beautiful story. I loved every page.

ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the narration of this book! It was clear and concise, and the book was short, easy to listen to in a single sitting. The story was short, sweet, and to the point. If you’ve read Alice Hoffman before, you know you’ll never be disappointed with one of her books! I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes romance and family bookstores!

This is a short story rather than a whole book (43pp). Given that, a lot of what I look for in a book (fully developed characters, transportative setting, intellectual depth, etc) don't really apply. THE BOOKSTORE FAMILY is a short romance between a reasonably developed female character (Violet) and a highly under-developed male character. It starts out in Paris and ends up in Maine; in such a short page count we get just broad brush strokes of these settings.

Violet is called home from Paris to Maine as her mother faces the last days of her life. She has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and has an indeterminate but short period of life left. She wants Violet and her family to accomplish a list of things including, for Violet, falling in love.

I was probably the exact wrong person to listen to this book, since I have been diagnosed with the same cancer as Violet's mother. I don't know how I missed that aspect of the story in its description, but probably just because I am an Alice Hoffman fan and didn't look closely. Unsurprisingly, this book made me cry. For most readers, I think it would just be a diversion for an hour or two.

The narrator did a good job with the characters and accents. This is the 4th part of a series, so moving through the different books in that series could provide several days of diversions without a big investment of time. I think it would be pleasant and uplifting for most, though not really for me.

Comforting and both melancholy but lovely. Felt all this in this short story full of love, heartbreak, self-discovery and more.

Excellent audio and narration for this story.

Advanced listener copy provided by Brilliance Publishing but all opinions are my own.

I’m an absolute sucker for any story involving bookstores, libraries, or bookish settings—and The Bookstore Family delivers that and more in this charming, heartfelt short story. Narrated beautifully by Jennifer Jill Araya, this audiobook is a cozy, emotional listen that I didn’t want to end.

Violet leaves her family’s beloved bookshop in Maine to chase her culinary dreams in Paris, only to discover that something is missing. The magic of books, family roots, and finding your own path take center stage here. It’s a story of connection, longing, and finding your way back to what matters most—even if it means going home again.

Alice Hoffman’s writing is gentle and lyrical, and the narration brings every emotion to life. Short but powerful, this is a perfect pick for a cozy afternoon or a feel-good listen on the go.

Alice Hoffman is a favorite author of mine and when I seen this short story I had to request it. It did not disappoint. I would like to pick up the others also. The narrator was awesome!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was sad and beautiful and really short it was well written and well voiced.. had there been more story I would have given it a higher rating

Five years ago, Violet left behind tiny Brinkley Island, Maine, to attend culinary school in Paris. Despite her dream job as a pâtissiere, she still feels like something is missing. When she returns to Maine for a family emergency, she finds that the place she was looking for all along was right there at home.

I’m in awe of how Alice Hoffman can pack so much emotion into 30-ish short pages. Each installment of the Once Upon a Bookshop short story series is sweet and heartfelt, and The Bookstore Family is the most poignant of all, moving me to tears multiple times. This little story is brimming with themes of love, grief, and finding oneself. I’m not sure if it’s the final book in the series or not, but if it is, it ends on a perfect lovely note of hope.

As with the first three installments, Jennifer Jill Araya does a beautiful job of narrating the audiobook, infusing Hoffman's prose with warmth and emotion.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for providing me an advance copy of this book.

Alice Hoffman once again delivers a masterful, emotionally resonant tale in The Bookstore Family, the fourth installment of her heartfelt short story series. Despite its brevity — just under 40 pages — this story is rich in character, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
We follow Violet, a pastry chef in Paris who’s emotionally adrift and hesitant to embrace love. Her life is marked by a quiet grief for the father she lost early in life and the emotional distance that remains between her and the family she left behind on a small island in Maine. Violet’s journey is tender and raw, and Hoffman captures it with empathy and poetic beauty. As she navigates the complicated terrain of family ties, personal loss, and unexpected mo connection, the story reminds us of the enduring power of love — even when we’re afraid of it.
Hoffman's prose is captivating, full of gentle insight, and her ability to draw the reader into Violet's inner world is superb. The themes of grief, identity, and reconciliation are explored with a quiet intensity that lingers long after the final page.
While this story can certainly stand alone, those who have read the earlier books in this series — The Bookstore Sisters, The Bookstore Wedding, and The Bookstore Keepers — will find added emotional weight and continuity in Violet’s narrative. Experiencing the full arc across the series enhances the impact of The Bookstore Family and adds depth to the characters’ evolution.
Perfect for a cosy afternoon read, this story pairs the comfort of food, the magic of books, and the complexity of human connection into a truly moving experience. Hoffman manages to pack an incredible emotional punch in a small package, proving once again that sometimes the shortest stories leave the deepest marks.

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Amazon Original Stories for the advance copy.

I went in expecting a magical, character-driven story (which Hoffman usually delivers), but I didn’t realize it was part of a larger series—and that definitely impacted my experience. There were a lot of emotional beats and character connections that felt like they were supposed to land harder, but without the context from the earlier books, they just didn’t quite resonate.

Hoffman’s prose is still lovely, and there are glimmers of that lyrical, bittersweet magic she’s known for, but I spent most of the novel feeling like I was missing something. Maybe if I had read the rest of the series first, this would’ve felt like a much more meaningful continuation rather than a standalone that didn’t quite stand on its own.

Not a bad book by any means—just not the best entry point.