The Boardwalk Bookshop

Written by Susan Mallery

Narrated by Tanya Eby

From No.1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery—a story of friends who become family, giving each other courage to start over...

When fate brings three strangers to a charming space for lease on the California coast, the Boardwalk Bookshop is born. Part bookstore, part gift shop, part bakery, it’s a dream come true for Bree, Mikki and Ashley. But while their business is thriving, their personal lives are...not.

Bree, wounded by brilliant but cold parents and her late husband’s ultimate betrayal, has sworn to protect her heart at all costs. Even from Ashley’s brother, a writer and adventurer who has inspired millions. He’s the first man to see past Bree’s barricades to her true self, which terrifies her. Mikki has this divorce thing all figured out — somehow, she’s stayed friends with her ex and her in-laws...until a new man changes how everyone looks at her, and how she sees herself. Meanwhile, Ashley discovers that the love of her life never intends to marry. Can she live without being a wife if it means she can have everything else she’s ever wanted?

At sunset every Friday on the beach in front of the Boardwalk Bookshop, the three friends share a champagne toast. As their bond grows closer, they challenge one another to become the best versions of themselves in this heartachingly beautiful story of friendship, sisterhood and the transformative power of love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jun 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781867254041

Susan Mallery

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives—family, friendship, romance. She's known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages.Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Reviews for The Boardwalk Bookshop

[bons_11 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A very light read that can get spicy. The characters I found likeable but mainly just one topic. Takes place in a bookshop but don't expect discussion of books. It is not a bookshop read. No real beach life discussed. It's a light read with some light humor.

[19anne44 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I thought this was going to be a book about a bookstore and books not a "romance" novel. The characters were very boring stereotypes and all looking for a man!! The title should be changed!!

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Bree, Mikki and Ashley were strangers when they met while looking for a place to open their own business. They had each found the retail shop on the California boardwalk but it was too large for one business so they decided to set up their separate business and share the lease. They quickly became friends and tried to help each other through their problems with life and love.Bree owns the bookshop. She had parents who ignored her growing up and a husband who betrayed her so she guards her heart and doesn't want to get involved with anyone. When she meet Ashley's brother, an author, at her bookstore, she begins to change even though she is fighting against having a relationship. Harding is patient and loving and begins to break down the walls she's put up around her heart.Mikki owns the gift shop. She's happily divorced and wants to stay that way until she meets a man who wants to change her life.Ashley owns the bakery. Her goal in life is to be a bride and live happily ever after. Her live in boyfriend wants to remain a couple but he is adamantly opposed to marriage. She has to decide if she can live with that or if it's a deal breaker to their future.Can the friendship that these three women have help them overcome their pasts and find a brighter and happier future? This is a book about friendship and love and three women who have only begun to realize how strong and resilient they really are.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery is a 2022 Harlequin Mira publication. Bree, Ashley, and Mikki joined up as business partners and friends. Each of them is at different phases in life, but all three are facing romantic challenges-Bree is like ‘Samantha’ on Sex in the City- no strings attached sex is her modus operandi- but when it comes to Ashley’s brother- there is real danger of falling in love… and getting hurt. Ashley’s boyfriend has shocked her by announcing he wants happily ever after with her…. But refuses to marry her. Is that a deal breaker for Ashley? Mikki’s divorce was final three years ago. She hasn’t dated since then, but then she meets someone just as her ex begins pressuring her to get back together. Does she still love her former husband or is she ready to move forward with her life? While I sometimes complain when a book has too many characters- this book manages to combine three threads into one book, featuring three main c, and their various relationship challenges. Each could have had their own story, but I think this approach works better for me, as I have enough series to keep up with as it is. Despite the large cast of characters, it was easy to keep up with each thread, and the characters involved in each relationship. I liked the friendship between the women and the way they spoke their minds, but offered unconditional support, even when it was awkward. I’m trying to think if one thread stood out more than the others, but each one was equally compelling- but Bree did have the most to overcome, in my opinion. Mallery did a great job in balancing all three storylines and in making the friendships the link or bridge that connected everything together. Overall, another enjoyable beach read from Susan Mallery- my second of this summer. 4 stars

[bearette24 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book started slowly, but by the end, I felt like it had offered some insights. It follows Bree (bad relationships, problems with intimacy), Ashley (her boyfriend doesn't want to get married), and Mikki (exploring dating while still enmeshed with her ex-husband).

[anyother-758154 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Quite depressing.

[lorikboyd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Three stories in one that all tie together in this story about fate, friendship and love. Perfect beach read….with two of my favorite scenarios, a bookshop and a beach setting. Three strangers, small business owners, are brought together while looking at a prime retail site. While too pricey on their own, they band together and rent the store, running their business independently and collectively. Bree, Mikki and Ashley all have personal obstacles they are trying to overcome/figure out. The friendship that evolves is heartwarming, especially their Friday night ritual. Characters are endearing, with relatable situations and friends empowering each other. Thanks to Ms. Mallery, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

[fredreeca · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mikki, Ashley and Bree decide to go in together to share the rent on a beachfront property. They become fast friends. Bree is the bookshop owner and has no intention of having a relationship with anyone. Ashley owns the bakery and she has a boyfriend which she loves dearly, but does he love her. Mikki owns the gift shop. She has been divorced and has decided to start dating again. But, as you can guess, complications arise.These characters stay with you a while. I loved each and everyone of them. I love how they grow in their relationship with each other as the story moves along. Throw in romance issues and you have a dang good read! I mean…you have books, beach, cute guys, and champagne…what’s not to love!Need just an all around good read for the beach…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[bookchickdi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summer for me always means it's time for a Susan Mallery book (or two!), and in addition to her earlier The Summer Getaway (my review here), Mallery's The Boardwalk Bookshop is here just in time for beach weather.Three women decide to take a lease on a building right on a California beach boardwalk. They each have their own business- Bree owns the Boardwalk Bookshop, Mikki has opened a touristy giftshop, and Ashley sells her delicious treats in the bakeshop.Bree is a young widow, and was raised by parents who weren't interested at all in raising a child. They were too busy with their careers as literary authors. Bree was left on her own, wondering why her parents didn't love her. It made her cautious with others, unwilling to get close to anyone, let alone date.Mikki is a divorced women with two teenage children she shares with her ex-husband. She gets along with her ex, and her ex-mother-in-law even works at her gift shop. It's been three years since her divorce, and her friends are trying to convince her it's time to start dating. In this world of online dating, it's daunting.Ashley has the perfect boyfriend. She and Seth like the same things, and agree on just about everything- except for the concept of marriage. Ashley wants to get married, Seth thinks they don't need to be married to have a lifetime of happiness.While their business seems to be doing well, their love lives need work. Ashley's brother is an author, and she fears that he will fall in love with the beautiful Bree who will break his heart. Mikki is contemplating connecting with a man she met online, and Ashley is torn between her love for Seth and her wish for the serious commitment of marriage.The friends meet every Friday night to share a bottle (or two) of champagne on the beach and review their week. If you are a fan of the bubbly, you'll get some terrific suggestions for different bottles to pick up at your local liquor store for your next get-together. I truly liked all the characters in this endearing novel. Mikki's mother (who works with Bree) and her mother-in-law are both wonderful characters, and the way that all the women support each other is heartwarming. The men in this story are also interesting, well-drawn, not stereotypes.As someone who works in a bookshop, I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. I would love nothing more than to work in Bree's bookshop on the beach, it would be heavenly. Put The Boardwalk Bookshop in your beach bag this summer, you'll enjoy spending time with these three ladies.Thanks to Harlequin Books for putting me on Susan Mallery's tour.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. All of the three women were great together. You would never have guessed that they had started out as strangers as they acted like best friends. Although, I have to say that I was not a fan of Mikki's mother, Rita. She was too much of a critic of Mikki. She was always making jabs at her. Bree had to be the peacemaker for the two of them. However, I was happy to see Mikki find a romantic connection with Duane. They were good together. Plus, if a guy will stay after being dropped a bombshell on the first date than he is a keeper. The other two women and their romantic relationships were nice as well. I was very connected with all three women and thus the reason that I really enjoyed this book. They all grew and matured even more through the course of the story. Susan Mallery weaves her writing magic again with The Boardwalk Bookshop!

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery takes us to a store on the beach that houses a bookshop, gift shop, and muffin shop. Three women have come together to lease the space. You can pick up a snack, a book, and beach towel plus a cute tote bag to hold everything all in one charming shop. We get to meet Bree, Ashley, and Mikki. Their business is booming, but their personal lives are not. Bree is determined to not let anyone get close to her. She has casual flings, but she does not do relationships. Bree has a rule to not date authors. Then she meets Ashley’s author brother, Harding. He can see past the barricades Bree has erected. This terrifies Bree, but she finds herself drawn to Harding. Ashley has been dating Seth for over a year. She is wondering when he is going to pop the question. When Ashley learns that Seth has no intention of proposing, she must decide if she can be happy without a ring. Mikki has been divorced for three years. She is still friends with her ex-husband as they co-parent their two children. Mikki has not dated since the divorce, and she has Earl (her battery-operated pleasure device) to take care of her needs. But then a man enters Mikki’s life that has, and her ex-husband is interested in reconciliation. We get to see three strangers come together as business partners, friends, and family. We follow the women on their journey as they grew as individuals and in their friendship. I believe women will relate to the characters and their issues. I enjoyed the descriptions of the lady’s unique store. They each managed to put their own spin on their spaces while making it cohesive as a whole. I found the book to move along at snail’s pace and I thought the book was way too long (the story could have easily lost over a hundred pages). The transitions were jarring as we jumped between the three women (go from woman to woman in the same chapter). I got tired of Bree and her issues early on. I found many details to be repetitive (about all three women). I did not find the characters to be unique. They are similar to other Susan Mallery characters. There is foul language as well an intimate situations in the book including references to women’s personal pleasure devices (I do not wish to read about women naming their devices or their bedroom antics). The ending is nice, but I wish there had been an epilogue so we could see how the characters are faring in the future. It was interesting learning about the different champagnes and sparkling wines. The three women tried something different each Friday after work as they enjoyed watching the sunset on the beach. There is a recipe for red, white, and blue muffins at the end of the book along with discussion questions and a preview of Home Sweet Christmas (Susan Mallery’s next book). The Boardwalk Bookshop is beach book with a busy bookshop, mouthwatering muffins, an attractive author, chilled champagne, a sad sack, firm friends, and relationship woes.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is packed with relationships. Bree, Mikki, and Ashley met when they all looked at a building on the beach for their businesses. It was too big for any one of them, but they decide to lease it together. Bree will run the Boardwalk Bookshop. Micki will have her gift shop. And Ashley will run her muffin and cupcake bakery. Meanwhile, Mikki who has been divorced for three years is getting into the dating game again by joining a dating app. She has a great relationship with her ex and likes him much better now that they are divorced, but she's looking for a man who matches her own current interests.Ashley is in a relationship and is very happy until she realizes that her boyfriend never wants to get married. He wants a long-term committed relationship with a house and children but doesn't want a wedding or a marriage. While Ashley isn't the sort of woman who began planning her future wedding as a teen, she can't get over the fact that her boyfriend never wants to make the final commitment of marriage.Bree is widowed and lives her life with a series of one-night stands. She doesn't want any sort of emotional commitment. She was neglected and emotionally abused by her distant parents who are also famous literary authors. And her marriage was also emotionally a failure since she was the only one who loved and he was just using her. She knows she's damaged and afraid to take a chance again.When Ashley's brother Harding, who suffered a very severe accident as a teen and who is now an author, is scheduled for a book signing at Bree's store, Ashley asks her not to start a relationship with her brother. Even though she is younger, Ashley feels very protective of her brother and his heart. Harding isn't in agreement. He wants a relationship with Bree and has the love and patience to wait her out. It was nice that all three women managed to find happy relationships, but the journey for each of them was traumatic and heart-wrenching. I enjoyed getting to know all three of the women and rejoiced when things finally worked out for all of them.Fans of women's fiction will enjoy this emotional story.