The title, and even the blurb, for Susan Mallery’s The Bookstore Diaries are a little deceiving. I liked the characters and the premise of the novel, however the diaries themselves are not the main focus of the story. They do change several lives, but the blurb makes the book sound more scandalous and secretive than it really is. If you’re looking for an enjoyable story about a bookstore, two sisters, their loves and hopes, and one fabulous African gray parrot, this is the novel.
Jax Sutherland is very controlling. She loves her children, her sister Ryleigh, her Painted Lady Bookstore, and her parrot, Ramon. Since her divorce from Harris, she’s content, and isn’t looking for much else in her life. But, with her control issues, she can easily be upset when Harris gets engaged so he can have regular sex, Ryleigh talks about moving away to find satisfaction in her own life, and the diary wall in the bookstore has to come down. Marcus Collins, her contractor, seems to take Jax’ issues in stride until there’s an accident with the wall, caused by one of his workers. Suddenly, the unlabeled diary wall really is unlabeled. For years, the townspeople have written in diaries and hidden them behind bricks. Now, the locations for the diaries are unknown. Someone has to read the unclaimed diaries, don’t they?
The strength of this novel is the relationships, though. While Jax seems content controlling everyone’s lives, Marcus is a rock even when she doesn’t appreciate him. Ryleigh, who wants to get married and settle down, doesn’t feel there’s anyone in town who she hasn’t dated or could love. After a friend died, she stepped in to be a support for her husband and young son. Now, she can’t bear the thought of moving away from them. And Harris? Jax’ ex is just a mess with his girlfriend. While Jax and Ryleigh knows he’s just using her, Jax’ children have grown to like her.
The characters and relationships are amusing in this book. But, Ramon, the parrot, is really the star with his entertaining vocabulary and love of Jax. If you’re looking for a satisfying story that wraps up nicely, and has a charming parrot with a mind and personality of his own, try The Bookstore Diaries.
Susan Mallery’s website is https://www.susanmallery.com/
The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery. Mira, 2026. 366p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
