Pamela M. Kelley

I adore books about books, bookshops, libraries, writers (you get the idea). There’s just something about this genre that feels both so validating, familiar, and cosy. Pamela Kelley has given us a lovely, warm, summer book to sink into with The Bookshop By The Bay you’re going to want for your summer beach/pool/reading bag!

This is a story of getting the wind knocked out of you, of finding new opportunities where you least expect them, and knowing what true friendship really is. It’s show more going home, three generations of women under one roof in transition, see themselves and each other in new ways. It’s books and a beach, it’s ending relationships that aren’t working and leaning into ones that fill you with light and joy.

When Jess is blindsided by gut wrenching news she leaves Charleston for the summer for home on Cape Cod. Her daughter Allison is in between jobs and decides to join her. Jess’s best friend Allison still lives in Cape Cod and is thrilled to have her back. When they find the local bookstore is for sale it seems out of reach, Jess isn’t staying and Allison doesn’t have the money. Can they work together to make it happen, and is the end result maybe even better than they’d dreamed?
I love the support that Kelley creates between these best friends, between mothers and daughters. It’s warm and comforting. I love how they’re all in different stages supporting one another, growing, reimagining a life that fits them. Initially the number of characters seemed overwhelming so it took a bit for me to plug into who was who. Once I did, this sung! This is available now, and a perfect summer read!!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press @stmartinspress , Pamela Kelley @pamelamkelley , and Netgalley @netgalley for the early copy. show less

If Bobby Flay and Candace Cameron Bure Had A Baby. Particularly a "baby" in the business sense (aka, a company ;) ), this is probably what it would look like. Fans of both the Hallmark Channel and the Food Network are going to love this, as the plot itself *is* very stereotypically Hallmarkie (and, given that their Christmas movies in particular seem to be looked forward to all year by *millions*... perhaps this isn't a bad thing) and yet the level of detail Kelley goes into when describing show more the food... well, I daresay Gordon Ramsey himself would have a challenge trying to make words on paper sound so utterly delectable.

Now, if this isn't your scene... eh, maybe you like the women's fiction and/ or romance elements here and don't care so much about the foodie side or the Hallmarkie side. In which case, you're still going to enjoy this book. But if you're looking for Michael Bay action where there are explosions just because the "camera" turned... yeah, this isn't that. If you're looking for a Jeremy Robinson style balls to the wall scifi action... yeah, this isn't that either. But for what it *is*, it is done quite well - well enough that if Kelley can get this into enough hands, she's going to have quite the success on her hands.

Very much recommended. show less

Hannah, a best selling romance author, is having a bit of writer’s block. Currently living in Brooklyn, she decides to spend the summer in her hometown of Chatham on Cape Cod, with her aunt. Her sister, husband and four children also live in Chatham. Both her aunt and sister are having some marital hiccups. While there, Hannah rekindles a friendship with attorney Spencer and also dates a best selling author whose parents live on the Cape.

If I had to describe this book in three words, it show more would be cozy little romance. There is no significant drama or humor in this story of nondescript characters who seem to live an idealized life. Told from different POVS, there is a lot of wine (often identified by brand) and descriptions of food (especially bagels, lobster, and brownies). Chatham is depicted in all its charm and those who have visited there will enjoy the journey back.

I am a stickler for authenticity, even in fiction, and a major activity in the book bothered me. Would attorneys really have an author who is doing research sit in on conferences with clients? Where is the attorney client confidentiality? I also noticed a bit of repetition in the narrative.

All that said, if you are looking for a nice little no effort quick beach read, this may be for you.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #STMartinsPress for the DRC. show less

There are several people to keep track of in Pamela Kelley’s The Hotel, but the author does a good job of not losing the reader with the multiple storylines.

I enjoyed visiting the prestigious Whitley Hotel and the beauty and activity of Nantucket through the eyes of the Whitley family. And oh boy, will the descriptions of the food in this book make your mouth water. From the chocolate-covered cranberries to the seafood dishes and everything in between, Kelley delights imaginary tastebuds show more with her delectable descriptions.

And while The Hotel is an escape of sorts, it’s also a story of family and all the dynamics involved, of discovering joy in your occupation, of learning and growing from advice and what may sometimes feel like criticism from others, and romance.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. show less