The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman

A Cozy Return to Brinkley’s Island

There’s something magical about cracking open a new Alice Hoffman book. It’s like stepping into a world where everyday life shimmers with possibility, where love blooms in unexpected places, and where a pinch of fairy dust seems to settle on even the most ordinary moments. “The Bookstore Wedding,” the second installment in Hoffman’s Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories series, is no exception.

As I settled in with this novella, a cup of tea at my elbow and a cat purring at my feet, I felt the familiar warmth of Hoffman’s prose wrap around me. It was like catching up with old friends – the Gibson sisters, Isabel and Sophie, their beloved bookshop, and the charming inhabitants of Brinkley’s Island, Maine.

The Story So Far

For those who missed the first book, “The Bookstore Sisters,” here’s a quick recap: Isabel Gibson, the prodigal daughter, returned to Brinkley’s Island after years away. She reunited with her sister Sophie, helped save the family bookstore, and fell in love with her childhood friend, Johnny Lenox.

Now, in “The Bookstore Wedding,” we find Isabel settled into island life, but struggling with a new challenge – actually making it down the aisle with Johnny. It seems the fates (or perhaps just Maine’s unpredictable weather) have other plans.

Three Weddings and a Fruitcake

Hoffman kicks off the story with a touch of humor that had me chuckling into my tea. Isabel and Johnny have attempted to tie the knot three times, each effort thwarted by increasingly dramatic circumstances. From a medical emergency to a hurricane to burst pipes, it seems the universe is conspiring against their happily ever after.

But the heart of the story isn’t really about these comical mishaps. It’s about Isabel’s journey to overcome her fear of commitment, to truly open her heart to love and the possibility of loss. Hoffman weaves this theme through the story with a deft hand, never heavy-handed but always present.

A Cast of Characters to Savor

One of the joys of returning to Brinkley’s Island is reconnecting with its colorful inhabitants. There’s Sophie, Isabel’s sister, steadfast and nurturing. Violet, Sophie’s daughter, prickly on the outside but with a heart of gold. And of course, Johnny Lenox, patient and loving, waiting for Isabel to be ready.

Hoffman has a knack for creating characters that feel like people you might actually know. They’re flawed, they make mistakes, but they’re fundamentally good people trying their best. It’s refreshing to read about a community where kindness and connection are the norm, especially in these often-cynical times.

The Bookshop: A Character in Its Own Right

And then there’s the Once Upon a Time Bookshop itself. Hoffman’s description of this magical place made me want to hop on the next ferry to Brinkley’s Island (if only it were real!). The fairy tale room with its star-painted ceiling, the cozy nooks perfect for losing yourself in a book, the scent of fresh-baked treats wafting from the newly added bakery section—it’s a book lover’s paradise.

The bookshop serves as more than just a setting. It’s a symbol of the sisters’ shared history, their parents’ legacy, and the heart of the island community. In many ways, it’s the silent character that binds everyone together.

Hoffman’s Signature Style

If you’ve read Alice Hoffman before, you’ll recognize her trademark blend of the everyday and the magical. There’s no overt fantasy here, but rather a sense that the ordinary world is shot through with wonder if you only know how to look.

This comes through in the almost mystical power of family recipes (the Fall in Love Fruitcake plays a pivotal role), in the way nature seems to reflect the characters’ inner lives, and in the small coincidences that feel just a touch too perfect to be chance.

Hoffman’s prose is lyrical without being overwrought, painting vivid pictures with just a few well-chosen words. In one simple sentence, she captures both the beauty of the setting and Isabel’s complex emotions about returning home.

Themes of Love, Loss, and Family

At its heart, “The Bookstore Wedding” is a story about the courage it takes to love fully, knowing that love always comes with the risk of loss. Isabel, having lost her parents at a young age, struggles to open herself up to that vulnerability again.

Hoffman handles this theme with sensitivity and insight. There’s a particularly poignant moment when Isabel realizes that the “secret ingredient” in her mother’s fruitcake recipe isn’t a physical ingredient at all, but love itself. It’s a bit on the nose, perhaps, but it works because of the genuine emotion behind it.

The story also explores the complexities of sisterhood. Isabel and Sophie’s relationship has weathered storms, but their bond remains unbreakable. Their interactions feel authentic – sometimes prickly, often loving, always deeply connected.

A Satisfying Conclusion (No Spoilers!)

Without giving too much away, I’ll say that the ending of “The Bookstore Wedding” left me with a warm, contented feeling. Hoffman doesn’t tie everything up in a neat bow – life is messier than that – but she does provide a sense of hope and possibility that feels earned.

Looking Forward: The Bookstore Keepers

As a fan of the series, I was thrilled to learn that a third book, “The Bookstore Keepers,” is slated for publication in 2025. Hoffman has created a world I’m eager to return to, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Gibson sisters and the Once Upon a Time Bookshop.

Final Thoughts

“The Bookstore Wedding” is a perfect little escape, ideal for an afternoon when you need a break from the world. It’s not groundbreaking literature, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it offers something equally valuable—a gentle reminder of the power of love, family, and community.

If you’re a fan of small-town stories, gentle romances, or tales of family bonds, this novella is well worth your time. And if you haven’t read “The Bookstore Sisters” yet, don’t worry – this story stands on its own, though you may find yourself wanting to go back and read the first book after finishing this one.

So brew yourself a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and lose yourself in the world of Brinkley’s Island for a while. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving fruitcake and dreaming of opening your own bookshop by the sea when you’re done!

If You Enjoyed This, You Might Also Like:

• “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin
• “The Bookshop on the Corner” by Jenny Colgan
• “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

These books share similar themes of love, books, and small-town charm that make “The Bookstore Wedding” such a delightful read.