Content levels
Trigger warnings
Not yet taggedHero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Synopsis
From New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman comes a deeply moving short story about the love of family and the power of dreams. The Gibson sisters weren’t expecting to speak to each other ever again after Isabel ran off to New York and left Sophie alone. But here they are, years later, running the family bookstore together on Brinkley’s Island, Maine. Isabel also thought she’d left Johnny Lenox behind, but whether or not she knew it, Johnny was always going to be there for her. Five years into their happily ever after, Isabel and Johnny are making the most of their second chance at love. Then one night, Johnny awakens from an extraordinary dream…and their world is irrevocably altered. Isabel does her best to give Johnny space as he struggles to accept the new chapter life has opened for them. But Johnny can’t do it alone—no one can. As the whole family is soon to discover, seasons change, but love never does.
Is The Bookstore Keepers (The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories) appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
A gentle family story about estranged sisters reuniting to run a bookstore and a couple navigating a life-changing dream. Clean content with implied romance and emotional themes of acceptance and change.
What to know going in
This book has no graphic violence, mild sexual content, and clean language.
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Teens who enjoy heartwarming family stories with a touch of magic will appreciate the emotional journey of reconnection and love.