Susan Mallery is a writer that readers of women’s fiction come back to each time a new novel of hers is published. Mallery has a knack for writing stories with characters with whom readers can identify, and relationships that have their ups and downs. Relationships in this new book include those among new and old men for Jax and Ryleigh, the sisters’ own relationship, friendships, those with one’s children and those at the work place. Oh, and don’t forget, Ramon! (I did a little research because I wasn’t sure but, yes, parrots can have some meaningful conversations) So, as can be seen, this title has a broad canvas.
One of the main settings for this story is a bookstore. I always enjoy a book with books. In this bookstore, there is an added twist. There is a wall where people keep diaries. What will happen when, due to renovations, things get mixed up? Find out as you read this one.
This book offered a good escapist read for me. Those who enjoy women’s fiction should take a look.
A note-while I read this as an e-galley, I saw this title in the bookstore and it is very, very pretty.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 03 March 2026
Post first published on 11 March 2026
Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description:
from the publisher
This summer, the town’s juiciest secrets are revealed in New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s joyful and sparkling new novel
Jax has a slight issue with control—as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax.
Still, she’s living the bookworm dream—until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary’s owner is…to read it.
As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who’s always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control—especially with the right wrong guy—can set you free.
Don’t miss these other great reads from Susan Mallery:
- Otherwise Engaged
- Beach Vibes
- The Boardwalk Bookshop
- Once Upon a Holidate
- One Big Happy Family
From the Publisher:
Professional Reviews
Library Journal
January 1, 2026
Mallery (Otherwise Engaged) delivers her signature warmth and humor in this engaging tale. Jax owns a cozy bookstore in a small California town. Divorced and coparenting two children with her ex, Jax navigates life with the help of her sister Ryleigh and her precocious African Gray parrot Ramon. Ryleigh wants to marry but fears their small town is devoid of any romantic prospects. Her best friend, a widower with a young son, lends her support as she navigates her best path forward. When the shop needs major renovations, Jax hires a charming young contractor and immediately tries to match him with Ryleigh—only to learn he’s interested in her. Meanwhile, a worker cleans a section of an old brick wall, unaware that the wall conceals secret diaries that townspeople had hidden there. Chaos ensues as customers search for their lost journals. Through unexpected discoveries, heartfelt connections, and a touch of romance, both sisters discover that love can find them when they least expect it. VERDICT Mallery fans and new readers alike will relish this charming read with plenty of fodder for discussion. The book will also appeal to Robin Carr or Brenda Novak fans.—Stacy Alesi
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There are reviews of other Susan Mallery titles on my blog.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 