The Bookstore Diaries: A Novel of Secrets, Drama and Second Chance Love

Susan Mallery

Mar 2026 · Sold by Harlequin

About this ebook

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

Ratings and reviews

Would it be weird to say my favourite character this time was a bird? I have never been a fan of birds as pets, but seriously, Ramon, simply fell in love. I want one. I loved Jax, but I have to admit, at times I just wanted to smack her. Her need for control was pretty intense and if I'm honest I see much of myself in her. This making it hard reading her point of view at times. Yet I devoured it. Susan's characters are always so real, so relatable. It's like she hung out in my kitchen and watched some of my family dynamics and then wrote about it, love it. It's real people living real lives Thank you Susan for once again writing a book I couldn't wait to finish, but wanted to cry when I did!

This is the most highly entertaining and engaging romance that I have ever read! With characters that pop off the page into your heart and a setting in a Victorian bookstore, this book was a winner for me from beginning to end. The plot is just complex enough to keep me guessing and my favorite character is the parrot Ramon who lives in the bookstore. Run, don’t walk, to get this book and prepare to laugh a lot, cry a little and enjoy a thoroughly well-crafted story.

4.5 stars I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a book set mainly at The Painted Lady Bookstore, which Jax inherited and runs. She is a divorced mom of two and has a special arrangement with her ex, Harris, so the kids can continue to live in their home. They rotate weeks staying at the house and things are working fine. Then Harris wants to change things and have his girlfriend spend the night. Absolutely not! The only way sleepovers allowed if engaged or married. Harris lets it drop, but t

About the author

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women's lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created.Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband and adorable poodle. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.