The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery is out now!

We are thrilled with the enthusiasm we’ve received from readers so far, who have loved this multi-perspective, feel-good story that celebrates friendship, sisterhood and the transformative power of love.

Here are a few quotes from readers…

• ‘How have I never read anything by Susan Mallery before? When I tell you that this will have a special place in my heart and soul forever – I’m really not exaggerating. If you’re looking for a story about the power of love, friendship and found family then this could be your next read.’
• ‘This made my heart swell, my belly chuckle and is a quintessential beach read.’
• ‘I haven’t met a Susan Mallery book that I’ve not enjoyed, her observations of human interactions mean that her books are current and valid. I can certainly say that they keep getting better and this is my favourite to date.’
• ‘I’m not sure why I haven’t come across Susan’s books before but I’m sure I will now 😍’
• ‘I loved the plot of this book.’
• ‘I absolutely adored The Boardwalk Bookshop. The balance of the book is amazing.’
• ‘The Boardwalk Bookshop is the PERFECT read this summer.’
• ‘This would make the perfect beach read and was such a perfect escape. I absolutely loved it.’
• ‘The perfect representation of female friendship.’
• ‘This was such a really lovely read and I adored the storyline.’

 

In this blog, Susan shares some handy reader discussion points that are perfect for Book Clubs and buddy reads!

 

Questions

These questions contain major spoilers about the book. We recommend that you wait until after you’ve finished the book before reading the questions.

1. What did you think of the way The Boardwalk Bookshop came into being, with three business owners agreeing to lease space together? Which of the three businesses would you like to own, and why?
2. In the beginning of the book, Bree, Mikki and Ashley were really just starting to become friends, having met only six months prior. How did their friendship grow and develop through the book?
3. Which of the three women grew and changed the most, and in what ways?
4. Bree was a wounded soul. Discuss the things that happened in her life to inflict those emotional wounds. Did your opinion about Bree change as the story progressed and you learned more of her back story? What made Harding fall in love with Bree?
5. In the beginning, Ashley was worried that Bree would break Harding’s heart. That’s exactly what happened, and yet instead of being angry with Bree, Ashley pitied her, and their friendship deepened because of it. Why do you think Ashley was so quick to forgive Bree for hurting her brother?
6. For many readers, Susan Mallery is an auto-buy, while others probably read the back cover before picking up The Boardwalk Bookshop. How about you?
7. Before the book started, Mikki took a solo trip to London but discovered that she didn’t like travelling alone. Have you ever taken a trip by yourself, and if so, did you enjoy it? Are you comfortable eating in a restaurant alone? For those of you who have tried online dating, how did it go?
8. Did you think that Mikki was going to end up with her ex-husband?
9. Which of the men in the story did you like best, and why? (We’re guessing that no one will choose Sad Guy.)
10. What surprised you while reading?
11. How did you feel about the way each story line concluded?

 

A note from Susan Mallery on champagne. . .

You might have been inspired by the story to serve champagne at your book club meeting. I encourage it! In fact, if you do, and your group isn’t camera-shy, please post a picture on Facebook or Instagram and tag @susanmallery.

True “champagne” is only from France and comes from the Champagne region. Everything else is sparkling wine. A “brut” champagne is more dry and less sweet. It will also pair very well with food. Sweeter champagnes tend to work well for toasts and for stand-alone drinking.

If you’re on a budget, try Prosecco. It’s from Italy and there are dozens of modestly priced options. One of my favourite cocktails for special occasions is a French 75. It’s gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and a champagne float. Fancy, right? When I make them at home, I use Prosecco rather than cracking open a bottle of champagne and only using a few tablespoons. Of course you could save the champagne and have mimosas for brunch the next day!

If you’re going to blow the budget then you can’t go wrong with any of the champagnes I mention in the book. They are all fabulous.

 

Champagnes mentioned in the book

Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé

Veuve Clicquot

Tattinger Brut La Francaise

Larmandier-Bernier Latitude Extra Brut

Piper-Heidsieck Brut

By Lauren Gardiner