Want bonus content and book updates?
Visit Susan's Pinterest pageVisit Susan's Goodreads pageVisit Susan's Instagram pageVisit Susan's Instagram pageJoin Susan's Mailing ListVisit Susan's Bookbub PageVisit Susan's Amazon Author Page
ACCESS MEMBERS ONLY
#1 NEW YORK TIMES Bestselling Author

OTHERWISE ENGAGED

AVAILABLE NOW!

Posted December 30, 2025

You’re Not Going to Believe this Book!

Dear Reader,

If you’ve been reading my newsletter the past few weeks, you’ve seen the gorgeous cover of my next book, The Bookstore Diaries—and the stunning painted-edge pages of the deluxe limited-edition hardcover. I have another special reveal for you in this newsletter, but first, here are the cover and sprayed edges in case you missed them.


. . . ALSO WITH SWOON-WORTHY ENDPAPERS!

The deluxe limited-edition hardcover has another surprise in store for you: swoon-worthy endpapers inside the front and back covers. And I’m thrilled to give Members a sneak peek. Aren’t they amazing???

Honestly, I’m beyond thrilled. I’m so thrilled that I don’t think there’s a word for it. This really will be a limited edition, so if you want this beauty on your bookshelf, I strongly recommend that you preorder—ideally from your favorite independent bookstore.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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 only has power 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 off 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.

PREORDER IN PRINT: Amazon | B&N | Books a Million | Bookshop | Target | Walmart

PREORDER THE EBOOK: Kindle | NookApple BooksGoogle Play | Kobo

PREORDER THE AUDIOBOOK: Audible | Apple | Kobo | Libro

Wishing you a safe and happy New Year!


Dear Reader RSS Feed