The Bookshop Sisters by Sarah Webb

It’s 1956. When thirteen-year-old bookworm Rosy Heron and her big sister Martha are sent to Dublin to help their aunt Toto in her busy bookshop for the summer, their quiet lives change overnight.

The two sisters quickly become part of the Baggot Books team as junior booksellers and bicycle delivery girls. But the bookshop is also full of secrets. Where does their aunt disappear to at night, and what exactly is happening in the basement of the shop? Rosy is determined to solve the mystery, but she’s not the only one interested in the goings-on in Baggot Books …

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Thirteen, curious, and armed with a bicycle - Rosy is ready to solve the bookshop’s secrets this summer.

Pre-Reading Thoughts

I’m excited for a historically grounded tween read with a strong Irish setting. With the 1950s backdrop, themes of women’s rights, and a bustling bookshop full of small mysteries, I’m hoping for charm, warmth, and a hero who grows in subtle, meaningful ways.

Post-Reading

As I thought…
Rosy is a terrific tween protagonist - curious, clever, and full of the kind of moral growth that feels earned. The historical touches, from the Marriage Bar to the bohemian Dublin atmosphere, are woven seamlessly into the story. The bookshop feels lived-in, the characters are charmingly human, and the mystery element keeps the plot moving.

It surprised me by…
How much historical context is packed in without ever overwhelming the story. You feel the era, the social dynamics, and the girls’ perspectives, but it’s always in service of the story and character development. Rosy’s transformation from self-centred curiosity to empathetic insight is satisfying and subtle.

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Music Pairing

🎵 Featured Song: The Auld Triangle - The Dubliners

🎶 Vibe Album: Irish Songs of Old - Irish Songs of Old

🎧 Artist Recommendation: Clannad - atmospheric, evocative, perfectly Dublin.

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Vibe Check

Colour Palette: soft cream, muted teal, warm brown

Soundtrack: rustling pages, bicycle bells, quiet chatter in the shop

Season: summer - long days, bustling streets, gentle heat

Mood: cozy, curious, gentle excitement

Scent: old books, ink, warm bread from nearby bakeries

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Tarot Pull

Page of Cups

Rosy embodies the Page of Cups’ youthful curiosity, empathy, and openness to learning. She is guided by her heart and her instincts, and she grows as she begins to understand others’ perspectives. The card also hints at creativity and wonder - perfect for a story centred on books, discovery, and a little mystery.

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For Fans Of

Book: The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

TV: Anne with an E - curiosity, growth, and warmth in a beautifully realized historical setting.

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The Bookshop Sisters publishes on the 4th of May, 2026. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.