This book was hilarious and heartwarming. There was some corniness and artificial moments but still a solid read. A unique contribution to the queer community.

Pearly Gates was decent, but didn’t blow me away, which I’m fairly sad about. I really liked the concept of the book, that being that a Guardian Angel in the form of a late 00s Drag Queen is guiding 3 souls through difficult times in their lives.
It delivered on that promise fine enough, but I just wasn’t enamoured by it, finding it to be a bit of a slog at times. It’s all about found family and moving on from trauma by finding a way to live with it, but I just didn’t connect with it in any meaningful way.
I found the characters a tiny bit one note, the sole exception being Pearly (kind of) who does have some pretty major growth, but almost every character finishes in a very similar state as they started, but with majorly different life circumstances.
I found the humour genuinely gut-bursting at times, and I really enjoyed the little exploration of the differences between a transfem drag queen’s expression of femininity vs a regular trans woman’s expression of femininity really interesting, especially as it doesn’t diminish the validity of either of those expressions.
I thought some of the Pearly character work felt a tiny bit contrived, but I enjoyed how it ended up, so I can give it a pass. But in general, I thought the narrative beats of the story were quite predictable, with nothing that happens really surprising me.
Overall, I thought it was decent, but nothing to write home about. 3.5/5 :star:

Wow—this book exceeded all my expectations! If I could give it an extra star, I absolutely would. I picked it up because I’m drawn to stories featuring drag queens, but this novel offers so much more. Pearly is a captivating character, brought to life in a richly imagined world and afterlife. The supporting cast is just as wonderful—I genuinely can’t think of a single character I didn’t adore.

Bonnie Solomon pulls you into Pearly’s world from the very first page, delivering an emotional rollercoaster that keeps you hooked. The plot is fun, heartfelt, and surprisingly relatable, even as it explores how an otherworldly being influences people’s lives. I believe there’s something in this story that will resonate with every reader.

I could go on and on, but I’ll keep it short: if you’re open to queer characters and enjoy stories with heart, I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s truly a delight.

-3rd person POV
-drag queens
-trans, non-binary & gay rep
-reincarnation, afterlife & spirit guides
-cosy, creative fantasy
-cancer, grief, loss
-complex character arcs
-glitter (no i won't be explaining)
-haunted coffee shop
-sentient car
-sassy Black MC

This was SO creative, so so well-written and so easy to get into! It felt weirdly nostalgic — has to be all those cosy vibes, if you like your fantasy with a main course of representation and a side of chaos, and need a cosy, easy, but equally meaningful read between those high fantasies, you need to pick up Pearly Gates because it has to be one of the most underrated cosy fantasies I have come across. I am in awe of the concept and the way afterlife was integrated into this book!

I went into this blind, only getting a copy based on the title, cover and the fact that it was queer, and I am SO delighted by it that I can't even form a coherent review. Pearly Gates is a substitute spirit guide trying to get promoted from the waste management dept. over there in afterlife after being abandoned by her soulmate, and she takes on another guide's 3 charges: terminally-ill Sam, grieving widow Hannah, and the trans drag-kween Danielle: and gosh, it is such a delight to see the rollercoaster lives of these characters and to see them; and Pearly evolve. There is so much to learn and -- actually, this book would make an epic TV series y'all someone needs to help bring this to fruition PLEASE

Okay this is probably just me but for some reason I imagined Abathur and Hertz as Peakley and Jumba from Lilo and Stitch in the best way possible T-T

Pearly Gates was the perfect way to wrap up my Pride Month reads. I’d been through the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ stories, but Bonnie Solomon brought so many of those threads together—showing how the queer community shows up, grows together, and lifts each other up.

And to be honest, I’m jealous I don’t have a drag queen for a fairy godmother-like force in my life.

I’m already looking forward to the next installment—can’t wait to see where these characters go and who we meet next.

Pearly Gates is one of the most original, delightful books I’ve read in a long time. Bonnie Solomon spins a wildly inventive story about the afterlife that’s as laugh-out-loud funny as it is deeply affirming. Her writing is sharp, tender, and full of unexpected turns—but what really sets this book apart is how lovingly it centres the queer and transgender community.

TL/DR: So you have read the synopsis? Maybe you have also read some of the other reviews? That’s cool, maybe you were on the fence. Now of course it is my humble opinion, but GET THE BOOK! I fell in love with all of the characters and their journeys, especially Pearly. Now in my opinion, everyone could use a hype-queen like Pearly in their lives. She is infectious in the best way, sometimes oversteps, but also recognizes that she isn’t perfect and also apologizes when needed.

I want others to experience this book, organically. I honestly can’t think of anything more to tell you that wouldn’t be a spoiler, other than that the end is so satisfying.

Congratulations to the author on your debut novel. You really created something special and I look forward to reading more of your books in the future.

I would like to thank the author, Bonnie Solomon, Bonsol Press and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading. If you enjoyed this one, you may be happy to know that there is a sequel in the works. Yay!

Pearly Gates is a force to be reckoned with! This book was so funny and heartwarming at the same time. I loved all the LGBT+ representation and thought that the characters felt genuine. The touch of fantasy/new age spirituality felt fresh; it was unlike anything I have read. I love a book that can have me laughing one second and crying the next. I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for anything else this author writes.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book just absolutely drew me in from the first pages and had me in such a grip until it was finished. The writing was beautiful and all of the twists, turns, and pacing was spot on and made for a wonderful read.

Pearly Gates (HELLO!?!?! her name? oh my word) is this bombshell of a heavenly drag queen - she's recently been left by her soulmate but instead of wallowing she sets out to make a difference - and to prove she is worth being loved. She begins being a spirit guide for three souls with very different problems - her job is simply to help them work through them.

However - it's chaotic and oh so fun. I found myself laughing out loud more than once, and the journeys are just so incredibly full of empathy, love found & lost, and laughter.

This is a perfect pride month read for readers looking for humorous journeys to the path of self-discovery and self-love.

This is a wonderful, heartwarming novel. I laughed a lot and cried a bunch too. What a great journey for well developed characters. Loved this read!

I’ll admit, I didn’t like Pearly at first — but she grew on me. I found myself rooting for her and the people she cared for. The characters truly came alive, and I became so attached to them that I cried for Sam.

This book is a beautiful journey of self-discovery, reminding us that our purpose doesn’t come from others — it has to come from within. I was so relieved to find out there’s going to be a sequel. I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet.

What a beautiful, funny, and emotional ride. Pearly Gates follows Pearly, a cosmic sanitation worker and former drag queen, who takes on the role of a temporary soul guide to prove herself to the “higher ups” after a painful breakup. She’s assigned to help three very different people—Hannah, a grieving widow; Danielle, a trans woman learning to embrace herself; and Sam, a loner battling cancer.

One of my favorite surprises was the ghost haunting the coffee shop. Her story was so touching, and I loved how she slowly became part of the found family Pearly was helping to build. It added a beautiful layer of warmth, closure, and connection.

The book is full of warmth, sass, and heart. Pearly’s voice is unforgettable, and her growth throughout the story was wonderful to witness. I especially loved the dynamic between her and Sam, and even her sentient car, Seraphina, brought extra charm.

This story made me laugh, cry, and reflect. It’s an emotional and affirming read—perfect for Pride Month and a great pick for readers looking for a heartfelt queer story with depth and humor.

I had SO much fun reading this book! The world building of the afterlife was fun and unique, and every character was so sweet and easy to root for. It had the perfect mix of cheesiness and heart. I would happily read another book about Pearly’s lives or about any of her charges!

Pearly Gates was beyond what I expected. I was initially intrigued by the story being about a drag queen (I love the queens!). It was more than that. It was about found family, accepting things you can’t change and facing your fears. It also showed how important it is to actually listen to other’s feelings and concerns. Accepting love and loving yourself. Honestly this story was funny, loving and inspirational. I can’t wait for the sequel!

This isn't a typical book I would have picked up but received an ARC of it and really enjoyed it. I will be honest I even shed a tear or two. Who can't relate to Pearly who is a bit of a mess but with the best of intentions? Thought June was a fitting month to read about a drag queen ghost :)

Folks as far as I can tell there is nothing wrong with this book. But I am trying to get better at not forcing myself to read something all the way to the end if I am not having a good time. DNF at 35%. I might come back to this one at some point.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonsol Press for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

This may be the best book I've read this year so far. In a world where souls have jobs in-between incarnations, Pearly Gates is stuck. Her soulmate severs their bond after getting fed up with her stagnation. In an attempt to try and prove him wrong she convinced a Spirit Guide to give her his cases so he can go on vacation. She blows past the no direct intervention rule and creates a found family with her charges. It's queer, sparkly, and so amazing. I loved seeing Pearly try to fix her charges while also learning how to grow herself. I loved it so much.

I got the chance to read Pearly Gates through an ARC provided by NetGalley. It is available now, go buy it!!!!

This book was beautiful and emotional and hilarious and devastating. I'm not sure I have any tears left in my body.
The book's titular character, Pearly Gates, is a soul in crisis, after her soulmate of forever (probably quite literally) severs their chord because he felt she was stagnant in her soul's evolution. Ever the impulsive one, Pearly comes up with a hairbrained plan to prove her ex, and everyone who's ever doubted her, wrong. She somehow talks her way into being a temporary soul guide for three people in Eenob, IL, each with their own challenges to overcome. Sam, a terminally ill young man faced with the fear of leaving no trace of himself after he is gone. Hannah, a grieving widow struggling to move forward after 3 years. And Danielle, a trans woman who is trying to find herself after finally finding the courage to come out. And, by coincidence, the barista of fun new coffee shop that just opened in town just so happens to be Pealy's reincarnated ex-soulmate.

Watching Pearly bend or, more often than not, break every rule in the soul guide book to help these people find the purpose they were looking for was such a great journey. And while Pearly set out to just help these three heal, she healed herself along the way. There is no trope that tugs on my heartstrings more than found family and Pearly Gates does it so beautifully. It wasn't all sunshine and roses, like all families there was conflict and hurt feelings. But there was discussion and growth too.

The worlds that were built in the story were fun and familiar. I know that coffee shop, I know that job that's hard to go to. The writing was so silly at all the right times but would still draw you into these moments so full of love and emotion. What a strong novel to have as a debut!

I'm thrilled to know that a sequel is already in the works, I definitely need more Pearly Gates in my life. I'll be sure to stock up on tissues before I read the next one, though.

Thank you, again, to NetGalley and thank you to Bonsol Press for the chance to read this wonderful book!

Pearly Gates is a drag queen who has passed away and is working in waste management in the afterlife. Her soulmate leaves her and she decides that to redeem herself she will, in spite of the rules, take on the case load of a spirit guide.
Her case load consists of three humans that she is charged with gently guiding, with surprising results.
I enjoyed this cosy fantasy almost in spite of myself, and was touched by some of the heart-warming moments. I'm a Drag Race fan, and also really appreciated the references sprinkled into the book.
A delightful read.

As a huge drag lover and book lover, my worlds collided once again. When I spotted this bookon Netgalley, I just knew I had to request it! "Pearly gates" is an amazing and unique debut that would perfectly in the cozy fantasy genre. Besides that, it might just be the funniest book I have read so far this year. I laughed so hard that I genuinly cried.

The concept of this book is very unique, like I said before. "Pearly gates" is a book filled with queer joy, a fierce dragqueen, the afterlife, lots of laughs, giggles, glitters and a story about empathy, lots of love (both lost & found) and a road to finding your purpose in life. Pearly came to the resque to guide three struggeling souls; a grieving widdow, a terminally ill student and a trans woman. I think everyone could recognize parts of themself in this book, and I believe that's part of why I loved it so much.

To put it shortly, this book should be one that's on top of everyones pride month tbr (or just ur general tbr, because we read queer all year). With how this story ended, I think (and honestly hope) we might see Pearly back in another book. I can't wait to discover more Pearly content in the future, or just read other books writen by Bonnie Solomon, because I had a lot of fun!