This was a fun, cozy, feel-good story involving a 'guardian angel' type drag queen spirit who has to help various people move on from grief and other things that have them stuck in their lives. Full of a diverse cast of queer characters, there was great found family vibes, memorable characters and a unique story that will stick with me after I finished. It was also good on audio too! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Pearly Gates is the funniest cozy urban fantasy I’ve read in a long time. Despite dealing with literal souls and cosmic consequences, this story offers far more comfort than thrill. Bonnie Solomon creates a world where even death comes with glitter, awkward crushes, and second chances. Pearly herself isn’t just a lovable mess, she’s someone I genuinely wish I could add to my own friend group. Her chaotic charm and deadpan humour had me laughing constantly, but beneath the jokes, she’s deeply human in a way that sticks.

What makes the book stand out is how effortlessly queer representation flows through the narrative. Nothing feels forced or written to prove a point. It simply feels like Solomon wrote from her own life, her own community, and her own point of view. The characters aren’t there to teach a lesson, they’re just people (or spirits) trying to figure themselves out, like anyone else.

While the stakes are high, you know souls, redemption, and literal cosmic order, the tone stays grounded. Big questions about love, belonging, and what makes someone “worthy” are explored gently. Instead of the plot pushing forward breathlessly, Solomon gives us space to settle in: with cups of coffee, quiet grief, and awkward flirtations, all under the glow of small-town lights.

Narrated by the author herself, the audiobook adds an extra layer of intimacy. Oddly, Solomon’s voice sounds exactly like how I imagined Pearly: soft, slightly chaotic, but with an undertone of real strength and ... hummm glitery purple. It’s a small touch that made the story feel personal.

In the end, Pearly Gates is more than a funny fantasy. It’s a story about rest, finding family in unexpected places, and the quiet bravery it takes to believe you’re worth saving ... even after death.

This book was so much fun! Thank you NetGalley!
Pearly was such a fun character to read - I loved watching her growth throughout the book and seeing her bonds with her charges. Furthermore, I loved all of the fun references to pop culture within this book, which made it feel so much more relatable.
Danielle's baking through the book made me feel soooo hungry and I wish I could taste some of her bakes.
Dumb Pearly was honestly the most fun character of all, she made me laugh so much and I would honestly recommend this book just for her.

Pearly Gates was my first book by Bonnie Solomon. I really enjoyed the setting and characters; this was very original.

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.