“The True Love Bookshop” follows the story of Tess Lane, a bookstore owner, and River Harrison, a former marine who now works as a private investigator. Tess has spent the last three years navigating life after the unexpected loss of her husband, Jared. When River, Jared’s former best friend, stumbles into Tess’s bookstore in desperate need of help, Tess wants nothing to do with him. But Tess has questions regarding Jared’s death, and she realizes that River might be her key to getting answers. Perhaps working together with River is just what Tess needs.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed following the story of Tess and River, and the desire to learn the answers to Tess’s questions about Jared’s death kept me especially engaged. The relationships between all the characters in the book were very natural and real, and nothing felt forced or rushed.

While this is a story of romance, it’s also a story about loss and healing. Somehow, Annie Rains is able to tell this story in a way that feels heartfelt and true without feeling heavy. If you’re looking for a sweet, comforting summer read, this is the book for you!

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was instantly intrigued and hooked by the premise of this book. I ended up reading so many more of the author’s books as well. I enjoyed this sweet story and it was a perfect summer read.

I liked how this book immediately grabbed my attention and did not let me go.  I found the story unique and fascinating, along with the complex characters of Tess and River.  Tess lost her husband several years ago and at one time River had been Jared's best friend,  It was interesting to find out when and why their friendship grew apart.  It was also interesting to learn about Tess' bookstore, Lakeside Books.  It sounded like a fun place to visit.River was a private investigator so it was interesting what he was able to uncover for Tess.  They even worked a case together as Sherlock and Watson.There was so much happening in this book that I could not put it down until all of the mysteries were solved and Tess was able to forgive and move on with everyone's blessings.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

Absolutely loved this charming, small town romance! The True Love Bookshop by Annie Rains is the third book in her series Somerset Lake that features the men and women of the fictional North Carolina town. Tess Lane is the owner of Lakeside Books where she hosts a romance book club with her closest friends. The store and book club have been her lifeline since losing her husband three years prior. Then enters River Harrison, her husband’s ex-best friend and the man who ruined their wedding by objecting all those years ago. Showing up in her shop nearly on death’s door, Tess has to reconcile her feelings for the man and how her prejudice view of him as together they unravel the mystery of her husband’s death.

Tess and River are fantastic characters and so easy to root for. Rains does not shy away from the hard topics in this book which include grief and infidelity. She handles them with grace and shows them realistically through Tess and River. Tess, even three years later, is grieving her husband, not ready to move on from this perfect marriage she’s built in her head. However, the circumstances surrounding Jared’s death haunt her. Why was he in this small town in the middle of nowhere? He said he was gone for work, but work denies it. So where was he and why? The answers aren’t pretty, but she is determined to find them.

River is the complete opposite of what Tess expected of him. He broke my heart on so many different levels. He is a loner, but has a beautiful personality and a fierce loyalty to those who love him back. Even all these years after his falling out with Jared, River still loves and mourns his best friend’s death. He regrets that they were never able to mend that friendship, and like Tess he needs answers. He never plans to bring Tess in on his investigation, however she has as much as right as he does to know the truth. And y’all the truth sometimes hurts.

The begrudging friendship that Tess offers River quickly turns into something sweeter and more. I love how this naturally progresses between the characters instead of feeling rushed or out of character. Both move at a snail’s pace, but it is worth it in the end. I absolutely loved that we were given both characters’ points of view. This helped to understand their actions and endeared River to me.

Overall, I really enjoyed The True Love Bookshop. River and Tess’s friendship that blooms into more is beautiful and exactly what I needed. Rains doesn’t shy away from the heavy emotions for this one. While it does have some sweet romcom moments, it will also pull on heartstrings. If you are a fan of romance and women’s lit, I highly recommend

The True Love Bookshop is the third book in the Somerset Lake series by Annie Rains. Tess Lane owning Lakeside Books has been a dream come true. She hosts a weekly book club there that has been her lifeline since her husband, Jared's sudden death three years ago. She’s ready to start a new chapter in her life, to finally move on until River Harrison shows up at the store. All her lingering unanswered questions come back. River is a former Marine turned private investigator. He is a reminder of everything she has lost. She tries to ignore him, but she soon realizes River is the key to finally getting the answers she needs. Together, they embark on a journey of discovery. Is she really ready for the answers she’s looking for? Once she knows, there’s no going back. Despite her misgivings, she forges forward and even finds joy and laughter in her life again. Can Tess find the strength to forgive, let go of the past and find love again?
Annie Rains is a new author to me and I love the cover of this book that I picked it up. I didn’t realize that it is the third in the series and worried that it would affect my understanding. There were references to the previous two books, it didn’t overwhelm this story or my enjoyment. From the beginning, I felt for Tess and her struggles to move forward from her husband’s death. When River stumbles into her bookstore, she can’t quite be heartless and refuse his pleas for help. I enjoyed the chemistry and history between Tess and River. I also enjoyed that their story wasn’t a typical, formulaic romance. There were real issues that were discussed but didn’t magically disappear as their relationship grew from enemies to friends to maybe more? I even enjoyed the supporting cast. Overall, I truly enjoyed The True Love Bookshop and look forward to going back to the first two books and reading any future books in the series. I recommend The True Love Bookshop.

The True Love Bookshop is available in paperback and eBook

Wow it was so nice to be back in Somerset Lake with the ladies....
Tess's story is amazing...I loved it.
Annie Rains has a way to pull you into a story and not let go....long after finishing the book I still think of it and wonder what the ladies are talking about now at book club.
Tess is trying to survive the emotions after her husband dies and even after 3 years she is still trying to cope. But someone from her and her husbands past literally falls into her bookstore. Someone who she thought betrayed them. Can she get past this??
I really loved Tess's story starting with forgiveness...can she forgive River? Can she start to live her life again....just when she is starting to be happy another wrench drops and something happens that shakes her whole being!
I loved everything about this story and I can't wait to see what happens next in Somerset Lake
Highly recommend

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for allowing me to read a digital ARC copy of this book for an honest review....these are my words and my words only

Tess has inherited the True Love Bookshop from her aunt. She has always loved the bookshop and after her husband passed away, the store helps her through her grief. The local bookclub with friends is also a help. One day, into the store walks River Harrison, her husband's best friend until her wedding day. Today, Rover needs her help. She dislikes him but decides to help him. So begins the story of finding out about what really happened on her wedding day and the beginning of discovering for Tess. It is a sweet romance that follows with a wonderful dog and a happy ending.

Tess Lane owns Lakeside Books in the small town of Somerset Lake. She loves owning the bookstore and one of her favourite things is the book club that she has with her friends each week. Her favourite books are romances but she is doubtful she will ever fall in love again after losing her husband. He was the man of her dreams, or was he? When River, her husband’s best friend and the man that ruined her wedding, shows up at her book store, her life is about to change. When long buried secrets are revealed, will Tess be finally able to face the past and start living again?

What a journey author Annie Rains takes us on in this romance with a mystery twist. I loved the banter between the two main characters and how they slowly become friends again. It was also nice to visit some previous characters from the series along with some new ones. I loved the plot, the mystery, the romance and the characters! A great addition to the Somerset Lake series. A huge thank you to Forever, Grand Central Publishing for my advanced readers copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily. A perfect book to curl up with this summer.

Lakeside Books has become everything to Tess Lane after the death of her husband Jared three years ago., helping her work through her grief through the help of books and her private book club. But when River Harrison stumbles through the door and back into her life, the reminders of the past overwhelm her. He was her husband's best friend before a shocking accusation on their wedding day, and Tess has never forgiven him. But now, as a PI, he has new information about Jared's death and after working with him, she discovers maybe everything she knew about him and her past was wrong.
I love books about bookshops and this story was really cute although slightly predictable. I felt like Tess should stop worrying about what everyone else thinks and take a chance for something new, especially after the years! A sweet clean romance, part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

This is an emotional second chance romance that will leave you wanting more. River and Tess have known each other a long time, but she hates him because of what he did at her wedding. When he comes into her bookshop, it starts the beginning of a journey for the truth.
I adored River. He was a great friend and might not have handled what he saw in the best way, but honestly believed he was doing what was right. I also couldn’t fault Tess for her feelings, even though I do think she held on to the resentment a little too long.
As they hunt for answers about her deceased husband, Tess finds out some hard truths and has to come to terms with the realization that her marriage wasn’t as great as she thought it was. She also has to come to terms with her feelings towards River. River was probably the most patient and kind man. He never pushed her and was finally able to admit the truth of his feelings. Unfortunately, just when things are looking up, one thing he didn’t tell her comes back to bite them. Whether they can move past the hurdle remains to be seen.
This was a wonderful story about second chances, moving in after grief and what true friendship/love is. I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

The women of Somerset Lake are a hardy lot. It’s time for Tess’ story. She runs the local bookstore and is still processing her husband’s death from three years ago. Her main nemesis, River, comes back into her life and she has all sorts of conflicted feelings for him.
I thought Tess was in denial about her former husband even with the truth right in front of her, although there is a huge surprise about his activities.
I loved River from the get go. He’s sweet, caring, considerate, and genuine. I melted with some of his scenes.
There are several threads stranded together to create a multifaceted plot.
I can’t wait to find out what the beef is between Gil and Moira!

I just need to start off this review with a comment about the book cover. In a world of cartoon-looking covers, I have to say that I just loved how pretty this one is. The look made me want to read it. I know a cover doesn't make a book but sometimes it does help lead you to it.

Oh boy, here we are already at book three of Rains' Somerset Lake series. I will say that I've been enjoying each book as I've read them. Up this time in Tess. She's the lucky duck that owns the town's one and only bookstore. As a former bookseller, I know how much happiness you get from working all day at a job you totally love.

Poor Tess, the last few years haven't been that great to her what with losing her husband and all. But You'll soon see how it was going to get worse until it got better. In a nutshell, Tess got a romance book romance. Ha! I know, that sounds funny since it is a book but as a romance reader you'll understand how as you read their books the people between the covers come to like and become read to you.

Tess is so lucky to have River in her life. She just doesn't know it yet. He is the perfect romance hero. Kind & understanding. He goes beyond not hurting Tess, something that's not always easy when emotions are part of it.

I loved River he was just the best. Sadly Tess didn't always see that. Yes, she had some reason for not liking him at first I agree with that. I was glad that when he was in need she pushed aside her dislike and was there for him. What I didn't care for is that she wanted him to do something for her and then didn't like nor believe the results half the time. Yep, I know it is just like real life and that we hate facing things that will hurt us. Still, no one hurts my River, not even the woman he loves.

These two are perfect for each other. They have fun together and deep down they really care for and love each other. Tess needs someone who cares for her deeply and above all others and River needs someone who can pull him into life and make him have a bit of fun.

As you can tell I really enjoyed this one. I didn't even get a chance to tell you about the past characters you'll love visiting while reading this one. I can't wait for more Somerset Lake books.

Wow this book was amazing. I literally could not put this book down. I admire Tess Lane for her courage. A courage that many might not have.. if I ever was placed in her situation I would hope to have the same courage. Annie Rains thank you for another great story… be waiting patiently for the next one❤️❤️❤️❤️ this book is highly recommended

Tess Lane owns a bookshop, which is a dream and she hosts a weekly book club with women who have all become close friends. What goes on in book club, stays in book club.
Tess's husband dies 3 years ago and they have been there for her while she has coped with his death and why it happened.
River Harrison shows up at the bookstore needing help. He was her husband's best friend but had walked away as best man days before the wedding. He is now a PI and she asks him to help her find out the mystery of her husband.
What is discovered is hard and he doesn't want to hurt her.
I think this was a great story between Tess and River. She had hated him since her wedding day. He always liked her and felt she deserved better.
I had a feeling of where the journey was going to take them and what they would find out. I didn't expect one of the secrets that came out though.
There is one quote from the book that I absolutely loved.
"Every day above ground is a blessing"
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Forever.

This is a beautifully written romance that is full of emotions. Tess and River's story will touch your heart and keep you turning the pages. Once you start reading this book you don't want to put it down. Loved it and highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The True Love Bookshop is the third book in the Somerset Lake series and it was a wonderful addition!

Tess Lane owns the bookshop in Somerset Lake and she lost her husband, Jared, three years prior. Jared's best friend, River Harrison, is back in town and the two friends had had a falling out prior to Jared's passing and the reappearance is unsettling to Tess. Tess quickly realizes that with River being a private investigator, she may need his help to answer questions about why Jared was where he was when he passed.

Tess relies heavily on her friends and fellow book club members as she embarks on finding out answers. River has his friends at the bar as well and the friendships and how they support one another is central to this story. Tess and River have a lot of chemistry whether or not they initially want to acknowledge it and I enjoyed how their relationship unfolded throughout the book.

This was a great addition to this enjoyable series and I certainly hope there is more to come from our friends in Somerset Lake!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

The True Love Bookshop is the 3rd book, all of them stand alone, in Annie Rains’ Somerset Lake series. While there are overarching characters, each book has a primary focus which is the storyline.

Tess Lane, owner of Lakeside Books, is incensed when the very last person she ever wants to see again, River Harrison, enters and collapses in her store entry. River had been her late husband, Jared’s, best friend until River had interrupted their wedding pleading with Jared to tell her the truth. Now left to care for River’s dog, Buddy, after River’s hospital transport and seemingly the only one really available to help River, Tess learns her viewpoint to be skewed. She also finds an offhand comment River makes to add into the mystery of her husband’s unexplained accident in an area no one seemed to know why he was there.

Former Marine like Jared, River is now a talented PI. Tess decides to engage his expertise, a journey that takes them to the small town where Jared perished and to meeting people they had not known of before.

As with the first two books in this series, Ms. Rains has further engaged her audience with well drawn characters and very well plotted stories. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

After reading The Christmas Village, I was looking forward to The True Love Bookshop. I found it to be a bit too “tell, not show” between the characters and too sweet for my taste. I would categorize it more of a women’s fiction story instead of a romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever.

This was a wonderful story. Rver comes into her store and she trys to kick him out but he collapses as he cut him self badly camping. She takes care of him even when he is released from the hospital. There begins a fragile relationship trying to find out more things about her deceased husband. River had found out some things about him that she didn't know yet. The story had very interesting characters in it. It was very enjoyable and I was impatient to see how it would end.

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaviing a revew.

A sweet clean romance.
This is my first Annie Rains story and I enjoyed it. I liked the side characters as well. I liked it enough to consider reading the others in the series.