This is a fun romance with great characters. Tess is a young widow who is running a bookstore. Her favorite part is her book club. River was her husband's best friend, and when he appears in her bookshop it brings back all the questions surrounding her husband's death three years ago.

I enjoyed the banter between River and Tess as well as Tess's friendship with her book club members. I also enjoyed the plot. This would be a great beach read. The romance is rocky and develops well. It's a sweet book.

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on July 5, 2022.

After her husband dies under mysterious circumstances, Tess Lane struggles to move on even after three years. Her late husband’s former best friend, River Harrison, begins investigating his death using his private investigator resources. Tess decides to work with River in spite of their past differences and soon find answers they never expected.

The True Love Bookshop is the third installment of the Somerset Lake series. I did not realize it was part of a series when I started it but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. The book is a second-chance romance with a side of mystery. I feel like the mystery and suspense surrounding Tess’s husband plays a larger role than the romantic part of the storyline.

The MCs don’t have a lot of chemistry in the beginning. There’s a lot of one-sided pining on River’s behalf. They do end up having a good dynamic by the end. I was very surprised by the twist and was not expecting it at all.

This is the first book that I have read from author Annie Rains. The plot was very interesting but there was some lag in the middle of the book. I think it could have been a bit shorter.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing)!

The True Love Bookshop, by Annie Rains, is the third book in the Somerset Lake series, and an absolute joy to read! I loved everything about this story, from page one to the epilogue.

I easily connected with the characters, and found them to be likable and immensely relatable, realistic and respectable. The issues in the story, and the ways the characters handled them were insightful and provided a depth that was powerful and moving. Tess’s bookstore and the town itself were delightful, and the issues that Tess and River faced were heartfelt, and though remarkably difficult, handled admirably. Their love story was sincere and sweet and the pace of the story kept me engaged throughout its entirety.

I was enjoying the True Love Bookshop so much, I didn’t want it to end, but end it did, wrapping up with a satisfying, feel-good conclusion. I eagerly look forward to more from this author and series.

Once you visit Somerset Lake you won’t want to leave. This book can be read as a standalone, but you won’t want to miss the other books in the series. Each book in this series introduces new Somerset Lake residents, but the ones featured in previous books make appearances in each new book.

Tess Lane is a young widow who is grieving the loss of her husband, Jared, who died in a car accident. She owns Lakeside Books in the small town. Tess has a book club with her friends. They meet on the premise of discussing books, but they spend more time discussing their personal issues than the books they have chosen to read.

River Harrison was Jared’s best friend until a disagreement caused them to part ways, never to speak again. The reason for the rift between the two best friends was known only to them until the truth came out 3 years after Jared’s death.

Ms. Raines has created a lovely little town filled with wonderful characters…people that I would love to have as neighbors. Even Reva, the quirky town gossip blogger, has endearing qualities.

I always enjoy books by this author. Ms. Raines writes wonderful stories about family and friends that restore my faith in human nature. I recommend The True Love Bookshop and the entire Somerset Lake series to anyone who enjoys a clean, wholesome romance story with a few twists and turns. I always look forward to returning to Somerset Lake.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of The True Love Bookshop from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A sweet romance about letting go of the past after the loss of a spouse, and allowing yourself to move forward with your life. Tess owns the local bookstore, where she still hides away from the world, 3 years after the loss of her husband. River wants only for Tess to forgive him for ruining her wedding. He had a good reason, but Tess doesn't know that. Will the secret be revealed or will she ever forgive him?

The true love bookshop is a perfect summer read. The characters will find their way into the book store and you'll follow them on their journey to fine happy ever after.

*Contains Spoilers*

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Nice

Tess Lane is the owner of Lakeside Books and loves the place with all her heart. What she loves even more is the weekly book club with her dear friends. Being widowed three years ago has left her feelings raw, but Tess does her best to get on with her life. She still wonders about the missing pieces of her husband Jared’s death.
River Harrison shows up at the bookshop, and Tess is enraged. He’s a former Marine, a private investigator, and Jared's ex-best friend. Tess hates River, but she wonders if his unexpected appearance is her chance to uncover the truth of Jared’s mysterious death.
Tess realizes how much she can enjoy her life when she begins to follow a trail with River. But the secrets come out and put Tess in a vulnerable position. Can she handle the truth and move over the past? Can she find hope to love again and lead a happy life?
The story comes in the third person POV.

My Observations:
The writing is easy to read and adds a good pace. I could finish 350+ pages in a couple of days (a total of 2.5 hours). Such books always get brownie points.
This is a series with standalone books (each book for each character). We don’t have to know their stories to read the book. There’s enough info to keep the book going.
The small-town setting and its warmth reflect throughout the book. Tess is a bookshop owner, and we also have a plan for a book signing event.
The story is pretty light and easy despite the heavy topics. Things happen conveniently. Even major emotional issues are resolved with a page or two. I don’t mind that much if it is consistent.
That’s where the ending didn’t fully work for me. It contradicts the easy resolution in the previous chapters. While it is still HEA, it feels as if the author wanted to cater to multiple target audiences at the same time.
The events either have to be realistic or convenient. A combination of both will create a sense of dissatisfaction, especially if the reader is rooting for the male lead.
*
*
*
*
*
Spoiler ahead*
*
I would have liked it better if River gave Tess only the old ring (the one he bought to replace the one she lost). The promise ring wasn’t necessary when the old ring would work as a promise ring. Moreover, Tess isn’t ready to say yes, so why even have two rings separately. It makes their relationship appear imbalanced, as if River is giving 100% while Tess doesn’t want to give more than 70%.
Understandably, she needs time (even though she has accepted Ashley and Mia). Keep it light with the old ring. Say he’ll wait to give the engagement ring. The two-ring thing only for her to not say yes was overkill.
*
*Spoiler ends*

To sum up, The True Love Bookshop is a nice and lighthearted read with some sweet characters.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
*******
The spoiler has been removed from the blog and hidden in the GR review.

The True Love Book Shop
Annie Rains
July 5, 2022

Tess Lane inherited The True Love Book Shop from her Aunt Sheila. Growing up it was a favorite spot to hang out. From the teen years on she worked there. She continued working there after college. Books are her life. Reading is more than pleasure. After her husband, Jared passed in an auto accident, running the book store helped get her through the grief. One day while training Lara to assist her in the shop, the door bells rang and in walks River Harrison. He was Jared’s best friend until the day she was to be married. River walked down the aisle and tried to convince him to think about what he was doing, to not marry Tess.
River came in needing something. He didn’t look well physically, Tess didn’t want him to stay but in the process of trying to explain himself, River collapsed flat on his face. Blood spewed from a cut somewhere
This old fashioned love story is one of reuniting friendships. It had been a few years since Jared passed however there were still some things Tessa had never understood about the circumstances of the car accident that killed him.
Annie Rain's latest Somerset Lake edition comes out on July 5, 2022. It will be published by FOREVER of Hachette Book Group. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review The True Love Book Shop. It’s another of her Somerset Lake editions. This latest romcom is a pleasant heart-warming read. If you have read other of Rain's books this will be a winner as well. Be certain to pick up a copy and by means, enjoy.

I had read one Annie Raines book previously, and it had felt like a Hallmark movie, which I loved.

I went into this expecting the same, and though I didn’t mind that this is clearly not as light as the other one I read, this really isn’t doing it for me.

I chose to DNF about 50% in, because I really wasn’t enjoying my read, and I think it’s because as Tess comes to terms with Jared’s past, she thinks of him very one-dimensionally, with no mention of any marital squabbles they might have had, or anything of the sort.

Because of that, all the characters seem surface level and one-dimensional, defining their relationships to each other without a lot of nuance - and that made me a bit annoyed, especially when it impacted how the characters would treat each other.

This could’ve definitely changed in the second half of the book, but I felt like I was slogging through a book that was meant to be my fun read. Alas, I would’ve liked to have loved this book.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me an eARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

Widow Tess Lane is still grieving her husband’s passing when she encounters River Harrison, her late husband’s best friend whom she despises after he attempted to stop her wedding. Determined to know more about the mysterious death of her husband three years ago, Tess asks River, now a PI, to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jared’s death. As Jared’s secrets are revealed and Tess’s long-held understandings of her relationships are shaken, she must reckon with the past and learn how to move forward in life and in love.

Although I am new to this series, I enjoyed this trip to Somerset Lake. While there is a romantic plot line, I think The True Love Bookshop read to me as more of a women’s fiction/chicklit novel about a woman rebuilding her life after grief and loss. I would recommend this book to patrons who looking for a summer-y, charming, gentle, closed-door story and believe this book would be a good fit for our digital collection. 3.5 stars.

Charming addition to a sweet series. Tess Lane is biracial and owes a bookshop once belonging to her aunt. She has been widowed for three years after her husband Jared died in a car accident. River Harrison was once a friend and fellow Marine with her husband. He’s now a private investigator. After running into him she decides it's time to get some closure about her husband. He wasn’t where he was supposed to be when he died. River wants Tess to be part of his life. He has had feelings for her since he was 19 but never shared them because Jared got involved with Tess.

The story is a little predictable but nicely told. Annie rains create a family/friend centered community and it was nice to see have couples from the other books be a part of the story. (I have read them.) The book can be read on its own. The book handles almost too nicely dealing with grief, moving on to new love, what makes a family, friendships etc. This book is clean with nothing more than kissing, but there are mentions of affairs and unfaithfulness. I appreciate the ARC from NetGalley and Forever (Grand CentralPublishing) in exchange for a review. And I look forward to the next book which I’m guessing maybe be about the bachelor mayor.

Such a cute book!

I received this arc and went fully off the vibes of the cover when I applied for it, not knowing it was part of a series. What I was met with was a small town romance. Part enemies to lovers, part love at first sight, and part second chance romance. It was such a delightful surprise of a book. I will definitely be trying the others in the series after this!

Light and tasty with no calories. A book to be savoured. Giggles included. A world I wanted to walk into.

I loved every minute of this sweet, easy read!
I fell in love with both Tess and River right off the bat. I love a good love story with the background of a bookshop!!
While I wasn’t expecting some of the shocking news regarding Jared (Mia?!!), I did predict the love story between T and R.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this and will be watching for more Annie Rains books!

It has been three years since Tess lost her husband in a motor vehicle accident which occurred in a neighbouring town. She’s thrown herself into her book shop business and built it into something she’s proud of. She’s thankful to have her good friends and family to support her through the rough patches.

When River is introduced back into her life, she’s reminded of her husband. The two men had been best friends until River disrupted the wedding. When she spots a photo with her husband with his arms around another woman, it opens up a cascade of events that has Tess asking many questions about her husband’s past. She hires River in his capacity as a Private Investigator to help answer some of these questions. In turn, Tess helps River in his journey to find out more about his past.

For those readers who have read the previous books in the series, you will recognize many of the characters in this book including Reva the Somerset Lake’s gossip/blogger. I appreciate the small-town vibe in the book, the appreciation for spending time outdoors, and Tess’ passion for books.

Tess’ strength to accept and embrace the secrets that her husband held was remarkable. I really appreciated that the story was about two people who needed to find out more about their pasts, reconcile their feelings about what they’ve learned, and move forward. It was only then that the two could truly come together as a couple and build a life together.

The True Love Bookshop brings us back to Somerset Lake in the third book of the series by Annie Rains. Tess is still mourning the death of her husband three years earlier. His former best friend, River, is a private investigator who moves back to town, much to Tess’s dismay. River had tried to stop her wedding years earlier. When an accident brings River into her bookstore, she starts the slow process of forgiveness. She learns her husband isn’t who she thought he was and with River’s help, Tess finally gets closure. She also learns the meaning of loyalty, honesty, and trust. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it for those who love stories with substance and heart.

Such a charming little book.

I received this arc and went fully off the vibes of the cover when I applied for it, not knowing it was part of a series. What I was met with was a small town romance. Part enemies to lovers, part love at first sight, and part second chance romance. I was not disappointed in the slightest.

Tess, the main character, owns a bookshop and only wants to stock books with HEAs. She is in the midst of dealing with the loss of her husband when his best friend, a private investigator, comes into the picture.

Secrets are uncovered, feelings are everywhere, and the found family is so strong. There is also a smidge of “one bed in the bed and breakfast” but it doesn’t quite go the way we all think it will.

Out July 5, I highly recommend checking it out!!

We are back in Somerset Lake, where individuals find their soulmates after a great deal of self awareness and letting go of the past.
This time, the story belongs to bookstore owner Tess Lane and former Marine and now PI River Harrison.
River has been in love with Tessa since before she got married . But his best friend had his eyes on her, and he retreated. He is definitely not Tessa’s favorite person because she believes he tried to stop her wedding.
Tess, nowadays a bookstore owner, and a widow. Her husband died three years ago, and she still wonders what really happened.
With River now back in town, she’s made a truce with him. Especially since she wants him to investigate her husband’s death. Never expecting that hurtful secrets would be divulged and feelings for RIver would develop.
This is a story about discovering one’s “voice”. It’s also a story about forgiveness, second chances in life and love, family and opening your mind and hearts.
I was entrust a copy of this book by Netgalley and Forever Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Annie Rains is one of my top ten authors and she has another success with The True Love Bookshop. This is another heartwarming story with well developed characters in a setting described so well you feel like you are there. Humor, heartache, and romance spun into a story that keeps you reading from the first page to the last.

The True Love Bookstore had my heart from the front cover. I’m sure it’s not all roses and puppies but owning a bookstores would be a dream come true. I imagine sitting at the counter reading all day while checking out customers. I’d for sure have a bookstore cat or two.
This is my first Annie Rains book and it won’t be my last! It felt like a warm cup of tea for my soul.
Tess Lane inherited Lakeside Books from her Aunt and it’s been a true blessing. After loosing her husband the bookstore and it’s customers have become a welcome distraction. Tess has slowly changed things to make the bookstore hers and she’s really excited to welcome the author of her favorite book!
One day the man who tried to ruin her wedding stumbles into the bookstore and collapses right in the aisles. River is her least favorite person but doesn’t seem right to let him die in her store. River asks Tess to watch his dog while he’s in the hospital which seems easy enough, until he treats a book like a chew toy.
When Tess arrives at Rivers house she’s initially impressed at how clean it is but not surprised since he was in the military. Second glance is a photo of her husband, River, and a women Tess has never seen before. The two men were best friends but after River tried to stop their marriage that friendship ended. Who is this women and why is her husband’s arm around her?
Everything In Tess’s life will start to unravel and the man she hated will become someone very important to her, and the man she loved a total stranger.