Tess Lane is a widow and a bookshop owner in Somerset, NC. River is a former marine and former best friend to Jared; Tess's late husband.
Tess has had many questions surrounding her husband's death. She hires River, a private investigator to investigate the whereabouts of Jared on the night he died.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I ignored my family while camping to finish the book. I wanted to find out what happened with the mystery of Jared. Amazing to find out this is book 3 in the Somerset Lake series. I'll definitely be reading the first 2 books.

Ok, I admit it, sometimes I do enjoy a small town romance, especially when bookstores are involved. Not my usual read but I couldn’t resist this Annie Rains story. With its wonderful characters and the beautiful descriptive writing of Rain’s, I knew this was a couldn’t miss story.

Thank you to #netgalley and #grandcentralpublishing for allowing me to read the eARC of this story. All opinions expressed above are my own.

Monica: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

What a wonderfully detailed picture Annie Rains paints of the transcendent power of books, the courage to seize second chances for love and the inimitable camaraderie of small town life.

In a few words this lovely, charming escape into the vibrant experiences of a small town bookshop owner is sincere, sweet and sentimental.

The third in Annie Rains’ Somerset Lake Series, this novel explores widowed Tess embarking on a new chapter in her life bookmarked by: delightful appearances from the primary characters of past instalments in the series; interesting and intriguing plot motivators; a relationship long overdue for redemption; and a sweet furry-and-four-legged companion.

The main characters are marvellously self-aware, mature and introspective. The conflicts — both plot-focused and relationship-focused — are believable and well developed from onset to resolution.

I recommend this lovely read for romantic bibliophiles whose hearts flutter for easy reading and earned happily ever afters.

When I started this book I was worried that it would be a bit predictable. However, I loved it and the characters. They were really well developed. I felt like I knew them and was right there with them. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

The True Love Bookshop is the third stand alone book in an interconnected series set in the fictional town of Somerset Lake. Tess is a young widow and local bookshop owner just living her life in a holding pattern since her husband’s unexpected death. One day, her late husband’s former best friend, River, walks into her store and then collapses in need of medical attention. What happens next is something Tess never anticipated ever happening, she would learn the truth about her husband’s accident and realize River is not the man she thought he was.

Tess already had her world turn upside down once and she has it turned upside again with the information she and River uncover. It takes Tess by surprise and requires a lot to process everything and River is patient and offered Tess unwavering support. I’m not sure I would be so understanding as Tess was if I learned the same information but to each their own.

The inclusion of the discussion questions in the back of the book is perfect for book clubs and it’s quite fitting for this book since Tess hosts a weekly book club with the ladies from the other books in the series.


Thank you @readforeverpub and @netgalley for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

This small-town romance will steal your heart and have you ready for a weekly book club with the girls. Perfect for fans of Susan Mallery and Sarah Morgan.

Oh how I adore Annie Rains! Tess has poured what's left of her heart into her bookshop since losing her husband in a car accident 3 years ago. Her bookshop has been her comfort and safe haven until River wanders back into her store and her life after ruining her wedding years ago. River had literally nowhere else to turn to but Tess and her bookshop when he is injured while hiking in the mountains. The two reconnect and they agree to help one another despite Tess really hating River for what he did to her and her husband.

River was Tess's husband's best friend and both have always wondered what he had been doing in a town hours from home when he was killed. River is a private investigator and they decide to work together to figure out the details surrounding the time of the accident. As the two work together, and Tess learns more about River and why he did what he did, she begins to let her guard down bit by bit. They gradually grow closer with every heartbreaking detail revealed. This is a classic small town romance with two people who desperately need one another. I really felt for both River and Tess and loved the journey to their happy ending. This one has laughter, love and heartache healed over. If you are a fan of the small town romance and unrequited love, you will enjoy this one for sure.

One of the best part of series romance is that you get to see characters you've met and enjoyed in previous books get their own HEA. Tess, bookstore owner, lover of HEAs, and widow, gets hers in this one, with the last person she'd ever expect- River, the man she holds responsible for ruining her wedding. I love the small town setting and community, the bookstore and Tess's loyal book club, and the journeys of discovery both Tess and River undertake in this one. Truth, identity, and family play big roles in this one and it was such a warm and enjoyable story.

Very heartwarming, emotional read. Tess Lane is newly widowed. She owns a bookshop that her Aunt Sheila gave to her. Jared, Tess’s deceased husband’s friend River arrives in the bookstore only to pass out on the floor bleeding heavily. River is the last person Tess wants to see. He tried to stop Tess and Jared’s wedding on her wedding day. Emotions run high as Tess has to help River after he is hospitalized and then River helps Tess by investigating what really was happening the night Jared died in the auto accident. So many secrets are uncovered that bring Tess and River to a new reality of each needing the other in their forever life. Very good read.

I am really enjoying this series and love visiting with the characters! While this book wasn’t my favorite so far, it was still an enjoyable read.

I liked River’s character - he had depth and flaws but was still charming; very realistic and believable as the leading love interest. I liked Tess but had moments, especially in the middle, when I felt her denial of certain facts as they came up was almost hard to believe.

The book slowed a little in the middle, and I do have to note that while I understand the plot line with Deacon at the dungeon wedding, his sudden decision/reaction to the parking lot incident felt super unrealistic.

This is a romance, but not a spicy one - there are lots of sweet, heart warming moments but not detailed bedroom scenes. If you are looking for a pure, straightforward love story, this book is perfect for you. What I love is there’s also mysteries woven in - more than one! - to keep engagement beyond the main plot without detracting from it.

Overall, a quick and fun read. I hope Annie Rains continues this series - we need Moira and Gil’s book next!

*Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.*

The cover and title immediately drew my attention. Tess Lane is a widow who inherited a bookstore in a small town. One day her husbands former best friend, River Harrison comes into the store needing help. Little does Tess know this would be the beginning of a journey. Tess has unanswered questions surrounding her husbands death and decided to have River- who is a private investigator- look into it. Tess and River begin to spend a lot of time together and Tess is finally finding herself truly happy again. But will the answers River finds change all that?

I loved this book. I loved the small town and all the characters. I didn’t want the story to end. Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

Tess is a widow, who owns Lakeside Books. River used to be her late husband’s best friend, till he tried to break up her wedding. River ends up in Tess’s bookstore unexpectedly. She helps him even though she has hated him for a long time. Together River and Tess try to figure out why her husband died in a car crash two hours from where they lived. This story has it all forgiveness, mystery and romance. A very enjoyable read. Thank you to NetGalley and Fire Ed (Grand Central Publishing) for the E-ARC. This is my opinion.

A wonderful addition to the series! I enjoyed going back to Somerset Lake and reading about Tess, a bookstore owner and River, Tess's late husband ex-best friend. This was an engaging story and I loved all the characters in Somerset Lake!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Pub Date: Today! July 5, 2022
****/5

"You can't trust yourself to make perfect choices and decisions. That's an impossible standard because everyone makes mistakes."

Tess Lane owns Lakeside Books, a local bookshop where Tess and her friends meet every Thursday for book club. Her friends and the book club have helped Tess get through the loss of her husband, Jared, who died three years ago. When she feels like she's making progress, River Harrison, her late husband's ex-best friend, unexpectedly stumbles into the bookshop, needing help. Seeing River leaves Tess in a flood of emotions. She tries to ignore River's return but realizes he might be able to help her find the answers to her questions since Jared's death.

I am instantly drawn to books about books and bookshops; this was no exception. The title and cover had me hooked from the start. I enjoyed the gradual connection between Tess and River. Although their relationship was complicated, it was clear that they cared about each other. The small-town vibe and minor twists and turns of the storyline made for an enjoyable, quick read. Overall, this was a great read and perfect for other book lovers like me! Thank you, NetGalley and Forever, for the ARC! #NetGalley #TheTrueLoveBookshop

If you had to choose, would you live in the hustle-bustle of the city or settle down in a small town? The older I get, the more I crave the peaceful nature of a small town.

Tess and River are both trying to move past the death of Jared, Tess's husband and River's former best friend. Tess has hard feelings for River because of what he did at her wedding and River has always secretly had feelings for Tess. When they are unexpectedly brought together and River has to ask Tess for help, she finds some things that bring up questions about Jared. She asks River to help her get answers and goes along on some fact finding trips with him but what she finds out she's not really prepared for. She questions how well she knew her husband and whether she can ever love and trust another person. River is patient with her because he wants her in his life at least as a friend if it can't be anything else. There's a lot to get past and risking the chance of having to healing her heart again may be too much. This is a great small town story with great family and friends support. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I absolutely loved this book! Annie is one of my all time Favorite authors and I look forward to reading her new ones. I love her Christmas stories but this one was easily one of my top favs! It’s a must read!

I’m not sure how many times a heart can break yet still beat. What I do know is, love has a way of healing and mending us all. The True Love Bookshop by Annie Raines is a story that will absolutely break your heart. Have no fear, book friends, Raines knows exactly how to put it all back together! Written by a master romantic Raines gives us another stunning addition to the Somerset Lake series. The perfect way to spend a long weekend.

A light, fun and fluffy tale about Tess Lane and River Harrison. River does not rank high on Tess’ favorite people list. He infamously tried stopping her wedding years ago stating her groom was making a huge mistake. Fast forward several years, River comes stumbling into Tess’ bookshop and collapses from an injury. Right before, he is wheeled away by EMS he asks and Tess agrees to care for his dog Buddy. As Tess goes to River’s home to gather some supplies for Buddy she discovers a photo of Jared her late husband, River and a mystery woman looking longingly at her husband. An unexpected friendship with River develops. Tess begins to realize River is not the person she thought he was and that her late husband Jared may have not been completely forthcoming during their marriage. River is a PI and agrees to help her find some answers as to why Jared was in a strange town when he had his fatal car accident. Adventures ensue and feelings develop.
Book had a decent story line and I loved the 2 main characters. Tess is kind, strong and independent. River is loyal, straightforward and trustworthy. However, there were a few hard to grasp flaws in both. I had difficulty believing Tess was that naive about her relationship with Jared. Yes she reminisces about clues after the fact but come on. Hubby was practically leading a double life and she never caught on. Tad unbelievable. Now on to River, a man with all those amazing qualities is still single because he is hung up a girl he met strolling along the river saddened because she had lost a ring and her boyfriend stood her up. What?
I am uncertain but think this is part of a series or I hope it is part of a series. Several characters were underdeveloped maybe on purpose so they will be highlighted in later books? If not, I don’t understand lack of depth of Gil Ryan, Moira, Lara, Heather etc.
Otherwise, I enjoyed book enough for 3 star rating. Would I be compelled to read sequel? Maybe. It has a Hallmark movie vibe that I admit I enjoy from time to time especially when I need something upbeat and light.

Anne Rains’ bio is delightful and would definitely read more of her works.

When private investigator River shows up injured at Tess's bookstore, she wants nothing to do with him. Her late husband's ex-best friend, River tried to break up her wedding. But she agrees to care for his dog while he's in the hospital. She soon realizes that River is conducting an investigation into her husband's death. She wants to be involved. What secrets will they discover?

River is such a sweet, standup guy, I couldn't help but feel sorry for everything he's been through. I like how he takes care of Tess as the secrets about her late husband slowly come out. This is a heart-wrenching story about two people who've been through a lot and finally get the happiness they deserve.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Love and books go hand in hand in this romance!

Tess doesn’t need love anymore, she had it and lost it (widowed) and now she’s content to find her romance in the pages of a good book!

But when her deceased husbands former best friend, River stumbles into her book shelf, it’s more than the past he’s bringing with him, he’s makes Tess feel things she hasn’t in a long time!

I’m a STAN for Annie Rains comfy small town romance and this one hit in all the right places! Tess’s emotional roller coaster of loss, betrayal, second chances and new beginnings is totally on brand and had me immersed in her journey and the daily life of Somerset Lake!

River was the perfect heart on his sleeve good guy/ loner hero that you can’t help fall for and root for as he works on repairing his reputation and being the friend that Tess needs.

I loved Tess and River together, but I also loved seeing the other Somerset Lake residents and their hijinxs and camaraderie.

This bookstore visit was a true delight!

The True Love Bookshop by Annie Rains was released June 5th, 2022.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever Grand Central Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheTrueLoveBookshop #AnnieRains #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads