Tess is a bookshop owner in a small North Caroline town. She also happens to be the town's youngest widow. When her late husband's ex-best friend, River, comes into her shop and proceeds to bleed out on her floor, she decides she doesn't actually want him dead despite her feeling of the last several years. After the ambulance takes River away, Tess is left to care for his dog, Buddy. When she goes to River's house to get supplies, she finds pictures of her husband that she's never seen before. One with another woman in it. This is the story of Tess' journey to find the truth about her husband and the circumstances surrounding his death.

This is a sweet love story set in a picturesque town. While the plot was completely predictable, it was an enjoyable tale. The writing was fine, the plot was fine, the characters were fine. Nothing is earthshattering about the read, but it is a comfy bubble gum type of read. While obviously the third in the series, you don't have to read the first two books to understand what is going on. Did it leaving me wanting more? No. Did it make we wish I had my time back? Also no. So, pick it up if you need a little escapism.

Thanks, Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book!

I was so excited to finally read this book! I enjoyed the plot and the story. This story read as it could be real life. Another great read!

When I think of romance, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day. What a sweet enjoyable book.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. Story was okay. I just found most parts so woke. That I just found myself rolling my eyes.

The True Love Bookshop was such a cute story! 4 stars for me! I love the dynamic and chemistry between Tess and River. Tessa learned some pretty upsetting information throughout the story and handled it like an adult woman. There weren't miscommunication decisions causing the conflicts, it was just part of their journey. I love the call out of imposter syndrome and how the author in the book felt this way, and Tess identified with her, and I identified with both. This was a very relatable story with relatable characters. I would have loved more descriptions of their physical affection, but that's not this book. Overall, great writing and a great story. Not predictable, either!

The True Love Bookshop by Annie Rains, is a phenomenal, sweet, heartwarming story.

I really enjoyed the introduction to this new small town and it seemed to do a good job giving a glimpse into the whole area.
It has all the charm that a reader would want in a cozy romance.
I loved the time I spent in Somerset Lake!
The plot is well executed and easily followed.
I was extremely engaged through the entire novel.
I had the best time reading The True Love Bookshop.
Annie pulled me right in and hooked me from the very first page. She is now an auto buy author for me. Her characters feel very real and the emotions were running here!
I couldn't stop reading, the story is an easy read with engaging characters, a fun plot, and a believable storyline
Overall, The Summer Cottage is a delightful romance with inviting characters and an endearing storyline that hooked me and had me wanting to stay right where I was!
This is my first Annie Rains novel, most definitely won't be my last!

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

Forever,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my platforms, blog, B&N and Waterstone closer to pub date.

The story of a young widow who finds out her husband wasn't who she thought he was, and that his once best friend isn't either. A fun story about family and love, as well as loss, was a good read with interesting plot and characters.

I love this cover! I’m always drawn to books with books on the cover. This is a nice romance story between River and Tess. They started off as enemies and then one day River shows up in Tess’s bookstore hurt. Some secrets come out, old hurts surface and a little mystery is solved.
It’s a fast paced book which everyone will love
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I was so delighted to return to Somerset Lake for a new story on one of its residents. Tess Lane, owner of Lakeside Books, is a young widow who is trying to move on from her husband’s mysterious death. A lover of romance stories, Tess hosts the town’s book club each week for women who have become her closest friends, but they really share more than books. Detested by Tess, River was her husband’s best friend, up to the point when he tried to stop their wedding. Now River is a private investigator and Tess enlists his help to discover the circumstances surrounding her husband Jake’s death. Sparks fly between Tess and River as she comes to second guess who she thought her husband was and learns more about River’s true character. Surprises abound in this heart-warming romance. As always, Annie Rains writes another feel-good book full of hope that is one you will enjoy.

Many thanks to #netgalley #annierains #thetruelovebookshop for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really really enjoyed this book! It was super cute! The characters and storyline were pretty brilliant!

I am drawn to books with bookshops on the cover, and the shop on Annie Rains’ “The True Love Bookshop” looks particularly inviting. I couldn’t wait to dive into my advance copy.

It’s been three years since Tess Lane’s husband Jared died in a car accident, and six years since his best friend River Harrison ruined their wedding. Tess has learned to pretend she is fine, but the pretending stops the day River shows up at her bookstore and collapses on the floor.

In the enemies-to-lovers story that follows, Tess learns that her husband wasn’t the man she thought he was. She convinces River, a private investigator, to help her discover the secrets of Jared’s past. Tess must deal with unexpected truths and learn to trust herself before she finds her happily-ever-after.

While I enjoyed the unfolding of Tess and River’s story, some of the supporting characters seemed flat. It wasn’t until I was almost finished the book that I realized that it is fourth in a series set in Somerset Lake. I blame the enticing cover for my oversight. Like I said, I couldn’t wait to dive in! Though it can be read as a stand-alone story, I believe it would feel more complete, and the characters would be more satisfying, had I read the other books in the series first.

I’d recommend this book to readers looking for a light, heartwarming read, though I’d probably suggest they read the others in the series first to familiarize themselves with the characters and the town.

"The True Love Bookshop" would also be a great suggestion for someone looking for a romance novel with no explicit sex or coarse language.

The book includes a reading-group guide with questions.

Thanks to the publisher, Forever, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

Annie Rains has once again written a beautiful, emotional, magical, romantic masterpiece. I knew from book 1 of the Somerset series that Tess would have an amazing story but this was even better than my expectations. Beautiful writing, an amazing storyline, phenomenal characters who are easy to connect with and a realistic plot. This is a story that you'll not only want to read but you should read. Though it is part of a series it can be read alone.

Ted's Lane has been managing the bookstore that she owns in Somerset Lake and absolutely loving it since her husband's passing a few years ago. She is content spending time growing her business versus dating like her mother and some of her friends would like to see her do.

Then her least favorite person falls back into her life in an unexpected way and she is forced to make some decisions that unfortunately involved that same man, the man that nearly prevented her marriage. That person is River Harrison her husband's former best friend and military buddy. And the person who helps her solve the mystery behind her husband's death.

I was given an ARC for an honest review of this novel.

Right from the start my attention was grabbed and it made me wish I could stay up reading more of Tess and River's story but unfortunately I had to work in the morning so that was out of the question. Then the emotional rollercoaster truly began once I was able to begin again and man I did not want to put it down! This book gave me all the feels and I can't wait to read what Annie Rains writes next!

I liked this book. I really liked this book…if I could give this book a ten I would…friends and family…romance…love and lost…deceit…happiness and sadness…the protagonist owns a bookshop…she has lost her husband…her friends and family rally around her…then all of a sudden, her archenemy shows up and fireworks…why is he in her life all of a sudden? She is not thrilled…she is angry…he ruined her wedding day…things happen that she can’t discern…was her husband the man she bought he was? Who was he really. The characters are likable…the plot moves quickly…one time line makes it easy to understand not written in a million voices makes it fun…curl up in a comfy chair with a cozy blanket…some hot herbal tea…a delicious scone…spend the afternoon in this book…or sit by the ocean and shut out the world…escapism at its best…this book was sent to me electronically for review from Netgalley.

Tess lost her husband three years ago and still finds it hard to move on. When her husband’s former best friend, River, shows up unexpectedly at her bookshop, she can’t help but remember how River almost ruined her wedding. But when he collapses on the floor, she can’t very well let the man die in front of her. Can she? Thus starts a truce of sorts between the two. And as Tess learns more about why River objected to the marriage, she realizes he’s not such a bad guy after all. Is she ready to open her heart to love again?

A story of lies, deception, revelations, healing, forgiveness, new beginnings, second chances, and a HEA.

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

I loved this book! It’s a book in the Somerset Lake series. It could be read as a stand-alone, but I have read the whole series to date and enjoyed reconnecting with characters from the other books. This story packs a punch - it’s emotional and touching. Tess learns of her late husband’s betrayal, learns new truths about her late husband’s former best friend, who she’d come to hate, and slowly began to learn to trust again. Heartwarming and entertaining, I had trouble putting it down.

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This is so heartwarming, it's her absolute best book ever!
Her books are so realistic, you could see you friends and neighbors in these situations.
I love that this is a series and we get to meet characters from previous books again and also meet a new cast of characters.
I must say I was glad to see Somerset Lake's gossip blogger,Reva back at it again. She knows everybody's business and you wouldn't want her for a neighbor but she has a fun and outgoing personality and she won't hesitate to tell you what you need to know about someone.
The book is so emotional, it may bring you to tears and you'll find yourself in a range of emotions as you read this.
Tess Lane owns Lakeside Books, it's her calm space to go to after the death of her husband,Jared that occurred three years ago. She had so many dreams of how life would be for them but it was all snatched away by a car accident.
River was her husband's best friend before their wedding until he objected to their wedding,now she and his family don't like him because of the objection.
When he shows up on her doorstep questions rush in.
As she starts spending more time with River she sees he's not the bad guy she thought he was, this former Marine has changed and has her best welfare at heart.
He's a PI now and the more he uncovers about her husband the more she feels as though her life is crumbling all over again.
Will a journey of self-worth and self-discovery for River and Tess both set them on a path of despair or easing of pain and knowing forgiveness is the way to reopen the heart again?
Family is not always blood but who you make it when you let others into your heart.
Loved this book and look forward to many more by this author!

Pub Date 05 Jul 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

You get a real feel of Annie Rains heart in her books. I compare her to Debbie Macomber. If you are looking for a feel good book. I highly recommend this book!
I love my time in Somerset Lake! Tess’s bookclub is very much like my own. A group of loving and supportive women. Tess uncovers some devastating secrets after the death of her husband. With the help of River, Tess’s husband‘s best friend. But first Tess had to forgive River for what he did on her wedding day.
Happy Reading! Enjoy your time in Somerset Lake

I enjoyed this book. When we first meet Tess, she is busy improving a bookstore she now owns. She lost her husband and friends now think it's time for her to start moving forward. When an old acquaintance and former friend of her husbands, River, shows up in her store and needs her help, no matter how much she disliked him in the past, she knows he really needs help. As the story goes on, there is a little mystery that develops and River is exactly the person who can help her answer surprises from her past that she wasn't aware of.
Heartwarming moments, friendships, misunderstandings, a wonderful dog named Buddy that will steal your heart, well described scenery and answered questions all made this a story that held my attention and had me quickly turning the pages to see how it would all turn out.

I found this to be a so so romance and the title not the best for this book. I didn’t care or feel sympathetic for the main character, but liked the depth of the lead male.