The second in the series, I had read the first too, though the main characters in this book are different. i very much like the setting, on the coast in Victoria, Australia which is well described. The places come across as nice friendly places to be, where the community knows what is going on with others and look out for one another.
Harriet and her daughter, Olive are new to the area, but settle down well and the opening of their bookshop goes well. Both make friends in the area . They are intrigued by an old diary found in a box of secondhand books which when reading, contains a mystery. They set off to see places mentioned, getting to know the area as they go. I wasn't sure about some parts, like Harriets ex and the people surrounding the mystery, which is why I have a couple of reservations about this book . I did like this though it was a little predictable and perhaps blander than the first book in the series. Nevertheless, it kept my interest and I did enjoy it (though I liked the first book more)
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I loved the idea of the main characters going on a treasure hunt to uncover the history of a diary that came into their hands. I also loved the main characters, specifically the owner of the bookstore and her daughter who seemed very much like the kind of people I would love to sit down with over a cup of coffee. There was enough of a plot although I think, at heart, this is a character driven story. Personally, my favorite part included swimming kangaroos (in Australia--I swear--this makes me want to travel there).
The only issue I had with the book is that there were places where the pacing was a little slower than I liked but overall, a very satisfying read and the kind of book that provides a respite from weightier ones.

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read The bookstore at River's End by Phillipa Nefri Clark. I love historical/dual timeline novels and this one was wonderful! Although noted as the 2nd book in the Temple River series, it can be read as a standalone as each story is different but is set in the same town. It was a fast read, and I love how the MC Harriet (a former librarian) decides to open a book store after her divorce and spend time reconnecting with her daughter, Olive. After she buys a batch of used books, Olive and her discover a diary in the batch and end up reading about three teenage girls who set out on a treasure hunt. As they continue to read they discover a mystery and set out to see if they could solve it. A wonderful and heartwarming story and I will definitely read the 1st of the series!

I am a new fan of Philipa Nefri Clark and River's End! This story was so enchanting and healing. As someone who eventually wants to retire in a small seaside town and open up a cozy bookstore, this story spoke to my soul in such a kindred way.

I love the way the author explores themes of growth, survival, resilience, and femininity through both Harriet and Olive's stories. The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, and I'm not ashamed to say I shed tears several times throughout the journey in River's End.

If you're looking for a cozy slice-of-life story with a deep sense of community and comradeship, look no further! I can't wait to continue seeing the adventures Philipa Nefri Clark will write in River's End, and hope the bookstore - and it's owners - will make an appearance again!

This was an intriguing book centered around Harriet's new bookstore in Rivers End.  She stumbled across buying a box of old books that created a mystery for Harriett and her daughter, Olive to solve when they found a diary at the bottom of the box. I enjoyed learning how Harriett started the bookstore and how she made a strong connection with her daughter through the bookstore and through finding the diary written by a teenage girl in the 1960's. The story was an emotional one and it was fun to watch Harriet and Olive connect the puzzle pieces together.  It was amazing how much the diary affected their lives and the lives of those around them. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

This was such a good read, cried sad and happy tears throughout! I wouldnt have picked this up in a book shop but I'm so glad I read it, I will certainly be more open in the future to different styles of book. thank you Netgalley x

A brilliant book. This book is very hard to put down once you start to read it! The characters pull you in from the very first page and keep you hooked to the last page.

I will read anything about a bookstore so when I saw this I knew it was a must read. But what I didn’t expect was how this book would take hold of my heart. I won’t soon forget Harriet and Olive and the adventure they went on. It was heartwarming, and a feel good all over book. Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publing for the chance to read this gem. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eCopy to review

The Bookstore at River’s End was ultimately an uplifting story about finding new love, a new place to call home and finding your purpose. There were a number of unsettling circumstances to work through along the way but having done so it left Harriet and her daughter Olive stronger than ever

I loved the characters and all their relationships and ups and downs. The town of River’s End sounds amazing as does the book store

The treasure hunts were epic (one designed for a group of friends little sister in the 1960s and Harriet and Olive following the trail in a diary) and I really enjoyed it until the tragedies struck

This was a charming, cosy feel-good read. I really liked the mother-daughter relationship between Harriet and Olive. A bookshop seems like the ideal setting for a book like this, so it felt like a little escape. There were two narratives, one in the present day and one in the 1960s, so it was a little bit like two stories for the price of one. I would probably try something else by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Heartwarming

Harriet Main and her twenty-year-old daughter Olive had moved to River’s End to start a bookstore. It is a dream come true for former librarian Harriet, even if she is still recovering from the pain of her divorce from Jason.
Olive is supportive, and together they start fresh. One day, the mother-daughter duo comes across an old diary. Olive insists they read the contents. Soon, they uncover the mystery of the past and wade through the secrets. It’s up to Harriet to determine if she can help right the wrong. And how does this change her life?
The story comes in Harriet’s third-person POV and Nettie’s first-person POV (past timeline).

My Thoughts:
After enjoying the first book in the series, I wanted to try this and explore the lovely fictional setting in Australia. It is such a beautiful place (based on real locations) with cliffs, beaches, spacious farmlands, and cute homes.
This is my second read this month set with a bookstore. It is also a second book with mother/ daughter dynamics. Thankfully, it works well on both fronts.
We have books with good banter between friends, cousins, lovers, etc. Here, the banter between mom and daughter (Harriet and Olive) is a highlight. Even if it sounds too good to be true, Olive is a wonderful 20-year-old, the kind of daughter most mothers would want. I love her character.
There’s a bit of romance for Harriet, though it is quite mature and doesn’t take the focus away from the central plot, except towards the end, where a closure is necessary. Even then, the contemporary plot is connected to the past track.
The crux of the story is the diary the mom-dotty duo finds in their second-hand book purchases and the mystery in it. We get the journal entries in a first-person POV, with the first and last paragraphs in italics (written like how we would in a journal). I quite like this format. The mystery has enough elements for us to guess, though some questions have to be answered by the characters.
A wee change in POV at one point made me wonder if it was an attempt to plug a plot hole. I tend to write myself into a corner and scramble to find a way out. This gives the same feeling. Not an issue as such.
Of course, most characters are sweet and nice in the small town, and the bookshop is an instant hit with many sales. A bit hard to believe, but that’s okay. Some positivity is good (and much-needed after my previous read).
The pacing is a bit slow, and I admit I liked Olive more than Harriet. Brock is, of course, a sweetheart in his friendly, kind sort of way. He is confident but in a calm and unstated manner. The hero from book one was just as good (and better since he had a bigger role). It’s refreshing to read such MMCs.

To summarize, The Bookstore at Rivers End is a heartwarming story of moving on, making friends, valuing relationships, and doing what makes one happy without hurting others. This is a clean romance and works as a standalone.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Really enjoyed this book, and will enjoy reading others in the series. This is about Harriet and daughter Olive and due to a marriage break up opened a book shop in the town of Rivers End. After buying old books they find an old diary in a box which was given to them and the mystery begins.
Again my thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the early read

This lovely book set in the beautiful town of Rivers End on the coast of Australia defies definition. It’s women’s fiction with a dual timeline that combines a clean, mature romance with a mystery involving three teenage girls from 1961. It’s the story of a newly-divorced librarian, Harriet, who is struggling with her ex-husband’s decision to “find himself” by traveling the world alone, and her 20-year-old daughter, Olive, who has dropped out of law school after ending an abusive relationship, who decide to start over by opening a bookstore in a building Harriet received as part of her settlement.

While looking for old books to fill a small section of their store, they find the diary of a 14-year-old girl who writes about a birthday treasure hunt she and her friends are designing for one of the girl’s younger sister. Since the owner doesn’t want it back, they make it their mission to figure out who the narrator and her friends are since they’re only mentioned by their first initial. Olive and Harriet, reading just one entry at a time, decide to follow the clues as a way to discover their new home and to learn the identities of the friends from the past. The shifting between the two timelines works well, combining each written passage in the diary with the narrator’s internal monologue that uses full names (that only the reader is privy to). As a result, the reader figures out the mystery well before Harriet and Olive do.

They also purchase a number of books from a handsome chef, Brock, which includes an antique Bible and inscribed book of poetry. These become part of the mystery surrounding the treasure hunt. The romance between Harriet and Brock is a slow burn although the attraction is evident from the beginning. However, Harriet is newly-divorced and not even ready to remove her wedding ring, so it takes months of her slowly building a new life with her daughter until she’s ready to let go and let a new love in.

The character development of both the main and secondary characters is well done, the mother-daughter relationship is enviably loving, supportive, and respectful, and the townspeople, especially the elderly ladies trio, are humorous and welcoming.

As a former librarian and lifelong book lover, I was so envious that Harriet was able to fulfill her dream of opening a bookstore. Author Clark paints such a vivid picture of the town with friendly neighbors, gorgeous beaches, and a good collection of businesses that support the community. This heartwarming, redemptive story is definitely worth a read. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This was a delighful, feel good story with some sad parts to keep one grounded. Some lovely characters and great interactions. I did enjoy the comclusion, left me on a high!

Phillipa Nefri Clark has quickly become one of my favourite authors. In September, I read The Cottage at Whisper Lake and loved it. The second book in the Temple River series, The Bookstore at Rivers End is yet another amazing story. It's an emotional read, with romance, mystery and great characterisation and, of course, that wonderful backdrop of Rivers End.
On this occasion, librarian Harriet and her daughter Olive have arrived in Rivers End. Both are there to start a new life, having experienced heartache and loss.
Harriet's plan is to open a bookstore. She already has the building, it is just a matter of filling it with books. One of her purchases, a box of second hand books contains a diary. Mother and daughter discover details of a treasure hunt which three young girls organised for a friend’s birthday back in the early 1960s. Reading the diary and following the clues, what begins as a light-hearted exercise, soon reveals secrets and heartache.

Although this is part of a series, it can be read independently. However, the author has cleverly included brief appearances from characters from The Cottage at Whisper Lake. This has the effect of making Rivers End feel as if it's a place you know, peopled with familiar characters.

Another unputdownable read from Phillipa Nefri Clark – can’t wait to see what comes next.

Highly recommended.

My thanks to the author Storm and Netgalley for an ARC of The Bookstore at Rivers End in exchange for an honest review.

After a devastating divorce, Harriet Mains and her daughter, Olive moved to the idyllic town of Rivers End. A beautiful coastal town. While her ex is off trying to find himself, Harriet is left taking care of their daughter and opening her own business, a bookstore. Something that she’s always wanted. Between getting the store up and running, Harriet and Olive work getting used books that is donated to the store. They find an anonymous diary, a map and an old Bible. They offer to give them back but the owner refuses to take them back. Since Olive is still struggling with her father being away, Harriet decides that she and Olive can follow the diary and map to see where it takes them. What can it hurt? It’s old after all and the owner said she didn’t want them. As they meet the townspeople and they enjoy becoming part of the town. They also meet a very handsome chef named Brock, a widower and his daughter. The Mains are finally feeling like their lives are turning around and that this town is where they belong. As she makes friends, Harriet realizes that she can move forward with her life. She’s finally finding herself. As time goes on, the diary reads of friendships lost, a devastating accident and trying to move forward. It also has a surprise for Harriet, her ex husband and Olive. Will they find who owns the diary? Will Olive’s dad find himself? Will the bookstore be successful? Will Brock and Harriet find love? The characters are wonderful and the book was hard to put down. I loved it. It’s an emotional story. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

Could River’s End be her ‘heart-home?’ Harriet thought. A place to start over after her heart was so broken by her husband she did not think she could ever feel anything again.

The Bookstore at River’s End is both heartbreaking and heart-resurrecting and a pure pleasure to read. I truly could feel Harriet’s pain in her shock and loss but also got excited with her when she begins to heal and unfold like a flower separate from her ex-husband. It was wonderful to see the revelations she has as a result about her life and to hear the perceptive comments her daughter Olive makes about her happiness. And to discover how one new person in her life, a talented Chef, changes and frees her—well you cannot get better than that.

The descriptions and flow of the story were flawless. The Australian setting is gorgeous, charming and inviting. I loved the warm, friendly, helpful characters who came to life on the page (and got annoyed with the ones who were meant to bother me!). Her ex-husband, of course, was the major thorn that pierced her side and heart but after his departure to begin his world adventures once recovering from his health scare, balance begins for them all. There are some rocky adventures, of course, but progress is made as their lives commence on a new path and when major truths are unveiled. I adored the growing loving and supportive relationship between Harriet and Olive—a mother’s dream!

Brave Harriet and gifted daughter Olive set up a charming bookstore (Harriet’s dream) in a town new to them. I could feel the anticipation and joy as they got their inventory ready of popular titles but also when they found rare books to sell. This, of course, leads them to make a discovery of a diary containing a treasure map that takes them on a journey which will set right some misunderstandings and heal a few broken hearts.

While investigating the destinations on the map, Harriet and her daughter enjoy and learn about the areas they explore, including a cave. Then swimming in Willow Bay, Harriet feels invigorated and calmed by the waters. And when she goes for a sail, peace floods through her being. All wonderful ingredients to help restore her soul and recoup her body after some shocking emotional battles.

Harriet knows little of her husband’s background, except he was born at River’s End and held a fondness for the place which is why he bought a building there (that became a bookstore). But there is an aunt of his that Harriet must find, if she is still alive. Be prepared as there is an incredible twist and surprise with this part of the plot!

An age-old mystery, romantic love, relationship healing, community spirit, second chances and finding purpose, peace and pleasure are just a few of this story’s special themes. The Bookstore at Rivers End is a beautiful tale of hope, discovery and restoration. Plus, it is a wonderful addition to the Temple River series that should not be missed. 5 Easy Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.

This book was a charming and sweet story of finding oneself again and I'm completely here for it! The setting of this adorable town became a character itself as you explore the past and present of it and the people who live there. The juxtaposition of the past with the present trying to decipher a surprise find in a book shopping mission beings the cast of unique characters to life!

Although this is marked as the second book in the series it features new main characters just living in the same place. Characters from other series play small parts from time to time which is nice.

Our MC in this book is Harriet who has just been through a bad divorce and has moved with her daughter Olive to Rivers End where she is planning to establish a bookstore. Olive has been through a break up with a man who treated her very badly so both women are hoping for an improvement in their lives.

Rivers End works its magic as it always does. One of Harriet's boxes of second hand purchases for the shop includes a diary which tells a story from the past of four girls who went on a treasure hunt. As Harriet and Olive follow the clues from this they eventually discover the secret behind it.

A lovely story with really likeable characters. Five stars

The story was amazing and heart-warming. It will draw you in and you will not be able to put it down.