The True Love Bookshop by Annie Rains: Book Review

Introduction:

This was such a lovely read. While the book has elements of romance, it is more of a story about finding yourself after a tragic loss. The characters are well developed and likeable and the storyline engaging. The True Love Bookshop is the author’s third book in the author’s Somerset Lake series but can certain be read as a standalone.

From The Publisher:

She’s ready to start a new chapter in her life…
 For Tess Lane, owning Lakeside Books is a dream come true, but it’s the weekly book club she hosts for the women in town that Tess enjoys the most. The gatherings have been her lifeline over the past three years since her husband’s mysterious death. Tess has tried to move on, but when River Harrison shows up on her doorstep, all her lingering questions come rushing back.…

River, a former marine turned private investigator, was her husband’s best friend, and seeing him again is a reminder of everything Tess lost. At first, she tries to ignore him, but Tess comes to realize that this is her chance, once and for all, to find the answers that have troubled her for years.

With the support of her friends, Tess joins River on a journey of discovery that leads them to the edges of Somerset Lake and on a road trip down the Carolina coast. Although their adventure isn’t always easy, Tess starts to find the joy in life again. But when secrets surrounding her husband’s death are finally revealed, can Tess find it in her heart to forgive the mistakes of the past … and maybe even open herself up to love again? 

Book Review:

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.

What I Liked:

• Well-developed and likeable characters
• The characters willingness to find the truth about their pasts which enables them to move on
• The strength in character shown by Tess in not only accepting but embracing the truth under extremely challenging circumstances.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

The Summer Cottage by Annie Rains

Season of Joy by Annie Rains

The Christmas Village by Annie Rains