The Floating Venice Bookshop

The Floating Shop #2

by Annabel French

‘This was a fantastic read! Who wouldn’t want a floating bookshop!’ Reader Review⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐Can a bookshop bring two hearts together?Beth loves everything about living in Venice. The meandering canals and the cobbled streets have captured her heart, so when she loses her job and fears she’ll have to return to England, she’s devastated.

When she stumbles upon a book barge for sale, it seems like fate. Beth has always dreamed of opening a bookshop that combines her two art and books. She just needs to be brave enough to take the leap.

Enter Marco, a gorgeous, passionate Venetian art promoter. Their chemistry is instant and electric, but Beth needs Marco’s local knowledge to launch her business and the last thing she wants is a distraction. However, as they work together, it becomes clear how hard it is to ignore the sparks flying between them.

The closer they become, the more their attraction grows. Soon, they will have to should they face their fears and give love a chance? Or walk away forever?

A heartwarming, escapist romance, perfect for fans of Julie Caplin and Cressida McLaughlin.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Ebooks, Adult, Italy, Audiobook

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

About the author

Also publishes under Katie Ginger

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of French's 'Floating Shop' series and it can be read as a standalone.

Author Annabel French has taken three wishes of mine and combined them to produce a wonderful destination read.

1) Libreria Acqua Alta is on my bucket list. I’ve been to Venice a handful of times, but never made it to ‘the most beautiful bookstore in the world.’
2) Word on the Water in Regent’s Canal in London is also on my bucket list, although slightly further down. The idea of taking a floating bookstore on a canal and placing it in Venice appeals to me; hence my curiosity in reaching for this book.
3) I’m working on embracing risk-taking and it was wonderful to see a character flourish after breaking the chains that held her helpless and hopeless. Nothing prepares Beth for the roadblocks she faces in working abroad, but it’s how she deals with them that kept me reading.

This story centers around ‘La Libreria delle Parole’ (library of words), a floating book barge on one of Venice’s beautiful canals, and the main character who learns the freedom and beauty there is in taking risks.

If you find fleeting references to same-sex secondary characters or discussion about IVF treatment a deal breaker, this book has both.

I’ve previously enjoyed four of French’s books, and now I’m eagerly awaiting the next in this floating shop series! I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

Beth is enjoying a secondment at a top museum in Venice when she learns that the funding for her position is gone, along with the flat that goes with it. Then she learns of a Venetian with a bookshop barge who wants to sell it, and Beth impusively buys it.

This begins a journey of entrepreneurship, new friends and colleagues, and new confidence for Beth.

The Floating Venice Bookshop is a fun, sweet and romantic escapist romance novel! Perfect for fans of closed door romance, self-discovery, and Emily in Paris!

Read my full review on YA All Day AND check out my full post on New Spring Romances to read, complete with spice level!

[Bookreviewgirl_xo · Rating 3 out of 5]

⫷ NetGalley and Avon Books UK provided the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review⫸

Rating : 3.25/5

Beth + Marco

✔️ Sister's Best Friend
✔️ Business Partners
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ Book Barge Owner (h)/ PR Firm Owner (H)
✔️ Push/ Pull
✔️ No Sexual Content
✔️ Single POV - Third Person
✔️ HFN with Epilogue

● What I Loved : Italy. The food. The place. The people. The Book Barge (I was so excited about it!😍). Polo (Cat).

● What I Didn't Like : The non-existence passion & connection between the couple. The predictable conflict.

Quotes :

- "Taking chances can be good for the soul."

- "There was nothing more out of control than love. Love did what it wanted when it wanted."

[The Bookish Chimera - Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Floating Venice Bookshop was a mostly cozy book, relaxing and cute.
Unfortunately, some parts felt too cliché for me to remain invested —but maybe it was the point, having a FMC uprooted abroad.
I loved her choice not to have children, and I loved that it was a plot point, as much as I loved the PKOS rep. It sometimes felt a bit too repetitive though, and the romance a bit stretched, especially regarding the conflict.
In the end, it was a nice read, but not completely my cup of tea.

Thank you to Avon Books for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

[Laura-Elise Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully scenic slow burn, with a tall, dark and very handsome MMC, and a FMC who is taking a huge leap of faith.
After losing her job, Beth decides to purchase a floating bookshop barge so that she can stay in Venice.
This is a real slow burn, with Beth and Marco getting to know each other against a stunning Venetian backdrop.
Perfect for lovers of travel romance

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book second book in the series called The Floating Shop Series!!

It’s a love story between two people but the question is can a bookshop bring these 2 together

The closer they become, the more their attraction grows. Soon, they will have to choose: should they face their fears and give love a chance? Or walk away forever?

A heartwarming, escapist romance, perfect for fans of Julie Caplin and Cressida McLaughlin.

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This book is scheduled to publish on February 12, 2026.

The Floating Venice Bookshelf is a contemporary romance set in Venice, and readers who enjoy atmospheric, location-driven stories will feel right at home here. The story follows Beth after she loses her job and impulsively buys a book barge, setting her on an unexpected new path.

While the setting was charming and immersive, the overall storyline did not fully work for me. I found the plot to feel a bit scattered at times, and there were moments where the pacing slowed and my interest waned. That said, I still felt compelled to keep reading rather than DNFing. I wanted to see how Beth’s story played out and where everything ultimately landed.

Readers who enjoy character-focused romances with a strong sense of place may find a lot to appreciate here, especially if Venice-based settings are a draw.

[Cheryl Hanzidiakou]

3.5⭐️ Pretty thin on plot, but a cute and cozy read.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a book lover, I can think of nothing more perfect than owning a bookshop, never mind a floating one in Venice, it sounds so romantic cruising along its beautiful canals,

I absolutely love the front cover of this book; the colour used lulled me into reading it. I have to say that whilst I really enjoyed the story and Beth's character, I did feel the book was a little slow in places. But it was a cute, easy read. It is about taking a leap of faith and sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone.

This is book 2 in the Floating Bookshop series, which I didn't realise when I requested it. However, I assume each book can be read as a standalone, as I didn't feel like I missed a backstory.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Avon Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For raiting purposes I would give this book 3.5 stars if I was able.

The publication date for this book is set for June 2, 2026.

[bookloversclub2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book by Annabel. What a delightful, charming read. I enjoyed reading about Venice through Beth’s eyes all the experiences and sights. I was so invested in the characters, what would happen with the Beth and Marco and how it would all unravel.

A book about bookshops I always adore and one on a barge in Venice made for perfect, relaxing read. There was also a realistic expectation of society too regarding pregnancy and having children which added the emotional tone to the story.

Overall another fantastic, engaging read. I just wanted more of it, it was so well written. Definitely pick this one up if you wanted to be transported to a book world in another Country- escapism at its finest.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[WhatFrizRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Beth's world is turned upside down, she stops planning and analysing everything and starts taking chances, but will they pay off?

I found this story took a while to get started; there's a lot of description if Venice which I enjoyed having visited it but the relationships took a long time to establish and be interesting. By the end, I was enjoying the story but not as much as I enjoyed French's 'Chateau' series.

[Sylvia Hertel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman mit traumhaftem Setting

Klappentext:
Beth liebt ihr Leben in Venedig, doch als sie ihren Job verliert, ist sie am Boden zerstört. Bis sie zufällig auf einen zum Verkauf stehenden Bücherkahn stößt. Um ihre schwimmende Buchhandlung ›La Libreria delle parole‹ aufzubauen, braucht sie Hilfe – von Marco, einem leidenschaftlichen Kunstförderer. Zwischen den beiden funkt es sofort. Doch schaffen sie es, sich ihren Ängsten zu stellen?

„Die schwimmende Buchhandlung von Venedig“ ist der 2. Band der Trilogie „Love and the City“ von Annabel French.

Im Mittelpunkt der Geschichte steht Beth. Beth ist eine sympathische junge Frau, die von England nach Venedig gekommen ist und dort in einer Gallery arbeitet. Ihre Stelle und ihre Wohnung werden von einer Stiftung finanziert, die jetzt allerdings das Geld für andere Zwecke benötigt. Kurz gesagt, Beth verliert ihre Stelle und muss sich auch eine andere Wohnung suchen.
Klar ist ihr, sie möchte gerne in Venedig bleiben. Da hört sie von einem alten Bücherkahn, der verkauft werden soll. Beth die immer sehr überlegt und strategisch handelt, kauft spontan die schwimmende Buchhandlung. Ihre Freundin Cesca, hilft beim Umbau der Barke. Als Beth, Cescas Bruder Marció kennenlernt, beginnen ihre Gefühle verrücktzuspielen.

Annabel Frenchn hat sympathische Charaktere entworfen. Natürlich Beth, die einen Neuanfang in Venedig sucht, ist mir besonders sympathisch. Es macht Freude, Beth zu begleiten und ihre Entwicklung mitzuerleben. Die Frau, die immer alles abwägt und sich in Schwarz oder Grau kleidet, handelt auf einmal spontan, aus dem Bauch heraus und sehnt sich nach mehr Farbe bei ihrer Kleidung.

Annabel French erzählt die Geschichte mit einer schönen Leichtigkeit und mit Gefühl.
Die Buchhandlung beschreibt die Autorin sehr anschaulich. Und was für einen schönen Namen die Buchhandlung hat. „ ›La Libreria delle parole“, „Die Bibliothek der Worte“.

Die Geschichte handelt von einem Neuanfang, von Zusammenhalt und von Liebe.
Ja, es wird auch romantisch in der Geschichte, auch wenn da erst einmal ein paar Hürden genommen werden müssen.

Annabel French hat einen erfrischenden, flüssigen und gut verständlichen Schreibstil.
Ich konnte das schon bald nicht mehr aus der Hand legen.

„Die schwimmende Buchhandlung von Venedig“ ist ein ganz bezaubernder Roman.
Ich freue mich schon auf den 3. Band „Das schwimmende Café von Kopenhagen, der schon im Juli erscheinen soll.

[Shirley Painter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth is a Brit living in Venice where she works at the art gallery however her job is terminated at very short notice. This leaves her needing to desperately find a new job and accommodation as the job with the gallery came with accommodation she lived in. Beth makes the brave decision to buy a bookshop on a barge situated on one of the canal routes in Venice. It needs some work to make it how she wants but with the help of her Italian best friend, she begins her project!

I loved the concept of this book and the idea of a bookshop on a barge. There was a real community feel amongst the characters of the book. I was really rooting for Beth’s new venture to be successful as I felt she seemed a little lost at the beginning of the book, almost like she hadn’t fully settled in Venice. The introduction of Marco really got my interest and I loved the instant connection Beth had with him, despite the fact he was her Italian best friend’s brother! There was some miscommunication but it was minimal and not at all frustrating, it simply meant they realised the strength of their feelings for each other once the miscommunication was resolved. Marco was a great MMC, he did so many lovely things to help Beth even before they officially got together!

I think the only thing I would have liked to read more about was the success of the book shop. It was only open briefly before the book finished. It felt a little rushed at the end although there is an epilogue confirming Beth had been so busy she hired an assistant and that books were flying off the shelf. I would have liked to see a bit more about that in the main body of the book.

I think this book would make the perfect summer time holiday read! It’s cute, cosy and ultimately heart warming.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜 Blurb -
Can a bookshop bring two hearts together?Beth loves everything about living in Venice. The meandering canals and the cobbled street have captured her heart, so when she loses her job and fears she’ll have to return to England, she’s devastated.
Until she stumbles upon a book barge for sale, it seems like fate. Beth has long harboured a dream of opening a specialised bookshop that combines her two art and books. She just needs to be brave enough to take a chance, and maybe a little help from a local.
Enter Marco, a gorgeous, passionate local art promoter, and their chemistry is instant and electric. Beth needs Marco's local knowledge to launch her business, but as they work together, both seem determined to ignore the sparks flying between them.
The closer they become, the more their attraction grows. Soon, they will have to choose – face their fears and give love a chance – or walk away forever.
❤️ Review -
This was such a beautifully written novel. It's the perfect book to read for when you want to escape from everything for a little while. From the very first page I was hooked and swept away with the characters in the story. It was easy to follow, had good pacing and a great cast of characters. I loved Beth's character and I wanted her to have the happy ending that she deserved. Plus the place settings in the story sounded beautiful. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, the author Annabel French/ Katie Ginger and the publisher, Avon books for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Sargeant]

Art gallery manager, Beth, is enjoying a secondment in Venice when the funding for her post is suddenly pulled and she faces the unwelcome prospect of a return to London. She is offered first refusal on a barge bookshop that’s for sale and, against her usually cautious nature, makes the purchase.

She finds herself the owner of not only a tired, overstocked shop but also of the resident cat, Polo. Her first task is to weed the books and, with the help of her carpenter friend Cesca, refashion the existing furniture and build new shelving to provide a much-need update. (I loved these scenes. As an ex-librarian who ran several library new-build and refurbishment projects, I was itching to jump into the pages and help her.)

Calling on her gallery management skills, she plans to allocate space on the barge for temporary art exhibitions. Enter Marco, Cesca’s brother, who runs a PR agency that represents local artists. Despite a mutual instant attraction, Beth and Marco keep their business heads on to collaborate. Beth hopes for more from the handsome Italian, but every time he seems to warm to her on a personal level, something makes him retreat.

This is a delightful escapist novel with lots of descriptions of Venetian architecture, culture and food. The central characters are likeable and the plot is engaging.

This is an independent review of an early copy. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity.

[Lisa Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Floating Venice Bookshop by Annabel French
Can a bookshop really bring two hearts together?
Beth is living her dream in Venice, surrounded by winding canals, cobbled streets and endless beauty. But when her job falls apart, the life she loves suddenly feels out of reach. Just when everything seems lost, fate steps in… in the form of a floating bookshop for sale.
Combining her love of art and books has always been Beth’s dream, she just has to be brave enough to chase it.
Enter Marco, a charming, passionate Venetian with invaluable local knowledge. What begins as a practical partnership quickly sparks into something more, even as Beth tries to keep her focus on her dream. But some connections are just impossible to ignore…

This book is absolutely delightful. It gently explores real life relationship dilemmas, the importance of knowing what you want (and don’t want), finding the right person and having the courage to go after your dreams, both personally and professionally. It’s also a beautiful journey of self discovery set against the magical backdrop of Venice.
Perfect for anyone who loves Romantic escapes, Bookshop settings, Slow burn chemistry and Stories about finding yourself.
Highly recommend if you’re craving a cosy, heart warming read. Thank you net gallery and Avon press for the advance copy in return for my honest review

[Pupak · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you give me a bookshop.
If you put that bookshop on a boat.
And then you set it in Venice.

I am already emotionally invested.

The Floating Venice Bookshop is the second book in Annabel French’s Floating Shop series, but it works perfectly as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book, but I love the second book. This time, we follow Beth, who is living her dream in Venice until that dream starts to unravel. Losing her job threatens everything she has built, and the fear of returning to England feels like failure.

Then she finds a book barge for sale.

What I loved most about this story is that it is not just a romance novel. It is about risk and about choosing not to shrink your life when it becomes uncomfortable. Beth has always played it safe, and watching her leap into something uncertain felt both inspiring and painfully relatable.

The Venetian setting is lush without being overwhelming. The canals, the artisans, the sense of community, the slower rhythm of life. It all feels amazing in a way that makes you want to Google flights while still reading.

Marco, the local art promoter who helps Beth navigate the realities of doing business in Venice, is charming and frustrating in equal measure. Their chemistry is definitely there, but what I appreciated was that the romantic tension never overshadowed Beth’s personal growth. The floating bookshop, La Libreria delle Parole, becomes more than a business. It becomes a symbol of independence, belonging, and courage.

I also loved the strong friendships in the book. The female support network feels genuine and grounded.

If you love:
• Bookshop settings
• Slow burn chemistry
• Women choosing themselves
• Romantic escapes with substance

This is for you.

Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second instalment in this series, but is a stand alone title.
I loved the first one and this one did not disappoint.

Beth loves her life in Venice, but when things go wrong with her job she has to take stock and decide what to do next. What she does know is that she wants to stay in Venice, however she can achieve that!

I love the determination of Beth throughout the story, the can do attitude, the spur of the moment decisions. I love the adventure she goes on and the realisation that she has only been living a fraction of the life she could be living in this wonderful setting.
The characters are all well developed. I love the friendships and dynamics between them all.

The author really brings across the sense of family and loyalty and how life it Venice may be different from other places. Also the sense of community is really strong.

I loved the book barge, the name, what it stood for and how it brought people together.

All the scenes are so well described, you will be able to see everything in your minds eye.

So all in all a great plot, wonderful settings and great characters.

[Hyggenookandbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Floating Shop Series (the first was The Floating Amsterdam Flowershop published 19th June this year - I absolutely loved this book)

​This book offers a beautiful escape that combines the charm of the Venetian setting with the warmth of a classic romantic comedy. Katie Ginger perfectly captures the magic of Venice, making the setting feel like a character itself. While Beth is determined to get her floating bookshop off the ground, it's her beautiful & often frustrating dance with local art promoter Marco that truly steals the show!

​A wonderful story on finding the courage to take a leap, both in career & in love.
​If you love books about new beginnings, dreamy locations, & passionate romance that makes you root for the couple, then make sure this one is on your 2026 TBR! It's available to pre order now, & if you've not read the first book, then I'd definitely recommend reading that while you're waiting (they are stand alone reads) it's just lovely 🤩

​I'm now patiently waiting for the Floating Copenhagen Cafe, coming next summer!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying Annabel French's floating shop series. I love escaping to new locations via a book, and these books are hitting all the right notes for me.

This one is set in Venice, and Beth who tends to be a planner in most of her life, suddenly starts making life changing decisions based on gut instinct.

And this change of approach leads her to buying The book barge, despite never having worked in a bookshop before.

But she is a massive book lover, and thus, she knows what could be done to make this barge reach its full potential.

Well with a little help from her friend Cesca, and her new friend Cesca's brother, the smoking hot Marco.

I enjoyed seeing how Beth and Marco's connection started to grow, both professionally and personally.

And I loved getting to know Venice through Beth's eyes, in addition learning more bout the city during Carnevale.

This was a highly enjoyable story, that kept me interested throughout.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[the_tbr_cart Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a total escape, The Floating Venice Bookshop is exactly what you need. I’ve traveled through parts of Europe, but Italy and Venice are still on my bucket list—and after reading this, I want to go even more! Annabel French does such a beautiful job describing the canals and the atmosphere that it felt like I was right there on the water.
The story follows a main character who actually goes for it—opening a floating bookshop in Venice—and I loved watching her journey unfold (and seeing her find a little more than she bargained for!). It wasn't just dreamy and romantic, though; there were several moments that actually made me laugh out loud. The writing is witty, the pacing is just right, and the story flows so smoothly that I ended up flying through it in just a couple of days.
This was such a beautiful, feel-good read. I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye out for whatever Annabel French writes next!
A big thank you to NetGalley, Annabel French, and Avon Books UK for gifting me an ARC of this book.

[Helen Arrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Floating Venice Bookshop by Annabel French
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great cosy sweet romance from Annabel French.

Beth loses her job at the gallery due to lack of funding, and is torn as she doesn't want to leave Venice, she's found her home there. Not usually impulsive, she buys a book barge!
I loved reading about the changes, her friendships with Cesca, and Elsa and Daisy, and her love for Venice.

I found Marco to be quite sweet behind his, sometimes, stiff facade, and enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. The community, friend and family support was great; I would love having such a fab bunch of people around me.

I'm loving the Floating Shop series, I think canal boats/barges are a cute place for a shop, and even more so, a bookshop!
And a starring role from Polo 😺

I received a gifted ARC copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Annabel French.
This is my honest review.

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the floating shop series but can be read as a standalone. Although I would recommend book one as it’s a great read.

Fate brings Beth to buy a book barge which has always been her dream. With the help of good friend Cesca and her very lovely brother Marco she soon settles into her new role and is living her best life in stunning Venice.

I enjoyed seeing Beth’s relationships grow and also the conversations with her best friends from home and to see their perspective on her life. Marco was a great character and it was nice that he had some flaws like real people do rather than a stereotypical perfect man.

A lovely 5 star read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley, Annabel French and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Floating Venice Bookshop is book 2 in The Floating Shop series. I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first book in the series.
Beth has found where she has always dreamed of being in her life. Everything was going good but as life goes things started to fall apart and things changed. There is a floating bookshop for sale and now she has to take that step and chase her dream.
Marco comes into her life and a partnership seems like a way to go.
This story is filled with hopes, dreams, friendship with hopes of more for them. I loved the connection of the characters, the feelings that are so true and so well written.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you NetGalley, Annabel French and Avon Books UK/Avon for the copy of The Floating Venice Bookshop. This is my personal review.

[Marie Yarwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book 2 of the series but can also be read as a standalone novel as well.
A perfect novel to enjoy over Valentines, full of romance, new friendships and a new career and future all created from an unexpected twist.
Beth is loving her life in Venice and has a dream of opening a bookshop, after losing her job she decides to try and fulfil her dream but where will she decide to settle ?
Venice or back home - her heart lies with the winding streets of Venice and the attractive Italian gentlemen she has met whilst working at the Gallery.
Then it’s as if fate plays its cards when she is informed about a barge on the canal is up for sale and the current owner has been using it as a bookshop on the water - the sale goes through with success and she also gains a lovely cat too.
What more could a girl ask for?

[Miruna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Floating Venice Bookshop is a sweet, easy holiday read with a charming setting and a cozy vibe. It’s the kind of book you can breeze through in an afternoon—light, warm, and uncomplicated. The Venice atmosphere is lovely, and the bookshop-on-water concept adds a fun touch.

That said, the story is pretty predictable and stays on the surface emotionally. The characters are likable but not especially deep, and the plot unfolds exactly as you expect. Nothing groundbreaking, but nothing frustrating either—just a simple, feel-good escape.

Overall, it’s an average but enjoyable comfort read. Perfect if you want something gentle and low-effort, not so much if you’re looking for anything more layered or surprising.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth is devastated when her job at a museum in Venice is eliminated due to budget restraints. Determined not to return to England, she impulsively buys a disorganized, dark barge that has been transformed into a bookstore. As she renovates the place, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, found family and romance.

This is the second in the “floating” romance series and it will continue to captivate readers with its sweet and enchanting narrative.The book is filled with colorful characters and charming settings, and Venice itself becomes a character in its own right, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the beauty and magic of the city.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @AvonBooksUK for the DRC.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Annabel French's "floating shop" series - book one was set in Amsterdam, this time round we visit Venice. The books are standalone stories, but I definitely recommend reading them both!

When Beth loses her dream job in her beloved Venice, she really doesn't want to return home to the UK. Acting on the spur of the moment, she uses an inheritance to buy a delapidated floating bookshop - can she restore it and make a go of the change of life to stay in Venice?

A cosy and comforting read, you really find yourself rooting for Beth. I loved the descriptions of the local scenery, and I adored Beth's wandering cat, Polo! A fabulous series, I look forward to book number three.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein absoluter Wohlfühlroman, wie auch schon "Der schwimmende Blumenladen von Amsterdam", nur dass mir da die Charaktere besser gefallen haben. In diesem Buch hingegen überzeugt mich die Handlung mehr als die Personen.

Das liegt in erster Linie an Marco, der zwar zu der Protagonistin Beth sehr freundlich ist, aber seiner Schwester gegenüber sehr kontrollierend auftritt. Besagte Schwester offenbart ein Geheimnis, woraufhin Marco sauer auf Beth ist, weil sie die ganze Zeit davon wusste und ihm nichts verraten hat. Ein sehr schlechter Charakterzug, schließlich ist Beth ist eine gute Freundin und hat nichts falsch gemacht. Das Ende hat mir in der Hinsicht nicht gefallen.

Ansonsten ein schöner Sommerroman! 

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Books are my go to relaxation, so this story was perfect. Marco and his family are so big and boisterous and though Beth is a little overwhelmed by them at first, she realizes she has to go with the flow. The way the previous owner of the book barge approved what she did meant to much to her. I loved all the characters and the stories about Venice in general. I was there for 4 days once and really want to return. I would hope there really are barges like the book, coffee and vegetable barges. I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes books and romance.

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review