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 passions: 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 choose: should they face their fears and give love a chance? Or walk away forever?
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My Review
This book start with Beth on the brink of an unwanted return to London when her dream secondment in Venice abruptly ends. Unwilling to leave the city that has captured her heart, she makes an impulsive, life-altering decision: buying a floating bookshop on a barge. Not usually a risk-taker, Beth’s leap of faith leads her into a joyful spiral of bold choices, new friendships, and the delightful bonus of inheriting Polo, the resident cat—an instant win for any book lover.
As Beth settles into Venetian life, she befriends Cesca and her charming brother Marco, whose PR work with local artists dovetails perfectly with Beth’s vision for the bookshop. Their collaboration sparks immediate chemistry, but practical concerns and emotional hesitations keep them circling each other in a delicious will-they-won’t-they dance.
Annabel French brings Venice vividly to life, from its winding canals and architecture to its mouthwatering food and artistic soul. The supporting cast is warm and engaging, and the romance unfolds with a gentle, teasing charm. This is pure escapism—a cozy, feel-good read that wraps you in romance, books, and the magic of Venice, leaving you with that irresistible warm, fuzzy glow.
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