this book blended so much charm and warmth to its plot,pages and characters. i was drawn in to the beauty of the scene setting as well as the characters themselves. it was just such a comforting read.
Rosie is trying to build a life and dream for herself. and she does just that by creating herself a flower shop on the waters of Amsterdam. the descriptions that take us to the waters and the boats had me really feeling like a could hear the sloshing of the water and feel the atmosphere all around me.
on the boats she meets her neighbour Max. hes a grumpy and seemingly broody neighbour. but theres clearly more to him and clearly more to them to come. the unfolding friendship and connection that goes on for the both of them is a wonderful thing to pour over.
there is more to come for our pair. much more especially when livelihoods and dreams might just be threatened. but it never feels too much that it takes you away from the feel of the book. it only adds more depth to the characters and their stories.
i was charmed by the waters of Amsterdam and Rosie brought such courage to the novel. she is a witty, bright and endearing character. her coming together with Max felt right, felt real. felt like it was as important to us readers as it was to them. oh and did i mention the dog. well come on when does the addition of a dog ever not make it all the more perfect.

The Floating Amsterdam Flower Shop is a warm, feel-good story that blends gentle romance with the charm of a fresh start. Annabel French captures the beauty of blooming dreams and second chances with a soft, engaging touch.

Rosie is instantly likeable, a woman brave enough to leave behind the familiar and build something new on the tranquil waters of Amsterdam. Her flower shop is a delightfully whimsical setting, and the descriptions of the market and canals give the book a lovely, transportive quality.

Max, her brooding neighbour, adds just the right amount of emotional depth. Their connection develops gradually, and I appreciated how their individual healing journeys are treated with care. This is not a love story that rushes, but one that unfolds gently, much like the flowers Rosie tends.

There are moments of quiet conflict, particularly when Rosie’s dreams are threatened, but the tone remains hopeful. The message that beautiful things can grow even in uncertain conditions is a lovely one, and it stayed with me.

If you enjoy heartwarming stories about love, resilience and finding beauty in unexpected places, The Floating Amsterdam Flower Shop is a sweet and satisfying escape.

3.5/5.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

This was a really cute grumpy x sunshine romance. I think it is a great read when you need something light and summery that is a fast and enjoyable experience. I liked how the characters developed over the story although I had my difficulties to warm up to them in the beginning. I felt the start of the story was a bit bumpy, but especially the latter half won me over and won my heart. A big reason for that were the characters in the end.

Rosie at the beginning was a bit difficult to warm up to, but she developed nicely over the course of the book. I think she is brave to move abroad, on a whim more or less, but also a cute FMC who stands up for her friends and family. She loves the people and the community around her and the flower market and that was just great to read about.
Max was a nice grump and that was contributing to the story. He could have opened up a little earlier, but better late than never I guess. He had his own negative past experiences to deal with and I liked how Rosie and her interacted and Rosie helps him to grow.
And last but not least Emma, who was there for Rosie from day 1 and that was so nice. They meet in one of the very first chapters and become friends more or less right away. I liked her and her supportive and encouraging nature.

In addition, I love the fact that this romance is not set in the UK or the US just like so many others.
All in all I discovered a new author with this book and will possibly read more of Annabel’s work going forward!

I was happy to receive an advance copy of The Floating Amsterdam Flower Shop.This is the first book I have read by Annabel but it won’t be the last. Rosie hates her job but she has been doing a course on floristry which is her passion. She decides to up sticks and rents a boat in Amsterdam and hopes to get a stall at the flower market. When she arrives in Amsterdam her boat isn’t what she expects as it’s been neglected but that doesn’t stop her. She meets her grumpy neighbour,the handsome Max who is an artist and she tries to draw him into conversations. There is a definite attraction but she doesn’t want to push things. She gets her stall at the flower market but things don’t all go to plan in Rosie’s life,it is worth a read to see how things turn out for Rosie and Max,the other characters all add to the story. I couldn’t put the book down and was sad when it ended.

I enjoyed reading this book from page one till the end. It is filled with vivid characters, lovely descriptions, and a very atmospheric storyline. It really raised my spirits.

Another beautiful book set a fabulous country. When Rosie decides to give up her life in London and move to Amsterdam she never expects her life to change so much.
Rosie moves onto a houseboat where she meets Max her new neighbour. Starting her business in the famous floating flower market life is definitely on the up.
Annabelle describes Amsterdam with such enthusiasm that I had to google it. Full of romance, love and new friendships a truly wonderful read.

A fantastic cosy romance easy read book set in beautiful Amsterdam. The characters are wonderful.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

This delightful romance offers the perfect escape, bringing readers straight to the charming canals of Amsterdam with a flower-filled setting that feels like a storybook come to life. Rosie’s leap into a new life is filled with heart, courage, and just enough chaos to make her instantly endearing. Her reluctant neighbor Max, gruff but undeniably intriguing, makes for the ideal contrast in this grumpy-sunshine pairing. Their evolving relationship unfolds with sweet tension and genuine warmth, creating a love story that feels both tender and real.

Beyond the romance, the book shines in its atmosphere and charm. From colorful market rivalries to cozy houseboat scenes, the story celebrates starting over and finding joy in unexpected places. Rosie's journey is just as much about self-discovery as it is about love, and her connection with Max grows naturally alongside her confidence. With a lovable dog, a strong sense of place, and an undercurrent of hope, this is a feel-good read that offers both comfort and a little bit of magic.

Rosie moves from England to Amsterdam to open a flower shop. A rival at the flower market threatens to ruin her dreams. But with the help of her handsome neighbor, Max, and new friends from the market can she make her dreams come true?

This book is a light easy read if you’re looking for a sweet story. Added bonus - there’s a cute dog! I loved the descriptions of Amsterdam, the canal and the flower market. It made me want to jump on a plane and visit. I could totally picture walking through the various stalls of food, trinkets and flowers. I loved the way the crew from the flower market came together. Also Rosie’s perseverance is commendable. It would have been easy to pack it in multiple times, but she continued to go after her dreams.

Great book, great charachters and great scenery. I loved Amsterdam and all its watery gorgeousness. The leads and supporting roles were superb, i loved the food, thr smells and the sights. Another amazing read from one of my favourite writers. Looks like this could make a great series as i want to read more about the other people at the market and hear their stories particularly Fin. It was good to find a new read that has me unable to put the book down.
Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

I'm really gutted not to have enjoyed this one by Annabel as I have previously loved her other books.
I found it to be too slow.
I've always wanted to go to the Netherlands, especially to see the tulips, but this hasn't really inspired me.
I was invited to read this by Avon Books. Thanks to them and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

This novel is a delightful escape into a picturesque world where love, dreams, and personal growth intertwine. Rosie’s journey from England to Amsterdam, chasing her dream of owning a flower shop, is both inspiring and charming. The setting, with its dreamy canals and vibrant flower market, adds to the novel’s enchanting atmosphere. The dynamic between Rosie and Max is a beautifully crafted slow-burn romance. Their contrast—her optimism and his guarded nature—creates tension that keeps the reader invested. As Rosie faces challenges, both in business and in her personal life, the novel explores themes of resilience, trust, and learning to let love bloom at its own pace.

A really enjoyable book following the story of a move from the UK to Amsterdam. This has the romantic will they won't they story alongside a real community story.

3.5 ⭐️ This was a sweet, simple romance book. Rosie moves from London to Amsterdam to start a flower shop. Max is her grumpy Dutch neighbor.

I enjoyed that the city of Amsterdam was a main character in the book. It really made me feel like I was there walking the canals with Rosie and Max. The plot is simple, not a whole lot to it. It’s an easy read.

The Floating Amsterdam Flower Shop was exactly the kind of gentle, feel-good read I needed. Rosie’s leap from her quiet life in England to chasing her dreams on Amsterdam’s canals was equal parts inspiring and endearing. The imagery of a flower shop floating on the water was so beautifully written, it felt like a character in its own right—vibrant, calming, and full of hope.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Rosie and Max. He’s the perfect brooding neighbor: guarded but kind beneath the surface, and watching their relationship shift from wary strangers to something deeper was really satisfying. There’s a lovely slow-burn quality to their romance that felt realistic, especially as both are carrying emotional baggage. It wasn’t all swoon and sunshine—they had real issues to work through, and that made their connection even more meaningful.

The rival florist subplot added a bit of tension without pulling focus from the emotional heart of the story. And while some of the plot points were a little predictable (hence the four stars instead of five), they didn’t take away from the cozy, uplifting atmosphere that made the book such a joy to read.

In the end, The Floating Amsterdam Flower Shop is about more than just romance—it's about rebuilding, finding beauty in unexpected places, and letting go of fear to let love in. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with stunning scenery and a lot of heart, this one’s for you.

I absolutely loved this book! Rosie’s infectious positivity really shines through and makes her such an endearing main character. The dynamic between her and Max is full of energy—they’re constantly sparking off each other in a way that keeps the story fun and engaging. Beyond the characters, the vivid descriptions of Amsterdam completely transported me. It’s a heartwarming, feel-good read that left me smiling and seriously considering a trip to Amsterdam!

I struggled a bit with the pace of this. I liked it overall and liked the characters and the storyline but at times I felt like it would never end. If it had been a bit more pacy I’d have really loved it.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would, partly because I didn't take to the main character, Rosie. Set in picturesque Amsterdam the descriptions of the city transported the reader there even though the plot was somewhat unrealistic and unbelievable. Rosie herself moves to Amsterdam to work in the floating flower market but has a huge issues after the death of her mother 20 years before which she thinks doesn'tallowher love. She appears to be very immature and naive which with her boundless enthusiasm achieves the impossible. Light enough read overall.

I thought this was a very cute book. I loved the premise of her finding herself and following her passions! I did have a hard time believing the connection between her and Max. I think if we would have had some chapters in his POV or more conversations between the two, it would have been better.

Parts of her story felt unrealistic, there is no way starting a business would be so easy and successful.

Overall, a very cute light read. This would be perfect for the summer!

No spice.


Grumpy x sunshine
Friendship
Finding yourself

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. A sweet and simple read about a woman who moves to Amsterdam on a whim and is determined to open a flower shop in the floating Bloemenmarkt. I loved all the descriptions of Amsterdam and spots to explore... I felt like I was there. The plot was a little too cliché and unrealistic for me.