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.

Wow wow wow. I needed a cheerful read and this was fantastic. I read in a night..The descriptions of Venice were amazing and a beautiful love story . Not cliche at all. Loved the two best friends . A floating book shop is so magical. I can’t wait for Annabel’s French next book. She is an ace writer . A great story line. You will love it.

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, review on my grid).

​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!

Beth's just discovered she's lost her job that she loves in Venice. Just by chance she stumbles upon a floating bookshop that's up for sale. She bumps into Marco who she hopes can put her in touch with artists that she can show in the barge

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.

What a lovely second story in this series! Thankyou so much for my copy, i loved it from start to finish, truly amazing!

Thank you to the publisher Avon Books UK for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was such a beautiful story set amongst the backdrop of the magical city of Venice, I loved the descriptions of the architecture of Venice, the people and the artisans and rather from distracting from the story this added to the magic of it. I was completely blown away with the authors descriptive writing and I felt like I was alongside Beth and Marco as they were falling in love. I really liked Beth, like Beth I’ve always played it safe but sometimes but have to jump completely out of your comfort zone like Beth did when she brought a book barge.

I loved her best friends, Cesca, Daisy and Elsa, they always had her back, I loved Cesca’s family. I liked Marco too even if I did want to whack him over the head with one of Beth’s books for being so dense and stubborn. I truly enjoyed this book, it was beautifully written and incredibly romantic.

Gorgeous scenery an d love story. When Beth loses her job and changes her life by being spontaneous and buying a floating bookstore on Venice’s waterways. Her bee friend Cesca introduces her to her gorgeous brother Marco. As in all good love stories they have sparks. Set in gorgeous Murano and Venice this book is truly wonderful by one of my favourite authors. Already looking forward to reading the next addition.Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

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 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.
Upon publication I will post my review on my blog and GoodReads.

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.

This is a gorgeous romance set in Venice with all of the beauty of the city laid out in the many chapters. Beth needs a new job and a new apartment quick through no fault of her own. In chatting things happen quickly and somehow she ends up negotiating the purchase of a barge. The barge is a Bookshop and comes with a snooty cat who loves a good cuddle. The city and especially the glass blowing island of Murano showcased with the water the restaurants and the people all described with emotion and care. Beth starts to fall for her good friend’s brother Marco. Like the cat Marco doesn’t share his emotions and Beth doesn’t know what this might mean should they get together?

This book was so fun! I loved to see Beth basically living my dream and buying a floating book barge! This was such a good book for anyone who's ever daydreamed about just up and leaving the country for something different. Beth and Marco's chemistry was so good to read, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and change over the course of the book! I would definitely recommend!

This book is a heady mix of beautiful Venice, social issues, and relationships.
It highlights life on a rollercoaster of mixed emotions and events. A message of challenge and trust for everyone. I found this story very interesting and refreshing to read.

Firstly thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.

Such a beautifully written book, following the story of Beth and her journey in Venice. She buys a book shop on a barge, meets Marco and never stops checking in on her friends. It was lovely to read a book which wasn't focused on love and having a family. This is part of a series, but you don't miss out. A lovely, feelgood read.

Love this book about Beth who loses her job at the art gallery and open a Bookshop barge on the canal as she loves Venice and doesn't want to leave. She is friends with Cesa and soon becomes attracted to Marco, her brother. He is a PR person for Artist and he and Beth work out a business deal to show some of his artists 's work. Does the bookshop become a success? Do Maroc and Beth become an item and do Cesa and Emilo finally get together. A VERY GOOD READF.

What a wonderful book. So uplifting and joyous. Loved the characters too and was so invested in their lives and in their stories. Fabulous idea to have a book set in Venice on a boat with books and art as well. What's not to love!

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.

i just loved Rosie and Max in the first of this series. getting to know their blossoming love, seeing Rosie thrive in Amsterdam with all the people coming together around her was so lovely. i felt like i was building (or wanting to) build my own houseboat alongside her. and yes i did google them afterwards.
so to come back to the next in the series had me doing a happy reader dance. and it was everything i could have wished for.
the front cover work once again deserves a huge shout out. how beautiful is that. and the way it makes you feel ,pull you in just goes onwards as you step into the read.
this time it was Beth's story and what a great character she was to follow as she builds this little life for herself. she has to learn how to be brave and step her toe into the water knowing its a risk more than once and she did just that each time. Beth made it easy to love her. she bought a book barge for one. its every book lovers dream. seeing her blossom and also blossom in her heart with Marco was a joy.
the descriptions of Venice, just like in the previous book only added to the picture and world building of this book. i felt i was there in those canals, seeing that architecture, i could feel it with almost every one of my senses.
we also have what i love in books like this and that is a great gathering surrounding the main characters. those amazing friends that lift a person, those people who just are there, always.
this book was the perfect escape. i couldn't have wished for more from it after book one and then reading the blurb on this one. it scooped me up and sat me in Beth's wonderful bookshop barge and sailed me away.

Loosing her internship at an art gallery, Beth, someone who normally plans everythink out, makes a rash decision to buy a floating bookstore so that she can stay in Venice. Where will this decision take her? Is it possible to fall in love with someone she just met? Both Beth & Marco have history they need to work through to even consider any relationship. It's definitely an enjoyable light read.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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

Such a lovely read, this is the story of Beth who is in her dream job in a museum in Venice, when budget costs hit her job is terminated so this leaves Beth with a need to find new work and a home. On impulse and so not like Beth, she buys a book barge and her adventures begin. Just loved the 2nd book in this series and look forward to the next one.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher Avon Books for the early read

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.

Thank you 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.

This is book 2 in the Floating Shop Series and I absolutely loved this book! If you love bookish books and destination romance this book is for you. The author beautifully captures the magic of the City of Venice from the cobblestone streets to the winding canals.

Beth is a planner and so far everything is going to plan in her favorite city until it isn’t. Beth is devastated after losing her job and afraid she’ll have to return to England. But fate has other plans if only she’s willing to take a risk. When she stumbles upon a book barge for sale, she has to decide if she’s brave enough to take a chance. Beth is going to need a little help from gorgeous Marco, a local passionate art promoter, to make her dreams come true of combining her love of art and books. If only they can ignore the sparks flying between them…

This was a fantastic read! Who wouldn’t want a floating bookshop! I loved Beth’s best friends who were always there for her and the slow burn romance between Beth and Marco. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series The Floating Copenhagen Cafe!

Review has been posted to Goodreads, Bookbub and Waterstones. Thank you again for the eARC!

Despite the pinky cover and the cartoon boat, this is quite a serious and deep novel in places! A book barge is a great idea and I HOPE Venice gets one soon other wise I would be tempted myself to be honest. A nice drama and romance with hidden depths and what a great adventure1

The Floating Venice Bookshop by Annabel French is a warm, charming, and escapist book that celebrates books, bravery, and following your instincts.

Beth has built a life she loves in Venice, finding joy in its winding canals and cobbled streets. When she suddenly loses her job and faces the prospect of returning to England, she is heartbroken. Then she stumbles across a floating bookshop for sale, and despite being someone who usually plans every step, Beth makes a bold, impulsive decision that could change everything.

Buying the book barge without any experience in running a bookshop is a huge leap, but Beth’s love of books and her clear vision for what the space could become give her the confidence to try. With the help of her friend Cesca and Cesca’s brother Marco, a passionate and very charming Venetian art promoter, Beth begins to bring her dream to life.

Beth and Marco’s connection grows naturally as they work together, both professionally and personally. Their chemistry is easy to root for, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop alongside the transformation of the book barge. The romance never overwhelms the story, instead sitting comfortably alongside themes of self belief and new beginnings.

Venice itself is beautifully brought to life. Experiencing the city through Beth’s eyes, especially during Carnevale, added colour and depth, making the setting feel like a character in its own right.

This is a highly enjoyable and comforting read that kept me engaged throughout. Perfect for readers who love bookish stories, romantic European settings, and gentle romance wrapped up in a story about taking chances and trusting yourself.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Annabel French’s *The Floating Venice Bookshop* is a charming and escapist contemporary romance that earns a solid 4 stars. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Venice, the novel immerses readers in winding canals, cobbled streets, and the unique atmosphere of a floating bookshop, making it a delightful “destination read.”

The story follows Beth, a passionate book and art lover whose dreams are jeopardized when she loses her job and faces returning to England. When she discovers a book barge for sale, it feels like fate, and she sets out to turn her dream into reality. Enter Marco, a charismatic Venetian art promoter, whose guidance is essential for Beth’s venture—but whose growing attraction to her complicates matters. Their chemistry is palpable, and the slow-burn romance keeps readers engaged.

French excels at capturing the magic of Venice and the charm of a small, floating bookstore. The novel balances romance, personal growth, and small-business challenges with a gentle, heartwarming touch. While the plot is comforting and the characters endearing, at times the story follows familiar romance beats, which keeps it from reaching full originality—but the setting and cultural richness make up for it.

Overall, *The Floating Venice Bookshop* is a satisfying, cozy read that blends love, ambition, and wanderlust. Fans of Julie Caplin, Cressida McLaughlin, and escapist contemporary romance will find themselves swept away by its Venetian charm.

What a lovely feel good story. Venice is one of my most favourite places in the world so it wasn't difficult to place myself right in the story. I would love if there was another instalment of life with Beth and Marco. Captivating and romantic, what more could you want from a book.

Very cutesy romcom. Set in the beautiful Venice of course. Nicely paced, romantic plot drew me in from the beginning.

This is a really beautiful romance book! If your looking to escape with a cosy warm book this is definitely the one.

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.

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, hear warming read. Thank you net gallery and Avon books for the advance copy in return for my honest review

A bookshop and Italy that was my hook. Annabel French created likeable characters in the most beautiful backdrop, Venice. I loved learning about the barges of Venice. French creates a world so rich that she makes you want to travel to Venice, to eat, tour a museum, shop, go on a gondola, and of course to buy a book or a piece of art from La Libreria delle Parole (library of words). The book’s themes of romance, friendship, self-discovery and learning to take risks make this one I can fully recommend.



Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

I loved this book. I have traveled to Venice so it hit alot of memories for me. I was able to relate to the area and now I want to go back.
I love the characters in the book and their relationships.

I highly recommend this book.

What is not to love in this book. Set in beautiful Venice with a floating bookshop and romance in the air. I loved every page of this feel good book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

The Floating Venice Bookshop by Annabel French was a lovely, atmospheric read that really captured the charm of Venice. The setting was beautifully described and added a lot of warmth and escapism to the story. The characters were easy to like, and the storyline flowed nicely. While it didn’t surprise me too much, it was a comforting and enjoyable read that I’d happily recommend.

A charming and delightful Italian romance. It was enjoyable seeing the floating bookshop come to life, as well as the romance in the air. Interesting variety of characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

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.

A floating bookchop, in Venice? Of course it would make this librarian happy! The Floating Venice Bookshop, by Annabel French was my first NetGalley read for 2026. Beth finds herself living in Venice and out of a job. When the locals tell her about a floating book shop for sale, interest sparks. But can she do this? With the help from her friend Francesca and Francesca's brother Marco, Beth has a real chance to change her life! And could there be love for Beth as well? This was a charming story of rebuilding, friendship, and love. A great read!

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

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.

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.

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.

Wow if I could live a dream, it would be what happens in this book. Owning, not only a bookshop, but a floating bookshop in beautiful Venice, surrounded by gorgeous places, amazing food and the Italian zest for life. I wish it was me!

Beth, is enjoying a secondment in Venice work at an art gallery when the funding for her post is suddenly pulled. She is really reluctant to return to London. Venice has captured her heart and soul. When she is offered a chance to buy a barge bookshop, she throws caution to the wind and goes for it, allowing her to stay in the city that she loves. Beth is not normally a 'You Only Live Once' kind of girl, but her rash decision to buy a floating bookshop leads to more and more impulsive actions that I loved. And even better, she inherits, Polo, the cat with the bookshop. Beth is really living my dream.

We meet Cesca, her friend and handsome brother Marco, who are from a large Italian family. Marco and Beth are thrown together as Beth starts to think about how to develop the bookshop. Marco runs a PR agency that represents local artists and they work together to bring the bookshop and local artists together. The mutual attraction is instant but Beth and Marco let their business heads rule their hearts. 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.

We get a delightful storyline of a budding romance, swept along in beautiful Venice. The will they, won't they scenario is delicious and teasing. It was easy to warm to all of the characters in the book. They were charming and captivating. The plot is engaging, like a warm hug of a book.

This was a really lovely escapist novel with tantalizing descriptions of Venetian architecture, culture and food. It's a book that game me that warm, fuzzy feeling in a haze of romance. I really wouldn't mind meeting a handsome Italian man and having to spend time being transported around that beautiful place.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the chance to read this lovely book.