The Little Venice Bookshop

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A bundle of mysterious letters, a trip to Venice, and a journey that will leave a lasting impression - these are the elements that make up “The Little Venice Bookshop” by Rebecca Raisin. When Luna loses her beloved mother, she feels lost and without roots. However, the discovery of a collection of letters in her mother's possessions sets her on an unexpected adventure. With clues from the letters, Luna travels to Venice, where she finds a charming yet fading bookshop overlooking the canals. She hopes to unravel the mystery of her mother's past and find her own place in the world.

The book has an adorable cover that immediately catches the eye and sets the tone for the story. It can be described as a poof of cotton candy - sweet, sticky, but lacking in substance. However, this does not mean that it's not enjoyable. The setting of a quaint bookshop in Venice is perfect, and the grumpy yet lonely owner adds an interesting dynamic. The blossoming romance between two book lovers is well written, with a good pace and wonderful characters.

That being said, there are a few minor issues. The inclusion of Sebastiano as a character feels unnecessary and takes away from the time the author could have used to deepen Luna and Oscar's romance. Additionally, the ending feels rushed and could have benefitted from an epilogue to tie up loose ends. Overall, though, this book is an enjoyable read, especially for those looking for a quick beach read.

ARC Via NetGalley