The Beacon Street Bookshop

Haven Ridge #2

by Carla Laureano

Ever since Olivia Quinn lost her husband to a freak plane crash, she’s been focused on one thing—making a stable life for her teen stepdaughter, Taylor, of whom she’s the sole guardian. But when she loses her job as a children’s book editor because she refuses to relocate from Colorado to New York, all her hard-won stability is shattered. Then the opportunity arises to open Liv’s dream bookshop in Haven Ridge, offering not only the solution to her financial problems, but a chance to bond with her stepdaughter and become a real family for the first time. Soon, the wild idea transforms into a thriving nonprofit, thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of the town—and a handsome contractor who stirs feelings in Liv she'd thought might be gone forever. But just as she begins to lean into the new life she’s made for herself, a figure from her late husband’s past puts the life she’s been building with Taylor in jeopardy. And Liv must face the possibility that following her heart might just cost her a daughter.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Audiobook

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2023

About the author

Carla Laureano is the RITA® Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy (as C.E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.

Reviews

[Gretchen Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike the author's other series, this is not published as Christian fiction. While it is classified as "clean and wholesome," sex between unmarried adults is both condoned and implied. As much as I want to love this series (especially this bookshop book!), the casual approach to sex and the focus on mysticism/magic has disappointed me. It's not a bookshop book I'll be sharing with my teen daughters.

That being said, if you go into it expecting a secular bookshop book, you shouldn't be disappointed. It can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the Haven Ridge series.

The cast of characters includes an unemployed single mom with a love of books, a moody teenage step daughter, and a handsome builder who shows up in town at just the right time. Haven Ridge just happens to have a gorgeous abandoned building and Liv's passion for the project quickly brings the whole town around in support of The Beacon Street Bookshop.

[Courtney Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely loved The Beacon Street Bookshop! It was a joy to return to the small town Colorado in Laureano’s story world. Her signature voice presents characters with real-life perspectives and a relatable grace. And the romance!!! Always swoony, candid, and romantic in the I-want-to-be-in-your-corner way (in this case). I particularly loved the pairing of Liv and Charlie, a widowed stepmom taking steps to truly live again and a handyman hero unashamed of his blue-collar perspective and kind heart.

So much of what I enjoy about this series (and Laureano’s other novels) is the life perspective of her characters. Their wants and struggles are realistic and presented in a way that makes you instantly root for or have empathy for their journeys. This story has themes of finding purpose in community, wanting to make a home for someone, navigating grief and step-parenting, and having dreams and thoughts about love and romance and life. The romance aspect is portrayed organically and relevantly, and I particularly appreciated some of the candid conversations about desire and boundaries that Liv has with her friend, Gemma, and with Charlie.

The romance had Liv and Charlie navigating an instant self-described “lightning” connection with startling on-page chemistry. Charlie was a super patient hero who let Liv set the pace of friendship to more, a steady and believable progression even on their quick timeline. The romance is sometimes self-aware of its little cliches, a fact that amused me greatly. Some of them include: an alpha handyman trope, almost-kisses, a spin on a second chance romance with a widow heroine, and that one pajama encounter scene.

Readers of the other Haven Ridge books will be quick to recognize and appreciate the presence of Gemma, Stephen, and Taylor along with other Haven Ridge residents like Granny Pearl. Granny is a hoot! She’s a big part of the lore of the town, and I loved seeing her dole out wisdom/prophecy? (haha) a time or two. Gemma is a great friend to Liv, sometimes telling her tough and logical truths. Taylor is a teen to root for — I loved her snark, her heart, and the way revelations in her dynamic with Liv bring about change and deep emotions.

A thousand other tiny, nuanced things make The Beacon Street Bookshop a must-read recommendation for any fans of contemporary romance. These tiny things include: respect for history, flirty banter, CO life and hiking, small towns, forearm muscles, a love of books, the happiness found in reinvention and restoration, cinnamon rolls.

Thank you to the publisher for the review ecopy. This is my honest review.


Readers of some of Laureano’s early books might want to note this is an indie release as a clean contemporary romance with no inspy/faith content. A fact I didn’t find to detract from the story in any way — it’s actually something I’m excited might propel more readers to find and appreciate Laureano’s stories.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great return to Haven Ridge! I enjoyed catching up with Thomas and Mallory, Gemma and Stephen, and Granny Pearl while meeting new characters like Will and Charlie. Haven Ridge has totally sucked me in with its magic and small-town charm that I didn’t want to leave even after the story ended. Thank goodness there are more books planned in the series! Full of great characters, witty banter, laugh-out-loud romcom moments, sizzling romance, and achingly beautiful subplot of what it means to be a family, this book will dazzle you and make you want to live in Haven Ridge too.

Liv was easy to love and relate to as a mom/guardian of a teenage girl. Charlie was perfect in every way - patient, kind, tender, fun, loving, thoughtful, capable. Taylor with her sass and perceptive insights added depth and subplot to the whole story. Though it’s not really Christian fiction, it is a clean read.

I received the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first met Liv & Taylor in The Broken Hearts Bakery, and though they weren’t the focus of that book we do get to know them quite a bit through Gemma’s story. I found this young widow-stepdaughter duo to be very compelling, and I was delighted to find out that The Beacon Street Bookshop would be Liv’s story – and Taylor’s too.

Liv is my kind of people – she has always loved books and dreams of one day opening a bookstore. She’s the kind of relatable and friendly character I’d love to sit down with and just chat about books for a while. But since her husband’s tragic death, Liv’s sole focus has been on providing stability for his teenage daughter Taylor and navigating the transition from fun stepparent to sole guardian. A change that has certainly had its bumpy moments. I really love how Laureano writes Taylor as the uniquely complicated mix of little girl and young woman that is adolescence, along with the even more complex layers that go along with essentially losing both parents. The author has really nailed teenage-girl mood swings while also making Taylor endearing and smart and really likable.

And then there’s Charlie who is all kinds of wowza. The chemistry between Liv and Charlie sizzles off the charts right from their very first meeting and it only gets sizzlier from there. Attraction and desire are definitely not lacking in this relationship but don’t worry it doesn’t go beyond some very charged kisses. Just as an aside, this is a ‘clean read’ series, which differs from the author’s previous Christian fiction novels, so the discussions about Liv not being ready ‘yet’ to move things into the bedroom may seem a bit jarring to some readers. Given that these characters aren’t living out of a Biblical worldview, though, I appreciated even more that she still does choose to wait – especially with all the temptation to do otherwise – and that Charlie respects her decision. And oh goodness, Charlie is so swoonilicious and it’s no wonder that the spark between them threatens to ignite into an inferno any time they share a page. I also loved the steady support he gives her, his help in making her dream a reality, and his understanding of her need to care for Taylor even when the latter doesn’t make it easy.

Bottom Line: The Beacon Street Bookshop is just about every booklover’s dream come true. The town of Haven Ridge is something special, and Liv’s chance to open a bookstore in this quaint locale is only made more wonderful by how the town – and its people – rally around her until the end result exceeds her wildest imaginings. I of course loved the romance between Liv and Charlie (swoon!) but I also really enjoyed watching Liv & Taylor grow closer over the course of this book. Their relationship is complicated, to be sure, but it’s so worth the effort – as everything worthwhile is – and I loved that Taylor’s talents and gifts get a chance to shine. This latest novel by Carla Laureano is a sweet and uplifting story, with a spark-filled romance, a delightful dash of magical realism, and books!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Monica W. · Rating 2 out of 5]

After discovering this author several years ago, I have eagerly purchased and read every single one of her books….sadly, I just purchased and completed this latest of her novels and was shocked to discover it is markedly different from her past series….and even from the first books in this series.

I would not consider it a Christian based novel, maybe Inspirational and borderline “clean” fiction but it is considerably more risque than her past novels, and sex outside of marriage is pretty clearly defined as “not wrong”, just maybe not the best choice at this time.

I have always loved this author’s way of weaving romance into a story, she has a wonderful voice and pulls you into the storyline immediately…..and she’s always done that BEFORE without having to go full on bodice ripper/heated clinch every other chapter, so it’s disappointing to see this book trending that direction.

I do not plan to purchase or read future novels by this author, at least not without researching and reading reviews first.

[Erin Lundvall · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great revisiting old friends from the Brick House Cafe and Broken Hearts Bakery books. I like how teenage Taylor played a pivotal role in the last two books. If only I’d been as self -assured and confident at 16 like her. Overall a sweet story with plenty of swoon worthy kisses that I couldn’t put down, having finished in less than 24 hours. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Note: While not as spiritual as some of her other novels, I’d still consider this CLEAN fiction. They did not engage in written or closed door illicit acts. Was sex mentioned, yes. Was it discussed in such a way that I assume adults who are deciding the seriousness of their relationship would discuss and must consider, yes. Do the characters to themselves mention a struggle to stay pure due to their attraction, also yes.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this read more than the prior book in the series, but I still had some of the same issues, too—barely any faith element, more open-door scenes or frank discussions of romantic feelings/actions than I prefer. A good bit of it also attributes things to fate or the mysticism of the town.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It helps to have read the earlier books, but there's enough back story provided that you don't have to read them before this one. The characters are great, and the plot moves along at a good pace. The plot twists had me gasping a few times, Laureano provides all the feels in the romantic scenes. Can't wait for the next one!

[Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Carla Laureano’s writing, especially her series that involve a group of female friends walking through life together. While I enjoyed the first book in the Haven Ridge series, I absolutely adored “The Beacon Street Bookshop” and was sad when I got to the last page!

This book centers on a single stepmother, Liv, who has taken on guardianship of her husband’s teenage daughter, Taylor, after he passed away. Liv and Taylor are navigating what life is like for a single mother and a teenager who has unresolved issues from losing her father and having no relationship with her biological mother over the years. In addition to the ups and downs of raising a teenager, Liv is trying to figure out next steps in her career after she chose to walk away from a job she loved in the book/editing world in order to not uproot Taylor from Haven Ridge. It was exciting to journey with Liv as she wrestles with what to do next. She eventually takes a leap of faith and ventures into something new, a venture that Taylor will play a role in too. Laureano’s creativity shines through in the details of this part of the story. It’s so fun to see what develops.

Liv and Taylor also cross paths with Charlie who is new to Haven Ridge. Charlie is a handyman trying to rebuild his career after suffering a devastating blow. We also get to enjoy characters like Gemma, Stephen, and other townsfolk, who we were introduced to in the first book.

Laureano’s characters come to life and hook you in from the first page. Laureano details both the strengths and struggles of her characters in relatable ways. The conflicts that arise are so human, so relatable. And the chemistry between Liv and her love interest was great! It sizzled off the page without being smutty or too explicit.

Another reason I love reading Laureano’s books is that many of them are set in Colorado, where I live. It was so much fun hearing Salida, Buena Vista, and Colorado Springs mentioned and at times I wished I could jump in my car, drive an hour or two, and visit Haven Ridge myself. Too bad it doesn't exist.

Laureano was adept at exploring issues of starting over, step-parenting, raising teens, what true friendship looks like, figuring out how slowly or quickly to move on from a tragic loss, and life in a small town.

This book is the second in a series but it could also be read as a stand-alone. I can’t wait for the third book! Highly recommend!

[Clwseattle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with Carla Laureano's previous books, I enjoyed The Beacon Street Bookshop. I find them a respite from more intense books.

The small town of Haven Ridge showed far fewer of their lovable quirks than in previous books. They were missed.

The Beacon Street Bookshop is more focused on a few characters, their past, their problems, their delights, and their realization as to what makes a family.

However, I'm perplexed as to why The Beacon Street Bookshop is considered "Christian Fiction" when it's never mentioned at all through the story until near the end as the main character, in her fear, says

"In passing, Liv wished that her family was one of the religious ones who attended the many churches in Haven Ridge. It would be comforting now to pray and that God heard her pleas. But assuming God even existed*, why would he even listened to her if she never acknowledged him?"
"Liv swallowed hard and blinked back tears, hoping with all her heart that she wasn't just sending words into the void*".

*Emphasis mine. It was the ONLY mention of anything remotely about religion, faith, Christianity, or God. Also, 'attending church' doesn't necessarily make you "religious". I found it to be odd in its scarcity and disappointing in the characters’ circumstantial yet lackadaisical use of prayer. It oozed insincerity. I don't actively look for "Christian" novels, nor do I expect characters to be preaching the Gospels however, I would expect to have more than a passing reference if it is classified as one.

Once again, I had to beg our library to order The Beacon Street Bookshop. Again, please beg yours, for Carla Laureano needs to be on shelves and her books deserve to be discovered by many.

4 Stars for The Beacon Street Bookshop.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love the themes of restoration and revitalization in Haven Ridge! The small Colorado town has been "cursed" since a scandal rocked the community and it was handled badly. Families moved away, businesses and stores emptied. But with a new zeal for hope mixed with some faith and goodwill, the younger generation is slowly returning- breathing new life and enterprise into the town that is forgettable to many, but not to those with important memories there.

Liv and her teenage stepdaughter Taylor have a complicated relationship, and their growth throughout the book was inspiring as they communicate more and create lasting bonds. Their healing dynamic is challenged with changes they are facing as new people come into their lives, but the bookshop is their shared endeavor and creates opportunities for them to be consistent and present with each other, despite the personal and emotional struggles. Liv and Charlie have great chemistry and I enjoyed their special moments together as their romance developed. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia Quinn is a widowed and newly unemployed fiction editor who lost her husband a year ago and is now figuring out how to raise her teenage stepdaughter alone.

Charlie Castro is a contractor turned handyman after losing his licence. Olivia hires him to finish her kitchen, and the two are instantly attracted to each other. But Charlie is planning to leave, and Olivia feels it’s too fast to start another relationship.

When Olivia is asked to sell some old books by a friend, she and her stepdaughter, Taylor, somehow end up renovating an old building to turn into a bookshop. Fortunately, Charlie is around to help ...

I’m not generally a fan of the instant attraction romance because I believe lasting love is built on relationship, not lust. However, the Beacon Street Bookshop shows that instant attraction can convincingly morph into a solid and believable relationship, given the right circumstances and an author who knows wheat they’re doing—as Carla Laureano certainly does.

The Beacon Street Bookshop is the third title in Carla Laureano’s Haven Ridge series, following The Brick House Cafe (a free introductory novella), and the Broken Hearts Bakery. All three stories are set in the slightly weird town of Haven Ridge and feature a romance as well as some tougher issues. In The Beadon Street Bookshop, the issues are around finding love again after losing a spouse, and with a teenager in tow. While that’s worthy, it didn’t have the depth of the issues in The Broken Hearts Bakery.

The Haven Ridge series is clean and wholesome rather than Christian romance. Some readers might find there is a little too much focus on the physical (although there is no inappropriate content), and the characters clearly aren’t Christians (although they are still living moral lives).

Carla Laureano fans will enjoy The Beacon Street Bookshop, as will bibliophiles and fans of authors such as Denise Hunter and Liz Isaacson.

Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia Quinn is looking for a job since she decided not to return to New York to keep her job. Taylor, her deceased husband's daughter and whom Liv has official guardianship, wants to stay in Haven Ridge. She is stuck though she won't admit it, she wants to keep doing what she thinks will best work for her and Taylor and that's finding an editor's job. She is living in a kitchen that is halfway finished, she doesn't know when it will be finished. Enter Charlie, an unlicensed contractor who is giving a free estimate to Liv's friend, Will. There is an instant attraction between the two. It throws Liv off as she hasn't been in or thought of being in a relationship since Jason was accidentally killed

As usual, anything written by Carla Laureano has a strong plot, engaging storyline, and characters on the page, but I just didn't love it, and I think it may have been the relationship between Liv and Charlie something about it didn't jive for me. I loved the community that surrounded Liv, and the relationship she was building with Taylor but I didn't care for Charlie and I just wasn't on board and that kind of left me dry. Just a personal preference.

[Jessica Wakefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Carla's books. I love the depth of the emotions she's always able to pull from me, and the Beacon Street Bookshop is no different.

Equal parts romance and women's fiction, this is an absorbing story and the romance is wonderful! Carla has painted a wonderful mixture of the kind of romance readers look for (all the romance feels, from a simple hand touch, to a gaze ladened look of longing) in sweet romance books, while doing a great job of addressing real issues couples face about intimacy.

Charlie and Liv have fireworks attraction, but they handle it like adults, but also there's lots of kissing, because doesn't who loves a good kissing book? (hint, hint, I do!)

And the story between Liv and her step daughter Taylor was just as emotionally engaging and wonderfully real, yet hopeful.

Well done Carla!!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great story! I loved how Liv worked so hard to be there for Taylor, and was able to change their relationship into something better. I liked Liv's romance with Charlie, but I did think Charlie could have been developed a bit better, and his relationship with Taylor could have used a bit more. But Liv's struggles with her job and parenting and taking time for herself were so realistic and touching -and the drama with Maggie was stressful, but also very realistic! I loved going back to Haven Ridge, too, with all the supportive people and past characters! The blend of mysticism/faith is a bit weird, so I wish she'd pick one or the other, but it is still fun to have people drawn to Haven Ridge. I hope there are more stories to come!

Content: references to sex (not graphic).

[Susie Sellner · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Olivia Quinn treasures her relationship with Taylor, her stepdaughter, and tries to make it the best it can be, she is also drawn to the handsome, charming handyman who will finish the remodeling of her kitchen and of the bookstore she and Taylor will open. The tension between her grieving the premature death of her husband and her enjoying her new romantic relationship as well as the tension between trying to provide emotional support for Taylor and yet also get involved with Charlie, the handyman, keep Olivia a "hot mess". The characters are well drawn, the setting in Colorado is gorgeous, and the plot twists propel the story forward. I LOVED meeting up again with many familiar characters and hope that Taylor will have her own book in the future.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is labeled as "Christian" fiction and "clean small town romance." The prequel to the series was very enjoyable but both books #1 and #2 suffer from the same problems. I am not sure why they are called Christian as there is very little mentioned about God or faith. Perhaps it is because there is no profanity and that is appreciated.

Second, the immediate and intense physical attraction and description thereof is not only unrealistic but it becomes offensive. This one had so much in it that the only thing it lacked was a bed scene.

It is really too bad that the author has to resort to this as the story beneath all of this was enjoyable. Small town Colorado, starting a business, starting over, etc. Due to the negatives, though, I will not be continuing this series.

[Sue Batt · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, after reading both “The broken Hearts Bakery” and “ The Beacon Street Bookstore I am totally hooked!!

Carla Laureano has a brand new fan!! She builds all her characters slowly through her books which enables the reader to really get to know them…. And fall in love with them. She builds up the angst in her stories until you’re blurry eyed reading and can’t see, or your iPad alerts you that you have a very low battery and asks you to close!
There is no way that once you start reading that you can’t not be intrigued with the tiny town of Haven Ridge, CO. and the fun & quirky inhabitants of the town. I loved both the books in this series and highly recommend them! AND so bummed that I have to wait until Aug. 2024 to receive my pre-order for the 3rd book.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely not Christian fiction. If you look at the publisher, you can see that it was self-published. This book could have easily been Christian fiction as well, but instead of giving God His credit where it’s due, the positive events on this book are attributed to fate and/or mysticism. Additionally, sex outside of marriage is brought up as a definite possibility and not really considered a moral sin by the main character. I absolutely wasn’t expecting that at all. If you approach this book with your eyes wide open and think of this as a secular read, then it’s fine. However, given the author’s history, I can’t help but feel that this was a big lost opportunity.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where has this author been all my life? Carla Laureano has written a delightful novel with authentic people living real lives investing in one another. And how could I not enjoy a book all about a bookstore? This is the second novel I’ve read about this small town in Colorado and I truly enjoyed it. I would suggest starting with the first novel in the series to get the most out of the story.

if you haven’t read any of my other reviews, I keep them short and to the point. In this case, I will be reaching back to read some of Ms. Laureano’s older novels as well.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun addition to the Haven Ridge series. I enjoy how each book builds on the others yet could be a standalone read. There are supporting characters from the previous book are now main characters, and new characters are introduced as well.

Like my review for the previous book, this is more than a cozy romance. It deals with friends, family, and community, in addition to the romance.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Sherry Deatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series so much. I love the small town of Haven Ridge and knowing all the characters. This story had so much heart I loved the fact that Charlie was a handyman/ builder and that the story involved a bookstore. Liv was such a good main character and her work to build a relationship with her stepdaughter Taylor was so crucial to the story. This is a clean story with a lot of romantic thoughts.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this novel was not posted as a Christian book, I am
familiar with Carla Laureano"s work and that is what I was expecting. She is an excellent writer and I do enjoy reading her books.This one too was enjoyable but I still was disappointed. That alone is the reason for giving the story a .lower rating.

[Emslo · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was so much I liked about the book, especially any interaction between Liv and Taylor, the development of the bookstore, the readying for a new relationship. A bit heavy on the romance for me, including talk of sex (which was more of a surprise before I learned this isn’t Christian fiction). A fun read, overall.

[Amy Gearhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story. Sweet characters that helped one another get through tough times made me remember what is really important. Everyone experiences hardships, but not everyone has good friends who forgive them for their errors and support them through thick and thin. I enjoyed this and look forward to the next book in this series.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 2nd book in the series. I loved Livs story and how she along with her daughter Taylor breaks out of her comfort zone and opens a bookstore in the revived Haven Springs. Along the way she meets contractor Charlie. This is an easy read that will make you wish this small town existed.

[Zenobia N Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good love story.

Slightly perturbed, however by everything lending itself to " luck" and " meant to be." The author doesn't have to believe what I believe. Just don't put herself under the misnomer of " Christian fiction. "

[CarolynB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I have loved all of the previous books in this series and am looking forward to the Larkspur House when it's ready. All of the characters have such depth and are the kind of people I would love to call my friends.

[Kristi White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. F amily doesn't always need to be blood related. I like all the characters.They were light, fun, and easygoing. I felt like they were a part of my community. This book was very entertaining..

[Kari Ringelberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really am enjoying this series set in a small Colorado town. The characters are ones you want to get to know and be friends with. The town is a little quirky as are some of its residents that make the stories light hearted. Can't wait to read more.