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La librería de Venecia
Un legajo de cartas misteriosas. Una visita a Venecia. Un viaje que nunca olvidará. Cuando Luna pierde a su querida madre, se siente era su única familia, y sin ella Luna se siente desarraigada. Entonces, el descubrimiento fortuito de una colección de cartas entre las pertenencias de su madre la lleva a emprender un viaje inesperado. Siguiendo una pista de las cartas, Luna hace las maletas y se dirige a Venecia, a una preciosa pero descolorida librería con vistas a los canales, con la esperanza de descubrir la verdad sobre el misterioso pasado de su madre. ¿Encontrará Luna las respuestas que busca y, por fin, el lugar al que pertenece?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2023
914 people are currently reading
7248 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
April 11, 2024
DNF at 28%
Sadly this one wasn’t for me. I didn’t care for the overly hippy/new-age vibes which totally detracted from the story. Luna was flat and boring whilst Gigi was annoying. I’m not sure who the love interest was going to be either. When I stopped reading we had seen one guy and met another.
The pace was excruciatingly slow and had very little substance to it. The writing was awkward, particularly the dialogue, which didn't flow well. I normally enjoy this author’s work but this one fell far short of my hopes and expectations.
Sadly this one wasn’t for me. I didn’t care for the overly hippy/new-age vibes which totally detracted from the story. Luna was flat and boring whilst Gigi was annoying. I’m not sure who the love interest was going to be either. When I stopped reading we had seen one guy and met another.
The pace was excruciatingly slow and had very little substance to it. The writing was awkward, particularly the dialogue, which didn't flow well. I normally enjoy this author’s work but this one fell far short of my hopes and expectations.
2023
October 22, 2025Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital
April 10, 2023
I haven’t read anything by Rebecca Raisin before but when given the opportunity to take part in the blog tour, I jumped straight away. I adore Venice, it’s about a bookshop – what’s not to like.
Well, I have to be honest and say that initially I wasn’t sure if this was a book for me. Not because of the writing, that was so good all the way through, but the spiritual side is not really something I’m into and this together with an alternative lifestyle featured rather heavily to begin with. However as soon as it moved to Venice, everything changed for me and it became a book that I didn’t want to put down.
Luna and her mother Ruby have lived an unconventional life. After years of travelling, Ruby has settled in Montana, in a commune setting with other like minded women and Luna finds herself with an extended unofficial family. Whilst dealing with the shock of her mother’s death, Luna discovers a pile of letters written to Ruby hinting at a past of which Luna has no idea. The connection is Venice, somewhere Luna has a brief memory of and the need to discover what secrets her mother was hiding takes her and her best friend Gigi from the US to Venice and to a rather disorganised bookshop on the canal.
Luna and Gigi were wonderfully drawn characters. Although still grieving for her mother, Luna is determined to track down the bookshop. She has her reasons for looking for a connection with the shop and its owner, who turns out to be an introverted and gruff Italian – Giancarlo, who prefers books and cats to people (I can understand this!). However along the way she finds romanic encounters, several bookshop cats, and discovers not only a job that she is actually rather good at but pride in her own achievements and with the possibility of a whole new world of opportunities.
Luna may have been the central character but her BFF Gigi was an outstanding addition to the story. Everyone needs a friend like Gigi. With her open and vivacious personality, plus her talent for always finding an Instagram opportunity, she understands Luna and knows exactly what she needs by way of friendship – by being supportive and encouraging but also sensitive to Luna’s change of mood. This isn’t just Luna’s story but Gigi’s too. There were so many other characters that made the book for me – Oscar, whose standoffish manner was rather off-putting at first, Giancarlo, and there are the bookshop cats with their own personalities – Madam Bovary, Oscar Wilde and the aloof and at times downright unfriendly Dante. Cat lovers will find much here to smile about.
The Little Venice Bookshop was a lovely hug of a book. With its underlying themes, it’s a story of someone trying to find their place in the world and coming to terms with grief and loss and hoping for new beginnings. Venice is one of my favourite places and the atmospheric location was superbly described, I loved spending time there – and actually the story as a film would be perfect. As well as the romance element, there was sufficient intrigue about Ruby’s past to keep my interest – all the way through I was hoping that Luna would be successful in her quest to discover the truth and, more importantly, find happiness and contentment after such sadness.
Well, I have to be honest and say that initially I wasn’t sure if this was a book for me. Not because of the writing, that was so good all the way through, but the spiritual side is not really something I’m into and this together with an alternative lifestyle featured rather heavily to begin with. However as soon as it moved to Venice, everything changed for me and it became a book that I didn’t want to put down.
Luna and her mother Ruby have lived an unconventional life. After years of travelling, Ruby has settled in Montana, in a commune setting with other like minded women and Luna finds herself with an extended unofficial family. Whilst dealing with the shock of her mother’s death, Luna discovers a pile of letters written to Ruby hinting at a past of which Luna has no idea. The connection is Venice, somewhere Luna has a brief memory of and the need to discover what secrets her mother was hiding takes her and her best friend Gigi from the US to Venice and to a rather disorganised bookshop on the canal.
Luna and Gigi were wonderfully drawn characters. Although still grieving for her mother, Luna is determined to track down the bookshop. She has her reasons for looking for a connection with the shop and its owner, who turns out to be an introverted and gruff Italian – Giancarlo, who prefers books and cats to people (I can understand this!). However along the way she finds romanic encounters, several bookshop cats, and discovers not only a job that she is actually rather good at but pride in her own achievements and with the possibility of a whole new world of opportunities.
Luna may have been the central character but her BFF Gigi was an outstanding addition to the story. Everyone needs a friend like Gigi. With her open and vivacious personality, plus her talent for always finding an Instagram opportunity, she understands Luna and knows exactly what she needs by way of friendship – by being supportive and encouraging but also sensitive to Luna’s change of mood. This isn’t just Luna’s story but Gigi’s too. There were so many other characters that made the book for me – Oscar, whose standoffish manner was rather off-putting at first, Giancarlo, and there are the bookshop cats with their own personalities – Madam Bovary, Oscar Wilde and the aloof and at times downright unfriendly Dante. Cat lovers will find much here to smile about.
The Little Venice Bookshop was a lovely hug of a book. With its underlying themes, it’s a story of someone trying to find their place in the world and coming to terms with grief and loss and hoping for new beginnings. Venice is one of my favourite places and the atmospheric location was superbly described, I loved spending time there – and actually the story as a film would be perfect. As well as the romance element, there was sufficient intrigue about Ruby’s past to keep my interest – all the way through I was hoping that Luna would be successful in her quest to discover the truth and, more importantly, find happiness and contentment after such sadness.
August 26, 2023
#TheLittleVeniceBookshop #NetGalley is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be my last.
Luna is in Thailand when she suddenly feels the pull to go see her mother. Born under unusual circumstances, Luna has the ability to feel things, very deeply, and her urge to see her mother brings devastating news, her mother has passed away.
Returning to her mother's home opens a door to secrets and most if the answers will be found in Venice.
Travel with Luna, her bestie Gigi, and Aunt Loui, as Luna learns the truth, which opens up the possibility for so much more love in her life.
I read this book Friday night, after a long work week.
It was just what I needed, and I enjoyed every aspect of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Luna is in Thailand when she suddenly feels the pull to go see her mother. Born under unusual circumstances, Luna has the ability to feel things, very deeply, and her urge to see her mother brings devastating news, her mother has passed away.
Returning to her mother's home opens a door to secrets and most if the answers will be found in Venice.
Travel with Luna, her bestie Gigi, and Aunt Loui, as Luna learns the truth, which opens up the possibility for so much more love in her life.
I read this book Friday night, after a long work week.
It was just what I needed, and I enjoyed every aspect of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
September 11, 2023
Luna and her mum Ruby are close, the pair have travelled the world, as a child Luna can remember living in Thailand and Ruby now lives in a tiny house in a commune in Australia.
When Ruby passes away, Luna and her friend Gigi go to Missoula, along with her honorary aunt Loui and they plan her mum's funeral and it’s not your typical ceremony. While cleaning out the tiny house, Luna finds some old love letters written by a man called Giancarolo, he lives in Venice and owns a bookshop overlooking the canals.
Luna and Gigi set about finding Giancarolo, Luna is quite a good detective, and she finds La Libreria Sul Canale, the owner is a grumpy man and he’s looking for staff. All Luna needs to do is convince Giancarolo to employ her, he gives her and a Spanish guy Oscar a trial.
The first thing that needs to be done is sort through the piles of dusty and water damaged books and Giancarolo reluctantly agrees. Luna and Oscar come up with an idea to save the bookshop, get tourists through the door and Giancarolo doesn’t just collect books he also takes in stray cats they live in the shop and all have literary names.
Luna has looked for clues in the shop, anything to do with her mum Ruby and doesn't find anything. The only way she will find out if Giancarolo is her father is by showing him the letters and she has no idea how he will react?
I received a digital copy of The Little Venice Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin from Edelweiss and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. A narrative set in the beautiful city of Venice, Luna discovers her mum has been keeping a secret and it's a big shock. If you like stories about bookshops, cats, grumpy men and solving a thirty year old mystery, I recommed reading The Little Venice Bookshop and three stars from me.
When Ruby passes away, Luna and her friend Gigi go to Missoula, along with her honorary aunt Loui and they plan her mum's funeral and it’s not your typical ceremony. While cleaning out the tiny house, Luna finds some old love letters written by a man called Giancarolo, he lives in Venice and owns a bookshop overlooking the canals.
Luna and Gigi set about finding Giancarolo, Luna is quite a good detective, and she finds La Libreria Sul Canale, the owner is a grumpy man and he’s looking for staff. All Luna needs to do is convince Giancarolo to employ her, he gives her and a Spanish guy Oscar a trial.
The first thing that needs to be done is sort through the piles of dusty and water damaged books and Giancarolo reluctantly agrees. Luna and Oscar come up with an idea to save the bookshop, get tourists through the door and Giancarolo doesn’t just collect books he also takes in stray cats they live in the shop and all have literary names.
Luna has looked for clues in the shop, anything to do with her mum Ruby and doesn't find anything. The only way she will find out if Giancarolo is her father is by showing him the letters and she has no idea how he will react?
I received a digital copy of The Little Venice Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin from Edelweiss and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. A narrative set in the beautiful city of Venice, Luna discovers her mum has been keeping a secret and it's a big shock. If you like stories about bookshops, cats, grumpy men and solving a thirty year old mystery, I recommed reading The Little Venice Bookshop and three stars from me.
March 17, 2023
Lovely book, it was a little slow to start but, once it got going I throughly enjoyed it. A gentle read full of descriptions which made me imagine Venice. I love Rebecca’s books so reading this wasn’t hard. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 20, 2023
I’ve read and enjoyed a number of the author’s other books and wanted to love this one. With a book loving heroine and a key setting a quaint bookshop in Venice it seemed a surefire winner. Unfortunately, I struggled with parts of it and skimmed many other parts. Overall, this just didn't work for me.
The heroine Luna had an unusual upbringing, being raised in communes around the world by her single mother. Luna has continued her mother’s lifestyle, traveling around the world, picking up jobs when she needs money. Shortly after the book begins Luna’s mother dies, leaving Luna reeling from heartbreak. What will she be without her mother? And then she discovers a stash of love letters that seem to relate to a trip she and her mother made to Venice. Soon Luna’s in Venice with her best friend (a fellow nomad) and is applying for a job in the bookstore run by the man with whom her mother exchanged letters.
A great deal of the book takes place within Luna’s head. I liked the book-loving aspects of Luna, but just didn’t care for the story as much as I expected to. Far too much of the story – and at least a Happy For Now ending for Luna – are wrapped up in the last 10-20 pages. I could’ve done with far less time spent at the commune after Luna’s mother’s death, and more time getting to know some of the people in Venice.
The heroine Luna had an unusual upbringing, being raised in communes around the world by her single mother. Luna has continued her mother’s lifestyle, traveling around the world, picking up jobs when she needs money. Shortly after the book begins Luna’s mother dies, leaving Luna reeling from heartbreak. What will she be without her mother? And then she discovers a stash of love letters that seem to relate to a trip she and her mother made to Venice. Soon Luna’s in Venice with her best friend (a fellow nomad) and is applying for a job in the bookstore run by the man with whom her mother exchanged letters.
A great deal of the book takes place within Luna’s head. I liked the book-loving aspects of Luna, but just didn’t care for the story as much as I expected to. Far too much of the story – and at least a Happy For Now ending for Luna – are wrapped up in the last 10-20 pages. I could’ve done with far less time spent at the commune after Luna’s mother’s death, and more time getting to know some of the people in Venice.
January 12, 2023
This was, in my opinion, a mediocre book. I admit the beginning was a bit slow for me. It took halfway through the book for me to actually become more interested in the story. I also wasn’t able to connect with the main character, Luna, very well. She is constantly looking for a sign throughout the book which I found very exhausting and repetitive. She also seems very naive for a 33 year old woman and more like a teenager. I actually liked her roommate Gigi more. 2 stars. The bookshop cats were a cute addition but I was expecting more from this novel. There isn’t anything crazy or unique about the story that stands out to me. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing the e-ARC for an honest review.
April 10, 2023
I have read and enjoyed Rebecca’s books before. This time I admit to being enticed by the title, a cover with the lure of bookshops and, let’s face it, who would not be up for a trip to Venice?
‘…here we are together in Venice, in the loveliest little canal bookshop, about to be spoiled for choice with our first love - reading.’
Whilst it was interesting to read of Luna’s earlier life, travels and her New Age beliefs, overall it took too long to get going. Readers were ultimately left wanting for more time at the bookshop by the Venetian canal. By the end, everything seemed somewhat rushed - insta relationships, finding long lost family and a quick ending - I would like to have read more about the cast of characters. This book proved to be a little too syrupy sweet for me with loads of reliance on New Age aspects such as tarot cards, affirmations and chakras.
If you are looking for something light hearted and an escape from reality for a while,
The Little Venice Bookshop is sure to appeal. A story of family, love and loss all set against a backdrop of cats and books in Venice. An easy inbetween read.
‘You’d think it was truly abandoned if there wasn’t so much musicality to the place, from the canal babbling and boats whirring past to the murmuring of books and cats. There’s a current, as if the bookshop is slowly waking from a deep sleep after the winter.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘…here we are together in Venice, in the loveliest little canal bookshop, about to be spoiled for choice with our first love - reading.’
Whilst it was interesting to read of Luna’s earlier life, travels and her New Age beliefs, overall it took too long to get going. Readers were ultimately left wanting for more time at the bookshop by the Venetian canal. By the end, everything seemed somewhat rushed - insta relationships, finding long lost family and a quick ending - I would like to have read more about the cast of characters. This book proved to be a little too syrupy sweet for me with loads of reliance on New Age aspects such as tarot cards, affirmations and chakras.
If you are looking for something light hearted and an escape from reality for a while,
The Little Venice Bookshop is sure to appeal. A story of family, love and loss all set against a backdrop of cats and books in Venice. An easy inbetween read.
‘You’d think it was truly abandoned if there wasn’t so much musicality to the place, from the canal babbling and boats whirring past to the murmuring of books and cats. There’s a current, as if the bookshop is slowly waking from a deep sleep after the winter.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
January 16, 2023
Ughhhh. There was like no emotional buildup for the character or displays of what her personality it, so I was not connected to her at all. She could’ve died at the end of it and would’ve been fine, maybe even welcomed it. The thing with Oscar deserved so much more time. We really needed to see her slowly fall in love with him instead of her just randomly declaring it at the end. Also Gigi??? That whole thing was barely mentioned and then bam she’s moving in with this guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2023
I received a free copy of, The Little Venice Bookshop, by Rebecca Raisin, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Luna's mother and only family has passed away, leaving Luna all alone and adrift. Finding her moms letters she decides to take a trip to Venice, and follow in her mothers footsteps. Luna gets a job at a bookshop in Venice, but she does not know who to trust. This was a good read, sad at times.
April 6, 2023
Who can resist a book about a book shop? I certainly cannot and this was such a lovely book. Truth be told, it was a little slow to get going but it was absolutely worth hanging in there.
If you would like to read my full review of this lovely book please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
If you would like to read my full review of this lovely book please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
May 18, 2023
It wasn’t really for me. The emphasis on the new age, hippy way of life did not interest me. The story was too drawn out and lost momentum. Relationships were telegraphed with the big reveal coming as a surprise to the main character, which seemed unlikely. However if you like a very lighthearted rom com for a holiday read have a try.
December 27, 2022
After Luna's mum passes away, she discovers letters that will take her to Venice, but will she get the answers that she thinks she needs?
Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would..I found the writing was overly detailed which made the plot feel very slow and clunky. There were too many paragraphs to give the reader unnecessary back story before the action happened. Parts of the story are charming and have food premise but by the time these happened, I was a little too disinterested.
Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would..I found the writing was overly detailed which made the plot feel very slow and clunky. There were too many paragraphs to give the reader unnecessary back story before the action happened. Parts of the story are charming and have food premise but by the time these happened, I was a little too disinterested.
April 5, 2023
The Little Venice Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin is a delightful story about a woman who travels to discover more about her recently deceased mother.
Story Recap:
Luna lives an unconventional life, it’s the only kind of life she’s ever known. The daughter of a single parent, she grew up in communes, and then, when old enough, she set out for a nomadic life of her own.
When she finds out her mother has passed away, her grief is overwhelming. When she finds a stack of letters amongst her mother's belongings, she sets off to Venice for one more adventure in hopes of learning more about her mother.
My Thoughts:
This isn’t my first book by Rebecca Raisin, and it won’t be my last. Her writing never fails to charm and entertain me. In this story, we follow a young woman searching for her mother’s past. This book is about loss, love, friendship, and forgiveness.
I loved Luna’s spirit. Although broken by the loss of her mother, her free spirit shines through in this book. It’s not only Luna that I loved in this book, but her band of friends that she has and the ones she picks up in Venice. They are all strong supporting characters that help Luna grow and deal with her grief.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming story about love and loss, and a wonderful cast of characters then The Little Venice Bookshop is for you.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Little Venice Bookshop to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Story Recap:
Luna lives an unconventional life, it’s the only kind of life she’s ever known. The daughter of a single parent, she grew up in communes, and then, when old enough, she set out for a nomadic life of her own.
When she finds out her mother has passed away, her grief is overwhelming. When she finds a stack of letters amongst her mother's belongings, she sets off to Venice for one more adventure in hopes of learning more about her mother.
My Thoughts:
This isn’t my first book by Rebecca Raisin, and it won’t be my last. Her writing never fails to charm and entertain me. In this story, we follow a young woman searching for her mother’s past. This book is about loss, love, friendship, and forgiveness.
I loved Luna’s spirit. Although broken by the loss of her mother, her free spirit shines through in this book. It’s not only Luna that I loved in this book, but her band of friends that she has and the ones she picks up in Venice. They are all strong supporting characters that help Luna grow and deal with her grief.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming story about love and loss, and a wonderful cast of characters then The Little Venice Bookshop is for you.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Little Venice Bookshop to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 23, 2023
To sum up, this was another enjoyable read from an author whose books always make me smile.
This one was a bit heavier than her other ones, dealing as it does with grief over the loss of a loved one. It never got depressing though.
Luna is dealing with the sudden loss of the mother she shared a nomadic lifestyle with. Finding a packet of letters written to her mother and referring to a bookshop in Venice, she decides to go and look for answers in the city of canals.
Managing to find work in the same bookshop she tries to unravel the connection between her hippie commune loving mom and the owner, Giancarlo, while also convincing him to let her improve the visibility of the shop through social media.
Luna loves books so there are a lot of references to what books mean to those who read and collect them along with the beauty of second hand books which have been passed through so many hands and have their own unique stories to tell. As a reader, it was great to connect with someone so passionate about books within the pages of this one and see the positive effect of some of Luna's bookish initiatives. The family of cats named after authors and their antics was particularly cute.
Luna's yearning for a family of her own even as she appreciates the one she and her mother made for themselves is relatable.
Overall, this was a light read, emotional in places.
This one was a bit heavier than her other ones, dealing as it does with grief over the loss of a loved one. It never got depressing though.
Luna is dealing with the sudden loss of the mother she shared a nomadic lifestyle with. Finding a packet of letters written to her mother and referring to a bookshop in Venice, she decides to go and look for answers in the city of canals.
Managing to find work in the same bookshop she tries to unravel the connection between her hippie commune loving mom and the owner, Giancarlo, while also convincing him to let her improve the visibility of the shop through social media.
Luna loves books so there are a lot of references to what books mean to those who read and collect them along with the beauty of second hand books which have been passed through so many hands and have their own unique stories to tell. As a reader, it was great to connect with someone so passionate about books within the pages of this one and see the positive effect of some of Luna's bookish initiatives. The family of cats named after authors and their antics was particularly cute.
Luna's yearning for a family of her own even as she appreciates the one she and her mother made for themselves is relatable.
Overall, this was a light read, emotional in places.
April 2, 2023
I’ve recently discovered a love for books set in Venice, and this is another wonderful example to add to my collection. For me, this was a very special story, and I enjoyed every element. The construction felt like a book of two distinct halves, and I was thrilled with that composition. It took a little longer to get to the Venetian elements, but that added to the joy, as the back story was beautifully developed. Rebecca Raisin creates characters that are easy to imagine and builds profiles that add extra dimensions to the story.
We start by discovering the wonderful community, in Missoula USA, that Luna’s mother, Ruby, had founded. We also visit Thailand and get a feel for Luna’s nomadic lifestyle. While following the instinctive wanderlust that she feels in her heart, Luna is mindful of her mother’s advice to avoid running from her problems. As Ruby loses her life to cancer, Luna discovers a hidden stack of letters from a man in Venice and embarks on a journey of discovery.
The Little Venice Bookshop is the kind of place I would love; filled with books and cats, it offers everything that I adore. But there’s a lot more to the place than books and cats, there’s a history that waits to be discovered. As Luna works to restore life to the faltering business, she also learns more about herself and her nomadic nature. More importantly, perhaps, she begins to learn more about her mother and her complex spirit. Despite her deep love for a man, she was unable to remain in a single place and as her story unfolds, it’s difficult not to feel her pain.
Throughout her journey, she is supported by her best friend, Gigi. A delightful character who is a perfect friend to Luna and a willing adventurer. I really connected with their relationship as it was my idea of an ideal friendship; totally reliable but not all-consuming. They are able to explore Venice both together and independently.
Luna’s ideas for the bookshop were excellent and I particularly enjoyed the concept of a book concierge service. Simple yet effective, it helps raise their profile and get people talking about the shop.
Of course, there is romance for Luna, but will it come in the shape of a Casanova-type waiter or a fellow worker at the bookshop? No spoilers from me, but I can promise you a beautifully romantic conclusion.
This was a very special escape to Venice and I’m sure I’ll soon find another author to take me back.
We start by discovering the wonderful community, in Missoula USA, that Luna’s mother, Ruby, had founded. We also visit Thailand and get a feel for Luna’s nomadic lifestyle. While following the instinctive wanderlust that she feels in her heart, Luna is mindful of her mother’s advice to avoid running from her problems. As Ruby loses her life to cancer, Luna discovers a hidden stack of letters from a man in Venice and embarks on a journey of discovery.
The Little Venice Bookshop is the kind of place I would love; filled with books and cats, it offers everything that I adore. But there’s a lot more to the place than books and cats, there’s a history that waits to be discovered. As Luna works to restore life to the faltering business, she also learns more about herself and her nomadic nature. More importantly, perhaps, she begins to learn more about her mother and her complex spirit. Despite her deep love for a man, she was unable to remain in a single place and as her story unfolds, it’s difficult not to feel her pain.
Throughout her journey, she is supported by her best friend, Gigi. A delightful character who is a perfect friend to Luna and a willing adventurer. I really connected with their relationship as it was my idea of an ideal friendship; totally reliable but not all-consuming. They are able to explore Venice both together and independently.
Luna’s ideas for the bookshop were excellent and I particularly enjoyed the concept of a book concierge service. Simple yet effective, it helps raise their profile and get people talking about the shop.
Of course, there is romance for Luna, but will it come in the shape of a Casanova-type waiter or a fellow worker at the bookshop? No spoilers from me, but I can promise you a beautifully romantic conclusion.
This was a very special escape to Venice and I’m sure I’ll soon find another author to take me back.
February 13, 2023
I initially took an interest in this book when I saw another review of it online. I typically enjoy reading books about bookshops, or books where the protagonist is a book lover, and the idea of a story about a bookshop in Venice appealed to me.
I really liked this book. It was warm, heartfelt and funny, and I felt as though I escaped while I was reading it. The protagonist was someone that I liked, and I identified with her too.
I would actually be interested to know if there is going to be a sequel to this book, as it would be nice to know what happened next for some of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
I really liked this book. It was warm, heartfelt and funny, and I felt as though I escaped while I was reading it. The protagonist was someone that I liked, and I identified with her too.
I would actually be interested to know if there is going to be a sequel to this book, as it would be nice to know what happened next for some of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
January 27, 2024
AHHH.........Venice!! The city of my heart! I adored this sweet and very touching journey through the beautiful streets and canals of Venice with Luna, who has just lost her mother to cancer and is in search of a familial connection after she finds a collection of love letters in her mother's belongings. The book references and Luna's emotions and tenderness about books and the written word mirror my own thoughts and sentiments so this was a wonderful surprise read that I highly recommend. The author's descriptions of the "Floating City" and its cuisine took me back to my own Venetian experience and were faultless and delicious....and for that detail alone, I gave this book an extra star :)
April 6, 2023
When Luna's mother dies unexpectedly, it would seem that any opportunity she did have to find out who her father was has died too.
Luna has always been a free spirit, a traveller, just like her mother was, moving from place to place, relying on casual jobs to earn enough to live and then moving on. Her one constant, wherever she was in the world, was her mum, so when she receives the terrible news that her mother has died, she is devastated.
After spending time with her mother's hippy friends going through the rituals associated with death and attending her funeral, Luna finds a stack of letters written to her mother amongst her possession. The writer of those letters obviously loved her mother and Luna knows with certainty that her next stop must be Venice. This could, after all, be one step closer to finding that missing part of her life - her father.
Following the clues leads Luna and her best friend Gigi to a lovely, albeit neglected, bookstore set on a canal in Venice. Determined to keep her secrets until she finds out more about the owner, Luna introduces herself as someone who wants to help put the bookstore on the tourist map. Giancarlo is a man who doesn't really seem to care about making a profit. The store is in disorder, there's no kind of catalogue, and there are cats everywhere. He just would love to sit in his chair and read. He loves books, he loves cats but isn't so keen on people.
To read more, head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2023...
Luna has always been a free spirit, a traveller, just like her mother was, moving from place to place, relying on casual jobs to earn enough to live and then moving on. Her one constant, wherever she was in the world, was her mum, so when she receives the terrible news that her mother has died, she is devastated.
After spending time with her mother's hippy friends going through the rituals associated with death and attending her funeral, Luna finds a stack of letters written to her mother amongst her possession. The writer of those letters obviously loved her mother and Luna knows with certainty that her next stop must be Venice. This could, after all, be one step closer to finding that missing part of her life - her father.
Following the clues leads Luna and her best friend Gigi to a lovely, albeit neglected, bookstore set on a canal in Venice. Determined to keep her secrets until she finds out more about the owner, Luna introduces herself as someone who wants to help put the bookstore on the tourist map. Giancarlo is a man who doesn't really seem to care about making a profit. The store is in disorder, there's no kind of catalogue, and there are cats everywhere. He just would love to sit in his chair and read. He loves books, he loves cats but isn't so keen on people.
To read more, head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2023...
December 19, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!! I love books about book shops because I love books and reading so much. I've always wanted to work in a quirky second hand bookshop and everything about this book resonated with me! I am definitely going to search out all the other books this wonderful author has written!!!
June 20, 2024
This is a good summer read about a young woman who goes to Venice hoping to find her father, or at least some clues to his identity. After her mother dies, she discovers that there is a connection to a bookshop in Venice, so she and her friend go there to see what they can find. What they find is not what they expected!
March 30, 2023
Author Rebecca Raisin does it again!
I previously read Flora’s Travelling Christmas Shop and that lead me to requesting this new book of hers.
The Little Venice Bookshop was everything I hoped for!
Heartwarming characters, travel, mystery, cryptic clues found in letters, and bookshops!
The Author knows what we like and gives us all of it!
I was easily hooked.
I truly enjoy the Author’s writing style. I was able to visualize and immerse myself in the adventure.
I am so glad there are more Rebecca Raisin books out there for me to enjoy!
Thankyou to Author Rebecca Raisin, Harper Collins Publishers and Netgalley for tte opportunity to read this book before release date!
I previously read Flora’s Travelling Christmas Shop and that lead me to requesting this new book of hers.
The Little Venice Bookshop was everything I hoped for!
Heartwarming characters, travel, mystery, cryptic clues found in letters, and bookshops!
The Author knows what we like and gives us all of it!
I was easily hooked.
I truly enjoy the Author’s writing style. I was able to visualize and immerse myself in the adventure.
I am so glad there are more Rebecca Raisin books out there for me to enjoy!
Thankyou to Author Rebecca Raisin, Harper Collins Publishers and Netgalley for tte opportunity to read this book before release date!
May 18, 2024
2.5 stars.
Not terrible but not great. Very cheesy characters and writing, no real depth, but it was a quick and easy vacation read.
Not terrible but not great. Very cheesy characters and writing, no real depth, but it was a quick and easy vacation read.
September 14, 2025
Fantastic lovely story well written. I wanted it to go on.
September 21, 2023
Un libro juvenil, entretenido sin más
Para pasar el rato cuando uno no se concentra
Para pasar el rato cuando uno no se concentra
June 6, 2024
Another solid romancey story set in a fun to read about setting. I always enjoy my time spent with the characters Rebecca Raisin creates.
May 21, 2023
A cute little read. Admittedly I only picked this up because I loved my time in Venice and the idea of my own book centred love story did tip me over the edge of delusion 😂😂 some of the writing felt forced and in parts slightly awkward.
July 11, 2025
'De klanten zijn dolblij met hun nieuwe boeken, al zijn die dan een beetje versleten en een beetje beschadigd. Geldt dat niet voor ons allemaal? Juist die krassen en deukjes maken onze verhalen zo geweldig, zo waardevol en zo gevarieerd; ze vormen het tapijt van onze chaotische, rommelige levens dat ons naar dit punt heeft gebracht.'
August 20, 2023
Luna vive una vida poco convencional, es el único tipo de vida que ha conocido. Hija de un madre soltera, creció en comunas y luego, cuando tuvo la edad suficiente, se embarcó en una vida nómada propia.
Luna siempre ha sido un espíritu libre, una viajera, al igual que su madre, moviéndose de un lugar a otro, confiando en trabajos ocasionales para ganar lo suficiente para vivir y luego seguir adelante. Su única constante, dondequiera que estuviera en el mundo, era su madre, así que cuando recibe la terrible noticia de que su madre ha muerto, Luna queda devastada.
Después de pasar tiempo con los amigos hippies de su madre pasando por los rituales asociados con la muerte y asistiendo a su funeral, Luna encuentra una pila de cartas escritas a su madre entre sus posesiones. El escritor de esas cartas obviamente amaba a su madre y Luna sabe con certeza que su próxima parada debe ser Venecia. Esto podría, después de todo, ser un paso más cerca de encontrar esa parte faltante de su vida: su padre.
Seguir las pistas lleva a Luna y a su mejor amiga Gigi a una encantadora, aunque descuidada, librería situada en un canal de Venecia. Decidida a guardar sus secretos hasta que descubra más sobre el dueño.
Un poco lento al comienzo, pero una vez en Venecia realmente despegó, y disfruté mucho leyendo sobre las aventuras de Luna, sus dudas en sí misma, y cómo Oscar, Gigi y Giancarlo ayudaron a disipar esas dudas. La historia de la librería veneciana y su gruñón dueño realmente se convirtió en la trama central.
En conclusión, un libro que he disfrutado por la ambientación en Venecia de una historia bellamente contada con mezcla de misterio, intriga y romance.
⭐⭐⭐3.5/5
Luna siempre ha sido un espíritu libre, una viajera, al igual que su madre, moviéndose de un lugar a otro, confiando en trabajos ocasionales para ganar lo suficiente para vivir y luego seguir adelante. Su única constante, dondequiera que estuviera en el mundo, era su madre, así que cuando recibe la terrible noticia de que su madre ha muerto, Luna queda devastada.
Después de pasar tiempo con los amigos hippies de su madre pasando por los rituales asociados con la muerte y asistiendo a su funeral, Luna encuentra una pila de cartas escritas a su madre entre sus posesiones. El escritor de esas cartas obviamente amaba a su madre y Luna sabe con certeza que su próxima parada debe ser Venecia. Esto podría, después de todo, ser un paso más cerca de encontrar esa parte faltante de su vida: su padre.
Seguir las pistas lleva a Luna y a su mejor amiga Gigi a una encantadora, aunque descuidada, librería situada en un canal de Venecia. Decidida a guardar sus secretos hasta que descubra más sobre el dueño.
Un poco lento al comienzo, pero una vez en Venecia realmente despegó, y disfruté mucho leyendo sobre las aventuras de Luna, sus dudas en sí misma, y cómo Oscar, Gigi y Giancarlo ayudaron a disipar esas dudas. La historia de la librería veneciana y su gruñón dueño realmente se convirtió en la trama central.
En conclusión, un libro que he disfrutado por la ambientación en Venecia de una historia bellamente contada con mezcla de misterio, intriga y romance.
⭐⭐⭐3.5/5
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