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Temple River #2
The Bookstore at Rivers End
The discovery of a mysterious diary sparks an emotional journey of healing and second chances...
Harriet Main moves to the beautiful coastal town of Rivers End with a heavy heart. The bookstore she’s opening on the idyllic main street is a small distraction from the pain of her recent divorce, and the guilt over failing her daughter Olive when she needed her most.
When Harriet finds an anonymous old diary in a collection of books donated to the store, she’s shocked when the donor refuses to take it back, wanting nothing to do with the tragic book. It’s Olive who wants them to read the diary, and when they find a wistful account of a treasure hunt set up by three teenage girls, they decide to follow the clues together. Perhaps the search will help Harriet find the lost pieces of herself.
But uncovering the story hidden in the pages unlocks a decades-old mystery that changes everything, for Harriet, for her daughter, and for the writer whose past they have unwittingly unearthed. When the terrible truth resurfaces, can Harriet find the strength to help heal an old wrong, and how will her path be forever altered by the discovery?
Harriet Main moves to the beautiful coastal town of Rivers End with a heavy heart. The bookstore she’s opening on the idyllic main street is a small distraction from the pain of her recent divorce, and the guilt over failing her daughter Olive when she needed her most.
When Harriet finds an anonymous old diary in a collection of books donated to the store, she’s shocked when the donor refuses to take it back, wanting nothing to do with the tragic book. It’s Olive who wants them to read the diary, and when they find a wistful account of a treasure hunt set up by three teenage girls, they decide to follow the clues together. Perhaps the search will help Harriet find the lost pieces of herself.
But uncovering the story hidden in the pages unlocks a decades-old mystery that changes everything, for Harriet, for her daughter, and for the writer whose past they have unwittingly unearthed. When the terrible truth resurfaces, can Harriet find the strength to help heal an old wrong, and how will her path be forever altered by the discovery?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2024
911 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Nefri Clark
91 books354 followersPhillipa lives just outside a beautiful town in country Victoria, Australia. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles stories beside her laptop.
She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.
She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 5, 2024
Harriet Main and her daughter Olive were only a few days away from opening their new bookshop. Harriet was still sad from her marriage break up and subsequent divorce six months prior, plus the guilt she felt at what Olive went through in Melbourne. The coastal town of Rivers End was a peaceful place, and her long-held desire to own a bookshop was coming to fruition. Working with Olive was the icing on the cake. And making friends in her new town a bonus.
When Harriet and Olive bought a few selections of old books from various homes around the area, they had no idea one of the items at the bottom of a box would bring a heartbreaking past to their door, and friendships would be cemented. Following a treasure hunt as it had been written by three teenagers back in 1961 was at first fun, until it wasn't. Harriet and Olive had a mystery on their hands, one they were curious enough to search for answers to...
The Bookstore at Rivers End is the 2nd in the Temple River series by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and it was exceptional. Catching up with characters from Rivers End in past series - Christie and Martin (and the gorgeous dog) among others - plus mention of the yacht, Jasmine Sea made me smile. Ms Clark has an amazing talent of linking her books, just slightly, with any new series she writes, and for readers of her work, it feels like catching up with friends, time and again. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, and am really looking forward to the next. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Harriet and Olive bought a few selections of old books from various homes around the area, they had no idea one of the items at the bottom of a box would bring a heartbreaking past to their door, and friendships would be cemented. Following a treasure hunt as it had been written by three teenagers back in 1961 was at first fun, until it wasn't. Harriet and Olive had a mystery on their hands, one they were curious enough to search for answers to...
The Bookstore at Rivers End is the 2nd in the Temple River series by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and it was exceptional. Catching up with characters from Rivers End in past series - Christie and Martin (and the gorgeous dog) among others - plus mention of the yacht, Jasmine Sea made me smile. Ms Clark has an amazing talent of linking her books, just slightly, with any new series she writes, and for readers of her work, it feels like catching up with friends, time and again. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, and am really looking forward to the next. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2024
Although this is marked as the second book in the series it features new main characters just living in the same place. Characters from other series play small parts from time to time which is nice.
Our MC in this book is Harriet who has just been through a bad divorce and has moved with her daughter Olive to Rivers End where she is planning to establish a bookstore. Olive has been through a break up with a man who treated her very badly so both women are hoping for an improvement in their lives.
Rivers End works its magic as it always does. One of Harriet's boxes of second hand purchases for the shop includes a diary which tells a story from the past of four girls who went on a treasure hunt. As Harriet and Olive follow the clues from this they eventually discover the secret behind it.
A lovely story with really likeable characters. Five stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Our MC in this book is Harriet who has just been through a bad divorce and has moved with her daughter Olive to Rivers End where she is planning to establish a bookstore. Olive has been through a break up with a man who treated her very badly so both women are hoping for an improvement in their lives.
Rivers End works its magic as it always does. One of Harriet's boxes of second hand purchases for the shop includes a diary which tells a story from the past of four girls who went on a treasure hunt. As Harriet and Olive follow the clues from this they eventually discover the secret behind it.
A lovely story with really likeable characters. Five stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 5, 2024
What can I say Phillipa Clark writes fabulous stories, she pulls at your heart strings as she weaves stories with mystery, romance and awesome characters in such lovely settings and I have been looking forward to this book since I read book one and was not disappointed, come along and meet Harriett and her daughter Olive as they start fresh in Rivers End.
Harriett Main is given a building in the beautiful coastal town of Rivers End as part of her divorce settlement she is heart-broken over the sudden decision by her ex-husband and also the guilt of not being more attuned to what was happening with her daughter Olive but she is now going to fulfill a lifetime dream of opening her very own bookstore, being a librarian this is going to mean so much to her.
Harriett purchases a box of old books to start a special corner in her bookstore, but when they discover an old diary Harriett tries to return it but the previous owner refuses to take it back she says read it or burn it, Olive is keen to read it although Harriett is hesitant but they decide to do so and what they discover is the story of three teenage girls from 1961 who organize a treasure hunt for another young girls birthday, they decide that they will read it slowly and follow the clues and do the treasure hunt.
As they follow the clues things are fun at the start but then they unfold a tragedy and both Harriett and Olive are pulled emotionally into this journey, as the mystery unlocks they soon feel that some of these young girls are still living in Rivers End and maybe they are customers of the bookstore. By opening up the past it will open up pain and heartbreak but it could also encourage healing that will help all of those involved.
There is a lot going on Harriett and Olive are welcomed into the small town and they are getting to know everyone really well and Harriett is seeing what her past was like especially when she meets chef Brock Salisbury, but will the diary and the treasure hunt pull them apart or push them together?
I loved this one so much, yes Phillipa Nefri Clark is a favourite author and a must read author but there is a reason for that her stories are beautiful with so much feeling her characters are very easy to get to now and as with series catching up with past friends is always fabulous.
I do highly recommend this one, it is a page turner.
My thanks to the publisher Storm and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Harriett Main is given a building in the beautiful coastal town of Rivers End as part of her divorce settlement she is heart-broken over the sudden decision by her ex-husband and also the guilt of not being more attuned to what was happening with her daughter Olive but she is now going to fulfill a lifetime dream of opening her very own bookstore, being a librarian this is going to mean so much to her.
Harriett purchases a box of old books to start a special corner in her bookstore, but when they discover an old diary Harriett tries to return it but the previous owner refuses to take it back she says read it or burn it, Olive is keen to read it although Harriett is hesitant but they decide to do so and what they discover is the story of three teenage girls from 1961 who organize a treasure hunt for another young girls birthday, they decide that they will read it slowly and follow the clues and do the treasure hunt.
As they follow the clues things are fun at the start but then they unfold a tragedy and both Harriett and Olive are pulled emotionally into this journey, as the mystery unlocks they soon feel that some of these young girls are still living in Rivers End and maybe they are customers of the bookstore. By opening up the past it will open up pain and heartbreak but it could also encourage healing that will help all of those involved.
There is a lot going on Harriett and Olive are welcomed into the small town and they are getting to know everyone really well and Harriett is seeing what her past was like especially when she meets chef Brock Salisbury, but will the diary and the treasure hunt pull them apart or push them together?
I loved this one so much, yes Phillipa Nefri Clark is a favourite author and a must read author but there is a reason for that her stories are beautiful with so much feeling her characters are very easy to get to now and as with series catching up with past friends is always fabulous.
I do highly recommend this one, it is a page turner.
My thanks to the publisher Storm and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
January 30, 2024
Savoured this book, reading a little every day. Did not want it to end, but when it did I saw there’s another one to download. This author does small town so well!
January 13, 2024
Set in Australia, The Bookstore at Rivers End is not the first book by Phillipa Nefri Clark to be set in small-town Rivers End, but this one features new characters--former librarian Harriet, approaching 50 years old, and her 20-year-old daughter, Olive, who have moved there to open a bookstore. After recovering from a potentially fatal brain tumor, Harriet's husband had decided to end their marriage and his career abruptly to travel the globe to "find himself." He had purchased the property in River's End, where he had spent happy childhood days, to allow Harriet to turn it into her long-dreamed-of bookstore but didn't endear himself to her when he did so without her knowledge or input.
Nevertheless, a new venue and a new start are just what Harriet needs, not to mention what Olive needs after leaving her first year of college after a disastrous romance. The mother and daughter team find they work quite harmoniously together, each offering her own individual skills. It is when they find part of a diary from 1961, detailing three teenage friends' adventures putting together a scavenger hunt and treasure hunt for a younger sister's birthday, that the story takes flight. The diary entries ignite Harriet's and Olive's imagination and curiosity, leading them to investigate what really happened and the connection between those teenagers and members of the current River's End community. Readers should be able to put together some of the facts even before Harriet and Olive do, but others remain difficult to discover.
I like the combination of the mystery, the portrayal of the charming town, the intriguing, developing relationship between mother and daughter, and the mature romantic relationship between Harriet and an attractive local chef. The story is told in such an engaging way that I may check out other books in the Rivers End and Temple River series.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
Nevertheless, a new venue and a new start are just what Harriet needs, not to mention what Olive needs after leaving her first year of college after a disastrous romance. The mother and daughter team find they work quite harmoniously together, each offering her own individual skills. It is when they find part of a diary from 1961, detailing three teenage friends' adventures putting together a scavenger hunt and treasure hunt for a younger sister's birthday, that the story takes flight. The diary entries ignite Harriet's and Olive's imagination and curiosity, leading them to investigate what really happened and the connection between those teenagers and members of the current River's End community. Readers should be able to put together some of the facts even before Harriet and Olive do, but others remain difficult to discover.
I like the combination of the mystery, the portrayal of the charming town, the intriguing, developing relationship between mother and daughter, and the mature romantic relationship between Harriet and an attractive local chef. The story is told in such an engaging way that I may check out other books in the Rivers End and Temple River series.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
December 9, 2023
As a result of her divorce from her husband Jason, Harriet Main and her daughter move to the small township of Rivers End where, unknown to Harriet, Jason had purchased a property some years before.
The property allows Harriet, a former Librarian, and her daughter Olive to follow Harriet's dream of owning a bookshop. While Jason moves on with his life 'to find himself' after a medical crisis, Harriet and Olive settle in the small township of Rivers End.
While on a book purchasing trip, Harriet and Olive find a mysterious diary and when the owner doesn't want the diary returned, they make the decision to read it and to follow the treasure hunt that had been made by teenagers back in 1961. `The journey brings mother and daughter closer together and as much as they enjoy exploring their new town and the residents they meet along the way, there is a sadness to the diary and it has them wondering who the girls are described only by initials. As they read the diary, the hidden story unlocks a decades old mystery. Does Harriet have the strength to help heal an old wrong? And how will her own life path be altered by the discovery?
I loved this second book in the Temple River series and I look forward to more adventures in the next Temple River story.
The property allows Harriet, a former Librarian, and her daughter Olive to follow Harriet's dream of owning a bookshop. While Jason moves on with his life 'to find himself' after a medical crisis, Harriet and Olive settle in the small township of Rivers End.
While on a book purchasing trip, Harriet and Olive find a mysterious diary and when the owner doesn't want the diary returned, they make the decision to read it and to follow the treasure hunt that had been made by teenagers back in 1961. `The journey brings mother and daughter closer together and as much as they enjoy exploring their new town and the residents they meet along the way, there is a sadness to the diary and it has them wondering who the girls are described only by initials. As they read the diary, the hidden story unlocks a decades old mystery. Does Harriet have the strength to help heal an old wrong? And how will her own life path be altered by the discovery?
I loved this second book in the Temple River series and I look forward to more adventures in the next Temple River story.
December 24, 2023
First, thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for approving this ARC. This book has so many of my favorite elements: mother/daughter bonding, mystery, relatable moments, and romance.
The main characters, Harriet and Olive, embark on a new path in their lives and the adventure unfolds. The setting could not have been more perfect to me: they open a bookstore blocks from the beach! In the process of buying their inventory, they come across some old and questionable materials and the quest for answers to the mysterious items begins (they even use a whiteboard for clues!). I really enjoyed reading about these two rediscovering themselves in their new surroundings. This is the first book I've read from Phillipa Nefri Clark and now I'm a fan. I loved this book and I would give it 10 stars. Needless to say, I will be purchasing a hard copy of this treasure and reading the first book in this Temple River series.
Let me know if anyone read "The Cottage at Whisper Lake."(first book in this series)
The main characters, Harriet and Olive, embark on a new path in their lives and the adventure unfolds. The setting could not have been more perfect to me: they open a bookstore blocks from the beach! In the process of buying their inventory, they come across some old and questionable materials and the quest for answers to the mysterious items begins (they even use a whiteboard for clues!). I really enjoyed reading about these two rediscovering themselves in their new surroundings. This is the first book I've read from Phillipa Nefri Clark and now I'm a fan. I loved this book and I would give it 10 stars. Needless to say, I will be purchasing a hard copy of this treasure and reading the first book in this Temple River series.
Let me know if anyone read "The Cottage at Whisper Lake."(first book in this series)
January 1, 2024
Newly divorced Harriet and her daughter, Olive, move to River's End and open a book shop.
Among some donated books is a diary written by an unnamed person.
The more the mother and daughter delve into the diary, the more interested they become in finding out who it belonged to. I also became invested in finding out what happens.
I enjoyed the characters and their realistic reactions to situations. This felt like a story that could actually happen. I do like that in a book.
This is the second in a series. I did read the first one but do not think it is necessary to read it before this one. One thing both books have in common is that the title's might suggest a bit of a "fluff" book. By fluff book, I mean a book without much substance. That is certainly not the case with these books. There is much more to the books than one might expect if you have never read this author.
Thanks to netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc.
Among some donated books is a diary written by an unnamed person.
The more the mother and daughter delve into the diary, the more interested they become in finding out who it belonged to. I also became invested in finding out what happens.
I enjoyed the characters and their realistic reactions to situations. This felt like a story that could actually happen. I do like that in a book.
This is the second in a series. I did read the first one but do not think it is necessary to read it before this one. One thing both books have in common is that the title's might suggest a bit of a "fluff" book. By fluff book, I mean a book without much substance. That is certainly not the case with these books. There is much more to the books than one might expect if you have never read this author.
Thanks to netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc.
May 5, 2024
Thank you Phillipa for gifting us a copy to read and review.
How idyllic does buying a bookstore in a coastal town sound…….
Picking up the emotional and physical pieces of a divorce and starting a new business are the challenges faced by Harriet.
Life has twists and turns and seizing the most from it is a useful mantra.
Harriet and her daughter Olive immerse themselves into getting the shop ready.
The hunt for secondhand books around town is like opening a treasure chest.
Old and rare editions, lifelong collections and a diary from the 1960s among the gems sourced.
The opening of the store immediately connects the duo to the townsfolk and avid readers.
Unexpected liaisons with suppliers will make the heart flutter.
Reading the diary connects the past to the present.
An activity that brought joy as they both tried to decipher what actually happened that year.
An element of mystery threaded within the entries.
Who is still alive to confirm suspicions?
Another wonderful story from an author who consistently delivers well written and diverse plots.
Every aspect is spot on with a descriptive setting, intricate relationships and passion people have for books.
Although part of a series this can be read as a standalone and I’d suggest indulge in this talent.
How idyllic does buying a bookstore in a coastal town sound…….
Picking up the emotional and physical pieces of a divorce and starting a new business are the challenges faced by Harriet.
Life has twists and turns and seizing the most from it is a useful mantra.
Harriet and her daughter Olive immerse themselves into getting the shop ready.
The hunt for secondhand books around town is like opening a treasure chest.
Old and rare editions, lifelong collections and a diary from the 1960s among the gems sourced.
The opening of the store immediately connects the duo to the townsfolk and avid readers.
Unexpected liaisons with suppliers will make the heart flutter.
Reading the diary connects the past to the present.
An activity that brought joy as they both tried to decipher what actually happened that year.
An element of mystery threaded within the entries.
Who is still alive to confirm suspicions?
Another wonderful story from an author who consistently delivers well written and diverse plots.
Every aspect is spot on with a descriptive setting, intricate relationships and passion people have for books.
Although part of a series this can be read as a standalone and I’d suggest indulge in this talent.
February 11, 2024
With loveable characters, an old mystery, and a new love, this beautifully descriptive novel will delight readers. I felt like I was there in the story as Harriet and Olive one minute detailed clues, and the next, discussed dating fashion. I really enjoyed the scenic town and the old story from 1961. I would classify this as women’s fiction, with just a touch of romance. This was my first book by the author and I will definitely check out the other books in this series.
Thank you @stormbooks_co and @netgalley for my complimentary copy. My thoughts are my own.
Thank you @stormbooks_co and @netgalley for my complimentary copy. My thoughts are my own.
January 11, 2024
This lovely book set in the beautiful town of Rivers End on the coast of Australia defies definition. It’s women’s fiction with a dual timeline that combines a clean, mature romance with a mystery involving three teenage girls from 1961. It’s the story of a newly-divorced librarian, Harriet, who is struggling with her ex-husband’s decision to “find himself” by traveling the world alone, and her 20-year-old daughter, Olive, who has dropped out of law school after ending an abusive relationship, who decide to start over by opening a bookstore in a building Harriet received as part of her settlement.
While looking for old books to fill a small section of their store, they find the diary of a 14-year-old girl who writes about a birthday treasure hunt she and her friends are designing for one of the girl’s younger sister. Since the owner doesn’t want it back, they make it their mission to figure out who the narrator and her friends are since they’re only mentioned by their first initial. Olive and Harriet, reading just one entry at a time, decide to follow the clues as a way to discover their new home and to learn the identities of the friends from the past. The shifting between the two timelines works well, combining each written passage in the diary with the narrator’s internal monologue that uses full names (that only the reader is privy to). As a result, the reader figures out the mystery well before Harriet and Olive do.
They also purchase a number of books from a handsome chef, Brock, which includes an antique Bible and inscribed book of poetry. These become part of the mystery surrounding the treasure hunt. The romance between Harriet and Brock is a slow burn although the attraction is evident from the beginning. However, Harriet is newly-divorced and not even ready to remove her wedding ring, so it takes months of her slowly building a new life with her daughter until she’s ready to let go and let a new love in.
The character development of both the main and secondary characters is well done, the mother-daughter relationship is enviably loving, supportive, and respectful, and the townspeople, especially the elderly ladies trio, are humorous and welcoming.
As a former librarian and lifelong book lover, I was so envious that Harriet was able to fulfill her dream of opening a bookstore. Author Clark paints such a vivid picture of the town with friendly neighbors, gorgeous beaches, and a good collection of businesses that support the community. This heartwarming, redemptive story is definitely worth a read. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
While looking for old books to fill a small section of their store, they find the diary of a 14-year-old girl who writes about a birthday treasure hunt she and her friends are designing for one of the girl’s younger sister. Since the owner doesn’t want it back, they make it their mission to figure out who the narrator and her friends are since they’re only mentioned by their first initial. Olive and Harriet, reading just one entry at a time, decide to follow the clues as a way to discover their new home and to learn the identities of the friends from the past. The shifting between the two timelines works well, combining each written passage in the diary with the narrator’s internal monologue that uses full names (that only the reader is privy to). As a result, the reader figures out the mystery well before Harriet and Olive do.
They also purchase a number of books from a handsome chef, Brock, which includes an antique Bible and inscribed book of poetry. These become part of the mystery surrounding the treasure hunt. The romance between Harriet and Brock is a slow burn although the attraction is evident from the beginning. However, Harriet is newly-divorced and not even ready to remove her wedding ring, so it takes months of her slowly building a new life with her daughter until she’s ready to let go and let a new love in.
The character development of both the main and secondary characters is well done, the mother-daughter relationship is enviably loving, supportive, and respectful, and the townspeople, especially the elderly ladies trio, are humorous and welcoming.
As a former librarian and lifelong book lover, I was so envious that Harriet was able to fulfill her dream of opening a bookstore. Author Clark paints such a vivid picture of the town with friendly neighbors, gorgeous beaches, and a good collection of businesses that support the community. This heartwarming, redemptive story is definitely worth a read. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
January 26, 2024
Thank you for allowing me to review this book. This is the second book in the Temple River series. I have read the first, although it is not necessary to do so before reading this one. Harriet and Olive are new to the town where they open a bookstore. They are a mother and daughter coming to terms with a recent divorce. Harriet buys some second hand books, which lead them to follow a treasure hunt. In so doing they learn more about the town and themselves. They are made welcome by many locals, some of whom have a background story. Lovely characters, an emotional story at times but an easy read that I was keen to finish. I recommend this book to all.
January 27, 2024
Heartwarming read
What a beautiful, heartwarming story, captivated from the first chapter. I felt I was part of the treasure hunt and couldn’t wait to see/read the next chapter, a few rears along the way but a sense of warmth and love at the end.
Another brilliant story Phillipa
What a beautiful, heartwarming story, captivated from the first chapter. I felt I was part of the treasure hunt and couldn’t wait to see/read the next chapter, a few rears along the way but a sense of warmth and love at the end.
Another brilliant story Phillipa
January 10, 2024
After a devastating divorce, Harriet Mains and her daughter, Olive moved to the idyllic town of Rivers End. A beautiful coastal town. While her ex is off trying to find himself, Harriet is left taking care of their daughter and opening her own business, a bookstore. Something that she’s always wanted. Between getting the store up and running, Harriet and Olive work getting used books that is donated to the store. They find an anonymous diary, a map and an old Bible. They offer to give them back but the owner refuses to take them back. Since Olive is still struggling with her father being away, Harriet decides that she and Olive can follow the diary and map to see where it takes them. What can it hurt? It’s old after all and the owner said she didn’t want them. As they meet the townspeople and they enjoy becoming part of the town. They also meet a very handsome chef named Brock, a widower and his daughter. The Mains are finally feeling like their lives are turning around and that this town is where they belong. As she makes friends, Harriet realizes that she can move forward with her life. She’s finally finding herself. As time goes on, the diary reads of friendships lost, a devastating accident and trying to move forward. It also has a surprise for Harriet, her ex husband and Olive. Will they find who owns the diary? Will Olive’s dad find himself? Will the bookstore be successful? Will Brock and Harriet find love? The characters are wonderful and the book was hard to put down. I loved it. It’s an emotional story. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
February 29, 2024
After Harriet Main’s husband Jason receives a terminal diagnosis and survives, he decides he is going to live life to the fullest, and apparently without his family. Harriet and her adult daughter Olive need a new beginning after the past few months and open a bookshop in the small town of Rivers End.
The town welcomes Harriet and Olive with open arms and is very supportive of their small business. While searching for inventory for their small used book section, the women stumble upon a personal diary. They try to return it to the owner, but she doesn’t want anything to do with it. Slowly Harriet and Olive try to solve the mystery of the diary filled with initials rather than names. The diary describes a treasure hunt created by three teenagers in the 1960s. As they slowly retrace the decades old treasure hunt, they uncover far more than they bargain for, and in turn learn a lot about their new friends in their small town.
As Harriet and Olive work to heal their hearts and find peace in their new town all while figuring out the mystery behind their found diary. The relationship between mother and daughter is heartwarming, and the mature romantic relationship is not only believably, but wonderfully not “cheesy”. The Bookstore at Rivers End is part hallmark movie, part mystery, and fully enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author Phillipa Nefri Clark for the advanced copy of the book. The Bookstore at Rivers End is out on January 11th. All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
The town welcomes Harriet and Olive with open arms and is very supportive of their small business. While searching for inventory for their small used book section, the women stumble upon a personal diary. They try to return it to the owner, but she doesn’t want anything to do with it. Slowly Harriet and Olive try to solve the mystery of the diary filled with initials rather than names. The diary describes a treasure hunt created by three teenagers in the 1960s. As they slowly retrace the decades old treasure hunt, they uncover far more than they bargain for, and in turn learn a lot about their new friends in their small town.
As Harriet and Olive work to heal their hearts and find peace in their new town all while figuring out the mystery behind their found diary. The relationship between mother and daughter is heartwarming, and the mature romantic relationship is not only believably, but wonderfully not “cheesy”. The Bookstore at Rivers End is part hallmark movie, part mystery, and fully enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author Phillipa Nefri Clark for the advanced copy of the book. The Bookstore at Rivers End is out on January 11th. All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
January 10, 2024
Phillipa Nefri Clark has quickly become one of my favourite authors. In September, I read The Cottage at Whisper Lake and loved it. The second book in the Temple River series, The Bookstore at Rivers End is yet another amazing story. It's an emotional read, with romance, mystery and great characterisation and, of course, that wonderful backdrop of Rivers End.
On this occasion, librarian Harriet and her daughter Olive have arrived in Rivers End. Both are there to start a new life, having experienced heartache and loss.
Harriet's plan is to open a bookstore. She already has the building, it is just a matter of filling it with books. One of her purchases, a box of second hand books contains a diary. Mother and daughter discover details of a treasure hunt which three young girls organised for a friend’s birthday back in the early 1960s. Reading the diary and following the clues, what begins as a light-hearted exercise, soon reveals secrets and heartache.
Although this is part of a series, it can be read independently. However, the author has cleverly included brief appearances from characters from The Cottage at Whisper Lake. This has the effect of making Rivers End feel as if it's a place you know, peopled with familiar characters.
Another unputdownable read from Phillipa Nefri Clark – can’t wait to see what comes next.
Highly recommended.
My thanks to the author Storm and Netgalley for an ARC of The Bookstore at Rivers End in exchange for an honest review.
On this occasion, librarian Harriet and her daughter Olive have arrived in Rivers End. Both are there to start a new life, having experienced heartache and loss.
Harriet's plan is to open a bookstore. She already has the building, it is just a matter of filling it with books. One of her purchases, a box of second hand books contains a diary. Mother and daughter discover details of a treasure hunt which three young girls organised for a friend’s birthday back in the early 1960s. Reading the diary and following the clues, what begins as a light-hearted exercise, soon reveals secrets and heartache.
Although this is part of a series, it can be read independently. However, the author has cleverly included brief appearances from characters from The Cottage at Whisper Lake. This has the effect of making Rivers End feel as if it's a place you know, peopled with familiar characters.
Another unputdownable read from Phillipa Nefri Clark – can’t wait to see what comes next.
Highly recommended.
My thanks to the author Storm and Netgalley for an ARC of The Bookstore at Rivers End in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the idea of the main characters going on a treasure hunt to uncover the history of a diary that came into their hands. I also loved the main characters, specifically the owner of the bookstore and her daughter who seemed very much like the kind of people I would love to sit down with over a cup of coffee. There was enough of a plot although I think, at heart, this is a character driven story. Personally, my favorite part included swimming kangaroos (in Australia--I swear--this makes me want to travel there).
The only issue I had with the book is that there were places where the pacing was a little slower than I liked but overall, a very satisfying read and the kind of book that provides a respite from weightier ones.
I loved the idea of the main characters going on a treasure hunt to uncover the history of a diary that came into their hands. I also loved the main characters, specifically the owner of the bookstore and her daughter who seemed very much like the kind of people I would love to sit down with over a cup of coffee. There was enough of a plot although I think, at heart, this is a character driven story. Personally, my favorite part included swimming kangaroos (in Australia--I swear--this makes me want to travel there).
The only issue I had with the book is that there were places where the pacing was a little slower than I liked but overall, a very satisfying read and the kind of book that provides a respite from weightier ones.
June 26, 2024
In this modern fiction novel, readers get a taste of historical fiction, romance, and mystery as they travel to the tiny Australian town of Rivers End. Following mother and daughter duo Harriet and Olive after a tumultuous few years (divorce, college, and an abusive relationship), readers follow their journey opening a bookstore in Rivers End, making friends, healing, and solving a decades-old mystery. Flashing back to an unknown narrator’s journal from the 1960s, Harriet and Olive retrace the journal’s steps in an attempt to solve the mystery of Rivers End. Of course, no healing narrative is complete without some challenges, so Harriet and Olive’s pasts reappear in their lives to make things more challenging, but both women persevere. Clark’s characters, especially Harriet and Olive, are dynamic and complex, and their relationships (especially the bond between Harriet and Olive) is heartwarming and a joy to witness through the pages. Other characters, such as the BAMs and Brock, have their own complex backstories and characteristics, and readers will enjoy puzzling out the mystery with our protagonists. A charming, light-hearted novel with a wonderful message and some real power behind it, Clark’s latest novel is a great weekend or vacation choice for all readers.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance copy.
January 22, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eCopy to review
The Bookstore at River’s End was ultimately an uplifting story about finding new love, a new place to call home and finding your purpose. There were a number of unsettling circumstances to work through along the way but having done so it left Harriet and her daughter Olive stronger than ever
I loved the characters and all their relationships and ups and downs. The town of River’s End sounds amazing as does the book store
The treasure hunts were epic (one designed for a group of friends little sister in the 1960s and Harriet and Olive following the trail in a diary) and I really enjoyed it until the tragedies struck
The Bookstore at River’s End was ultimately an uplifting story about finding new love, a new place to call home and finding your purpose. There were a number of unsettling circumstances to work through along the way but having done so it left Harriet and her daughter Olive stronger than ever
I loved the characters and all their relationships and ups and downs. The town of River’s End sounds amazing as does the book store
The treasure hunts were epic (one designed for a group of friends little sister in the 1960s and Harriet and Olive following the trail in a diary) and I really enjoyed it until the tragedies struck
December 31, 2023
Harriet and her daughter Olive move to River's End to set up a bookshop after her divorce from her husband, who has left to travel the world. Amongst secondhand books that they purchased for the store they come across an anonymous diary from the 60s giving details of a treasure hunt. Using a dual timeline between present day and the 60s the story of a treasure hunt comes to life.
The dual timeline worked for me, you follow the story from the viewpoint of the author of the diary and then now as Harriet and Olive try to follow the clues and discover who the girls in the diary were. The bookstore becomes a success, certainly one I'd love to visit, and also the community of River's End. The story does build up to a climax and then give an excerpt from the next book in the series, one that I'm certainly looking forward to reading.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book
The dual timeline worked for me, you follow the story from the viewpoint of the author of the diary and then now as Harriet and Olive try to follow the clues and discover who the girls in the diary were. The bookstore becomes a success, certainly one I'd love to visit, and also the community of River's End. The story does build up to a climax and then give an excerpt from the next book in the series, one that I'm certainly looking forward to reading.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book
December 21, 2023
This is a sweeping heartwarming story that takes the reader on a wonderful journey . Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity for review. My review opinions are my own.
Harriet and her daughter have a bookstore in a small town in Australia. Harriet is starting over after her husband left them to find himself. She is determined to make a success out of the bookstore and a life in the charming community. When they find a mysterious diary from decades gone by they investigate and soon are drawn to the contents and the story of the people in the dairy. A wonderful story of human emotions, starting over and connections to the past. This is highly enjoyable read that I recommend for your reading enjoyment . The characters are well crafted, the story is intriquing and the setting is charming. A perfect escape read for all who enjoy women's fiction.
Harriet and her daughter have a bookstore in a small town in Australia. Harriet is starting over after her husband left them to find himself. She is determined to make a success out of the bookstore and a life in the charming community. When they find a mysterious diary from decades gone by they investigate and soon are drawn to the contents and the story of the people in the dairy. A wonderful story of human emotions, starting over and connections to the past. This is highly enjoyable read that I recommend for your reading enjoyment . The characters are well crafted, the story is intriquing and the setting is charming. A perfect escape read for all who enjoy women's fiction.
December 23, 2023
The Bookstore at River's End by Phillipa Nefri Clark is a thoroughly engaging book, made fascinating by the bridging of timelines and the mystery of what happened during a treasure hunt decades before. It is in turns entertaining, romantic, and tragic, making for a book that I simply could not put down until the end.
The author has penned a truly brilliant tale that brings out all of the emotions. She sweeps the reader along with her realistic characters in modern day and their stories of personal growth as they unravel the story of four girls and who they grew up to be. The setting of small town Australia is vivid, the budding romance is sweet, the family relationships are complex, and it all adds up to a fantastic reading experience.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of #TheBookstoreatRiversEnd from #NetGalley .
The author has penned a truly brilliant tale that brings out all of the emotions. She sweeps the reader along with her realistic characters in modern day and their stories of personal growth as they unravel the story of four girls and who they grew up to be. The setting of small town Australia is vivid, the budding romance is sweet, the family relationships are complex, and it all adds up to a fantastic reading experience.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of #TheBookstoreatRiversEnd from #NetGalley .
December 26, 2023
I usually enjoy dual timeline stories and this one was no exception in many respects. I really liked Harriet and Olive, and the way they found new strength and purpose following a difficult time by setting up a new bookshop in Rivers End, a small town in Australia. I also liked the 1960s timeline.
The blossoming romantic storyline was lovely, and I enjoyed the way Harriet came to handle her self-centred ex.
I was less keen on the modern-day treasure hunt, as I felt it was the least interesting and most implausible part of the book. Other readers may well feel differently about this aspect - it just wasn’t my cup of tea personally.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The blossoming romantic storyline was lovely, and I enjoyed the way Harriet came to handle her self-centred ex.
I was less keen on the modern-day treasure hunt, as I felt it was the least interesting and most implausible part of the book. Other readers may well feel differently about this aspect - it just wasn’t my cup of tea personally.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am quite surprised that I haven’t come across any of this author’s previous books. Set in dual timelines, we have the present day and a diary from 1961 where clearly something bad has happened. The relationship between Harriet and her daughter Olive was delightful and it was lovely reading about their bookshop and their personal development. The teenagers in 1961 were trying to do the right things, but life went awry. The portrayal of a small country town was well done, and the power of books and community was also important. This book is perfect for curling up and having a good long uninterrupted read. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a copy to read and give my thoughts on freely.
January 5, 2024
I absolutely love Phillipa Nefri Clark and I can't say that enough!! As always I enjoyed the characters and their realistic reactions to situations. This book gives you a little mystery, adventure and romance. It makes this a perfect book to sit down with a cup of coffee and read, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in advance for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in advance for my honest opinion.
January 5, 2024
Easy fiction read, that I enjoyed a lot. Yet as the story unfolded I found myself wanting/not wanting to read on. The books multiple threads are a treasure trove of love and hurt waiting to be experienced. Heart warming, and heart breaking in equal measure. All intricately tied together by the author. Thank you to Storm Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
December 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this tale. It felt realistic. The double timeline and connections with the present kept me interested, and as the story went on I really began to care for the characters. The coastal Aussie setting added to the allure of the story.
Recommended. I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being given freely.
Recommended. I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being given freely.
December 31, 2023
A great story of.a mother and daughter who arrived at River's End to start a new life.
As they collect books to start their bookstorw, they never envisaged that 2 books would change what happened to some people of the town.
As they collect books to start their bookstorw, they never envisaged that 2 books would change what happened to some people of the town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2025
The Bookstore at Rivers End by Phillipa Nefri Clark is a heartfelt and engaging read set in the gorgeous coastal town of Rivers End.
Harriet has moved to town with her daughter Olive, opening a bookstore as part of a fresh start after difficult times. When they discover an old diary hidden among donated books, it sparks a journey neither of them expected. The treasure hunt described in its pages draws them closer, while also unearthing a decades-old mystery that slowly reveals itself.
I adored the mother–daughter relationship in this story. Olive brought so much light and warmth, and Harriet’s journey felt very real and relatable. The diary and treasure hunt element added a wonderful sense of adventure and nostalgia, weaving the past and present together beautifully. There’s also a character who quietly steps into Harriet’s life, bringing an extra layer of hope and heart that I really enjoyed.
This is a beautifully told story about healing, connection, and second chances. A brilliant addition to the Temple River series.
Harriet has moved to town with her daughter Olive, opening a bookstore as part of a fresh start after difficult times. When they discover an old diary hidden among donated books, it sparks a journey neither of them expected. The treasure hunt described in its pages draws them closer, while also unearthing a decades-old mystery that slowly reveals itself.
I adored the mother–daughter relationship in this story. Olive brought so much light and warmth, and Harriet’s journey felt very real and relatable. The diary and treasure hunt element added a wonderful sense of adventure and nostalgia, weaving the past and present together beautifully. There’s also a character who quietly steps into Harriet’s life, bringing an extra layer of hope and heart that I really enjoyed.
This is a beautifully told story about healing, connection, and second chances. A brilliant addition to the Temple River series.
Want to read
March 29, 2024Phillipa Nefri Clark has a way with words and The Bookstore at Rivers End is no exception.
A mystery based around an old diary by an anonymous author that was donated to the bookstore in Rivers End, sparks a curiosity in Harriet Main that needs to be solved......
Another page turner by Phillipa that you won't regret picking up and reading to the very end.
A mystery based around an old diary by an anonymous author that was donated to the bookstore in Rivers End, sparks a curiosity in Harriet Main that needs to be solved......
Another page turner by Phillipa that you won't regret picking up and reading to the very end.
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