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The Wildest Dreams Bookshop
The SWOONY summer rom-com for fans of Lynn Painter and book lovers everywhere!
Seventeen-year-old Anna is not having a good summer. She’s pretty sure she’s flunked her exams and to make matters worse, her boyfriend, Max, has unceremoniously dumped her. All her friends have incredible summers lined up, while her diary is looking worryingly empty. So when her aunt invites her to stay at her bookshop by the sea for the summer, she reluctantly takes her up on her offer. If nothing else, at least she can hide out there and ignore the fact her real life is quickly going down the drain. What Anna didn’t factor into her summer plans was the oh so irritating but distractingly good looking local surfer, Jacob, who keeps crossing her path and who she finds herself inexplicably drawn to… When disaster strikes the bookshop, Anna has to work with Jacob if she’s to save the bookshop’s end of summer party. Along the way she might just discover that real life can be a whole lot sweeter than fiction…
The Wildest Dreams Bookshop is perfect for hopeless romantics, book lovers, readers who love slow burn romance and fans of Lynn Painter and Jenny Han!
Seventeen-year-old Anna is not having a good summer. She’s pretty sure she’s flunked her exams and to make matters worse, her boyfriend, Max, has unceremoniously dumped her. All her friends have incredible summers lined up, while her diary is looking worryingly empty. So when her aunt invites her to stay at her bookshop by the sea for the summer, she reluctantly takes her up on her offer. If nothing else, at least she can hide out there and ignore the fact her real life is quickly going down the drain. What Anna didn’t factor into her summer plans was the oh so irritating but distractingly good looking local surfer, Jacob, who keeps crossing her path and who she finds herself inexplicably drawn to… When disaster strikes the bookshop, Anna has to work with Jacob if she’s to save the bookshop’s end of summer party. Along the way she might just discover that real life can be a whole lot sweeter than fiction…
The Wildest Dreams Bookshop is perfect for hopeless romantics, book lovers, readers who love slow burn romance and fans of Lynn Painter and Jenny Han!
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2025
81 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
August 7, 2025
:¨ ·.· ¨: post-read:
⠀`· . 3.25! 🌟ˎˊ˗ ╰┈➤ ༄.°𖹭.ᐟ super super cute beachy vibes i absolutely adored + clear character development in both anna & jacob + overall a cozy, atmospheric read!
⠀`· . 3.25! 🌟ˎˊ˗ ╰┈➤ ༄.°𖹭.ᐟ super super cute beachy vibes i absolutely adored + clear character development in both anna & jacob + overall a cozy, atmospheric read!
August 10, 2025
・❥・ 2.5 stars
October 7, 2025
A cute little read perfect for a younger reader or someone that likes closed door romances.
November 5, 2025
If your looking for a clean romance about the classic girl meets a boy but they know if they should confess their feelings for eachother, then this is for you recommend 12-14yrs.
January 10, 2026
The Wildest Dreams Bookshop by Gracie Page is a warm, comforting read that feels like curling up in a cozy corner of your favorite indie bookstore. The setting is charming and lovingly described, and I especially enjoyed the sense of community that runs through the story—it gives the book a heartfelt, inviting atmosphere.
The characters are easy to connect with, and their emotional journeys feel sincere and relatable. I appreciated how the author explores themes of second chances, following your dreams, and finding where you truly belong. There were several moments that made me smile and a few that tugged gently at the heartstrings.
While the story was thoroughly enjoyable, some parts felt a bit predictable, and I found myself wishing certain plot points or relationships had been explored more deeply. Still, the overall experience was very satisfying and uplifting.
If you enjoy cozy, feel-good fiction with bookish vibes and a touch of romance, this is definitely worth picking up. A lovely read and an easy recommendation for fans of comfort reads. 📚✨
The characters are easy to connect with, and their emotional journeys feel sincere and relatable. I appreciated how the author explores themes of second chances, following your dreams, and finding where you truly belong. There were several moments that made me smile and a few that tugged gently at the heartstrings.
While the story was thoroughly enjoyable, some parts felt a bit predictable, and I found myself wishing certain plot points or relationships had been explored more deeply. Still, the overall experience was very satisfying and uplifting.
If you enjoy cozy, feel-good fiction with bookish vibes and a touch of romance, this is definitely worth picking up. A lovely read and an easy recommendation for fans of comfort reads. 📚✨
November 20, 2025
Mixed feelings.
Not enough romance: advertised as romcom with 10% romance
Great characters development: the MF was SO annoying but less in the end.
Jacob: we know nothing about him only rumors
A plot IMPOSSIBLE to happen IRL 😫
Meh. (Too YA for me, almost 30 can’t read about teenagers anymore…)
Not enough romance: advertised as romcom with 10% romance
Great characters development: the MF was SO annoying but less in the end.
Jacob: we know nothing about him only rumors
A plot IMPOSSIBLE to happen IRL 😫
Meh. (Too YA for me, almost 30 can’t read about teenagers anymore…)
June 20, 2025
This is just the sweetest summer coming of age love story, filled with charming characters and descriptions of gorgeous scenery and it’s set in a bookshop! Loved the book references sprinkled in and the understanding of our world, the world where authors are the real celebrities and books are front and centre. I loved the main protagonists growth throughout the story and the very gentleness of this heartwarming, bookish tale.
March 16, 2025
No because WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S OVER??
If you loved Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer or Safe Harbor by K.sinko, you'll love this YA contemporary.
This book is a 100% a love letter to readers, romantics and anyone who feels immense empathy toward fictional characters. I loved how Anna was determined to pick back up her aunt's bookshop and help it flourish again. She doesn't take no for an answer taking up challenges because she deeply cares for her aunt. I really wanted to see her succeed. Then she starts to care about the small town of Fox Bay and a little too much for the tall surfer there....
In comes Jacob, who was reluctant at first to Anna's presence, but quickly fell for her without realizing it. They are so so sweet!
"Do you ever let anything go?"
"I treasure every insult from you, Anna."
He grovels ladies, GROVELS!!
I liked that the romance wasn't the main focus, but also the familial relationships alongside the friendships.
The way the town came to Anna's aid... I teared up at the end.
Oh I loved his town and the people. If anyone has ever felt lost, almost in doubt of their abilities, you'll feel seen through this novel. It's not always about preparing for the future, but rather remembering to live in the moments, or else you might miss something.
"I'll drown."
"Maybe. But at least you will have lived."
If you loved Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer or Safe Harbor by K.sinko, you'll love this YA contemporary.
This book is a 100% a love letter to readers, romantics and anyone who feels immense empathy toward fictional characters. I loved how Anna was determined to pick back up her aunt's bookshop and help it flourish again. She doesn't take no for an answer taking up challenges because she deeply cares for her aunt. I really wanted to see her succeed. Then she starts to care about the small town of Fox Bay and a little too much for the tall surfer there....
In comes Jacob, who was reluctant at first to Anna's presence, but quickly fell for her without realizing it. They are so so sweet!
"Do you ever let anything go?"
"I treasure every insult from you, Anna."
He grovels ladies, GROVELS!!
I liked that the romance wasn't the main focus, but also the familial relationships alongside the friendships.
The way the town came to Anna's aid... I teared up at the end.
Oh I loved his town and the people. If anyone has ever felt lost, almost in doubt of their abilities, you'll feel seen through this novel. It's not always about preparing for the future, but rather remembering to live in the moments, or else you might miss something.
"I'll drown."
"Maybe. But at least you will have lived."
March 19, 2025
This book was really cute. FMC goes to spend her summer at her aunts bookshop in Cornwall and ends up running it and planning a massive book launch with the help of FMC. The descriptions in the book were on point - I could see the village perfectly and those blue Cornwall waters, and the launch party was really easy to visualise. It was easy to read, and kept me interested in what was coming next - I’m a sucker for anything bookshop related though! Also the idea for the marketing campaign within the book was brilliant.
However I don’t really understand why they tried to sell MMC as a ‘bad boy’ - he throws parties and drinks is the logic given in the book…but that’s standard British teenager behaviour? I think emphasising the surfer side would have worked better (but that’s obviously not as popular a trope as bad boy). The ex boyfriend was a proper bell, and it did annoy me how she was letting him just walk all over her for a while. Like girl grow a backbone.
Overall an enjoyable read. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
However I don’t really understand why they tried to sell MMC as a ‘bad boy’ - he throws parties and drinks is the logic given in the book…but that’s standard British teenager behaviour? I think emphasising the surfer side would have worked better (but that’s obviously not as popular a trope as bad boy). The ex boyfriend was a proper bell, and it did annoy me how she was letting him just walk all over her for a while. Like girl grow a backbone.
Overall an enjoyable read. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
August 22, 2025
The Wildest Dreams Bookshop is exactly what its title promises—a warm, dreamy escape to a Cornish seaside town filled with charm, heart, and a touch of romance. Gracie Page crafts a story that feels like a cozy summer breeze: easy to sink into and hard to put down.
The book follows Anna, a perfectionist planner whose summer plans implode, sending her to help her aunt at a quirky coastal bookshop. What starts as a punishment quickly becomes a journey of self-discovery as Anna learns to loosen her grip on rigid expectations, open her heart, and embrace a little spontaneity helped along by Jacob, the easygoing local surfer who challenges everything she thinks she knows.
The setting is magical: Fox Bay comes alive with its sandy beaches, winding streets, and the inviting bookshop that feels like a character in itself. The romantic tension between Anna and Jacob is sweet and believable which is an opposites-attract dynamic that never feels forced. Anna’s character growth is satisfying; watching her trade spreadsheets for saltwater was a delight. It’s feel-good and hopeful, perfect for fans of cozy romances with a YA twist.
The pacing in the middle drags slightly, especially when Anna gets bogged down in the bookshop’s financial woes. Some side characters could have used a bit more depth—they’re likable, but a little one-dimensional.
If you’re craving a heartwarming, bookish summer read with beachy vibes, a dash of romance, and themes of letting go and finding your true path, this book will leave you smiling. It’s the perfect companion for a lazy afternoon by the sea.
Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
The book follows Anna, a perfectionist planner whose summer plans implode, sending her to help her aunt at a quirky coastal bookshop. What starts as a punishment quickly becomes a journey of self-discovery as Anna learns to loosen her grip on rigid expectations, open her heart, and embrace a little spontaneity helped along by Jacob, the easygoing local surfer who challenges everything she thinks she knows.
The setting is magical: Fox Bay comes alive with its sandy beaches, winding streets, and the inviting bookshop that feels like a character in itself. The romantic tension between Anna and Jacob is sweet and believable which is an opposites-attract dynamic that never feels forced. Anna’s character growth is satisfying; watching her trade spreadsheets for saltwater was a delight. It’s feel-good and hopeful, perfect for fans of cozy romances with a YA twist.
The pacing in the middle drags slightly, especially when Anna gets bogged down in the bookshop’s financial woes. Some side characters could have used a bit more depth—they’re likable, but a little one-dimensional.
If you’re craving a heartwarming, bookish summer read with beachy vibes, a dash of romance, and themes of letting go and finding your true path, this book will leave you smiling. It’s the perfect companion for a lazy afternoon by the sea.
Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
November 14, 2025
I need everyone to know I imagined the author coming to her book event like the dads on the boat in Mama Mia: Here We Go Again
I don’t know why but it never occurred to me that would be beach romances in the UK but here we are. Or surfing, for that matter 🤔 This was a cute story about a girl out to save her aunts quirky, unprofitable bookshop that exclusively sells Russian literature. Through the help of the community, some silly mishaps, and a cute boy, the bookstore is saved and Anna gets a new lease on life.
My big complaint really lies in the length of the book. We spent so much time saving the bookshop (which I enjoyed, don’t get me wrong) that we almost neglect the romance happening here. Dare I say, it felt like Anna spent more page time with her crappy ex than her summer fling.
Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook!
I don’t know why but it never occurred to me that would be beach romances in the UK but here we are. Or surfing, for that matter 🤔 This was a cute story about a girl out to save her aunts quirky, unprofitable bookshop that exclusively sells Russian literature. Through the help of the community, some silly mishaps, and a cute boy, the bookstore is saved and Anna gets a new lease on life.
My big complaint really lies in the length of the book. We spent so much time saving the bookshop (which I enjoyed, don’t get me wrong) that we almost neglect the romance happening here. Dare I say, it felt like Anna spent more page time with her crappy ex than her summer fling.
Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook!
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October 19, 2025DNF at 43%
I just could not get into this book unfortunately. I have been known to enjoy YA romance books in this past but this book felt a bit too immature and chaotic for my liking. The FMC going behind her aunts back and planning to change up the store while she’s away against her wishes just let me uncomfortable and dreading any fallout from it and I’m not all that interested in the characters so feel best to DNF at this point.
I was gifted a copy of the book by the publisher which I’m very grateful for, but this one just wasn’t for me but may be for others if you’re looking for a summer romance coming of age story!
I just could not get into this book unfortunately. I have been known to enjoy YA romance books in this past but this book felt a bit too immature and chaotic for my liking. The FMC going behind her aunts back and planning to change up the store while she’s away against her wishes just let me uncomfortable and dreading any fallout from it and I’m not all that interested in the characters so feel best to DNF at this point.
I was gifted a copy of the book by the publisher which I’m very grateful for, but this one just wasn’t for me but may be for others if you’re looking for a summer romance coming of age story!
July 27, 2025
3.5⭐️
This was a super cute quick and easy coming of age YA book!
Our main character has been working her whole school life to get the best results to get into the university of her dreams - but is clearly really burnt out 🥹. We follow her going on a summer trip to a small town to stay with her aunt and work at her bookshop.
We follow her helping the failing bookstore out, finding new friends, settling in within a small town and finally slowing down and figuring out what she actually wants in life 🥹🩷. There’s also a cute little romance.
It was just very cute and sweet and fun!
This was a super cute quick and easy coming of age YA book!
Our main character has been working her whole school life to get the best results to get into the university of her dreams - but is clearly really burnt out 🥹. We follow her going on a summer trip to a small town to stay with her aunt and work at her bookshop.
We follow her helping the failing bookstore out, finding new friends, settling in within a small town and finally slowing down and figuring out what she actually wants in life 🥹🩷. There’s also a cute little romance.
It was just very cute and sweet and fun!
August 12, 2025
This book has finally got me out of my reading slump!! I’m not going to say it’s literary genius, but it was the perfect cosy but summer vibes book!! I literally couldn’t put it down!! It’s cute and the characters felt like a hug from home - 5 stars 💚
December 7, 2025
LOVED IT!!!!! I read this in one sitting cause I couldn’t get enough. The ending was great! I’m so glad they finally got them moment! I love Jacob he was nice and he helped her with anything she needed. It was a lovely small town romance and I can’t wait to start the next one!🩷
December 19, 2025
This book was amazing, super well written, perfect summer read and a cosy town romance all readers love! I finished the book grinning, absolutely astounding. No spice at all, satisfying ending, great storyline and, side note, MAY THIS LOVE FIND ME ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 27, 2025
Super cute fun summer romance, has me wanting to go home and be by the sea
May 28, 2025
The best book I’ve read so far this year!! New favourite🤩
September 21, 2025
Cute story from begin to end, easy to read. Very predictable though.
October 23, 2025
I ABSOLUTELY ADOREEEEEE
But a few things to keep in mind are the basic names, how they are ALWAYS interrupted, and MAX. It’s ALWAYS THE MAXS’
But a few things to keep in mind are the basic names, how they are ALWAYS interrupted, and MAX. It’s ALWAYS THE MAXS’
November 13, 2025
Cute, cheesy, cute. Exactly what was needed. Onto book two...
December 12, 2025
Aside from being a teeny bit cringey lol, this was a rlly cute romance!! I loved the setting and the romance was sweet, but it felt more like a coming of age than a romance. Idk I still liked it!
December 18, 2025
It’s a sweet book ❤️ definitely better suited for young adults though.
December 25, 2025
Cute YA novel revolving around my favorite thing, a bookstore!
January 4, 2026
i fear this is extremely unrealistic but it was a fun read!
January 31, 2026
This book was so sweet and cozy. I loved the simple writing and Anna’s personality. The seaside was beautiful and welcoming. It was a perfect summer read!! 🪁⭐️🦋
February 2, 2026
I hated Anna so much! This felt like a hallmark movie in summer and 10x worse. The bookshop was a sweet atmosphere.
June 29, 2025
Jacob ❤️
October 5, 2025
Rlly cute quick read
June 13, 2025
What a lovely cosy and inspiring read! I really enjoyed the whole vibe of the book, even though I kind of knew where it was going, but it was so charming and drew me in just when I needed this type of read. It’s the perfect young adult/teen book I can definitely see it being popular with my secondary age students✨ Thank you Gracie and Harper Collins for giving me access to the eARC ✨
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews