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Shops on Main #7
The Happiest Shop on Main
Sometimes 'helpful' friends go a little too far...
Ivory McCoy has survived her share of embarrassing moments—her family drama being a source of gossip in small town Lighthouse Bay practically guarantees it—but nothing prepares her for the disaster waiting in her half-renovated apartment. One friendly miscommunication, one spilled paint tray, and she finds herself face-to-face with the most unfairly handsome man she’s ever seen… while looking like she lost a fight with a hardware store.
Rhys Shahan came to Lighthouse Bay for a quiet restart, not to be ambushed by flustered charm, accidental paint splatters, and the blinding kindness of the woman who owns the building he’s renting from. Soft-spoken, hardworking, and a little shy, he’s used to keeping his world small. But Ivory—with her quick humor, anxious rambling, and a heart bigger than her to-do list—pulls him in from the very first chaotic moment..
As renovation mishaps, protective friends, and unexpected vulnerability push Ivory and Rhys together, they’ll have to decide whether the sweetest beginnings can come from the most humiliating first impressions.
Perfect for readers who crave the cozy warmth of small-town romance, quirky meddling neighbors, slow-burning tenderness, and heroes who love softly. Fans of Elana Johnson, Rachael Bloome, Jenny Hale, and Melanie Harlow will feel right at home in Lighthouse Bay.
Ivory McCoy has survived her share of embarrassing moments—her family drama being a source of gossip in small town Lighthouse Bay practically guarantees it—but nothing prepares her for the disaster waiting in her half-renovated apartment. One friendly miscommunication, one spilled paint tray, and she finds herself face-to-face with the most unfairly handsome man she’s ever seen… while looking like she lost a fight with a hardware store.
Rhys Shahan came to Lighthouse Bay for a quiet restart, not to be ambushed by flustered charm, accidental paint splatters, and the blinding kindness of the woman who owns the building he’s renting from. Soft-spoken, hardworking, and a little shy, he’s used to keeping his world small. But Ivory—with her quick humor, anxious rambling, and a heart bigger than her to-do list—pulls him in from the very first chaotic moment..
As renovation mishaps, protective friends, and unexpected vulnerability push Ivory and Rhys together, they’ll have to decide whether the sweetest beginnings can come from the most humiliating first impressions.
Perfect for readers who crave the cozy warmth of small-town romance, quirky meddling neighbors, slow-burning tenderness, and heroes who love softly. Fans of Elana Johnson, Rachael Bloome, Jenny Hale, and Melanie Harlow will feel right at home in Lighthouse Bay.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 27, 2026
The Happiest Shop on Main
by Laura Ann
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Book 7 in the Shops on Main series
Performed in dual narration by June deBorahae & John Lane
Ivory and Rhys
Rhys is new to town, starting work with the McKoy Boys
Ivory needs to re paint her apartment that is upstairs to her shop. She will need to try and find a long term tenant so she doesn’t have to do that every time the short term tenants leave.
As it turns out Rhys will need a place to stay.
When they first meet they are both captived by each other.
I love their awkwardness in the beginning
I loved their chemistry and their journey.
This is such a great wholesome series.
I enjoyed June deBorahae & John Lane’s performance.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio for this ALC
by Laura Ann
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Book 7 in the Shops on Main series
Performed in dual narration by June deBorahae & John Lane
Ivory and Rhys
Rhys is new to town, starting work with the McKoy Boys
Ivory needs to re paint her apartment that is upstairs to her shop. She will need to try and find a long term tenant so she doesn’t have to do that every time the short term tenants leave.
As it turns out Rhys will need a place to stay.
When they first meet they are both captived by each other.
I love their awkwardness in the beginning
I loved their chemistry and their journey.
This is such a great wholesome series.
I enjoyed June deBorahae & John Lane’s performance.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio for this ALC
May 31, 2026
🛠️💛 A paint disaster, a fresh start, and a love that grows in all the little moments. 💛🛠️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Spice-meter: ☆☆☆☆☆ (0/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Dual
Series: Shops on Main, Book 7 (interconnected standalone)
HEA: Yes
The Happiest Shop on Main is a sweet, cozy small-town romance that leans heavily into warmth, community, and emotional connection. This isn't a book filled with high drama, shocking twists, or intense angst. Instead, it focuses on two genuinely kind people finding comfort, acceptance, and love when they least expect it.
What stood out most for me was the sense of community that Laura Ann has built throughout this series. Lighthouse Bay feels like a place you could actually visit, filled with people who care a little too much, meddle a little too often, and love with their whole hearts. The family dynamics were easily one of my favorite parts of the story. Both blood family and found family play such an important role, creating that comforting sense of belonging that runs through every chapter.
The Story
Rather than relying on dramatic conflicts or complicated misunderstandings, this story shines through its quieter moments. Ivory and Rhys are both characters carrying their own insecurities and vulnerabilities, and watching them slowly build trust felt authentic and heartfelt.
Ivory's anxious energy, kindness, and tendency to put everyone else first make her incredibly easy to root for. Rhys is the definition of a soft hero. Gentle, patient, and steady in a way that feels refreshing in a genre often dominated by louder personalities. Their connection develops naturally through everyday interactions, shared moments, and growing emotional intimacy rather than instant attraction or constant tension.
While I personally would have liked a little more depth and momentum in parts of the story, the overall atmosphere remains warm, comforting, and easy to settle into.
🎧 Narration
Performed in dual narration by June deBorahae and John Lane, the audiobook was a wonderful listening experience.
Both narrators captured the emotional heart of the story beautifully. June deBorahae brings warmth, vulnerability, and charm to Ivory, while John Lane perfectly conveys Rhys's quiet, dependable nature. Their performances really shine during the softer moments, adding extra emotional weight to scenes that might otherwise feel simple on the page.
The narration elevates the story and makes the relationship feel even more genuine and heartfelt.
What I Loved
✔️ A genuinely kind and lovable MMC
✔️ Strong family and found-family dynamics
✔️ Cozy small-town atmosphere
✔️ Sweet, low-drama romance
✔️ Emotional vulnerability and healing
✔️ Supportive community that feels like home
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Small-Town Romance
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Fresh Start
✔️ Found Family
✔️ Cinnamon Roll Hero
✔️ Slow Burn Romance
✔️ Meddling Friends & Neighbors
✔️ Emotional Healing
✔️ Dual POV
Final Thoughts
The Happiest Shop on Main is exactly what its title promises: a cozy, feel-good romance filled with kindness, community, and characters who simply want to find their place in the world.
While it wasn't the most memorable book in the series for me, it delivered everything I look for when I'm in the mood for something comforting and low stress. The relationship is sweet, the town remains charming as ever, and the strong family connections continue to be one of the series' greatest strengths.
If you enjoy small-town romances with soft heroes, lovable communities, emotional healing, and plenty of heart, this is an easy book to curl up with on a quiet afternoon.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Spice-meter: ☆☆☆☆☆ (0/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Dual
Series: Shops on Main, Book 7 (interconnected standalone)
HEA: Yes
The Happiest Shop on Main is a sweet, cozy small-town romance that leans heavily into warmth, community, and emotional connection. This isn't a book filled with high drama, shocking twists, or intense angst. Instead, it focuses on two genuinely kind people finding comfort, acceptance, and love when they least expect it.
What stood out most for me was the sense of community that Laura Ann has built throughout this series. Lighthouse Bay feels like a place you could actually visit, filled with people who care a little too much, meddle a little too often, and love with their whole hearts. The family dynamics were easily one of my favorite parts of the story. Both blood family and found family play such an important role, creating that comforting sense of belonging that runs through every chapter.
The Story
Rather than relying on dramatic conflicts or complicated misunderstandings, this story shines through its quieter moments. Ivory and Rhys are both characters carrying their own insecurities and vulnerabilities, and watching them slowly build trust felt authentic and heartfelt.
Ivory's anxious energy, kindness, and tendency to put everyone else first make her incredibly easy to root for. Rhys is the definition of a soft hero. Gentle, patient, and steady in a way that feels refreshing in a genre often dominated by louder personalities. Their connection develops naturally through everyday interactions, shared moments, and growing emotional intimacy rather than instant attraction or constant tension.
While I personally would have liked a little more depth and momentum in parts of the story, the overall atmosphere remains warm, comforting, and easy to settle into.
🎧 Narration
Performed in dual narration by June deBorahae and John Lane, the audiobook was a wonderful listening experience.
Both narrators captured the emotional heart of the story beautifully. June deBorahae brings warmth, vulnerability, and charm to Ivory, while John Lane perfectly conveys Rhys's quiet, dependable nature. Their performances really shine during the softer moments, adding extra emotional weight to scenes that might otherwise feel simple on the page.
The narration elevates the story and makes the relationship feel even more genuine and heartfelt.
What I Loved
✔️ A genuinely kind and lovable MMC
✔️ Strong family and found-family dynamics
✔️ Cozy small-town atmosphere
✔️ Sweet, low-drama romance
✔️ Emotional vulnerability and healing
✔️ Supportive community that feels like home
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Small-Town Romance
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Fresh Start
✔️ Found Family
✔️ Cinnamon Roll Hero
✔️ Slow Burn Romance
✔️ Meddling Friends & Neighbors
✔️ Emotional Healing
✔️ Dual POV
Final Thoughts
The Happiest Shop on Main is exactly what its title promises: a cozy, feel-good romance filled with kindness, community, and characters who simply want to find their place in the world.
While it wasn't the most memorable book in the series for me, it delivered everything I look for when I'm in the mood for something comforting and low stress. The relationship is sweet, the town remains charming as ever, and the strong family connections continue to be one of the series' greatest strengths.
If you enjoy small-town romances with soft heroes, lovable communities, emotional healing, and plenty of heart, this is an easy book to curl up with on a quiet afternoon.
May 24, 2026
This story felt like a warm hug wrapped in family, healing, and the sweetest kind of romance 🥹❤️ Every book in this series somehow manages to leave me even more emotionally attached to these characters and this world.
Ivory’s journey was incredibly relatable and heartfelt. Watching everyone around her find love while she quietly battled loneliness hit harder than I expected 😭 She’s thoughtful, caring, creative, and deeply rooted in both her family and community, yet she still struggles with insecurities and questions about whether she’s truly enough. I loved how much self-discovery was woven into her story.
When the McCoy brothers suggest renting the apartment above her toy shop to Rhys, Ivory has no idea how much her life is about to change 👀✨ Rhys was honestly such a wonderful MMC. Kind, patient, supportive, and quietly charming in a way that completely sneaks up on you. His hearing loss added another layer of realism to the story, and I appreciated how naturally the communication challenges were explored throughout the romance.
What made Ivory and Rhys work so beautifully together was how safe they felt with each other ❤️ Rhys becomes this steady source of comfort and support during some emotionally difficult moments in Ivory’s life, while Ivory gives him acceptance and understanding without making him feel less because of his disability. Their relationship develops with so much tenderness, honesty, and emotional maturity.
I also adored how grounded the story felt 🥹 Between family struggles, self-doubt, communication barriers, and learning how to truly open yourself up to love, the obstacles felt genuine and believable rather than overly dramatic. The romance itself was soft, wholesome, and full of those little moments that slowly make you fall completely in love with the couple.
Ivory owning a toy store and sewing doll clothes as a hobby added such a unique charm to her character too 🧸✨ It made her feel even more real and lovable. I especially appreciated how the story emphasized embracing yourself fully instead of trying to fit into someone else’s expectations.
The family dynamics throughout the book were another highlight ❤️ Both blood family and chosen family play such a huge role in this series, and that sense of love, support, and belonging always shines through so beautifully.
And the audiobook narration was absolutely wonderful 🎧 The narrators captured the emotional depth of Ivory and Rhys so well, especially during the quieter and more vulnerable moments. Listening to their story honestly made the emotional scenes hit even deeper.
This was such a comforting, emotional, and uplifting romance filled with heart, healing, self-acceptance, and a couple that truly felt perfect for one another 🥹💕
Ivory’s journey was incredibly relatable and heartfelt. Watching everyone around her find love while she quietly battled loneliness hit harder than I expected 😭 She’s thoughtful, caring, creative, and deeply rooted in both her family and community, yet she still struggles with insecurities and questions about whether she’s truly enough. I loved how much self-discovery was woven into her story.
When the McCoy brothers suggest renting the apartment above her toy shop to Rhys, Ivory has no idea how much her life is about to change 👀✨ Rhys was honestly such a wonderful MMC. Kind, patient, supportive, and quietly charming in a way that completely sneaks up on you. His hearing loss added another layer of realism to the story, and I appreciated how naturally the communication challenges were explored throughout the romance.
What made Ivory and Rhys work so beautifully together was how safe they felt with each other ❤️ Rhys becomes this steady source of comfort and support during some emotionally difficult moments in Ivory’s life, while Ivory gives him acceptance and understanding without making him feel less because of his disability. Their relationship develops with so much tenderness, honesty, and emotional maturity.
I also adored how grounded the story felt 🥹 Between family struggles, self-doubt, communication barriers, and learning how to truly open yourself up to love, the obstacles felt genuine and believable rather than overly dramatic. The romance itself was soft, wholesome, and full of those little moments that slowly make you fall completely in love with the couple.
Ivory owning a toy store and sewing doll clothes as a hobby added such a unique charm to her character too 🧸✨ It made her feel even more real and lovable. I especially appreciated how the story emphasized embracing yourself fully instead of trying to fit into someone else’s expectations.
The family dynamics throughout the book were another highlight ❤️ Both blood family and chosen family play such a huge role in this series, and that sense of love, support, and belonging always shines through so beautifully.
And the audiobook narration was absolutely wonderful 🎧 The narrators captured the emotional depth of Ivory and Rhys so well, especially during the quieter and more vulnerable moments. Listening to their story honestly made the emotional scenes hit even deeper.
This was such a comforting, emotional, and uplifting romance filled with heart, healing, self-acceptance, and a couple that truly felt perfect for one another 🥹💕
June 3, 2026
✨ Audiobook Review ✨
The Happiest Shop on Main by Laura Ann
🎙️ Dual Narration by June DeBorahae & John Lane
I cannot say enough good things about the Shops on Main series. Every installment has completely stolen my heart, and The Happiest Shop on Main is no exception.
What I loved most about this story was how relatable it felt. Laura Ann tackles real-life family struggles with warmth, compassion, and authenticity. The disability representation was thoughtfully handled, including the awkward moments, misunderstandings, and learning experiences that can happen along the way. Add in the challenges of being the newcomer in a small town and the beauty of finding acceptance and community, and you have a story that is both heartfelt and inspiring.
This series continues to deliver memorable characters, meaningful relationships, and all the small-town charm I've come to love. An easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me!
Now, let's talk about the narration.
June DeBorahae once again proved why she's one of my favorite narrators. She brings incredible emotional depth to every character and never misses a beat. This was only my second time listening to John Lane, and he was fantastic. He matched June's talent beautifully, delivering a performance that felt authentic and engaging from start to finish.
Together, they elevated an already wonderful story and brought these characters to life in the best possible way.
If you haven't started the Shops on Main series yet, do yourself a favor and begin at the beginning. This is Book 7, and the journey is absolutely worth it.
⭐ Rating: 5/5 Stars
🎧 Highly Recommended
The Happiest Shop on Main by Laura Ann
🎙️ Dual Narration by June DeBorahae & John Lane
I cannot say enough good things about the Shops on Main series. Every installment has completely stolen my heart, and The Happiest Shop on Main is no exception.
What I loved most about this story was how relatable it felt. Laura Ann tackles real-life family struggles with warmth, compassion, and authenticity. The disability representation was thoughtfully handled, including the awkward moments, misunderstandings, and learning experiences that can happen along the way. Add in the challenges of being the newcomer in a small town and the beauty of finding acceptance and community, and you have a story that is both heartfelt and inspiring.
This series continues to deliver memorable characters, meaningful relationships, and all the small-town charm I've come to love. An easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me!
Now, let's talk about the narration.
June DeBorahae once again proved why she's one of my favorite narrators. She brings incredible emotional depth to every character and never misses a beat. This was only my second time listening to John Lane, and he was fantastic. He matched June's talent beautifully, delivering a performance that felt authentic and engaging from start to finish.
Together, they elevated an already wonderful story and brought these characters to life in the best possible way.
If you haven't started the Shops on Main series yet, do yourself a favor and begin at the beginning. This is Book 7, and the journey is absolutely worth it.
⭐ Rating: 5/5 Stars
🎧 Highly Recommended
June 1, 2026
This story was incredibly sweet. Ivory owns the toy shop in Main Street. Rhys moves into Lighthouse Bay to work with the McCoy brothers and ends up renting Ivory's apartment. The two meet when Rhys shows up and Ivory is covered in paint while renovating the apartment.
Rhys is soft spoken, kind, gentle and hard working. He is hard of hearing and the way he approaches this in all relationships was incredible. He becomes Ivory's strong, supportive side when her family drama comes back up again. Ivory gives Rhys rhe nudge he needs to open up and expand his friend/found family space.
Ivory & Rhys deal with real situations and their raw emotions are shown. The way they communicate is sweet and amazing with how much focus they give each other. I still love how the men in Lighthouse Bay make it known they are there and will protect those in their family circle.
Audio: June deBorahae is a comfort voice for me. She pulls out Ivory's soft and vulnerable side so well and then shines in her brave moments. John Lane was perfect for Rhys. His quiet, soft tone brought out his character but also the strong moments, especially with Ivory. They did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life.
Rhys is soft spoken, kind, gentle and hard working. He is hard of hearing and the way he approaches this in all relationships was incredible. He becomes Ivory's strong, supportive side when her family drama comes back up again. Ivory gives Rhys rhe nudge he needs to open up and expand his friend/found family space.
Ivory & Rhys deal with real situations and their raw emotions are shown. The way they communicate is sweet and amazing with how much focus they give each other. I still love how the men in Lighthouse Bay make it known they are there and will protect those in their family circle.
Audio: June deBorahae is a comfort voice for me. She pulls out Ivory's soft and vulnerable side so well and then shines in her brave moments. John Lane was perfect for Rhys. His quiet, soft tone brought out his character but also the strong moments, especially with Ivory. They did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life.
November 17, 2025
A sweet romance
Such a sweet story of examining what thought you wanted in a person you are interested in and determining what is most important. Ivory has slowly watched friends find love and marry while she remains alone. She’s happy for them but lonely. When her friends, the McCoy brothers, approach her about a possible tenant for the apartment above her shop, she happily agrees. What she didn’t realize was the impact that would have on her life. Her new tenant, Rhys, is wonderful to look at, kind, considerate, and basically everything she finds attractive in a man. But he had lost all hearing in one ear and only had partial hearing in the other. Is she interested in a relationship made even harder by communication problems? Would he be interested in a woman who owns a toy store, sews doll clothes for a hobby, and has a lot of family issues? Such a sweet thoughtful read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Such a sweet story of examining what thought you wanted in a person you are interested in and determining what is most important. Ivory has slowly watched friends find love and marry while she remains alone. She’s happy for them but lonely. When her friends, the McCoy brothers, approach her about a possible tenant for the apartment above her shop, she happily agrees. What she didn’t realize was the impact that would have on her life. Her new tenant, Rhys, is wonderful to look at, kind, considerate, and basically everything she finds attractive in a man. But he had lost all hearing in one ear and only had partial hearing in the other. Is she interested in a relationship made even harder by communication problems? Would he be interested in a woman who owns a toy store, sews doll clothes for a hobby, and has a lot of family issues? Such a sweet thoughtful read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
May 24, 2026
It's so hard not to sound redundant, but I truly love this series and each book just grows with me more and more! Always a strong family focus (blood and chosen) with a great moral compass and swoon worthy romances that are just so sweet and wholesome. That said, they are also riddled with realistic situations and obstacles to overcome, doubts concerns fears etc - I love that Ivory gets the chance to embrace not only her family and new love interest after bumps in the road, but ultimately is able to embrace herself - she's brave and able to evaluate herself deeply enough to self reflect and that is just so hard to do. The mmc is just the right fit for her and his own story just fits right in with Ann's masterful pairing of the mcs - I love the communication that they have and feel this was super relatable!
May 24, 2026
Family dynamics and trials get thrown at us and sometimes we don’t know how to react to them. That’s what happens to Ivory. Rhys is new in town and ends up renting Ivory’s room above her shop. He becomes an anchor, support, friend and boyfriend that she needs at this time. This is a HEA story with real emotions, trials, and a physical disability built in. The narrators are excellent and I enjoyed listening to them. I received a copy of the book for free and this is my own opinion about it.
February 10, 2026
Another great romance
Laura Ann has done it again! I love the sweet romances but also the community of friends she creates in her books. Every series I have read by her (and there has been A LOT) gets me hooked with the romance of course but the community of friends keeps me coming back for more. Happy reading!
Laura Ann has done it again! I love the sweet romances but also the community of friends she creates in her books. Every series I have read by her (and there has been A LOT) gets me hooked with the romance of course but the community of friends keeps me coming back for more. Happy reading!
June 4, 2026
✩°｡⋆⸜ ♥️🎧✮ Audiobook Review! ✩°｡⋆⸜ ♥️🎧✮
This is the seventh book in the Shops on Main series, a small town romance. I liked Ivory and Rhys's sweet and engaging romance. The characters are interesting and easy to connect with. June DeBorahae and John Lane deliver an excellent performance, bringing the characters and their journey to life. A delightful and enjoyable listen. #BlueNoseAudio
This is the seventh book in the Shops on Main series, a small town romance. I liked Ivory and Rhys's sweet and engaging romance. The characters are interesting and easy to connect with. June DeBorahae and John Lane deliver an excellent performance, bringing the characters and their journey to life. A delightful and enjoyable listen. #BlueNoseAudio
November 16, 2025
Ivory and Rhys are perfect for each other. I loved how the author let us see and hear how they both were feeling. Their communication was amazing especially for a new couple. Real life issues handled like real people do. Loved this series and always enjoy seeing characters from previous books. Looking forward book 8, Jett's story, as well as how Raven's story progresses.
September 13, 2026
Endearing
This was a sweet love story. I didn't really care for how Ivory was towards her brother ... But the message of forgiveness was good. Having had friends in the deaf community I appreciated the representation.
This was a sweet love story. I didn't really care for how Ivory was towards her brother ... But the message of forgiveness was good. Having had friends in the deaf community I appreciated the representation.
November 18, 2025
Strong plot and supporting characters add depth to this sweet story of Rhys and Ivory. Lots of lessons learned in a plot with no crazy exes but lots of love and patience
November 22, 2025
I love this story!
January 20, 2026
I love this story and this sweet couple. They never let miscommunication ruin their relationship, and the icing on the cake is the absence of a third-act breakup—my absolute favorite.
April 7, 2026
A very sweet story about love and communication in a small town setting.
May 28, 2026
It was a sweet Hallmark type of story. No spice and if that’s your thing I’m sure you’ll love it.
June 1, 2026
Ivory and Rhys are perfect for each other. I loved how the author let us see and hear how they both were feeling. Their communication was amazing especially for a new couple. Real life issues handled like real people do. Loved this series and always enjoy seeing characters from previous books. The narrators did an amazing job. Now I have voices that go with each character. Looking forward book 8, Jett's story, as well as how Raven's story progresses.
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