The Floating Venice Bookshop: The must-read, heartwarming escapist romance NEW for 2026! (The Floating Shop series)

The Floating Shop #2

by Annabel French

Pre-order this gorgeous, heartwarming romance now!

Will she be swept away in her next chapter?Beth loves everything about living in Venice. The meandering canals and the cobbled street have captured her heart, so when she loses her job and fears she’ll have to return to England, she’ devastated. Until, she stumbles upon a book barge for sale, it seems like fate.

Beth has always been a bookworm and long harboured a dream of opening a specialised bookshop that combines her two passions, art and books. She just needs to be brave enough to take a chance, and maybe a little help from a local.

Enter Marco, a gorgeous, passionate local art promoter, and their chemistry is instant and electric. Beth needs Marco's local knowledge to launch her business, but as they work together, both seem determined to ignore the sparks flying between them.

The more closely they become, the more their attraction grows. Soon, they will have to choose- face their fears and give love a chance – or walk away forever.

A gorgeous escapist romance, perfect for fans of Rebecca Raisin and Cressida McLaughlin.

Genres: Romance

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 2, 2026

About the author

Also publishes under Katie Ginger

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of French's 'Floating Shop' series and it can be read as a standalone.

Author Annabel French has taken three wishes of mine and combined them to produce a wonderful destination read.

1) Libreria Acqua Alta is on my bucket list. I’ve been to Venice a handful of times, but never made it to ‘the most beautiful bookstore in the world.’
2) Word on the Water in Regent’s Canal in London is also on my bucket list, although slightly further down. The idea of taking a floating bookstore on a canal and placing it in Venice appeals to me; hence my curiosity in reaching for this book.
3) I’m working on embracing risk-taking and it was wonderful to see a character flourish after breaking the chains that held her helpless and hopeless. Nothing prepares Beth for the roadblocks she faces in working abroad, but it’s how she deals with them that kept me reading.

This story centers around ‘La Libreria delle Parole’ (library of words), a floating book barge on one of Venice’s beautiful canals, and the main character who learns the freedom and beauty there is in taking risks.

If you find fleeting references to same-sex secondary characters or discussion about IVF treatment a deal breaker, this book has both.

I’ve previously enjoyed four of French’s books, and now I’m eagerly awaiting the next in this floating shop series! I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Laura❄️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher Avon Books UK for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was such a beautiful story set amongst the backdrop of the magical city of Venice, I loved the descriptions of the architecture of Venice, the people and the artisans and rather from distracting from the story this added to the magic of it. I was completely blown away with the authors descriptive writing and I felt like I was alongside Beth and Marco as they were falling in love. I really liked Beth, like Beth I’ve always played it safe but sometimes but have to jump completely out of your comfort zone like Beth did when she brought a book barge.

I loved her best friends, Cesca, Daisy and Elsa, they always had her back, I loved Cesca’s family. I liked Marco too even if I did want to whack him over the head with one of Beth’s books for being so dense and stubborn. I truly enjoyed this book, it was beautifully written and incredibly romantic.

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

Beth is enjoying a secondment at a top museum in Venice when she learns that the funding for her position is gone, along with the flat that goes with it. Then she learns of a Venetian with a bookshop barge who wants to sell it, and Beth impusively buys it.

This begins a journey of entrepreneurship, new friends and colleagues, and new confidence for Beth.

The Floating Venice Bookshop is a fun, sweet and romantic escapist romance novel! Perfect for fans of closed door romance, self-discovery, and Emily in Paris!

Read my full review on YA All Day AND check out my full post on New Spring Romances to read, complete with spice level!

[Bookreviewgirl_xo · Rating 3 out of 5]

⫷ NetGalley and Avon Books UK provided the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review⫸

Rating : 3.25/5

Beth + Marco

✔️ Sister's Best Friend
✔️ Business Partners
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ Book Barge Owner (h)/ PR Firm Owner (H)
✔️ Push/ Pull
✔️ No Sexual Content
✔️ Single POV - Third Person
✔️ HFN with Epilogue

● What I Loved : Italy. The food. The place. The people. The Book Barge (I was so excited about it!😍). Polo (Cat).

● What I Didn't Like : The non-existence passion & connection between the couple. The predictable conflict.

Quotes :

- "Taking chances can be good for the soul."

- "There was nothing more out of control than love. Love did what it wanted when it wanted."

[Laura-Elise Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully scenic slow burn, with a tall, dark and very handsome MMC, and a FMC who is taking a huge leap of faith.
After losing her job, Beth decides to purchase a floating bookshop barge so that she can stay in Venice.
This is a real slow burn, with Beth and Marco getting to know each other against a stunning Venetian backdrop.
Perfect for lovers of travel romance

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book second book in the series called The Floating Shop Series!!

It’s a love story between two people but the question is can a bookshop bring these 2 together

The closer they become, the more their attraction grows. Soon, they will have to choose: should they face their fears and give love a chance? Or walk away forever?

A heartwarming, escapist romance, perfect for fans of Julie Caplin and Cressida McLaughlin.

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This book is scheduled to publish on February 12, 2026.

The Floating Venice Bookshelf is a contemporary romance set in Venice, and readers who enjoy atmospheric, location-driven stories will feel right at home here. The story follows Beth after she loses her job and impulsively buys a book barge, setting her on an unexpected new path.

While the setting was charming and immersive, the overall storyline did not fully work for me. I found the plot to feel a bit scattered at times, and there were moments where the pacing slowed and my interest waned. That said, I still felt compelled to keep reading rather than DNFing. I wanted to see how Beth’s story played out and where everything ultimately landed.

Readers who enjoy character-focused romances with a strong sense of place may find a lot to appreciate here, especially if Venice-based settings are a draw.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a book lover, I can think of nothing more perfect than owning a bookshop, never mind a floating one in Venice, it sounds so romantic cruising along its beautiful canals,

I absolutely love the front cover of this book; the colour used lulled me into reading it. I have to say that whilst I really enjoyed the story and Beth's character, I did feel the book was a little slow in places. But it was a cute, easy read. It is about taking a leap of faith and sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone.

This is book 2 in the Floating Bookshop series, which I didn't realise when I requested it. However, I assume each book can be read as a standalone, as I didn't feel like I missed a backstory.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Avon Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For raiting purposes I would give this book 3.5 stars if I was able.

The publication date for this book is set for June 2, 2026.

[WhatFrizRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Beth's world is turned upside down, she stops planning and analysing everything and starts taking chances, but will they pay off?

I found this story took a while to get started; there's a lot of description if Venice which I enjoyed having visited it but the relationships took a long time to establish and be interesting. By the end, I was enjoying the story but not as much as I enjoyed French's 'Chateau' series.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜 Blurb -
Can a bookshop bring two hearts together?Beth loves everything about living in Venice. The meandering canals and the cobbled street have captured her heart, so when she loses her job and fears she’ll have to return to England, she’s devastated.
Until she stumbles upon a book barge for sale, it seems like fate. Beth has long harboured a dream of opening a specialised bookshop that combines her two art and books. She just needs to be brave enough to take a chance, and maybe a little help from a local.
Enter Marco, a gorgeous, passionate local art promoter, and their chemistry is instant and electric. Beth needs Marco's local knowledge to launch her business, but as they work together, both seem determined to ignore the sparks flying between them.
The closer they become, the more their attraction grows. Soon, they will have to choose – face their fears and give love a chance – or walk away forever.
❤️ Review -
This was such a beautifully written novel. It's the perfect book to read for when you want to escape from everything for a little while. From the very first page I was hooked and swept away with the characters in the story. It was easy to follow, had good pacing and a great cast of characters. I loved Beth's character and I wanted her to have the happy ending that she deserved. Plus the place settings in the story sounded beautiful. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, the author Annabel French/ Katie Ginger and the publisher, Avon books for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Sargeant]

Art gallery manager, Beth, is enjoying a secondment in Venice when the funding for her post is suddenly pulled and she faces the unwelcome prospect of a return to London. She is offered first refusal on a barge bookshop that’s for sale and, against her usually cautious nature, makes the purchase.

She finds herself the owner of not only a tired, overstocked shop but also of the resident cat, Polo. Her first task is to weed the books and, with the help of her carpenter friend Cesca, refashion the existing furniture and build new shelving to provide a much-need update. (I loved these scenes. As an ex-librarian who ran several library new-build and refurbishment projects, I was itching to jump into the pages and help her.)

Calling on her gallery management skills, she plans to allocate space on the barge for temporary art exhibitions. Enter Marco, Cesca’s brother, who runs a PR agency that represents local artists. Despite a mutual instant attraction, Beth and Marco keep their business heads on to collaborate. Beth hopes for more from the handsome Italian, but every time he seems to warm to her on a personal level, something makes him retreat.

This is a delightful escapist novel with lots of descriptions of Venetian architecture, culture and food. The central characters are likeable and the plot is engaging.

This is an independent review of an early copy. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity.

[Lisa Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Floating Venice Bookshop by Annabel French
Can a bookshop really bring two hearts together?
Beth is living her dream in Venice, surrounded by winding canals, cobbled streets and endless beauty. But when her job falls apart, the life she loves suddenly feels out of reach. Just when everything seems lost, fate steps in… in the form of a floating bookshop for sale.
Combining her love of art and books has always been Beth’s dream, she just has to be brave enough to chase it.
Enter Marco, a charming, passionate Venetian with invaluable local knowledge. What begins as a practical partnership quickly sparks into something more, even as Beth tries to keep her focus on her dream. But some connections are just impossible to ignore…

This book is absolutely delightful. It gently explores real life relationship dilemmas, the importance of knowing what you want (and don’t want), finding the right person and having the courage to go after your dreams, both personally and professionally. It’s also a beautiful journey of self discovery set against the magical backdrop of Venice.
Perfect for anyone who loves Romantic escapes, Bookshop settings, Slow burn chemistry and Stories about finding yourself.
Highly recommend if you’re craving a cosy, heart warming read. Thank you net gallery and Avon press for the advance copy in return for my honest review

[Pupak · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you give me a bookshop.
If you put that bookshop on a boat.
And then you set it in Venice.

I am already emotionally invested.

The Floating Venice Bookshop is the second book in Annabel French’s Floating Shop series, but it works perfectly as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book, but I love the second book. This time, we follow Beth, who is living her dream in Venice until that dream starts to unravel. Losing her job threatens everything she has built, and the fear of returning to England feels like failure.

Then she finds a book barge for sale.

What I loved most about this story is that it is not just a romance novel. It is about risk and about choosing not to shrink your life when it becomes uncomfortable. Beth has always played it safe, and watching her leap into something uncertain felt both inspiring and painfully relatable.

The Venetian setting is lush without being overwhelming. The canals, the artisans, the sense of community, the slower rhythm of life. It all feels amazing in a way that makes you want to Google flights while still reading.

Marco, the local art promoter who helps Beth navigate the realities of doing business in Venice, is charming and frustrating in equal measure. Their chemistry is definitely there, but what I appreciated was that the romantic tension never overshadowed Beth’s personal growth. The floating bookshop, La Libreria delle Parole, becomes more than a business. It becomes a symbol of independence, belonging, and courage.

I also loved the strong friendships in the book. The female support network feels genuine and grounded.

If you love:
• Bookshop settings
• Slow burn chemistry
• Women choosing themselves
• Romantic escapes with substance

This is for you.

Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second instalment in this series, but is a stand alone title.
I loved the first one and this one did not disappoint.

Beth loves her life in Venice, but when things go wrong with her job she has to take stock and decide what to do next. What she does know is that she wants to stay in Venice, however she can achieve that!

I love the determination of Beth throughout the story, the can do attitude, the spur of the moment decisions. I love the adventure she goes on and the realisation that she has only been living a fraction of the life she could be living in this wonderful setting.
The characters are all well developed. I love the friendships and dynamics between them all.

The author really brings across the sense of family and loyalty and how life it Venice may be different from other places. Also the sense of community is really strong.

I loved the book barge, the name, what it stood for and how it brought people together.

All the scenes are so well described, you will be able to see everything in your minds eye.

So all in all a great plot, wonderful settings and great characters.

[Hyggenookandbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Floating Shop Series (the first was The Floating Amsterdam Flowershop published 19th June this year - I absolutely loved this book)

​This book offers a beautiful escape that combines the charm of the Venetian setting with the warmth of a classic romantic comedy. Katie Ginger perfectly captures the magic of Venice, making the setting feel like a character itself. While Beth is determined to get her floating bookshop off the ground, it's her beautiful & often frustrating dance with local art promoter Marco that truly steals the show!

​A wonderful story on finding the courage to take a leap, both in career & in love.
​If you love books about new beginnings, dreamy locations, & passionate romance that makes you root for the couple, then make sure this one is on your 2026 TBR! It's available to pre order now, & if you've not read the first book, then I'd definitely recommend reading that while you're waiting (they are stand alone reads) it's just lovely 🤩

​I'm now patiently waiting for the Floating Copenhagen Cafe, coming next summer!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying Annabel French's floating shop series. I love escaping to new locations via a book, and these books are hitting all the right notes for me.

This one is set in Venice, and Beth who tends to be a planner in most of her life, suddenly starts making life changing decisions based on gut instinct.

And this change of approach leads her to buying The book barge, despite never having worked in a bookshop before.

But she is a massive book lover, and thus, she knows what could be done to make this barge reach its full potential.

Well with a little help from her friend Cesca, and her new friend Cesca's brother, the smoking hot Marco.

I enjoyed seeing how Beth and Marco's connection started to grow, both professionally and personally.

And I loved getting to know Venice through Beth's eyes, in addition learning more bout the city during Carnevale.

This was a highly enjoyable story, that kept me interested throughout.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[the_tbr_cart Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a total escape, The Floating Venice Bookshop is exactly what you need. I’ve traveled through parts of Europe, but Italy and Venice are still on my bucket list—and after reading this, I want to go even more! Annabel French does such a beautiful job describing the canals and the atmosphere that it felt like I was right there on the water.
The story follows a main character who actually goes for it—opening a floating bookshop in Venice—and I loved watching her journey unfold (and seeing her find a little more than she bargained for!). It wasn't just dreamy and romantic, though; there were several moments that actually made me laugh out loud. The writing is witty, the pacing is just right, and the story flows so smoothly that I ended up flying through it in just a couple of days.
This was such a beautiful, feel-good read. I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye out for whatever Annabel French writes next!
A big thank you to NetGalley, Annabel French, and Avon Books UK for gifting me an ARC of this book.

[Helen Arrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Floating Venice Bookshop by Annabel French
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great cosy sweet romance from Annabel French.

Beth loses her job at the gallery due to lack of funding, and is torn as she doesn't want to leave Venice, she's found her home there. Not usually impulsive, she buys a book barge!
I loved reading about the changes, her friendships with Cesca, and Elsa and Daisy, and her love for Venice.

I found Marco to be quite sweet behind his, sometimes, stiff facade, and enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. The community, friend and family support was great; I would love having such a fab bunch of people around me.

I'm loving the Floating Shop series, I think canal boats/barges are a cute place for a shop, and even more so, a bookshop!
And a starring role from Polo 😺

I received a gifted ARC copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Annabel French.
This is my honest review.

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the floating shop series but can be read as a standalone. Although I would recommend book one as it’s a great read.

Fate brings Beth to buy a book barge which has always been her dream. With the help of good friend Cesca and her very lovely brother Marco she soon settles into her new role and is living her best life in stunning Venice.

I enjoyed seeing Beth’s relationships grow and also the conversations with her best friends from home and to see their perspective on her life. Marco was a great character and it was nice that he had some flaws like real people do rather than a stereotypical perfect man.

A lovely 5 star read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley, Annabel French and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Floating Venice Bookshop is book 2 in The Floating Shop series. I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first book in the series.
Beth has found where she has always dreamed of being in her life. Everything was going good but as life goes things started to fall apart and things changed. There is a floating bookshop for sale and now she has to take that step and chase her dream.
Marco comes into her life and a partnership seems like a way to go.
This story is filled with hopes, dreams, friendship with hopes of more for them. I loved the connection of the characters, the feelings that are so true and so well written.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you NetGalley, Annabel French and Avon Books UK/Avon for the copy of The Floating Venice Bookshop. This is my personal review.

[Miruna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Floating Venice Bookshop is a sweet, easy holiday read with a charming setting and a cozy vibe. It’s the kind of book you can breeze through in an afternoon—light, warm, and uncomplicated. The Venice atmosphere is lovely, and the bookshop-on-water concept adds a fun touch.

That said, the story is pretty predictable and stays on the surface emotionally. The characters are likable but not especially deep, and the plot unfolds exactly as you expect. Nothing groundbreaking, but nothing frustrating either—just a simple, feel-good escape.

Overall, it’s an average but enjoyable comfort read. Perfect if you want something gentle and low-effort, not so much if you’re looking for anything more layered or surprising.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth is devastated when her job at a museum in Venice is eliminated due to budget restraints. Determined not to return to England, she impulsively buys a disorganized, dark barge that has been transformed into a bookstore. As she renovates the place, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, found family and romance.

This is the second in the “floating” romance series and it will continue to captivate readers with its sweet and enchanting narrative.The book is filled with colorful characters and charming settings, and Venice itself becomes a character in its own right, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the beauty and magic of the city.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @AvonBooksUK for the DRC.

[bookloversclub2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book by Annabel. What a delightful, charming read. I enjoyed reading about Venice through Beth’s eyes all the experiences and sights. I was so invested in the characters, what would happen with the Beth and Marco and how it would all unravel.

A book about bookshops I always adore and one on a barge in Venice made for perfect, relaxing read. There was also a realistic expectation of society too regarding pregnancy and having children which added the emotional tone to the story.

Overall another fantastic, engaging read. I just wanted more of it, it was so well written. Definitely pick this one up if you wanted to be transported to a book world in another Country- escapism at its finest.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Books are my go to relaxation, so this story was perfect. Marco and his family are so big and boisterous and though Beth is a little overwhelmed by them at first, she realizes she has to go with the flow. The way the previous owner of the book barge approved what she did meant to much to her. I loved all the characters and the stories about Venice in general. I was there for 4 days once and really want to return. I would hope there really are barges like the book, coffee and vegetable barges. I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes books and romance.

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bookshop and Italy that was my hook. Annabel French created likeable characters in the most beautiful backdrop, Venice. I loved learning about the barges of Venice. French creates a world so rich that she makes you want to travel to Venice, to eat, tour a museum, shop, go on a gondola, and of course to buy a book or a piece of art from La Libreria delle Parole (library of words). The book’s themes of romance, friendship, self-discovery and learning to take risks make this one I can fully recommend.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute easy read book. Had a nice flow throughout most of the book.
I enjoyed the main character making a change to her profession so that she could stay in Venice, where she loved, when the funding for her other job was cut. While all the details of remodeling the book barge could have been skipped, because at times it felt that it was repeating and boring, it was great to see her friends and the original owner come around to help and offer support. The love story that comes about it sweet, intriguing and wonderful in the end.

Not only do I want to go to Venice now but I also looked up to see if there is such a place in Venice. When I visit I will be checking out the real one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Andrea Hulme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow if I could live a dream, it would be what happens in this book. Owning, not only a bookshop, but a floating bookshop in beautiful Venice, surrounded by gorgeous places, amazing food and the Italian zest for life. I wish it was me!

Beth, is enjoying a secondment in Venice work at an art gallery when the funding for her post is suddenly pulled. She is really reluctant to return to London. Venice has captured her heart and soul. When she is offered a chance to buy a barge bookshop, she throws caution to the wind and goes for it, allowing her to stay in the city that she loves. Beth is not normally a 'You Only Live Once' kind of girl, but her rash decision to buy a floating bookshop leads to more and more impulsive actions that I loved. And even better, she inherits, Polo, the cat with the bookshop. Beth is really living my dream.

We meet Cesca, her friend and handsome brother Marco, who are from a large Italian family. Marco and Beth are thrown together as Beth starts to think about how to develop the bookshop. Marco runs a PR agency that represents local artists and they work together to bring the bookshop and local artists together. The mutual attraction is instant but Beth and Marco let their business heads rule their hearts. Beth hopes for more from the handsome Italian, but every time he seems to warm to her on a personal level, something makes him retreat.

We get a delightful storyline of a budding romance, swept along in beautiful Venice. The will they, won't they scenario is delicious and teasing. It was easy to warm to all of the characters in the book. They were charming and captivating. The plot is engaging, like a warm hug of a book.

This was a really lovely escapist novel with tantalizing descriptions of Venetian architecture, culture and food. It's a book that gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling in a haze of romance. I really wouldn't mind meeting a handsome Italian man and having to spend time being transported around that beautiful place.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the chance to read this lovely book.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novel in the floating bookshop series. I haven’t read the first and this one can easily be read as a standalone. It follows the story of Beth who works at an art gallery in Venice. Canals, cobblestones and her dream job. What more could she want? However when she loses her job she fears she’ll have to return to England. Until a fantastic opportunity comes up and she becomes the owner of a book barge and part of a canal side community. This is a lovely story that will keep you enthralled and start planning your trip to Venice. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read, I loved all the descriptions of Venice, I really felt like I was there. Like book one in the series, the canal boat was a big draw for me and I loved the descriptions of the boat and its renovations, add into that the descriptions of the lapping water and I was in heaven.

Beth and Marco make a great couple and I enjoyed them forging a friendship first. They dance around their feelings, each trying to protect themselves, thinking friendship is safer, but when they lower their walls, together they are amazing.

I can’t wait to see what business on a canal boat will be next, and which European city we will be in.

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A floating bookchop, in Venice? Of course it would make this librarian happy! The Floating Venice Bookshop, by Annabel French was my first NetGalley read for 2026. Beth finds herself living in Venice and out of a job. When the locals tell her about a floating book shop for sale, interest sparks. But can she do this? With the help from her friend Francesca and Francesca's brother Marco, Beth has a real chance to change her life! And could there be love for Beth as well? This was a charming story of rebuilding, friendship, and love. A great read!