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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous scenery an d love story. When Beth loses her job and changes her life by being spontaneous and buying a floating bookstore on Venice’s waterways. Her bee friend Cesca introduces her to her gorgeous brother Marco. As in all good love stories they have sparks. Set in gorgeous Murano and Venice this book is truly wonderful by one of my favourite authors. Already looking forward to reading the next addition.Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely read, this is the story of Beth who is in her dream job in a museum in Venice, when budget costs hit her job is terminated so this leaves Beth with a need to find new work and a home. On impluse and so not like Beth, she buys a book barge and her adventures begin. Just loved the 2nd book in this series and look forward to the next one.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher Avon Books for the early read

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loosing her internship at an art gallery, Beth, someone who normally plans everythink out, makes a rash decision to buy a floating bookstore so that she can stay in Venice. Where will this decision take her? Is it possible to fall in love with someone she just met? Both Beth & Marco have history they need to work through to even consider any relationship. It's definitely an enjoyable light read.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A love story about Venice as much as one in Venice. While I did enjoy it, it was a pretty dry read for me. The pace was overly slow and I found it didn't really pull me in like it otherwise could have.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[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.

[Stephanie Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so fun! I loved to see Beth basically living my dream and buying a floating book barge! This was such a good book for anyone who's ever daydreamed about just up and leaving the country for something different. Beth and Marco's chemistry was so good to read, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and change over the course of the book! I would definitely recommend!

[Marian Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you 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.

This is book 2 in the Floating Shop Series and I absolutely loved this book. If you love bookish books and destination romance this book is for you. The author beautifully captures the magic of the City of Venice from the cobblestone streets to the winding canals.

Beth is a planner and so far everything is going to plan in her favorite city until it isn’t. Beth is devastated after losing her job and is afraid she’ll have to return to England. But fate has other plans if only she’s willing to take a risk. When she stumbles upon a book barge for sale, she has to decide if she’s brave enough to take a chance. Beth is going to need a little help from gorgeous Marco, a local passionate art promoter to make her dreams come true of combining her love of art and books. If only they can ignore the sparks flying between them…

This was a fantastic read! Who wouldn’t love a floating bookshop! Loved Beth’s best friends who were always there for her and the slow burn romance between Beth and Marco. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series The Floating Copenhagen Cafe!