The Rainy Day Bookshop: A Contemporary Small-Town Story of Family, Community and Books

by RaeAnne Thayne

384 pages, Hardcover

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

I'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com

Reviews

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another warm hug from Ms. Thayne! It was such a wonderful treat to read about couples of all ages putting themselves out there…or at least trrrryyyyyiiiiiinnnnngggg to. It is a story of one person trying to protect another. It is a story of one/each person trying so very hard to protect themselves. It is a story of great love of your children, or all children. I loved Rosie and her daughter Emma, Sylvia (Rosie’s mother, Emma’s grandmother) and Olive, Emma’s daughter. Grandma Sylvia is great – totally honest and out there. Just ask her, she’ll tell you what she thinks! And the kids, OMG, they are adorable! Andrew and his children, Zara and Finn, have a lot of life “stuff” to deal with but their dad really is doing a great job of helping them cope. It is amazing when they move near their own grandmother and Rosie and reading about them changing and enjoying life? And watching how much they love their father (and how much their father loves them)? Perfect! And there is Bryce…an employee of Rosie’s but he is so much more.

Emma has some pretty big things to deal with in life. First of all, her relationship with her mother needs a lot of work. Second, SHE needs to come to terms with how good a person she is – it takes a lot for her to believe in herself again. And Bryce helps! He, too, has a journey he needs to take, and believing in himself first is a very big part before he can even consider helping Emma with hers. And Olive is adorable! Precocious doesn’t even begin to describe her.

No spoilers from me however I guess I’m way more vindictive (than these characters) but in my opinion, there weren’t enough consequences for some folks in this story to feed my sense of justice. Or it’s more likely that I’m just not as nice as the author. I always love Ms. Thayne’s books and this one does not disappoint. I loved every part of it and highly recommend. Great read!

[Tammy Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rainy Day Bookshop
RaeAnne Thayne

I love the characters that RaeAnne put together for a fabulous book.

Rosie - mother and grandma
Emma - mother and daughter
Andrew Morgan - author and father
Bryce -construction worker

Emma comes home after a long time away from home to take over the Bookshop. She renovates the shop and enjoy doing what she is doing. Bryce helps her with it. She has a daughter named Olive.
Rosie goes to Lucas construction company making sure the keeping things moving.
Andrew is a single father of two kids. Also the starting over in Moves to Wood Briar with his famiy. To a house that was being renovated and still writes his book.
This is a fantastic story with awesome description.
RaeAnne put together fantastic characters.
I loved this story and I recommend this book.

[Stephanie Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperCollins Publishing and Netgalley for this e-ARC. I love a book about a bookstore. This one hit the mark. Emma comes back home after years away to help revamp the struggling bookshop which is owned by her mother, Rosie. Rosie is so glad her daughter has returned and hopes to mend their relationship. Andrew, a bestselling author, purchased a home that needs some renovations. Rosie, who also owns a construction company, helps with his construction needs, along with Bryce. Bryce , Emma's childhood friend, works at the construction company. Can Emma overcome obstacles to love again.? Can Rosie help Andrew with more than renovations? I enjoyed getting to know the people of Wood Briar. A touching, endearing romance.

[Nicole Duvall · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you're already a fan of RaeAnne Thayne this generational HEA read is all the feels and totally familiar. the bookshop setting just cemented it for me as a must read. the characters all face life challenges we all relate to... running a business, raising children, moving, and most of all the dynamics of family. if you're new to her books...you won't be disappointed.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was heartwarming and romantic. I thought the kids were adorable. I really enjoyed the fact that Emma was able to make the relationship with her mother better at the end. I look forward to the next book that RaeAnne Thayne writes. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Joni Amrhein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read that had all the feels of a good book filled with drama and a bit of romance.