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Solace Springs #1
De Cherry Blossom Woonboot
Na een week vol tegenslagen – ze werd gedumpt én ontslagen – besluit Sophie Bennett haar leven drastisch te veranderen. Een impulsieve crowdfundingactie leidt tot een onverwachte kans: ze koopt een vervallen woonboot in het idyllische Solace Springs, Washington. Hiermee heeft ze maar één doel; ze moet en zal er een boekwinkel van maken.
Dat idee botst frontaal met haar norse buurman Luke. Hij heeft een teruggetrokken leven opgebouwd, en het laatste wat hij nodig heeft is een overenthousiaste (maar aantrekkelijke) nieuwkomer die zijn rustige bestaan verstoort. Maar wanneer Luke onbedoeld betrokken raakt bij Sophies renovatieplannen, bloeit er meer dan alleen kersenbloesem.
Dat idee botst frontaal met haar norse buurman Luke. Hij heeft een teruggetrokken leven opgebouwd, en het laatste wat hij nodig heeft is een overenthousiaste (maar aantrekkelijke) nieuwkomer die zijn rustige bestaan verstoort. Maar wanneer Luke onbedoeld betrokken raakt bij Sophies renovatieplannen, bloeit er meer dan alleen kersenbloesem.
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2026
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February 28, 2026
I would like to thank Ballantine, Dell, and Net Galley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
This book was a struggle for me. I struggled with the grammar, envisioning solace springs, the dialogue, and so many other small things. Despite them being small things, it added up to a rather unenjoyable reading experience. The premise of the book started so strong, and then quickly fell through. I was often very confused about the construction of solace springs—how big is this lake? how many hidden spots can there be? It all felt disjointed and poorly thought through. The characters, mainly Luke Rhodes, had dialogue that felt so odd. Words and phrases being used by Americans that are not typical to the American dialect. Just one example—I cannot recall a time that I have ever heard an American refer to a trash can as a “bin” (when not discussing British terminology).
Aside from my struggles with the writing itself, I also found the plot to be severely underdeveloped. Over half of the book takes place in the span of two weeks, and then all of a sudden there is a five week time jump. And the resolution felt incredibly rushed—there was no actually conversation between characters to talk out the issues, just hugs and smiles and everything is fine!
Perhaps my biggest issue with this story—the romance. The characters got together before even hitting the 50% mark. There was no emotional payoff. They’d known each other for a week. It was also hard to root for them when I couldn’t care less about Luke Rhodes, our MMC. I don’t have any super strong feelings about Sophie Bennett, the FMC. She was fine, if underdeveloped. But Luke was just a jerk. He was rude to Sophie as well as the other citizens of Solace Springs, even in his own internal monologue. Part of me hoped that he and Sophie wouldn’t end up together simply because I thought she deserved better. There was also so much focus on Luke’s past, and his emotional trauma, but so little put on Sophie. Sophie had experienced just as bad of a breakup not to mention the death of a parent and it was hardly touched upon.
Truthfully, this book was not for me in any way. It may serve you well if you need a quick getaway to a fictional lakeside town, but I cannot say that I recommend it.
This book was a struggle for me. I struggled with the grammar, envisioning solace springs, the dialogue, and so many other small things. Despite them being small things, it added up to a rather unenjoyable reading experience. The premise of the book started so strong, and then quickly fell through. I was often very confused about the construction of solace springs—how big is this lake? how many hidden spots can there be? It all felt disjointed and poorly thought through. The characters, mainly Luke Rhodes, had dialogue that felt so odd. Words and phrases being used by Americans that are not typical to the American dialect. Just one example—I cannot recall a time that I have ever heard an American refer to a trash can as a “bin” (when not discussing British terminology).
Aside from my struggles with the writing itself, I also found the plot to be severely underdeveloped. Over half of the book takes place in the span of two weeks, and then all of a sudden there is a five week time jump. And the resolution felt incredibly rushed—there was no actually conversation between characters to talk out the issues, just hugs and smiles and everything is fine!
Perhaps my biggest issue with this story—the romance. The characters got together before even hitting the 50% mark. There was no emotional payoff. They’d known each other for a week. It was also hard to root for them when I couldn’t care less about Luke Rhodes, our MMC. I don’t have any super strong feelings about Sophie Bennett, the FMC. She was fine, if underdeveloped. But Luke was just a jerk. He was rude to Sophie as well as the other citizens of Solace Springs, even in his own internal monologue. Part of me hoped that he and Sophie wouldn’t end up together simply because I thought she deserved better. There was also so much focus on Luke’s past, and his emotional trauma, but so little put on Sophie. Sophie had experienced just as bad of a breakup not to mention the death of a parent and it was hardly touched upon.
Truthfully, this book was not for me in any way. It may serve you well if you need a quick getaway to a fictional lakeside town, but I cannot say that I recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
3.25 stars
Fijne feelgood die zich afspeelt in een small-town met een heerlijke setting, lente vibes, een mysterieus aspect en verder alles wat bij een klein dorpje komt kijken.
Dank aan LS Uitgeverij voor dit recensie exemplaar!
Fijne feelgood die zich afspeelt in een small-town met een heerlijke setting, lente vibes, een mysterieus aspect en verder alles wat bij een klein dorpje komt kijken.
Dank aan LS Uitgeverij voor dit recensie exemplaar!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book started so promising and honestly sounded like such a fun, cozy read with a mix of spice.
After a series of disasters in her life and with a bit of late-night wine confidence, Sophie starts a crowdfunding campaign to buy a boathouse and turn it into a bookshop. To her surprise, it goes viral, she raises the money and just like that she moves from London to a small town in Washington.
Her arrival? Iconic. She literally ends up in the water minutes before reaching her new home… and of course, her neighbor is the one who rescues her.
Enter Luke. Grumpy, helpful, good looking, aaaand very much not interested in newcomers… until he is... :))
The setup was great. The small-town vibes, the renovation project, the grumpy/sunshine dynamic; it all worked really well at the beginning.
But…
I felt like the romance moved way too fast. It leaned into insta-love and the timeline felt a bit messy. A big part of the relationship develops over what feels like just 2-3 weeks, and then suddenly we’re jumping ahead 5 weeks or so. It made everything feel a bit unbalanced.
I also struggled with Sophie keeping the crowdfunding a secret. The reason behind it didn’t feel strong enough to justify the secrecy, and it ended up being more frustrating than anything. (call it miscommunication trope or whatever)
And the conflict? It gets resolved a bit too quickly, without enough real/deep conversation. It felt a bit superficial for something that’s supposed to be a long-term relationship.
That said, the book does touch on deeper themes like grief, guilt and personal growth, which I appreciated.
Overall, not a bad read at all, and it had a lot of potential, but I didn't feel that the execution fully delivered.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
After a series of disasters in her life and with a bit of late-night wine confidence, Sophie starts a crowdfunding campaign to buy a boathouse and turn it into a bookshop. To her surprise, it goes viral, she raises the money and just like that she moves from London to a small town in Washington.
Her arrival? Iconic. She literally ends up in the water minutes before reaching her new home… and of course, her neighbor is the one who rescues her.
Enter Luke. Grumpy, helpful, good looking, aaaand very much not interested in newcomers… until he is... :))
The setup was great. The small-town vibes, the renovation project, the grumpy/sunshine dynamic; it all worked really well at the beginning.
But…
I felt like the romance moved way too fast. It leaned into insta-love and the timeline felt a bit messy. A big part of the relationship develops over what feels like just 2-3 weeks, and then suddenly we’re jumping ahead 5 weeks or so. It made everything feel a bit unbalanced.
I also struggled with Sophie keeping the crowdfunding a secret. The reason behind it didn’t feel strong enough to justify the secrecy, and it ended up being more frustrating than anything. (call it miscommunication trope or whatever)
And the conflict? It gets resolved a bit too quickly, without enough real/deep conversation. It felt a bit superficial for something that’s supposed to be a long-term relationship.
That said, the book does touch on deeper themes like grief, guilt and personal growth, which I appreciated.
Overall, not a bad read at all, and it had a lot of potential, but I didn't feel that the execution fully delivered.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
February 15, 2026
Received and appreciate this ARC from NetGalley.
For the lovers of Virgin River, meet Solace Springs. Loved this feel good, take me away story that was the perfect book to dig my nose into between heavier reads.
Hoping it the start of a series, can’t wait for the story to become more and the town to grow.
For the lovers of Virgin River, meet Solace Springs. Loved this feel good, take me away story that was the perfect book to dig my nose into between heavier reads.
Hoping it the start of a series, can’t wait for the story to become more and the town to grow.
August 12, 2026
Thank you Ballantine/Dell Books for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I picked up this book based on the cover and the promise of a lakeside setting and it delivered on the cozy, breezy romance vibes. It’s not a book i’d typically pick up but it was a quick and sweet romance that I think would be perfect for readers who enjoy books about bookstores and goes heavy on the tropes.
Synopsis:
“When Sophie Bennett gets fired from her high-profile marketing job and dumped by her boyfriend for being “too boring,” she decides to take a risk—fueled by wine—and launches a crowdfunding campaign called “Help a Boring Girl Buy a Bookshop.” To her shock, what started as a joke goes viral, raising enough money for her to leave London and buy a rundown boathouse in the sleepy small town of Solace Springs, Washington, marking the start of her new chapter.Local boatbuilder and professional grump Luke Rhodes has had it with outsiders coming to Solace Springs and disturbing his carefully cultivated quiet life. So when Sophie, his annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor, moves in with her endless optimism, relentless determination, and distracting curves, he wants nothing to do with her renovation project. Too bad fate—and the town residents—have other plans. As Luke gets roped into working with Sophie, he starts to find that cherry blossoms aren’t the only thing budding in town.In the midst of clashes over paint samples and arguments over structural integrity, things start to heat up between the town local and the new resident. But just as Luke’s carefully constructed walls begin to crack, Sophie’s sudden viral fame threatens the tranquility of Solace Springs. They’ll have to decide if their unexpected connection will wilt away or bloom into something more.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Nods to Book Lovers—A boathouse bookstore sounds utterly charming to me.
The Pacing—Quick and gets right to the romance of things.
The Slight Mystery—I wish it leaned more into this cause it would have made it a bit more interesting by the time the third act break up showed up.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
A Bit Too Saccharine for my Taste—Insta love/attraction isn’t really my vibe, I prefer a bit more grit.
Character Authenticity: 2/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Content Warnings:
grief, loss, abandonment
I picked up this book based on the cover and the promise of a lakeside setting and it delivered on the cozy, breezy romance vibes. It’s not a book i’d typically pick up but it was a quick and sweet romance that I think would be perfect for readers who enjoy books about bookstores and goes heavy on the tropes.
Synopsis:
“When Sophie Bennett gets fired from her high-profile marketing job and dumped by her boyfriend for being “too boring,” she decides to take a risk—fueled by wine—and launches a crowdfunding campaign called “Help a Boring Girl Buy a Bookshop.” To her shock, what started as a joke goes viral, raising enough money for her to leave London and buy a rundown boathouse in the sleepy small town of Solace Springs, Washington, marking the start of her new chapter.Local boatbuilder and professional grump Luke Rhodes has had it with outsiders coming to Solace Springs and disturbing his carefully cultivated quiet life. So when Sophie, his annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor, moves in with her endless optimism, relentless determination, and distracting curves, he wants nothing to do with her renovation project. Too bad fate—and the town residents—have other plans. As Luke gets roped into working with Sophie, he starts to find that cherry blossoms aren’t the only thing budding in town.In the midst of clashes over paint samples and arguments over structural integrity, things start to heat up between the town local and the new resident. But just as Luke’s carefully constructed walls begin to crack, Sophie’s sudden viral fame threatens the tranquility of Solace Springs. They’ll have to decide if their unexpected connection will wilt away or bloom into something more.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Nods to Book Lovers—A boathouse bookstore sounds utterly charming to me.
The Pacing—Quick and gets right to the romance of things.
The Slight Mystery—I wish it leaned more into this cause it would have made it a bit more interesting by the time the third act break up showed up.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
A Bit Too Saccharine for my Taste—Insta love/attraction isn’t really my vibe, I prefer a bit more grit.
Character Authenticity: 2/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Content Warnings:
grief, loss, abandonment
July 23, 2026
Een woonboot, een boekwinkel, een knorrige buurman en een flinke dosis romantische chaos… wat wil je nog meer? 🌸✨
Soms komt er zo’n boek voorbij waarbij je na een paar hoofdstukken denkt: ja, hier wil ik gewoon even blijven wonen. De Cherry Blossom Woonboot van Laura Bloom is precies zo’n heerlijk feelgoodverhaal waar je meteen vrolijk van wordt.
Na een week waarin werkelijk alles misgaat haar relatie loopt stuk en Sophie Bennett besluit haar leven compleet om te gooien. Met een impulsieve crowdfundingactie koopt ze een vervallen woonboot in het idyllische Solace Springs. Haar droom? Een knusse boekwinkel maken waar mensen samenkomen. Alleen haar norse buurman Luke zit totaal niet te wachten op zoveel enthousiasme naast de deur.
Wat ik heel leuk vond aan dit verhaal, is de ontwikkeling van de personages. Sophie is een heerlijk energiek personage dat ondanks alle tegenslagen blijft vechten voor haar droom. Luke lijkt in eerste instantie vooral nors en gesloten, maar langzaam krijg je steeds meer inzicht in waarom hij geworden is wie hij is. Hun dynamiek zorgt voor veel humor, maar ook voor mooie momenten waarin thema’s als opnieuw beginnen, vertrouwen en jezelf openstellen naar voren komen.
De Cherry Blossom Woonboot is een heerlijke small town romance met een fijne balans tussen romantiek, humor en een warme gemeenschap. De sfeer van Solace Springs voelt bijna als een extra personage: gezellig, kleurrijk en een plek waar je als lezer graag wilt blijven hangen.
Voor fans van Laurie Gilmore en Emily Henry is dit absoluut een aanrader. Een vlot geschreven feelgoodroman die je laat glimlachen, wegdromen en even helemaal ontsnappen aan de werkelijkheid. Een heerlijke romantische komedie voor een middagje op de bank, in de tuin of op vakantie.
Soms komt er zo’n boek voorbij waarbij je na een paar hoofdstukken denkt: ja, hier wil ik gewoon even blijven wonen. De Cherry Blossom Woonboot van Laura Bloom is precies zo’n heerlijk feelgoodverhaal waar je meteen vrolijk van wordt.
Na een week waarin werkelijk alles misgaat haar relatie loopt stuk en Sophie Bennett besluit haar leven compleet om te gooien. Met een impulsieve crowdfundingactie koopt ze een vervallen woonboot in het idyllische Solace Springs. Haar droom? Een knusse boekwinkel maken waar mensen samenkomen. Alleen haar norse buurman Luke zit totaal niet te wachten op zoveel enthousiasme naast de deur.
Wat ik heel leuk vond aan dit verhaal, is de ontwikkeling van de personages. Sophie is een heerlijk energiek personage dat ondanks alle tegenslagen blijft vechten voor haar droom. Luke lijkt in eerste instantie vooral nors en gesloten, maar langzaam krijg je steeds meer inzicht in waarom hij geworden is wie hij is. Hun dynamiek zorgt voor veel humor, maar ook voor mooie momenten waarin thema’s als opnieuw beginnen, vertrouwen en jezelf openstellen naar voren komen.
De Cherry Blossom Woonboot is een heerlijke small town romance met een fijne balans tussen romantiek, humor en een warme gemeenschap. De sfeer van Solace Springs voelt bijna als een extra personage: gezellig, kleurrijk en een plek waar je als lezer graag wilt blijven hangen.
Voor fans van Laurie Gilmore en Emily Henry is dit absoluut een aanrader. Een vlot geschreven feelgoodroman die je laat glimlachen, wegdromen en even helemaal ontsnappen aan de werkelijkheid. Een heerlijke romantische komedie voor een middagje op de bank, in de tuin of op vakantie.
May 12, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
This started off really cute and had a lot of promise, but unfortunately it became dull as the story went on. I struggled to believe this insta-love relationship, which made it hard for me to fully connect with the characters. The pacing also felt uneven and dragged at times, making the story difficult to stay invested in. Overall, it just wasn’t the right book for me, though I can see why others might enjoy the cozy atmosphere and romance.
This started off really cute and had a lot of promise, but unfortunately it became dull as the story went on. I struggled to believe this insta-love relationship, which made it hard for me to fully connect with the characters. The pacing also felt uneven and dragged at times, making the story difficult to stay invested in. Overall, it just wasn’t the right book for me, though I can see why others might enjoy the cozy atmosphere and romance.
May 21, 2026
There was something so instantly comforting and charming about The Cherry Blossom Boathouse by Laura Bloom. From the moment Sophie traded her chaotic London life for a rundown boathouse in Solace Springs, I was completely swept away by the cozy small town atmosphere and whimsical setup. A bookstore on a boathouse? Honestly, that alone sold me. It felt unique, dreamy, and perfectly tailored for readers who love stories that feel warm and escapist. The cherry blossom filled setting added such a soft, magical quality to the novel, and the entire town had that comforting “everyone knows everyone” energy that makes small town romances so addictive.
I also really loved how clearly this book lays the foundation for a larger series. Solace Springs feels alive with quirky residents, nosy but well meaning neighbors, town traditions, and side characters who already seem primed for future stories. You can tell there’s so much potential waiting to unfold in later books, which made the world feel even richer and more inviting. The community dynamic was one of my favorite parts because it gave the story such a cozy, lived in feeling.
At its core, this is an easy breezy, lighthearted escape with warmth, humor, charm, and just enough romance to keep things sweet. Sophie and Luke had that classic sunshine/grump dynamic that worked really well against the peaceful lakeside backdrop, and I loved watching Luke slowly soften as Sophie settled into town. If you’re looking for a quick, cozy romance filled with whimsy, community, and bookstore charm, this is such a lovely start to a new series. I’m already excited to return to Solace Springs for the next book.
I also really loved how clearly this book lays the foundation for a larger series. Solace Springs feels alive with quirky residents, nosy but well meaning neighbors, town traditions, and side characters who already seem primed for future stories. You can tell there’s so much potential waiting to unfold in later books, which made the world feel even richer and more inviting. The community dynamic was one of my favorite parts because it gave the story such a cozy, lived in feeling.
At its core, this is an easy breezy, lighthearted escape with warmth, humor, charm, and just enough romance to keep things sweet. Sophie and Luke had that classic sunshine/grump dynamic that worked really well against the peaceful lakeside backdrop, and I loved watching Luke slowly soften as Sophie settled into town. If you’re looking for a quick, cozy romance filled with whimsy, community, and bookstore charm, this is such a lovely start to a new series. I’m already excited to return to Solace Springs for the next book.
July 24, 2026
Dit boek wil je alleen al hebben vanwege de prachtige cover! En het verhaal is echt net als de cover, kleurrijk, gezellig met een vleugje drama. Ik heb ervan genoten!
Korte samenvatting:
Nadat Sophie in één week wordt gedumpt door haar vriend en wordt ontslagen op haar werk, besluit ze het roer om te gooien. Ze koopt een vervallen woonboot in Solace Springs, met als doel hier een boekwinkel van te maken.
Aangekomen in Solace Springs, blijkt dat haar nieuwe buurman Luke niet echt zit te wachten op een nieuwkomer die een boekwinkel wil beginnen in zíjn meer.
Maar dan raakt Luke onbedoeld betrokken bij de plannen van Sophie en al snel blijkt dat de twee meer gemeen hebben dan gedacht...
Ja. Ik wil ook in Solace Springs wonen en ik wil ook een woonboot met een boekwinkel! Met boeken tot aan het plafond en een echte leesnis!
Dit klinkt toch fantastisch!
Dit boek lees echt heerlijk weg, je waant je echt in Solace Springs tussen de prachtige kersenbloesembomen. De inwoners zijn allemaal zo vriendelijk en hartelijk en het is echt prachtig daar. Ik kon de kersenbloesems zo voor me zien. En de kersenbloesempunch kon ik bijna proeven.
Het verhaal gaat lekker vlot, maar niet te vlot. Er zit humor in, maar het gaat op sommige momenten ook dieper in op het gemis van dierbaren. Dit is mooi in het verhaal verwerkt zonder dat het te zwaar wordt gemaakt.
Zoals ik al zei, ik heb echt van dit boek genoten en als je houdt van feelgood zou ik dit boek zeker gaan lezen!
Mooie quote uit het boek:
'Ik vond kersensbloesems vroeger altijd een beetje tragisch', zei Sophie terwijl ze naar het blaadje keek. 'Al die schoonheid, in een oogwenk verdwenen. Maar nu... Ik weet het niet. Misschien verdwijnt het niet echt. Misschien verandert het alleen - het wordt één met de aarde en maakt ruimte voor iets nieuws.'
Korte samenvatting:
Nadat Sophie in één week wordt gedumpt door haar vriend en wordt ontslagen op haar werk, besluit ze het roer om te gooien. Ze koopt een vervallen woonboot in Solace Springs, met als doel hier een boekwinkel van te maken.
Aangekomen in Solace Springs, blijkt dat haar nieuwe buurman Luke niet echt zit te wachten op een nieuwkomer die een boekwinkel wil beginnen in zíjn meer.
Maar dan raakt Luke onbedoeld betrokken bij de plannen van Sophie en al snel blijkt dat de twee meer gemeen hebben dan gedacht...
Ja. Ik wil ook in Solace Springs wonen en ik wil ook een woonboot met een boekwinkel! Met boeken tot aan het plafond en een echte leesnis!
Dit klinkt toch fantastisch!
Dit boek lees echt heerlijk weg, je waant je echt in Solace Springs tussen de prachtige kersenbloesembomen. De inwoners zijn allemaal zo vriendelijk en hartelijk en het is echt prachtig daar. Ik kon de kersenbloesems zo voor me zien. En de kersenbloesempunch kon ik bijna proeven.
Het verhaal gaat lekker vlot, maar niet te vlot. Er zit humor in, maar het gaat op sommige momenten ook dieper in op het gemis van dierbaren. Dit is mooi in het verhaal verwerkt zonder dat het te zwaar wordt gemaakt.
Zoals ik al zei, ik heb echt van dit boek genoten en als je houdt van feelgood zou ik dit boek zeker gaan lezen!
Mooie quote uit het boek:
'Ik vond kersensbloesems vroeger altijd een beetje tragisch', zei Sophie terwijl ze naar het blaadje keek. 'Al die schoonheid, in een oogwenk verdwenen. Maar nu... Ik weet het niet. Misschien verdwijnt het niet echt. Misschien verandert het alleen - het wordt één met de aarde en maakt ruimte voor iets nieuws.'
June 3, 2026
3.5 rounded to 4 ⭐️!
A big thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Dell for an ARC of The Cherry Blossom Boathouse!
The cover on this one initially drew me in! I stayed for the Stars Hollow vibes, grumpy/sunshine romance, and found family in the town! I always love a small town romance with melding neighbors!
Luke also 100% reminded me of Luke from Gilmore Girls, which I was very much here for!
I enjoyed the self discovery journey that both of our main characters were on and the growth we got to see from them both. I really appreciated that aspect of the book.
I do feel like the relationship between Sophie and Luke developed pretty quickly. I just wanted a little more angst and “get to know you,” especially with both of them coming from a place of being deeply hurt in prior relationships.
Overall, this was a fun read for spring and I’ll definitely read book two in the series (which I also have an ARC for!)
A big thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Dell for an ARC of The Cherry Blossom Boathouse!
The cover on this one initially drew me in! I stayed for the Stars Hollow vibes, grumpy/sunshine romance, and found family in the town! I always love a small town romance with melding neighbors!
Luke also 100% reminded me of Luke from Gilmore Girls, which I was very much here for!
I enjoyed the self discovery journey that both of our main characters were on and the growth we got to see from them both. I really appreciated that aspect of the book.
I do feel like the relationship between Sophie and Luke developed pretty quickly. I just wanted a little more angst and “get to know you,” especially with both of them coming from a place of being deeply hurt in prior relationships.
Overall, this was a fun read for spring and I’ll definitely read book two in the series (which I also have an ARC for!)
June 5, 2026
Много сладка книга, която съдържа всички варианти на теми и сюжети, за да накара любителите на книги и на уютни места за четене, да се чувстват на върха. Кой не би искал да може да си купи дървена къщичка на кея на езеро и да сбъдне мечтата си да го превърне в книжен рай? Частта с ремонта вероятно ще доближи новия собственик до ръба на лудостта, но когато съседът се съгласи да участва в рехабилитацията на старата постройка, нещата може да потръгнат. Чувството за хумор в историята я прави много лека и приятна. Сериозните теми за доверието и за възможността да се справяш с желанията си, без някой да ги омаловажава, са представени съвсем реално. А героите откриват слабите места в очакванията и търсенията си крачка по крачка. Не са малко тези от нас, които си падат по Pinterest и откриват там идеи за собствените си интереси. Аз се припознах в Софи с нейните опити да намери мястото, където да съчетае любимите си занимания с по - спокоен живот в близост до природата.
Добро забавление, но просто пропуснах да я прочета през месец, когато всичко цъфти и животът се събужда отново. Сигурно изживяването щеше да е по - пълно!
* " Всяка нощ в лодкостоянката носеше нови приключения в живота на пионерите. Досега тя беше открила три теча на покрива, семейство мишки с очевидни архитектурни амбиции и очарователния факт, че когато езерният бриз духаше точно както трябва, цялата конструкция издаваше звук, напомнящ на кит с бронхит."
* " Но книгите винаги са били там. Харесва ми как са тези съвършени малки светове, които можеш да носиш със себе си. Как могат да те накарат да се чувстваш по-малко сам, дори когато си.“
Добро забавление, но просто пропуснах да я прочета през месец, когато всичко цъфти и животът се събужда отново. Сигурно изживяването щеше да е по - пълно!
* " Всяка нощ в лодкостоянката носеше нови приключения в живота на пионерите. Досега тя беше открила три теча на покрива, семейство мишки с очевидни архитектурни амбиции и очарователния факт, че когато езерният бриз духаше точно както трябва, цялата конструкция издаваше звук, напомнящ на кит с бронхит."
* " Но книгите винаги са били там. Харесва ми как са тези съвършени малки светове, които можеш да носиш със себе си. Как могат да те накарат да се чувстваш по-малко сам, дори когато си.“
July 29, 2026
thank you, ballantine & dell for an advanced reader copy of this book! it was such a privilege to read.
what started out slow for me, ended up being something i couldn’t put down- i loved luke & sophie’s growth from beginning to end.
luke, who’s been living in solace springs his entire life, has his world upended when british blossom, sophie enters by literally falling into his lake!
from there, these two immediately have strong feelings for each other (not always so positive) and through remodeling the boathouse into a bookstore, they find a way to reconcile & find their HEA.
though they both have moments from the past that threaten their future- these two manage to find a path that fits them both.
at some points, i was very frustrated with how they couldn’t get over what happened in the past to let them grow towards a relationship with each other- it was almost like they both wanted to self-sabotage so they wouldn’t get hurt again- but i guess that’s what makes it realistic?
overall, it was 4/5 and i cant wait to start book 2!
what started out slow for me, ended up being something i couldn’t put down- i loved luke & sophie’s growth from beginning to end.
luke, who’s been living in solace springs his entire life, has his world upended when british blossom, sophie enters by literally falling into his lake!
from there, these two immediately have strong feelings for each other (not always so positive) and through remodeling the boathouse into a bookstore, they find a way to reconcile & find their HEA.
though they both have moments from the past that threaten their future- these two manage to find a path that fits them both.
at some points, i was very frustrated with how they couldn’t get over what happened in the past to let them grow towards a relationship with each other- it was almost like they both wanted to self-sabotage so they wouldn’t get hurt again- but i guess that’s what makes it realistic?
overall, it was 4/5 and i cant wait to start book 2!
July 26, 2026
Bedankt @lsuitgeverij voor dit recensie-exemplaar!
Na een week vol tegenslagen, gedumpt en ontslagen, besluit Sophie een crowdfunding te starten. Ze koopt een vervallen woonboot in Solace Springs, om er een boekwinkel van te maken.
Al snel zorgt dat voor spanningen met haar norse buurman Luke. Hij zit niet te wachten op een nieuwkomer in zijn dorp. Maar wanneer Luke onbedoeld betrokken raakt bij de verbouwing, ontdekken ze meer gemeen te hebben dan ze dachten.
Een woonboot, een verbouwing, een boekwinkel, een beetje spice en een knappe buurman.
Perfecte ingrediënten voor een feelgood!
De chemie tussen onze personages voelde ik eerlijk gezegd niet zo sterk. En het ging ook ineens heel snel.
De mensen in het dorp, voornamelijk Luke, zijn best een beetje vervelend. En absoluut niet verwelkomend. Dat is exact de reden dat ik blij ben in een stad te wonen.
Ik had gehoopt dat het meer over de verbouwing/boekwinkel zou gaan.
Maar het ging toch vooral over de love interest.
Het was fijn geschreven, zoals je van een feelgood verwacht.
Vermakelijk. Maar ik had wel net even wat meer verbouwing verwacht.
Na een week vol tegenslagen, gedumpt en ontslagen, besluit Sophie een crowdfunding te starten. Ze koopt een vervallen woonboot in Solace Springs, om er een boekwinkel van te maken.
Al snel zorgt dat voor spanningen met haar norse buurman Luke. Hij zit niet te wachten op een nieuwkomer in zijn dorp. Maar wanneer Luke onbedoeld betrokken raakt bij de verbouwing, ontdekken ze meer gemeen te hebben dan ze dachten.
Een woonboot, een verbouwing, een boekwinkel, een beetje spice en een knappe buurman.
Perfecte ingrediënten voor een feelgood!
De chemie tussen onze personages voelde ik eerlijk gezegd niet zo sterk. En het ging ook ineens heel snel.
De mensen in het dorp, voornamelijk Luke, zijn best een beetje vervelend. En absoluut niet verwelkomend. Dat is exact de reden dat ik blij ben in een stad te wonen.
Ik had gehoopt dat het meer over de verbouwing/boekwinkel zou gaan.
Maar het ging toch vooral over de love interest.
Het was fijn geschreven, zoals je van een feelgood verwacht.
Vermakelijk. Maar ik had wel net even wat meer verbouwing verwacht.
August 4, 2026
Overall a cute book (mainly the cover) but i did have a bit of a struggle with the timing of everything, they go from hating each other to loving each other in a week.
Didn't get why Sophie had to lie about the investors, Luke was an ass for most of the book, if you don't like city girls don't date them.
The term city girls and how they were portrayed also wasn't my favourite. (And i'm not even a city girl but i did grow up in a small town where being different is considered weird)
Also how big is this boathouse?? And the lake??
Didn't get why Sophie had to lie about the investors, Luke was an ass for most of the book, if you don't like city girls don't date them.
The term city girls and how they were portrayed also wasn't my favourite. (And i'm not even a city girl but i did grow up in a small town where being different is considered weird)
Also how big is this boathouse?? And the lake??
August 22, 2026
I wanted to love this book- for the cover alone- but it was just too chaotic to love. The pacing was all over the place, the main male character was so unrealistic and annoying most of the time- breaking up with a girl over social media. Dumb.- and the storm scene was just so…like what?! (I don’t have any other words than that).
I liked the premise and thought it was cute. But couldn’t get over the weirdness of the guy, the pacing, and the way my home state was represented.
I liked the premise and thought it was cute. But couldn’t get over the weirdness of the guy, the pacing, and the way my home state was represented.
March 25, 2026
First thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for an ARC!
This is such a cute small town Romance. Grumpy MMC meets sunshine MFC I really enjoyed it. I love small town romances. The Cherry Blossom Boathouse had so much charm and I loved all the bookish references. 10/10 will recommend! Cute, easy, quick read.
This is such a cute small town Romance. Grumpy MMC meets sunshine MFC I really enjoyed it. I love small town romances. The Cherry Blossom Boathouse had so much charm and I loved all the bookish references. 10/10 will recommend! Cute, easy, quick read.
June 20, 2026
While this book was a cute, easy read, it did not make a lot of sense overall. Solace Springs felt underdeveloped as a setting and the writing implied that the lake was really big, despite never expressing this clearly. The characters were quite flat and I did not for one moment believe in the romance (insta-love) between Luke and Sophie.
The easy writing style and the fact that the story did not drag on are truly the two main reasons as to why I will not rate the book any lower. I will probably pick up the next book though, as I am curious to see how the author will improve.
2.5/5 ⭐️⭐️
The easy writing style and the fact that the story did not drag on are truly the two main reasons as to why I will not rate the book any lower. I will probably pick up the next book though, as I am curious to see how the author will improve.
2.5/5 ⭐️⭐️
July 23, 2026
4 stelle e mezza
La prima cosa che mi ha attratto è stata la copertina, la seconda la trama: non mi sono pentita dell'acquisto. La storia mi è piaciuta, ho solo trovato che per una parte del libro i protagonisti sembravano animali in calore... Alla fine mi è venuto anche a me il sogno di aprire una libreria in riva a un lago (in Canada, però visto i tempi)...
La prima cosa che mi ha attratto è stata la copertina, la seconda la trama: non mi sono pentita dell'acquisto. La storia mi è piaciuta, ho solo trovato che per una parte del libro i protagonisti sembravano animali in calore... Alla fine mi è venuto anche a me il sogno di aprire una libreria in riva a un lago (in Canada, però visto i tempi)...
June 16, 2026
Oh my goodness, what a sweet story! I haven't read a 5 star book in quite a while, and I enjoyed every moment of this one. It's very Hallmark-like with some spice and mystery✨I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
July 27, 2026
Het verhaal draait om Sophie Bennett en Luke Rhodes. Sophie woont in Londen en binnen een week staat haar hele leven op z’n kop, haar relatie loopt stuk en ze raakt ook nog eens haar baan kwijt. Terwijl ze doelloos door Instagram scrolt stuit ze op een oude verweerde woonboot in Amerika. Meteen ziet ze mogelijkheden en droomt ze ervan om er een gezellige boekwinkel van te maken.
Met de erfenis van haar overleden moeder en haar spaargeld komt ze alleen niet ver genoeg. Daarom besluit ze een crowdfunding op te zetten. Tot haar grote verbazing wordt die een succes en kan ze de woonboot daadwerkelijk kopen. Ze vertrekt naar Solace Springs, maar eenmaal aangekomen blijkt de woonboot er nog slechter aan toe te zijn dan ze had gedacht. Gelukkig heeft ze wel een aantrekkelijke buurman, Luke. Hun eerste ontmoeting verloopt alleen allesbehalve soepel, want Sophie belandt in het meer en uitgerekend Luke moet haar eruit vissen.
Dit boek is het eerste deel van de serie Solace Springs. Wat heb ik hiervan genoten. De vrolijke cover sprak me meteen aan en het idee van een boekwinkel beginnen maakte me direct nieuwsgierig. Ik zag het tijdens het lezen helemaal voor me.
De eerste ontmoeting tussen Sophie en Luke is onverwacht en eigenlijk ook best verdrietig. Sophie valt in het meer en in haar tas zit de afscheidsbrief van haar moeder die Luke gelukkig red. Naast de romantiek is er ook aandacht voor verlies en rouw. Zowel Sophie als Luke hebben daarin hun eigen verleden, waardoor ze elkaar op dat vlak goed begrijpen.
De opbouw van het verhaal zit goed in elkaar. Je ontdekt stap voor stap wat Sophie heeft meegemaakt en waarom ze deze nieuwe stap zet. Het verhaal is heerlijk zoetsappig, lief en voelt ontzettend warm aan. Ik vond het ook mooi hoe sommige dorpsbewoners Sophie met open armen ontvangen. Dat gaf Solace Springs echt een gezellige en fijne sfeer. Het idee van een boekwinkel op een woonboot vond ik bovendien heel origineel. Ik ben nu al benieuwd naar deel twee, Sugar Maple Hotel.
Met de erfenis van haar overleden moeder en haar spaargeld komt ze alleen niet ver genoeg. Daarom besluit ze een crowdfunding op te zetten. Tot haar grote verbazing wordt die een succes en kan ze de woonboot daadwerkelijk kopen. Ze vertrekt naar Solace Springs, maar eenmaal aangekomen blijkt de woonboot er nog slechter aan toe te zijn dan ze had gedacht. Gelukkig heeft ze wel een aantrekkelijke buurman, Luke. Hun eerste ontmoeting verloopt alleen allesbehalve soepel, want Sophie belandt in het meer en uitgerekend Luke moet haar eruit vissen.
Dit boek is het eerste deel van de serie Solace Springs. Wat heb ik hiervan genoten. De vrolijke cover sprak me meteen aan en het idee van een boekwinkel beginnen maakte me direct nieuwsgierig. Ik zag het tijdens het lezen helemaal voor me.
De eerste ontmoeting tussen Sophie en Luke is onverwacht en eigenlijk ook best verdrietig. Sophie valt in het meer en in haar tas zit de afscheidsbrief van haar moeder die Luke gelukkig red. Naast de romantiek is er ook aandacht voor verlies en rouw. Zowel Sophie als Luke hebben daarin hun eigen verleden, waardoor ze elkaar op dat vlak goed begrijpen.
De opbouw van het verhaal zit goed in elkaar. Je ontdekt stap voor stap wat Sophie heeft meegemaakt en waarom ze deze nieuwe stap zet. Het verhaal is heerlijk zoetsappig, lief en voelt ontzettend warm aan. Ik vond het ook mooi hoe sommige dorpsbewoners Sophie met open armen ontvangen. Dat gaf Solace Springs echt een gezellige en fijne sfeer. Het idee van een boekwinkel op een woonboot vond ik bovendien heel origineel. Ik ben nu al benieuwd naar deel twee, Sugar Maple Hotel.
May 31, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley & Ballantine for the E-ARC! Loved so much! Very fast-paced & beautiful setting. Fun cozy vibes too. Excited for the next book!
Did Not Finish
June 8, 2026Sadly this was a DNF for me- it just wasn’t grabbing me at this time and life’s too short! I may revisit at a later time but until then….
June 25, 2026
3.5⭐️ Cute little book for the summer 🫶🏼
July 17, 2026
4.25 / 5 ⭐
August 5, 2026
Solid 4.8 for me, I loved watching these characters fully develop into full people
April 6, 2026
Started off really cute but got quite dull, sadly. I didn’t believe the insta love relationship and found the pacing of the story to be difficult to enjoy. Overall, just not the book for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
July 19, 2026
4.5⭐️
May 13, 2026
This was a cozy and quaint romance. I enjoyed it, and it was a quick read. I wish it took a little bit longer to get into it though. The timeline was so fast that it felt rushed to me. Additionally, some of the most interesting parts come so close to the end and I wanted a bit more of that story sooner.
However, the setting is picturesque and I love a good book about someone who loves books. :)
However, the setting is picturesque and I love a good book about someone who loves books. :)
June 22, 2026
Es un 3'75 🌸
July 29, 2026
The Cherry Blossom Boathouse was a lovely book with my favorite tropes, such as grumpy-sunshine and small-town romance. It was the perfect spring-into-summer reading, and as a book lover myself, I feel like Sophie fulfilled the dream many of us have: opening a bookshop. I liked Sophie from the start, and I also liked the secondary characters. I especially appreciated how kind they all were towards Sophie and how welcome they made her feel.
The writing was fun, engaging, light-hearted, and enjoyable. However, parts of the story felt too slow and parts too fast. I also don’t like the insta-love trope. So, there’s that. But, overall, it is a book I enjoyed, and it made me wish to be there and get to see Solace Springs and its lake, trying some of Mabel’s sweets. I’d definitely read another book by Laura Bloom.
The writing was fun, engaging, light-hearted, and enjoyable. However, parts of the story felt too slow and parts too fast. I also don’t like the insta-love trope. So, there’s that. But, overall, it is a book I enjoyed, and it made me wish to be there and get to see Solace Springs and its lake, trying some of Mabel’s sweets. I’d definitely read another book by Laura Bloom.
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