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The River House
Jocelyn Larsen returns to Virginia for the first time since she was a little girl to oversee repairs on her family's old river house. It feels like it’s been at least that long since she followed her heart rather than a carefully laid plan. With room to breathe and time to think, she hopes for the chance to reflect on a life she’s uncertain she still wants for herself. When she is reunited with Jack, her childhood bully, her intentions to relax and recenter herself are threatened by feelings she is resolved to get under control. He might have changed, but her determination to see all of her hard work through to the end has not.Jack Evans is a contractor in Farnham, Virginia along the Rappahannock River, where he was born and raised. His life is far from what he imagined it would be a year earlier. In fact, most days he feels as transient as the houseboat that he calls home. Ungrounded, detached, and at risk of drifting out to sea. But when Jocelyn, his childhood crush, unexpectedly renters his life, her light delivers hope of guiding him back to solid ground once again.As the space between Jocelyn and Jack grows smaller, and the need to rediscover one another grows stronger, they must both decide which life they want; the one they built for themselves, or the one they built together.
- GenresRomance
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2021
11 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Maravel
8 books254 followersIt is my hope to provide motivation for fellow authors who continue to polish their voice and work on their craft. I want to inspire as many writers as I can to view their work as an ongoing journey. You never know which step you are on in achieving your dreams, all you can do is to keep pressing forward. Looking back shows you how far you've come, and looking ahead gives you direction, but the most important part of the journey is where you are right now. Never stop striving, live without regret, and use both your experience and your dreams for the future to shape what you're doing right now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 1, 2022
This was my first book by Shawn Maravel and it was so lovely to read.
As a kid I'd always wished we had a vacation home to have long term memories in and this book fed that dream!
Jocelyn's river house was going up for sale but what happens when she goes back to fix it up? Jack has his own demons and regrets but this summer he's gonna face them!
Enemies to lovers, pretty setting and sweet close door romance for you to enjoy!
Overall ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/ 5
Spice 🌶 🌶/ 5
As a kid I'd always wished we had a vacation home to have long term memories in and this book fed that dream!
Jocelyn's river house was going up for sale but what happens when she goes back to fix it up? Jack has his own demons and regrets but this summer he's gonna face them!
Enemies to lovers, pretty setting and sweet close door romance for you to enjoy!
Overall ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/ 5
Spice 🌶 🌶/ 5
November 4, 2021
I have a little crush on this book. 🖤
This story is so sweet you'd think it was coated in sugar. It is the perfect, light, second chance at love story in a dreamy setting that makes me want to uproot my family and move to a house on the river in Virginia.
I adored this story....and Jack...SWOON. The line about the sheets? I BLUSHED.
This story is so sweet you'd think it was coated in sugar. It is the perfect, light, second chance at love story in a dreamy setting that makes me want to uproot my family and move to a house on the river in Virginia.
I adored this story....and Jack...SWOON. The line about the sheets? I BLUSHED.
September 15, 2022
read if you love:
🪴childhood enemies to friends to more
🪴he was always into her
🪴strong families
🪴house boats
🪴home renovation
🪴rottweilers
🪴emotional stories
“𝐀𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.”
i truly loved jack and jocelyn’s heartwarming and emotional story. after reconnecting with jocelyn through the renovation of her late grandmother’s river house, jack was truly a goner! i love a man that falls first! but jack was fighting an uphill battle between his own demons and the fact that jocelyn would be returning to her life austin after the renovation. the journey they took together was as a beautiful one of personal growth and forgiveness. jocelyn had her own fears to overcome and i love how she figured out how to get out of her comfort zone without losing who she was at her core. i really enjoyed the flashbacks that gave us a little taste of jack and jocelyn’s childhood. michael was also a pleasant surprise! i appreciated how he shook things up a bit, but was a really good guy at heart. jack and jocelyn’s families really rounded out this story in the best way! i can’t recommend this book enough! some other things i loved (may be spoilery):
•lady — the best book dog
•the descriptions of the river house
•speaking of houses — jack’s houseboat!
•comfortable banter and instant friendship
•who knew tiling a shower could be so hot
•jocelyn immediately regretting driving a jet ski
•the pool
•sloooooow burn until 🔥🔥
•the piano playing
•watermelon margaritas
•”you are my green shovel.”
•the store
🪴childhood enemies to friends to more
🪴he was always into her
🪴strong families
🪴house boats
🪴home renovation
🪴rottweilers
🪴emotional stories
“𝐀𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.”
i truly loved jack and jocelyn’s heartwarming and emotional story. after reconnecting with jocelyn through the renovation of her late grandmother’s river house, jack was truly a goner! i love a man that falls first! but jack was fighting an uphill battle between his own demons and the fact that jocelyn would be returning to her life austin after the renovation. the journey they took together was as a beautiful one of personal growth and forgiveness. jocelyn had her own fears to overcome and i love how she figured out how to get out of her comfort zone without losing who she was at her core. i really enjoyed the flashbacks that gave us a little taste of jack and jocelyn’s childhood. michael was also a pleasant surprise! i appreciated how he shook things up a bit, but was a really good guy at heart. jack and jocelyn’s families really rounded out this story in the best way! i can’t recommend this book enough! some other things i loved (may be spoilery):
•lady — the best book dog
•the descriptions of the river house
•speaking of houses — jack’s houseboat!
•comfortable banter and instant friendship
•who knew tiling a shower could be so hot
•jocelyn immediately regretting driving a jet ski
•the pool
•sloooooow burn until 🔥🔥
•the piano playing
•watermelon margaritas
•”you are my green shovel.”
•the store
December 2, 2021
I want to smash my walls with a sledgehammer and hire Jack to fix them *smirks*.
Such a sweet, wholesome story! This is definitely a comfort read. I loved knowing that I was going to read this book at night. I took my time reading this one because I loved savoring every chapter. The characters feel real and Maravel's prose flows with ease from start to finish. Grab yourself a copy! You won't regret it.
Such a sweet, wholesome story! This is definitely a comfort read. I loved knowing that I was going to read this book at night. I took my time reading this one because I loved savoring every chapter. The characters feel real and Maravel's prose flows with ease from start to finish. Grab yourself a copy! You won't regret it.
February 22, 2023
I loved it! It was a perfect love story that also went deeper into some of life’s struggles that we face.
June 12, 2023
Me realizing I never actually rated this book. I loved it. It was amazing. I will never be over Shawn’s writing.
July 16, 2021
The River House is a sweet bully-to-friends-to-lovers story. The book follows Jocelyn and Jack. Joscelyn has returned to Virginia from Austin, Texas to assist with the remodel and selling of her family's old river house. In the process she reconnects with her childhood bully Jack who just happens to be assisting her with the house renovations. Joscelyn was Jack's childhood crush growing up and seeing her after all this years resurfaces past feelings. The more closely the two work together the more they uncover about one another. For starters Jack can sense that Joscelyn isn't content in her life where Joscelyn can sense that Jack is battling some pretty difficult situations. Before long, the two are falling for each other deeply. The only problem is Joscelyn is set to return to her life in Austin and Jack wants her to stay. Torn between her two worlds Joscelyn must make a decision; turn her back on Jack and the river home forever, or stay with Jack and reevaluate her dreams.
Shawn Maravel is a marvelous writer who writes so descriptively and whole heartedly. I felt so connected to Joscelyn and Jack by the end of the book. The only reason I gave it four stars out of five stars was because I wished I could have seen more flashbacks to Jack and Joscelyn growing up together. But otherwise, I loved the storyline, the writing was fresh and full of excellent imagery, and It was fun to see the progress of the River Houses' renovations. For anyone looking for a sweet love story perfect for summertime look no further.
Shawn Maravel is a marvelous writer who writes so descriptively and whole heartedly. I felt so connected to Joscelyn and Jack by the end of the book. The only reason I gave it four stars out of five stars was because I wished I could have seen more flashbacks to Jack and Joscelyn growing up together. But otherwise, I loved the storyline, the writing was fresh and full of excellent imagery, and It was fun to see the progress of the River Houses' renovations. For anyone looking for a sweet love story perfect for summertime look no further.
May 4, 2021
⭐️ review⭐️
Can a childhood bully change over the years and end up as your best friend? Well it seems it can, at least for Jocelyn and Jack.
I got sent the ARC of this book for an honest review. And I will be honest.
I loved it!
In the start there is quite an info dump, but I feel it’s necessary, because it sets the scene that family is quite important for the characters and will be a constant theme throughout our the book. Also it didn’t drag which is good.
And while reading this book I had a smile on my lips. 1 because it’s soooo cute and 2 because it’s beautiful.
The story deals with the grief of losing a parent and how some deal with that grief. And even though I haven’t myself experienced that, I could very much feel the emotions through the words.
Okay things I loved:
There’s freaking dog!!! (It’s small detail but one I love)
The ex of the female protagonist is not horrible (he actually respects her decision in the end)
There’s a family aspect and a great bond between friends (even though they haven’t seen each other in years)
There’s a happy ending (I’m a sucker for that)
Yeah so 5 stars all the way!
Can a childhood bully change over the years and end up as your best friend? Well it seems it can, at least for Jocelyn and Jack.
I got sent the ARC of this book for an honest review. And I will be honest.
I loved it!
In the start there is quite an info dump, but I feel it’s necessary, because it sets the scene that family is quite important for the characters and will be a constant theme throughout our the book. Also it didn’t drag which is good.
And while reading this book I had a smile on my lips. 1 because it’s soooo cute and 2 because it’s beautiful.
The story deals with the grief of losing a parent and how some deal with that grief. And even though I haven’t myself experienced that, I could very much feel the emotions through the words.
Okay things I loved:
There’s freaking dog!!! (It’s small detail but one I love)
The ex of the female protagonist is not horrible (he actually respects her decision in the end)
There’s a family aspect and a great bond between friends (even though they haven’t seen each other in years)
There’s a happy ending (I’m a sucker for that)
Yeah so 5 stars all the way!
December 28, 2021
The River House gets 5 bright stars from me! Maravel is nothing short of a highly seasoned wordsmith, crafting sentences, paragraphs, and chapters that flow flawlessly. The pictures she paints with her writing are amazingly vivid, allowing the reader see and feel as the characters do.
The novel is a coming of age story of sorts, about a woman (Jocelyn) who is faced with two life-changing opportunities simultaneously. One of those choices involves Jack, a bully from her childhood who enters her life by happenstance more than a decade later. The characters are relatable and lovable, and you’ll be attached to them shortly after beginning the read.
Definitely pick this one up to see how it all unfolds. Despite this not being my typical genre, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the story! The River House is proof that a talented author can pull you in and make you care about the characters and the story, no matter it’s subject matter!
I’d have no hesitation recommending The River House to anyone who enjoys exceptional writing and a story that touches the heart! We’ll done Shawn Maravel!!
The novel is a coming of age story of sorts, about a woman (Jocelyn) who is faced with two life-changing opportunities simultaneously. One of those choices involves Jack, a bully from her childhood who enters her life by happenstance more than a decade later. The characters are relatable and lovable, and you’ll be attached to them shortly after beginning the read.
Definitely pick this one up to see how it all unfolds. Despite this not being my typical genre, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the story! The River House is proof that a talented author can pull you in and make you care about the characters and the story, no matter it’s subject matter!
I’d have no hesitation recommending The River House to anyone who enjoys exceptional writing and a story that touches the heart! We’ll done Shawn Maravel!!
April 28, 2021
I was lucky enough to get a opt of this before it’s release, for the purpose of insight and reviewing.
Let me just start off with the fact that, these days, I don’t read. Or rather, I don’t often FINISH a book I’ve started. . . Life doesn’t allow for it these days. HOWEVER, The River House, I couldn’t put down.
Truth be told, with it’s release coming this May, I wish I had it to read all over again for the first time. This is the PERFECT book for the beach, vacation or just sitting on the porch having some sweet tea. THIS is the book.
The story is sweet and simple, yet complex enough to keep you digging into it further. I instantly fell in love with the characters (like literally all of them. . .) as well as the story line.
The best part is that start to finish it evolved in a way that both was hard to predict yet didn’t leave me throwing it across the room in anger when I finished. Simply just a great read all around.
Let me just start off with the fact that, these days, I don’t read. Or rather, I don’t often FINISH a book I’ve started. . . Life doesn’t allow for it these days. HOWEVER, The River House, I couldn’t put down.
Truth be told, with it’s release coming this May, I wish I had it to read all over again for the first time. This is the PERFECT book for the beach, vacation or just sitting on the porch having some sweet tea. THIS is the book.
The story is sweet and simple, yet complex enough to keep you digging into it further. I instantly fell in love with the characters (like literally all of them. . .) as well as the story line.
The best part is that start to finish it evolved in a way that both was hard to predict yet didn’t leave me throwing it across the room in anger when I finished. Simply just a great read all around.
June 14, 2022
This book was so incredibly sweet, interwoven with the heartbreak of love lost and love found.
Childhood “enemies” turned adult friends to lovers with the perfect setting had me in all the feels. I loved these characters and will miss them so much.
When Jocelyn’s grandmother passes, her mother voluntells her to fix up the family’s old River House. I was sold from that one line alone. When Jocelyn arrives to the house in Virginia, she hires a contractor. Enter Jack, her childhood frenemy.
Jack is gorgeous and perfect and all the things on the outside. But once we get to know him more, we see all the demons he holds within. He lives o. A houseboat with his Rottweiler, Lady.
Lady was my favorite character, just so we’re clear. I absolutely love when authors bring in a dog and have them as real and as animated as their human counterparts and Maravel does just that.
Thank you, Shawn, for breathing life into Jocelyn, Jack, Lady, and yes - even Michael.
Childhood “enemies” turned adult friends to lovers with the perfect setting had me in all the feels. I loved these characters and will miss them so much.
When Jocelyn’s grandmother passes, her mother voluntells her to fix up the family’s old River House. I was sold from that one line alone. When Jocelyn arrives to the house in Virginia, she hires a contractor. Enter Jack, her childhood frenemy.
Jack is gorgeous and perfect and all the things on the outside. But once we get to know him more, we see all the demons he holds within. He lives o. A houseboat with his Rottweiler, Lady.
Lady was my favorite character, just so we’re clear. I absolutely love when authors bring in a dog and have them as real and as animated as their human counterparts and Maravel does just that.
Thank you, Shawn, for breathing life into Jocelyn, Jack, Lady, and yes - even Michael.
August 2, 2021
Jocelyn's family experiences a loss in the family causing her family to decide what to do with the family house that is filled with wall-to-wall memories. Jocelyn volunteers to monitor the restoration of the house before the family puts the house on the river for sale. However, Jocelyn wasn't expecting to face her past as Jack Evans shows up on her doorstep. Together as they repair the house, feelings grow, but the question of what will happen once the house is ready to be sold.
This story I was super excited for as I loved reading Maravel's previous stories. Her characters are realistic so the reader feels as if they know them. The character's feelings are a gradual growth not only in love but also as they search for what they really want out of life versus what they had set out when they were young adults. The characters go on a journey and it is a good light summer's read.
This story I was super excited for as I loved reading Maravel's previous stories. Her characters are realistic so the reader feels as if they know them. The character's feelings are a gradual growth not only in love but also as they search for what they really want out of life versus what they had set out when they were young adults. The characters go on a journey and it is a good light summer's read.
January 21, 2022
This was such a sweet story with a sweet ending! I loved the descriptive writing! The author not only makes you visualize the house on the river but you feel like you’re actually there. The scenic imagery transforms you to Virginia. We have a childhood crush turned possible love interest and also home renovations involved; I’m a sucker for a good reno and romance! I was sucked in by the setting and its ‘life on the river’ vibes. The strong family element, dealing with loss and the grieving process gave this story even more passion.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was exactly what I needed!
I really enjoyed this book. The story was exactly what I needed!
April 28, 2021
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book. I’ve read other books by this author and it was really fun to compare her past style to her current writing. I found the characters relatable and honest - I really enjoyed the houseboat aspect of the story. It’s not often you run across a houseboat in a romance and it made me really want to live on a river in a houseboat of my very own! Jack is a rugged, hardworking, vulnerable dude and I LOVED his character. I was rooting for him the entire story! If you’re looking for a fun, honest, and real romance - read The River House!!
March 31, 2022
This whole book I kept thinking that it was going to be a three star book. I thought the pacing was good, but felt it was slightly repetitive. What changed my mind to four stars was the chapter where Micheal came to Virginia and I guess when Jack was taking care of Jocelyn when she was drunk. I don’t know, but I just really liked those two parts of the book. I also really enjoyed how the author concluded the book. It just gave me a very warm feeling in the second half of the book. This is one of the first romances I genuinely enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2021
A very sweet story, emotional, sexy. You'll connect with the characters and fall for them very easily. Love comes when you least expect it
January 20, 2022
loved it!
I don’t typically read romance, but this story hooked me. It’s sweet and endearing and everything a romance book should be!
I don’t typically read romance, but this story hooked me. It’s sweet and endearing and everything a romance book should be!
March 31, 2024
Jack & Jocelyn
Tropes:
• Childhood Bully
• He Falls First
• Forced Proximity
Thoughts: This book gave me all the lazy Sunday morning vibes. You know the kind where you cuddle up on a front porch swing with a cup of something warm and a good book. It has a lyrical style of writing that's both beautiful and distinct. When Jocelyn needs a contractor to renovate her family's river house the last person she expected was her childhood bully, Jack. It's been years since they've seen each other and sometimes people grow up and aren't so terrible anymore. ( This was my first book by Shawn and I look forward to reading more!
(Fade to Black/Minimal Low Spice)
Tropes:
• Childhood Bully
• He Falls First
• Forced Proximity
Thoughts: This book gave me all the lazy Sunday morning vibes. You know the kind where you cuddle up on a front porch swing with a cup of something warm and a good book. It has a lyrical style of writing that's both beautiful and distinct. When Jocelyn needs a contractor to renovate her family's river house the last person she expected was her childhood bully, Jack. It's been years since they've seen each other and sometimes people grow up and aren't so terrible anymore. ( This was my first book by Shawn and I look forward to reading more!
(Fade to Black/Minimal Low Spice)
December 2, 2021
Would you believe me if I said I binged this read in two days? It would have been one if I didn’t have a final project to submit for school. I can’t praise this book enough! 🎉 I’ve been craving some romance for a while but didn’t know where to begin. Here are some of the few things I absolutely loved about this book!
.
🔸 Each chapter transitioned so seamlessly that it was no wonder hours passed and I didn’t even notice.
🔶 The meet cute moment was perfect! Free from the cliches that can really put a damper on a story.
🔸 Every moment was realistic making the romance even more unique and steamy
🔶 From the very beginning their was so much depth to the characters it was easy to embrace them
🔸 Jack Evans, Jack Evans, Jack Evans my new fictional boyfriend that makes my heart skip a beat.
.
This is one of those reads that I will always remember because of how deeply I felt for the characters and how often it made my heart race. Highly recommend to all my romance lovers out there ❤️. Gifting myself another one of this authors books for Christmas 🎁
.
🔸 Each chapter transitioned so seamlessly that it was no wonder hours passed and I didn’t even notice.
🔶 The meet cute moment was perfect! Free from the cliches that can really put a damper on a story.
🔸 Every moment was realistic making the romance even more unique and steamy
🔶 From the very beginning their was so much depth to the characters it was easy to embrace them
🔸 Jack Evans, Jack Evans, Jack Evans my new fictional boyfriend that makes my heart skip a beat.
.
This is one of those reads that I will always remember because of how deeply I felt for the characters and how often it made my heart race. Highly recommend to all my romance lovers out there ❤️. Gifting myself another one of this authors books for Christmas 🎁
March 5, 2022
This is the first book I have read by Shawn and I was so captivated by this sweet story! Her characters are lovely and she described them so well. I love when authors take the time to provide details about the character's appearance, style and personality and Shawn did a marvelous job at this. I could see them in my mind's eye perfectly!
A beautiful love story in such a seemingly stunning setting. The heat level was tasteful and engaging without being overly descriptive and raunchy and I really appreciated this. You could feel the heat and passion between the two characters and their chemistry was magnetic. Well done, Shawn!
A beautiful love story in such a seemingly stunning setting. The heat level was tasteful and engaging without being overly descriptive and raunchy and I really appreciated this. You could feel the heat and passion between the two characters and their chemistry was magnetic. Well done, Shawn!
March 5, 2022
This was so sweet! And the character felt very real. I wish it was longer!
September 7, 2021
This book hooked me within the first 15 pages… everything about Jocelyn seemed to resonate with my soul. As a single woman who is competitive and feels the need to chase their professional dreams I understood where Jocelyn stands in her passion for her career. The way the River House was described reminds me of how I feel about my grandparents house where I spent most of my child and also my great-grandfathers farm house that my family is currently attempting to renovate. Though we aren’t going to be selling this home I felt the joy of taking a place that is meaningful for your family and breathing new life into it. The relationship Jocelyn parents hold in this book remind me of my own parents and grandparents. Also the home renovation part just struck my HGTV obsessed heart. Honestly there was no part of this book that I didn’t love and if it wasn’t for bookstagram I would have never found this book.
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March 14, 2023I wrote The River House after my mom's sudden passing in April 2020. It was a difficult year already, but losing her felt like surviving that year would be impossible. Then I picked up and brushed the dust off of a love for books that she and I shared and I poured my soul into this story and these characters.
This novel achieved a level of healing and peace I might have never found without it. These characters are more than just fictional people to me, they are very real and I can only hope that I've managed to write them in such a way that they're real to you as well.
(I had held off writing a review and rating this book myself. Then a Goodreads user decided to post a bad rating and review on this book--a book that means more to me than anyone can ever possibly understand--based solely on the fact that I've chosen to support a fellow author for reasons that remain no one else's business. If my book can receive bad ratings and reviews for unfounded reasons, then I guess I can leave a review as the author for good reason.)
This novel achieved a level of healing and peace I might have never found without it. These characters are more than just fictional people to me, they are very real and I can only hope that I've managed to write them in such a way that they're real to you as well.
(I had held off writing a review and rating this book myself. Then a Goodreads user decided to post a bad rating and review on this book--a book that means more to me than anyone can ever possibly understand--based solely on the fact that I've chosen to support a fellow author for reasons that remain no one else's business. If my book can receive bad ratings and reviews for unfounded reasons, then I guess I can leave a review as the author for good reason.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2021
A Marvellous writer. Unfortunately, I did not fall in love with the characters. I felt like the relationship was a little superficial and Jocelyn was too “perfect”. Nevertheless, I felt the connection between the house by the river and everyone who stepped into it!
June 13, 2021
The River House is the perfect book to pick up for a summer vacation!
Jocelyn and Jack were childhood enemies who end up working on Jocelyn's family River House in Virginia. As they get to know each other again, Jocelyn learns a lot about herself and what she wants in life, and that may be a life with Jack...
The River House was a sweet, feel good, romance. I really enjoyed the aspect of family that was included. Jack's relationship and admiration of his family really added to the story. Jack's sister, Sarah, may be my favorite character (she is a momma who loves plants....enough said). Overall, a great summer read, and I'm very glad that the author gave me the opportunity to review it ♡♡♡
Jocelyn and Jack were childhood enemies who end up working on Jocelyn's family River House in Virginia. As they get to know each other again, Jocelyn learns a lot about herself and what she wants in life, and that may be a life with Jack...
The River House was a sweet, feel good, romance. I really enjoyed the aspect of family that was included. Jack's relationship and admiration of his family really added to the story. Jack's sister, Sarah, may be my favorite character (she is a momma who loves plants....enough said). Overall, a great summer read, and I'm very glad that the author gave me the opportunity to review it ♡♡♡
May 20, 2023
This has to be one of the coziest, sweet, enemy to lovers romance reads I've read this year. This entire book is like a warm hug filled with every comforting emotion you could imagine. Shawn's writing glides you along on a journey that will leave your heart teetering on the edge of love, second chances, hope, finding yourself, and accepting we all have faults. Jocelyn is revisiting her family's River House to fix it up and get ready to sell. Revisiting the River House also means revisiting past childhood summers with friends and enemies. Little does she know that her biggest enemy, Jack just so happens to still be local. Their chance encounter launches them on a journey of self-discovery both independently and together. Can Jocelyn see Jack for who he is now? Can Jack work through the pain that is holding onto him? What magic can the River House do to these two, if they are willing to let it? If you love HGTV, sweet lovable pups, second chances, small towns, hidden feelings, grand romantic gestures this is the perfect read for you!
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December 28, 2022 didn't want this book to end! I fell totally in love with the story and the characters.
When Jocelyn returns to Virginia to renovate her grandparents house, a place where she spent summers as a child, she runs into her old adversary, Jack.
Its such a gorgeous story and I loved reading how the relationships developed. I can picture the River House in my mind and its a place I would want to go! I don't want to give any spoilers to this story, its such a light and easy read but with a great story so I urge you to give it a try.
When Jocelyn returns to Virginia to renovate her grandparents house, a place where she spent summers as a child, she runs into her old adversary, Jack.
Its such a gorgeous story and I loved reading how the relationships developed. I can picture the River House in my mind and its a place I would want to go! I don't want to give any spoilers to this story, its such a light and easy read but with a great story so I urge you to give it a try.
January 27, 2022
A very sweet romance with great characters. I could totally relate to Jocelyn and Jack is such a wonderful guy. Also being an HGTV fanatic, I absolutely enjoyed the storyline being centered around home renovations and decor. There were also several beautiful phrases that I liked (and highlighted). I see that this book is part of a series, and I’m looking forward to reading more.
May 29, 2022
A story that makes you smile and cry in the best of ways. With a sweet enemies to lovers vibe that makes you cheer!
Shawn Maravel can write in a way that leaves you living in each and every word. Feeling as if you are there experiencing every page. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story about finding love in the most unexpected places.
Shawn Maravel can write in a way that leaves you living in each and every word. Feeling as if you are there experiencing every page. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story about finding love in the most unexpected places.
August 17, 2023
I felt like the writing was easy to read and mostly engaging; however, the plot lacked the momentum that is necessary for a contemporary romance. There was plenty of internal conflict, but a lack of external conflict that would move the plot forward. To put it frankly, I found it frustrating because there was so much potential to be a page turner.
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