Review of 'The Bookstore at Rivers End' by Phillipa Nefri Clark

Review of 'The Bookstore at Rivers End' by Phillipa Nefri Clark

Release date: January 11th, 2024

Publisher: Storm Publishing

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What the story is about:

The discovery of a mysterious diary sparks an emotional journey of healing and second chances in this spellbinding new novel from USA Today bestselling author Phillipa Nefri Clark.

Harriet Main moves to the beautiful coastal town of Rivers End with a heavy heart. The bookstore she’s opening on the idyllic main street is a small distraction from the pain of her recent divorce, and the guilt over failing her daughter Olive when she needed her most.

When Harriet finds an anonymous old diary in a collection of books donated to the store, she’s shocked when the donor refuses to take it back, wanting nothing to do with the tragic book. It’s Olive who wants them to read the diary, and when they find a wistful account of a treasure hunt set up by three teenage girls, they decide to follow the clues together. Perhaps the search will help Harriet find the lost pieces of herself. But uncovering the story hidden in the pages unlocks a decades-old mystery that changes everything, for Harriet, for her daughter, and for the writer whose past they have unwittingly unearthed. When the terrible truth resurfaces, can Harriet find the strength to help heal an old wrong, and how will her path be forever altered by the discovery?

REVIEW

Could River’s End be her ‘heart-home?’ Harriet thought. A place to start over after her heart was so broken by her husband she did not think she could ever feel anything again.

The Bookstore at River’s End is both heartbreaking and heart-resurrecting and a pure pleasure to read. I truly could feel Harriet’s pain in her shock and loss but also got excited with her when she begins to heal and unfold like a flower separate from her ex-husband. It was wonderful to see the revelations she has as a result about her life and to hear the perceptive comments her daughter Olive makes about her happiness. And to discover how one new person in her life, a talented Chef, changes and frees her—well you cannot get better than that.

The descriptions and flow of the story were flawless. The Australian setting is gorgeous, charming and inviting. I loved the warm, friendly, helpful characters who came to life on the page (and got annoyed with the ones who were meant to bother me!). Her ex-husband, of course, was the major thorn that pierced her side and heart but after his departure to begin his world adventures once recovering from his health scare, balance begins for them all. There are some rocky adventures, of course, but progress is made as their lives commence on a new path and when major truths are unveiled. I adored the growing loving and supportive relationship between Harriet and Olive—a mother’s dream!

Brave Harriet and gifted daughter Olive set up a charming bookstore (Harriet’s dream) in a town new to them. I could feel the anticipation and joy as they got their inventory ready of popular titles but also when they found rare books to sell. This, of course, leads them to make a discovery of a diary containing a treasure map that takes them on a journey which will set right some misunderstandings and heal a few broken hearts.

While investigating the destinations on the map, Harriet and her daughter enjoy and learn about the areas they explore, including a cave. Then swimming in Willow Bay, Harriet feels invigorated and calmed by the waters. And when she goes for a sail, peace floods through her being. All wonderful ingredients to help restore her soul and recoup her body after some shocking emotional battles.

Harriet knows little of her husband’s background, except he was born at River’s End and held a fondness for the place which is why he bought a building there (that became a bookstore). But there is an aunt of his that Harriet must find, if she is still alive. Be prepared as there is an incredible twist and surprise with this part of the plot!

An age-old mystery, romantic love, relationship healing, community spirit, second chances and finding purpose, peace and pleasure are just a few of this story’s special themes. The Bookstore at Rivers End is a beautiful tale of hope, discovery and restoration. Plus, it is a wonderful addition to the Temple River series that should not be missed. 5 Easy Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.