Review: The Barefoot Bookshop on the Beach by Rebecca Raisin

March 19, 2026

Synopsis:

When Harper sees an ad for what must surely be the most idyllic job in the world, she’s almost tempted. But she can’t possibly leave her bookshop job in London, or her burgeoning career as a successful Bookstagram influencer… That is, until a casual remark about a debut author lands her in deep trouble.

So she applies. After all, now she’s got nothing to lose. Except maybe her heart, she realises, as she lands on the beautiful island of Ésperé in the Seychelles and finds herself seemingly surrounded by beautiful men. Including the hotel owner, moody but heartbreakingly-handsome Xavier.

But inter-staff relations are strictly forbidden. And Harper has enough on her plate, with a member of staff missing and a wily band of expats to contend with. Plus, she’s determined to make the bookshop and new start the success they deserve to be… Even if – under the blazing sunshine – the romance novel superfan in her can’t help but hope the boss of the hotel might not be quite the grump he seems…

Review:

This book was exactly what I needed after a few days of feeling disappointed with my recent reads. Just a few pages in, I was completely hooked – and our FMC, Harper, was a big reason why I couldn’t put it down.

If you spend a lot of time online, especially in the book community, you’ll know that the topic of AI in writing is incredibly charged, with strong opinions on all sides. That subject takes center stage here, and when Harper accidentally speaks out about her suspicions regarding a popular book, things spiral quickly. Her comment causes trouble for both her and her bookstagram account.

She decides to take the chance to start over, without any idea of what she’s walking into, and I mean that in the best possible way. The story gives you everything from nosy elderly residents with far too much time on their hands, to locals trying to make a living while preserving the island’s natural charm, to a quirky mix of employees who contribute their own flavor to daily life.

Harper was hoping for something quiet. Somewhere she could enjoy books without drama, Instead she’s swept into a whirlwind of strong opinions and community chaos that had me laughing more than once. Add in an intriguing boss who turns out to be much more than he first appears, and you have one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in quite a while.

🌙 Recension: The Barefoot Bookshop on the Beach by Rebecca Raisin
📚 Genre: Romance, Fiction
📅 Release Date: March 7, 2026
📖 Publisher: Boldwood Books
📱 Read as: Kindle
📗 available in various formats – included in Kindle Unlimited
💸 I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 335
⭐️ 4.5/5