The selection here is fantastic! So many well-known titles and underrated gems. Their children's section is also phenomenal. The staff were so sweet and helpful as well. Definitely will be back when I visit Carmel again! read more

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2 stars only because book selection is really good. But I randomly got charged $6 for something I didn't buy. I was visiting from out of town so I didn't check it until I got home 3 hours later. I emailed them a picture of receipt and asked why I received this charge. I thought it was the book marks but I the cashier asked us if we wanted "complimentary" bookmarks. I also called the next morning during business hours but there was no answer. I'll come back and will now always check my receipt before leaving the door. As of 4/9/24 - never got a reply - nothing. read more

River House Books - Doug steakley card?? - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Carmel, California

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I bought a book last week and came with 2 of my friends. I bought thinking fast and slow, I did not like it so today I went to return it. Suzan was extremely disrespectful asking if "I was sure this is the right book store I got it from" and I asked why would I walk into this bookstore then? She replied back saying "because there's more than one bookstore in this area". I did not have a receipt but I did show her the purchase receipt on my Wells Fargo account. They don't even give you a refund just a store credit, which she did not go over. Do better on handling customer service! read more

Lovely little book store. Got a few books and some jigsaw puzzles. Excellent selection and nice staff.

I've always loved supporting independent bookstores, but I was disappointed to see my local shop take such a blatantly one-sided political stance. Their front window display was filled exclusively with "woke" content, including books that promote hostility toward white and Jewish people while pushing Palestinian propaganda--most notably The 100-Year War on Palestine, a book known for its highly biased and revisionist take on history. Hoping for balance, I asked if they carried any books that present the truth about Israel or historically accurate accounts of the Middle East conflict and the the simple answer was: No. It is clear that this store isn't interested in offering multiple perspectives--only in pushing a singular, agenda-driven narrative. Bookstores should be spaces that encourage open dialogue and diverse perspectives, not ones that engage in ideological activism. I can't support a bookstore that promotes such racist content and pushes narratives that call for the shedding of Jewish blood, just as I wouldn't support a store that encouraged violence against any other ethnicity. Hate is hate, no matter where it's directed. I believe in free expression, but when a business deliberately highlights only one perspective--particularly one that spreads resentment rather than understanding--it sends a clear message about who is welcome and who is not. Unfortunately, until this store returns to a more balanced and inclusive approach, I can't continue to support it. read more

Very kind, wrapped our books for us. They had a good selection of children's books for us.

Picked out some great books, had no idea Alka Joshi was a Monterey local author, and that was a pleasant surprise. Bought another local authors book, and some other book club style finds. read more

A mini Vromans, the best selection of books, mags, gifts in the area. This is a permanent stop when we are visiting the Carmel area. Great knowledgeable staff, chairs to peruse, all our favorite attributes to a well run book store! Highly recommend. read more

Great selection of books. One of those places I had to drag myself out of. The staff made me feel welcome.

Super friendly new owners and a very welcoming attitude at this small bookstore I have been visiting for nearly a decade. I love the history selection, and have found some arcane art history books here. It is fun to browse around, and to be able to buy the book you want right off the shelf, and not have to wait for that Amazon package. The store is also just across from a coffee shop, so you can stroll over for a cappuccino and read. The one thing missing is a cozy reading place, but that might not be possible at this location. I look forward to another visit soon. read more

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A pretty nice bookstore however, the people who work there are so cold. Downright rude, actually and unfriendly. I was there today and asked a couple of questions from two different staff members, and they both seemed really irritated to be even speaking to me. It was just not pleasant. I happened to arrive on a day when a local, children's book author was signing books. I would have loved to have known about this and brought my godchildren but it was not advertised anywhere - not even on the bookstore website. It doesn't seem like it's run very well. read more

We stumbled upon this gem of a bookstore a few years ago, and were delighted. (I wrote this review then, but just noticed it in my drafts folder. Sorry if it is out of date). It has a great selection, bright and well-designed space for browsing and, most importantly, outstanding curation and presentation of books. If you have an interest in a subject or author, you will see a number of related books presented nearby in a more complete and thoughtful manner than at other independent booksellers. While we were there, another patron whispered to us that a book we were discussing was available at Costco for less. It is, of course, no surprise that books can be purchased for less than at independent booksellers like this one. That's why it is our sacred duty as book lovers to buy books at well-run independent booksellers that we find there. Otherwise, we will lose forever the joy of thumbing through books by hand and discovering the perfect book that is unknown to us when we walk in the door. (It is simply not the same experience as clicking on amazon's links). Thank you River House for taking on the extreme challenge of selling books by hand and paying high rents. We appreciate that you do it out of a love of books and not money. We will be back! read more

Awkward over-masked staff who seem disturbed and Cattie if you ask them a question, disturbing the bubble of whatever they are doing. Then there is that highly annoying Taylor Swift music that's misplaced out of Jr. High school Have the sales etiquette of a hissing cat OD'ing on that ridiculous Teen-E-Bopper Taylor Swift music. A few other reviews called it accurately : "Seemed irritated to be speaking with me", "It was just unpleasant", "Cold and unfriendly", "Staff absolutely sucked" Looks like River House is getting a deserved REP for having uncouth staff. Thank God For Jeff Bezos. Books minus the snooty attitude + silly music. read more

Bookstore is nice. The staff absolutely sucks. They don't greet you and ignore. Snobby beyond belief.

I loved this cozy, beautiful bookstore. It helped me discover some wonderful picture books for my daughter while we were on vacation. They don't have everything but had many current and interesting finds. I recommend supporting a local bookstore like this one. read more

New owners, great service and about the same selection as before. It seems to have less emphasis on kids. More business-related books, less recipe books. I had free gift wrapping over the holidays. So far, so good. I'm glad someone bought it because bookstores are a rare commodity around here. read more

One always wonders what will happen to a retail store when there is a change of ownership. So far, so good with River House Books. Had I not read that the previous owners sold this store to the owners of Lula's Chocolates, I would have not known. Store seems the same. Airy and not too crowded. Many of the same clerks. Great selection of books -- and I always appreciate the recommendations from staff. I wish River House Books continued success. This is always a "must stop" when I am in Carmel. read more

Amazing selection of children's books. I want to support our local bookstore but it's hard when the staff is so cold and unfriendly. Will take my business elsewhere where employees are more friendly to those who still want to shop locally for books. read more

Excellent help in finding the book I was looking for. The staff is so friendly her, and they have a great variety of books. Every once in a while they'll have a book signing featuring a local artist (like my friend J.L. Nicely). read more

What a wonderful book store! We were driving down PCH and stopped nearby for lunch. This is the type of place that puts fear into the big box retail book stores! The choices seem very fresh and yet they also had some older books that you want to pickup and read again. The folks who work here really like working here and it shows. So stop in and browse, it will be fun and you'll be glad you did, Trust me! read more

I'm a bit of an independent bookstore enthusiast, and since my hometown, Fresno, only has a Barnes and Noble and a couple of secondhand haunts, I'm always on the lookout when I travel. After wearing out the selections at the lovely Bookworks in Pacific Grove, I figured it was time to see what the surrounding towns have to offer. River House came up, and I resolved to make it over there. The shopping centre area it's in is lovely - spacious, walkable, all freshly painted, with shared restrooms in the middle of the plaza. The store itself has lots of big windows and a good set-up providing plenty of shelf space without feeling cramped. It's such a pleasure to shop somewhere hat feels well-curated. There's a good amount of biography here, and several shelves devoted to history and special interests. The children's section looked to be a generous size, though I didn't have a close look. There's also some cuddly toys and such. Fiction has a good showing, and there were lots of classics alongside more modern classics (NYRBs caught my eye in particular), lots of literary fiction titles and plenty of authors I was less or unfamiliar with. Hardbacks are separated from backlist fiction, and there were also tables for sale hardbacks (books now out in paperback, but for paperback prices), and a table for newer paperback releases which was also nicely curated. The art section also looked interesting. There are some non-book items for purchase like pencil case tins, cards and postcards, and some other small items. To be honest it was a bit of a relief not to be surrounded by board games and toys for a change. I bought one paperback this time but will definitely be back to browse again. read more

Fantastic little bookstores ... one of those places we say "they don't make ''em like that anymore!" In the age of digital books and Amazon takeover, places like this are rare. We're visiting here for a few days and though I brought my books from home, forgot to bring my book light. Hotel room tends to be darker at night and I have trouble reading in low light. My husband called them just half hour before they were closing and asked if they carry book lights. They affirmed and off we went. Adorable place that Carrie's all makers of books and they sold several different types lights. We got the best one they had with the LED lights, wanted to give a shout out for this amazing place. It bright back a sense of nostalgia wistfulness, cuz I'm old enough to remember a world without Amazon and where only libraries and bookstores had books. We'd hang out on bookstores and go for dinner afterwards--our idea of a wild night, lol. This is that kinda place--civilized old era stuff. I'd go back in a heartbeat just for that regained era! read more

great selection of books, and really nice staff! the store is beautifully laid out, and very cozy to spend a while perusing the shelves.

Always friendly and have an excellent stock of books. If they don't have it, they get it quickly. Little overpriced but happy to support a small business read more

Interesting selections in this independent bookstore. I enjoy finding new books to read . Great place to browse and pick up a new adventure in reading read more

I also support family owned bookstores and avoid chain stores. It is clear that these establishments must fight to stay alive but come on..... I went into this store a few weekends ago (March 20th). I was nearly finished with "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and wanted to have "The Girl Who Played With Fire" ready to go. The owner (tall thin older fellow) led me to the hardback copy on the front table. Very nice and helpful. The hardcover price was a bit steep $28, of course, so i ask when it will come out on paperback. He tells me that this particular book won't come out for 9 months or so and that I should buy it now. Clueless as I am about things, I bought it--the line and the book. Imagine my surprise when i get back to Border's the very next weekend and see multiple copies of this book in PAPERBACK. Um, 9 months? Seriously. You got me and my $28 bucks. Thanks. read more

I spent over $180 today on books and I'm not even mad about it. This place was wonderful, and if it weren't for my husband giving me the "let's GO!!" look, I'd have spent all day here. It's got such a peaceful vibe, and you can tell that the staff really cares about the books. I'm not local to Carmel, but when I do return, I'll definitely have to stop by River House Books again read more

Their stated goal is to be a "literary" bookstore -- that is, emphasizing good writing, regardless of the genre. That's been my experience in looking through the selections. Great choices for young readers, which matters as I shop for (and with) my son. We found the TinTin books in new collections, and other books he's been eager to read. Staff is helpful about ordering books not in stock. They recently expanded their space, so there's more room for books and for in-store readings by authors. And, as others have noted: 1. It's local, and locally owned. 2. The big retail bookstores are closing. 3. There's a great outdoor coffee house next door (also locally owned). Very pleased to have them in the neighborhood! read more

Popular and unpopular books can be found here! There's a book in here for everyone. Just bought The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku. Right next door to an awesome coffee shoppe & Cafe Stravaganza! read more

While spending lunch in Carmel by the Sea we entered a pleasant bookstore on Dolores inquiring about a book recently released. The representative advised they didn't have the book and kindly called River House Books who did have a copy and placed it on hold for me. When I arrived at the shop pleasantly giving my name and the book, the two people at the desk pulled out the booked talked amongst themselves in be manner of town gossips and other than quoting me the cost of the book never said a word or acknowledged me as a customer or frankly a human being. I've been a huge supporter of small businesses, particularly book stores resisting retailers like Barnes and Noble; however this encounter of unprofessionalism and lack of respect for hard working customers is sadly convincing me to take my business to Amazon Prime where expectations are set in terms of no human interaction at a fraction of the cost. To the woman at the front desk: tisk-tisk. read more

A cool, quiet store with light and windows and helpful booksellers. The ordered a book for me and it arrived promptly. I do miss the old Thunderbird bookstore in the Barnyard, but at least this one still carries a good selection. I'd go there any time. It's got a lovely atmosphere. read more

I'm so glad we have this charming and well stocked bookstore in our neighborhood. Crossroads is a much cooler place with River House, Lula's, CV Roasting in the same sunny area. read more

This is a wonderful independent bookstore. As I browsed through the shelves and tables, I saw many of my favorite authors' names. I chose a book by an author who was new to me, and loved it. Their inventory seems to have been chosen by someone with a true love for the written word. The location on the map that I linked to from the Yelp listing les us on a wild goose chase though. I called and was given good directions, so don't give up if your phone takes you to the wrong place! read more

The curators of this store are doing an excellent job. The selection is unique as well as selecting great books to face out to grab your attention. Ths is a readers bookstore...or knowledge seeker. The 3 star rating is due to that there is always something off putting every time I come in. It doesn't feel welcoming. When you walk in, they stare at you, there are signs posted about no food or drink, and don't use your phone (see my earlier review). I actually considered two books (after they took my cappuccino from me as soon as I walked in), but couldn't research them on my phone. I support local small business, and would have looked into the books on my phone to make sure that I wanted them...but instead of purchasing...I memorized the titles, picked up my coffee from the counter, went home and bookmarked them to check out later. I understand all the rules, but I think there may be easier ways that may increase the traffic rather than walk them from the store. read more

One of the biggest issues with the rise of the 'big box' chain bookstores (even the walmart and target books section) is the lack of diversity in selection. Sure, the big boxes have *lots* of books, but they all come from the same distributor and thus the choices are almost made for you. You forget this until you walk into an independent like River House. Yes, there are some of the familiar bestsellers that you can get for 30% off at Target, but theres also a wide variety of fascinating fiction that doesn't get the Harry Potter treatment. Lots of non fiction and cooking-related stuff too. I wandered in here last weekend when I was Xmas shopping with no intension of buying--"just browsing!". I bought 4 books based on the store's recommendation. It looks deceptively small on the outside, but is stuffed to the gills with great selections on all topics. They do free gift wrap, and are very helpful if you have questions. Truly a great book buying experience, and a worthy successor to the last great bookshop they had at the Crossroads years ago. read more

I like the assortment but I don't like two sales ladies going over inventory of the paperback table while I am trying to read the backs of the books and make a selection. They were literally talking over me and my friend who were trying to be respectful (speaking low, as if in a library). It wasn't THAT busy; couldn't they have waited until we left the store? I did make one purchase, but had the environment been a little more welcoming, I might have picked out more and lingered a bit longer. The store could use a warmer vibe for sure. When I checked out at the register, the sales lady was very nice during my transaction. I don't really get it. Customer service should be the same throughout the entire store experience and it was not. Maybe as they mature in the space they will get more consistent with their service. I just don't get the verbal inventory review and reaching around and over me while I am trying to spend money in their store. The mind reels.... read more

I love this somewhat hidden gem in the Crossroads shopping center in Carmel. I visited this week as I always do when I am in town. I was looking for two, somewhat obscure books. The lady working was very helpful to look them up to see if they had them in stock. They did not but as I love this store and the friendly and accommodating staff I opted to browse and ended up spending close to $200. The selection of books is quite good for a small shop and if they don't have what you are looking for in stock, they are happy to order. read more

Our last stop during our Carmel trip was a visit to the Crossroads Shopping center. I was hoping that some new stores were in the center since it was rather lack luster the last time we were there. I felt that some new stores would breathe some life into this cute but dull center. I was happy to see an independent bookstore next to the Carmel Roasting Company. Great location! After visiting Borders the day before, it was so nice to see a different selection of books. The store is on the small side but seems to have a nice children's, cookbook, and travel essay sections. I was greeted warmly after a minute of browsing. I noticed a small couch by the front entry which made the store seem comfortable. The books were organized on a table and different shelves throughout the store. The spacing and color scheme was well planned. I ended up purchasing a paperback that I would have never "seen" at a large chain store. I wish this store great success! read more

Such a great bookstore! So many excellent selections. If you are a Paris fan, you will find a lot of books here to love. Support small biz! Support women in biz! read more

This is such a great little book store, and I sure hope they stay open. I was on a mission when I came here. The mission was to find some books that my Pops would enjoy...and guess what.....SCORE!!!!! Also an extra special thanks to River House Books for doing gift wrapping( I'm a horrible wrapper, music, and paper with tape). Thanks also for watching my Lula's chocolates and not eating them---I know that's really hard. My dad will enjoy reading these books a whole heck of a lot. Please stay open!!! read more