Bookshop by the Sea, by Denise Hunter, was a very enjoyable read. I liked the storyline of this book and really found the characters to be both realistic and likable. I appreciated that this book was written from both Sophie's and Aiden's POV, as it is enlightening and helpful in fully understanding the true nature of the characters in a book. This is definitely a beach read—or anywhere read for that matter. (I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion.)

Sophie put her life on hold for 6 years taking care of her siblings and her dying mother. But now it's time for her to finally start pursuing her own dreams. She just needs to get through her sister's wedding then she can relocate to the seaside town of Piper's Cove and open up her own bookshop. However, a hurricane and the ex-love-of-her-life, Aidan, blow into town and knock her off her feet. Aidan was young and scared when he left town and Sophie 6 years ago and he's always regretted it. However, he's always believed it was best for both of them if that they parted ways, but when he sees her at the wedding all his feelings come crashing back in and he's not sure he has the strength to leave her again.

Sophie and Aidan are compelling as a couple. I love second chance romances and the forced proximity of a wedding and a storm are an exciting backdrop. There was a lot of sadness and tenderness to this story with broken people trying to forgive themselves and others so that they can find happily-ever-after. Overall, this is a solid romantic beach read for which Denise Hunter is known.

A sweet romance with an homage to independent bookstores. I warmed to the main characters, Sophie and Aiden, and appreciated the underlying issues - abandonment, loss, sibling relationships. The plot, however, at times moved forward through outside happenings that felt too convenient but the inner emotional arc of the main characters felt authentic and relatable.

3.5 stars out of 5

This is a sweet and lovely weekend beach read. Unfortunately I feel the book needs a very good proof read and edit, there were so many mistakes in the storyline that it started to frustrate me and diminished my enjoyment of the book. In saying that, once it has been edited and the mistake fixed, I think it will be a fabulous read and enjoyed by many.
The characters were likeable and the storyline a little bit predictable but realistic and enjoyable. I think the final proof of this book once fixed up will become a popular read :-)

I received this book for an honest review from netgalley.
#BookShopByTheSea
#NetGalley

This book was a fun easy read I did enjoy it more than I thought I would. The characters are very relatable.

Piper's Cove, NC - Present Day

Sophie Lawson is hoping to finally sit back and enjoy her younger sister's wedding. Having arranged not only the wedding, but the rehearsal dinner, Sophie just wants everything to go well. However, she's been dreading the arrival of the best man, a close friend of Grant's, her future brother-in-law. Aiden Maddox and Sophie had been "an item" seven years ago, when Aiden suddenly announced that he was going into a partnership with a man running an extreme adventures business in South Carolina. Devastated, Sophie wants nothing to do with him. She is surprised by her reaction, and how Aiden's presence still makes her feel. Thankfully, she knows that he will be flying back to Charleston as soon as the wedding is over.

Sophie has been the one person that her twin brother, Seth, and sister, Jenna, relied upon after their father left when their mother got sick. As she nursed her mother, she took care of everything for her siblings. And she still does. Sophie's acceptance to Duke University was given up as her mother grew more ill. So now, after their mother's recent death, Sophie has started plans to open a bookstore in the seaside town of Piper's Cove. All of her finances are tied up in this endeavor, and, to make things more hectic, she has already booked a grand opening day which will coincide with the publication date of a famous author who has agreed to speak at her shop.

What neither Sophie nor Aiden planned on is the hurricane bearing down on the coast. Sophie is staying at a friend's beachfront cottage until the apartment over the book shop can be done up for her. So, when someone is downstairs at the cottage late that night, Sophie is stunned to find Aiden. He had been told by the owners that a key was hidden, and once his flight home had been cancelled and all of the local hotels were booked, he headed back to Piper's Cove. Needless to say, Sophie isn't thrilled, and is especially upset at herself for allowing her heart to flutter at his arrival.

With the storm delaying everything, Sophie has just days to get the bookshop up and running on time for the scheduled opening. Aiden offers to help, but Sophie wonders if she can trust him not to abandon her again? And Aiden is concerned that his feelings for Sophie seven years ago are still as strong today. Where can all of this go?

BOOKSHOP BY THE SEA is my first introduction to Denise Hunter's books, and I enjoyed this story immensely. Sophie and Aiden are both kind, decent people with all too human issues. Sophie is learning to think about herself more, and Aiden is learning that running away from problems doesn't solve anything.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was sent to me free on Kindle for a review for Netgalley. It is a sweet story of love and lost and sacrifice...hopes and reams missed and fulfilled...try this for a quick read.

Hunter’s books are always feel-good nuggets that I consistently enjoy. This one’s no exception.

Sophie is a 25 year-old who is excited to open her own bookstore after having delayed her dreams after high school, giving up college to take care of her ill mother after her father leaves. She is a bit of a control freak as she has basically parented her siblings and still does even though they are adults and unfortunately take advantage of her caregiving. Aiden was her high school sweetheart who broke her heart when he moved away to take his dream job after high school (not realizing all of Sophie’s woes at home). They are thrown back together 7 years later and both realize that they still have unresolved feelings for the other. But first they have to work on issues in their own lives.

It’s a sweet story. 😊

Many thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me the early ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

'God, what is going on? Why are You leaving me with the one man who has the power to break me?'

I am a Denise Hunter fan. I never miss one of her books. She is back in the Carolinas for this offering. Sophie and Aiden broke up seven years ago when he left. He was only one of her dreams that were shattered. Now Aiden is back for a wedding and a hurricane strands them together, which forces them to explore their issues.

Beautifully told, Hunter explores hearts that have held long and painful hurts. Hurts which have impacted their lives in many ways. How can they find their way back to each other and healing? Populated with good characters and a poignant story, this is one for the keeper shelf. Recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

* Sigh* I just finished reading Bookshop By The Sea and really loved it—the quaint little beach town, the townspeople, and especially the main characters, Aiden and Sophie. This second chance romance trope was given a fresh spin by the author, Denise Hunter, who made me feel all the feels of this couple who are so in love. The problem is that each of them is weighed down by some baggage that needs to be acknowledged and addressed before they can sustain a permanent relationship. But have no fear--there is a very sigh-worthy and satisfying happily-ever-after that will leave you oh so happy. It’s a winner that would be a perfect beach read—highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book and this voluntarily-given review contains my honest opinions.

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter
Storyline - 3 stars
Depth - 4 stars
Faith - 2 stars
Love Story - 4 stars
Overall - 3 stars

We are always eager to jump into any book by Denise Hunter. While we consistently enjoy and often love her books, this one felt a little flat. The love story between Sophie and Aiden was sweet and engaging and we loved seeing them get their second chance at love. The setting for the book is charming as well and made us long for the beach. However, the side stories with Sophie's family were not our favorite. They made us cringe at parts and in our opinion went on for too long. Along with a predictable storyline, it just wasn't Denise's best. Having said that, she is one of our most loved authors and we will keep an eye out for her next book.

"Bookshop by the Sea" was an enjoyable "second chance" story. When Aiden and Sophie were eighteen, Aiden left Raleigh (and Sophie) to go to Charleston to become a partner in an extreme outdoor adventure company, a chance of a lifetime for him. Even if she had wanted to do so, following him to Charleston was never an option because of her obligations at home; in particular, caring for her mother who had MS. Seven years later, Sophie is forced to see Aiden again because her younger sister Jenna is marrying Grant, Aiden's best friend. Aiden did not expect to be welcomed back with open arms, but he is surprised by the frosty reception he receives from Sophie and some of her family. Sophie has never gotten over being abandoned by Aiden. Unbeknownst to Aiden, the night he told Sophie about his business opportunity was the same day that her father had left the family, unable to cope with his wife's MS.

Sophie has spent the past seven years taking care of everyone else, but she is preparing to finally do something for herself -- opening a bookshop in Piper's Cove, the family's favorite vacation spot and a dream that she had shared with her mother, planning all the details together while she nursed her mother. However, the deadline for opening the bookshop is tight, as she has agreed to host a book launch for a famous author, with the date of the launch rapidly approaching.

Aiden planned to return to Charleston the day after the wedding, but the approaching tropical storm had sped up, closing the Charleston airport. Needing a place to stay, he went to the beach house owned by Grant's family. The same beach house where Sophie was staying as she finished the renovations of the bookshop. The realization that both of them have to stay in the house together makes the situation tense, and it only worsens when the power goes out as the tropical storm upgrades to a hurricane and makes landfall.

Will the Bookshop by the Sea open in time? Will Sophie and Aiden be able to repair their relationship and at least become friends, or maybe something more? Has Aiden really changed in the past seven years? Can Sophie allow herself to become more independent and not let her family depend on her to fix all their problems? You will have to read the story to find out.

The characters are interesting and enjoyable to learn about. The plot is well paced. The author does a good job at displaying Aiden's faith and how he has changed over the past seven years. Sophie's love of books and her pride in making her (and her mother's) dream come true radiates off the pages. The sense of community and togetherness that is stereotypical of small towns is on display in the story, and it serves as a great example of God's love and how he will provide for us. Sophie realizes that she actually has people whom she can rely on. The book is well worth reading.

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Sophie and Aiden have so many hidden heartaches but you can't help but root for them to get a second chance. I hope this is the beginning of something really beautiful. I saw the potential for several more stories set in Piper's Cove. Bluebell Inn fans will get a bit of a thrill too.

I am not a fan of second chance romances but this was a book worth reading! Nothing sucks than seeing the one that broke your heart at a wessing *sob sob* and this happened to Sophie . This book is about Aiden and Sophie who were college sweethearts back in the day who had to part because of something that happened that I refise to spill on. Sometimes second chances happen and this is what happened to them. I absolutely adored this book and the small community they live that is so helpful. Read it and enjoy! Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange of an honest review

Sophie Lawson is a giver. She can’t help putting everyone else’s needs ahead of her own. When her mother became ill, her father abandoned them and Sophie had no choice but to rise to the challenge of looking after her twin brother, Seth, and her younger sister, Jenna. Now, seven years later, Sophie has been stretched thin with the death of her mother and helping Jenna with wedding plans. It’s finally Sophie’s turn. She’s opening a cute bookstore in Piper’s Cove on the Atlantic Ocean.

As you likely figured, Sophie’s problems don’t disappear! An old boyfriend comes back into town, a hurricane hits the coast and delays the store opening, and then she injures herself. She can’t delay opening day as there’s a famous author on the way for a book signing.

For those of us who are independent, we can understand what it takes for Sophie to accept help. She had to dig deep to forgive and accept help. Can she make peace with her past? Her future is at stake.

This is my first Denise Hunter read and I’m hooked. I loved the charming seaside town, the fluid writing style, the engaging plot and her lovable characters. Most of all, I loved a good clean romance that focused more on the complexity of adult relationships rather than steamy lust. You’ll love this emotional and heartwarming journey of two Christian childhood sweethearts who get a second chance at love.

Thank you Denise Hunter, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the chance to read this wonderful advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Published April 13, 2021

I rediscovered Denise Hunter’s books last year with the release of her Bluebell Inn series, and quickly wondered how I had ever fallen off fhe wagon. She is such a talented author!

While “Bookshop by the Sea” is a standalone novel, characters from “Lake Season” do show up here (so, spoler alert for that series). So fun to get the latest on them; I love it when series cross over like they do here.

Plus, of course you can’t go wrong with a bookshop setting—even better in a beach town! I’ve always thought it would be so fun to have my own bookshop, and this book gave great insight into that life. Inevitable parallels to “You’ve Got Mail” (whether intended or otherwise) only add to the read’s charm, and the powerful message of forgiveness and love will resonate with readers for sure.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Reading a Denise Hunter book is a no brainer. Her latest, Bookshop by the Sea, is a novel in true Hunter form: cap-tivating, unforgettable, and absolutely delightful. With a romance that curls your toes, characters who are complex and ever so relatable, and a storyline that guarantees to hold your attention, this book pulls out all the stops.

With expertly timed tension, Hunter pens a story about forgiveness, belonging, and acceptance. I found myself identifying with the heroine on so many levels, making the story come alive in my hands. Truly, Hunter’s ability to create characters and a plot that both entertain and challenge me is something I can rely on time and again. She is an author I NEVER miss!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I loved Bookshop by the Sea! In it we meet the oh-so-handsome and helpful, daredevil Aiden and bookish Sophie who is quite the push-over when it comes to her family. They were high school sweethearts until he left to start a business in another state. Sophie was devastated that day and for more reasons than that. Now, seven years later, they are reunited at her sister's wedding and sparks fly. I loved watched the journey they take as they learn to forgive and reconcile and I totally wish I had that bookshop and community to go visit!

For one very sweet afternoon, I lost myself in Bookshop by the Sea. I have a feeling that you'll feel the same way.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

The bookshop and the sea setting drew me in. This is a sweet romance with oh, so many difficulties. The ending was expected but getting there begged believing. Good beach read.

I have reviewed this novel for New York Journal of Books where it will be posted on their site the evening prior to the publication date.

"Bookshop by the Sea" by Denise Hunter
Thomas Nelson
April 13, 2021
10-0785240470
Contemporary Fiction

Since their father deserted them seven years ago, Sophie Lawson has given her life to her family—especially to her siblings, twin brother Seth, and younger sister Jenna—and their mother ill with multiple sclerosis. Planning to attend Duke University, which was always her dream, Sophie puts her life on hold, refusing to abandon her family.

Her mother soon passes away leaving Sophie to care for the household and the demands of Jenna and Seth. They are now adults who should be caring for themselves, but Sophie feels obligated to be at their beck and call. Though she lost her chance at a college education, her heart is currently set on opening a bookstore in the town of Piper Cove, NC, using her hard-earned savings.

Now attending Jenna's wedding, she is thrilled Jenna found someone to love who returns the same affection. But her happiness fades when Aiden Maddox arrives as one of the groomsmen. Sophie loved him since high school and hoped they’d marry one day.

When her father took off, Aiden also left to run a business with a friend in Charleston—five hours away. He asked Sophie to join him, but she stayed to care for her sickly mom and siblings, refusing to leave like their father did.

Sophie nurses a broken heart all these years trying hard to forget Aiden, but seeing him again hurts more for she still loves him. She tries to ignore him, but he makes a point to talk to her, and she prays her feelings do not show.

Almost Immediately, a fast-moving hurricane storms into town, and Aiden can't leave. He is stranded, and with all the hotels filled up, he heads to stay at a friend's home, not knowing Sophie is staying there. She got free rein to live there until construction work on her shop and the upstairs apartment is finished. Shocked at seeing Aiden on the doorstep, she cannot turn him away, realizing he'll be with her until the weather clears.

Nothing to do while being stuck inside, they talk and air their feelings. Aiden also tried to put her out of his mind and states his anger because she did not go with him years ago. Now, learning Sophie's father abandoned them, guilt arises, and he admits his resentment with her at that time but understands her reason for remaining at home.

While the storm rages on, Seth phones Sophie begging her help to edit a paper he is to present at his job. The power goes out, and Sophie decides to head to a nearby hotel and use their Wi-Fi. This infuriates Aiden for she always put her family before him, causing abandonment issues he still carries from when his mother left when he was a child.

Aiden realizes Sophie is still in his heart and stays longer than he planned to help her get her store organized, especially after she twisted her ankle and needs to use crutches. Soon they are sharing kisses, and Sophie questions herself about rekindling her passion for him. With their lives being five hours apart, a long-distance relationship cannot work.

After Aiden prepares a romantic dinner for Sophie, they are interrupted by a call from Jenna begging Sophie to do her a favor. His anger rises as she is about to drop everything for Jenna. A nasty argument ensues with them both saying things they don't mean.

Sophie's store is due to open the following day and managing to finalize everything even after many mishaps, she is dismayed when she awakens to find the house empty. Adam leaves her a note stating they need time off, which makes her think about what he said about Seth's and Jenna's control over her:

"Sophie had become more and more enslaved to the needs of her siblings. And as she was as much to blame as they were—after all, she'd catered to their needs. Her growing frustration was as much her fault as theirs. She'd been reluctant to admit the problem, but you couldn't change what you didn't acknowledge."

Again, her heart is broken yet her new business beckons, and she must put her best foot forward. Friends arrive for the opening which turns out to be far more lucrative than Sophie thought. Though sad about Aiden, she is pleased by accomplishing her dream.

Is there a chance for Sophie and Aiden, or is a relationship unachievable? Until Sophie can erect boundaries with Jenna and Seth, she will never attain a life of her own. And Aiden must overcome the ghosts and heartaches of his past, or a future with Sophie will not happen.

"Bookshop by the Sea" is a fast-paced, sweet romance. It offers the protagonist the chance to look inward and with introspection, to face pitfalls in life especially dealing with others and not being a pushover. Portraying the ups and downs many relationships endure unless one can attain faith and belief in oneself, lasting love will never come to fruition.