I wanted to like Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston, but I found the story to be lackluster with repetitive details. The main characters, Cade and Everleigh (Mr. Grumpy and Ms. Sunshine) are at odds over the property they inherited. I found it unusual that Everleigh wanted to sell the place that meant so much to her. Everleigh is immature and obstinate (her way or the highway—watch out because she will run you over). Of course, Cade was equally determined to get his way (stone wall of silence). The story moved along at a leisurely pace. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town and the beautiful inn (I would love to live in the inn). The ending was rushed and predictable with everything wrapped up neatly (put a pretty bow on it). I wanted to like to like Second Chance at Sunshine Inn, but I found myself skimming through the middle to reach the end (I did not miss a thing).

What was Alana thinking when she left her Inn to her goddaughter, Evangeline, and her handyman, Cord? The two had never met and were as opposite as could be. Add to that each had completely different ideas for the Inn. Cord wants to update and keep it going. Evangeline wants to sell it and start the non-profit she and Alana dreamed about. How on earth will they ever agree on a plan of action that works for both of them.

Add in past hurts and family secrets, along with an unexpected attraction, and you have a rich story of healing and trust and moving forward after pain. Beautifully written, as every Clipson story I've read has been.

Two owners, who are totally opposite of each other, have inherited a beloved seaside bed-and-breakfast.
Everleigh Harnett, who was the goddaughter and wants to sell the inn to have money to fund the nonprofit she and her godmother wanted to create, but then she finds out there is another owner.
Cade Witherspoon had been the groundskeeper and had lived there to watch the godmother of Everleigh does not want his quiet life to be disturbed.
Over time, they become friends, but how is that going to affect if they sell or keep the inn.
Add a land developer who wants to buy it and they are now having to make some hard choices.
Will they choose to sell the Inn, or will they develop a deep friendship and keep the inn.
This is a good book of two opposite personalities and how they develop a friendship and if they end up selling the inn. It was very enjoyable to read and I recommend it to those who like to read romance books.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this advanced copy.

Everleigh is a traveling nurse who's called home when her godmother dies and leaves her the beloved bed and breakfast, which was her home away from home, and the possibility of funding the nonprofit they dreamed of together. Except she has only inherited half, the other half belonging to the caretaker, Cade. He doesn't want to sell. The B&B is his second chance at starting over. 
Both think they know what her godmother wanted, but they strike a deal, if the B&B sells by a specific date, then they split the money, otherwise it stays an inn. 
As they work together to spruce the place up, they get offers, and there are some sparks between them. Each has some unresolved family situations which pull on their hearts, too.
With a deadline looming and decisions to make, will they find their HEA or part their separate ways?
A sweet romance in a seaside town full of possibilities.

It was so nice to go back to Coral Cove in Second Chance at Sunshine Inn! This bed and breakfast is just the kind of place I would love to stay at! In this wonderful story we get grumpy, full-of-hurts-from-his-past Cade and Everleigh who is little Miss Sunshine and a traveling NICU nurse. Well, they do say opposites attract right?! He wants to stay and continue working at the B & B that her godmother, Alana, left to the two of them; and Everleigh wants to sell to raise funds for a non-profit. I truly enjoyed watching them come together and get past things they are dealing with. They both loved Alana and both of them wanted to do what they thought she wanted. Of course, in the end it all comes together, and we're left with a very satisfying love story.

I'm a longtime fan of Amy Clipston's writing and I'm hoping there will more books set in Coral Cove in the future!

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

Publication date: 8 July 2025

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston is a contemporary hate-to-love story. The Sunshine Inn was left to Everleigh and Cade. Everleigh’s godmother and aunt left her ½ the inn and left the other half to Cade, the young man that helped her run the inn the last couple of years. Cade is grumpy and suspicious while Everleigh is optimistic and cheerful. The two do not mix well.

Everleigh wants to sell the Inn and use the proceeds to fund parents of babies in NICU. Cade wants the inn to stay and add more features to draw more people in. The inn is on a prime piece of property and developers are determined to buy and develop the land, after tearing down the inn. Everleigh and Cade come up with an agreement about selling the inn even though Cade does not want to. He thinks she won’t succeed. Everleigh is unable to see another way to fund her nonprofit. Cade has already lost everything that he had by his last romantic situation and believes this is his only chance. To add to Cade’s dilemma, he is struggling with his family with a surprising older brother. Everleigh is struggling with an older sister who has shut her out. Then there is the storm, between the damage to the building and the damage Cade and Everleigh personal relationships, the whole Inn seems doomed for failure.

I felt the novel had good bones. I felt the storyline and the characters were an interesting mix. The only thing that bothered me, other than the main characters being stuck in their own dilemma with no room to see the other one, was the length of the middle of the book. I felt that the book was a little wordy in some places repeating the same sad lines. I enjoyed the way the couple found their way forward and wished it had happened sooner. Certainly the lesson in this novel was opening up and listening to the other. Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston was a good read.

This book is so good. It is a sweet romance that is full of emotions that was a joy to read. It has wonderful characters, a beautiful setting and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

It was my first book by this author, but I already understand why everyone recommends her. Such incredible writing, such captivating characters. I read it too quickly and when I got to the end, I just wanted to go back to the beginning. I loved it.

One stunning setting plus two realistic innkeepers equal an imperfectly perfect opposites attract romance. Everleigh returns home after the death of her godmother and learns she inherits half of a coastal bed and breakfast, with the other half owned by Cade, who has minted the property for years. With different goals for the inn, they do find a way to work together and also find feelings for each other. Their romance is not without bumps and hurdles brought upon by grief and family issues. Their road to a happily ever after has twists as well—making their story real and relatable. This clean romance was refreshing and wholesome.

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn brings us the unexpected romance of two strangers, Everleigh and Cade, who are, at least temporarily, bound by a charming inn they both inherited. One wants to sell quickly, the other wants to set down roots and build the bed and breakfast business. Neither expected this confusing windfall, or the growing love between them as they maneuver a way to find middle ground in this life-changing decision.

Everleigh and Cade are a perfect odd match of sunshine and grumpy, both are stubborn and believe their way is the only logical conclusion. They each bring past pain and wariness into the relationship. I enjoyed Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston and would consider it a romance/women’s fiction story with a couple who seem complete opposites, but can build on the emotions developing between them. It’s an engaging, well-written, emotional story with issues to be dealt with, set in a charming small town. I had fun here, and that’s the whole point of picking up any book.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I love Amy’s books so reading a new novel written her was super exciting.
This is a heartwarming, tender, sweet story.

Clipston created a beautiful setting and a story where I felt as if I was experiencing everything with these characters.
These characters they stole my heart immediately.
I loved the plot, not only the setting and the main characters but the whole storyline.
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn is a beautifully written story.
With such a descriptive style of writing, I could just envision each scene Amy includes in this story.
Amy’s characters are also believable which makes this story more intimate and relatable to the reader.
She held my attention and had me glued to my Kindle.
An uplifting story with an amazing story.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction, NetGalley and Amy Clipston for providing me an eARC of this novel to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Everleigh Hartnett has inherited her Godmother’s inn- or co-inherited it anyway- with grumpy Cade Witherspoon. She has no idea why her godmother included him in the inheritance. Everleigh is a NICU travel nurse with a goal of starting a non profit to help families with sick children. She is sure her godmother would have wanted her to put money into this, so she wants to sell. Cade has promised that he will keep it open. It is a clash of wills in this enemies to lovers sweet romance. Each one also has family drama to work through in the background.

This is a cute and sweet book, but it was not a standout to me. Everleigh was a bit too Pollyanna, while Cade was exactly the opposite. It is hard to imagine this extreme divide in personalities being able to find a compromise. Also, both of them were not very willing to forgive. As, I said it was just a middle of the road book for me.

This is the perfect book for those that love sweet romance stories.

Second Chance at the Sunshine Inn is a Coral Cove novel by Amy Clipston. Everleigh Hartnett has just completed her latest nursing contract in Texas and is heading home to Coral Cove, North Carolina. Unfortunately it is not for a well deserved rest but for the sad occasion of her dear godmother’s passing. Alana McFadden had been her mother’s best friend forever and an integral part of Everleigh’s life, almost like a second mother. She spend much of her growing up years at Alana’s beautiful beachfront Sunshine Inn, even working there as she got older. And now to think Alana is gone is unbearable.

With her rideshare moving at a snail’s pace from the airport, Everleigh worries she will be too late for the reading of the will. When she finally does get there, a stranger is the one to help her unload her luggage as the rain still comes down and the surly driver doesn’t move from his seat. The stranger even helps her get it into the attorney’s office, even following her inside. Everleigh is surprised when it is only her mother and the stranger, to be introduced as Cade Witherspoon, and herself that are called in for the reading of the will, with her siblings missing. An even bigger surprise comes when the bulk of Alana’s estate, including the Inn, its furnishings, and her accounts are to be split evenly between Everleigh and Cade.

Everleigh sees this as an opportunity to use the proceeds of a sale to start the nonprofit she had discussed with Alana, feeling that was the purpose of the legacy. Cade sees it as a new beginning, but one where he will run the Inn as Everleigh returns to her nomadic traveling nurse lifestyle as a silent partner.

As heads butt, realtors try to get the property for developers and a stranger from a grocery cart collision keeps inserting himself into Everleigh’s life. Months pass with no resolution. Reservations are reopened for the Inn and many return visitors come as well as new ones. And still, the conflict isn’t resolved. Neither is the personal tension between the two owners.

This is a well written story with endearing characters and a lovely coastal setting. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Because, they come from two different angles they also butt heads. As the dealine they have set for themselves approaches, will they be able to see what is best for everyone?
I found this a heart stirring book. Thought provoking yet entertaining. I enjoyed the easy way that each character developed along the way. This was a new author for me. I will keep tabs on her new releases.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

Whenever I read a book like Second Chance at Sunshine Inn I always wonder when a long lost relative will reveal they have left me their home by the sea. That happens in real life right? What a dream to be left a Bed and Breakfast right on the water with the cutest town nearby and of course friendly towns people. Amy Clipston has written a dreamy story that will help you get lost in the lives of the characters and the beautiful home Alana has created.
When Everleigh gets word her godmother has passed she is stunned. She had no idea Alana was ill and wishes she could’ve been there to care for her in her final days. After the service Everleigh is delighted to learn Alana left her Sunshine Inn, but only half of the Inn with the other half going to a man Everleigh has never met before. Cade worked as Alana’s grounds keeper and apparently her closest friend and care taker in her final days. Cade has plans to expand the Inn and start to offer dinner service for the town but Everleigh wants to sell the Inn and use the money to start a non-profit that her and Alana had spoken passionately about.
Both have valid reasons why they think the other should give in but soon they’ll butt heads on what Alana would’ve wanted for them both. Was this part of Alana’s plans? To bring her two favourite people together? Alana knew what she was doing but it’ll take Cade and Everleigh awhile to figure it out.

Everleigh and Cade are opposites in every way. She’s sunshine and laughter, while he’s all rough edges and quiet brooding. Their clash of wills over the inn soon has them wondering what on earth Everleigh’s godmother was thinking when she left them both in charge.

Let me just say, I have read a lot of “sweet” reads lately. So take what I am about to say with a grain of salt. This one is almost TOO sweet for me. It is a bit predictable and I got a bit frustrated with Everleigh and her stubbornness and avoidance of any issue that doesn’t suit her. She definitely pushed my buttons in places.

The saving grace for this tale is Cade. Cade is rough around the edges but he is a lot nicer than he comes across and he has Everleigh’s number. So, when these two finally realize what they have together, it is golden!

I loved the setting of the inn. I could just picture it and I really want to go! 😜.

Need a sweet read with a great setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

This book took me through the gauntlet of emotions from grief and confusion to frustration, anger, and hurt to love. It was a grumpy/sunshine romance novel with two strangers who were thrown together unexpectedly under sad circumstances. Everleigh’s beloved godmother passed away suddenly and Everleigh was surprised to find that she left half of her estate to Everleigh including the Sunshine Inn which she had operated for many years in their seaside town. But even more surprising was that she left the other half to a stranger and former employee, Cade, who lived at the property. Soon after the reading of the will, Everleigh and Cade found themselves in disagreement over what to do with their part of the inheritance. Side characters in the story provided some twists and turns and gave opportunity for the couple to develop some mutual compassion and understanding and the plot hinged on the relationship that developed between them and how they resolved their disagreement in a way that satisfied them both. I enjoyed the book and received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

I read Second Chance at Sunshine Inn in three days. That’s how taken I was with the premise of the story and the main characters. Imagine inheriting half an inn with a total stranger. That’s what happens to travel nurse Everleigh. Cade has been the inn’s handyman and cared for Everleigh’s godmother as her health faded. But the two have never met and while Everleigh is perky, Cade is more private and reserved.

I really liked the central issue of the story, with Cade and Everleigh having to figure out what to do with the inn and having polar opposite plans. Watching two very different characters navigate that was fascinating. Then add in a shady developer and a secret brother and boom. Lots going on. I really enjoyed how Clipston used the secondary characters and developments to further put our main characters through thew wringer. Both have journeys of self discovery before a very sweet happy ending. If you like fun contemporary romances that will charm you and tug on your emotions, then I think you’ll really like this one.

I received a copy of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn from the publisher via NetGalley. The enjoyment is all my own.

Such a good read for summer! An opposites attract trope with a little family drama, on both sides, and some soul searching thrown into the mix. A little something for everyone in this one.

Everleigh Hartnett and Cade Witherspoon become partners after inheriting Everleigh’s godmother’s bed-and-breakfast. Complete strangers, their relationship starts rocky, but Everleigh, deeply saddened by the loss of her beloved grandmother, is determined to fulfill her shared dream of starting a nonprofit. Selling her half of the inn would be a significant step towards making this dream a reality.

Cade, on the other hand, has no intention of selling. He proposes a partnership, suggesting that Everleigh could be a silent partner while he keeps the inn running. Initially, neither Everleigh nor Cade are willing to compromise, but as they spend time together fixing up the inn, a bond begins to develop between them. However, this newfound closeness doesn’t mean that their journey will be easy. Both Everleigh and Cade face challenges and obstacles that test their resolve.

This heartwarming romance is intertwined with a touching family drama that emphasizes the importance of family bonds. The slow-burning romance between Everleigh and Cade is beautifully crafted, leaving me with a warm and satisfying feeling.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.