Second Chance at Sunshine Inn follows Everleigh, a cheerful nurse, and Cade, a grumpy innkeeper, as they unexpectedly inherit the Sunshine Inn in Coral Cove. I loved the vivid descriptions of the inn and the town—it sounds like a place I’d love to visit! I also enjoyed Everleigh’s family dynamics (apart from her odd sister) and thought Bryant, the cat, was a sweet character who added a calm, harmonious presence and even acted as a bit of a mediator.

The exploration of grief in this book felt heartfelt and genuine. I appreciated how Everleigh and Cade’s emotions surrounding Alana’s death were portrayed—it didn’t feel overly scripted. Seeing Alana through their eyes made her feel real and significant to the story.

That said, I struggled to finish this book, even though I usually love romance novels. The pacing was slow, and the characters didn’t feel like people I'd want to spend time with. Everleigh, in particular, rubbed me the wrong way at times—her actions felt naive, and I had a hard time connecting with her.

I also found myself wondering about the purpose of the story as a whole. The subplots, like Cade’s dynamic with his adopted brother and Everleigh’s swimming issue, didn’t feel strongly tied to the main plot, which made it harder to stay invested.

If you enjoy small-town settings and heartfelt explorations of grief, this book may resonate more with you. While it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, I can see how others might find its emotional depth and setting enjoyable.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced reader copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. Amy Clipston does it again for me! Second Chance at Sunshine Inn was such a sweet read and I loved the dynamic/banter between the female and male main characters. There was such a sense of community and healing in this book that brought tears to my eyes. Enemies to Loves is such a great trope and Clipston did a great job weaving romance into this book. The only reason I didn’t not give it five stars is because the faith elements were not very apparent to me as a Christian Fiction.

This was such a lovely, lighthearted, cosy read! Perfect for curling up with on a rainy day. I loved the Grumpy/Sunshine trope and think the author did a fantastic job with creating those characters in this story. It was clean, with no explicit scenes or language, so would be appropriate for younger readers who are more advanced too. Coral Cove and Sunshine Inn sound so idyllic that I finished the book feeling long overdue for a holiday!
Highly recommend.

I'd like to thank Amy Clipston, the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy I received in return for my honest review.

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston is a heartwarming story of healing, second chances, and the complex journey to find where you truly belong. In this delightful romance, two seemingly different people—Cade Witherspoon and Everleigh Hartnett—are brought together by fate, grief, and the inheritance of an inn that could change both their lives forever.

Cade Witherspoon, a rugged and grumpy former Army man, is reeling from a broken engagement and the collapse of his business. Seeking a fresh start, he moves to North Carolina to work for Alana, his friend’s godmother, at the Sunshine Inn. There, he plans to eventually take over the business and turn it into something much bigger than a simple bed-and-breakfast—expanding it into a full-fledged venture that will help him get back on his feet.

Everleigh Hartnett, a compassionate NICU travel nurse, returns to the inn after her beloved godmother Alana passes away. To her shock, Alana has left her and Cade joint ownership of the Sunshine Inn. Everleigh, who has spent her career dedicated to helping newborns, is adamant about turning the inn into a charity to support her dream of providing for vulnerable infants. She has no interest in turning it into a business empire and is determined to sell it, leaving Cade frustrated and determined to change her mind.

The tension between Cade and Everleigh could easily become the central conflict of the story, but what truly makes this novel shine is how Clipston skillfully balances their differences with undeniable chemistry. Cade, despite his rough exterior, proves to be a man of quiet depth and tenderness—particularly when it comes to Everleigh. He may be gruff on the outside, but his protectiveness toward Everleigh is one of the most endearing aspects of his character. Cade’s soft side shines through, and it’s impossible not to fall for him as he begins to open up to Everleigh.

Everleigh, on the other hand, is fiercely independent and determined to honor Alana’s memory by carrying out her godmother’s wishes. Her passion for the charity she wants to create is inspiring, and her caring nature makes her a character you can’t help but root for. While her stubbornness about selling the inn at first feels like a wall between her and Cade, it’s clear that both characters are searching for healing in their own ways.

Their dynamic is built on both external and internal conflicts—Cade’s desire for a new future and Everleigh’s devotion to her cause—but what really drives the story is their emotional growth and the gradual realization that they may just need each other to fulfill their dreams. The way the author weaves in their pasts, Cade’s personal losses, and Everleigh’s nurturing heart brings a depth to their romance that is as moving as it is beautiful.

What I loved most about Second Chance at Sunshine Inn was the way it blends a lovely, small-town setting with deep emotional arcs and a budding romance. The Sunshine Inn itself feels like a character in its own right, a place of refuge and hope where both Cade and Everleigh can grow and heal. The support from the secondary characters adds richness to the story, especially Alana’s legacy and how it continues to affect Everleigh and Cade.

In the end, Second Chance at Sunshine Inn is a beautifully crafted novel about finding love when you least expect it, healing old wounds, and honoring the people who shape our lives. The romance is sweet and slow-burn, with plenty of tender moments that will make you smile and sigh. Cade’s protective, soft side combined with Everleigh’s determination and passion creates an unforgettable couple that readers will love rooting for until the very last page.

This is a great beach read. It’s a sweet romance with a great ending. It starts out slightly slow at first - but I started to enjoy the characters and the story got better.

I’m glad I was offered an ARC version and I will look for books by this author.

Despite some sadness in the narrative, I found Second Chance at Sunshine Inn a pleasant read. The tension between Everleigh and Cade kept the curiosity spark alive and alert among the more tender moments. I liked the idea of a very cozy sounding Inn as well as the one of a non-profit benefit to address the neo-natal niche's related need. Discussion Questions at book's end lends to a flourished finishing touch. All-in-all, it has been a satisfactory read for me. Kudos, once again, to author Amy Clipson.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

January 2025

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

Everleigh is a traveling NICU nurse who comes home to Coral Cove for the reading of her beloved godmother's will. Alana left the inn she ran to Everleigh and her handyman Cade. They have very different ideas of what to do with the inn. Everleigh wants to sell it and start a charity to help families with sick children and Cade wants to keep the inn and make it even better. They are attracted to one another but the issue of selling the inn gets between them. Cade has been hurt in the past and recently learned that he has a half-brother that his mom never told anyone about. She refuses to welcome Declan and that causes a major rift between them. Will Everleigh and Cade decide to keep the inn and give their love a chance? I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Everleigh inherits half of grandmother's inn, cade inherits the other half. she wants to sell but he doesn't. who will win? sweet story.

#SecondChanceAtSunshineInn #NetGalley

Everleigh is a traveling NICU nurse who is stunned to find out that her godmother, who recently passed away, has left her as part owner of an inn in North Carolina.
Cade is the other partner that Alana left her inn to. Cade is afraid to trust and is unsure why Alana would split the ownership of the inn. One wants to sell and start a non-profit, and the other wants to keep the inn and have a silent partner.
I agree that this seems a little too tied together, but I so enjoyed the story and pictured this inn by the sea with Bryant the cat curled up by the front door.

Sinopsis español:

Cuando Everleigh Hartnett, una alegre enfermera itinerante de la UCIN de OCIN que no puede quedarse quieta, hereda la mitad del querido bed and breakfast junto al mar de su madrina, sueña con vender el lugar para financiar la organización sin fines de lucro que ella y su madrina siempre imaginaron. Pero hay un pequeño problema: su nuevo copropietario. Robusto, gruñón y ferozmente leal a la manada, Cade Witherspoon no está a punto de dejar que su vida pacífica, y su nuevo comienzo, se vendan tan fácilmente.

Everleigh y Cade son opuestos en todos los sentidos. Ella es sol y risa, mientras que él es todo áspero y tranquilo. Su choque de voluntades sobre la pena pronto los hace preguntarse qué diablos estaba pensando la madrina de Everleigh cuando los dejó a ambos a cargo.

A medida que Everleigh conoce el lado más suave de Cade, y Cade se siente atraído por el optimismo y la amabilidad de Everleigh, su desacuerdo sobre la tenada se vuelve algo más dulce. Pero con la llegada del hermano perdido de Cade y la amenaza inminente de un desarrollador olfateando alrededor de la propiedad, tendrán que tomar algunas decisiones difíciles, juntos.

¿Pueden Everleigh y Cade dejar de lado sus expectativas y construir algo duradero juntos? ¿O el Sunshine Inn será el lugar que ambos dejen atrás?





Reseña: 3.5⭐️



Disfrute del libro.

Everleight es enfermera viajera, nunca se queda mucho tiempo en el mismo lugar, pero la muerte de alguien querido hace que regrese a su pueblo natal y ahí se enterara que acaba de heredar la mitad de una posada.

Cade trabaja en la posada y cuando la dueña muere, se convierte en propietario de la mitad. Él quiere hacer renovaciones, pero Eve quiere vender. Durante varios semana ambos demostrarán quién tiene la razon y qué es lo mejor.

A sweet love story between a sunny, optimist heroine and a bit grumpy hero, “Second Chance at Sunshine Inn”, by Amy Clipston, shows two different people finding common ground and overcoming obstacles.
Cade and Everleigh are likeable characters, and anyone would appreciate Cade’s cooking talent and Everleigh’s dedication to her job.
I liked watching the romance develop between Everleigh and Cade, although I found both were too set on their own ways.
I loved Cade’s passion and skill with cooking, his love for his family and even for the cat, Bryant. I liked how he bonded with his long lost brother and regretted their mother’s attitude.
Cade’s wariness was understandable because of the betrayal and emotional pain he’s still going through.
He’s still capable of gentleness and thoughtfulness.
Sometimes I felt he was a bit too moody and impulsive.
Everleigh’s cheerfulness and optimism were admirable and a contrast to the hero’s darker vibes. In some aspects, she was a bit naïve.
I felt they waited too much to try some sort of resolution but I liked how it all worked out in the end, although I thought Alana’s prediction was a bit far-fetched.
I liked the sense of community and the characters in general. Bryant is an amazing cat, I loved watching him.

I have liked the books that Amy Clipston has written because they are not too heavy for the reader. Her books are great entertainment for a mental escape.

Everleigh has inherited half of a B&B with a handyman her godmother had hired to do odd jobs around the Inn. Everleigh wants to sell it and start a non-profit to help parents with critically ill babies. Cade, the handyman, wants to keep the B&B and run it. He comes to a compromise with Everleigh that if she can sell it to someone who will run it as a B&B instead of tearing it down and developing it he will consider selling it. She cannot use a realtor, nor sell it to a developer, and he has ultimate veto power on which offer she accepts. AND there is a time limit on the sale. There are shady folks who make offers or ingratiate themselves to Everleigh as a way to get past her defenses. The people she thinks are friends are actually sheep in wolves' clothing. The more Everleigh and Cade work together, the closer they become.

This is a feel-good book once you get past all of the villains who wish to destroy what Everleigh's godmother has built up. A gamut of emotions rolls through the book and reels the reader in from the beginning to the end. A strong Four Star book.

Thomas Nelson Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I enjoy a good push and pull between the leading characters and this book didn't disappoint! Amy writes clean romance with heart and soul behind it. She gives a story line that is more involved than a Halmark movie but will still give you those happy feelings at the end!

This book came me all the feels and some more than once.
The love story of Cade and Everleigh was a wonderful and frustrating at the same time. How many times did they reset to their original agreement?
The surprise adoption story was well done.
The sister feud was weird. We read about it the whole book and it was very anti climatic of oh I was jealous.
Sure wish I could meet Alana.

A delightful lighthearted story that had immense depth in the characters. Wonderful believable storyline showing true to life characters doing just as you'd expect.

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston is such a warm and uplifting story. I was drawn to the small-town charm and the heartfelt exploration of forgiveness and new beginnings. The setting of the Sunshine Inn felt cozy and inviting, and the characters’ emotional journeys were so relatable. I love stories about second chances, and this one delivered beautifully with its mix of hope, healing, and love. If you enjoy heartwarming romances with meaningful life lessons, this book is a perfect pick.

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

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston is about two people inheriting a Inn and the things you discover about yourself as you try to work together. Everleigh inherited the Sunshine Inn from her Godmother and she has fixed ideas about what she wants to do with it. Cade inherited the other half of Sunshine Inn and he has his own ideas. I usually love these kind of stories but unfortunately, I did not like Everleigh at all and this made it hard to enjoy the overall story. I thought this book was well written.

Another great book from this author. It’s different from her normal genre but I did enjoyed it.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion

Everleigh es enfermera viajera (no estoy segura si así se dice en español) y tuvo que regresar a su pueblo natal para asistir al funeral de Alana, quien era como una tía para ella. En la lectura del testamento, se entera de que heredó la mitad de la posada junto con Cade, un trabajador del lugar. Everleigh se siente feliz porque ve en eso una oportunidad para poner en marcha la organización sin fines de lucro que ella y Alana habían soñado. Para hacerlo, planea vender la posada, pero Cade no está de acuerdo, ya que quiere respetar el deseo de Alana de expandir la posada. Como ambos tienen ideas completamente diferentes, llegan a un acuerdo: Everleigh tendrá dos meses para encontrar compradores con ciertas características y, si no lo logra antes del Día de Acción de Gracias, Cade se quedará a cargo y ella se irá.

Durante esos dos meses, ambos deberán convivir, ayudarse y conocerse, lo que les llevará a cuestionar si realmente están en lo correcto con sus ideas. ¿Al final prevalecerá el amor o cada uno seguirá su propio camino?

Estuvo entretenido, aunque me molestó que Everleigh fuera tan entrometida y no se diera cuenta de que se estaba metiendo en asuntos que no le incumbían.




Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I never hesitate to recommend a book by Amy Clipson. They are always sweet, clean stories with characters that are not soon forgotten. This book is no exception.
In Second Chance at Sunshine Inn, we meet Everleigh, a travel NICU nurse who returns home for the reading of her beloved Godmother’s will. To her surprise, she learns that she is the sole family member named to inherit half of all the assets, including the seaside bed-and-breakfast that belonged to Aunt Alena, who is also her Godmother. The other beneficiary is Cade Witherspoon, who is set to receive the remaining half of the assets, including the B&B. Cade has worked as a handyman for Everleigh's Godmother during the last couple of years, providing care and support during Alena's final days.
Everleigh and Alena had once discussed establishing a non-profit organization to assist parents with expenses related to their newborns’ extended stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Everleigh is determined to sell the B&B to fund this initiative, while Cade has a different vision: he believes he can make the B&B even more successful with his own business plan.
Cade, occasionally grumpy and navigating the aftermath of a recent breakup and the loss of his restaurant, complicates matters. Although a friendship begins to form between Everleigh and Cade, their differing goals lead to clashes. The story also delves into the familial challenges each character faces. Everleigh longs for a deeper relationship with her older sister yet struggles to connect with her. In contrast, Cade, who was raised as an only child and always wanted a sibling, finds his world turned upside down when an unknown half-brother appears unexpectedly.
The characters in this heartwarming, compelling story are relatable and endearing. From the very first page, the narrative captured my heart, and I found myself reading it straight through.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all comments and opinions are my own.