Ally Zetterberg was floating along with both main characters, Blade, who was Edith's son, Sophia, who was Sven's niece, and Edith who was Blade's mom, an Zara who was a friend of Blade's and a lesbian. Each of them had chapters about how they came together and found out how Edith fell in love with Sven and left him at a bus stop. It didn't happen because of her first marriage with out the possible leaving for Sweden without his signature on the passport. Love killed with the first husbands non signature on passport. How ever Blade went to Sweden at the age of 29 to find Sven, but ended up finding his niece and traveling around Sweden looking for Sven. Love bloomed between each of the per sewers in the story. It ends with Blade and Edith moving to Sweden.

Thank you #NetGalley for the eARC of #TheSecondChanceBusStop by Ally Zetterberg

The Second Chance Bus Stop is a heartfelt blend of grief, love, caregiving, and self-discovery. Edith, facing the onset of Alzheimer’s, is determined to track down the man who once promised to run away with her, while her son Blade and struggling florist Sophia find their own paths unfolding in unexpected ways.

Zetterberg’s portrayal of neurodivergence—particularly Sophia’s story as an autistic woman—feels deeply empathetic and refreshingly honest. The humor woven through the narrative provides warmth without minimizing the emotional stakes. And, the found-family vibes are adorable.

That said, the novel juggles three storylines and while each offers something meaningful, the transitions feel uneven.

The Second Chance Bus Stop by Ally Zetterberg
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

This book took my heart and didn’t let go. The Second Chance Bus Stop is wonderfully written, with engaging storytelling and a delightful sense of humor that balances beautifully with its deeper themes.

What truly sets this novel apart is its honest, compassionate portrayal of life with autism. It offers an eye-opening perspective that invites readers to better understand the challenges—and the beauty—of neurodivergent experiences. I found myself completely swept up in the story, finishing it in a single day.

Throughout the book, I kept thinking the author’s writing style felt familiar. It finally hit me—Ally Zetterberg’s voice is reminiscent of Fredrik Backman: heartfelt, insightful, and quietly powerful. Honestly, I don’t think the book’s description fully captures just how special this story is. An incredible read, and one I won’t soon forget.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my copy of this book — all thoughts in my review are my own.

This book took my heart and didn't let go. I sat all day just reading it. All throughout the book, I kept thinking who this author reminds me of and finally realized that the writing is engaging and incredible like Fredrik Backman. I don't believe the description does the book justice. Incredible book.

This book is wonderfully written, with engaging storytelling and a delightful sense of humor. It offers an eye-opening perspective on the challenges faced by individuals with autism, providing readers with a deeper understanding of their experiences.