Tender and wise, Zetterberg's sophomore novel is a triumph, gently peeling apart the layers of grief and joy that make up our lived human experience. With a multigenerational cast, past and present collide in a beautiful and surprising twist that will bring tears even to the most tear-resistant eyes. Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman.

This novel, for me, is one that I will remember for a very long time. The writing is beautifully created to keep carrying me forward, turning the pages. I fell in love with Edith and her son Blade and also with Sophia right away. They each have a story to tell and the way their stories come together is surprisingly unique and also totally believable.

There is a well-spun mystery here- of Blade trying to find his mother's long-lost love, Sven. But there is also the most touching love story unfolding between Blade and Sophia, a highly functioning autistic woman who owns a flower shop. You have to read this to see what I mean. It is always a beautiful moment for me in a novel when a woman who has always felt wounded and unseen suddenly finds people to understand and really see and listen to her.

I loved reading how this whole story came together from their own points of view. I also enjoyed understanding more about what goes on in the mind and heart of someone struggling with beginning stages of Alzheimer's, and the mind and heart of a woman who is on the autism spectrum.

This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be my last!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This author is new to me, but I will be keeping an eye out for anything else they publish. I loved the story and the characters. The pacing of the story was great and the characters were relatable.

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.