The premise of inheriting something that needs to be shared with someone you don’t want back in your life, was intriguing. I enjoyed the author’s exploration of abandonment, meddling, bullying and shame. Most of all, I appreciated her spotlighting the feeling of belonging.

The love story did feel organic, but something about the romance arc didn’t click for me. I don’t think the right balance between tension and payoff was achieved. I liked Shelby and Grayson, but didn’t feel their arc was fully developed. The conversation-heavy prose made me uncomfortable because (1) I could see that the author was trying to make her characters feel real and dynamic, and (2) because I could feel the momentum slowing. The ‘fluff’ was glaring at me, and I found myself skimming. When I willingly set down a book, I know there’s something not quite right.

The Summer of You and Me, Wildflower Falls, and Bookshop by the Sea were all 5-star reads for me. Character development and less dialogue would have elevated A Novel Proposal and The Second Story Bookshop for me.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Boy! Was I happy to see another novel by Denise Hunter! She's just such an amazing storyteller that I couldn't put this story down! I didn't want it to end.
I loved Shelby and Gray from the moment I opened their story. They were a delight in getting to know.
The setting was perfect since I love books so very much! I love a bookstore setting. Feels like home to me.
2nd chance romance are right up my alley so I knew I'd love this story and I did!!
I did have to snicker in some places though. Some scenes were just too cute.
However; there are a few tough subjects that Hunter has done well in making them realistic.
I definitely don't like these things either. It makes me sad and angry whenever I see it done to others. This is what makes parts of the story sad for me.
I'm giving this book 5 stars for keeping me entertained all the way through. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a wonderful read. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I loved the setting of the main character working in/eventually owning a bookstore. This is a great example of the second chance romance trope done in a very tasteful way. This is one of my new favorites from Denise Hunter.

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

Being an avid reader and lover of books, I really enjoyed THE SECOND STORY BOOKSHOP by DENISE HUNTER. The author has told a story about small town living against the background of Selby Thatcher’s Gram’s beloved bookstore, which her ex-boyfriend, “bad boy” Grayson Briggs, is trying to help her save…..
Gray’s return to Grandville, North Carolina, has brought out the worst in the people of Grandville who cannot seem to forget his father’s sins or Gray’s alleged cheating at school. When things become really dangerous for him, and Selby and her family by association, he sees no choice but to leave the town that hates him…..
The characters are memorable and their emotions well portrayed. This is a story about truth against lies, the power of love, and second chances.
I highly recommend this most enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Such a fun novel! Who hasn’t dreamed about running a bookshop? I really enjoyed the premise and character dynamics.

Shelby inherits
her grandmother's bookstore, but her grandmother also left half to Gray, the man that broke Shelby's heart. can they work together?

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter. I love her books. Great second chance romance for bullied and misjudged Gray and Shelby the new owner of the bookstore after her grandmother passing. Heartwarming healing for both characters. Great beach read or just curl up on your couch and enjoy. Thank you to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson Fiction for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases Oct 7 2025

My first by this author. A sweet love story with a nice HEA. I enjoyed the flashbacks. Story tied up in a nice bow

This author is perhaps just not for me. A little too Hallmarky and I didn't feel very swoony and all the characters seemed immature given their ages.

so cute and wholesome. if you are looking for a cozy simple story i would definitely recommend you this one. the plot, writing and characters were so entertaining .

I wish I had a bookstore nearby like this one set in Granville! Shelby and Gray need to come together to save this inherited gem, but not sure they can put aside their differences after everything that went down between them after high school. If you’re looking for a charming book with clean light romance, you’ve found it.

I have always loved reading Denise Hunter’s books and this one is no different. This was an easy read with a great ending. I really enjoyed reading this story! I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves wholesome books! "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

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

Thank you for allowing me to read this in advance! This story sends an important message about what it means to work through trauma and conquer the hard times that you have to go through, but it also shows how love can push through boundaries and how important it is to follow your heart. I really enjoyed following the character's journeys, rutting for them to find their happiness. I must admit that I am usually not the biggest fan of second chance romance, but this one definitely won me over!

Denise Hunter is brilliant! I was hooked from page one. The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were lovely with growth and development. This is definitely one I'll read again! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Alright… I think this book will be for alot of people but it wasn’t what I was looking for. And that’s ok! I don’t think the characters had enough of a connection, I dislike reading about cheating, dislike heavy grief themes, and dislike bullying. I do like bookstore settings and second chance romance. So this for me was just ok.

Denise Hunter has become been one of my favorite authors, and The Second Story Bookshop is another sweet, clean story that reflects her signature charm. While this particular book wasn’t my personal favorite of hers, I still enjoyed the cozy setting and heartfelt theme she always delivers so well.
One thing I especially love about Denise Hunter’s books is that many of them, like this one, are set in North Carolina—my home state—which makes the stories feel that much more relatable and special. Her writing is always a breath of fresh air: clean, uplifting, and easy to get lost in.

Fans of gentle romance and small-town charm will find a lot to love here. I’m already looking forward to what she writes next!

Thanks NetGalley for the preview!

Sweet story set in a lovely small town. I loved the characters of Shelby and Gray and their interactions and dynamic was sweet, sad and at times funny.

A small town sweet romance story with emotion. High school sweethearts, Gray and Shelby with their true love story and the challenges along the way. Gray, the town outcast and Shelby, the small town girl - no surprise this doesn’t last. Surprise! Shelby’s grandmother passes and leaves her bookshop to both of them, years later. We time hop to their past and the now, learning their love story and hoping for a second chance!

I didn't even see the cover of The Second Story Bookshop to know I'd be reading it. Denise Hunter is an automatic buy for me.

Shelby and Gray were high school sweethearts until everything went terribly wrong. I enjoyed the twists and turns in their relationship on the way to their second chance romance. Shelby's Gram was a huge influence in the couple's life and their future at the bookshop. Gram was a force to be reckoned with and delivered my favorite quote in the book, "A good novel is like a vacation for the mind."

The Second Story Bookshop has everything I look for in an entertaining story, believable characters, charming bookshop setting and a second chance romance.

I did however struggle with the relentless bullying, intimidation and downright meanness that drove Gray out of Granville, into the military and away from Shelby. By story's end when all is put to right, I was breathing a sigh of relief for all Gray had suffered through. It was wonderful to see Gray and Shelby finally get their second story and a happy ending.

I appreciate Thomas Nelson, via Netgalley, making a copy of The Second Story Bookshop available for review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

What would you do if you had to share your grandmother's bookstore you inherited with your ex? This second chance romance explores just that.

The Second Story Bookshop follows Shelby and Gram in the past and the present navigating their relationship. It has cozy small town charm filled with drama. If you've ever lived in a small town you know how they can be and Denise Hunter got it right.

This book reminded me a lot of the Notebook with switching back and forth. It deals with a lot of grief and abandonment issues. It still almost felt like light reading to me though. It was a quick read but I would have liked just a bit more from the characters. It is a clean romance so if you are looking for something more this isn't it. Still enjoyed it though. 3/5 stars.

Thanks NetGalley for giving me an advanced copy for a review.