I’m a huge sucker for heartwarming small-town romances, especially in the summer. And this book delivered exactly what I was hoping for. It’s an easy, feel-good read with an idyllic setting, charming characters, and just the right touch of emotion.

I listened to the audiobook, beautifully narrated by Melissa Moran at a great pace. She really brought the story to life!

What I especially enjoyed was that, while Everleigh and Cade’s romance is at the center, there’s so much more going on — from complicated family dynamics to the challenges of communication and compromise. It made the story feel rich and grounded without ever losing its gentle tone.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a cozy, uplifting read with real heart.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

A beautiful inn, the perfect location and two co-owners that couldn't be more different who have been bequethed the Inn. This grumpy/sunshine was a fun listen until about 2/3 of the way through when the lack of communication and characters thinking they knew about the other ones feelings and thoughts became aggravating. I would have rather seen more character growth through their communication and working on themselves. Overall, it was a good book and I enjoyed the narrator, and the charming small town setting. It made.me want to go to a bed and breakfast by the sea. ( 3 to 3.5 stars)

Thanks NetGalley and publisher’s for an Advance Listening Copy. This was a a cute summer romance. It deals with grief and how two strangers deal with the loss of someone they both loved. They were both left with equal shares of her inn but they have very different ideas on what to do with it.
The narrator was good and easy to listen to as well.

Everleigh and Cade are thrown together when they both inherit half of the Sunshine Inn from their late family friend. Right from the start, it’s a grumpy/sunshine match up, with a memorable meet cute scene. Both Everleigh and Cade are dealing with the grief of losing someone important to them, all while trying to figure out what to do about the situation of ownership of the Inn.

I have never read anything by this author before but was happy that it was a no-spice romance. I did find the characters at times to make impulsive choices and I wish that the reader was privy to more of the thinking and reasoning behind the choices that the characters made. I listened to the audiobook and felt the narration was ok, but I would have liked a bit more variance in voicing of characters and cleaner chapter transitions.

Overall, this no-spice, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers story had some feel-good moments and would be a great summer beach read.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

This was a heartwarming story about second chances and redemption. I loved the characters and their development and growth. The plot was well-paced and captivating. The audio narration was fantastic! I highly recommend this clean and wholesome read. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

This was a light and quick read about two strangers who inherit an inn together after the loss of a loved one. This grumpy sunshine romance story had themes of healing, finding paths forward from past romantic entaglements and paving a way towards fulfilling their dreams. The conflict between the FMC and her sister was a bit frustrating to read and the reveal at the end as to why that existed was a bit frivolous to me. The MMC's journey of self discovery was interesting and I enjoyed seeing the way he supported his family, even if he was a bit slow to understand his mom's perspective of her past choices. Overall a light hearted read and a grumpy sunshine story with some light faith themes.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for an advanced audiobook copy of this story, all opinions are my own.

EXCERPT: 'We're here for the reading of Ms. Alana Elizabeth McFadden's will.' The lawyer's beady eyes flicked over Mom, Everleigh and Cade. 'I see we're all here, so I'll proceed with the reading.' He set his glasses on his large nose and began to read aloud. 'I, Alana Elizabeth McFadden, a resident of Brunswick County, North Carolina, and a citizen of the United States of America, declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. I hereby revoke . . .'
Everleigh stared down at her wet jeans and lost herself in memories of Alana as the lawyer read the will. The memories played like a movie through her mind. Playing at the beach with Alana. Watching movies together and eating popcorn. Crying in Alana's arms after her first boyfriend dumped her.
She recalled dancing in the kitchen of Alana's bed and breakfast, the Sunshine Inn, where Everleigh had worked part-time until she graduated from high school and went to college to study nursing. Alana had helped with her college expenses, always sending her care packages full of snacks and supplies with an envelope of cash strategically placed at the bottom of each box.
And she'd never forget the night when Alana insisted on staying on the phone with her to make sure she didn't fall asleep while Everleigh drove from Colorado to Texas for her next nursing position. They had discussed everything from their favorite movies to Everliegh's nonexistent love life, to the non-profit they'd dreamed of and the parents and children they hoped to help.
But now Alana was gone, and so were those late-night phone calls and hugs and . . . everything.
Suddenly, the tears she'd kept at bay during the trip from Texas to North Carolina welled up. She'd been trying all day to hold the tears back and stay strong.
She sucked in a breath hoping to stop the display.
Oh no.
Then the tears poured from her eyes.
She felt like a fool for losing it in the middle of a lawyer's office - especially in front of Mr. Buford and the mysterious Cade. She yanked a tissue from her pocket and wiped her eyes and nose.
A hand touched her arm. She turned toward Mom, who was staring at her. 'Did you hear that, Everleigh?' she asked, pinning her with a serious expression.
She shook her head. 'I'm sorry. I was lost in thought. What did I miss?'
Mr. Buford pressed his thin lips together. 'I'll read it again, Ms. Hartnett.' He gave his throat a dramatic clearing. 'I hereby bequeath fifty percent each of my said property, real, personal, or mixed, to Everleigh Alana Hartnett and Benjamin Cade Witherspoon III.'
Everleigh blinked and tried to comprehend what the lawyer had said. She listened intently while he continued reciting the document, but her mind was buzzing with confusion. What did it all mean?
When the lawyer stopped reading, Everleigh took a shuddering breath. 'Mr. Buford, can you please explain what you just read?'
He took off his glasses and set them down on the desk before refolding his hands. 'Ms. McFadden left you and Mr. Witherspoon each fifty percent of everything - her bed and breakfast and the contents therein, as well as any funds. She'd also like you and your mother to go through her personal items and decide what to do with them.'
'Sh - she left me the bed and breakfast?' Everleigh whispered as her eyes brimmed with tears once again. Alana had left her everything - everything. Her shock spilled down her cheeks.
Her godmother's generosity was too much to comprehend. She was so grateful. Alana had always been thoughtful and giving, but leaving Everleigh everything was above and beyond.
But wait, Alana hadn't left her everything.
Everleigh had to share the B&B with a stranger.

ABOUT 'SECOND CHANCE AT SUNSHINE INN: Welcome to the Sunshine Inn, a picturesque coastal inn with sweeping views and two new owners who couldn't be more opposite.

Two polar opposites, one cozy inn--and one sweet and surprising chance at unlikely love.

When Everleigh Hartnett, a cheerful traveling NICU nurse who can't sit still, inherits half of her godmother's beloved seaside bed-and-breakfast, she dreams of selling the place to fund the nonprofit she and her godmother always envisioned. But there's one tiny problem: her new co-owner. Rugged, grumpy, and fiercely loyal to the inn, Cade Witherspoon isn't about to let his peaceful life--and his new start--be sold off so easily.

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.

As Everleigh gets to know Cade's softer side--and Cade finds himself drawn to Everleigh's optimism and kindness--their disagreement over the inn becomes something sweeter. But with the arrival of Cade's long-lost brother and the looming threat of a developer sniffing around the property, they'll have to make some hard choices--together.

Can Everleigh and Cade let go of their expectations and build something lasting together? Or will the Sunshine Inn be the place they both leave behind?

MY THOUGHTS: With Second Chance at Sunshine Inn, it's all about the journey not the destination which was pretty obvious from the outset. And it was a lovely journey encompassing some difficult family relationships, the pitfalls of not expressing feelings and needs, and the need to work together and find a middle ground. Cooperation and communication are the key to any good relationship but neither of the MCs were particularly good at either until they were forced into a corner and had to evaluate what was important to them. I found myself willing Everleigh and Cade to 'say what you mean and just get on with it!' instead of pussy-footing around.

There are a few surprises thrown into the mix - one BIG one in particular which was an interesting subplot. But at times there was a little bit too much going on. I didn't enjoy the bad relationship between Everleigh and her sister. When it was revealed what was at the root of it, I could understand how it could and does happen, but it felt like one problem too many in the mix.

The book is probably a little longer than it needs to be, and cutting out the repetition would improve the read. I didn't enjoy this particular title as much as I have other titles by this author but won't hesitate to pick up her next book.

Despite this, I enjoyed my combined read/listen of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn, slightly preferring the read format to the audiobook, narrated by Melissa Moran, on this occasion.

A quick and pleasant HEA read.

⭐⭐⭐.5

#SecondChanceatSunshineInn #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR - AMY CLIPSTON is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories.
Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and five spoiled rotten cats.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zonderfan Fiction Audio for providing both an e-ARC and audio ARC of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn, written by Amy Clipston and narrated by Melissa Moran for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Two polar opposites, one cozy inn —and one sweet and surprising chance at unlikely love.

🌞🏖️ Looking for a cozy, heartfelt read that feels like a warm hug with ocean views? Second Chance at The Sunshine Inn delivers just that.

Cade and Everleigh are total opposites—he’s all grump, she’s full sunshine—but when they’re thrown together as co-owners of a charming coastal inn, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways. Set in a sweet small town with a no-spice, slow-burn beach romance, this story is about more than love—it’s about healing, trust, and the unexpected beauty of second chances.

Amy Clipston has such a natural, uplifting way of storytelling that makes her books feel like a deep breath of fresh air. I loved the character growth, the coastal charm, and how the emotional layers of this story gently unfolded.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Melissa Moran, and she was excellent! Her narration brought Everleigh and Cade to life and added warmth and depth to an already heartfelt story.

💬 “It’s about healing from more than heartbreak. And learning to trust more than just love.” — Yes, yes, yes. This book quietly moved me.

🌊 Sweet, engaging, and full of heart—this one’s for fans of clean romance and soul-deep connections.

Everleigh and Cade are left an inn together - 50% each. They have never met, but they are both known by Alannah, someone very dear to them both.

Cade would like to keep on at the inn, he has plans for developing it and he has the skills. Yet he is a little reticient and untrusting as he has been taken advantage of in the past. And then to his shock he finds out he has a brother from before his mother's marriage. He has always wanted a brother, it seems to be perfect... or is it?

Throwing a spanner into that idea is Everleigh who would like to see the inn sold so that she can fund a project very dear to her heart and her godmother's heart. Everleigh is trusting and always sees the bright side of things. The only sadness in her heart is her rocky relationship with her older sister.

Just about when all seems lost, things begin to come right and the very best choices are made.

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn is a very sweet story, about love and loss, family and life bringing you that second chance.  Melissa Moran does an excellent job as narrator.

Oh I loved this book! Everleigh and Cade find themselves as unexpected business partners when they inherit Sunshine Inn from a good friend. They initially both have completely different plans of what to do with the inheritance. They strike a deal in the beginning, and arguments and sparks fly. Add in an unexpected family member showing up, and more strife enters their lives. I really liked the discussion of healing from scars from past relationships and in learning how to trust again after being hurt previously.

Overall, this is a fantastic romance. I read parts on my Kindle and also listened parts on the audio book. Both formats were enjoyable! Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader and listener copy of this book. A review was not required.

Firstly, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for early access to this book.
I do appreciate the clean storyline, family drama theme and main characters of this book.
If you love “hard to get” or “slow burn” romances, you’ll love this one.
I did find certain parts of the book to be quite cheesy and “Hallmarkish”.

There’s really nothing entirely unique about Second Chance at Sunshine Inn it’s a well exercised storyline, two strangers receive an inheritance that must be split, one is a ray of sunshine the other a thundery storm, I mean it’s pretty much there in the opening, we know where it’s heading, however, sometimes that’s really not a bad thing it’s a well known trope for a reason, we all like to watch the ice thaw we all love a happy ending. That’s exactly what we got here.

Cute, sweet often quite heartfelt. Pegged as Christian fiction, which I have to admit I’m slowly realising that that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s religion in the book, in fact in this case I don’t even think it’s referenced, but I think the idea is that you’re guaranteed a good clean romance . I obviously can’t speak for an entire genre, but I think my point is don’t be deterred by that. Just a nice wholesome read/listen.

The narration by Melinda Moran for this title was a great fit.

Huge thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan fiction audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook which is available now 🎧

When Ms. Positivity and Mr. Negativity are shocked to learn they both inherit half a seaside B and B, both have some serious thinking to do! Everleigh wants to sell her beloved aunt's property to complete her dream of building free housing for couples whose babies are in NICU, to free up some of the personal strain. However, Cade worked with Everleigh's aunt in the past 18 months, with plans to expand and add eating options. I discovered that this is considered a troupe, or common theme in books, and this one deals with a lot of interesting personal and extended family issues. Will there be a happy sigh at the end? How would that even be possible? Read it and see!
I appreciate receiving this book from the editors, and the views expressed are my own thoughts.

I received the audio version of this book from NetGalley.This was a new to me author in which I was extremely impressed by and will be enjoying more of her books! I highly recommend it!

I really enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine enemies-to-lovers romance involving the inheritance of an inn. I loved both characters and could sympathize with each one, and I thought the way they worked out their differences and eventually fell in love was developed well and felt realistic and believable. I love the gentle Hallmark vibe of this story, and I appreciate that it focused on emotions over physical attraction. I had previously had trouble connecting with this author's writing, but I'm so glad I tried again!

Melissa Moran was great as the audiobook narrator. I remember enjoying some of the cozy mysteries she has narrated, and it was nice to hear her voice in this cozy story as well.

🎧thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
I can’t remember the last time I didn’t finish a book, but I almost DNF’ed this one several times. All of the characters were either insufferable or naive, and the dialogue was truly painful. I typically try not to be too harsh in advanced copy reviews, but I honestly didn’t like anything about this book.

The second story book shop
Denise Hunter
Narrator Kim Churchill
4*
A lovely slow burn romance that is a second chance for Shelby and Gray as they try to successfully rejuvenate the book shop that Shelby’s grandmother left them in her will .
There were unresolved issues in their teenage past that need to be worked through as they more forward . It’s set in a small American town with a full cast of supporting characters.
It was a gentle story full of Christian family values that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Kim Churchill does a great job of narration , with just the right amount of emotion .

Such a feel good wholesome story. This hits parts of my heart I haven’t felt in a while. That feeling of a small town and all the descriptions had me swooning.

⭐⭐⭐.5 pretty good! there were enjoyable parts and decent chemistry, but it lacked that extra spark to make it really memorable.

when everleigh hartnett inherits half of her godmother’s charming seaside inn, she plans to sell it and finally fund the nonprofit they always dreamed about. but there’s a catch, she’s sharing ownership with cade witherspoon, a grumpy local who’s fiercely attached to the place. everleigh’s all sunshine and spontaneity, while cade is grounded and guarded, and neither of them expected to be stuck running the inn together. as sparks fly and walls start to come down, they find themselves tangled in something that looks a lot like love. but with a pushy developer circling and cade’s estranged brother suddenly back, they’ll have to decide if they’re willing to fight for more than just the inn.

i wanted to love this more than i did. the small-town charm and emotional undertones were sweet. i appreciated how grief was explored and the story had a big emotional impact. but the pacing was a bit off and some scenes and actions of the characters just made no sense to me. everleigh’s optimism was nice in theory, but she felt a bit too naive at times, and cade’s mood swings were also insanely frustrating. it had sweet moments but overall it didn’t fully land.

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.