Second Chance At Sunshine Inn was a sweet, cozy summer read about a travel nurse and a handyman who inherit an inn together. They have very different plans for the inn going forward leading to several disagreements along the way.

The main plot was cute, but there was a sub plot that seemed a little out of place. All in all, I enjoyed the story and audio, and I would recommend this book.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for this advanced audio copy. All opinions are mine alone.

ARC/ ALC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After learning of her godmother’s death, Everleigh Hartnett (a traveling NICU nurse), returns to the Sunshine Inn. The sea-side, bed and breakfast not only served as the home for her favorite person, but holds some of her most precious memories. Upon being awarded half of the estate, she must work with Cade Witherspoon (the inn’s handyman) to figure out the future of the property. Will they come together to run it, or will they sell the inn for profit and go their separate ways?

Amy Clipston’s Second Chance at Sunshine Inn redefines how we view family. Both main characters (Everleigh and Cade) were profoundly impacted by Alana’s life. Reguardless of their biology, she stepped in and provided a soft landing when the world threw challenges at them.

I had the pleasure of consuming this book in several formats (e-book/ audiobook). While both were enjoyable for different reasons, I especially liked the audio version. Melissa Moran did a great job narrating. She brought Clipston’s words to life.

Read this book for:
-picturesque coastal vibes
-grumpy/ sunshine
-opposites attract

Special thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Zondervan Audio, and Amy Clipston for allowing me to read/ listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

*Trigger Warning: this story mentions cancer, death, adoption, and family disputes.

I’ve read multiple books by this author. And, each of them have been very good!
She has a way of writing romance novels that maintains their wholesomeness, yet gives you insight into their souls!
No smut. No spice. But sweet, kind, basic, lasting…. Love. Even though it may take a whole village (and a lifetime) to attain this! 😊. Kind of reminds me of Hallmark Movies… to give you an idea…

Everleigh is a NICU Traveling Nurse. She’s very dedicated to her profession, and has even missed major milestones in her family’s lives as she was away with work!
BUT, her family and her heart remain in her small hometown!

Cade is a Jack of many trades. He is currently running Everleigh’s Godmother’s Inn… but he has an extensive past with some pretty serious specialties in it!

They meet, kind-of by chance, after her Godmother’s death…They did not know each other… never met before, but they are both in the lawyers office for the reading of the will.
And, surprise, surprise! The Sunshine Inn has been left to both of them! 😮🤔

Not knowing how this is going to pan out (or work), Everleigh takes a leave from her job until she can figure out what to do. She’d love to fulfill her Godmother’s dream of opening an ‘Angel hotel’ for kids and their families who are in need. But, to do this, they’d have to sell the Inn.

Cade, on the other hand, would love to keep the Inn and turn it around. Into something bigger and better than it already is! And he has the mindset to do just that!

And that’s the whole problem in a nutshell. One wants to sell. The other wants to keep it and improve it!

Interesting to see how it all turns out in the long run!!

4 bright, beautiful 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!

#SecondChanceAtSunshineInn by @AmyClipston. Narrated nicely by @MelissaMoran.

*** THIS ONE HAS ALREADY BEEN RELEASED!! SO, PLEASE LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson and #ZondervanFictionAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book "Second Chance at Sunshine Inn" and all opinions expressed are my own. I listened to the audio book. A romance set at an inn that Everleigh's grandmother left to her and Cade. If you like romance this one is for you. I found it heartwarming and the story although somewhat predictable was nice to listen to.

A light romance read that was very enjoyable! Loved the characters and the premise of the book! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

A very sweet romance set in the classic B&B style we all know and love. If you are looking for that Hallmark movie cozy vibe, this one is for you. The narrator does a wonderful job. I'm sure you will enjoy this one!

⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Amy Clipston for this ARC. The following is my honest review.
Hopes were high at the start. A woman inherits an inn from her godmother—only to find she must co-run it with Cade, a man she barely knows. Why her godmother would set up such a situation is a compelling mystery. The clashing visions for the inn promised tension and charm, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to the premise.
The narrative voice felt overly explanatory. It jumps between perspectives and often spells out what each character is thinking, even as they go on to say it themselves. This made the pacing feel sluggish and left little room for natural conflict or subtext.
While I typically struggle with miscommunication tropes, I found myself oddly wishing for a touch of it here. Instead, every emotion and motivation is stated plainly, leaving little room for subtext or natural tension. It was over-explained to the point where even small conflicts were diluted.
The male lead, Cade, also presented a challenge. While emotional immaturity in a character can work when it’s met with growth, his reactions often felt disproportionate and juvenile—especially in light of revelations about his family. Even when the narrative gave him reasons for his behavior, the execution didn’t reflect much personal development. His journey lacked the nuance I hoped for.
Additionally, one subplot involving a certain townsperson everyone seemed to instinctively distrust felt exaggerated and was revisited repeatedly to the point of fatigue.
There were certainly elements I usually enjoy—grief, inheritance, small-town dynamics, and a reluctant partnership—but the execution didn’t quite land for me. I appreciate the setup and the heart behind the story, but ultimately this wasn’t a good fit for my reading taste.

I loved this cozy, feel good romance so much! It was the perfect no spice, grumpy/sunshine story that followed Everleigh and Cade when they each inherited half of the Sunshine Inn. Everleigh and Cade and very opposite and keep butting heads about what to do with the Inn but agree to sell as long as it is not a developer. They are both struggling with personal things and help each other through those things but also keep getting under each others skin.

This heartfelt romance was so good and I love how Cade and Everleigh both wanted to honor Alana’s memory in their own way. Even though it took them a while to get there, the journey was important for both of them. The adoption storyline was interesting and I think it is hard to have opinions on that when you haven’t gone through it. I was adopted and have always had no interest in my birth parents, but I could see how some people do and how a birth mother would have a hard time if a child they gave up for adoption all of a sudden came back into their life. It is not as simple as Cade made it out to be.

Such a sweet and endearing novel! Perfect for cozy, second-chance, grumpy/sunshine readers! Thank you @tnzfiction for my early reading copy of Amy Clipston’s new novel, SECOND CHANCE AT SUNSHINE INN, out July 8.

The novel starts right away with Everleigh and Cade receiving their inheritance from Everleigh’s godmother to co-own the Sunshine Inn, a beautiful bed and breakfast.

Everleigh of course was her godmother’s favorite and wants to sell the inn so she can open a nonprofit to support families with children in the NICU. She is also grieving the loss of her dear, dear godmother.

Cade has has a rough past and Everleigh’s godmother gave him a new chance to work at her inn, where he enjoys cooking for the guests and repairing around the grounds. He has a kind side that has been trampled by those he thought loved him.

I am ready to pack my back for a long weekend at the Sunshine Inn, these characters are just so warm and loving!

Mentions of cancer, adoption, lost family NICU nursing, severe storms. Reach out if you have any questions!

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”.