I really enjoyed this contemporary romance. I loved the flashbacks to senior year. The reader gets the back love story of Gray and Shelby. I loved the entire journey.

The narrator was wonderful and was easy to listen to.

There are no swears or alcohol and level 2 kisses only.

I received a complimentary copy from @Netgalley and @thomasnelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again. Shelby and Gray were high school sweet hearts which was not easy in this small and sometimes judgemental town. Gray's father is in jail and he is considered to be a bad egg. Shelby falls for Gray, accepting him for who he is when no one else does. Due to a scandal in high school where Gray is accused of cheating he losses his full ride scholarship. With no other options Gray up and joins the military so that he has a way to pay for college. Shelby is heartbroken and at the time doesn't understand. Shelby's grandmother kept in touch with Gray and when she passes she leaves her bookstore to Shelby and Gray. They are forced to put aside their differences and come together to save the store. I enjoyed the overall story it felt wholesome and I love a good second chance romance. I love that the voice in Shelby's head is that of her grandmother, it is so sweet and shows the bond they had. The narrator was perfect for this story, pacing was good and the way the characters were presented felt organic.

Thanks Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this ALC all opinions are my own.

The whole inheriting something you have to work on with someone you have strong negative feelings for is such a classic concept for contemporary enemies to lovers. That being said, I feel like Denise made it her own with the touch of darker / realer topics discussed. Such as abandonment, bullying, shame, and corrupt people in positions of power. With these darker themes also came some warm light ones like family, belonging, and, of course, love.

The characters were all very distinct, and I understood why characters were the way they were. As someone who lives in a small town I know first hand how the actions of your parents will impact you. Some might say the town acting the way it is isn't realistic, but unfortunately, it is very real.

All in all this was a very well balanced and fair paced past / present, second chance, enemies to lovers romance. 3.5⭐️

I for sure recommend!

DNF 20% review: I have really enjoyed several of Denise's books - specifically The Summer of You and Me was 5 Stars and I enjoyed A Novel Proposal and Love, Unscripted.

This book releases in October. I was really excited to pick this up because I love the premise....an inheritance twist, a cozy small-town bookshop, and a second chance romance sounded right up my alley. Denise Hunter’s writing style pulled me in quickly, and I was ready to see how Shelby and Gray’s story would unfold. Shelby and Gray dated many years ago, didn't work out, she inherits her Gram's bookshop after she passes away and Gray gets the other half.

However, one thing took me out of the story pretty early on. Shelby already has a boyfriend, Logan, and they’ve been dating for five months. I flipped ahead to see when that would resolve, and the breakup doesn’t happen until around 66%. I personally have convictions about reading romances where one of the characters is already in a relationship for a significant portion of the book, so I decided to set this one aside.

I think readers who don’t mind that setup and enjoy second-chance romance tropes will still enjoy this one, it just wasn’t the right fit for me.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook and ebook to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Two firsts for me on this one - first book by Author Denise Hunter and Narrator Kim Churchill. I truly enjoyed both.

I loved how the Then and Now story was weaved together. It was clear how much love was still beneath the surface for both Gray and Shelby. You can't help but root for these two to find their way back to one another.

Gray had such a horrible life growing up. He finally finds a glimmer of hope with Shelby. He is working so hard to find his way in the world and ensure they and realize their dreams together.

All of the bullying and criticism he receives due to his father's past is absolutely heartbreaking. It is so fulfilling to see him finally get his happy ending and support of the community.

This one is a closed door romance for those that have a preference.

This was a sweet and wholesome read and I enjoyed it ♥️ this definitely gave Hallmark vibes!! The plot felt a little flat for me and I felt the connection/ spark between Gray and Shelby was missing. I wish there had bee more moments between them both to really build up that anticipation and tension that is needed for a slow burn. Overall, it was a cute read!

Thank you so much NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC!!

Out October 7th, 2025
Cozy Comfort in Every Chapter This feels like stepping into a warm hug wrapped in pages. With her trademark small-town charm and tender storytelling, Hunter delivers a tale that celebrates second chances, community, and the quiet magic of bookstores.

From the very first chapter, I was drawn in by the delightful setting and emotionally resonant characters. The bookshop itself feels like a character—dusty shelves stacked with possibility, tucked into a town that’s brimming with secrets and slow-blooming love. Hunter's prose is gentle yet evocative, and while the romance unfolds at an unhurried pace, the emotional depth gives it staying power.

This isn't a twisty, edge-of-your-seat read, but that's its strength. It’s the kind of story you curl up with on a rainy day, feeling your heart soften with every page. I appreciated the subtle growth arcs, the compassion threaded through dialogue, and the theme of rediscovery—whether it’s of passion, purpose, or love.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and to Thomas Nelson for the ALC and ARC!

5⭐️
Tropes:
Small town romance
Town rumours
Second chance
Bookshop owners
this is FANTASTIC.
this book is in my god tear list

This book starts with the reading of a will, which doesn’t always sound like a happy beginning to a story. In this case, that’s correct. Shelby’s grandmother has died, and Shelby is hoping that she will inherit the bookshop she dearly loves. Well, she gets her wish, at least 51% of her wish. The other 49% ownership goes to her ex-boyfriend, Gray, who was the love of Shelby’s life, until he left one day. This is where the story really starts. Can she learn to trust Gray again?

I loved this book so much. I am a huge fan of dual timelines, so I was happy to be able to go back in time 11 years to watch Shelby and Gray fall in love. Gray always had such an unfortunate life, and seeing the man he turned out to be was so satisfying. This book had me swooning, stressed, and happy multiple times. I also love the reason behind the name of the bookshop, The Second Story Bookshop. Everyone always deserves to start over, to begin their second story.

📚 Book Review: The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter
⭐️ 3.5–3.8 stars

My first NetGalley ALC — how exciting! 🎧 I really enjoyed the premise of this story and connected with the characters. Denise Hunter has a way of crafting small-town charm and heartwarming romance that pulls you in.

That said, the third-person narration didn’t quite work for me in this one. It’s definitely a personal preference, but I found myself distracted by the POV and wishing it had been written in first person to feel more immersive. Still a solid, sweet read!

#Bookstagram #DeniseHunter #NetGalleyALC #BookReview #TheSecondStoryBookshop #RomanceReads #AudiobookLove #netgalley

Sweet story of true second chances in many ways. With a focus on familial relationships and pressures, this story is heartwarming and renewing. Facing real life problems between the one that got away appearing in the midst of tackling grief and having a bookstore bestowed upon you with no clue how to save it from going under.

I enjoyed the focus on what rumors and hearsay can do to a good persons reputation despite how “good” they actually are. I also liked the journey of Shelby learning to stand up for herself and the people she cares about while also dealing with grief and the unknown of the future.

The narrator did an excellent job of bringing this book to life and the production quality was phenomenal.

I am a firm believer in second chanced and loved this second chance romance. It had a great storyline as well as a FMC and MMC character. It is a very believable storyline I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

The Second Story Bookshop is a charming and cozy read that feels like a warm hug for book lovers. Denise Hunter creates a delightful small-town setting filled with heart, romance, and plenty of literary charm. The characters are relatable and endearing, and the story unfolds with a comforting pace that’s perfect for a relaxing escape.

It’s a feel-good novel that celebrates second chances and the magic of books, making it a great pick for anyone who loves light, uplifting contemporary romance.

I very much enjoyed listening to The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter. The story was engaging and all through the drama I was rooting for the main characters! A second chance (second story!!) that kept me riveted!

Denise Hunter’s The Second Story Bookshop is a charming and heartwarming tale set in a small town, centered around second chances—both in love and in life. If you’re a fan of sweet romances with emotional depth, this one hits all the right notes. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to listen to this book early.

This was a fun and quick read, perfect for summer reading. The Second Story Bookshop is a book about second chances. The title bookstore begins as Shelby's grandma's second chance at life after losing her husband; however, the book focuses on how this same store becomes the second chance for Shelby as well--and maybe influences second chances for her family as well. Shelby and her first love Grayson have to work together to save her grandmother's bookshop and to open the hearts of the town and their own hearts to second chances. This was a sweet romance, with cute scenes and a little suspences mixed in. I love a good bookstore book, and this one was a nice mix of romance with a little dram and action. I enjoyed it and think you would too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "The Second Story Bookshop" and all opinions expressed are my own. I have read a few books by Denise Hunter and I love to grab one when I am in the mood for romance and heartwarming stories. This was a love story between Shelby and Gray. I love the parts where the grandma was talking to Shelby. Overall I enjoyed reading this. I listened to the audiobook today July 17, 2005

The Second Story Bookshop is all the things I have come to love and expect from Denise Hunter’s love stories. Intriguing story with depth, well developed characters, poignancy and strong emotions, and heartfelt romance that touches on all the right places. Shelby and Gray have a genuinely deep love for one another and have since they first met; it’s a one of a kind, once in a lifetime kind of love. All the odds were stacked against them when they were young and sadly, they caved and let it go. I am so glad there is room for second chances because these two deserve it. I love Gray as a character. He has been handed a terrible hand in life and even in that, he continues to work hard and rise above. Shelby is fiercely loyal to her family and her bookshop and wants nothing more than to continue her grandma’s legacy. The immediate chemistry between these two is palpable and I love how the story takes place in modern day with flashbacks to tell their backstory. Gray continues to show up and help, because it’s the right thing to and because he’s desperate to offer his apology to Shelby. She may not want to hear what he has to say, but her grandma knew she needed it for closure. I love the way he showed up, even when everyone was against him. I love how Shelby saw what no one else could see and championed for him. I loved the way they were willing to stand up to everyone for what was right and, in the end, as it should, love always wins. There are so many feelings and emotions and tender moments of raw love, and I could not get enough of these two.
I had the added privilege of listening to the audiobook and believe that is part of what truly brought this book to life in my mind and in my heart. The voices were captured convincingly, and the tone and pace were perfect.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

☆3.5
Contemporary Christian romance
Second chance
Town drama
Dual timeline
No spice

Shelby inherits her beloved grandma’s bookshop after her passing. To her surprise, her grandma also left 49% of the ownership to her high school boyfriend Gray Briggs. While the two of them try to work out the bookstore, the town is rallying against Gray, trying to find ways to get him to leave. The story is broken into two timelines, one present and one from the past. Unraveling the past, figuring out why things are the way they are. Grams plan from the grave to push Shelby and Gray back together seems to be working. Gray just needs to survive to the end.
This book had a lot of things going on. The townspeople, oohhh, the townspeople had me fuming. This book deals with a lot of issues about mob mentality against someone for their family's wrongdoing. I had some issues with the way the main character decided that it was okay to have a boyfriend in each timeline and her feelings for Gray developing at the same time. Gray really seemed to be such a good person, and it was hard to see how things happened to him in such an unfair manner. Things did work out in the end, but I wish that it wasn't until the very last bit that things were better for Gray. It is a spice free book full of feelings, lots of feelings. Overall, it was a very town drama lead book. It was enjoyable for the most part, and everything worked out in the end. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing each character to life and making it so that it felt like each voice was a real person.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for providing me with an alc copy to listen and review honestly.

This was a lovely second-chance romance. I thought the characters were likeable and the storyline was captivating

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.