Cute second chance lovers.
I got a bit lost in the past to present but still loved it.
Felt bad for the boyfriend.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for allowing me to listen to this audio book in advance.
This was a good story and I enjoyed the characters. If you are looking for a typical romance story this is a good one. I enjoyed the narrator she done a really good job.

Absolutely loved this book! Denise Hunter is the absolute best at character development. She weaves laughs, tears, eye rolls & excitement into every book, flawlessly! This book had me from the first chapter. I hope Denise never stops writing books about books! She is the best.

When Shelby’s grandmother dies, she knows she will inherit the bookstore she’s been working at since high school. What she didn’t expect was to work alongside the boy who broke her heart in high school. Together, Shelby and Gray have to face their past in order to face the issues in present. Through that they start to wonder, can they actually be in each other’s future?

Have you ever had a time where it seems like everything is going wrong? The characters in this book keep getting hit with heartache, but also have some really sweet moments of hope and friendship.

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator was great at conveying the emotions of the characters.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the book for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book had me kicking and giggling my feet! Denise Hunter truly knows how to write a romance that feels both wholesome and deeply satisfying. The Second Story Bookshop is a beautiful, clean, no-spice love story that still manages to deliver all the tension, emotion, and chemistry you could want. The slow build-up between the two main characters? Perfecto. Their connection was believable and layered, with just the right amount of emotional depth and push-and-pull. The storyline flowed effortlessly, and not once did I find myself bored or skimming—Hunter kept me hooked from start to finish.

The characters were incredibly well-developed, and I loved how multi-dimensional they were. I could feel their growth and struggles, and it made their romance all the more satisfying. This was such a feel-good, heartwarming read, and I honestly can’t stop smiling just thinking about it. Denise Hunter, you’ve done it again. This is easily one of my favorite romances of the year and an instant fall must-read when it releases!

4.5 ⭐️

I just wanted to take Gray in my arms and make everything okay for him. Poor sweet boy getting bullied almost his whole life and just takes it. I wasn’t expecting this to be angsty, but damn do love a damaged/hurt Hero. Oh yeah…there is a bookshop in this plot but the storyline with Gray took center stage for me. So good.

Audiobook Review: The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter
Narrated by: Kim Churchill

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC of The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter

I would give the audiobook about 3.25-3.5 stars.

I enjoyed the audiobook. I do think it has quite a few tropes, but I think they were done nicely.

I liked the storyline for the most part and really felt for Grey and his situation. I feel like his reasoning for leaving was quite reasonable and unfortunately there was just a lot of hurt and not enough room for communication. I found the third act was a bit easily solved, but I was happy for them.

I liked the narrator, was just a bit confused, that Grey’s inner monologue was in the female voice. It also was kinda slow, but I didn’t have a problem with it, since I could adjust the speed to 2,5x.

What took me a bit out of the story, was the real author names that were mentioned and the religious remarks. I thought it was a bit unnecessary and kinda took me out of the fictional world. The religious words weren’t that much, but since the storyline didn’t mention them being religious (or have I missed something?, I didn’t really get the point, but maybe it’s normal for some parts of the US or the authors writing. I also felt like the disability rep wasn’t done in the best way.

All in all it was a really nice heartfelt romance, about reflecting your life, forgiveness and communication with a happy ending.

3.5⭐️
This is my first time reading Denise Hunter so I can’t compare it to her other works but this one was “ok”. In the I was molding interested and it passed the time, type of way. It was fluffy and pleasant but at times it dragged. However, I wanted to know what happened.

It definitely had that “Hallmark” quality to it which makes sense now that I read that the author has had several books turned into Hallmark Movies.

I consumed the audiobook which was narrated by Kim Churchill. At the 1x speed it was extremely slow so thankfully you can speed it up. But sadly, I didn’t enjoy the narration as it kept taking me out of the book. To me the vocals didn’t match the characters so I would suggest the physical book if you have that option.

It comes out October 7th 2025 so it can make for a cozy popcorn read for the fall.

I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.

⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as I don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again

This was such a sweet, small-town second chance romance! After Shelby’s beloved Gram passes, she pulls one last matchmaking move from beyond—leaving her bookstore to both Shelby and her high school sweetheart, Gray.

Shelby and Gray were everything. He was basically run out of town back in the day after his dad went to prison and the town unfairly branded him a pariah. Now he’s back to help Shelby save the shop—and maybe win her heart again. Of course, the town still isn’t making things easy, but Gray is determined.

A heartwarming story about love, forgiveness, and standing your ground. Definitely had me rooting for them the whole way through!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fictio Audio for this free advanced copy . I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book had the kind of pace I usually struggle with, but here it worked. The slower unfolding let me settle into both timelines without feeling lost or rushed. I liked how the past and present were layered, not just for style but to show how the characters had changed — or hadn’t.
The romance stood out. It didn’t shout or try too hard. It was patient, built through shared spaces and unspoken tension. What I liked most is that it felt earned, not just thrown in. The emotion had weight, and the connection between them made sense even when things were uncertain.

I wouldn’t call this a story full of twists or shocks, but that’s not what I was looking for. It left space for reflection, for silence even — and that made the emotional parts land differently. Some books rush to say everything. This one didn’t, and I appreciated that.

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter
🎧 Narrated by Kim Churchill | ⏱️ 9 hours 28 minutes

The Second Story Bookshop is a deeply emotional and inspiring Christian romance that delivers a powerful message of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Denise Hunter crafts a beautiful small town story that’s as comforting as it is moving, perfect for listeners who love heartfelt, wholesome fiction with real emotional depth and a clear moral to the story.
Set in the charming town of Granville, North Carolina, the story follows Shelby, a sweet, hardworking woman devoted to her grandmother’s bookshop, and Gray, the misunderstood bad boy whose life was shattered after his father’s conviction for second degree murder. As the town turns its back on Gray, Shelby is falling in love with him, Unable to forgive Gray for his choice to leave her after high school, Shelby severes all connections with him until her beloved grandmother leaves her bookstore to both Shelby and Gray as co-owners.

Shelby and Gray’s journey is full of emotional reckonings. As they fight to save the struggling bookshop, they’re also forced to confront the truth about their past, each other, and the possibility of healing.

The romance is clean, deeply rooted in Christian values, and full of genuine emotion. There’s no spice, just a slow burning reconnection that feels authentic and profound. Gray is a truly lovable hero, steady, misunderstood, and quietly enduring. Shelby’s growth from guarded and hurt to open hearted and forgiving is both touching and realistic.

Narrator Kim Churchill delivers a wonderful performance, capturing the sincerity and vulnerability of both characters with warmth and grace. Her narration enhances the emotional resonance of the story, making the listening experience immersive and heartfelt.

With a perfect blend of love, faith, and community spirit, The Second Story Bookshop is a soul stirring audiobook that leaves you inspired and full of hope. A must listen for fans of emotional, clean romance and small town stories with heart.

This was a perfect summer listen! I really enjoyed the plot, the characters were 3 dimensional and I found myself rooting for Shelby and Gray, there wasn’t a ton of miscommunication or silly misunderstandings, instead it was a super well done second chance romance. The 3rd act conflict didn’t drag, as a 3rd act breakup hater I was worried there for a second but thankfully it was resolved super quick. The audiobook was well done but my only gripe was it took me a few instances to catch on to the fact that after the narrator introduced a new character they included what that person likes to read and although it was a super cute touch it didn’t translate very well over audiobook, it threw me off the first few times until I finally caught on to what was happening. All in all a very enjoyable listen!

I've read several books by Denise Hunter, and The Second Story Bookshop was another enjoyable read. Her writing always has a cozy, heartfelt feel, and this one was no exception. The characters pulled me in right away, and the story unfolded at just the right pace. If you're looking for something warm, charming, and easy to get lost in, this one’s worth picking up.

4 stars for THE SECOND STORY BOOKSHOP by Denise Hunter ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Well this is just a sweet, second-chance romance filled with alllllll the heart, healing, and cozy, bookish vibes.

After her grandmother passes away, Shelby finds herself in charge of the bookshop she helped run along side her grandma — only to run into Grayson, her high school sweetheart — the one who got away (and kind of stomped on her heart in the process).

The chemistry between Shelby and Grayson was believable and beautifully paced. I appreciated the emotional depth in their journey, and the way they both had to grow before coming back together felt authentic. Even though the book is written in third person, it almost reads like a dual POV — which I really enjoyed, since it let me get a clear sense of what both characters were thinking and feeling.

One of my favorite touches was how Shelby still felt connected to her late grandmother, hearing her voice during difficult moments. It added so much warmth and tenderness, and gave a comforting sense of guidance throughout the story.

I also loved the little nods to real-life authors like Kristan Higgins and Kristin Hannah — it made the world feel current and real, and as a fan of both, I felt right at home.

If you love clean romance, small-town charm, and stories about second chances, forgiveness, and finding your way back to love, this one’s for you.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the ALC! This is my second ARC I’ve received of Denise Hunter, a new author I’ve added to my TBR and recommended to many friends.

This is my first Denise Hunter experience - and I am hooked! I cannot wait to dig into her backlist. Reviewing books is such a subjective pracitce, so I prefer to "reccommend" books to fellow readers. If you are looking for a sweet romance with a good amount of yearning and grit to it, this is your book. If you are looking for a great community of quirky neighbors and interesting family dynamics dealing with real life struggles, this is your book. If you are looking for a great example of second-chance love that never truly died, this is your book. The narrator was great and I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter. You will not regret giving this one a chance!

“The Second Story Bookshop” was a delight to read, with an easy-to-follow story of two individuals working together to revive a family-run book store after a huge loss. It was great to experience this story, and the characters and the story arc were well-written and easy to follow. I would recommend it as an enjoyable and uplifting read.

The narrator for this book was spot on and really brought this book to life.

First of all, I absolutely love it when there is more to the title than what meets the eye!! I’m not going to spoil what that little nugget is however. It’s a great life lesson.

Denise Hunter’s last few books have gone up to a whole other level. Her books are always good and very enjoyable. These last few, though, have reached CANNOT MISS A THING SHE WRITES status!

I immediately felt connected to the main character, Shelby, through the close relationship she had with her late grandmother. She also loves books, reading, family, friends, and her man.

Sometimes life circumstances can be rough. Some people jump to conclusions, bully, and push their power around. This is central to this story and this community. It’s the catalyst for Shelby and Gray’s relationship breaking up the first time when they were 18.

When the will of Shelby’s late grandma’s will pushes them together, it’s not pretty. But they become drawn together to save the bookshop. The shadows and completely unfair attitudes of the past are still at large all these years later.

Since I just read the first 3 books of the author’s Riverbend series in the last few months, it was fun to have those main characters mentioned at points during the story.

This novel kept me engaged throughout and I think it’s a beautiful story. I strongly recommend this book! The ending and epilogue left my heart full as well as my eyes. With tears. The best kind.

*** Huge thanks to Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for providing me with an advanced digital copy. My honest review is in my own words.

This is such a cute second chance romance book! I really enjoyed the audiobook and the small town setting

A sweet story with a satisfying ending. I picked this up as a light read to get out of a reading slump and the book didn't disappoint.

The chapters switch between the past and present to reveal Shelby and Gray's story. The structuring and pace worked well enough. I suppose I expected more of the cozy vibes we normally hope for in books about bookshops or libraries—the focus here was different, but the book was enjoyable nevertheless.

Although this story is set in a small town, this isn't one of the books where you are so charmed by the cozy and loving small-town vibes that you are ready to pack your bags and move there. Instead, we get to see the downsides of small town life: small mindedness as well as unfair and undeserved prejudice. It made me furious that people weren't willing to give Gray a chance even though he did nothing wrong—in fact, he tried twice as hard to do things right, but it never seemed to be enough because of his poor (unfair) reputation. The story also explores issues like bullying and abandonment and shows how the trauma affects people long after stayed long after the incident.

I believe this is my first book by the author, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading many more.

I thank the publishers, author, and Netgalley for the audiobook provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC! If you are looking for a sweet small town romance, this may be just the book for you! Shelby owns a bookshop in her town, but, unfortunately, it is struggling to keep its doors open after the passing of her Gram. Enter Gray, her high school sweetheart. Throughout many obstacles, Shelby and Gray work together to revitalize the bookstore. Although there are wounds from their time as teenagers, Shelby and Gray are able to mend the hurt they had harbored for years and rekindle their love for one another. This is a no spice book and the two main characters only share a few kisses throughout the course of the story. Please note, this book does contain religious themes and mentions of prayer and God. There is a side character with a disability, and at times, I felt like he was a caricature due to the ways the author described him and his actions. Overall, this is a sweet and simple small town romance if you are looking for a breezy read.