Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. This story was a slow burn. The constant back and forth between the past and the present was excessive. Overall I enjoyed the story. The narrator was great.

I listened to this on audio and found it quite an enjoyable read. It was an easy listen with low-medium angst and a decent storyline.

I found the relationship between Shelby and Gray to be quite precious. They were very sweet, and didn’t let their past get in the way of their future. It was interesting to have the two different timelines that definitely helped show the bones of both their relationship and how/why the town viewed Gray.

Most of the angst came from outside forces like Shelby’s family, and the ridiculous treatment from certain members of the small town. I did like how it was revolved though!

This gave all the sweet, fuzzy vibes of a Hallmark romance and would be the perfect book for cosy up with on a chilly Fall day.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for sending me an ALC of this book!

I absolutely loved this sweet second-chance romance. It had everything I was hoping for—small-town charm, a cozy bookshop setting, and a heartfelt story that pulled me right in.

I’ve known for a while that Denise Hunter is a local author from my town, and I’m so glad I finally picked up one of her books. I can already tell this won’t be my last!

Shelby and Gray’s story had so much emotion, and I really felt for both of them. Watching their relationship slowly rebuild had me completely hooked. There’s no spice in this one—just a few kisses—but there’s so much yearning and tension that it kept me completely invested in this story.

And I have to say—the narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. It felt like I was right there in Granville with them.

If you’re a fan of second-chance romance, small-town vibes, and bookshops (who isn’t?!), definitely add this one to your list.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for gifting me this ALC.

Grateful for the advance audio arc from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio. I definitely think this book would be loved by readers who enjoy Hallmark type books. All conflicts were resolved with a happy ending right down to the bookstore employee, Hailey finding her passion working at the gallery. I liked Gray’s character more than Shelby. Although she had abandonment issues I still didn’t understand her totally cutting Gray out of her life when he joined the military. I listened to this at the beach and think it would make a wonderful easy listen/read.

What a perfect autumn romance for book lovers and those that love second chance romances.

Shelby and Gray were once high school sweetheart. The beloved booksellers granddaughter and the town “bad” boy who wasn’t actually bad. But town rumors caused a heartbreaking split.

11 years later the two must work together to save the towns beloved bookstore and maybe, just maybe learn to trust each other enough to give love another chance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for access to an advance audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

📚✨ Review: The Second Story Bookshop by @deniseahunter
🎧 + 📖 = Cozy perfection
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What an absolute joy and blessing it was to receive an ARC of this book. I had been highly anticipating this one, so when I saw it in my inbox, I may have squealed just a little. I couldn’t wait to dive in, and it did not disappoint.
(Thank you @netgalley @thomasnelson for the arc!)

This story was everything I love in a cozy romance: sweet, emotional, and full of that small-town charm Denise Hunter does so well. Shelby and Gray’s second-chance love story tugged at my heart in all the right ways, and the bookshop setting made it feel even more special like I was being wrapped in a soft, bookish hug.

I had the best of both worlds with this one reading the ARC and listening to the audiobook and I genuinely loved both experiences. The narrator brought so much heart and warmth to the story. She didn’t just tell it she felt it and made each emotional moment land just right.

Also… I may or may not have dropped my Kindle on my face trying to stay awake and read one more chapter. Worth it. 😂

If you’re like me and love second-chance romances, cozy bookshop settings, and stories with heart (and no spice!), this one deserves a spot on your fall reading list. It’s tender, uplifting, and exactly what I needed.

🧡 Truly grateful to have gotten an early copy of this gem—it’ll be one I revisit again.

Be sure to look for it October 7th 2025!!

I just finished a great listen by an author I love! The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter was a five star read!

This was a sweet story—think Hallmark Channel sweet! A cozy, small-town setting and a second-chance romance make it an easy, heartwarming read. I enjoyed the dual timeline approach, with both past and present storylines woven together. If you want romance, charming bookshops, and stories about finding your way back to love, this one’s for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the wonderful opportunity to listen to the audiobook of this novel ✨

Oooookayyyyy this is not what I was expecting in the slightest. Disclaimer: bear with me I’m writing this review with a pounding headache brought on by this book… Firstly, I am not a big second chance romance gal, yet I always try to read them again and again with an open mind (bonus points that this is one I finished); however, this book did not deliver. From the beginning, I could tell that this was going to have Hallmark movie vibes and come to find out that some of the author’s books have BECOME Hallmark movies. I love that for her!! Congrats! But goodness me, this book read like it is supposed to be a movie and not a book. Hopefully that makes sense, but the book lacks inner monologue and reeks of dialogue, yet funnily enough I felt like the two MC’s didn’t have enough conversation to warrant them getting into a relationship (when they were teens AND adults). And don’t get me started on the reasoning behind their breakup… if you decide to read this book, I PRAY that it doesn’t bother you nearly as much as it bothered me because after THAT they have absolutely NO reason to be in a relationship. Yes. I said what I said.

I feel like my review has been quite harsh, but the book is cute and fast-paced and I know that a lot of people could read this and enjoy it a lot. All love to this author and God bless!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Zondervan Audio for the audio ARC!

5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧

I love Denise Hunters writing so much! I loved this audio I lived the narrator. I loved this story. Small town second chance romance. Shelby and Grays story was beautiful.