This was such a feel-good story! The main character has what I would consider high-functioning autism so she’s been able to integrate into society, but she’s had to adapt by following “norms” which has been incredibly difficult for her. She’s always been treated as something to fix, and not just accepted as the person she is meant to be. There are two other main characters with their own challenges to deal with, and all 3 are linked in a way. I ended this book feeling hopeful about society and life in general.

This was a really cute romance that touched on a lot of real topics in a great way (dementia, anxiety, autism, etc.). The way everything came together in the end was so well done. Blade and Sophia’s story is so sweet and the way he picked up on all her queues and knew how to love her just right - ugh so adorable!

4.25⭐️ Absolutely adorable and such great characters. Loved the autism and Alzheimer’s rep. If you enjoy a fun grandmother trying to make amends to past decisions before she forgets, read this. If you love reading about a son just wanting to do best by his mother, this is worth a read. If you like a strong, neurodivergent woman just wanting to prove she can handle things on her own, absolutely give this a try.
5⭐️ narration by Heather Long, Joe Jameson, and Pearl Hewitt. Absolutely loved having narrators for all three main characters. Just a beautiful job by all expressing the many battles of these wonderful characters. It’s truly helped the reader see a glimpse of the struggle of Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and those with neurodivergence.

Blade is the full time caregiver to his mother, Edith. He feels like he can’t keep going on as her full time caregiver. But he can’t help but be there for Edith and do anything for her. Even travel to find her ex-boyfriend, Sven.

Sophie has to find ways to make her flower shop a success. Her uncle beloved in her, and she knows she can too. The next step is to be able to deliver to more people all over Sweden.

Blade has the truck and helps Sophie further her goals. She even tries to help him find Sven. The more time they spend together, the more a friendship and affection grows. But Blade’s guilt of not being with Edith may ruin all he’s found for himself.

Thank you to @netgalley @harlequinbooks and @allyzetterbergauthor for the advanced listener copy.

Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me. I gave it a fair shot, but I couldn’t get into the story or connect with the characters. The narration didn’t help much either—it felt flat and didn’t pull me in. I know others might enjoy it, but it wasn’t for me.

3.5/5 stars

A very sweet, cozy read! I loved Sophia’s autism representation and Blade was just the perfect mix of patient and caring, especially with his role as a caregiver for his mom. The whole story gave me warm and fuzzy vibes...definitely one of those books that leaves you smiling.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, and Ally Zetterberg for granting me access to the ALC.

The Second Chance Bus Stop completely stole my heart. Ally Zetterberg has such a gift for weaving warmth, humor, and heartfelt emotion into a story that feels both magical and deeply human. This book is everything I love about second-chance romances, fate, timing, and the hope that love will find you again when you need it most.

The characters are beautifully written and so easy to connect with. I found myself rooting for them from the very first page. There’s a tender charm to the way Zetterberg balances romance with self-discovery, and it left me feeling comforted and uplifted long after I finished reading.

If you’re looking for a story that feels like a cozy hug, with just the right amount of whimsy and soul-stirring romance, this is it. Absolutely enchanting. I’ll be recommending this to everyone who loves a heartfelt, hopeful love story. 💕

It took me a bit to get into the storyline of this book but it built up as it went. This is definitely a hit for those who like that cozy feel.

They say life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.

Edith has Alzheimer’s. The idea that she will someday forget her son, her life, even her self, plagues her constantly. So there is something important she must do before the disease robs her of her she has to find Sven, the love of her life she was supposed to meet on a bus bench twenty-seven years ago and run off with, but he never showed.

Her son, Blade, is struggling to keep an eye on her. His mother’s full-time caregiver, he resents the fact, if he’s being honest, that he gave up his career and most of his life to look after her. But what wouldn’t he do for his mother? Track down her decades-old flame so that she has a chance to finally understand why he never showed all those years ago, before her mind fails her? Sure, he can do that.

Sophia is fiercely working to keep her business afloat. Her uncle left his flower shop to her and her brothers after he died, but she seems to be the only one interested in keeping it running. She needs to land a big enough client to show her family that not only is the business worth saving but she’s the one to do it. So when an opportunity comes along that takes her all over Sweden, she can’t say no.

While Edith is desperately trying to hold on to her memories, she discovers friendship with a young woman who sits with her daily at the bus stop. While Blade is out looking for Sven, he learns to embrace his relationship with his mother more fully. While Sophia is fighting to keep her dream alive, she comes to terms with the way her parents treated her as a child and the therapies that were forced upon her in response to her autism diagnosis. Life is happening all around them, and much like with life, there’s so much good to be found in these pages.

The narration was excellent, with 3 voice actors, but the general timbre was more in line with a romcom, which this book absolutely was not. The MCs have issues that make life a struggle at times and they work to deal with them. It took WAAAAAAAY too long for them to connect, which made the story drag too much for me.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the free ALC in exchange for an honest revue.

The Second Chance Bus Stop is an absolutely stunning read. Often, when main characters in romance books are explicitly autistic their autism is portrayed as very palatable, and I loved that Sophia's isn't. It's something that's at the heart of her tense relationship with her family and many of the other hardships she's faced (whether it's the autism itself or, more frequently, other people's reactions to it), and it was very nice to see the harder side of autism while also showing that she's not only deserving of love but actively finding it. I loved how Blade immediately started accommodating her needs without question and that we got to see him being sweet with her and actively desiring her—and never pushing her boundaries, but offering solutions and talking her through the moments when she needed a clear understanding of what was going to happen.
And Edith. A woman with dementia intent on reconnecting with her long-lost love. I loved how much her love for Blade, for Sven, and for her community (even the people she didn't know yet) shone through. The way she showed up for people and took care of them however she could, and the way the people in her circles took care of her was so beautiful.

I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I were reading with my eyes instead of my ears, only because of the format—with three main POVs and a few side characters who were voiced by those three voice actors, there were a couple moments where I got a little bit lost in whose POV we were in. That being said, I think all three narrators were absolutely wonderful and my confusion never lasted long.

The Second Chance Bus Stop is one of those books that'll stick with me for a very long time, and I am so very glad to have read it.

This was a very deep and emotional read that deals with themes of dementia Although there is a romance in this story, I think it reads more women's fiction than romance, which is not a problem. This was a very sweet, but emotional journey!

3 individual stories make up the bulk of this novel with each character having a challenge to face head on and deal with. I have read a lot of Alzheimer's stories recently so I was wondering if I got myself into another rehashing of this disease and how it affects those around them. What I did get is the perspective of the individual going through those changes and how it made her feel. That was such a wonderful perspective.

I think the awkward nature of Sophia made me cringe a little. Yes, I know she's on the spectrum and that her quirks are what we are supposed to explore but it honestly was difficult for me to relate to her at times (kissing is gross?).

Blade (uh...blade? what kind of name is that?) was a bit one dimensional in the description of him and his thoughts. I wish we would have seen this role be in the hands of a more interesting character.

All that said, sweet story and I can say I wasn't expecting so many wonderful things to happen Yes, this is a mixed review which is probably why I landed on 3 stars.

The audiobook includes three POVS/narrators and each of them did a wonderful job voicing their characters. Their voices fit the character and brought the story to life.

Sofia has autism and I believe the author did a good job showing one aspect of it. Throughout the story we see how Sofia was impacted by the way her parents handled her autism as a child and how that affects her today. Blade's job is to care for his mother, who is has dementia. Blade accepted her and understood her. Their chemistry and the way they fell for another was sweet.

Edith's POV was sweet and a reminder that life is precious. We see how she reflects on choices she made in her life and tries to hold onto memories.

The side characters were great editions to the story.

There was care put into telling this story, and overall it is sweet.

Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

This is a charming book featuring neuro-divergent characters who, with the help of their friends, take risks and become more successful. The storyline is clear from the start, but it’s the journey that is so delightful. It’s about asking for what you need while reminding us that paying attention to those around us who are different may have surprising benefits.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HarlequinAudio, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook #TheSecondChanceBusStop for review purposes. It is currently available.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!)

Thank you to NetGalley, Ally Zetterberg, and Harlequin Audio for the audiobook copy of The Second Chance Bus Stop in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of the most touching books I’ve read so far this year. Following the journeys of Edith, Blade, Sophia, Zara, and others was refreshing and kept me fully engaged. The multiple POVs worked beautifully, showing how their lives intertwined and helping me connect with the characters on a deeper level.

I especially appreciated the authentic representation of a woman with autism. This is so often underrepresented (or misrepresented) in fiction, and as a mom to an autistic daughter, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the care given here. The story, centered on lost love and dementia, was filled with life lessons and moments that made me tear up.

My only critique is the mix of first- and third-person POVs, which sometimes disrupted the flow. I think sticking with one style throughout would have made the narrative stronger.

The audiobook narration, however, was phenomenal. The narrators brought the story to life with distinct voices and seamless character transitions. Their performance made the experience even more impactful.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. It’s sentimental without tipping into “ugly-cry” territory, and it left me feeling both emotional and deeply appreciative of my own life and relationships.

Well, if this one doesn’t make you feel “ALL THE FEELS”, I’m not sure what will…. 🥹

1. We have a young woman who’s on the Autism spectrum. She had a rough childhood (to say the least), and now has a beautiful, cozy little flower shop… passed down from her beloved uncle. And probably the only one who truly understood and accepted her!

2. We have a young man who’s given up his job, and basically his whole life to take care of his elderly Mom who has dementia. She’s taken a turn for the worse lately, but still has a lot of good, lucid days. BUT, every day she walks to the bus stop in hopes of meeting up, once again, with her one true love.

3. We have a Mom who’s given up the love of her life, in order to take care of the other love of her life, her son. And she’s not sure just how to go about this, as she is utterly heartbroken. 💔 But, she must find a way to go on…

This is the premise. These are the players. And then, there’s a WHOLE STORY IN BETWEEN!
And what a remarkable story it is!!!!

This one made me LOL! 😂
This one made me tear up, on multiple occasions! 🥲
This one made me see what love, family, friends and life are all about!!!! (‘We all find Edith!” “It takes a village!” “She is our village!” ) … just a few lines that resonated with me…

#TheSecondChanceBusStop by @AllyZetter erg and narrated beautifully by @Heather Long; @JoeJameson; @PearlHewitt.

4 1/2 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 for me, happily rounded up to 5!!!

This one has already been released, but I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the audiobook recently! So, look 👀 for it on shelves now!!

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

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

I liked this, it gives 3 main POVs and some side characters. Heartfelt, dealing with life struggles. Knowing when you have a good thing, realizing it and not letting it go.. Narrators did a good job..

This is a sweet romance that I loved so much.
Sophia is an autistic woman that runs her families flower shop. Blade who is a full time caregiver to his mother who has Alzheimers.

They find themselves sharing a ride, Sophia to make a flower delivery and Blade to solve a mystery for his mother.

5 stars!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It was a cute easy listening but I couldn’t connect to it the characters as much as I wanted to. I wish I had loved it more

Unfortunately, this book didn't quite work for me - and I think it's because I read it via audiobook. It was difficult for me to track who each character was, how they were related, and how they were relevant to the story. I think, had I physically read this book, I would have enjoyed it more - simply because I wouldn't have been as confused. Additionally, I felt the main relationship to feel a bit transactional - and once it became romantic, it was hard to still ignore that dynamic.

Despite those struggles, I did feel how heartwarming and deeply emotional this book was - while exploring topics of dementia, love, being neurodivergent, and belonging. I just wish that was a bit more consistent through the novel - rather than all at the end. Reading through other reviews, it does seem like this is largely a me problem and most readers truly enjoyed this reading experience.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:

I really enjoyed the voice this book brought to two tough topics: the onset of early Alzheimer's and living with autism as an adult. Since this book is multi pov you get to see the characters firsthand pov giving you so much insight to daily life and struggles. Eye opening! That being said it was a bit heavy but that’s to be expected, I enjoyed the storyline and how all the pieces fit together in the end. A truly beautiful emotional journey.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Edith always wondered what happened to Sven. Even now years later she’s driven to go sit at the bus stop and wait for him to show up. She has Alzheimer's and she’s worried her son will forget it and more importantly she’ll forget herself. Even now things are begging to slip away.

Blade gave up his career and social life when his mom received the early onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. He loves his mom and would do anything for her but she’s becoming more than he can handle alone. He made a deal with her to help track down the mystery of Sven in Sweden if she agrees to consider going into a care home when he returns.

Sophia uncle left her his flower shop when he passed away, she has 5 years to buy her siblings out. She works hard but taking chances and diverting from her safe habits are difficult because she has Autism. So when an Englishman comes into her life unexpectedly she takes a risk. To save her shop she will be doing a series of events that are not local and he will help transport her there in his van.

For the next 10 days Sophia and Blade will take a road trip across Sweden. Both with their own agenda but unaware how interconnected they really are.

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Strangers to Lovers
* Forced Proximity
* 10 Day Roadtrip Across Sweden
* Neurodivergent FMC
* MMC is Caregiver to Mother
* Searching for Answers
* Early Onset of Alzheimer's
* Traumatic Childhood
* Multi POV & Intertwined Storylines

🌻🇸🇪💙🇬🇧 🌻🇸🇪💙🇬🇧 🌻🇸🇪💙🇬🇧🌻