Wow, what a book! I love anything that Denise Hunter writes--- her stories are always the perfect blend of romance, heart and small-town charm. In this particular story though, we get to see some of the downsides of living in a small-town: like what happens when you're an outcast in that town. Gray and Shelby had such a beautiful romance... though certainly not one without its challenges. They were unlikely high school sweethearts, with him being judged by the town by his father's reputation, but things ended badly when he left town after graduation. Years later, when they have to work together to save the bookshop that Shelby's grandmother unexpected left to both of them, all of those old feelings start to resurface... right along with the old challenges. I really love a good second chance romance, and this one was done so well. The story alternates between their high school romance and the present day, and I loved seeing them fall in love for the first time but also seeing their personal growth as well. I couldn't help but feel for Gray and all that he'd gone through... it made seeing them get this second chance at a happily ever after all that much sweeter. If you love a Christian romance with small-town drama, fantastic chemistry, and a hard fought happily ever after, this is absolutely one not to be missed.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

The Second Story Bookshop pulled me right in with the rich smell of books and the sounds of turning pages. This sweet, second chance romance will grab your attention and keep you until the very last page. I loved meeting and following the rekindling love story of Shelby and Grey. When her grandmother leaves the bookshop to both Shelby and Grey, will they be able to put aside past problems and work together to save the shop? This book has all the feels and a perfect story book ending. I give it 5 stars and highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am writing this review voluntarily.

Denise Hunter is brilliant! I was hooked from page one. The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were lovely with growth and development. This is definitely one I'll read again! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

I have always loved reading Denise Hunter’s books and this one is no different. This was an easy read with a great ending. I really enjoyed reading this story! I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves wholesome books! "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter. I love her books. Great second chance romance for bullied and misjudged Gray and Shelby the new owner of the bookstore after her grandmother passing. Heartwarming healing for both characters. Great beach read or just curl up on your couch and enjoy. Thank you to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson Fiction for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases Oct 7 2025

Shelby inherits
her grandmother's bookstore, but her grandmother also left half to Gray, the man that broke Shelby's heart. can they work together?

Being an avid reader and lover of books, I really enjoyed THE SECOND STORY BOOKSHOP by DENISE HUNTER. The author has told a story about small town living against the background of Selby Thatcher’s Gram’s beloved bookstore, which her ex-boyfriend, “bad boy” Grayson Briggs, is trying to help her save…..
Gray’s return to Grandville, North Carolina, has brought out the worst in the people of Grandville who cannot seem to forget his father’s sins or Gray’s alleged cheating at school. When things become really dangerous for him, and Selby and her family by association, he sees no choice but to leave the town that hates him…..
The characters are memorable and their emotions well portrayed. This is a story about truth against lies, the power of love, and second chances.
I highly recommend this most enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I loved the setting of the main character working in/eventually owning a bookstore. This is a great example of the second chance romance trope done in a very tasteful way. This is one of my new favorites from Denise Hunter.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Boy! Was I happy to see another novel by Denise Hunter! She's just such an amazing storyteller that I couldn't put this story down! I didn't want it to end.
I loved Shelby and Gray from the moment I opened their story. They were a delight in getting to know.
The setting was perfect since I love books so very much! I love a bookstore setting. Feels like home to me.
2nd chance romance are right up my alley so I knew I'd love this story and I did!!
I did have to snicker in some places though. Some scenes were just too cute.
However; there are a few tough subjects that Hunter has done well in making them realistic.
I definitely don't like these things either. It makes me sad and angry whenever I see it done to others. This is what makes parts of the story sad for me.
I'm giving this book 5 stars for keeping me entertained all the way through. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a wonderful read. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Fantastic Romantic Fiction! Loved this book so much! Even quoted from the book to my husband on our anniversary " Mature love grows deeper, stronger, with a beauty all its own." Another sigh worthy story with a message! Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the author and publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own opinions.

As with all of Denise Hunter's books. I loved it. This is about Shelly who loves working in the charming bookstore that grandmother owned in the Lakeside town of Granville. When Gram [asses away she leaves 51% of the Bookstore to Sheely and 49% to Gray. He and Shelly were friends when in high school and Gram really cared for Gray. Gray wasn't accepted well in town as his dad killed someone there. Gray joined the military and then made a name for himself in the town of River Bend. . He came back to town to help Shelly get the bookshop on track, See what they go through and does he finally get acceptance in town. Does he and Shelly end up together. A GREAT READ.

You just can't go wrong with a Denise Hunter book! I adored this sotry with it's lovable characters, second chance romance, reconciliations and justice finally happening. Of course, saving the inherited bookshop in NC (my home state) is a huge bonus too. Great book with a great message!

Denise Hunter has such a brilliant skill in engaging her readers with relatable characters and life situations. The path for Shelby and Gray was beyond difficult and it seemed that their only support was Shelby's deceased grandmother, in life and beyond the grave. 'The Second Story Bookshop' is a tender story of redemption portrayed personally and in a larger sense from a community. I shed some tears and would highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I've always loved Denise Hunters's books and this is one of her best ones yet. defintely 5 stars!!! Would recommend to friends and family!

Denise Hunter, this book is absolutely charming!! And one of my new favorites from you. I adore your sweet writing. It was beautiful.

Shelby and Gray’s story is very emotional. Amazing characters, loss, second chances, family, a small town and many challenges all make this a book you won’t be able to sit aside.

This was a very sweet summer/beachy read! While I have not read much by Denise Hunter, I don't think of her for action or suspense, so the bit of intensity near the end was a surprise but it fit perfectly into the story when everything is revealed.

I love books about bookshops. I love second chances. So this book had a lot going for it before I even started! One of my far-out dreams is to own a bookshop but until then, I'll settle for reading about them. This one has a brilliant title and I loved how the name holds multiple meanings! It's so clever and fun.

This book has some flashbacks and I felt like the back and forth between past and present was very well done. I appreciated actually getting the backstory rather than just having the characters allude to it. I think it added depth to the challenges and the characters to see the past play out on the page.

Shelby and Gray were wonderful characters. I also liked Caleb and Liddy, especially when it came to them interacting in Shelby's life.

I'd say that, overall, this book was sweet and wholesome. Yes there are several descriptions of Gray's physique and lots of passion to the kissing, but personally, I was okay with it for the sake of the whole story. It wasn't enough to keep me from reading it again. But it is there and I wanted to mention it for the people who need to be careful of those things.

Denise Hunter can certainly write an entertaining tale. I've read a few of her books, and this one didn't disappoint. Hunter is an autobiy author for me!

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter is about former high school sweethearts, Shelby and Gray. When Shelby's grandmother dies she leaves behind the bookshop that she ran with Shelby. Shelby is surprised to find out that she only inherited 51% of the bookshop and Gray inherits the other 49%. The relationship between them ended poorly and Shelby wants nothing to do with him but she takes up his offer to stay and help for a little while since he is good at business, a skill she lacks.
This is a very sweet and easy read that could easily be transformed into a Hallmark film. The chemistry between Shelby and Gray is palpable even through the pages of the book. You learn what happened between the two of them in their youth through periodic flashbacks. I really felt bad for the character of Gray due to the way the town treats him even though he did nothing to deserve it. The ending of the book was beautiful and made me tear up a bit while reading.

Shelby and Gray…an amusing grandmother…love and romance…a bookstore…this favorite talented author has woven a story that is thoughtful and reflective. I liked this novel…a page turner. Spend an afternoon in this bookstore with this couple…thanks Netgalley.

📚✨ 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!!

This author has captured my heart with her writing and also the characters in this book, I could not put it down once i started reading.

When Shelby Thatcher arrives for the reading of her beloved grandmother’s will, she is shocked to discover that her former high school boyfriend, Gray Briggs, is also in attendance. Their breakup had been painful, and they hadn’t seen each other in years; Shelby had vowed never to speak to him again.
Having worked at her grandmother’s bookshop since high school, Shelby had helped transform it into a cherished haven for book lovers in their small town of Grandville, NC. To her surprise, she learns that she has inherited 51% of the bookshop, while Gray receives 49%. After graduating high school, Gray left town and never returned—his past marked by bullying and the stigma surrounding his family. His father is serving a prison sentence for the murder of a prominent local figure, and his mother passed away when he was very young, leaving him to be raised by his grandmother, who was a close friend of Shelby's grandmother.
Gray quickly agrees that the bookshop should belong solely to Shelby and willingly signs over his 49%. However, when unexpected issues arise regarding the bookstore, Gray offers to stay and help her resolve them. As they work together, they uncover more problems than they anticipated, forcing both Shelby and Gray to confront their past and their lingering feelings for each other.
This captivating story is filled with emotional ups and downs. While old feelings begin to surface with both Shelby and Gray, the same problems remain as well.
Every book by Dennis Hunter captures my heart and attention right from the start. I could hardly put this book down until the last page was turned, and even now this heartfelt story lingers.

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.

“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.

I was completely charmed by The Second Story Bookshop. As someone who loves small-town romances and second chances, this book hit all the right notes. The story follows Shelby Thatcher, who inherits her beloved grandmother’s cozy bookshop in Granville, North Carolina, only to discover she must share ownership with Gray Briggs, the ex who broke her heart years ago.

Shelby is warm, determined, and deeply rooted in her community, while Gray is the classic misunderstood outsider trying to make amends. Watching them navigate their shared past, the town’s judgment, and the future of the bookshop was both heartwarming and emotionally satisfying. There’s tension, tenderness, and just the right amount of drama to keep the pages turning.

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance. I loved the flashbacks to senior year. The reader gets the back love story of Gray and Shelby. The narrator was wonderful and were 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.

I love Denise Hunter books so much and I read quite a few during my local library’s Summer Reading program so I was extremely excited to read this when I saw it available on NetGalley! One thing I love about Denise Hunter books is there’s absolutely no chance of the Lord’s name taken in vain or F-bombs being thrown! Those are the two things I won’t allow in the books I read or the tv I watch!

The Second Story Bookshop
by Denise Hunter
Pub Date: October 7, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
A wonderful read! I fell in love with this book from the first page. The characters are relatable and of course to me a book about a bookshop is a win!!
I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy the clean writing of Hunter.
5 stars

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 received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I am a huge Denise Hunter fan and this book definitely did not disappoint!!
If you don’t believe in soulmates, Gray and Shelby will definitely have you rethinking that! This book does cover some tough topics (TW for bullying) and I found myself frustrated with the town and the way they treated Gray. Denise wove such a beautiful story of love and hope and healing.. and best of all it centered around a bookshop left to the both of them by Shelby’s Grandmother.
Perfect for lovers of second chance, small town vibes, clean romance, and lots of character growth and depth.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC. These views are entirely my own!

Wow! A page turner full of a,second chance love story and a second chance bookstory. I got an advanced reader copy from the author, publisher, and Netgalley. I highly recommend you read this if you like clean love stories and second chances.