A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

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.