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.

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

📚✨ 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 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.

“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.

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.

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 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!

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.

The Second Story Bookshop, written by Denise Hunter and narrated by Kim Churchill, tells the story of Shelby Thatcher, who helps her Gram run a bookshop of the same name. Our book begins with the death of Shelby's Gram, and Shelby begins to discover some of the surprises her Gram has for her, including leaving half of the ownership of the Bookshop to Gray, who broke Shelby's heart in high school. Gray has never really been accepted by the residents of Granville where Shelby lives, and Shelby's family seems to be struggling with her Gram's decision as well, wanting to protect her from getting her heart broken again. But as time goes on Shelby seems to realize that she might really need Gray's help, and that maybe he has some lessons of his own to teach her.

I really enjoyed this book, and the small town feel. I liked the chapters that helped us learn more about the past of the main characters, and also appreciated how the characters learned about each other and themselves. I also enjoyed seeing the relationships between characters change, and appreciated the talk of faith and religion without it being overpowering. I do think that there was also some wonderful self discovery included, especially when it came to family relationships, and why individuals act and react in certain ways in different situations.

This was my first book by this author but it will definitely not be my last! I recommend this book to anyone looking for a book with a small town feel, or a comedy/romance. Thank You to NetGalley and to the author, narrator, and publisher of this book for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Holy cannoli, I loved this book!

The Second Story Bookshop is a heartwarming second-chance romance between Shelby and her ex-boyfriend, Gray. The two are thrown back into each other’s lives after the death of Shelby’s sweet, meddling grandmother—who was so lovingly written, I genuinely felt a sense of loss. Her presence lingers warmly throughout the story.

Shelby and Gray unexpectedly find themselves co-owners of her grandmother’s beloved bookstore. As they work together to preserve her legacy, they’re forced to confront their complicated history—all while facing unexpected challenges that threaten the shop’s future.

The emotional history between them felt so real. I especially enjoyed the dual timelines—flashing between their high school years and the present—which added so much depth to their characters. There were moments I wanted to shout, “What are you doing?!”—but those frustrating choices made their eventual growth feel all the more satisfying. The character development is spot-on and incredibly rewarding.

There are emotional themes around bullying and parental abandonment, so readers sensitive to those topics may want to be aware—but I felt they were handled with care and added emotional richness to the story. The portrayal of bullying, in particular, was striking. At times I was shocked that someone would actually behave that way—yet sadly, it wasn’t unrealistic. The book does an excellent job showing how cruelty in adolescence can echo into adulthood if left unchecked. I appreciated how everything came together in the end, and the resolution still managed to surprise me.

I also loved the sister-in-law dynamic woven into the story, and the cameos from Gavin and Wes from Riverbend were such a fun treat for fans of Hunter’s previous work.

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did an excellent job capturing Shelby’s voice. Her performance brought each character to life and made the alternating POVs easy to follow.

If you’re looking for a sweet, clean romance with depth, charm, and lovable characters, The Second Story Bookshop is one to add to your list!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC.

This was a interesting story, surrounding a second chance love and some conniving grannies. I really enjoyed the drama and the small town vibe but not in the good light most have, putting some reality to the bad side of small town gossip and straight bullying that happens. Makes you take a look at yourself and how you treat others makes a life long impact you may not even know you did at the time. Great story
Great narrations
Loved this!

5 ⭐️
This book was so cute! I loved the bookshop setting. It felt cozy and fun. And I think it would be a great book to adapt into a film! I don’t know why, but as I was reading it I just kept thinking how it would make a great movie lol 😂

I really connected with the characters and thought their story was beautifully written. Our FMC is loyal through and through and our MMC is genuine and puts others before himself. So many things wanted to get in their way but ultimately their love for each other brought them back together!

In this book We get:
•2nd Chance Romance
•BookShop Owners
•Forced Proximity
•Closed Door Christian Romance
•Small Town
And more!

I received the Audiobook version of this book and the narrator did an amazing job! I would highly recommend this one! I would love to read more by Denise hunter as I genuinely loved this book.

Thank you @deniseahunter and @netgalley for gifting me this Arc 🫶🏼

I throughly enjoyed The Second Story Bookshop. Well written with a great plot and believable characters. Denise Hunter has written another winner.

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance. I loved the flashbacks to senior year. The reader gets the back love story of Gray and Shelby. I loved the entire journey.

The narrator was wonderful and was 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.

This book starts with the reading of a will, which doesn’t always sound like a happy beginning to a story. In this case, that’s correct. Shelby’s grandmother has died, and Shelby is hoping that she will inherit the bookshop she dearly loves. Well, she gets her wish, at least 51% of her wish. The other 49% ownership goes to her ex-boyfriend, Gray, who was the love of Shelby’s life, until he left one day. This is where the story really starts. Can she learn to trust Gray again?

I loved this book so much. I am a huge fan of dual timelines, so I was happy to be able to go back in time 11 years to watch Shelby and Gray fall in love. Gray always had such an unfortunate life, and seeing the man he turned out to be was so satisfying. This book had me swooning, stressed, and happy multiple times. I also love the reason behind the name of the bookshop, The Second Story Bookshop. Everyone always deserves to start over, to begin their second story.

5⭐️
Tropes:
Small town romance
Town rumours
Second chance
Bookshop owners
this is FANTASTIC.
this book is in my god tear list

I am a firm believer in second chanced and loved this second chance romance. It had a great storyline as well as a FMC and MMC character. It is a very believable storyline I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

I very much enjoyed listening to The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter. The story was engaging and all through the drama I was rooting for the main characters! A second chance (second story!!) that kept me riveted!

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 had the added privilege of listening to the audiobook and believe that is part of what truly brought this book to life in my mind and in my heart. The voices were captured convincingly, and the tone and pace were perfect.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

The Second Story Bookshop
by Denise Hunter
Narrated by Kim Churchill

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

Shelby and Gray had a sizzling teenage relationship that ended when Gray suddenly left town. Now, Shelby and Gray half each inherited 1/2 of the Second Story Bookshop that her grandmother owned. Can they put the past behind them and come out on the other side?

There’s a lot of things to love about this book:
Bookshop romance, dealing with old traumas, meddling grandmother, small town, and two main characters that you can’t help but fall for immediately.

If you like romance and second chances - I definitely recommend this book. It has so many good feels!

I loved this second chance, small town romance. This is what I love to listen to. 5 stars

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

This book felt like a warm hug from the very first chapter, and I ended up finishing it in less than 24 hours. Yes, it was that comforting and addictive. I’ve always had a soft spot for second-chance romances, and this one absolutely delivered with all the right emotions. Also, the narrator did such a beautiful job and helped me immerse myself into the story almost immediately.

The small-town setting, the cozy bookshop atmosphere, and the tender way the story unfolded made it impossible to put down. Shelby and Gray’s journey back to each other was filled with vulnerability, depth, and quiet longing, even when neither of them wanted to admit it out loud. I also love the way her family handled the whole situation eventually.

The ending was satisfying, since everyone got what they deserved. This is the first book I read by Denise Hunter, but definitely not the last. I really appreciate her writing style and I'll definitely read more of her books in the future.

If you love heartfelt stories full of charm, gentle romance, and that nostalgic feeling of coming home, this one definitely deserves your attention.

I'm grateful for the chance given to me to read this book. I received it as an ARC (in the form of audiobook) from Netgalley and I'm writing this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own!

Denise Hunter has done it again! This was delightful from start to finish! The book is full of themes of second chances and redemption. The plot was well-paced and the characters were charming and witty. This is definitely one I'll listen to again; the narration was fantastic. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

I got so sucked into this book. I loved it. I loved the flash back chapters filling in the gaps. I was happy that everything (no spoilers) was resolved before the end of the book

I received this as an ALC and listened on 1.5x. The narration was excellent

Firstly thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me early access.
I adore Denise Hunter’s work. This book is no exception! This was so heartwarming, cozy and sweet!
If you love cozy books, 2nd chance romance and a little suspense mixed in, you’ll love this one!

This was my first Denise Hunter book, but it will definitely not be my last!

Still reeling from her grandmother’s sudden death, Shelby Thatcher is shocked to see her high school sweetheart (the one that broke her heart) at the funeral. As she wonders how Grayson Briggs had the nerve to show his face all these years later, she is once again surprised to see him at the reading of Gram’s will. And nothing could have prepared her to hear that Gram’s bookshop has been left to not only Shelby, but Gray as well. In order to keep the bookshop running, Shelby and Gray must learn to move on from their past and work together, or risk losing it all.

I was given the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I usually enjoy a male and female narrator for dual POV stories, but Kim Churchill did a great job with both characters. I also enjoyed the dual timeline aspect - it gives the reader a deeper understanding of each character. It was easily followed, even through audio. Denise Hunter did a great job with character and setting development throughout the story. I felt as if I had visited Granville, explored the bookshop, and had met each character personally. I would love to visit again!

If you love stories about second chances, clean romance, and charming bookshops, this one is for you!

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ability to listen and review! These thoughts are my own.

Cute, clean, lighthearted romance novel. I am a sucker for books about books and got drawn into this one right away!
As with most romance novels, it was pretty predictable, but it was cute. A great story about the power of forgiveness and second chances.

I'm not a huge fan of back and forth stories in audiobook format as sometimes it's a little hard to track, but this one wasn't too bad.

*I recieved a free advanced audiobook version of this book in exchange for my honest review

I listened to this book on audio as a ALC read. it is a sweet HEA small town romance. The main characters, Gray and Shelby, are able to get a second chance at their romance when the death of Shelby's grandmother brings them back together. The plot is solid, and all the major issues are wrapped up well. It is easy to love Gray and Shelby. You can feel the spark between them, and I felt very happy that they were able to be together in the end. The romance between Gray and Shelby is a sweet slow burn and a perfect read if you like romance without The detailed, intimate scenes in the bedroom that are often in romance novels. The narrator was perfect in my opinion. Her voice is smooth, and she brought the characters to life.

This was a beautiful story of a needed second chance! I loved the way the characters wound themselves through the story! The way this author writes really takes you through their lives and meets the expectations of the reader! I am always satisfied with what I listen to with her! I loved the narrator and thought the "voices" she used nailed each character! She is a favorite! Enjoy!

Thanks to NetGalley for this story, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Denise Hunter is one of my go-to authors. As a Christian women’s fiction and romance writer, she incorporates heartfelt stories filled with faith, family values, and love. I was lucky enough to receive early access to her upcoming fall release, and it was just as wonderful as all her others. She never disappoints!

The audiobook was narrated by Kim Churchill, whose sweet, soothing voice made the story even more enjoyable. She’s easy to listen to.

Pub Date Oct 07 2025
#TheSecondStoryBookshop #NetGalley

The Second Story Bookshop is a sweet and tender love story that will appeal to a wide variety and ages of readers.

Shelby inherits the quaint bookshop her grandma opened years ago. The catch - she has to run it with the ex she vowed to never speak to again. Gray was the boy that broke her heart years ago. As the story unfolds, we learn the history of their relationship and what tore them apart. This is a charming coming of age story, filled with family drama, a second chance romance and a small town setting. I absolutely loved it and will be recommending it!

This may be the best contemporary romance that is clean that I have read this year! There is so much depth to it! Shelby is heartbroken when her grandmother passes away. She has worked her Gram's second story bookstore in a small town for the last several summers. Still, she is shocked to discover that she is the new owner of 51% of that business, and her former boyfriend Gray has 49%! Both of them have their own hurts to deal with, but especially him. His father had a bad and sometimes unfair reputation, and it bled over to his son. The story is satisfying and hard to put down. I wouldn't be surprised if the moviemakers see the big potential in this book for a movie!
I appreciate the publishers allowing me to listen to this audiobook. The thoughts expressed are my own honest opinion.

This is such a cute, heartwarming and cozy story! I love that it's a story in a bookshop and it made me devour it whenever I get time to listen to it!

Shelby inherited her grandma’s bookshop but she only owns half of it and half to his ex boyfriend Gray who broke her heart. She doesn’t want anything to do with her ex but circumstances force them to run the bookshop together. This cozy, forced proximity love story just warms my heart!

The narration is perfect for this book. I am not used to listening to audiobooks and just started to give it a try. This narration is like a cup of tea in a cold weather, cozy and calming. The voice carries the story smoothly like a lullaby. Such a perfect voice for this story.

I’m not into romance a lot but this book is like a warm hug in troubled times. I love how Shelby is a kind hearted person who sees the goodness in Gray. She is the light that shines in Gray’s dark tunnels. They have this chemistry that light up like fireworks.

The ending is also lovely! I love that everything worked out in the end especially for Gray Briggs. After all the struggles, pain and suffering he endured. He did not even retaliate and took revenge. His character is admirable and commendable. He just took all the hurdles face first and finally he has his happy ending. Additionally, the letter from Shelby’s Gram is also sweet. Her small plot is a success and I love that for Gray and Shelby.

Overall, I enjoyed this book as much as I thought! Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advance listening copy.

This is the first book that I have listened too by this author and it will definitely not be my last .The story was written so beautifully and brought together so well.I adored Shelby and how kind she was to Daryl and how she stood up for Gray when it seemed everyone was against him.I cried and laughed throughout this book and can see how good it must be to live in a small town.
The narrator Kim Churchill was extremely talented as she voiced the different characters so well and her different tones made it very believable .she brought me right into the heart of the story as if I was living it myself instead of just listening to it .
I would recommend this book to any reader that likes heartfelt romance and anyone who wants to forget what’s happening in real life.
Thank you so much Thomas Nelson for allowing me to listen to this book and for bringing this author,Denise Hunter into my world of books and thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen and review it.

*A shout out to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook ARC!*

This was such a beautiful and redemptive story of a family heirloom bookshop and romantic relationship. Shelby and Gray had a rough time when they first started dating thanks to external factors, so it was understandable how Shelby felt hurt and angry towards the man that left her behind, while still having feelings for him. It was clever how the "second story" applies to more than just the bookshop, which I really enjoyed.

After enjoying the audiobook, I'm looking forward to reading/listening to more of Denise Hunter's books. I highly recommend that you check this one out and then consider her other titles as well. This book was great and I'll look forward to checking it out again.

I absolutely loved this book! It had all the best tropes: small town, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, forced proximity, etc. It was a feel good story.

After Shelby's grandmother dies, she discovers that she has inherited her grandmother's bookstore. This was expected, but what is not expected is that her ex-boyfriend is co-owner! Gray immediately agrees to sign over his half of the store to Shelby. Since Gray keeps the books at his construction job, he offers to review the finances while he is in town. He discovers that the store is in debt, rent has not been paid for 3 months, and there is less than $500 in the bank. If Shelby has any chance of salvaging the store, she will need to boost sales for the holiday season.

To the town's horror, Gray takes a leave of absence from his job at the construction company to help Shelby at the store. They come up with ways to improve profits, cut spending, and expand product lines. However, Shelby notices that no one visits the store during the crucial holiday shopping week in town. It turns out that people are boycotting the store because of Gray's presence. Gray has always been an outcast because his father was convicted of homicide. The victim's family still lives in town and is a very influential family. Gray decides that if he really wants Shelby's store to succeed, he needs to leave. Don't worry. they get their happy ending!

I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

As an avid reader, how could I not choose this book to read! From the very beginning, I immediately fell in love with the feel of the bookshop. I adored how the author added other author names and book titles into her own work. I enjoyed this book immensely. The author has such a way of wrapping you up in the lives of Gray and Shelley, and telling their backstory while also unfolding the events of the book. If you love bookshops, as well as a sweet romance, then this book is for sure for you!!

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter is a delightful read that truly deserves a five-star rating! From the very first page, I was drawn into the charming world of the bookshop and its endearing characters. The writing is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of small-town life alongside poignant themes of love, loss, and redemption.

Hunter’s storytelling is rich with emotion, making it easy to connect with the characters on a personal level. The protagonist's journey is beautifully crafted, as she navigates through her past and discovers her true self amidst the backdrop of the cozy bookshop. The setting itself feels like a character, filled with warmth and nostalgia, making me wish I could step right into it.

What I especially loved was the way the book interwove literary references and the love of reading throughout the narrative. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the joy of books and the bonds they create between people. The plot is expertly paced, filled with unexpected twists and moments that tug at your heartstrings.

Overall, The Second Story Bookshop is a charming and uplifting novel that will resonate with anyone who appreciates a good story. Denise Hunter has created a magical place that readers will want to visit again and again. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a beautifully written and emotionally enriching experience!

Ok, hear me out! Not a religious person nor am I really a soft romance girly BUT THIS, THIS BOOK! I love a good romance with tension, an underdog, and a its been you this whole time scenario. Throw in a small town, a bookstore and you have me hooked which is what I was. I listened to and read this book. It was great, easily a 5 star in my opinion. Sometimes you just need a low to no spice physical romance book. So if you have a thoughts and feeling face, don’t want people looking the other way while you are in public then this is it. Or maybe you are like me, you have kids and your reading is listening to audiobooks in the car then this is it. Thank you Denise Hunter for a great read/listen!

Another big 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for THE SECOND STORY BOOKSHOP by Denise Hunter, narrated by Kim Churchill!
This is another great story by Denise Hunter. The narration is also wonderful. That made it such a pleasant listen!

The story is an emotional one. When Shelby inherits the bookshop that her grandma opened years ago in a quaint little town in North Carolina, she is shocked to find out that she is only half owner. The other half is owned by her ex-boyfriend Gray who broke her heart years ago.

Gray’s family history has never been forgotten by the town residents and their animosity towards him remains after all the years he has skipped town right after graduation.

Lots going on to keep me listening… Just had to know what’s happening next. Interesting story line and characters. Love that it involved a bookstore too.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this audiobook!

LOVED this sweet story. The wholesome second chance love story will be the perfect read for fall. The narrator was fantastic. The plot and character development were also fantastic. Denise Hunter will always be an automatic read for me.

This was my third Denise Hunter bin and it definitely won't be my last. I love a good book about books or bookstores/libraries and this one did not disappoint. One of my favorite little touches about the book was how the main character mentally noted the preferred book genre when acknowledging side characters. The story between the MMC and FMC was beautifully done and spanned across many years. I loved seeing the growth of the characters. I listened to the audio version and narrators did a wonderful job making the book come alive and added to the overall esthetic in a positive way. Overall this book was beautifully done and I highly recommend it. I will be looking out for the authors next book with much anticipation!

Thank you to netgalley and the book publishers for the advanced copy in return for my honest review. The above statements are 100% honest and my own.

It was a heartwarming and cozy read. I really enjoyed the book, the drama , love story and the characters.
The narrator and production did an amazing job.

With so much thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio.

The Second Story Book
I really enjoyed this book—it was such a fun read that I ended up listening to it twice. Shelby inherits her grandmother’s bookstore after her passing, and with it comes a lot of unexpected challenges. One of the biggest is learning how to work alongside her ex-boyfriend, who left without explanation about ten years ago at graduation. The story is mostly lighthearted, with a nice balance of romance, family dynamics, and the ups and downs of figuring out life. I’ve read a few books by this author before, but this one is definitely my favorite so far.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook!

I got a lot of laundry done because I could not put this book down! It was so stinking adorable. Such a great story and I loved Denise’s writing.

The Second Story Bookshop was an absolutely perfect cozy read! I loved the clean romance. A slow burning love story from a small town with a lot of gossip kept me interested. The pace of the story was great and I thought the narrator was great.

Denise Hunter delivers another heartfelt small-town romance in The Second Story Bookshop, blending second chances, community charm, and the undeniable pull of first love.

Shelby Thatcher has always dreamed of owning her grandmother’s beloved bookshop in Granville, NC. For years, she worked beside Gram to make it a cozy haven for readers and a cornerstone of the lakeside community. But when Shelby inherits the store, her joy is tempered by one shocking twist—she must share ownership with Gray Briggs, the man who shattered her heart and left town years ago.

Gray’s return is anything but simple. Haunted by the town’s disdain and the mistakes of his past, he never expected to find himself tethered once more to Shelby—or to Gram’s legacy. Forced to work side by side, Shelby and Gray wrestle with old wounds and rekindled feelings, all while trying to protect the bookshop from new challenges that could threaten its future.

Hunter crafts a tender, emotionally layered story about forgiveness, trust, and the enduring power of love. The chemistry between Shelby and Gray is palpable, filled with the tension of unresolved history and the sweetness of rediscovered affection. The bookshop setting is enchanting, offering readers the cozy, bookish escape they crave while rooting the story firmly in the complexities of real relationships.

For fans of second-chance romances, small-town charm, and stories where love and community intertwine, The Second Story Bookshop is a heartwarming, page-turning delight.

I truly loved The Second Story Bookshop! Denise Hunter has a way of weaving beautiful stories and this is no exception. Second chance romance, bookstore, tight knit small town, first love, rooting for the underdog, all the good things! The narration was excellent!

I absolutely fell in love with The Second Story Bookshop. From the very first chapters, the characters pulled me in with their depth and warmth, making me feel like I was part of their story. I was constantly intrigued, and the pacing felt just right, at a medium speed that gave me time to savor the details without ever dragging.

I opted to listen to this one as an audiobook, and I’m so glad I did. The narrator’s voice was engaging and brought the characters to life in such a vivid way that it felt like listening to a friend telling me a story. Towards the end, a huge twist had me literally turning the volume up, making sure I was hearing it correctly. That moment sealed it for me; I knew I had stumbled onto something special.

Overall, I’m eager to purchase a physical copy in person so I can revisit it on my shelf. Without giving away spoilers, trust me when I say this is a must-read for any book lover.

Denise Hunter is a really good author and I have enjoyed everyone of her books; that I read. The Second Story Bookshop didn't disappoint.

This story takes you down the path of Shelby Thatcher and her high school sweetheart, Gray Briggs. 11 years ago, Shelby and Gray fell in love and at first, they kept it secret, since the entire town hated Gray - because Gray's dad accidently killed someone in a fight. Everything is Gray's fault and other than his grandmother and Shelby, everyone would rather see him in jail, gone or dead. When the worst came, he felt like there was no hope, so he left and joined the military.

Shelby crushed that he left her, just like her mom, doesn't care why and won't return his calls. Now present day, Shelby's grandmother just passed and left her bookstore to her and Gray.

The town still "hates" Gray and blames him for everything and can Shelby trust her heart and Gray? Can the town see Gray for who he really is and not who his father is? Can healing begin?

This was another awesome ready!

I listened to this book and could not put it down.
The love story was everything I needed.
After an unexpected twist Gray and Shelby end up working together. When they were in high school they had a terrible break up that ended in lots of hard feels. Fast forward to adult life now working together stirred up a lot of those emotions again.
This was a must read. So cute. And also emotional. I had tears in my eyes more than once.

She has done it again. What a wonderful second romance in a small town. She develops her characters so that you get to know them. I'm glad that Shelby and Gray have grown up throughout the years to give their relationship a chance. I was also saddened that children are often punished for their parents 'sins. Finally, I want part two of this story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.# Netgalley# #Second Chance Romance #

The first Denise Hunter book I ever read was Sweetbriar Cottage. Since then I have read every book she's written, and I always wait with bated breath for the next one to arrive. Yes, she's that good! Every book tugs heart strings, tying them in knots, then changes those knots to neat, tidy bows. I love her books so much!

The Second Story Bookshop brings together childhood sweethearts Shelby Thatcher and Gray Briggs. Shelby is the hometown sweetheart, and Gray is the town bad boy. Shelby has worked side-by-side with her grandmother to make the Second Story Bookshop the local hub, so when her grandmother dies she expects to inherit the shop outright. She is stunned to learn that Gray Briggs inherited half of the store, too. Why would her grandmother leave the store to the man who walked out on Shelby before he even graduated? They were in love, planning to be married as soon as they graduated, but he walked without ever talking to her. What could have brought him back?

As Shelby and Gray work together, their feelings begin to rekindle. but the closer they become, the more desperate someone is to drive him out of town. Can he stay in the town that has been suspicious of him and his family all his life? When real danger arrives on his doorstep, will walking away again keep Shelby and her family safe?

Told in a dual time period manner, The Second Story Bookshop has everything I look for in a romance. The main characters are shown as teens who started as friends, and defied the odds and Gray's unwarranted reputation, to start planning a life together. It travels the ups and downs and gives glimpses of the thoughts behind their actions. By the end of the book, I was pulling for them to stay together, and I wanted to smack everyone in that town for being so blind!

Readers who love contemporary romance that slips into the past periodically and delivers every emotion need to pick up The Second Story Bookshop. If this is your first Denise Hunter book, you're in for a treat, and like me, you'll be looking for her other books to binge on!

I received this book AND the audio version as well through NetGalley, but every opinion here is mine!

I think this book is very well pitched for the audience. It's exactly what you are expecting to read when you stumble upon it and read the sinopsis.
It is the perfect read for the fall and cozy season, I loved the sense of community, the family complex relationships, and hear me out, if you are not really into second chance romance, you should give this one a chance, I'm not a fan of second chance romances either, but this one is very well developed and makes you root for the main characters.

I only listened to the audiobook version, but I definitely think it's the way to go; the narrator is very good and you can easily follow the story without getting confused or lost. Also, if you are listening to it, you could totally do some other cosy activity like crocheting, coloring, crafting, and so on.

My only complaint with this book is one of the plot conflicts, let's call it "The Mean Rich Family", cause I don't remember their name just now. I know their story was there to make things hard for Gray, but in my opinion, it should have had a little more depth in the present timeline. The backstory was well written and it gave you enough to understand Gray's actions in the past, but their actions further on felt too childlish and inmature.

Gray and Shelby make a cute couple, and they complement each other very well. The tension and yearning were very well built up, and I personally enjoyed that this book does not have spice.

I’m glad I read this book, and I will definitely read more from this author.

This story was SO GOOD. The jury is still out but it MAY have pulled me face first out of my reading slump. I LOVED THIS ONE. Exes, forced proximity, second chance, and dual timeline (lots of flashbacks to their highschool years).

Think Rory and Jess (Gilmore Girls) but Gray (or Jess) has a ton more pain and the people who hate him are HORRIBLE… and a second chance for them both! Thanks for a meddling grandma from beyond the grave. 🤪😂

Add in that Shelby (the Rory of it all) inherits a bookstore and the force proximity of him inheriting it alongside her, ah!! It’s so sweet and I love the characters. Shelby’s sister in law is an amazing bff, her brother and dad really grow on me.

Also, I listened to it, and the narration was FANTASTIC. Even when I got anxious about what was going to happen and sped it up to 2x and 3x. 😅 so audio is a ln amazing option!!

I loved everything about this sweet, second chance, small town romance!! I really felt like I was a part of the story and listened to it in one day. Kim Churchill did an excellent job with the narration. I highly recommend it!

Consistently sweet stories. Love having a clean romance author I know I can go to for a great read! I loved the tie in to the previous Riverbend Gap series even though you don't need to read those to follow along to this book. My favorite scene happened at the town hall, but can't give anything away!

Thank you NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a wonderful book! First of all, the play on words for the title is so good. I loved these characters and how they developed. This truly was a romantic journey I didn’t want to end.

The Second Story Bookshop is a pure delight. I loved this story from the beginning to the very end. The setting is wonderful and the plot is perfect for a quick and cozy read that you won’t be able to put down. I love both characters equally. I loved learning their history and backstory. And I adored how their current romance unfolded. I look forward to reading more of Denise Hunter’s books in the future. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job. 📕🤎

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for giving me an ALC (which did not sway my opinions or review).

*** PLEASE NOTE: RELEASE DATE IS OCTOBER 7th!! ***

How lucky am I to have read another 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 book??!!!!

Denise Hunter has done it again! Brought to us a story filled with love, family, friendship, community and small town vibes. But, this one also highlights bullying, HS antics, and the police getting away with things they shouldn’t be…

So for me, this was excellent! Gives you real-time vibes, reality checks, and then some!

Shelby is a beautiful young woman. Shes in high school. She’s dating a well known football guy. He’s not such a nice guy… but she doesn’t know that…
She also works in her grandma’s bookshop…. Something grandma started after losing her beloved husband… and Shelby loves it! And… loves working alongside her Gram!

Gray is the local outcast. His Mom died when he was young, and his father is in jail for murder. He’s living with his grandma, but, somehow got a really bad rep… just because of who his father is!
He is constantly picked on and bullied…. So when beautiful Shelby TALKS to him… well, he’s gobsmacked! 😶

I’ll also note that this is a dual timeline. It revolves around their HS selves, as well as their current selves! And I LOVE dual timelines!! 🩷. Oh… and there’s a dog… named…. Wait for it…. Dog!

Shelby and Gray are now all grown up… but they live in separate worlds. That is, until grandma’s will is read! And just like that, they’ll be seeing a bit more of each other!!!

But Gray’s reputation seems to have followed him home… and he’s not sure that’ll ever change… and he really doesn’t want anyone to get hurt…. So he’s figuring he’ll just do what he always does…. and walk away. 😕

Once again, this one brought out all the feels. Soaring high one minute, then dragging at the curb the next…

It also makes you think about real life…and, could this really happen? And yes, I’m guessing it could. Especially in a small town….

But! Just when your heart is breaking, well… the shoe drops! And it’s NOT like all the other times!!

This one is a beauty!!

#TheSecondStoryBookshop by @DeniseHunter and narrated nicely by @KimChurchill.

5 big, bright, shining🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!!!

**** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! But please, look 👀 for it in OCTOBER on 10/7/25! ****

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #ThomasNelson and #ZondervanFictionAudio 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 did a combination of the digital copy and the audio for this book. The narration was by Kim Churchill and it was very good.

This is an inheritance story in which Shelby inherits part of the bookstore that she has worked in along side her aunt right up until her death. However, she is surprised to hear that her aunt left the other part to Shelby's old boyfriend that broke her heart. Gray hasn't been back to town for a long time. The town has shunned him for years and things are very uncomfortable for him.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were very well developed and the story progression seemed believable.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction, Zonder Van Fiction Audio and NetGalley for the copies. All thoughts are my own.

You would think with the amount of books that Denise Hunter has written that I would get tired of them, but boy oh boy that couldn't be farther from the truth! Another greater book with just the right amount of steam and romance. A story of redemption and forgiveness, of second chances for other and for ourselves. Narrator was also great. Truly enjoyed it and blasted through the audiobook in one day.

I was totally clueless about what this book was about, but the cover and the title totally hooked me! Anything about bookshops is a win for me, so I was definitely in. And honestly, I’ve been living under a rock because I haven’t read anything by this author before. After diving into this book, I’m planning to add more of her books to my list. I especially loved the small-town vibe—maybe it’s because I’ve always dreamed of living in one. I’m a sucker for a good small-town contemporary book. And let’s not forget the narrator, who does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life with her chef kiss storytelling! I always enjoy books that take you back in time to the present, which really helps you connect with the characters on a deeper level.

I have to say, I had a huge soft spot for Gray. How the town treated him, especially considering his father’s mistakes. Not having anyone to lean on because of his father.

Shelby reminded me of that popular girl from the 80s, right? The one from a good family, dating the popular boy—you know, the kind of thing. But Shelby has her own share of heartbreak with a family member (no spoilers here!).

I really felt like I was part of this book and couldn’t put it down.

I want to thank NetGalley and the author for introducing me to a new author and for the wonderful opportunity to listen to this audiobook. It’s set to be released on October 7, 2025, and I highly recommend it. You can find my reviews on Goodreads and BookBub.

The narration of this book was great. I felt the heard the difference between the characters and their feelings clearly. The characters and plot were well written.

This was so sweet and wholesome.

It is a tale of a second chance romance and it is set in a bookstore.

It was easy to root for the couple. The guy (Gray) has been underrated his whole life. He has a difficult family situation, his supporters have been few, and those looking to destroy him have been numerous. Yet despite it all, he has matured into a really great guy and I loved their story!

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to enjoy this audiobook!

Denise Hunter delivers the ultimate small-town comfort read—complete with a charming bookshop, heartfelt second chances, and a romance that feels like coming home. 💛 The town is cozy, the characters feel like neighbors, and the love story will warm you like a mug of cider on a crisp fall day. 🍂☕. This was the perfect listen while doing stuff around the house. I was so into the story that I did not realize how much time had passed. I loved loved loved the small-town cozy feel of this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – for fans of community, hope, and swoony small-town love stories.

#SmallTownRomance #Bookstagram #DeniseHunter #TheSecondStoryBookshop #CozyReads #RomanceReaders #HeartwarmingReads #BookishVibes

I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed The Second Story Bookshop as an audiobook. The story follows Shelby, whose grandmother passes away and leaves her majority ownership of the local bookstore. The twist? A significant share also goes to Gray—Shelby’s teenage boyfriend who once broke her heart.

Christian fiction isn’t usually my go-to genre, but I quickly fell into this story. I really connected with Shelby—her love for family, books, and community, along with her determination to always do the right thing, felt so relatable. The themes of legacy, family, and love were beautifully woven throughout. Combined with the cozy fall setting, the budding romance, and the focus on saving the bookstore (bookshops have always been my happy place!), this audiobook made for the perfect autumn read. As someone who doesn’t usually gravitate toward romance, I was surprised at how invested I became in Shelby and Gray’s relationship—both in understanding their past and watching their present unfold. This was an excellent book and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a perfect fall-themed book!

Pretty sure this was my first Denise Hunter book... but definitely not my last! I started it late, stayed up way too long, then woke up early just to finish. All the feels with this one.

I loved the way the story moved between past and present. It didn’t slow things down, it filled in all the emotional gaps and made me believe in the chemistry between Shelby and Gray, then and now. If soulmates are real, it’s them.

After Shelby’s Gram passes, she leaves the bookshop to both Shelby and Gray. He’s not welcome in town (due to family history/rumors) and plans to leave, but sticks around to help save the shop. What neither of them planned for was how much the past and feelings still lingers between them.

This had heartbreak, healing, and a love that was impossible to ignore! The way the town treated Gray made me so frustrated, but his quiet patience and steady love for Shelby carried the story. I really felt it!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

The story jumps between present day and 11 yrs ago and shares both Shelby and Gray’s points of view. Unfortunately, Gray’s circumstances are beyond his control. He is a good student and kind person but is disliked and mistreated by the community and has a bad reputation because of his dad’s behavior, even though Gray didn’t do anything wrong. He comes from nothing but builds a name for himself and is successful through hard work and determination. Shelby thinks his past actions toward her are unforgiveable, the reader can feel Shelby’s hatred of Gray, but I think she’s the one in the wrong. She knew his hopeless situation and should’ve been more understanding. He is a genuinely nice guy and stays to help her make the bookshop profitable, despite everyone in town trying to get him to leave.

The character development is excellent. I enjoyed the references to other authors and books, and I loved the heartwarming ending. The audiobook is excellent too. 5 stars! I’ve read three books by this author and recommend all of them. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

Upon her grandmother's death, Shelby finds she has inherited her bookstore. But there's a catch. She has to share it with her ex-boyfriend who broke her heart years ago. This is a great romance novel that also incorporates some family drama. The bullying that her ex suffered (and still does when he returns) is unimaginable, yet I'm sure really does happen. It held my interest to see if they could ever rekindle the romance. A great summer read/listen!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishers and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

Publication: October 7th, 2025
Title: The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter

I loved this story. The small-town lake setting in Granville, North Carolina was so cozy, and I really liked the characters. Shelby inherits her grandmother’s bookshop, but has to share it with Gray Briggs, the guy who once broke her heart.

The audiobook was amazing and made me feel like I was right there.

Definitely want read more books by Denise Hunter

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio

An epic romance with heartaches and a never ending true love, told with flashbacks from the past and present. I was rooting for Shelby and Gray from the get go and Denise Hunter imbued the characters with strength, perserverance and integrity. I'd love to see this book made into a Hallmark movie.

For lovers of sweet stories, dual timelines/ flashbacks, and books about book lovers… this one is for you! I laughed, I cried, and I swooned. A cozy, sweet read. No spice, but filled to the brim with heart. Denise Hunter has done it again. Definitely recommend!!

5⭐️ Such a wonderful read. So many things I enjoy reading in a book; second chance romance, redemption, quiet hero, and so much more. 5⭐️ narration by @kimchurchillvoice. Definitely one of my favorite narrators to portray the point of view of both a female and a male characters. Absolutely love how Gray’s quiet frustration was portrayed. He wanted so desperately to not be held to the standard of what his father did that he almost refused to let his anger take over. And it was very noticeable in the narration. Of course, Shelby‘s sweet and gentle nature was very well portrayed. She was by no means a pushover though.

Shelby’s grandmother has passed away and left her the beloved bookstore. What she didn’t leave was 49% ownership and a thriving bookstore. When it’s discovered that the very man who abandoned her is given that 49%, Shelby knows this was her Gram’s last ditch effort to resolve past conflict. It’s been years since Gray left her behind with a broken heart. Can she let go of the past or will those feelings creep back in?

Gray doesn’t fully understand why almost half of the bookstore’s ownership was left to him. However, he knows that Shelby will need help fully taking over. He offers to help for a couple of weeks so Shelby can get on her feet and sign ownership fully to her. During the review of the financials, Gray begins to understand part of Gram’s plan. The bookstore is in desperate financial trouble. And Gray can’t help but be Shelby‘s knight in shining armor. Even when the town is trying to chase him off again.

Thank you to @netgalley @thomasnelson and @deniseahunter for the gifted advanced E copy and listener copy. Be sure to look out for The Second Story Bookshop in stores and online October 7. Advance physical copy gifted by one of my favorite local bookstores.

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter is a standalone sweet romance.

This heartfelt book felt so special! I loved the characters and thought this was a beautiful book!

I thought the story was masterfully written. For me, it felt like a wonderful book about second chances, redemption and hope!

I loved the narration by Kim Churchill!

I highly recommend reading The Second Story Bookshop! This makes for the perfect book to read around Thanksgiving!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter
Narrated by Kim Churchill
Publisher: HCCP & HCF Audio; Thomas Nelson Fiction
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction
Expected Publication Date: October 7, 2025

Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for this ALC of The Second Story Bookshop.

I don’t even know where to begin. Denise Hunter writes such beautiful stories. This one sucked me in from the start. You could feel as if you were in that small town with all the gossip. I also loved the little bit of devine intervention from Grandma and the play on words of the title. The two main characters were so perfect for each other. Finally, that surprise in the epilogue brought tears to my eyes. Overall, such a great book!!! A million stars!

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was perfect. She definitely fit the vibes for this book.

Anything with a bookshop is something I would love to read, since reading is such a cool thing to do.
This book had a tad of mystery, some bullying, some discrimination and some romance. I enjoyed how the author had discriminated over a person due to actions of a family member. If one person in the family does something wrong, that does not mean that the rest of the family will do wrong things.
The book also shows how some issues are not forgotten and can lead to dangerous consequences. There are places in the story that show forgiveness and tolerance. It also shows how communication is important.
I really loved the ending---it tied the title of the book and how it can have many meanings.
This is a book that I will suggest to others to read, but not use at my job.

All the stars. I absolutely loved this book. First of all, it happens in a bookstore! My favorite books are bookish books! The character development was also very well done, and without giving anything away, the end was exactly what was needed. I breathed a sigh of relief as I had been on pins and needles waiting for the other shoe to drop. Thanks to Denise Hunter for writing this beautifully fun book while also tackling issues of bullying, running away, and extreme loss. It was so well done. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Honestly, this book was great start to finish. It was the perfect second-chance romance that had me in my feels but then threw a few twists and turns in there. At times it went from Hallmark movie vibe to Hallmark mystery vibe and I absolutely loved it. The ending was so satisfying and the book was so well written.

This fall cozy read delivers a charming mix of small town charm and secrets, a second chance romance and a meddling grandma. Granville, the small town in this book gave me Stars Hollow vibes from Gilmore Girls. It’s a small lakeside community in North Carolina. Shelby and Gray and brought back together after her grandmother passes away and leaves them both ownership of her bookshop. Sounds perfect, except Gray broke Shelby’s heart years ago. This book is told in past and present timelines to give you an idea of what happened between these two.

The audiobook is narrated by Kim Churchill. I loved her voice and narration on this book. She does such a great job voicing the various characters to really get you into the story.

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter is a cute second chance romance. Shelby Thatcher inherits her gram’s bookshop. But there is a catch. She doesn’t inherit it outright. Gram named her ex, Gray Briggs, as the co-owner. Shelby and Gray quickly discover that the bookshop is not in good standing, as they thought. They work to save the bookshop old feelings resurface. It wasn’t all bad. Gray is seen as an outcast because of his dad’s decisions. He has been dealing with them his whole life and he can’t wait to leave Grandville, NC again. But he wants to help Shelby before he leaves again. They both are dealing with abandonment issues and finding their place in the world. If you like a second chance romance and cozy bookshop read, you’ll enjoy this one.

It is narrated by Kim Churchill. She does a nice job. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this advanced reader copy in exchange of my honest review.

ALC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Second Story Bookshop has always been a special spot for Shelby Thatcher. Whether it was working alongside her beloved grandmother or mingling with the community of Granville, it served as a home away from home. But when Gran passes away, Shelby learns the truth about the business. Will she be able to continue her grandmother’s legacy with the assistance of the town outcast, or will the doors close once and for all on her dreams?

Denise Hunter does it again! After publishing over forty novels, it is no surprise that she has perfected the formula for a five star read. Combining her writing skills with the narration of Kim Churchill she elevates her stories to new heights.

I love stories that center around small towns. The charming atmospheres and tight knit communities always sound like idyllic places to live. However, authors rarely shine a light on what happens when the town turns on you.

Hunter’s decision to tell Gray Brigg’s story introduced how easy it is to be labeled and pigeonholed as the “bad seed”. Despite doing everything right, Gray was unfairly judged by the community for the sins of his father. Thankfully, his character arch told through dual timelines proved the truth will prevail. His ability to bestow forgiveness and return to the place that hurt him deeply was inspirational.

This book also includes:
-second chance romance
-forced proximity
-complex family dynamics
-found family
-themes of forgiveness and faith

Special thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio, Denise Hunter, and Kim Churchill for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I seriously love all of Denise Hunter’s stories. They are just well-written, beautifully redemptive, and the sweetest romances.

Thank you @thomasnelson @tnzfiction for my early reading & listening copy, as well as my finished print copy!

Shelby and Gray are thrown together as she realizes her grandmother left a portion of her beloved bookstore to her former boyfriend from HS.

While a seemingly unrealistic start to the story, quickly shifts to a kind narrative of young boy who was up against so much, and had no where to go or turn finding solace in a young girl who gives him a chance to be himself.

The town and townspeople really frustrated me on this one- they were ridiculous, but often aren’t townspeople set in their ways and pushing people out that don’t comply??

Overall I thought it was a sweet story, I loved the ending, and enjoyed the redemptive arc throughout the novel!

The Second Story Bookshop is another well written tale by Denise Hunter. Bookshop owner Viola Thatcher, although in her later eighties, passed away unexpectedly. Also unexpected was the formal reading of Viola’s will when it should have been straight forward, leaving her estate to her son Stanley. When her granddaughter Shelby’s high school sweetheart Grayson Briggs arrives for the reading the family cannot fathom why. When his first mention is to bequeath his Grandma Dorothy’s jewelry that had been left to Viola when Dorothy had passed, they understood. It was Gray’s second mention that caused the Thatcher family to balk when Gramma Viola left him 49% ownership of the bookshop.

Gray’s youth had been troubled, bringing him to live with his grandmother when his father was sent to prison. To help out her friend, Viola had hired Gray to landscape and maintain the little yard around the bookshop putting Shelby in close contact since she worked in the shop. After much drama in their senior year, Gray left town and left Shelby broken hearted. Gray’s reappearance in Granville brings back many negative feelings in town, both to the Thatchers and to other residents.

This is such a well woven plot line including strands within the Thatcher family, strands of Gray’s interactions with Shelby and her family, and strands with townspeople, blending these strands perfectly! With moments of suspense and tension coupled with memories and promise, this story has it all! I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook arc. This was a cute Christian romance with flashbacks and present day timelines. I really enjoyed the flow of the story. I was able to slowly connect with each character. I love the FMC and MMC. A few side characters could be irritating at times, and made me feel for Grey, and how he was seen through the eyes of those in the town.

This was a great clean read, that made me smile, cry, and feel all the feels. 4.5⭐️

This books was so cute and cozy. I love the characters and atmosphere and character developments.
This books had me laughing crying and even wanting more. The loved the setting was pretty read for a chilly autumn evening.

A sweet romance filled with wonderful characters. The heroine has inherited her grandmother’s bookstore, but it’s not all she expected. Instead of getting it out right, Shelby has to share it with her former love Gray. This is not at all what she expected, and her family and friends are not excited about this development. Told with scenes that look back at their high school love, Shelby and Gray navigate saving The second story bookstore, and discovering what could be possible for them. I truly enjoyed this wonderful story.

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter is a heartwarming contemporary romance set in a charming small town. When a reserved bookstore owner crosses paths with her outgoing childhood crush, sparks fly and secrets surface. The charming setting and lovable characters made me wish I could move there myself. A truly fun and feel-good read!

Book review: Denise Hunter’s The Second Story Bookshop
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

Sometimes a book doesn’t just feel like a story—it feels like a place. The Second Story Bookshop isn’t just a sweet romance with a second-chance arc, it’s a cozy invitation into a world of warm lighting, stacked bookshelves, the quiet ache of loss, and the cautious possibility of starting over with the one who broke your heart. Denise Hunter brings that all to life with her signature blend of heart, restraint, and subtle faith.

Shelby Thatcher has made a life in Granville, North Carolina, working beside her beloved Gram in the charming bookstore that’s been the heartbeat of the community for decades. When Gram dies, Shelby expects to inherit the shop outright. Instead, she gets 51%. The other 49%? It goes to Gray Briggs—her high school boyfriend who left town suddenly, shattering both her heart and his reputation.

Gray isn’t just the ex-boyfriend. He’s the town’s convenient villain, guilty by association thanks to a father with a criminal past. He left to escape the small-town whispers and class-based cruelty. Coming back means facing that all over again. But he’s not the same boy who left. He’s successful now, grounded, and has come back to honor the woman who saw value in him when no one else did.

Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes when it’s done right, and here, it absolutely is. The will forces Shelby and Gray to work together to save the struggling bookshop. There are deadlines, debts, and a storm of emotions—but the chemistry bubbles beneath all of it, even when they’re at each other’s throats. It’s less enemies-to-lovers than a slow burn of resentment melting into recognition. These two know each other too well to start from scratch, and that’s where the tension lives: in the familiarity, the unspoken history, the hurt they never processed.

Hunter uses a dual timeline to show us how Shelby and Gray fell in love the first time. It’s not a detour—it’s essential. The past chapters are tender and hopeful, tinged with that helpless feeling of being young and pinned down by circumstances beyond your control. By the time you return to the present timeline, you understand why these two never got closure, and why this second chance is so charged.

What makes this book so engaging is that it doesn’t sugarcoat the setting. Small towns can be charming, yes, but they can also be suffocating, judgmental, and full of long memories. The way Granville treats Gray is infuriating, and Hunter doesn’t shy away from showing that. The gossip, the vandalism, the constant suspicion—it all feels uncomfortably real. But it makes Gray’s character arc hit harder. You want good things for him. You want him to stay. You want the town to finally see him for who he is, not who his father was.

Shelby is equally complex. She’s not the “good girl” archetype we often see in small-town romances. She’s sharp, driven, and hurt. There’s a scene in the will reading—when she sees Gray and realizes what her grandmother’s final twist truly means—that just crackles with tension. And later, the narration captures her inner turmoil so well. She wants to honor her grandmother, protect her shop, and defend her heart—and she’s failing at all three.

And then there’s Gram. Even from beyond the grave, she’s pulling the strings, and honestly? I loved her for it. This whole book is her final love letter to the people she left behind. It’s a little meddlesome, yes—but in the most Gram way possible. She saw a future for these two, and instead of letting grief and pride keep them apart, she left them a bookstore, a mess, and a shot at redemption.

The romance is clean, but not bland. The emotion runs deep, and when Gray says, “It’s always been you, Shelby,” it hits exactly like it should. No steam needed—just years of history, forgiveness, and a shared dream brought back to life. Hunter knows how to make a kiss matter more than a dozen pages of heat, and that’s not an easy thing to do.

Narrator Kim Churchill brings a warmth to the audiobook that perfectly matches the tone. Her voice makes Shelby’s hurt feel real and Gray’s quiet strength even more sympathetic. She gives the characters just enough distinction without ever pulling attention away from the heart of the story.

By the end, you get everything you hoped for—a resolution that feels earned, not rushed. A bookstore brought back to life. A town that starts to come around. A family finding its way. And a love story that took the long way home, but made it in one piece.

The Second Story Bookshop isn’t trying to surprise you with plot twists or high drama. It’s not that kind of book. It’s a gentle, grounded, emotionally satisfying read about forgiveness, legacy, and the kinds of love that deserve a second shot. If you’re looking for cozy fall vibes, a slow-burn romance, and a heroine you want to root for, you’ll want this one on your shelf.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)

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It wasn't hard to fall in love with Shelby and Gray in this heartwarming story that takes place in a small town bookstore! I loved it so much I did not want the story to end! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my! This wonderful story tugged at my heartstrings! I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to handle the angst that I knew was coming for Shelby and Gray in the flashbacks, however, it was helpful to me to know that the story was written by an author that never fails to draw me in. I loved the slow peeks back into the past that happened in those flashbacks. It helped me understand why and how everything came about.

In the present day, Shelby definitely considered Gray her enemy. She wanted to hold onto her resentment and not allow herself to remember how much he once meant to her. Yet, Gray, once again, proved that he was a truly good and honorable man in everything he did. Many people in the town were awful to him and he had so much that he had to endure.

I appreciated the way the author wrapped things up in the end. It turned the story of Gray’s struggles against so much bias for so many years into a wonderful story of new beginnings. I loved that Gray and Shelby got their “second story” together after all.

I enjoyed the way the narrator performed the audio version. It was very enjoyable to listen to.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I had already received and read the ebook of this, but I enjoyed the narrator's style and have been loving listening to this one in the car while I'm driving. Denise Hunter is brilliant at the Christian contemporary Romance genre- the story is well written, and well-paced and characters are likeable. Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Highly recommend to fans of clean romance.

Many thanks to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for my honest review.

Such a light hearted read! Any reader can guess where the book is going from the beginning, but it doesn’t make you want to read it any less. I loved the characters and the second-chance romance.

What a sweet second chance romance! When Shelby’s grandmother passes away she leaves her beloved bookshop to her granddaughter and her ex boyfriend. Shelby is still very bitter and hurt from Gray’s leaving her all those years ago. Can they work together to save the bookshop as well as their past love? This book was filled with love and hope and such a sweet and sizzling romance. I love the bookish content and how the author flash-backed to their adolescent romance. I really enjoyed reading this book and will be recommending it! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

Thank you, Partner @uplitreads @tnxfiction for the paperback and ALC and NetGalley links.

This is my first book from this author. I had found a previous book The Summer of You and Me on NetGalley that will be my next read! After reading this book, Hunter has a new fan.

I was excited when @uplitreads was offering this book to review. I immediately signed up. I was instantly taken in. Not only is this a book about a bookshop owner, it’s has a wonderful second chance, small-town, redemption tropes and a dual timeline from both Gray’s and Shelby’s POV, like the present. I loved every word.

I loved the events that got Shelby and Gray in each other’s company for the present. Shelby’s gram had just passed and there were surprises at the will reading. Gray proved over and over what a caring, kind, loyal guy he was. I understood Shelby’s reluctance, and I enjoyed the slow-burn. The Both showing how perfect Gray and Shelby are together. It isn’t an easy road, many times I was shouting exclamations out loud, but the happily ever after was worth the wait with some lovely surprises.

The audio narrator is one of my favorites. I’ve enjoyed many listens from Kim Churchill and I enjoy her tone and expression. She is one of my favorite audio narrators.

I am excited to read more books from Hunter.

My lastest read was a cozy, swoony romance sent my way by @uplitreads @tnzfiction and the author @deniseahunter ! Thank you so much for my print and audio copy of this beautiful story!

This book had :
❤️ second chance romance
🧡 small town setting
❤️ family ties
🧡 a bookshop 📚!!

I really loved the emphasis on family and trust most in this one - the MCs were fiercely loyal to each other and there was a beautiful relationship they each had with their respective grandmas that definitely made me tear up a few times. Pick this one up now wherever you buy books!

Loved this story and how it went so well with the title of the book. I enjoy Denise Hunter’s books. The Second Story Bookshop did not disappoint. i recommend this book and will be adding it to my home library. i received a complimentary copy of the ebook and the opinions of the book are my own.

*~ A Deep Feeler Romance ~*

Shelby and Gray got a second chance at first love and we got an amazing story of redemption in not just love, but in belonging and family and careers. This book had such a really deeply emotional storyline and at times I was so frustrated with Gray never even being given a chance and it following him into this adulthood and preventing he and Shelby from being able to truly be together. It truly feels like it's them against not only the town, but the world.

I listened to this story and while I always prefer a multi-narrator story for the dramatics, I did feel that this narrator did an amazing job in consistency and clarity of voices. I always felt I could follow the story.

Thank you to Net Galley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and Denise Hunter for an ALC of this story.

After her grandmother passes away, Shelby Thatcher has been given her bookshop to run. The only problem is, her ex-boyfriend, Gray, has also been appointed to run it with her. Gray himself doesn't want to be back in their small town, due to his negative experience there from his past. However, he feels he owes it to Shelby to stick around and help her with the bookshop, especially after they learn the bookshop's livelihood is in trouble.

This is the second book I've read from Denise Hunter, and it will not be the last. Her writing is so simple, and yet at the same time, so poetic. I love her prose! Both Shelby and Gray felt real and complex, and were written in such a way where I was rooting for them the whole way. The story itself was paced perfectly, and I constantly felt like I wanted to get back to the book when I wasn't reading it, especially towards the end! The fall vibes are also on point with this one. If you like Gilmore Girls, small-town vibes, then you'll love this book.

If you're wanting a second-chance romance with small-town vibes and centered around a bookshop, definitely pick this one up!

Audiobook Review. This was such a lovely story about a small town and second chances. Shelby works with her grandmother at her bookstore. When her grandmother passes away, she assumes she will inherit the bookshop, but there is a catch. She must work with her first love, Gray, who left right after high school and broke her heart. Gray is not welcome back in the town, not only because he broke Shelby's heart, but also because the townspeople have always looked down on him and treated him like an outcast because of things his father did. The narration is wonderfully done, and the story is hopeful. 5 stars. Christian fiction, second chance love story, grief.

I was given the opportunity to review the Second Story Bookshop via audio on NetGalley. This book is about a girl who inherits her grandmother's bookstore, but almost half of the bookstore goes to her ex-boyfriend. What ensues is a mixture of close proximity, a bit of fighting, and a lot of healing from their previous relationship.

Themes I loved:
- Second Generation Businesses
- Second Chance Love story
- Small town drama
- Overbearing father learning how to not overbear
- Supportive siblings
- Abandonment

Overall, this is a great book. I would recommend it to teenagers and older who want a romance with deeper themes discussed. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

I always enjoy her books so it is no surprise that this was an enjoyable audiobook. The narrator handled the different characters well and held my attention. I loved hearing the story and having the characters come to life. I was worried for a little while on how it would end but was pleased with the ending. I always appreciate how the Gospel is woven into the story and you are encouraged to follow God's will. Looking forward to the next book release!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an audiobook copy.

Super sweet story of second chances. The book flips back and forth between the couple's high school years and the present, but does so really well. The author does a really good job at building the complexities of Gray's past and the prejudices he faced and still faces back in his hometown, creating a deep sense of empathy for his circumstances within the reader. Definitely a feel-good cozy fall read.

The narrator was excellent - 5/5. She definitely made the story immersive and engaging.

As a shop owner myself, this book hit home in some ways for me. I loved the family connections, the heartfelt moments, the suspense, and the sweet storyline. Smalltown cozy romances are some of my favorite stories, and this one absolutely put a fun twist on that, I absolutely would read this again.

This was a delightful second chance romance. I really enjoyed listening to it. I haven’t read a Denise Hunter book before, but in definitely would again. Gram owned the bookshop for years. Her will leaves her family surprised. Can they reconnect and make everything work? An old boyfriend comes back to town. He has to fight hard to overcome hatred for his past. Can he find love again and make things right in the community? The story is very entertaining and emotional.

BOOK REVIEW: “The Second Story Bookshop” by Denise Hunter

When Shelby Thatcher’s grandmother passes away, she’s left with her favorite place in the world: her grandmother’s bookshop. It only makes sense since Shelby has worked there since she was a teen. What she doesn’t expect, is that she would be running it with her ex boyfriend, Gray Briggs. Can she get past her old feelings and broken heart in order to keep the bookshop afloat?

Ahhh, I loved this one! To be fair, I haven’t found a Denise Hunter book yet that I dislike! 😉

The chemistry between Shelby and Gray is magical! It’s got that swoon-worthy, edge of your seat action. Gray is your typical misunderstood, broody MMC, whereas Shelby is the studious, small town girl that everyone can’t help but love.

I loved this second-chance romance because it’s so relatable! It can be so hard to trust someone once they break your heart, but often times there is a lot more to the story that we just don’t understand.

There is a bit of trauma of abandonment so that could be a potential trigger warning for some.

I rate this book as 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I received this book for free in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

Denise Hunter is an auto-read author for me. In The Second Story Bookshop, we meet Shelby Thatcher, a young woman who has been working with her grandmother in her small-town bookshop. When her gran passes away, Shelby is shocked to discover that the bookshop has been left to both her and her high school sweetheart, Gray Briggs. The one who broke her heart. Gray has been public enemy number one in town since he was young, when his father killed the brother of the town's founders in a car accident. It didn't stop Shelby from falling in love with him, but when he runs from the town, not returning, she is devastated. Of course, they both still have feelings for one another, but Gray has a life elsewhere. He discovers that the store is operating in the red, and will have to be sold or closed unless they can turn things around. With some support from family and friends, can Shelby and Gray not only turn the store around, but find a way to be together?

I enjoyed this story and the characters. It was like getting to know people who could be friends and I loved the setting of the bookstore. I wanted to visit and get to know them all, as well as visiting the store and making purchases. I was angry at the people in town who were still trying to drive Gray away, you would think adults would have moved one. This was an emotional story with grief, anger, long held grudges, forgiveness, family and love. I was rooting for Shelby and Gray to work through their issues and come together as a couple. With lots of baggage to work through, some danger and situations that could have driven him out of town, I enjoyed seeing the work through things to achieve their happily ever after. Kim Churchill did a wonderful job narrating this audiobook. Her voices, tone and expression were perfect and added to my enjoyment of this story.

"Nobody thought that Viola Thatcher would ever expire, if for no other reason sheer stubbornness. She'd made it to eighty-seven, after all, without a single daily medication or chronic health condition. She was as spry as her cat Chaucer, bustled around her bookshop like a woman half her age, and was known to ascend shelf ladders when no one was around to stop her. But alas, no.one is immortal. Not even Gram."

Shelby had helped Gram at her bookshop for years, but that didn't mean that she was ready to take it over. When details about the store come to light, Shelby isn't sure about the future. Can she learn to lean on others for support.

Grayson Briggs never wanted to return to his hometown. But Shelby's Gram had always been kind to him. When his help is needed at the store, he is glad to drop everything to help the store stay afloat.

This book celebrates small town life but also acknowledges that sometimes towns people can hold grudges or take sides. This book exemplifies turning the other cheek. I liked how the storyline played out. Books are a part of the plot, but that part doesn't take over. Family is also an important element.

I listened to an advanced copy of this book. The narrator was perfect for this book. I wanted to listen and review it. All opinions are my own