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!