Series: The Second Story Bookshop

Synopsis:

Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she's helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Grandville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby's heart years ago.

Grandville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn't skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he'd fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he's back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend's will. Facing the town's animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.

As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram's beyond-the-grave scheme is working--Shelby's old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces--one that threatens Gram's beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?

Review:

The Second Story Bookshop was a small town, second chance romance, that had a lot of heart.  The audiobook was enjoyable to listen to, and I flew through this story so quickly!  But the hardships the characters faced, especially the stigma of you deserve to be punished because of who you were related to, hurt to read.  With fall vibes and lots of adversity and struggles, I enjoyed watching Shelby and Gray find their way back to friendship.  And more.  The Second Story Bookshop ending with a wonderful happily ever after and was a sweet romance filled with healing, grief and lots of love.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*