She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again. “Book lovers, book clubs, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning a bookstore will adore this cleverly interwoven story” (Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood). Full of fall vibes, The Second Story Bookshop is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Gilmore Girls.
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?
If you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance set in a cozy lakeside bookshop brimming with healing, heart, and Southern charm, The Second Story Bookshop is your perfect, feel-good escape. Let Shelby and Gray’s tender journey remind you that sometimes the path back to love starts at the front step of a bookstore.
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Sexual Content - 1/5
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Violence - 1/5
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Language - 0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
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Summary
The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter is a heartwarming story filled with characters you can’t help but fall in love with. When Shelby’s grandmother leaves half ownership of her beloved bookstore to Gray Briggs—the man who broke Shelby’s heart years ago—old emotions quickly resurface. Though Gray intends to sign over his share, unforeseen complications force them to work together, rekindling memories and stirring feelings neither expected to face again.
The chemistry between Shelby and Gray is undeniable, and the flashbacks to their youth beautifully reveal the depth of their shared past. Hunter masterfully weaves together the relationships within the Thatcher family, Gray’s connection to Shelby, and the charming small-town dynamics into one seamless, emotionally satisfying story.