The Second Story Bookshop By: Denise Hunter

 

“Bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places.” – Jen Campbell

Another beautiful, and heartfelt cozy romance by beloved author Denise Hunter.  Set in the picturesque town of Grandville, North Carloina; The Second Story Bookshop reminds readers that all things are possible with the help of a beloved bookstore and family.  Shelby Thatcher is devastated by the loss of her beloved Gram, and is left in shock when she discovers that the bookstore she devoted her life to with her grandmother is not all hers.  She only inherited half of the bookstore, and her ex-boyfriend Gray Briggs has inherited the other half.  Gray Briggs grew up in the shadow of his alcholic father, and has had to bear the stigma and shame of his father's mistakes.  When as young teenagers, Shelby opens her heart to him, they discover an unexpected shared love of reading and books.  When Gray's hopes for a college scholarship were dashed, he did the only thing he thought was possible and left behind his life in Grandville for the military.  In doing so he breaks the heart of his one and only true love, Shelby.  

Years later, when Shelby's beloved grandmother dies these two find themselves thrown together in a town that does not want to forgive Gray of any real and imagined sins.   With the whole town against him, Gray agrees to give Shelby one month to help untangle the financials of the book store, and to teach her that end, and then to leave town, and let Shelby have her beloved book store.  Unbeknownst to these two, the book store is in financial shambles.  Will they be able to work together to save the town bookstore?  Will Gray find forgiveness and acceptance from the town, Shelby's family, and more importantly Shelby's family?  

Fans of Christian fiction will love this sweet, small town romance as it focuses on love and forgiveness.  Readers will get glimpses into secondary storylines through the characters of the town, and Shelby's family.  Readers will see that there is no time line on forgiveness, and all things are possible.  Sometimes, we just have to wait on the Lord and His timing.  Our sovereign Lord works all things out for His glory in very unexpected ways.  This is a perfect romantic read, for those of you who want to spend a couple hours on a Sunday afternoon resting, and will allow you to reflect on the goodness of God, His faithfullness and the even greater forgiveness we find in Him.  Simba whole heatedly gives this book four paws.  Look for this book and other Denise Hunter books at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  Happy Reading! 

A special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC to read and review.  All opinions are my own.

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