Thanks NetGalley for the preview!

This book was a little cliche but it had charming characters and moments. The entire shed trip had me smiling and I wish they would have gone back again. I didn’t love the redundancy of the husband cheating and her being sad etc but it did lay the foundation for her new beginning.

I loved the setting of this book. Scotland AND a book shop! What’s not to love.
However, I did not like Edward. I wanted to pop him upside the head on several occasions. But don’t worry…Thea takes nothing off of him. Need a cute, romance with a fabulous setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I really enjoyed this story! Thea, the lead and protagonist, has such a light and easy banter and sense of humor. I was immediately drawn to her. She's straight to the point and matter of fact and I found myself relating to her in so many ways. After she inherits a house in the middle of Scotland, she goes there and meets a whole host of characters that really bring this story to life. I highly recommend it!

The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser is a delightful and uplifting tale that explores the transformative power of books, friendship, and new beginnings. With its charming setting, relatable characters, and a touch of romance, this novel is a perfect choice for book lovers seeking a heartwarming story that will leave a lasting impression.

The story follows Thea, a middle-aged woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a bookshop in the quaint Scottish village of Wigtown. Faced with the opportunity for reinvention, Thea embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she navigates the challenges of running a business and connects with the eccentric residents of the village, each carrying their own stories and secrets.

Jackie Fraser's writing beautifully captures the cozy atmosphere of Wigtown, with its cobblestone streets, book-filled shelves, and the sense of community that permeates the town. The descriptions transport readers into the world of books, allowing them to experience the joy and solace that literature can bring. The author's love for books shines through, making The Bookshop of Second Chances a treat for bibliophiles.

Thea is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist who undergoes a profound transformation throughout the story. As she settles into her new role as a bookseller, she not only learns to navigate the intricacies of running a business but also discovers the healing power of literature and the connections it forges between people. Her journey of self-discovery is poignant and inspiring, as she confronts her past, confronts her fears, and embraces the possibilities of a brighter future.

The supporting characters in the book are richly drawn and add depth to the narrative. From the enigmatic shopkeeper Edward to the lively and endearing members of the local book club, each character brings their own unique quirks and stories to the forefront. The interactions between Thea and the villagers are heartwarming, emphasizing the importance of human connection and the transformative impact of genuine friendship.

The themes of loss, healing, and second chances are beautifully explored throughout the novel. Thea's journey is not without challenges, but through her encounters with the vibrant community of Wigtown, she learns to embrace the unexpected, let go of the past, and open herself up to new possibilities. The book highlights the profound impact that books can have on our lives, offering solace, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

The plot is well-paced, blending moments of introspection with light-hearted and humorous exchanges. While the romantic aspect of the story adds a touch of sweetness, it takes a backseat to the broader themes of personal growth and the transformative power of literature. The book also pays homage to the enchanting world of second-hand books and the magic that lies within their pages.

The Bookshop of Second Chances is a heartwarming and engaging read that celebrates the power of books to inspire, heal, and bring people together. Jackie Fraser's eloquent storytelling, endearing characters, and atmospheric setting make this novel a captivating journey of self-discovery and hope. If you're looking for a feel-good tale that celebrates the magic of books and the resilience of the human spirit, The Bookshop of Second Chances is a delightful choice that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of The Bookshop of Second Chances from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this one - a story about a woman who moves to a small village in Scotland after discovering her husband has cheated on her. I found myself wanting to keep reading - always a sign of a good book. I found the ending a bit lacking, but overall really enjoyed this one.

This book was so refreshing. It was fun to read about a middle aged main character, and Edward was such a fun grump. I feel like some plot points and characters weren’t well developed but I still enjoyed reading it! P

This is a nice cozy romance, but entirely predictable. It isn't a bad book; it just didn't keep my attention and I didn't really connect with any of the characters.

The cover and book are both charming and delightful. I perfect light read. It was enjoyable and sweet. Loved it.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Bookshop of Second Chances, and it offers more than meets the eye as far as rom com or chick lit books go. It was refreshing to see a closer to middle-aged pairing, instead of a 20- or 30-something finding new love, and I liked that the book takes place over more than a year. You also get a great sense for the community and setting of the place. And Edward’s confession over what cleaved between him and his brother Charles was startling and unusual.

I did find a few things distracting about the book - way too much exposition of how rooms or places were decorated, down to the minutiae, for example. I also felt like Thea’s grief over her marriage ending seemed uneven, like she forgot about it until it became a convenient plot point. The book also felt a touch too long, by about 50-75 pages.

Overall a very solid read and one that I would recommend. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

I love the cover of this book so much, it's so cute! This book just wasn't what I expected, though likely because it wasn't quite what I was looking for. If you want a cozy romance, this would be for you!

After losing her job and finding out that her husband is having an affair with her friend, Thea finds out that her great uncle has left her a home in Scotland and what better way to start over than by moving to a different country? This was cute but a little too long for my taste.m, it definitely could have been done in a lot less pages.

Thoroughly enjoyable, feel-good book without being too heavy on the romance tropes. I enjoyed the characters, it had a lot of plot, great read all-around.

Sweet, cozy, light,-hearted easy read. Loved the older heroine and really enjoyed the Scottish setting in this story.

I felt that this book was pretty bland. It started out great with a little bit of laughing and then it started to fizzle out pretty quickly. I couldn't connect with the main characters and the chemistry between them was very flat.

tl:dr Review: Sweet and easy read with a 40-something protagonist that transports you to small-town Scotland.

Full Review:
After reading a few thrillers back-to-back, I needed something lighter for a bit. This book fit the bill! While it started off making me wonder if it would be full of melancholy and self-pity, the protagonist quickly became like a dear friend.

I really enjoyed the fact that the main character wasn’t some 20-year old thinking her life was over, when really it had barely begun. I hate to use the word “seasoned” but the protagonist here really felt like she had lived a full life. That made it much easier for me to relate to her and feel as though we were good friends.

I needed the slow but steady approach to the story that this book offered after so many thrillers. It felt like curling up with a cup of tea on a cold day.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet and easy read about a woman taking a new lease on life in her forties, this is an excellent pick!

I give it 4 out of 5 thumbs up.

I started to read this but I just couldn’t stay interested in it. It’s probably just me and not the book. I may come back to it at another time.

This premise sounded like a perfect mixture to me and I was totally ready to read it.

Thea, fresh out of a long relationship and in deep pain, goes to the Scottish coast and a small village to go through her inheritance from uncle. Once there, she meets two brothers, Charles and Edward, who have a troubled relationship but also both quickly become interested in Thea. Thea, with her uncle's impressive book collection, turns to Edward for his expertise on handling it going forward, and finds herself in his employ. Little does she know all the doors this job and this small relationship will open.

Firstly, I did really enjoy the bits of humor that are sprinkled throughout this book. I do think it was very much a if you understand British humor, you'll get this more often than not, but I was fine with that. I think at times the humor was also much needed.

Characters. I liked Thea in many ways. I feel like she was very much a 'at the cuff' character. She was blunt, had her flaws and seemed authentic. I think something that showed from her past though that I didn't really think sat well with me was how easily she accepted Edward's affairs with Charles' past girlfriends/wives. I don't think those were okay. Ever. And Thea was very, flippant almost about it. As if she didn't see an issue. And I don't know, maybe her own betrayal was feeding that? And she wished she it was secretly something she could do? But it's super problematic.

Edward, is super problematic. Like on the outside, he's a bookseller and your lovable grump. But he's also been knowably cheating with his brother's lovers for YEARS over a teenage slight. Like, my dude, you are an adult. GROW THE HECK UP! Once, I could maybe see.. if that. But multiple times? No. And get the stick out of your butt and TALK TO YOUR BROTHER. The fact that this book is causing serious emotions is part of the reason I did give it a higher rating. But also, Edward was very protective and sweet. He also had the best of him come out because of Thea. Which I can acknowledge and see as a good part.

I think if you had cut the revenge plot down, it would have been such a better book. Seriously. Because this pettiness from Edward is just so unnecessary plot-wise. And it makes the book cheaper than it needs to be.

I did love the village character added and the small side characters. They were lovely.

Thank you for the ARC!

A light hearted romance which feels like it should be a category called a cozy romance. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

The Bookshop of Second Chances was such an fun and well done rom com that follows Thea Mottram as her marriage of almost 20 years is ending and she’s just inherited a lodge and a rare book collection from a great uncle. She travels from Sussex to the Scottish coast to sort things with the inheritance only to find that she might just want to stay. A beautiful book with a strong, independent female lead. We need more like this. For fans of Evvie Drake Starts Over and The Overdue Life is Amy Byler.

THE BOOKSHOP OF SECOND CHANCES was a fun, cute book and it revolves around a bookshop! I enjoyed the book but it did feel reminiscent of several other books I've read. Perhaps it's an actual trope so that would make sense. There's just something about small, quaint coastal towns, especially ones along the Scottish Coast. I would recommend this heartwarming book.

Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4).

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Pub / Ballantine Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.