I have struggled with my feelings about The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser ever since I started reading it. In fact several times I was just "nope, no more" but I would pick it back up after a few days and read some more. Let me be clear, it wasn't the quality of the writing but rather the casual disregard shown by the characters towards adultery. Even the betrayed wife had an ambivalent attitude towards it when it came to Edward. I find it difficult, nay, impossible to believe that a woman who has recently found out that her husband and her friend have been running around behind her back would find a guy who makes it a point to sleep with every woman involved with and/or married to his brother remotely interesting! She finds him attractive? Nope, don't believe it. She dismisses it?! I don't even know how she could stand being in the same room - seems that would trigger a lot of pain. Infidelity is not entertainment, at least it shouldn't be.

When I could forget his misdeeds and her inexplicable dismissal of what it says about him, the story was interesting. I like books about books, bookshops, libraries, Scotland (not Outlander) but just when I would get into the rhythm of it, BANG, there it was again! Did no one, except his brother, find such behavior terrible? His brother may have been a snob but really? No one knew of the awful prank Edward's brother participated in as a teen so why do people think it ok? While I absolutely do not in any way condone it (the cruel prank), Edward's many years of targeting these women is gross. The women shouldn't get off scot-free, they fully agreed to cheat as well. It just, all in all, seems to be full of unlikeable people. It's too bad as there was some real potential to tell a story of a woman faced with a devastating situation and how she survives and overcomes it and instead we are given this sordid tale.

4.5 stars
Cute read!
I enjoyed the writing style of this! It felt like reading a personal journal. It was quite atmospheric.
Very much a slow burn romance, which I personally prefer. It felt more realistic cause no one was a jumping into things and the characters were unsure and it felt more relatable than a lot of rom coms I’ve read.
I loved that the romance was not insta-love like so many contemporary romances are today.
I enjoyed how all the characters were imperfect. They had problems and made mistakes.
This romance really got me. I’m not completely sure what it was. Realistic people. Being hesitant and guarded about starting a relationship. Recent heartbreak.
All I know is this one unexpectedly took me and I enjoyed every bit.

The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser

A woman desperate to turn a new page heads to the Scottish coast and finds herself locked in a battle of wits with an infuriating bookseller in this heartwarming story.

This was a warm book, dealing with relationships and family. It had many great characters and a few problems to be dealt with., and of course, a complicated love story, I enjoyed this book.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

I did not love this book, I was quite excited to read the title and the premise, but I found myself struggling to stay engaged in the narrative and frankly annoyed at the main character most of the time. I don't mind predictable romances, but the romance-novel-elements were not well written and, frankly, the "sexy" scenes were just super awkward.

This is the first book by Jackie Fraser that I have read and as an American, I found the details of life in Scotland interesting. The differences in terms for things in the UK versus the US are not always clear in the context. Also, the whole class thing adds another layer to richer versus poorer in relationships. It was nice to read a book where the main characters are in their 40's versus their 20's.

Thea's life has fallen apart due to her husband cheating on her followed by getting laid off from her job. An unexpected inheritance from a great uncle leads her to Scotland for what was originally going to be short trip to sort through things at the lodge and ends up being longer. She decides to stay for the summer since there is not a pressing need to head home and also decides to get a job to fill the time and make it easier to meet people. She finagles her way into a job at the local bookshop with the grumpy owner Edward. You will have to read the book to learn what happens between them and will find it worth your time.

I received a copy of this book to review from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through NetGalley.

The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser is set primarily in Scotland which is always appealing to me. The story centers around Thea who has recently lost her job and discovered her husband is having an affair. She flees to Scotland where an uncle has left her his home. I liked the small town setting and some of the relationships that she developed during her stay, but I didn’t find her to be a particularly likable character. The story felt flat and predictable and had too much profanity for my personal taste. While mild profanity does not bother me, in this case it seemed out of context with a story that is intended to be a romance. Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the ARC of this book in exchange for my opinion.

After losing her job and divorcing her husband, Thea learns she has not only inherited a Scotland home but also an antique book collection from a distant uncle who has passed away. She decides to take the leap and start a new chapter in life.

Heres what I liked:
- The scottish town and the description of the bookshop!
- the idea of second chances and starting new chapters
- a book about books!

Heres what I didnt like:
- Thea and Edward lacked a bit of chemistry for me
- I struggled to connect with thea but I think thats an age thing and not on the writing
- Edward was very dislikable.

Overall, this was a cute read and I thought the setting of a bookshop was fun. If youre looking for a romance book about second changes and a new lease on life, this might be for you!

I'm always down for a good bookish tale and a UK setting, so I was intrigued by this right away. Here, Thea is on the precipice of change when she's fired and her husband leaves her. She then discovers her long-lost ancestor has left her a house in Scotland and an expansive book collection. So, she leaves Sussex for the coastal Scottish town. There she meets and butts heads with the gruff bookshop owner Edward. The book is chock full of relatable characters and language, plus very descriptive wording that helps sell the second-chance story. The book has quite long chapters and is quite slow to start and dive into the action. It's a fine read, but the ending is absolutely very, very, very cute and I cannot deny that.

This was a delightful read and made for a great escape. A woman in her 40’s starting over in a little town in Scotland sets the stage for a good story. I liked the characters, and the setting.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

My Thoughts
This is a sweet, grown-up romance novel… and it takes place in a bookshop!! Here are my pros and cons for The Bookshop of Second Chances:

Pros

1. It takes place in Scotland. I don’t know why, but I just love books that take place in Scotland!
2. A lot of the story takes place in a bookstore! Again… LOVE IT!
3. I love that this is a grown-up romance. This story is about two mature adults finding love when love no longer feels like an option for them. I enjoy books about second chances and this is nice feel-good fiction.
4. I liked Thea a lot. She was fractured but still strong. I appreciate female characters who know they have value and worth, despite setbacks.
5. Some of the secondary characters were quite fun!

Cons

1. You’ve likely read this plot before. That doesn’t mean it is bad, but the “husband cheats, marriage disintegrates, woman unexpectedly (but with perfect timing) inherits property from remote family member, woman moves to small town, woman meets quirky locals, woman falls in love with unlovable man, they live happily ever after” trope has been done before.
2. The romance felt just a tad awkward to me at times. I felt like there was more fighting than wooing and I would have liked to see a little more foundational development to their relationship.
3. I felt like the “grump” factor of the bookshop owner was way over the top and unrealistic. The reason for his irritability was defined, but even so, I think he was overwritten. Plus, some of his actions in his past were just uncalled for and I hated that he a negative backstory.

Summary
This book is quite formulaic and you’ve probably read some version of this story before. There is nothing new here to be honest. But what is here is heartfelt and hopeful… and probably very relatable to a lot of readers! It is nice to read a story that reminds us that perhaps the detours we find ourselves on in life are really taking us exactly where we were supposed to be all along. And being reminded of that, even if you have heard or read it before, isn’t a bad thing.

Although I had some cons for this story, I still enjoyed it. I would recommend it to anyone who loves grown-up love stories, particularly ones that feature bookstores!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing an eARC of this book, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

What a charming and uplifting story about new beginning set in a super adorable Scottish town. Thea is forced to start over after she leaves a cheating husband and her career behind. Thea’s journey is so beautifully written by Jackie in this uplifting curl up by the fire book.

The Bookshop of Second was a slow seductive book. It progressed slowly, but it was done in such a way that it drew me into the lives of the characters. Thea and Edward were terrifically defined characters. I loved how they fit into the town and the way they gradually began to trust and depend on each other.

The setting was so richly described. I could feel the damp in the air. I could smell the old books and wood from the bookshop. The scenery was one of my favorite characters. lol.

I enjoyed myself quite a bit with this story and look forward to reading more by Jackie Fraser.

The Bookshop of Second Chances is a cozy, comforting and delightful read. Author Jackie Fraser has created relatable characters in picturesque settings. Meet Thea. Thea has recently lost her job and discovered her husband has been having an affair with her close friend. The only positive is that Thea great-uncle, that she hardly knows, has left behind his home and book collection in a small charming Scottish town. Without any reason to stay, Thea leaves her crumbling life behind and heads to the lowlands. Suddenly Thea discovers a town filled with interesting people, books and history. Particularly interesting are brothers Edward and Lord Charles, whom haven’t spoken in years. Due to her recent inheritance, Thea is given the luxury to rifle through long lost treasures in her new home and take a low paying job at the book store in town, owned by the grumpy and edgy Edward. The Bookshop of Second Chances was a luxurious read. I loved that it was long, filled with details, had excellent character development and an entertaining plot. It made me wish I could visit the quaint town and have a pint with the slew of interesting characters! This was an excellent read and look forward to discussing with friends upon its release date.

A sincere thank you to NetGalley or an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love books about books, and this cute little read set in a bookshop is perfect for booklovers!

Set in a charming little Scottish town, The Bookshop of Second Chances is an uplifting story of fresh starts and new beginnings.

Thea needs a new start. After getting left by her cheating husband and getting laid off, Thea looks for a new life in a small Scottish town where no one knows her dirty laundry. Bewildered and lost, Thea doesn’t know what to do. But, when she learns the great-uncle she barely knew has died and left her his huge collection of second-hand books and a house in the Scottish Lowlands, she seems to have been offered a second chance.

Running away to a little town where no one knows her seems like exactly what Thea needs. But when she meets the aristocratic Maltravers brothers – grumpy bookshop owner Edward and his estranged brother Charles, Lord Hollinshaw – her new life quickly becomes just as complicated as the life she was running from...

I wish to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a wonderful story this one is. From the very beginning it captured my interest and never disappointed even after I read the last word of the last chapter. I loved the cover of the book and the title. So, that being said you will know upfront that I am a fan of this new author and her style of writing.

When Thea is broadsided by her husband’s unfaithfulness she knows she to get away to heal. Thea is in her mid 40’s and must begin again. She discovers second chances in the Scottish highlands. She goes to a small town and meets the local colorful characters. I love the sense of humor all throughout the book and especially the grumpy owner of the bookshop who hires her to help out for a short period of time.

I do not want to tell the story here but if you love books of romance, overcoming loss, family, bookstores, or Scotland this will ring all the bells for you as it did for me. You will find yourself looking for a cup of tea and a cozy corner.

I look forward to future books. Thank you Jackie!

Reading this book was a treat! I'm not a Romantic Comedy"consumer", in any of its formats and I was a little mislead by the title but I'm glad that I was confused because otherwise I probably wouldn't pick it up.
I really liked the setting and the characters treatment in the novel. The protagonist, Thea is a middle-aged woman that after a traumatic split up from her husband, inherits a house and a very valuable book collection, from a distant uncle, in Scotland. She starts a new life in her new home and falls in love again. I absolutely adore the fact that she is middle-aged and her struggles and conflicts are very well described but with respect and consideration. I also value the fact that the author is not trying to patronize the reader. Thea speaks about her conflicts with honesty and high doses of humor. She is struggling with her new body and how it feels to date and fall in love for a woman that, at 44 feels invisible for men and society.
The book is a page turner and I would highly recommend it. I think it would be a great selection for a book club.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.
We certainly do get that magic of transporting to a richly-described land where we follow the transformation of a wronged woman who's trying to heal, refresh, renew and reconnect. I loved that the main character departs from the 20ish waif who hasn't seen nothin' yet when it comes to life experiences, but instead we get a character to whom we feel close and connected. Supporting characters might not leap off the page in development, and we don't get any evolution in the crowd of people surrounding the MC, but even with its rough edges here and there, it's still a transporting story with lots to like.

This book was warm and cozy and absolutely perfect to read on a snow day, rainy day, or sick day. It had the perfect touch of romance and women’s fiction.

Thea lost her job and her husband but inherits a lodge in Scotland. She goes there to escape for a while, but finds that she likes it there. She gets a job and decides to stick around for a while...

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The author makes this book an interesting read. Has a funny side and a cute love story. Nice read for a lazy weekend.
I look forward to more from this author.
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