Bookshop by the Sea
Denise Hunter
April 13, 2021

The wedding for Sofie Lawson’s sister, Jenna, was set for the coming weekend in Piper’s Cove, North Carolina. It’s a quaint tourist town next to the ocean. Friends and family were flying and driving in to celebrate. Sofie had planned and coordinated the event as maid of honor. Her main goal for the rehearsal and wedding day was to keep it flowing smoothly. Not an easy task as her twin brother, Seth and her father were at odds ever since Craig Lawson had left the family seven years earlier. Their mom suffered from a terminal illness and Craig left not being able to handle the stress. Seth was still angry. Sofie was also tasked to keep the groom’s great-grandfather away from the booze, as he was quite the drinker. Worst of all, Sofie’s ex and one true love was arriving soon. Grant and Aiden Maddox had always been friends. Aiden would be his best-man.
Sofie had hoped to survive the ordeal and still enjoy herself. As of Monday however she was to begin her goal of opening the Bookshop by the Sea. She had missed the opportunity to attend college at Duke. She elected to stay home to care for her mom, something she couldn’t regret. The shop itself needed some rehab and she was ready to begin the job as soon as Grant and Jenna left on their honeymoon. She had arranged to stay at a vacation BNB until the shop and apartment upstairs were ready for move in.
Hunter’s novel is a wonderful tale of twenty somethings that in high school had been soul mates. They were certain of being together during the post-college years. Sad to say they never made it past graduation. Aiden came to tell Sophie of his plans to co-own an extreme sport enterprise for tourists. Sophie would be staying at home with her mom. This is a journey of many who might have planned a future together. For those who could not forget those feelings and managed to still hope and pray for finding love again, this is a heartfelt story.
Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter will be published by Thomas Nelson of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc on April 13, 2021. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review the ARC. This is anothe of Hunter’s heart warming titles that is such a magical, delightful read. Her readers will enjoy this first rate romance. Those who have not read books by Denise Hunter should pick up this comforting, tender novel. Enjoy!

Bookshop by the Sea is a very well written romance. Great plot, believable characters and a beautiful setting.

Jeez, the bride and groom are high-maintenance.

Dang, Granny May.

If he loved her so much, they would be married.

Twenty-five is old?

Pushover.

She was right to dump him.

Alanda needs to get a life.

White chocolate is so gross.

If you have ever found yourself in a tough situation then you are going to appreciate this story. The author shows how much she can relate to the fact that we all have “stuff’ in our lives. Some is big stuff. Some is small stuff. Some of it can even derail you. But all of it can be overcome with the right guidance from above.

The story has a familiar theme. There are a ton of bookshop stories out there. As readers we tend to covet those stories because bookstores are typically our happy place. This one has a wonderful twist that includes a wedding, a ex you still haven’t gotten over, and a hurricane. What could possibly go wrong??

Written with a heartful of hope, understanding, and the yearning for a lost love, we are tossed right into the hurricane of feelings and emotions. Our characters are grown up now and even though the heart still hurts, things are not as they seemed many years ago. Can the truth really set you free?

Hunter explores healing and forgiveness in this lovely story. The heart knows what it wants but healing can take some deep internal conversation and we are along for those conversations as these two try to figure out if they can move forward and how. How to set boundaries, still care for each other, and deal with what life throws you along the way.

A tender story full of trials, tribulations, and ultimately following your heart. What is to be is to be and things tend to fall in place once you listen. A sweet story full of smiles, beautiful romance, and a bit of emotion too.

This beautifully written storyline and wonderfully created characters kept me totally captivated as I turned every page until the very last page!

I really enjoyed this book. Sophie had been a faux parent to her siblings due to her mother being ill and her father leaving the family. When her boyfriend from high school came back into her life, it shook her more than she wanted to admit. In working with him for a week, she realized her siblings still relied on her for everything - even when it was not convenient for her. The story was about 2nd chances, family issues and resolves and a couple new beginnings. A very good book to read
I got this book from NetGalley and voluntarily am leaving a review

The story began well, with Sophie and Aiden having dated in high school and then he left her for a job opportunity. But once they got thrown back together, everything was a bit predictable and I found myself rolling my eyes at times. I didn't really feel the chemistry of the two main characters. I skimmed at the end just wanting to be done with the book.

It is a good read if you have nothing else to read, but it was not my favorite by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of the this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

When Sophie sees her high school sweetheart at her sister's wedding, she finds herself still angry at how Aiden left her seven years ago. Sweet story of second chances! A perfect beach read! Would love to visit Sophie's Bookshop by the Sea.

This book is a very lovely beach read. I loved it. It was such a light refreshing read. Exactly what I would want in a beach read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to facilitate a review. all opinions are my own. I was not required to leave a review positive or otherwise.

This is a book you don't want to miss! It's a sweet second chance romance that's full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Any time I see Denise Hunter's name on a book I know it is going to be a clean faith filled book that once you start reading it you can't put it down. I loved it! Thank you Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you see Denise Hunter's name on the cover of a book, don't hesitate for a moment to pick it up. Bookshop by the Sea is another jewel of a second chance love story with characters that walk off the page and show you their hearts.

Sophie Lawson's life has been on hold almost since the day her mother was diagnosed with MS. Although she was a child herself, her father's increasing absence and final desertion made her the caregiver for both her mother and both of her siblings. She gave up a scholarship to Duke so that her twin brother could go to college and her little sister wouldn't be home alone with a parent who could barely care for herself. Now that her sister is married, and her brother has landed a good job, it's Sophie's turn to go after her dream. Will it take a hurricane to bring back the one person she thought she'd lost for good?

Aiden Maddox fell in love with Sophie in high school, but her dedication to her family left no room for Aiden in her life - at least in Aiden's eyes. Abandoned by his mother as a child, Aiden chooses a life where his heart is not on the line. He gave it away once and isn't interested in going that route again. Thrown together as best man and maid of honor in Sophie's sister's wedding, Aiden can't help but wonder if maybe he stepped away too soon. His feelings for Sophie haven't gone away. He might have buried them, but those roots have grown deep. When Sophie needs his help to open her bookshop on time, can he risk his heart again when Sophie is still over-involved with her siblings?

I loved Aiden and Sophie. Their chemistry was such that they couldn't stay away from each other, in spite of the pain each has inflicted on the other at one time or another. Aiden seems to have his life together, but his go-to response when he hits a snag is to run, before he can be hurt or abandoned again. Sophie knows the hurt of abandonment, too, but her response is to cling all the firmer to those she loves - unless, like Aiden, they aren't around to cling to.

This book is classic Denise Hunter and will make a perfect beach read. Sweet romance, just enough angst, and a cast of characters who are good at throwing wrenches into the works make this a story readers will enjoy from beginning to end. (There is even a reference to Hunter's Bluebell Inn series, which is very fun to catch up with.) I can definitely recommend this one!

Denise Hunter is one of my all time favorites, and I was so excited to read this one, even more so when I heard it was going to have a bookstore setting, a second chance romance, and one of the most beautiful covers ever.

I know to expect great things whenever I pick up one of this author's books, and Bookshop by the Sea did not disappoint. Sophie and Aiden's young romance ended abruptly when he chose to move away for a job opportunity, and things had never been resolved between them. Seven years later, the two are thrown together when Sophie's younger sister marries Aiden's best friend, and Sophie wants nothing to do with the man who once shattered her heart into many pieces. However, God sometimes has different plans than we have for ourselves, and a hurricane moving through the coast ends up throwing Aiden and Sophie back together. Feelings are rekindled that never truly went away, and soon a beautiful friendship is turning into something more. As Aiden and Sophie work together to set up her new business venture, a beautiful bookstore, things seem to be moving in the right direction. However, both are carrying past hurts and family struggles that are throwing a damper on their relationship, and only through learning to let go and let God can they truly grow into the relationship He wants them to have.

Bookshop by the Sea is a beautiful read from start to finish, and I could barely bring myself to put it down once I started. I loved how swoon worthy the romance was, while still being completely clean, and I always appreciate that Denise Hunter keeps the faith content at the front and center of each of her books. Sophie and Aiden's journey is both heart warming and heart breaking, and I loved how realistically their entire journey is represented to the reader. I wish Sophie's bookstore were a real place, as I would absolutely love to visit it.

I also have to add that if you've been a fan of Denise's previous books, then you absolutely want to keep your eyes peeled for a cameo from some of her most beloved characters to date! It made me squeal that they had an appearance in this one, and made a great story even better.

I highly recommend this one, and I can't wait to dive into Denise Hunter's next book!

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to advance read and review this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Bookshop by the Sea" by Denise Hunter
An emotion-packed, sweet-clean contemporary romance story. Sophie and Aiden were high-school sweethearts. Will they learn from the past and the present what it will take to create the futures they want. The big question, will they make it to their HEA. A very compelling story because sometimes a dream just may come true. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.

The title and the cover of this one are what caught my attention first. Love the name Bookshop by the Sea. What more could you want - an ocean and books. Sophie is excited in getting ready to open her very own bookstore on the boardwalk of beach town, Piper's Cove. Her sister is getting married right before, so she doesn't have much time to get everything ready. Sophie had put her life on hold during her mother's illness and her Dad's abandonment, so now it's her time. If she can just get through this stressful wedding. Her ex-boyfriend is the groom's best friend, so of course he will be there, and Sophie hasn't gotten over his leaving after seven years. Her Dad and her twin brother have to be kept apart because her brother is still very angry at her Dad for abandoning them when their mother was so ill.

This was a good Christian romance, but I found it too predictable. There were a lot of things happening, but it failed to evoke much interest or emotion for me. However, I did enjoy the story.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson--FICTION through Netgalley for an advance copy.

I love how some authors are dependable.
Denise hunter books are always a delight to read. This the the perfect vacation read or beach read, or perhaps a perfect escape for where you are now!
This second chance romance had that tension right from the beginning and you got to see the "why" as the story played out.
I enjoyed the characters though the heroine started off as a bit angry, I understood why as I got to know her.
I love books that force characters to be in close proximity and this story had that! Especially when Denise is writing the romantic tension.....
This is just that sweet spot contemporary romance that I always know I can expect from this author.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions are honest and completely my own.

A second chance at love with the “ one who got away.” “Bookshop by the Sea” is an easy weekend read that will leave you longing for an easy ape by the sea. I enjoyed this escape from everyday life and will look for more books by Denise Hunter to include in my library.

Denise Hunter has delivered another charming contemporary romance with Bookshop by the Sea. In this hopeful easy-to-read novel, our female protagonist is a bit of a mess personally even though she seems to have it all together when it comes to managing everyone around her. Sophie finds herself at a juncture in life when she can finally pursue her own interests. Throw in some speedbumps in the form of old love, natural disasters, and emotional setbacks – can Sophie bring her dreams to life?

I am a big fan of Hunter’s writing style, balancing inspirational fiction with real, messy life. Her characters are flawed and therefore a bit more realistic as they face their doubts, insecurities, and questions of faith. The relationship development in this novel is heartfelt and sweet. The setting is as charming as the tale itself, a cozy bookshop in a small coastal town where neighbours look out for each other. There’s everything to love about this feel-good contemporary read and you’ll be cheering on Sophie and Aidan.

Bookshop by the Sea is set to hit booksellers on April 13th. Be sure to pre-order now! My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for the complimentary digital copy via NetGalley.

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Denise Hunter book, but I thought Bookshop by the Sea looked pretty cute. Her books are often hit or miss for me, but this one ended up somewhere in the middle.

I really enjoyed the beginning as Sophie and Aiden found themselves stuck together after seven years apart. I liked seeing them start to communicate and forgive each other. Once they hit that point, though, I kind of started to lose interest. I felt like the pace dragged and there wasn’t really much plot. I also wasn’t completely sold on them rekindling their romance. For one thing, Aiden is dating someone else for the first half of the book. He goes to great pains to say they’re not exclusive, but it still made him come across a little skeevy.

There was some added drama with Sophie’s family being basically awful and selfish people and Aiden dealing with abandonment issues. While I think there were some good lessons learned, it was all crammed into the ending, where everything was resolved surprisingly easily.

Overall, Bookshop by the Sea was just ok for me. It had a promising start and while Hunter seemed to know where she wanted all the characters to end up, it felt like the middle was kind of phoned in. While this one wasn’t really for me, I’ll still be checking out more from this author in the future.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
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A book about second chances.

Sweethearts Aiden and Sophie had been in college, but the day Sophie’s dad walked out on the family, Aiden left Sophie the same day for a opportunity he’d never get again.

Meaning Sophie couldn’t go to up college, instead she had to stay home, take care of her terminally ill mother and her two siblings.

But when Aiden attends her sisters wedding, it seems there’s a past that they need to deal with.

It was lovely to see Sophie being abe to take a stand fr herself with her family.

As well as, finally wrk things out with Aiden.

Story about the effects of abandonment.

Sophie and her siblings deal with the aftereffects of their dad leaving them as children. Aiden has some of the same issues relating to his mom leaving him as a child. I had a harder time identifying with Sophie because I was too irritated at her allowing her family to walk all over her. She also held on to a grudge for seven years without dealing with it. Aiden handled his issues differently and seemed to mature somewhat based on his portrayal in the storyline. All in all the story was eventually resolved by the end in a satisfying way. I sure did love the idea of a bookshop by the sea—made me want to visit! A guest appearance from Adam Bradford and wife Molly (Lake Season) was a fun touch.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.