Denise Hunter is one of a few authors on my auto-buy list. When she releases a new novel, I know I will never be disappointed.

Bookshop by the Sea opens with Sophie holding everything together for what seems like everyone. She’s the problem-solver, the peace-keeper, the go-to woman for every need. She’s fallen into this role somewhat naturally, having to help raise her siblings when her mom came down with a chronic illness and her dad left the family. We find Sophie serving as maid-of-honor at her sister’s wedding. Also in the wedding party is Aiden, the man who broke her heart years ago. After the wedding, as a hurricane strands them together, we see them have an opportunity to catch up and mend the wounds from the past.

Sophie has always put her dreams on the back burner as a sacrifice to her family, but it seems she may actually be able to finally pursue them, until one disaster after another threatens her bookshop she’s trying to open. Aiden is now also a small business owner, adrenaline junkie, and is highly respected in his industry. His eyes are opened to exactly how many sacrifices Sophie has made through the years.

Sophie’s lack of boundaries with others really bothered me, and I was concerned I’d end up disappointed in the book, and with the characters. I never should have doubted Denise Hunter’s ability though; she worked that out beautifully.

I also loved the setting of North Carolina, since I’m a native. This was another great book by Hunter.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for allowing me an ARC of this book for review purposes. This review expresses my honest opinion.

Bookshop by the Sea is an incredible realistic story by Denise Hunter. You have to admire Sophie for putting her family before her dream. You also have to admire her for not getting up on her dream just postponing it until her siblings are through college and ready to e their own. Now is her time, except weddings, old sweethearts from high school and hurricanes seem determined to undermine her goal.

A second chance romance with all the feels in a wonderful North Carolina town. Sophie and Aiden’s story will draw you in from the beginning and have you rooting for love and hope to win. Bookshop by the Sea is a perfect title for this wonderful read.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

I loved this story. Sophie is our star. She has had to step up and basically become the head of her family. I love that she and her mother had the dream of owning a bookstore and spent many hours planning exactly how they would do it. What a great memory to have. Has she become too much of a mom figure to her siblings? Is she prepared to meet her high school sweetheart at her sister’s wedding? Are we ever really ready for that? Take a seat and get ready to enjoy the story of Sophie and her family and friends. I think you will love the new friends you are about to meet. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Bookshop By The Sea" is a sweet, second chance romance story between two people who have never had a problem with loving each other- it's everything else that seems to get in the way. Aiden left Sophie seven years ago to start his life and exciting job elsewhere, she stayed behind to take care of her sick mother and her siblings. Now they are reunited at her sister's wedding and discover the chemistry is still there, but do they try and do anything about it? I liked how Denise Hunter wrote the push-pull of the relationship between Sophie and Aiden. They care for each other and can see things now that they couldn't see when they were teens. Both are more mature now but still have enough issues to make them conflicted and human! Between a hurricane and a series of unfortunate events leading up to Sophie's big store opening, Sophie gets to know both Aiden and her adopted town better in ways that work really well for the story. Insecurity and family issues make things hard for them, but I think I can say that in the end both pretty much act the way we hope we would in the situation, and remind the reader not to let fear get in the way of what could be something really wonderful. This was a nice read, and a good story.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Do you believe in second chances? That's certainly something that Sophie has to wrestle with when her ex boyfriend Aiden blows back into her life (and I mean that literally, there's a hurricane at one point). Years ago, Aiden left without a backwards glance in order to chase a dream of adventure. Sophie felt she couldn't join him. Her mom was sick, her dad left, and her siblings needed her. Can they make another go of it or will the things that kept them apart the first time do it again?

Overall this was a solid read. It didn't hook me quite like some of other Denise Hunter's books, but it wasn't a bad book by any means. Aiden and Sophie are each struggling with their own past hurts and struggle to see or accept how it impacted them in their first relationship and what it's doing to them now. And, of course, instead of sitting down to a grown up conversation, they either push away or run away. But hey, they just might get there in the end right?? It was great to see Sophie's growth as she took on this project that became so important to her as planned it with her mom before she passed. Aiden also had some growing and learning to do to come to terms with why running away was his go-to reaction. This type of growth really helps make a second chance romance a good one. Otherwise, what's the point of trying again?

This cover was definitely giving me summery beachy vibes and now I kind of want to open a bookstore in a beach town. I especially liked the guest appearance by Molly and Adam from the Bluebell Inn series because they were my favorites. But no worries. If you haven't read that series, their appearance blends in seamlessly and you won't feel lost.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.

Bookshop by the Sea is a sweet, easy-to-read romance. It is a story of forgiveness, second chances, healing from past hurts, and learning to trust again. The well-structured plot, although predictable, flows at a steady pace. I loved the beach setting and the kindness and generosity of the seaside community, but It took me a while to start connecting with the main characters Sophie and Aiden. To me they initially seemed too “needy”. I was glad to see them grow as the story continued. Also, Sophie’s family was annoying! I appreciated the faith element sprinkled throughout the story. The appearance of Adam and Mollie from the Bluebell Inn series was delightful! Although I was a bit disappointed in this story, I still recommend it as a light, entertaining beach read.
A favorite quote: “…when you give fear a voice, it’s louder than logic or reality.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Sophie had to grow up quickly and take a mothering role for her siblings after her mom fell ill, but now, with her twin Seth in a new job and her younger sister Jenna newly married, she's able to strike out on her own for the first time. And she's already on a tight schedule to open her new bookshop following the wedding when a hurricane hits - incidentally not only delaying the work but stranding in the same house the boyfriend who deserted her to chase his own dream seven years earlier. She knew he was coming for the wedding but wasn't ready to face him, and still isn't - he awakens feelings in her she doesn't want, and she knows he'll be leaving again soon anyway. But when they actually start talking, she starts to wonder... When the same problems as last time arise again, have they matured enough to overcome them?

Is it reasonable to hope that this will be the start of a new series in Piper's Cove? Other than the hurricane (admittedly necessary to the plot), it sounds like a delightful place! A few of the more minor characters are people I'd love to see more of, and it would be nice to have Sophia and Aiden make appearances later on. Anyway, that's all to say that this was a expertly crafted book, with interesting characters, a beautiful setting and a highly satisfying ending. I look forward to more by the author, really wherever she chooses to set her stories. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wonderful story about second chances. Sophie Lawson is starting over after her mother dies by opening the Bookshop by the Sea. At her sister's wedding she runs into her high school sweetheart Aiden Maddox. Through a series of events they are forced to spend time together and in the process discover what really happened when they broke up all those years ago. Both Sophie and Aiden learn to work through their past and towards a future together. A very enjoyable read, makes me want to go to the beach.

Sophie, Seth (Sophie's twin) and Jenna. Siblings who saw their world turn upside down when their mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; her father could not stand the pressure and abandoned them; and on the same time Sophie saw the love of her life, her boyfriend Aiden, leaving for another city on business.
The world fell on Sophie's shoulders, as the eldest, and she endured it bravely.

Eight months ago her mother passed away. Now Seth was self-sustaining, Jenna was getting married to Grant, and Sophie was on the verge of having her own life.
But as a last challenge, Sophie was responsible for organizing her sister's wedding. And it is at the wedding rehearsal that she meets Aiden, Grant's friend.

Clearly the couple still loved each other, but they had hurts to be resolved; moreover, Sophie's grandmother was not going to make it easier for Aiden to return to her granddaughter's life.
Aiden would return to Charleston as soon as the party was over, but a storm caused all flights to be canceled, and without a hotel slot, he returned to Grant's family beach house, unaware that this was where Sophie was staying until her bookshop was up and running.

The two take advantage of the following days, while doing repairs in the store, to talk and heal their hurts, but at the same time, they realized that they still loved each other.
But the issue was not just distance, and love. But Sophie's struggle to always be there for the family, forgetting about herself.

And that is the book's greatest learning.
A story of new beginnings after a great tragedy.
A story of search, dream fulfillment, self-knowledge and healing.
4 stars


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Reading Bookshop by the Sea caused me long periods of angst. The way that Sophie Lawson was treated by those close to her was disturbing to say the least. While this book was an okay read, Hunter's Bluebell Inn series was a hard act to follow. The theme of this book is dealing with abandonment. Hunter did a wonderful job of demonstrating the long-term consequences while providing hope, especially for those who discover their worth as a child of God. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I enjoyed this book. I love a book wherein the characters grow or become self aware and I saw both happen through the pages of this book. This is a second chance romance, both of the main characters and many of the minor ones had to grow, learn and make steps forward to change. This was all handled beautifully to create a book worth reading.

The setting and circumstances for all this to play out was realistic and flowed well. This helped the storyline to move along smoothly. I really enjoyed the cameo appearance of a few characters from another of the author's series (the Bluebell Inn Series).

"When you give fear a voice, it's louder than logic or reality. It overshadows everything you know to be true, and you can hear are the lies you hear the most."

Sophie needs a fresh start. After taking care of her invalid mother until she died, she is ready to make her dream, their dream really, coming true. She is going to start a bookstore in a small North Carolina beach town. But her plans keep getting thwarted - by a hurricane and by her family.

This is a fictional story is about boundaries. How can we support the ones that we love without enabling them? At one point are we finding our worth in what we do for others?

This is also a story about second chances. When someone walks away from us during a time of need, do we let them back in knowing that they might hurt us? (This actually fit a couple of scenarios in the book.) At what point do we barricade our hearts? Yes, romance is one of the elements, and that is a very sweet part of the story.

The bookstore itself is the focus. But I would not say that this is completely about books. I really liked the supporting cast townspeople in this one. Several stories seem to be waiting to be told. I am hoping this one is not a stand alone.

I read a few chapters before I went to bed. The next morning, I woke up and decided to read a few more chapters before I started my day. I ended up finishing the entire book. (Good-bye to-do list for the morning. :-) ) Anyway I do think that this is a strong indicator of how I felt about this book. I simply could not stop reading it.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for letting me read this one early through NetGalley. I enjoyed the book and wanted to review it. All opinions in this review are my own.

3/5 stars!

When the heroine met the hero again, it was during the wedding rehearsal dinner for her sister's nuptials. Their high-school romance ended when the hero left for a business opportunity while the heroine stayed to care for her bedridden mother's health. The heroine has plans to open a bookstore and the hero was going to go back to his life. However, the approaching hurricane forced the two to seek shelter together and they become closer in the book, even as they family, job, and other personal issues.

This is a nice sweet romance that only has kissing scenes in the book. This dealt with healing, forgiveness, community, and second chances. I liked the heroine's character, though her family were annoying for the first half but got better for the rest of the story. I also felt like the hero should grovel a bit more but that's my personal preference. Overall it was a nice Denise Hunter book and I look forward to reading more of the author's works.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

This is a fun, sweet read that flowed along and made for a quick read. Set on the coast of North Carolina, it has a great setting and characters that are realistic and with characteristics of people we all know. It brought two people back in each other's company as they are in a wedding as maid of honor and best man. Aiden and Sophie were high school sweethearts but broke up seven years ago. The attraction is still there but there so many obstacles and Sophie was so heartbroken that there is no way she wants to be around Aiden. He just needs to head back to Charleston. Only a hurricane grounds his flight and they are thrown together. And she has a bookstore to get ready to open and quick. What a time they have. The story covers lots of issues brought on by imperfect childhoods...abandonment, insecurity, grief, and fear but with faith, self examination, and determination, can these issues be overcome? This is a feel good romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

For years Sophie Lawson has taken care of everyone but herself. Now, at last, it is Sophie’s turn to make her own dreams come true. But will Aiden Maddox’s reappearance in her life turn it all into a bad dream? Or is it possible for first love to get a second chance?

Filled with small town charm and characters you wish you could meet for coffee, Bookshop by the Sea offers a message of hope, of forgiveness, and the wonder of new beginnings. Don’t miss it!

*I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I thought this story was cute overall. I liked Sophie I felt like she was a fighter and was faced with so much, but I also felt her family never really got her. I liked Aiden a little bit I felt like sometimes he came off whiney and whoa is me type attitude, which became annoying. I loved the small town feel of this book, and the small town characters they were so fun. Overall this book was a fun read and the author kept the book clean so it suitable for all readers, its also completely predictable.

This was a refreshing second chance romance and was a great escape read. It was very well written and I loved the setting of Piper’s Cove. Well done.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for the chance to read this book early. This book ended up not being for me. I found that there was a lot of telling instead of showing in the details. There was also a lot of tension in the novel, yet I didn't think some of it got the attention that it deserved. Also the romance didn't work for me, which is a bummer since it is a romance book. I did like how the author was able to show how much, really too much, responsibility that Sophie took on. I know lots of readers will love this, though, and I hope they are able to enjoy this story.

Sophie Lawson has taken care of everyone in her family for as long as she can remember. Once her little sister’s wedding ends, she can focus on preparing for her bookstore’s grand opening. If she makes it through the wedding. And seeing Aiden Maddox, the man who broke her heart seven years ago. Playing diplomat at the wedding won’t tax her as much as staying civil around Aiden.

Because despite his betrayal all those years ago, Sophie wonders if she still loves him. And what that love could do to her peace of mind.

Aiden Maddox has made a name for himself in the extreme sport guiding industry. But meeting up with his high school sweetheart at his best friend’s wedding has him quivering in his dress shoes. He hopes they can return to their easy friendship, but Sophie seems to have forgiveness for everyone but him.

When a tropical storm turns into a hurricane, Aiden and Sophie end up staying in the same beach house. Maybe he’ll have an opportunity to really ask for forgiveness and show her that he’s changed.

Why I Love This Book

Hunter creates a delightful coastal community of Piper’s Cove and peoples it with fun characters. In this second-chance romance, Sophie and Aiden must overcome their familial hurts in order to form an abiding relationship with each other. Hunter has a knack for writing clean romances that sizzle. If you love Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series, you’ll love Denise Hunter’s Bookshop by the Sea.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the chance to read an advance copy of Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter. Another new author, this book was exactly what I needed; a light, 2nd chance at love that features a bookstore.
Sophie found herself giving up going to college to take care of her ailing mother, her brother and sister when her Dad leaves suddenly; the same day her high school sweetheart Aiden up and leaves her to follow his dream.
Now it’s finally time for Sophie to follow her own pursuits of owning a bookstore. Seth has a new job, and Jenna is set to marry her college beau in Piper’s Cove. But the destination wedding reunites Sophie with best man Aiden, and when a storm forces them to share a house its time to settle their feelings. This is a perfect beach read, and I will definitely pick up other books by the author. A feel good read!