The second in the Holly Berry Sweet Shop series. Holly has settled back in to the village of Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds and her sweet shop has really taken off like space dust! Her life seems to be set on course with romance in the offing, but will a blast from the past thwart the path to true love?

I enjoyed meeting up with Holly and her friends again. They are a fun and likeable cast of characters. This is an entertaining sequel to the first book, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances, a sweet little tale without being too sugar coated. It has a frosting of realism in the form of the importance of friendship and a sprinkling of romance in the form of Ben, the bank manager. Well written, easy and engaging, it’s well worth the read especially whilst devouring a bag of pick’n’mix!

A return to the Just One More sweet shop sees Holly in the midst of a rather complicated love life, or rather, a lack of. I don’t think this second book of the series was as good as the first, but I still enjoyed Holly Berry and the sweetness that comes from running a sweet shop in the country.

The story follows on from the previous; although Lynn gives plenty of back information at the start of the book, I think this is best appreciated having read the first story. You definitely get more of an understanding of the different character connections. Whilst the first book was all about Holly establishing herself of the owner of Just One More, Lynn turns this narrative to Holly’s love life. She is in a fledgling relationship with local bank manager, Ben, (also her next door neighbour), but their dates are a long time coming and the atmosphere when they are together is incredibly awkward. I found my toes curling at the forced atmosphere between the two and could understand why Holly questions whether pursuing a relationship is the right move. After all, when not trying to be romantic, everything just comes so much more naturally.

Yet, Holly’s past catches up with her and this adds further strain to her complicated relationship with Ben. The past becomes relentless, stubborn and made me want to scream for the lack of listening. Even Holly’s blood boils and I was curious to see how she would deal with this added stress. When Holly starts volunteering at the local elderly care home, I was surprised by the direction that Lynn takes the story. However, I thought this gave the novel a breath of fresh air and loved reading about the different characters that Holly encounters at Bingo night, especially Verity. Holly herself thrives on the good vibes, causing her to run a fund-raising event with the care home residents at heart.

I was surprised to see the story conclude at Christmas but, never fear, this is hardly a festive read! It definitely did not have me yearning for my advent calendar! Instead, I think this adds to the atmosphere of the story, particularly in the closing scenes. Otherwise, this is a read that is a great, sugary pick-me-up and none of the characters are unlikeable, even the desperate Dan.

I think I found the story a bit too predictable at times, making me less invested in the story. For sure, the writer follows a well-known formula and whilst this made for a less taxing read, I think I was after a bit more of a chewy read, rather than one that simply melts in your mouth. (I’m trying to go for a sweet metaphor here, I hope it’s worked!) I definitely enjoyed the setting and seeing what happens next to Holly, but hope the writer adds a few more surprises to the next novel.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

For some reason I just can't get into this series. The characters are fine and sweet, but it just didn't draw me in enough.

Holly Berry's journey at the "Just One More" sweet shop unfolds as she embraces her new world with the hint of a budding romance. Holly is fond of her new surroundings, the friendships she's formed, and her potential romance with the stern Ben. However, when an unexpected figure from her past appears at the worst time, it threatens her budding relationship with Ben.

Distracting herself, Holly dedicates time to volunteering at the nearby elderly care home where she bonds with a lively and flamboyant resident. As her personal life becomes tumultuous, Holly organizes a community auction to fundraise for a dance at the care home, offering two hours of her expertise in a cooking masterclass to the highest bidder.

This tale offers a delightful romance sprinkled with hilarious moments, making it hard to stop turning the pages. Reconnecting with Holly felt like catching up with a dear friend. The vivid descriptions brought the characters and the world to life, immersing me in the narrative. In summary, it was a captivating read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Another sweet book in the Holly Berry sweet shop series. I really enjoyed this book - it appears very simple but is actually multi layered

The book I am reading is called “Love blooms at the second chance sweet shop” which I’m not sure about - I like the love blooms but second chance?? I think the shop name of Just One More works better!!

Thank you soooooo much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”



Beautiful story

This was the second book I read from this series. After thoroughly enjoying the 1st one, I was curious what would happen for Holly next. And I have to say: it didn’t disappoint! While some things were a little predictable (Holly again biting off too much to chew), I loved how the sense of community was built and shining a light of doing something for the elderly was done. I laughed, chuckled, made “awww”-sounds while reading and shed a small tear. I’ve already started book 3 and can’t wait!

The only minus for me was the summary-ish “person A, who did this that and that” while also introducing new happenings on first few pages. Especially when reading an entire series in one go, this becomes very annoying. I’d much rather have a small summary on the first page that you’re able to easily skip if you’ve just finished the previous books. Jenny Colgan is very good at that for example.

The second story of Holly is about her social side. She has got her business up and running. She struggles to delegate, but she will have to. When someone who has been hinted as a prospective partner finally makes a move, she has to give things a shot.
This time around, the problem that arises is from her past, and it stuns her to the point of inaction. Something she will have to pay for and address sooner rather than later. That is pretty much all the book is about, although it is dealt with in an appropriate fashion.
It is a quick read, and the author has already made a strong foundation. In this book, I appreciated not being reintroduced to the characters, like some series tend to do. There is enough information for newcomers to make up their minds, but we are not walked through all the previously occurred instances all at once.
Readers need to remember the characters because they all play their roles starting from now all the way to the following books, and now is the best time to fix everyone in their mind's eye.
This series is the kind that is a joy for people who enjoy books that continue a tale. No one book is enough to close the chapter of Holly's growth arc. There was something satisfying about seeing her tackle her life bit by bit. I may have liked some of the books more than others, but I highly recommend this series for people who like to follow a single lead protagonist with minimal distractions as she learns and changes.
The author's writing is simple, to the point and flows, making each book a quick and easy read, even with emotional ups and downs.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

A beautiful little read in a stunning location. Such fun and charming characters that you really fall in love with will be reccomending

Thank you NetGalley and author for this ARC!

Not my favorite but it was a cute book. I will reread this in a couple of months. I might like it better then

This was a very quaint little book, much like the ones in its’ series. This book focuses more on Holly’s love life. With lots of hysterical twists and turns, new loves and past loves come to create chaos in her life. I also liked the storyline with the nursing home folks. I thought that it showed the main characters compassion and love for doing things for others. While I thought this book is well written, it didn’t quite grasp my attention like others which is why I gave it one less star than the original. But I highly suggest thing book for fans of hallmark movies or cozy mysteries. Thank you to net galley and the author for the advanced copy.

This was my first time reading a book from the author but I am delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading more books from the writer in the future!

There wasn't a lot of love blooming in this one as the title makes you think. I had such high hopes for cute Ben and Holly moments and Ben was barely in the middle part of the book. Way too much Dan, him coming back so many times felt unnecessary and annoying and I just wanted more cute Ben.

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

This book was a lot of fun. I enjoyed reading it!

I’ve read Love Blooms at the Second Chances Sweet Shop (and the sequel) and both are very cute heartwarming reads! Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Hannah Lynn.

I couldn’t wait to read this book after reading the first one, this is the second book in the Sweet Shop series and it definitely lived up to my expectations. This charming read continued from the last book where the MC Holly is successfully managing her cute sweet shop. I was expecting more romance in this book as Holly and Ben’s relationship develops it didn’t develop fast enough for me.

The plot twist of Holly’s ex appearing out of nowhere added to the excitement of the plot and I loved the adorable friendship between Holly and Verity. Hannah Lynn does a wonderful job of character development. I would definitely recommend the entire series – they were a heart-warming read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.

After enjoying the first book in this series I was looking forward to seeing what happened next in the characters lives. This was a lovely cosy and heartwarming read and was so much more than just a romantic story it also covered the importance of friendships and also had a few touching moments that make you realise just how precious life is.

Looking forward to reading more about Holly and her life running the sweet shop in the next instalment

This is the second book in the Holly Berry Sweet Shop series and the first book should be read to understand the characters and how they've arrived to the place they are when the second book begins.

Less than a year after leaving her unfaithful boyfriend and moving to the Cotswalds, Holly's sweet shop, Just One More, is doing well and she is content with her life. She is finally beginning to date Ben and is not sure where their relationship is going.

When a person from her past makes an appearance, will her future happiness turn sour?

Holly fancies Ben, but it's not so straight forward in this emotional story. of uplifting and challenging moments. I enjoyed reading about the traditional sweet shop and the people so much.. A warm and charming book.

Holly and Ben are such a sweet couple, so having Dan in the mix really put a spanner in the works. A quick, easy read - it's like you're part of their circle, experiencing the highs and lows. I bawled like a baby towards the end. Sweet, funny, frustrating and romantic.