Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 /5

This is the first book I read in September, and I really enjoyed it. The story begins with Everleigh inheriting her grandmother’s seaside inn. She’s thrilled—until she learns she must share it with Cade, a grumpy co-owner who doesn’t wants to sell it. As the two clash over the inn’s future, Everleigh’s sunny optimism begins to soften Cade’s guarded heart.

The characters were infused with the right amount of emotions, which made the story more enjoyable and realistic. Even though it has a closed-door romance, it didn’t lack the spark or chemistry between the leads. The small-town coastal setting gave the story a cozy and heartwarming feel, while the themes of grief, healing, and second chances added depth without weighing down the romance.

3.5 stars rounded down. Everleigh Hartnett is a traveling NICU nurse who has a dream of setting up a nonprofit to help families with critically ill children in the hospital called Helping Angels. She is devastated when her favourite aunt, also her godmother, dies, but when she inherits half of her beloved seaside bed-and-breakfast, she dreams of selling the place to fund the nonprofit she and her godmother always envisioned. The problem is that she has to work with the new co-owner, Cade Witherspoon. Cade has worked at the B&B for the last couple of years, and has no plan to sell the place. He was hoping Everleigh would be a silent partner and let him run the place, the way he is sure Alana would have wanted. He finally agrees to try to sell it, but it must be done privately, and she only had until Thanksgiving, then she will take it off the market. In the meantime, they will run the B&B, with Cade begin the cook and handyman. There are also some issues within their family with Everleigh and her sister Harlow, have been at odds all their lives and with Everleigh inheriting the B&B, it becomes worse. She is trying to reconcile with her sister, while all this is happening. Cade has his own baggage to get over, so these two have a lot to deal with, and their feelings that develop between them is another roadblock to moving forward with the B&B.

I enjoyed this story set in a small town, with family and friends, even the guests at the B&B. I liked all the characters, except the real estate agent wanting to buy the place and tear it down for a development, and her secret sidekick. The relationship between Cade and Everleigh developed slowly, from enemies to friends and more. They share secrets and dreams which is a great way to become more than just friends. Both of them loved Alana and thought they were doing what she would have wanted. I enjoyed the family activities and get togethers as well as both of their parents. The conflict between Everleigh and her sister seemed somewhat childish, and one that death often brings out, and I was happy with the way it was finally resolved. With several themes of family drama, reconciliation, dealing with grief, dreams, new beginnings, and romance, there was a lot to like. The story moved a bit too slowly for my liking, and as others have said, there were chunks that could have been cut out and not changed the story much, but I still enjoyed reading and listening to this one. I read more than I listened too, as it was great to read it out by the pool. I do enjoy Amy Clipston's writing and will read more of her books, even if this wasn't one of my favourites.

This is a classic inheritance story where a guy and a girl get half ownership of an Inn and they have conflicting ideas of what to do with it.

Everleigh is a sweet character and I liked her optimism despite experiencing grief. Because of the premise and the setting, I figured that she would end up keeping the Inn at the end, but I really liked her vision of funding a non-profit with the sale money. Her conflict with Cade over this felt realistic and I was entertained watching it play out. Everleigh's growth over this was well done.

Cade was a grump at first and judgmental. This worried me since I do not enjoy reading enemies to lovers. However, this went down the grump x sunshine route more than enemies. Neither character was disrespectful, they were just assertive in their opinions over the Inn. Cade grew as a character as well, and I thought it was really well done. The way he slowly softened up was so cute to read.

The romance was really satisfying. It is slow burn! I thought the way Amy Clipston described their connection forming was so detailed and authentic. It made me like both characters even more.
There's maybe one kiss. It was the emotional connection that meant more and I loved that!

I loved the setting! I could feel the cozy small town vibes of Sunshine Inn.

Parents in books are usually annoying, and this was no different. The unreasonable actions of Cade's mom drove me nuts but not to the point where I didn't enjoy the story anymore.

What would have brought this up to five star level is adding faith content. This is a clean secular romance. Faith content would have added extra depth to the characters that I think was lacking in their healing process.

Definitely recommend! One of this author's best.

Everleigh Hartnett, is a traveling NICU nurse who loves her job when she discovers her godmother has passed away and left her, along with the hired hand, her seaside bed and breakfast.
Cade Witherspoon (the hired hand) has hopes that Everleigh will go back to her traveling job, let him run the place, and just be a silent partner. Everleigh wishes to sell the place so she can start the nonprofit she and her godmother had dreamed of. She is sure her godmother would whole-hardheartedly approve, while Cade is certain she never would have. He would, eventually, like to expand the bed and breakfast by adding on a restaurant. Cade is a great cook and dreams of having his own restaurant after being tricked and lost one. Cade sees this as his one and only chance to begin again. Unfortunately, so does Everleigh, just in a much different way.
Cade offers a crazy deal to Everleigh. She takes it. Who will win? For now, the two of them must learn to get along with each other.
They have offers on the business, but one thing the two of them can agree on, is that it cannot be sold to someone who wants to tear it down and put in high-rises and businesses. It must remain a bed and breakfast.
Eventually, sparks begin between the two of them.
This is a great story with great characters.
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

This was such a cute story about second chances and unseen factors that unite two people together. The theme of redemption and forgiveness ran throughout several storylines. It seemed like new twists and plot lines appeared at different intervals in the book. While I did enjoy this book, it got a little long and I switched to audio for the second half to speed it up a little bit. Overall though it was a sweet story. I received a foot of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn is a wholesome, clean and light-hearted read with summer romance vibes. While I was reading I found myself worried about what would happen to the inn, but the ending was quite satisfying!

I liked how Everleigh and Cade were able to help each other achieve their goals and stay true to themselves whilst doing what was best for the inn. I also liked the author's take on the grumpy/sunshine trope as the protagonists’ moods felt really grounded in their character and aspirations.

I would recommend this to fans of:
- Clean romance
- The grumpy/sunshine trope
- Dual pov stories

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book! All views expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was given an ARC of this in exchange for my honest review.

I have always enjoyed reading books by Amy Clipston and knew this book would be great! I was correct! From the very beginning, I was immediately drawn into the life of Cade and Everleigh (beautiful name btw..). I love how this author intertwined two strangers lives all because of their love of one woman and place. In this book you will find that sometimes life isn't all a bed of roses. The author makes you fall in love with the lives of these two and I found myself hurting when they hurt. RIght before the end of this book, I grew worried that the ending wouldn't be happy. Wasn't expecting what happened, but by the time I finished reading the epilogue, I as in tears with happiness! You won't be sorry for choosing to read this book!

“Let’s take a selfie instead.”
“Why? We’re in a bookstore.”
“Exactly! Bookstores are some of the happiest places on earth.”

“Promise me you’ll find your sunshine. Don’t keep your heart closed forever.”

Reading and listening to an Amy Clipston book is like coming home to a loving hug. The prolific renowned writer brings her usual cozy writing charm to the grumpy sunshine themed Second Chance At The Sunshine Inn.

Everleigh, a traveling NICU nurse comes home to the small town of Coral Cove for her godmother's funeral and reading of her will. She's touched that Alana left her the Sunshine Inn but she's shocked that she has to share it with the Inn's ruggedly handsome handyman, Cade. Wait, did she just describe him as ruggedly handsome?!

Cade is honored that Alana left him the Inn. It's his home. He fixed it up for her. He became its chef. He also cared for Alana until the end. Why is this beautiful traveling nurse wanting to stay with him until they sell it? Wait, did he just call her beautiful...and no way is he selling it!

As these two deny their attraction, fight over the future of the Inn, deal with family issues (Everleigh's fraught relationship with her sister and Cade's mom shocking revelation about her past), they also eat together, share memories of Alana and slowly fall in love despite fighting it every step of the way.

The always delightful voice actress Melissa Moran gives both Everleigh and Cade their vulnerability in this third person love story where two lost souls get a second chance to find each other.

Tropes:
💝Grumpy Sunshine
💝Second Chance
💝Forced Proximity
💝Small Town
💝Clean Closed Door Romance
💝Adorable Pets

Second Chance At The Sunshine Inn is a guaranteed loving hug from a favorite author.

I received free copies of this book/audiobook from TNZ Fiction, Thomas Nelson and Harper Collins Christian via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

What a delightful story by a new to me author. As the story unfolds you empathize with Cade. He was betrayed by his fiance 3 weeks before the wedding date and his business partner swindled him out of the restaurant he opened. To say he was jaded would be putting it mildly.

Along comes his new partner in the B and B , Everleigh, whose godmother left it to them in her will. She's cheerful, upbeat, positive, and trusting so when developers descend hoping to buy the Inn and demolish it they bond over the decision to sell: but only to someone who will keep it intact. While they perform small repairs, they grow closer and feelings emerge. But can past relationships color the version of what's possible in the future? While they each battle family issues, can they learn to trust each other?

You'll have to read this story to find out and it will be worth it. Although I received a free ARC from Net Galley and the publisher, all thought and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley, Amy Clipson, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of this story in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This cozy second chance romance read was just the thing that this reader needed to pull me out of a funk!

Tropes you will find in this story:

- Second Chance Romance
- Sunshine/Grump dynamic
- Forced Proximity
- Jealous/Protective MMC
- Adorable fur-friends

Trigger warning for this one: themes of loss/grief - cancer, deep rooted family drama (teen pregnancy/adoption involving side characters), and previous failed relationships are discussed throughout this book. And while I wish I would have known that going in - I am so glad I kept coming back as I was ready! Having recently lost a loved one topics discussed very early on were triggering for this reader... However, much like our main characters - I found the events unfolding to be heartfelt, the perfect amount of "cheesy. goodness" I desire from reading, and most of all the overall message of hope.

After losing her godmother, Alana - Everleigh and newly introduced stranger Cade find themselves in quite a predicament... They have each inherited 50% of Alana's Sunshine Inn B&B. Each have a vision of what being a new owner of a B&B means to them... along with what to do with this newfound inheritance. Both have a desire to keep a legacy full of dreams alive - and come to a crossroad agreement... sell the Inn within a set amount of time or become permanent business partners.

As deadlines approach... and clouds of despair arise in each of their lives through processing grief, and varying types of loss - this duo may just come to find than there may be more than a second chance at life at the Sunshine Inn. There may be a second chance at love as well.

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn
Amy Clipson
Publication: out now!
5/5 stars

I loved this book! Everleigh is back in town after her Godmother passes away. She finds out that her Godmother left her half of the Sunshine Inn with a man named Cade that she has never met. This is a sweet romance that has great character development. I recently discovered Amy Clipson and I’m excited to read more of her books.

Thank you to Amy Clipson, Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

ARC/ ALC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After learning of her godmother’s death, Everleigh Hartnett (a traveling NICU nurse), returns to the Sunshine Inn. The sea-side, bed and breakfast not only served as the home for her favorite person, but holds some of her most precious memories. Upon being awarded half of the estate, she must work with Cade Witherspoon (the inn’s handyman) to figure out the future of the property. Will they come together to run it, or will they sell the inn for profit and go their separate ways?

Amy Clipston’s Second Chance at Sunshine Inn redefines how we view family. Both main characters (Everleigh and Cade) were profoundly impacted by Alana’s life. Reguardless of their biology, she stepped in and provided a soft landing when the world threw challenges at them.

I had the pleasure of consuming this book in several formats (e-book/ audiobook). While both were enjoyable for different reasons, I especially liked the audio version. Melissa Moran did a great job narrating. She brought Clipston’s words to life.

Read this book for:
-picturesque coastal vibes
-grumpy/ sunshine
-opposites attract

Special thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Zondervan Audio, and Amy Clipston for allowing me to read/ listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

*Trigger Warning: this story mentions cancer, death, adoption, and family disputes.

The amount of times a character asked, “is that what you want?” And the other said, “yes,” even though that was not what they wanted really irked me. The lack of honest communication in this book made it a bit annoying and caused their romance to feel less believable. Cade made quite a few questionable, hot-headed decisions that made me like him less and less as the book went on. Additionally, I think the book tried to add too many conflicts to the story and the resolutions require you to suspend your belief quite a bit.

Overall, it’s a fun, quick, clean romance book but with somewhat annoying characters and large issues that resolve too quickly. I’d still recommended this to people who want a fast, fun beach read because I was engaged with the story and read it in two days, but it’s not a favorite by any means because of the issues stated above.

A light romance read that was very enjoyable! Loved the characters and the premise of the book! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Amy Clipston for this ARC. The following is my honest review.
Hopes were high at the start. A woman inherits an inn from her godmother—only to find she must co-run it with Cade, a man she barely knows. Why her godmother would set up such a situation is a compelling mystery. The clashing visions for the inn promised tension and charm, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to the premise.
The narrative voice felt overly explanatory. It jumps between perspectives and often spells out what each character is thinking, even as they go on to say it themselves. This made the pacing feel sluggish and left little room for natural conflict or subtext.
While I typically struggle with miscommunication tropes, I found myself oddly wishing for a touch of it here. Instead, every emotion and motivation is stated plainly, leaving little room for subtext or natural tension. It was over-explained to the point where even small conflicts were diluted.
The male lead, Cade, also presented a challenge. While emotional immaturity in a character can work when it’s met with growth, his reactions often felt disproportionate and juvenile—especially in light of revelations about his family. Even when the narrative gave him reasons for his behavior, the execution didn’t reflect much personal development. His journey lacked the nuance I hoped for.
Additionally, one subplot involving a certain townsperson everyone seemed to instinctively distrust felt exaggerated and was revisited repeatedly to the point of fatigue.
There were certainly elements I usually enjoy—grief, inheritance, small-town dynamics, and a reluctant partnership—but the execution didn’t quite land for me. I appreciate the setup and the heart behind the story, but ultimately this wasn’t a good fit for my reading taste.

Cute story:
This was an enjoyable and sweet, clean romance. It was fun getting to know Everleigh and Cade and I really enjoyed seeing their personal growth. Their journey to love was a long and bumpy one, especially as they were polar opposites and kept butting heads. However the tone of the book was still light and fun. I was so relieved when everything finally worked out and I loved all of the happy endings at the end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston is a sweet novel that takes place at a B&B. Everleigh Hartnett has inherited half of the Inn from her Godmother, who has passed away without letting Everleigh or her mother know she was sick. In a twist, she has left the other half of the Inn to the maintenance man/chef, Cade Witherspoon who is grumpy and doesn't want to sell the Inn, where Everleigh does. They become friends, although they go back and forth on the sale of the Inn until they finally accept an offer. But are they doing the right thing? This is very similar to another novel which I just finished, The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter which will be published in early October. Different setting in NC but similar type of story. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This was a good story! I didn't really like the characters, and it seemed like drama just followed them. However, I did enjoy the story, and the ending was very satisfying.

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

EXCERPT: 'We're here for the reading of Ms. Alana Elizabeth McFadden's will.' The lawyer's beady eyes flicked over Mom, Everleigh and Cade. 'I see we're all here, so I'll proceed with the reading.' He set his glasses on his large nose and began to read aloud. 'I, Alana Elizabeth McFadden, a resident of Brunswick County, North Carolina, and a citizen of the United States of America, declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. I hereby revoke . . .'
Everleigh stared down at her wet jeans and lost herself in memories of Alana as the lawyer read the will. The memories played like a movie through her mind. Playing at the beach with Alana. Watching movies together and eating popcorn. Crying in Alana's arms after her first boyfriend dumped her.
She recalled dancing in the kitchen of Alana's bed and breakfast, the Sunshine Inn, where Everleigh had worked part-time until she graduated from high school and went to college to study nursing. Alana had helped with her college expenses, always sending her care packages full of snacks and supplies with an envelope of cash strategically placed at the bottom of each box.
And she'd never forget the night when Alana insisted on staying on the phone with her to make sure she didn't fall asleep while Everleigh drove from Colorado to Texas for her next nursing position. They had discussed everything from their favorite movies to Everliegh's nonexistent love life, to the non-profit they'd dreamed of and the parents and children they hoped to help.
But now Alana was gone, and so were those late-night phone calls and hugs and . . . everything.
Suddenly, the tears she'd kept at bay during the trip from Texas to North Carolina welled up. She'd been trying all day to hold the tears back and stay strong.
She sucked in a breath hoping to stop the display.
Oh no.
Then the tears poured from her eyes.
She felt like a fool for losing it in the middle of a lawyer's office - especially in front of Mr. Buford and the mysterious Cade. She yanked a tissue from her pocket and wiped her eyes and nose.
A hand touched her arm. She turned toward Mom, who was staring at her. 'Did you hear that, Everleigh?' she asked, pinning her with a serious expression.
She shook her head. 'I'm sorry. I was lost in thought. What did I miss?'
Mr. Buford pressed his thin lips together. 'I'll read it again, Ms. Hartnett.' He gave his throat a dramatic clearing. 'I hereby bequeath fifty percent each of my said property, real, personal, or mixed, to Everleigh Alana Hartnett and Benjamin Cade Witherspoon III.'
Everleigh blinked and tried to comprehend what the lawyer had said. She listened intently while he continued reciting the document, but her mind was buzzing with confusion. What did it all mean?
When the lawyer stopped reading, Everleigh took a shuddering breath. 'Mr. Buford, can you please explain what you just read?'
He took off his glasses and set them down on the desk before refolding his hands. 'Ms. McFadden left you and Mr. Witherspoon each fifty percent of everything - her bed and breakfast and the contents therein, as well as any funds. She'd also like you and your mother to go through her personal items and decide what to do with them.'
'Sh - she left me the bed and breakfast?' Everleigh whispered as her eyes brimmed with tears once again. Alana had left her everything - everything. Her shock spilled down her cheeks.
Her godmother's generosity was too much to comprehend. She was so grateful. Alana had always been thoughtful and giving, but leaving Everleigh everything was above and beyond.
But wait, Alana hadn't left her everything.
Everleigh had to share the B&B with a stranger.

ABOUT 'SECOND CHANCE AT SUNSHINE INN: Welcome to the Sunshine Inn, a picturesque coastal inn with sweeping views and two new owners who couldn't be more opposite.

Two polar opposites, one cozy inn--and one sweet and surprising chance at unlikely love.

When Everleigh Hartnett, a cheerful traveling NICU nurse who can't sit still, inherits half of her godmother's beloved seaside bed-and-breakfast, she dreams of selling the place to fund the nonprofit she and her godmother always envisioned. But there's one tiny problem: her new co-owner. Rugged, grumpy, and fiercely loyal to the inn, Cade Witherspoon isn't about to let his peaceful life--and his new start--be sold off so easily.

Everleigh and Cade are opposites in every way. She's sunshine and laughter, while he's all rough edges and quiet brooding. Their clash of wills over the inn soon has them wondering what on earth Everleigh's godmother was thinking when she left them both in charge.

As Everleigh gets to know Cade's softer side--and Cade finds himself drawn to Everleigh's optimism and kindness--their disagreement over the inn becomes something sweeter. But with the arrival of Cade's long-lost brother and the looming threat of a developer sniffing around the property, they'll have to make some hard choices--together.

Can Everleigh and Cade let go of their expectations and build something lasting together? Or will the Sunshine Inn be the place they both leave behind?

MY THOUGHTS: With Second Chance at Sunshine Inn, it's all about the journey not the destination which was pretty obvious from the outset. And it was a lovely journey encompassing some difficult family relationships, the pitfalls of not expressing feelings and needs, and the need to work together and find a middle ground. Cooperation and communication are the key to any good relationship but neither of the MCs were particularly good at either until they were forced into a corner and had to evaluate what was important to them. I found myself willing Everleigh and Cade to 'say what you mean and just get on with it!' instead of pussy-footing around.

There are a few surprises thrown into the mix - one BIG one in particular which was an interesting subplot. But at times there was a little bit too much going on. I didn't enjoy the bad relationship between Everleigh and her sister. When it was revealed what was at the root of it, I could understand how it could and does happen, but it felt like one problem too many in the mix.

The book is probably a little longer than it needs to be, and cutting out the repetition would improve the read. I didn't enjoy this particular title as much as I have other titles by this author but won't hesitate to pick up her next book.

Despite this, I enjoyed my combined read/listen of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn, slightly preferring the read format to the audiobook, narrated by Melissa Moran, on this occasion.

A quick and pleasant HEA read.

⭐⭐⭐.5

#SecondChanceatSunshineInn #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR - AMY CLIPSTON is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories.
Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and five spoiled rotten cats.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zonderfan Fiction Audio for providing both an e-ARC and audio ARC of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn, written by Amy Clipston and narrated by Melissa Moran for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Two polar opposites, one cozy inn —and one sweet and surprising chance at unlikely love.

🌞🏖️ Looking for a cozy, heartfelt read that feels like a warm hug with ocean views? Second Chance at The Sunshine Inn delivers just that.

Cade and Everleigh are total opposites—he’s all grump, she’s full sunshine—but when they’re thrown together as co-owners of a charming coastal inn, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways. Set in a sweet small town with a no-spice, slow-burn beach romance, this story is about more than love—it’s about healing, trust, and the unexpected beauty of second chances.

Amy Clipston has such a natural, uplifting way of storytelling that makes her books feel like a deep breath of fresh air. I loved the character growth, the coastal charm, and how the emotional layers of this story gently unfolded.

💬 “It’s about healing from more than heartbreak. And learning to trust more than just love.” — Yes, yes, yes. This book quietly moved me.

🌊 Sweet, engaging, and full of heart—this one’s for fans of clean romance and soul-deep connections.