The Second Story Bookshop

A delightful, sweet, second chance romance

Denise Hunter

$29.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Harper Collins
28 January 2026

Adult & contemporary romance; Religious & spiritual fiction; Office & workplace; Romance

She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again. ""Book lovers, book clubs, and anyone who's ever dreamed of owning a bookstore will adore this cleverly interwoven story"" (Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood). Full of fall vibes, The Second Story Bookshop is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Gilmore Girls.

Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she's helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Grandville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby's heart years ago.

Grandville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn't skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he'd fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he's back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend's will. Facing the town's animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.

As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram's beyond-the-grave scheme is working--Shelby's old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces--one that threatens Gram's beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around

If you're looking for an enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance set in a cozy lakeside bookshop brimming with healing, heart, and Southern charm, The Second Story Bookshop is your perfect, feel-good escape. Let Shelby and Gray's tender journey remind you that sometimes the path back to love starts at the front step of a bookstore.

By: Denise Hunter
Imprint: Harper Collins
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 212mm, Width: 138mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 258g
ISBN: 9781400348695
ISBN 10: 1400348692
Pages: 368
Publication Date: 28 January 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest. You can learn more about Denise through her website DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her Facebook page at facebook.com/authordenisehunter.

Reviews for The Second Story Bookshop: A delightful, sweet, second chance romance

'A second story bookshop leads to a second chance at love in this tenderly told tale of old wounds, forgiveness, and redemption. Book lovers, book clubs, and anyone who's ever dreamed of owning a bookstore will adore this cleverly interwoven story in which the business of books steers the business of life toward a beautiful new beginning.' * Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of SHELTERWOOD *