I could hardly wait to read The Second Story Bookshop. Denise Hunter has long been an auto-read author for me. And I don’t see that changing.

The book is built around Shelby, who has been the creative force behind her grandma’s bookstore. When Gram dies, Shelby inherits the store, but to her horror, she becomes joint owner with Gray, the man who broke her heart right before skipping town.

Denise Hunter is remarkably talented at pulling her readers in to caring about her characters, and I love a good underdog. I felt Shelby’s pain, and Gray’s quiet agony as the towns people vilify him for hurting one of their own. But there’s a backbone of honor running through Gray and I was on his side throughout.

If you like small town romances, or tropes where exes rekindle after overcoming significant obstacles then this is a book you should definitely read.

I received a copy of The Second Story Bookshop from the publisher via NetGalley. The enjoyment is all my own.