Set in a charming little Scottish town, The Bookshop of Second Chances is the most uplifting story you’ll read this year! Shortlisted for the RNA Katie Fforde Debut Romantic Novel Award 2021. Thea’s having a bad month. Not only has she been made redundant, she’s also discovered her husband of nearly twenty years is sleeping with one of her friends. And he’s not sorry – he’s leaving. … sorry – he’s leaving.
Bewildered and lost, Thea doesn’t know what to do. But, when she learns the great-uncle she barely knew has died and left her his huge collection of second-hand books and a house in the Scottish Lowlands, she seems to have been offered a second chance.
Running away to a little town where no one knows her seems like exactly what Thea needs. But when she meets the aristocratic Maltravers brothers – grumpy bookshop owner Edward and his estranged brother Charles, Lord Hollinshaw – her new life quickly becomes just as complicated as the life she was running from…
An enchanting story of Scottish lords, second-hand books, new beginnings and second chances perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Veronica Henry, Rachael Lucas and Jenny Colgan.
‘How much do I love this book? So, so much. Refreshing and romantic, it’s an absolute cracker!’ HEIDI SWAIN, Sunday Times bestselling author
‘A gorgeous, tip-top, pitch-perfect romantic read – I loved it!’ RACHEL HORE, Sunday Times bestselling author
’The Bookshop of Second Chances has lifted my heart more than anything I’ve read for a very long time. It’s funny, clever, well written, warm, joyful and comforting. I could rave about it all day!’ IONA GREY, bestselling author of Letters to the Lost
‘An escapist romance that glows with warmth! I loved it’ CARMEL HARRINGTON, bestselling author of A Thousand Roads Home
‘A real winner with so much heart and a wonderfully relatable heroine’ CHRISTINA PISHIRIS, author of Love Songs for Sceptics
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The Bookshop of Second Chances was such an enjoyable read. Thea is desperate for a fresh start when she is fired from her job and finds out that her husband of 20 years has cheated on her and is leaving her for one of her close friends. She feels that she has lost everything that ever mattered to her. Middle age is not the time most people desire to start over! When she receives word that a great uncle has left her an estate in Scotland she goes to visit with the plan of only staying for a little while until she can figure out her next steps. The reader will love how fate intervenes to give her a new set of friends, a new job that she truly enjoys, and a second chance at love. The author, Jackie Fraser, does such a great job of describing the charming Scottish town and people of Baldocherie that I want to pack my bags immediately! Thank you for this escape while we are all grounded from travel due to COVID-19. I also enjoyed the banter between Thea and Edward Maltravers, the grumpy and infuriating owner of the local rare book store. Their interactions reminded me of Elizabeth and Darcy from Jane Austen novels although Edward may be a bit more damaged than Darcy. Thea is also intrigued by Edward’s brother, Charles Lord Hollinshaw, as she tries to unravel the story behind their decades-long feud. I think readers will enjoy the story line, “Now that she has a chance to reinvent herself, what life will she choose?” Will she go back to something safe or take a chance on a new life and love? Thank you to #netgalley, Random House Publishing and Ballantine Books for the ARC. I can’t wait to promote this book when it comes out in March 2021.
I really, truly tried to like The Bookshop of Second Chances. I did. The beginning was lovely, Thea was strong and plucky, and her decision to move 6 hours away from her (cliche) cheating husband was the right one. I just found that about half-way through I didn’t care about her anymore. The intended love interest, while also an intriguing character, just didn’t seem to fit with Thea. As friends yes, but not as a couple; they were missing the spark that made it all believable.
Two stars because I just didn’t care enough.
I adored this story. Glad I was given a chance to review this. It was a small step back from the in your face hard romance that I usually read. This was a slow burn of second chances set in a quaint, idyllic town in Scotland.
Thea and her husband have separated after 25 years of being together; he was cheating on her with a friend. The blows keep coming as she is also let go from her job. The only shining light seems to be that a Great Uncle Andrew has left her his lodge and books in his will. Keep in mind, she had only met this man a few times. But this is the diversion she needs.
While in Scotland she meets the Maltravers brothers: Edward and Charles. One is actually Lord Hollinshaw (Charles) as the first born (Edward) gave up the title. Charles is a curmudgeon who often keeps to himself and runs a second hand bookshop.Too keep herself occupied while deciding what to do with her new inheritance she asks for a job working for Edward.
He warns her about working for him. That he usually employs a rule of not hiring females as they fall in love with him. But Thea is most definitely looking for a relationship right now,
Their friendship is beautiful in its slow progression. Thea becomes friends with other towns people and thinks she might actually stay there after all.
Like I said the slow progression of this book was a welcome change/diversion. I loved the characters and was able to envision the town and surrounding countryside. The description brings you there. I was also able to tap into the heartfelt emotions of Thea from her sadness over her divorce, anger, feelings of inadequacy to the butterflies of kindling romance.
Definitely one-click this now! You won’t be disappointed.