This is the story of Sophie and Aiden as they reconnect after years of being apart. Aiden left Sophie years ago to follow his dream. It has been Sophie's dream to open a bookstore. Just as she is about to open a hurricane barrels through town leaving destruction in its path. Sophie has also been surrogate mother to her mother and sister. When they want something she does her best to provide it for them. This is a nice easy read for someone that doesn't like a lot of action type books.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was

3.5 stars

"Forgiveness is one thing. Trust is another."

A lot of water has gone the bridge between Sophie Lawson and Aiden Maddox; seven years worth to be exact. So when Sophie spots her nemesis across the room at her sister's wedding rehearsal party, it's illogical to think that her heart rate might increase and her palms become clammy . . . . she has erased all-things-Aiden from her heart . . . right??? Wrong.

Ironically, things do actually go bump in the night when Sophie and Aiden literally collide in the darkness. Following the ceremony, they both take refuge from an approaching hurricane in the same cottage, owned by mutual friends . . . . what a cruel coincidence or perhaps they have been handed a golden opportunity.

That would be too easy, for Sophie is frantically preparing a grand opening for her long-dreamed-of "bookshop by the sea", located along a quaint boardwalk in Piper's Cove, North Carolina. Meanwhile, Aiden is a successful business man, owning shares in an extreme sports company in Charleston, South Carolina. Laying aside the obvious geographical gulf, they both have abandonment issues that tend to override their ability to trust . . . will lashing out or running away eventually become a barrier to love?

The epitome of a feel-good kind of story, Bookshop by the Sea invites readers to sit back and enjoy the view! Every bookshop needs one, or two, . . . . or a few dozen copies . . . especially after reading that ending!

"Having a few walls to guard herself was perfectly acceptable as long as there was an operable doorway."

I loved being in Piper's Cove, NC and never wanted to leave. Denise Hunter always brings her readers delightful, heart-tugging, deliciously romantic, thoroughly redemptive stories and this book is no exception. Aiden and Sophie are wonderful, even with their insecurities, fears, and doubts. They have a history and it was so much fun to see their past, present, and future mingle as forgiveness triumphs and second chances take front stage. Sophie's newly opened bookshop and her love for books set a great backdrop to the story. Cameo appearance from Bluebell Inn series characters was the icing on top. I hope I run into Aiden and Sophie again in future books!

I received the book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

Bookshop by the Sea is sweet second chance romance that Denise Hunter fans will love. Set in a charming coastal North Carolina town, this story reunites Aiden and Sophie after seven years apart. A hurricane coming through town forces them to confront their past, and other circumstances lead to them unexpectedly working together to get Sophie's bookshop ready to open. They each bring their own quirks and flaws to the story, making them both likable, relatable characters. If you read Denise Hunter's Bluebell Inn series, you will enjoy Molly and Adam's brief appearances in this book!

While Denise Hunter is known as a Christian fiction author, the faith element in this book wasn't very overt. It's a sweet, clean romance that would make a great beach read, and I just might want to start my own bookshop by the sea after reading it!

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

After taking over the raising of her siblings and caring for her ailing mother for years, Sophie is finally pursuing a dream of her own, opening her bookshop by the sea. Mishap after mishap threatens her opening, including getting stormed in with the man who left her seven years ago.

I liked seeing how the town came together to support Sophie in her endeavor when things fell apart. They exemplified what a community should be like, whether a small town or a church. It was hard seeing Sophie's own family not behaving well towards her and how that impacted other relationships in her life. In the end, it was a good story about second chances, taking risks, and trusting God with our hearts and lives.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.