Recommendations based on "The Bookshop of Second Chances: A Novel"

From the million-copy bestselling author of The Lost BookshopNestled among the cobblestone streets of Compiègne, there existed a bakery unlike any other.Rumours were whispered through the town that its pastries offered a taste of magic, chasing away the darkest of sorrows. Just one bite of a croissant might bring luck, unlock a precious memory or reveal hidden longings.But dark clouds were looming on the horizon…For Edie Lane, a recipe for disaster doesn’t require that many ingredients. Take an unhealthy amount of wishful thinking and a sprinkle of desperation and that’s how Edie left everything behind in Ireland for her dream job at a bakery in Paris. Except the bakery isn’t in Paris – and neither is Edie.This might not be where Edie intended to be but she soon realizes it's exactly where she needs to be…Praise for Evie Woods‘Beautifully written and captures the wonder and awe that a story can bring to its reader…a delightful story for any book lover…an ode to storytelling and the connections that books can make!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wowwww!! It’s been awhile since I read something so fascinating, captivating and special all in one…It takes you on a journey like most books do, but this one, I just want to inscribe on my back and hope that it becomes a part of me so that I can carry it with me always’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A must read for readers that love books’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A beautiful story that begs to be read in one sitting…a magical story filled with beautiful prose and many surprises that readers will not soon forget’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This spellbinding book hooked me from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down til the end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Augusta Hope has never felt like she fits in.At six, she’s memorising the dictionary. At seven, she’s correcting her teachers. At eight, she spins the globe and picks her favourite country on the sound of its name: Burundi.And now that she's an adult, Augusta has no interest in the goings-on of the small town where she lives with her parents and her beloved twin sister, Julia.When an unspeakable tragedy upends everything in Augusta's life, she's propelled headfirst into the unknown. She's determined to find where she belongs – but what if her true home, and heart, are half a world away?

For sixteen-year-old Lizzie McDougall, life in the Glasgow tenements comes as a culture shock after her sheltered upbringing in the Highlands. But for her father, who has just lost his job in the tiny town of Tomintoul, Glasgow offers employment. Her new life enables Lizzie to work in a factory as a seamstress - and it opens her horizons to new friends as well. Especially the spirited Pearl, who introduces Lizzie to her boyfriend Willie, and her cousin, the handsome, happy-go-lucky Jack - a real bobby-dazzler . . . It's not just Lizzie who faces temptation in the big city. Her father Doogie, also working in a factory, is exposed to it in the shape of the buxom Daisy. He moved here for the sake of his family's future, but now he's in danger of throwing that future away. Praise for Emma Blair: 'An engaging novel and the characters are endearing - a good holiday read' Historical Novels Review 'All the tragedy and passion you could hope for . . . Brilliant' The Bookseller 'Romantic fiction pure and simple and the best sort - direct, warm and hugely readable. Women's fiction at an excellent level' Publishing News 'Emma Blair explores the complex and difficult nature of human emotions in this passionately written novel' Edinburgh Evening News 'Entertaining romantic fiction' Historical Novels Review '[Emma Blair] is well worth recommending' The Bookseller

#1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel’s deeply moving novel is the story of a woman whose life is turned upside down while living temporarily in the French countryside.Oona Kelly Webster has much to be grateful for… A striking woman with red hair and green eyes, she has a loving family and a job she adores, editing a prestigious line of books. To celebrate their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, she and her husband Charles have planned a visit to France.But then Charles drops a bombshell. He has been living a lie--hiding an affair for a year—and he is leaving Oona for a younger male lover.Although devastated, Oona decides to travel to France without Charles. She arrives in a charming village an hour outside of Paris, and settles into the house she has rented, called La Belle Florence—named after the king’s mistress for whom it was built. But just as she’s catching her breath, she’s dealt another blow: her company’s merger will eliminate her job.In the space of a few months, everything she nurtured for decades has slipped through her fingers. The only silver lining is that she can remain in France, where the simple life in beautiful surroundings slowly begins to heal her-- as does the little white dog she rescues, and a friendly neighbor hailing from Trinidad, who delights her with his openness and warmth.Though she did not at first recognize him, her neighbor, she soon realizes, is a well-known actor. As their feelings begin to deepen, Oona wrestles with the risks of opening her heart again—especially with a younger, very famous man.Never Say Never is an inspiring novel about a woman who finds a second chance at happiness and love, all because she understands the importance of being brave enough to stay open to change.

‘Julie Shackman knows how to bring the feel-good factor to fiction’ Woman’s Weekly 'I was completely drawn into the storyline... It resonates with love, an extra layer of maturity, wisdom and skill and left my heart squeezed, teary and smiling. This magnificent story shines with a hope and brilliance that captivated my heart.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Get ready to fall in love with the brand new feel-good romance from bestselling author, Julie Shackman. When romance author Rosie Winters’s own fairytale romance ends with a bang, she’s determined to get away from everything. Packing up her belongings she sets off for the furthest place she can think of: Scotland. Rosie spent her summers at her late grandmother’s coastal cottage in the Highlands and knows it’ll be the perfect place to wallow for a while. Even better that there’s a gorgeous lighthouse and dolphins in the bay. What Rosie didn’t expect was to bump into the new lighthouse keeper, Mitch. Despite her recent heartbreak, Rosie finds herself fascinated by the mysterious Mitch. As they spend more time together, is it possible that he needs Rosie every bit as she needs him... Readers have fallen in love with A Scottish Lighthouse Escape: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Absolutely stunning book! I absolutely loved the story, it was easy to read and the perfect balance of emotions!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A real page turner... I loved the description of the cottage itself and the surroundings in the Highlands of Scotland’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautiful, heart-warming and uplifting story' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A fabulous book, takes it's time and gives you all the feels. Fabulous characters and perfect pacing’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘You have old love, art, a broken hearted lighthouse keeper and two gorgeous dogs. Also discovering your grandparents lives’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A lovely, gentle read, a love story set in Scotland. It had several twists and kept me interested in the plot. I especially loved the way the two dogs played an integral part in the story; you can tell that the author is a dog lover'

The perfect summer holiday read for fans of Cathy Bramley and Phillipa Ashley Return to Love Heart Lane for friendship, romance and a community who will be be there for you no matter what... Isla and Drew Allaway appear to have the perfect life - a strong marriage, two beautiful children and their picture-perfect home, Foxglove Farm. But, new mum Isla is struggling. She loves her little family but with Drew working all hours on the farm, Isla's lonely. When she discovers that Drew has been keeping secrets from her, Isla has to face losing the home they all love. Can the Love Heart Lane community pull together once more to help save Foxglove Farm? And can Isla save her home...and her marriage?

Fall in love with the brand new escapist Scottish romance from bestselling author, Julie Shackman! Daisy’s career hasn’t exactly been going to plan and the last thing she wants to do is stay home and wallow in self pity. So when an opportunity arises to escape her London home, and make some money working a fancy event at a stately home, she jumps at it. Determined to make the most out of the situation, she decides a road trip to the Scottish Highlands would be the perfect way to reset and take control of her life. When devilishly handsome Evan finds himself stranded at the event following a cancelled flight to Scotland, Daisy does the kindest thing she can think of and invites him to join her. As they embark on their journey north, will the scenic trip help them rediscover themselves, and possibly even find something they weren’t expecting... Praise for Julie Shackman ‘A fun-filled romance... it’ll take your mind off the winter weather and maybe even inspire you to consider Skye as a summer holiday destination’ My Weekly ‘A true page-turner’ Chat Monthly ‘A wonderfully warm tale’ The Sun ‘A lovely cozy romance... a feel good book with the best descriptions of the island’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A fab story about the importance of living in the moment and finding yourself. Set in beautiful Skye it’s a lovely read all round’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The descriptions of the area were beautiful... I love the mystery that was woven into the story’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book was darling!!! I fell in love with the main character! The setting was beautiful and it pulled all the heartstrings. Loved it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Thank you Julie for taking me to Skye with Darcie on her journey of enlightenment and love. I was willing her and Logan together from the get go. You could feel the chemistry between them off the pages!!! Absolutely gorgeous book loved in from page 1’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Great story and a fab ending. Some good twists’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'An excellent read. This book has a beautifully designed setting and with that background, a mystery, a range of characters; eccentric and otherwise, and a romance’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A little gem. 5*’ Samantha Tonge, bestselling author of The New Beginnings Coffee Club You’re never too old to try something new! When octogenarian Olive Turner is persuaded by her son to move into a retirement home, she congratulates herself on finding the secret to an easy life: no washing up, cooking or cleaning. But Olive isn’t one for mindless bingo with her fellow residents, and before the first day is over she's already hatching a plan to escape back to her beloved beach hut and indulge in her secret passion for a very good gin & tonic. Before long Olive’s secret is out and turning into something wonderful and new. Only a select few are invited, but word spreads quickly about the weekly meetings of The Gin Shack Club. Soon everybody on the beach wants to become a gin connoisseur and join Olive on her journey to never being forced to grow older than you feel. A journey of friendship, defiance and a quest for the perfect G&T. Readers LOVE The Gin Shack on the Beach! ‘Wow, what a lovely story! The book captured me from the start...This book was a breath of fresh air!... This is a book that I won’t forget in a hurry, genuinely one that everyone should read. Highly recommended.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘I absolutely loved it! This is a 5 star book all the way and I’m only sorry that it ended.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘This book is a hoot and I spent a glorious Saturday immersed between the pages and absolutely loved every moment of it. Fantastic.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘I adored absolutely everything about this book!... Fantastic and utterly fun.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘Brilliantly written, and a story of not growing old gracefully.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘Perfect summer reading, or for anytime really when you want a feel-good and uplifting read.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

Discover the emotional, funny, unforgettable BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick, Amazon Best Book of 2025 so far and New York Times bestselling word-of-mouth sensation that thousands of readers are calling their favourite book of the year...⭐ Over 20,000 five-star reviews on Goodreads ⭐ 'THIS NOVEL IS A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION' Ann Patchett'I CAN'T PRAISE IT ENOUGH. AN ABSOLUTE TRIUMPH' Clare Chambers‘I DON'T HAVE ANY WORDS. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY’ Reader review'I THINK I'VE JUST FINISHED MY FAVOURITE BOOK OF THE YEAR' Reader reviewA heartwarming, witty story about the life of an extraordinary woman, told through her letters, for fans of Olive Kitteridge, A Man Called Ove and 84 Charing Cross Road–Every morning, Sybil Van Antwerp sits down to write letters – to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to attend a class she desperately wants to take, to her favourite authors to tell them what she thinks of their latest books.Because at seventy-three, Sybil has used her correspondence – witty and wise – to make sense of the world. But beyond the page, she has spent the last thirty years keeping the people who love her at arms’ length... Until letters from someone she had put out of her mind land on her doorstep, forcing her to reckon with her past mistakes.For as Sybil is about to learn: it’s never too late to write a few post-scripts.–⭐ THE BOOK THAT HAS CAPTURED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF HEARTS ⭐‘I cried more than once as I witnessed this brilliant woman come to understand herself more deeply’ Florence Knapp, bestselling author of The Names 'Makes me hopeful that there's still plenty of good left in the world and my life ' Reader Review‘You will fall in love with Sybil. You will not want to let her go’ Irish Times‘Left a profound impact on me. Impossible not to be moved’ Reader review‘I can’t imagine anyone with a soul not loving it’ Lauren Bravo‘Full of joy. Full of heartbreak. Perfect’ Reader review

A sun-soaked trip to the Amalfi Coast promises a fresh start—and reveals secrets never imagined in New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak’s tender new novel. In the wake of her debut novel’s breakout success—and a very painful public divorce—Charlotte Williams-Jackson has something to prove. With her second novel overdue, she’s scrambling to hold it together. But her focus is rocked when she discovers that her childhood wasn't as it seemed—and she has a tween half-sister who's been orphaned in Italy. Alongside her best friend, Sloane, and Sloane’s charming brother, Julian, Charlotte ventures to the Amalfi Coast to meet her sister. She would never turn her back on family, especially since this girl doesn’t have anyone else, but between her looming deadline and her entire identity being flipped upside down, it’s a lot. Determined to rebuild her life, Charlotte must confront the relationships she’s held dear—and the loss of those she thought she had but didn't—forcing her to question everything she understood about herself and the bonds that shape a family. More from Brenda Novak: The Summer that Changed Everything The Banned Books Club Tourist Season The Bookstore on the Beach The Messy Life of Jane Tanner