Review of 'Second Chances' at the Hopeful Hearts Bookshop by Debbie Johnson
Review of 'Second Chances' at the Hopeful Hearts Bookshop by Debbie Johnson
Release date: July 16th, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
REVIEW
“The most important stories are told by our hearts.”
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Wow, what another emotional and exhilarating roller coaster read by Debbie Johnson in Second Chances at the Hopeful Hearts Bookshop. The premise for this series is refreshing and unique with its uplifting letters that have been placed inside books and sent out to various bookshops for the right person to find. After a special message of hope and understanding is seen, an invitation is given to come as a guest to stay at Bonnie Bay where a person’s heart can be restored and even dreams realised. Inspired by her late husband, Moira is the lady who has written these beautiful words of encouragement and placed them in the books. She hopes whoever needs special care will find one and take up her genuine offer. So far, this mission has brought the right people to their town for those who have come, need restoration, love and a second chance. As they heal, they offer up their talents to Moira and quickly become part of the community. They basically give back even more than they take. In this case, our leading characters get a second chance at love and being with each other after many years apart.
It wasn’t long ago I read the first book of the Bonnie Bay series and absolutely loved it and now I have read of a mother and daughter who find their way to this special place after finding one of Moira's moving notes. They come to the bookshop at the end of the world, now renamed Hopeful Hearts which is a bit more positive sounding than the original name.
When the publisher sent me an invitation to read and review the second book, I quickly accepted. I adore everything about it—especially its Romeo and Juliet theme of two star crossed lovers pulled apart by their families. This modern day version is brilliant, beautiful and bingeable! Once I started reading I found it hard to stop. I was consumed by this novel’s charm and bursting with emotion for Jane and Rory, now my favourite romantic couple in contemporary fiction!
The setting of Bonnie Bay, Scotland, once again takes centre stage with its breathtaking beauty. It is so easy to see why Jane is inspired by the landscape to start up her art passion again. And Jane, well, she is a very wounded individual deeply hurt by a past love. Now in her forties, as a single mother of a moody teenage daughter name Beth—she has a secure work position, that is high paying, predictable and very boring. Life for Jane is quite dull (as her daughter keeps suggesting)—a far cry from her wild and creative younger self. But after finding the enchanting invitation, she is challenged by her daughter to take up the offer to visit Bonnie Bay. Jane, though, keeps her shock hidden from Beth for this location has a special significance. It is where she was supposed to have run away to with her Romeo. But the golden dream never happened. Only her heart shattered into a million pieces and never recovered. It damaged her deeply.
But to boost her relationship with Beth, she ventures off to Bonnie Bay. When she lands there they cannot believe how beautiful and peaceful it is. Beth makes a friend immediately and Jane meets Moira and gets to see what a warm and welcoming person she is, supported by a caring community of souls.
And what became of her Romeo? He has lived in a few different places but now is in Bonnie Bay! Rory Callaghan also has nursed a long term broken heart but carried on best he could, though never married. When he sees the love of his past life standing in the same space, he cannot believe she is there..
These two have tried for many years to recover from their broken hearts. They blamed each other for abandonment at the moment they were supposed to run away together. But there were other forces at work, which they did not know about and once they do, we watch these two navigate through a minefield of emotions. And what will happen with them after that? You have to get this book and read it! But be prepared to keep a hand full of tissues for this is a beautiful second chance story that will wrap around your heart, squeeze it and never let go. I highly recommend Second Chances at the Hopeful Hearts Bookshop.
5 happy Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC
