She’s sworn off romance. But this summer, love might rewrite her story . . .
Single mum Carrie Worsley doesn’t need another disappointment — she needs a fresh start. So when she’s offered the chance to run her great-aunt’s romance bookshop in the Cornish seaside town of Castle Cove, she packs up her six-year-old daughter and takes the leap.
Secret beaches. Golden sunsets. And The Happily Ever After Bookshop — a pastel-pink sanctuary filled with stories of second chances. But it’s only temporary. Until she meets Michael — the quiet, brooding, local bookbinder with kind eyes and an adorably chaotic dog!
Michael isn’t looking for forever. Carrie doesn’t believe in it anymore. But stolen glances turn into slow-burn tension. Friendly coffees become lingering touches. And suddenly the chemistry isn’t just fictional — it’s undeniable.Between sea-salted evenings, cinnamon-scented mornings, and long afternoons lost among the shelves, Carrie begins to wonder . . .
What if this time, the love story is hers?
About The Author
My Review
This book is about single mum Carrie, who escapes London with her six-year-old daughter, Poppy, to spend the summer running her aunt’s seaside romance bookshop. Hoping for a fresh start and some breathing space, Carrie instead finds herself revisiting treasured childhood memories — and reconnecting with neighbour Michael, whose quiet strength and devotion to his teenage daughter, Layla, make him impossible to ignore.
I loved the gentle, low-angst tone of this story. The seaside setting feels warm and welcoming, and the bookshop itself is a charming backdrop filled with nostalgia and possibility. Watching Carrie and Michael’s families gradually blend together is one of the novel’s greatest joys. The bond between Poppy and Layla adds depth, and the sense of community in the town makes everything feel comforting and authentic.
The romance is a true slow burn, unfolding naturally and tenderly, which suits both characters and their responsibilities as parents. Overall, it’s a heartwarming, uplifting read about second chances, found family, and discovering that sometimes a new chapter begins exactly where your happiest memories were made.
My Rating
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