Second Chance at Sunshine Inn - Book Review

When I opened this book I expected a cute love story that culminated in a typical happy ending. However, this book was so much more. In Second Chance at Sunshine Inn, Amy Clipston explores sibling relationships while spinning sweet costal town romance. Those who liked Denise Hunter's Love, Unscripted and Bookshop by the Sea, as well as Irene Hannon's contemporary novels will love this book.

Plot Summary

When Alana passes and leaves her half of Sunshine Inn, NICU nurse Everleigh Hartnett is sure this is her godmother's way of paying for the nonprofit they dreamed up together. However Cade Witherspoon, who inherited the other half of the inn, throws a wrench in her plans when he refuses to sell. He believes Alana would want the inn to continue to run and wants Everleigh to be a silent partner while he handles the day-to-day operations.

After a lot of back and forth they strike a deal. If Evereigh can sell the inn under certain conditions before Thanksgiving, then he'll sign the papers. If she can't, then she'll leave and go along with his plan. But as the weeks fly by, Cade and Everleigh's bickering becomes almost non-existent and their interest in each other grows. Despite their obvious differences, is a romance possible for them?

Content Warnings

None.

Personal Thoughts

Part of what made this story so enjoyable was seeing both of the main characters grow. At first, Cade was prickly and closed-off. I've read a lot books with grumps, but he's takes first prize for being the grumpiest guy. But as Everleigh shows him her own special brand of sunshine, he becomes more personal and starts to reach out not only to her, but to those around him.

Everleigh's development was subtler. She had the biggest heart and a passion for her patients, but that left her a bit clueless about how selling the inn would affect others, including Cade. Eventually, though, she catches on to how important it is.

What I liked most was how Clipston created characters with distinct voices and perspectives. I also liked how she handled the sunshine-grump trope. Everleigh wasn't a complete ditz, like some of the characters I've encountered within this trope. She sometimes thought the best of people when she shouldn't have, but she wasn't stupid. Cade had a legitimate reason for being guarded, but he was a softie underneath all his prickles.

Everleigh and Cade's romance was sweet. While at first Cade wanted to keep his distance, Everleigh was determined that they would be friends. Of course, that turned into something more 😁 Their chemistry was always there, but their relationship developed slowly, which I liked. The conflict between them was understandable and all throughout the whole story I was wondering "How are they going to work things out?" The ending was not what I expected, but I loved it.

Ultimately, this book is about families working through past issues and siblings coming together. [SPOILER ALERT] Cade has to navigate his relationship with his unknown half-brother, Declan, and how close they'll be despite his mother's reaction to Declan coming into her life [END OF SPOILER]. Everleigh also had difficulties with her sister. While this wasn't as fleshed out as Cade's journey, it went along with the general plot.

Notes

This book is best for teens and adults.

Steam Level: 💋💋

For those of you who have read Second Chance at Sunshine Inn, what did you think of it? For those of you who have not read it, would you? Tell me on my social media here!