Member Reviews
I enjoyed returning to Holly’s tale, especially as she is nearing her due date with the little one. However, there is so much bickering between her and Ben that it takes away the excitement of Holly’s pregnancy. There’s a fair amount of underlying tension with Holly and Ben, not making this the happy ever after I was looking forwards to.
In this book, Ben and Holly’s relationship is incredibly strained. I could not understand why they were still together, suspecting it was due to Holly’s pregnancy. Whilst they are having relationship counselling, the fact they are working so hard at trying to make a success of things, I thought it all felt rather hollow – especially as Holly is not exactly being truthful.
Characters from previous books continue to make an appearance here: it is definitely worthwhile to have read the rest of the series so far. Surprisingly, Lynn creates a bit of a love triangle with Holly and I could not foresee how this would conclude. One thing it does do, is add to the tension in Holly’s relationship and I found I was growing frustrated with her two-faced actions: expecting one thing from Ben but doing the opposite herself. This aspect was quite disappointing because over the books, I had grown to admire her independence and business acumen. In terms of her love life however, she seems a complete disaster.
I enjoyed this book because of the little sub-plots featuring Jamie, Drey and Holly’s family. It added more colour to the novel and, surprisingly, the sweet shop itself takes more of a back seat in this novel. Having seen so much of it in previous books, this story is more about the people that make the sweet shop. With a baby on the way, secrets and plenty of angst, this was a read that shows how so many of the characters have high hopes but life does not always allow this to be achieved.
I am looking forward to reading the next few books in the series, but I really hope that Holly sorts herself out! She needs a jolly good talking to and with a baby to look after, stability is essential. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the love theme is less complicated and more sweet than this sour portrayal between Holly and Ben.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In "High Hopes at the Second Chances Sweet Shop," author Hannah Lynn delivers another delightful instalment in the charming series, offering readers a sweet and heart-warming tale that will leave them smiling from ear to ear. With its lovable characters, quaint setting, and touching themes, this novel is a perfect pick-me-up for fans of feel-good romance.
At the centre of the story is Holly Berry, the endearing owner of Just One More sweet shop, who finds herself facing new challenges as she navigates the joys and uncertainties of impending motherhood. As Holly prepares to balance running her thriving business with caring for her newborn, she also grapples with the complexities of her love life, torn between her feelings for Ben and the unexpected return of Giles.
What sets "High Hopes at the Second Chances Sweet Shop" apart is its heartfelt exploration of love, family, and second chances. Hannah Lynn's writing is warm and engaging, drawing readers into Holly's world and inviting them to share in her triumphs and tribulations. From the tender moments of motherhood to the ups and downs of romance, every aspect of the story resonates with authenticity and charm.
Moreover, Lynn's portrayal of the small-town setting and its vibrant cast of characters adds depth and richness to the narrative. As Holly grapples with the challenges of running her business and navigating her personal relationships, she finds support and friendship in the quirky residents of the town, who add humour and heart to the story.
Enjoyable but felt a bit frantic. I had ent read the third instalment but the narrative quickly brings you up to speed. I felt Holly and Ben were disconnected and felt slightly confused why they were together at all. I will continue with the series as I’d like to see how the story developed but I felt this wasn’t as good as the first two books in the series.
Thank you Netgalley
The story begins with Holly heavily pregnant, struggling with her life choices, including her job and her complex emotional connections with two men, both of whom have their merits and flaws. As she spirals into keeping secrets from them, her situation becomes overwhelming due to her pregnancy.
This installment delves deeper into the emotional aspects of Holly's life, taking a more serious approach than before. The story's ending and the conversations between the main characters significantly influenced the reader's overall enjoyment. The series offers continuous storytelling and doesn't conclude Holly's personal growth in any single book. Witnessing her gradual journey of confronting life's challenges is gratifying. While some books in the series may resonate more with readers than others, it's highly recommended for those who prefer following a single lead character with minimal distractions as she learns and evolves.The author's writing is straightforward and concise, making each book a quick and accessible read, even when dealing with emotional ups and downs.
High Hopes at the Second Chances Sweet Shop by Hannah Lynn was another great book. I really enjoyed it, Holly heavily pregnant with Ben’s child finds an old face comes back into her life, Giles, who Ben would not be happy knowing he was back and in her life. So can Holly and Ben work through everything or is Holly destined to be a single mother? Looking forward to find out what’s in store for everyone.
Another lovely read in this series. Unfortunately I didn't like the love triangle very much as I feel that you love one person at a time but, apart from that the story was great. Hope there is more to come in this series. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Loved this book. Only wished I had read the others. But will go read them now
It was a lovely feel good book to read. Good plot with a mix of characters. It all played out. Problems that need fixing. Very true to life.
Very well written.
I absolutely adored the summer vibes this book gave, it was so cute, but I couldn't get past the love triangle, which is not my thing. I didn't know this was book four in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOLDWOOD BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!
I've whirled through this series so far and have loved every second. The setting, the shop everything was picturesque.
Holly was funny and really didn't know what she wanted bless her. She is such a dreamer.
The ending wasn't what I expected but it was lovely and I'm too excited for September to bring instalment number 5.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Only when writing this review I found out that this is not the last in the series. There is to be one more. I decided to write the reviews together and decided not to wait to read the next.
This fourth book is a culmination of the arc that began in book two, at least in some ways. Holly is heavily pregnant when the story starts, and she is struggling with everything around her. She is considering her job/shop and her emotional reliance on two men, both of whom have good and bad to recommend to them. She spirals into keeping things from both, and given her state, it is no wonder when she is unable to cope.
There are some more emotional moments here, and it does take an even more serious stance about Holly's life than previously attempted.
If it had not ended the way it did, including the conversations between the lead characters at the very end, i might not have liked it as much as I did.
This series is the kind that is a joy for people who enjoy books that continue a tale. No one book is enough to close the chapter of Holly's growth arc. There was something satisfying about seeing her tackle her life bit by bit. I may have liked some of the books more than others, but I highly recommend this series for people who like to follow a single lead protagonist with minimal distractions as she learns and changes.
The author's writing is simple, to the point and flows, making each book a quick and easy read, even with emotional ups and downs.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
A cute story that made me smile and root for the characters. I loved the atmosphere and the storytelling.
Wasn't always a fan of Holly but I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
It's the fourth in a series but it can be read as a stand alone.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Can I start of with saying how pretty the front cover of this book is. I mean I know they say never judge a book by its cover. But this one is so pretty it really draws you in from the start. I love an inviting cover it's the front door of the book and just like the front door of a home I always feel it should be warm and inviting and make you want to jump right in.
Holly's shop is thriving. Which is everything she could have hoped for and more. Everything is doing really well and she can't help planning for the future.
With a gorgeous baby in tow. Life is coming up roses. If only that could also be said for her love life. Things with Ben and far from Rosey and have been on rocky ground for a little while and old flame Giles is back on the scene. What's a girl going to do.
A charming addition to the series. Full of wonderful characters, a well written tale and a wonderful setting too. This one will have you smiling from ear to ear.
This the 2nd in the series but I think can be read alone but that is just my opinion
We are catching up with Ben and Holly at the beginning of their relationship and others from the first book.
I have to admit I didn’t like Holly’s attitude at all she came across as very selfish and opinionated. Even when she was proved wrong on things there was no apology where as she expected apologies from others.
Great writing though made me keep reading to see if Holly had changed
We are back at The Second Chance Sweet shop with more tales of Holly and her life in this cosy and charming little town.
And this whole series of books on Holly and her life are such charming, easy to read and fun books to enjoy when you are feeling light-hearted and need of a feel-good read. Sweet, fun, light-hearted and charming. What more can I say!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
T|his is a series that you really need to read as it follows the story of Holly and the sweet shop. It is great to see Holly back with a baby well on the way. This is great series , highly recommended and with 5 stars.
Thanks to Netgally and publisher for this ARC
In this book Holly is expecting a baby with her partner Ben, but life is not as sweet at the treats in her shop and she has some big decisions to make. Will she make the right choices? Another excellent story from Hannah Lynn
While not as sweet and cozy as its predecessors, this fourth chapter in Holly's story is probably my favorite so far.
There are some frustrating moments (communication people!!), but I really liked seeing Holly figure out what was best for her.
Even with the higher amount of angst and drama, this is still a quick and relatively comfy read.
This book is the 4th book in the series, although it can be read as a standalone novel. I reccomend that you read them in order though.
I became very engrossed in this book and finished it in a day. It was more gritty than the previous books, with Holly having problems with the men in her life. Ben seemed to go through a personality change. He was not as kind as he previously was.
Holly seemed to be far from settled down to start her family. Although the cover shows a pram, the baby wasn't born until the very end of the book. I was pleased to see that there is another book being published very soon, as I need to know what happens next. The ending was unexpected.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.
Perhaps the title should have given it away- but everything about this story was a little too sweet for me. There was no real storyline- it just appeared to amble aimlessly
I love this series!! I love that we get to catch up with Holly and now a baby. It was so good. I couldn't stop smiling the whole time I was reading it. Loved it!!
I just reviewed High Hopes at the Second Chances Sweet Shop by Hannah Lynn. #HighHopesattheSecondChancesSweetShop #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]