Pre-order the BRAND NEW instalment in Hannah Lynn's candy sweet romance series It’ll be a Christmas to remember …
Holly Berry is finally in a place where she can see her happy a beautiful daughter, who's growing ever sweeter by the day, a new home she can make her own, and – of course – her partner-in-crime, Evan.
But when tragedy strikes, Holly’s life is thrown into turmoil. And, perhaps in denial, she decides to cancel all of her Christmas plans in favour of some healing of her own.
She thinks spending time with Evan’s family will help, but it’s her own family she needs to be with right now. Luckily, they know this, and follow her out to the States to join her in her alternate holiday plans.
They say that time heals all wounds, and with her loved ones around her, can she hope for a brighter tomorrow…?
A heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story about friends, family and true love lasting forever, from the bestselling author of the Wildflower Lock series
Praise for Hannah Lynn
'A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!' Katie Fforde
'A real feel good read. With the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold countryside and the delightful sweet shop what could possibly go wrong?' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'I loved this book a lot! The romance was so sweet. And the setting was perfect.' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'I've loved everything about this book and this series. Hannah Lynn has become an instant read author for me' ★★★★★ Reader Review
Hannah Lynn is a multi award winning novelist. Publishing her first book, Amendments – a dark, dystopian speculative fiction novel, in 2015. Her second book, The Afterlife of Walter Augustus – a contemporary fiction novel with a supernatural twist – went on to win the 2018 Kindle Storyteller Award and the Independent Publishers Gold Medal for Best Adult Ebook.
Born in 1984, Hannah grew up in the Cotswolds, UK. After graduating from university, she spent 15 years as a teacher of physics, first in the UK and then Thailand, Malaysia, Austria and Jordan. It was during this time, inspired by the imaginations of the young people she taught, she began writing short stories for children, and later adult fiction.
With over 30 publications spanning a number of genres and translated into a dozen languages, Hannah has proven herself to be both an accomplished and prolific author.
Now settled back in the UK with her husband, daughter and clowder of cats, she spends her days writing romantic comedies and historical fiction. Her first historical fiction novel, Athena's Child, was also a 2020 Gold Medalist at the Independent Publishers Awards.
This book hurts—like, really hurts. Holly finally has everything: a loving partner, an adorable daughter, and a home to call her own. But then, bam! Tragedy strikes, and Holly’s world falls apart. It’s such a tear-jerker (cue the ugly crying). Honestly, my heart broke for her.
The only thing keeping me going? The promise of a happy ending in the final book of the series. I can't believe the next one will be the last! I’ve loved this series so much.
I received a free copy of, Snowflakes Over the Second Chances Sweet Sop, by Hannah Lynn, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book seven of seven in The Holly Berry Sweet Shop series. Holly Berry and her daughter Hope, are starting over after the loss of her beloved partner, so she decides to spend the Christmas holidays in the US. I found this book to be good, but very sad.
I don't think I can talk to Hannah for a while. I have spent so much time crying while reading, it's no joke. From 20% I wanted to do a Joey and put the book in the freezer and never read it again. EVER AGAIN!
I think I have had a feeling what the end game will be, but this book hurts. It hurts so bad.
I love that we got to go to America and meet Evan's family. They were all so welcoming and all-inclusive, bar one, but there are reasons and I got those reasons.
It's hard to talk about this book, 1 because I don't want to spoil it and 2 because it is hard to discuss it. Hannah has got everything on point, every single emotion. She got with me with every smile and every tear...I used up my tissue box, I am talking ugly snot crying!
At the heart of the book is Hope and Holly. But Hope is just gorgeous and a proper ray of sunshine.
I love this series and I can't believe the next one is the last one. Cue more tears!!! One of my top books this year!
This book is filled with heartache but also such beautiful moments. I flew though this book in one night, I loved being back with Holly and her family and friends.
Everything about this book has you wanting to snuggle up under a blanket with the fire on a loaded hot chocolate on the side.
Hannah is one of my favourite authors, I'm loving this series and the wildflower lock series so much.
Wow, I certainly wasn’t expecting a read that would pack so much punch. I had an inkling this was a bit of a sadder story compared to the rest of the series, but I definitely was not prepared for this story. Hannah Lynn, you have broken my heart with this read and I cannot wait until the next (and final) book is released. I need to know that everything is going to be ok with my favourite sweet shop owner.
I did think this was going to be a Christmas book but, fear not fans, it is just full of snow, thanks to the snowy Seattle setting. Whilst it is referenced a couple of times, you don’t get full-on tinsel vibes in this book, which I think makes it a good early winter read. Especially if you have read the other books in the series (which I think is essential by now).
Holly finds herself in Seattle, getting to know Evan’s family. There are a lot of characters to place but I enjoyed how this story moves beyond the cute Cotswolds setting, offering something rather different to the narrative. Not only do we see the snow drifts in full, but also the interactions between Evan’s siblings – especially his hard-nosed triplet sister, Erin. I definitely would not want to cross paths with her!
Without giving away too much of the plot, I really sympathised with Holly and her daughter. All plans have changed for Holly and the unrest and lack of certainty completely rocks her world. Holly finds strength in her daughter and I loved seeing the close mother-daughter bond that they have.
There are also a few familiar faces in this story in the form of Ben and Giles. I was definitely expecting the latter to make an appearance and wonder what is in store for him next. Furthermore, with best friend Jamie expecting her new baby any day, I am hoping that Lynn provides a heart-warming, happy ending for Holly once and for all.
In my opinion, this series keeps getting stronger and the writer continues to surprise readers with different stories each time. I have enjoyed seeing Holly grow as a character and will feel bereft when the series is completed. A lovely series, it is one you should read in order and save this one for when you have a strong constitution!
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This hurts… like really bad. The wonderful Holly finally has everything going for her: a thriving shop, a cute daughter and the love of her life. But then Evan dies. DIES! What kind of alternate universe is this? And can I go back? Because I have basically been crying non stop since around 20-25% in. It feels like the books, who normally gives me a warm feeling and sense of everything is going to be okay, just took a turn and broke my heart… But I’ve loved every second - minus the dying part obvs, because I truly loved Evan. He is, or rather was, one of the best book boyfriends I have ever come across, and can we all just agree that those two were MEANT for each other?! And the way it happened? Ripped my heart right out and stomped on it, and I dion’t think I will ever ever recover from that actually.
Such a sad story this one. It really tugs at your heart strings. It was a tough read at times but, I still enjoyed it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest.
This was a hard book to read, it is a story centered around grief and what happens in the wake of a tragedy. Probably wasn’t the best time to read as I’m going through grief myself. But it made it feel real, I felt Hollys pain I was able to connect will all the characters and could envision the words coming to life. It was an easy read as far as the book itself. This is the only one I have read in the series and everything made sense to me. 📚grief 📚travel Between UK and US 📚 clean 📚 big family aspect 📚 not a HEA
I was not ready for this book, I wanted a happy ever after for them. It was so sad and I’m angry for them that this happened. I wanted louts of little babies and a gorgeous life for Holly and Hope. That being said it was well written and the friendships and the way the family was all woken in was great. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
📚Book Review: "Snowflakes over the Second Chances Sweet Shop" by Hannah Lynn ✨Genre: Contemporary; Adult; Christmas Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
🎄Hannah Lynn delivers a heartwarming and deeply emotional holiday read in "Snowflakes over the Second Chances Sweet Shop." This story is a perfect blend of love, loss, and the enduring power of family and friendship, all wrapped up in a festive package.
🎄Why You’ll Love It: 🎅Perfect for the Holidays: This book is the epitome of a Christmas story, filled with festive charm, emotional depth, and the kind of warmth that only family can bring. 💔Heartfelt and Healing: Holly’s story is a poignant exploration of grief and recovery, showing how even in the darkest of times, love and family can light the way. 👨👩👧Family and Friendship: The focus on family bonds and the support of friends during tough times will resonate deeply with readers who understand the importance of these connections. 🌟Uplifting and Inspiring: Despite the heavy themes, this story ultimately uplifts and inspires, making it a perfect read for those who believe in second chances and the magic of the holidays.
💓Perfect For Fans Of: ✨Debbie Macomber and her warm, holiday-themed romances. ✨Jenny Colgan, with her cozy settings and heartfelt characters. ✨Jojo Moyes, for those who love a good cry followed by a satisfying emotional payoff.
Thanks to @rachelsrandomresources and @netgalley for the #ARC #BlogTour
Snowflakes Over The Second Chances Sweet Shop by Hannah Lynn
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
It’ll be a Christmas to remember …
Holly Berry is finally in a place where she can see her happy a beautiful daughter, who's growing ever sweeter by the day, a new home she can make her own, and – of course – her partner-in-crime, Evan.
But when tragedy strikes, Holly’s life is thrown into turmoil. And, perhaps in denial, she decides to cancel all of her Christmas plans in favour of some healing of her own.
She thinks spending time with Evan’s family will help, but it’s her own family she needs to be with right now. Luckily, they know this, and follow her out to the States to join her in her alternate holiday plans.
They say that time heals all wounds, and with her loved ones around her, can she hope for a brighter tomorrow…?
My Opinion
I would highly recommend that you read the previous books in the series before you make a start on Snowflakes Over the Second Chances Sweet Shop.
This is not your typical festive book, Hannah Lynn has written a relatively sad book - the book is still enjoyable though. Holly has a difficult time in this book, but you can see the way that her friends and family come together to help her.
I read this book in one weekend, and it is definitely one that I would recommend reading with a blanket and some tissues handy - it was difficult to put down.
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening ? Down the lane, snow is glistening, a beautiful sight, I’m happy tonight, reading in a Winter Wonderland. Or close enough with the weather we’ve been having lately, felt like autumn since July in the UK so it must be about time for Christmas. All joking aside, because I wanted to start this review with light heartedness because I’ve been sobbing into my pillow, tissues, anything I could find whilst reading this beautiful story.
Snowflakes over the second chances sweet shop is such a wonderful, moving and ultimately uplifting read for the season, one you will devour over autumn or winter, but bring boxes of tissues and I mean boxes, not singular, it will also devour you and leave you cursing Hannah Lynn for all the emotions she has wrung out of you, it’s a beautiful read, it’s just not an easy one emotionally speaking, I wanted to stop so much because I was aching for the characters, but it’s so hard to put down despite the heartache, but I guess that’s Hannah’s skilful storytelling, she makes me glad to suffer, breaks me down and puts me together again !
As I say overall, it’s an uplifting story, one about family, love being forever, but I can’t really go into explaining why without spoilers. This book to me can’t be read as a stand-alone as it’s part of a series and you do need to have read previous books. But if you are looking to really feel a book, this is one you will 100% make you feel !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Holly and her partner Evan are taking a much needed break from the sweetshop that Holly runs in an idyllic location in the Cotswolds. Evan has found a lovely cottage in the Lake District with all the home comforts and more for Holly. Holly's daughter Hope is being looked after by Holly's mum, so Holly feels like she is going to have a relaxing holiday. But things sometimes happen suddenly, and after what happened so quickly to Evan, Holly couldn't take it in. One minute he is being a good samaritan rescuing a teenage boy who had been playing on the waters edge, but the weather was terrible, bad snow and ice, the boy walked out and the ice broke, Evan wasted no time in going out on the ice and rescuing him. He managed to save the lad but lost his own life in the process. The grief takes over Holly's life and after returning to America with Evans mum, she then has to deal with all of Evans family, some take her into their family easily but one person blames Holly for Evans death and Holly finds this extremely difficult to cope with. As Evan was a triplet, his two sisters find it extremely hard and don't really want Holly there intruding on their grief. Set in the lead up to Christmas when normally everyone has celebrations on their minds, but this is definitely not the case with Holly and her extended family.
Yes, this book is very good, very readable but it is also so very, very sad. You will definitely need tissues at the ready when reading it.
This book is book 2 in a series, and even though I haven't read book 1 yet, it hasn't been released, I enjoyed reading this book. Evan decided to surprise his girlfriend Holly, and she didn't know it, but he was going to propose. When they arrived, they walked down to the beach, and there was a child out on the thin ice, and the child kept going out further. Evan went in to save him, and he didn't make it. Holly decides to cancel Christmas and go to America, where Evan lived, and his family is there. She and her daughter, Hope, left England and arrived in America. It is emotional, the journey through the grief they have to start to go through, Life still goes on, and we see their struggles, their mistakes, their, coming together, to help each other, and the everyday things they must face. It was an emotional book, but also a book I couldn't stop reading. Even though this is a book 2, I could relate to the grieving, the process, and all they went through. I think it can be a standalone book, because the book starts with the people who are there, and tells their journey from there. It was meeting new friends for the first time, where they are in their journey. I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.
Snowflakes Over the Second Chances Sweet Shop by Hannah Lynn isn’t for those who want a happy ending love story. I didn’t realize that this is also part of a series but I can say I would like to start from the beginning and read them all as I truly did enjoy this read!
Holly is a single mother to 2 year old Hope. She was to be engaged to her partner Evan and then tragedy struck. She is surrounded by many family and friends from a small town who are there for her. You also learn about her significant others family and it’s a tear jerker book entirely.
Again, it is my first book of this series so I had some questions to how Holly is such good friends with Hopes father. (If you’ve followed Holly’s story, you’re not going to be as lost in some parts as I was) BUT the whole story itself, was no confusion and it was an amazing families coming together while coping. It’s a very emotional and heartbreaking story where Holly’s life will never be the same. But it was a book that I couldn’t put down! I’ll be adding the series to my TBR list!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this AMAZING ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own, and I do not accept money for any reviews.
Having read Hannah Lynn's previous books in the series I am familiar with her writing style and enjoy her writing very much. This book is not what I was expecting at all. No matter how much you plan life with all the best intentions it can change just like that, in the blink of an eye. I'd advise reading the other books in the series, so you have Holly Berry's backstory. Holly is happy in life, she runs her sweetshop, has a beautiful young daughter and has a strong romantic relationship that is on the verge of engagement. A tragedy occurs and in an instant life changes for her. The book has a lot of emotions running through it, dealing with loss and uncertainty. After her tremendous loss she gets a lot of support from family and friends. Though the book is heartbreaking at times there are heartwarming times as well especially involving her precious daughter who though doesn't completely understand what has happened has much love wrapped around her. Beautifully and emotionally written and highly recommended.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Evan wants to take his live in girlfriend, Holly, on a relaxing weekend to the lake district in the UK. Holly's friend put the idea in her head he was going to propose. On this weekend, Evan proves to be a hero but at what expense. Unexpected events alter the lives of so many. Holly decides to cancel Christmas and go to America, where Evan lived, and his family is there. She and her daughter, Hope, left England and arrived in America. It is emotional, the journey through the grief they have to start to go through, Life still goes on, and we see their struggles, their mistakes, their, coming together, to help each other, and the everyday things they must face. Reflects of shock, grief and struggling to move forward. The settings in both UK and USA were beautiful, it was easy to read but I found it very sad. Much Thanks to Boldwood Books through NetGalley and the author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC!
3.5 Stars. This book is one of a series, which I hadn't realized when getting it, and while you don't necessarily need to read the first I would highly recommend it to follow along easier. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book, I think it was written well overall but I definitely was not in the right headspace for this as it is very sad. I would say if you're in a place where a sadder read won't affect you too much to go for it! It will be a quick read that is enjoyable. But if you're not in a sad book space I would wait until you're in a better headspace. This book deals with loss, love, and coping with grief. All of these things we all experience and are handled with care, I just urge readers to have caution with what they are able to handle at time of reading.
I adored this book. I knew from the blurb it was going to be a rollercoaster of emotions and lots of connections, and then absolutely had to read when I saw the oh so cute cover. Both were perfectly done and I am so glad they had me hooked as this book was everything I needed at the moment. It has such a wonderful main character, in Holly, and it was such a treat to get to know her. The author really gave us a kind, honest and loveable character. Through all that happened we were given so much to catch on to and really connect with Holly. I really enjoyed the overall story. It had a great story to share and one that links to a lot of lives. It definitely gave me feels and made me all the more invested in the story. I like that she had loved ones who cared and that she had a strong spirit. It was nice to see as she went through things. Great read for sure.
It's a bit slow going if I'm honest. Everything goes along pretty slowly and then boom, Evan dies. It came out of nowhere for me. For Holly to not tell Hope that Evan died - that was unacceptable for me. She can't just keep it in. I understand that she's also grieving, but when she says that her child mentions him...how can you not say anything?! And then she flat out lies to her child.
I'm so glad that Ben has a brain, and a heart, and gives Holly an ultimatum about telling Hope.
I noticed a few editing errors which was a little annoying.
The family poem that Holly reads is quite beautiful, very sad.
Honestly, my bad because I didn't read the blurb before so I thought this book would be sweet, and not sad. However, the name and cover suggested the same. Overall a nice book, but Holly was a bit annoying at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
After tragedy strikes Holly and her daughter Hope travel to America to be with her partner Evan"s family. This is the latest in the Second Chances Sweetshop series, it can be read as a standalone, however I would definitely recommend starting with the earlier books first. Be warned, this is a very emotional book dealing with grief. It is very well written, but this is always a difficult subject to deal with, but life isn't always sweetness and light and this is reflected in the story, although there is also a message about the importance of friends and family. I certainly hope to hear more of Holly and Hope's story in the next book in the series. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
If you are expecting a happy story with this latest in the series, you will find that this is a much more emotional and heartbreaking story. Holly Berry finds that life is never going to be the same after a tragic event but you see how her friends and family rally around her to help her through. This is not a downbeat story but instead celebrates happiness and looking out for each other.
Much of the story takes place away from Holly's Sweet Shop and home town. However, she still appreciates the stability and focus it gives her. There are some surprising characters created in this tale but they are all part of Holly's coming to terms with life and finding out the true meaning of family.
In short: Can hearts be mended? Thanks to the publisherd for a copy of the book
Make sure you have tissues at the ready for this moving read- They certainly proved to be something that I need! Such a traumatic story, emotive and heart wrenching too As you discover all that Holly has to go through.
A story filled with love, family and more With characters who you can’t help but adore. However this isn’t a story that is a light relief As different people endeavour to cope with grief.
I hope there’ll be a sequel to this story soon, too, I need to know what happens and what Holly will do. The story has characters who feel like friends I want to know what’s next after this story ends!
For my copy of this book I say thank you As I share with you this, my honest review.
Wow, this is not the Christmas story I was expecting.
When Evan was going to propose to Holly I was delighted for them, however, things didn't quite go to plan.
To help her heal, Holly decides to visit Evan’s family in America, but not everyone is happy to see her.
I felt the book was very well written and the topics of loss, grief and heartbreak covered very sensitively. As in life, people deal with loss in many different ways.
I loved all the characters and their growth throughout the story and was delighted to be reunited with our favourites from the series.
I felt it to be an extremely emotional read, which affected me, but I would still recommend it. I would suggest, though, you have some tissues at the ready.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion. This series has been a pleasant read and I was looking forward to reading 'snowflakes' because I love Christmas books. I think this book is well-written and the author writes about emotions with clarity and perception, they are realistic. I never write spoilers in my reviews but I think it's important to note that events in this storyline and the entire book do not fall within the romantic genre. Following events in my own life over the last couple of years I think the book should carry a trigger warning as I found parts of it distressing to read.
I enjoyed this story and this was my first book by this author. I have not read any of the others in this series. It didn’t feel like I needed to for this storyline though. This is an at times gut wrenching, at times heartwarming, at times heartbreaking story of love and loss and how to stay afloat and keep on going when you do not think it’s possible. It’s about family and friendships and how integral both are in life. Holly and her little girl Hope find that out when one day their lives are forever changed by loss. This was well done and really captures the different ways people grieve and also find a way to carry on.
Holly is happy with her life with her young daughter and partner Evan. When tragedy strikes she will need family and her friends support more than ever. I cried bucket load of tears and it was heartwrenching but I could not stop reading. Through the sad moments there are glimpses of happiness. I think Holly's daughter was the shining light and her little personality made me smile. This is a beautiful addition to the series and I was thrilled to find out we will see more of Holly in a future book and life might be a bit happier for Holly. A well paced plot with likeable characters who are relatable as they are grief stricken.
So here we are book seven and The Second Chances Sweet Shop is still one of my absolute favourite series by Lynn.
We're back amidst the glorious settings of the Cotswolds to catch up with Holly, Hope and family. And we also get to go transatlantic as we take in a trip across the pond to connect with Evan and his family.
How much can you cry over a book? This was the book that broke my heart into a million tiny pieces and put my emotions through the wringer. Bulk buying of tissues is perfectly acceptable!
Snowflakes is the penultimate book in the Second Chances Sweet Shop. It's beautifully written, heartbreaking, yet still a highly enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Yet another great character storyline. One that was a little bit more hard hitting than some of her others which had me dabbing my eyes a few times. Holly is finally living the life she dreamed of and was excited when Evan planned a weekend away for the two of them with some help from the sweet shop crew and Holly’s parents of course. But then tragedy sticks and Holly’s life as she knows it is shattered. I don’t think there is a way to review this book without it becoming too spoilery so will leave it at this.