The Library of Second Chances: A Heartwarming Summer Romance

by Savannah Carlisle

"Carlisle's novel is thoughtful, with well-developed characters who move beyond common small-town girl and big-city boy tropes."— Kirkus Reviews

Get swept away to the charming coastal town of Heron Isle with this absolutely uplifting summer read, perfect for fans of Denise Hunter, Debbie Macomber, and RaeAnne Thayne.

Daily walks along the sparkling shoreline and chats with her best friend are part of bookstore owner Lucy Sullivan's slow-paced life. And that’s just how she likes to spend her time in the close-knit community of her picturesque village.

Lucy also adores maintaining the town’s Little Free Library. Those who leave a book there include notes to the next reader. And Lucy, herself, has gotten a few that have her smitten. Life couldn't be better in her quaint beach village with the sway of sea grass in the soft coastal breeze.

So when she hears Logan Lancaster is brought in to solve the town’s budget deficit, Lucy isn’t at all excited about his vision for growth along the waterfront. To make matters worse, it's Lucy who's appointed to oppose Logan in a series of public forums for the planned expansion. The quaint life she's built for herself will never be the same.

They couldn’t be more opposite. Except for one tiny unbeknownst to both of them, they’ve been swapping anonymous notes in the Little Free Library...

A heartwarming beach read getaway that will have you longing to sink your toes in the soft sand and take strolls along the waterfront town of Heron Isle. If you're searching for a beachy, feel-good, small-town romance, look no further!

Advanced Readers are LOVING The Library of Second Chances!

“Carlisle’s novel is thoughtful, with well-developed characters who move beyond common small-town girl and big-city boy tropes. Instead, she pulls together two characters who turn out to have far more in common than they think.” —Kirkus Reviews

“I was completely enchanted by this charmingly sweet beach read and just adored the letters exchanged in the Little Free Library.”—Teri Wilson, USA Today bestselling author

“Fans of ‘You've Got Mail’ will swoon over Lucy and Logan in this charming romance that celebrates the splendor of small-town living.”—KJ Micciche, author of The Book Proposal

“After reading The Library of Second Chances, Savannah Carlisle is now one of my go-to authors for heartwarming, Kleenex-clutching, feel-good romance!”—Annie Rains, USA Today bestselling author

“…Savannah Carlisle's debut is sure to delight. The author's vivid descriptions put me right in Heron Isle along with the characters and had this city girl longing for the cozy and picturesque small-town life she masterfully depicted.”—Meredith Schorr, author of As Seen on TV and Someone Just Like You

Genres: Romance, Summer, Fiction, Summer Reads, Contemporary Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2024

About the author

Savannah Carlisle writes heartwarming romance novels with idyllic beach settings. Her stories transport readers to fun and quirky small towns where friends feel like family. So, if you’re ready for a mental vacation, you’ve come to the right place!⁠

Savannah jokes that she's living her own Hallmark movie because she's a former big city corporate attorney who now lives in the small beach town of Fernandina Beach writing romance novels.

When she isn't busy at her laptop writing her next book, Savannah enjoys putting her feet in the sand with a good book in hand. She lives on Amelia Island in Florida with her husband, German Shepherd, and three cats.

Visit www.SavannahCarlisle.com for Savannah's latest books, updates, reviews of her favorite reads and more. You can also follow Savannah on:

IG: www.instagram.com/savvycarlisle
Facebook: www.facebook.com/savvycarlisle
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@savvycarlisle
X: www.x.com/savvycarlisle

Reviews

[Tara Korwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Such a good easy summer read with a really cute story.
I understood why Lucy was upset with her small summer town going through big change- made me think about fort Myers beach after the hurricane and all the changes that happened to my favorite place.

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Savannah Carlisle and Harpeth Road Press for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

WOW!! What a debut novel for Savannah Carlisle!! The Library of Second Chances literally felt like it was written just for us readers!! A good portion of this story was very relatable, put a smile on my face, even laughed a few times and made my heart happy.

Kudos to the graphic designer Kristen Ingebretson who designed this cover for this book! It was so picturesque.

Savannah would like to dedicate this book to her Mom and Dad. I laughed when Savannah said her Mom used to mark up all her writing with a red pen. High five to Savannah’s Dad who loves Hallmark movies too!!

Instantly, within the first few paragraphs I had a smile on my face and knew I was going to be able to relate to the storyline. I absolutely adored the idea of the Little Free Library, how it came to be, and how it was different from all the others you may be familiar with. It was a very interesting and eye opening concept that I wish more would do in real life.

If you are a history buff you may enjoy parts of this book. While I admit I am not a historical buff I did find some of it interesting and educational.

I loved the written letters back and forth leading to a budding friendship between Gatsby’s Ghost and Island Girl. The mystery was who exactly were writing them? This part of the book excited me!

[Madison Rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️; no spice!

This was such a cozy, warm summer read that was perfect to help me escape from the cold winter months. The two main characters are corresponding through the Little Free Library of my dreams as they exchange book recommendations back and forth. There’s also another main plot line that helped create depth for both of the characters and immerse the reader in Heron Isle and really care for the small town.

Everything about the setting of this novel was so atmospheric and made me want to plan a trip to the town that inspired this fictional world. I have a special place in my heart for both our main characters now and the dual POV really aided in that. Everyone needs to pick this up if you’re looking for a light hearted romance that still has a lot of depth.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Lucy’s devotion to her town and the waterfront protection from big development.
I also,loved the back and forth between her and her book pal friend through the LFL.
I was unsure about Logan until the end when he managed some good works and redeemed himself in my eyes.
It’s a good beach read.

[thebrunettebookjunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance novels aren't really my jam, but I adored The Library of Second Chances. It's a heartwarming beach read that takes place on a fictional island that is loosely based on my husband's hometown. It was fun reading and picturing it all in my head and making guesses as to where and what she might have been referring to. I just adored Lucy and Logan and all the townspeople of Heron Isle. The romance is light, and the plot is engaging, and it made me miss island living more than I already do.

As a side note, I started following Savannah on Instagram several years ago, and we've talked briefly about the island. As soon as I found out her book was published, I bought a copy, and I'm so glad I did. Amazing debut!

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Library of Second Chances by Savannah Carlisle

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review thanks to Harpeth Road Press.

Blurb

Daily walks along the sparkling shoreline and chats with her best friend are part of bookstore owner Lucy Sullivan's slow-paced life. And that’s just how she likes to spend her time in the close-knit community of her picturesque village.

Lucy also adores maintaining the town’s Little Free Library. Those who leave a book there include notes to the next reader. And Lucy, herself, has gotten a few that have her smitten. Life couldn't be better in her quaint beach village with the sway of sea grass in the soft coastal breeze.

So when she hears Logan Lancaster is brought in to solve the town’s budget deficit, Lucy isn’t at all excited about his vision for growth along the waterfront. To make matters worse, it's Lucy who's appointed to oppose Logan in a series of public forums for the planned expansion. The quaint life she's built for herself will never be the same.

They couldn’t be more opposite. Except for one tiny unbeknownst to both of them, they’ve been swapping anonymous notes in the Little Free Library...

My Opinion

Harpeth Road publishes some beautiful books. This is my second book published by them this week and both have been delightful. This is a stunning debut novel!

Lucy has created a Free Library in her small town which she enjoys visiting - mostly as she is trading notes with a stranger. As I read this book I could imagine living on Heron Isle. This is going to make for a fun, entertaining beach read. With the idea of the notes being passed through the Free Library I can also see this being adapted for a Hallmark movie.

With a debut like this Savannah Carlisle is going to be an author to watch in the future.

Rating 5/5

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just adorable!! I had all the feels at the end of the book. Library of second chances is such a good heartwarming beach read. The setting of the book is a small coastal in Florida called Heron Isle. The descriptions of this place make me want to go on a beach vacation and move to a small coastal town!! Lucy is a bookstore owner and helps maintain the little free library where patrons can go grab a book or leave a book. People like to leave little notes for the next reader. Lucy has started conversing with someone by leaving notes of recommendations on a book to someone. Think “You’ve Got Mail” and Hallmark movie vibes but with a coastal beach feel. Such a fun feel good beach read.

[Nana.bookdiary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like a warm hug all along. It’s typically the kind of story you’ll find in a Hallmark Christmas movie except it’s a book and happening in summer. We absolutely LOVE that. Both main characters have their sensibility and failures and it’s delightful to see their evolution. We already know the end since the beginning, but who cares ?

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It caught my eye on kindle unlimited because of the beach scene on the cover and the title. Similar on one of my favorite movies, You’ve Got Mail (and its predecessor The Shop Around the Corner) it was a cute story of “pen pals” and romance. Such a great idea to leave notes in books at a little library. No spoilers to the story but it was just a fun read before bed when you want a happy ending.

[Susan Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, small town romance story with likable characters. Perfect beach read.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! I loved the final outcome for Lucy and Logan.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book to multitask while listening. Now I want to go watch, You've Got Mail. I enjoyed this.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a charming summer read. I can’t wait for Savannah’s next book!

[Maggie Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book so much I finished it overnight! The premise is just like a Hallmark movie, in the best possible way. It was so fun to fall in love with the island and all of its characters, as Lucy and Logan fell in love with each other. I can’t wait to see what else Savannah writes in the future- I’m a follower for life!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I heard that this story was like You've Got Mail but using notes passed in a Little Free Library, I was hooked! Lucy loves life in a beautiful coastal town in Florida where she owns a bookstore and manages the local Little Free Library. But when the town's budget needs shoring up, Logan is hired to help revitalize the waterfront. Sparks immediately fly between the two in more ways than one, since they've been unknowingly corresponding in notes left in the LFL! It was so fun to watch their relationship develop on two fronts. I loved the small town setting and all the residents of this charming town. It was the perfect read to get me in the mood for summer and would be an excellent addition to your beach bag.

I received an ARC from the author, but a positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Traci Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was grateful to receive an advance copy of Savannah Carlisle’s debut novel. This book was delightful and is the perfect summer beach read.

Logan is sent to a small beach town to help develop the waterfront tourism. Lucy, a lifelong resident and bookstore owner, wants nothing more than to see him fail to keep her town the way she has always known it. Unknowingly, the two of them begin exchanging anonymous notes through books in the town’s Little Free Library.

It was fun to see the characters develop both in the story, and through their notes to each other.

I truly enjoyed this book!

[Tricia Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Library of Second Chances by Savannah Carlisle is a standalone, sweet romance. It follows the genre standard one, long-awaited kiss at the end that you expect from a sweet romance. If you’re a book lover you’ll love this romance between Lucy Sullivan, a small-town librarian turned bookstore owner, and Logan Lancaster, an urban planner who jumps from city to city chasing his next big gig. The POVs switch back and forth between Lucy and Logan so you get perspectives from both characters as the story progresses.

Unlike the title suggests this is not a second-chance romance for Lucy and Logan, but a second chance for each of them separately as they’ve both recently experienced lost loves. There are other elements of second chances throughout the book because Logan seemingly needs a couple, not that Lucy is always entirely in the right either.

The story is set on Heron Isle, a fictional beach island off the east coast of Florida. I interviewed Savannah for my podcast and know that she also lives on a beach island in northeastern Florida so much of the inspiration for the setting comes from her coastal living experience.

Heron Isle needs money for their infrastructure. Enter Logan, the “fix-it” guy who’s there to solve all their problems. But Lucy very much wants to protect the historic charm of her hometown and sees Logan as the enemy, despite , or maybe because of, his charm. And their instant attraction to each other complicates their professional and public dynamic.

As a book lover, I thought the You’ve Got Mail vibe of the secret relationship between the characters, where they trade books and messages through a free library, all the while not knowing who the other person is, is a fun plot line. Not knowing what their reaction to finding out the other was on the end of the books creates good suspense.

Although you pretty much know these books are going to turn into happily-ever-after, I love how Savannah wrapped up the ending. It is, in my opinion, sweet, satisfying, and an original ending. I didn’t see the book ending exactly as the story line unfolded so I like that Savannah was original with the story’s wrap up.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Sullivan enjoys the simple life, with walks along the beach and girl chats with her BFF, Taylor Donovan. The local library has been closed permanently due to lack of funding. So, Lucy put up a Little Free Library in her picturesque, beautiful little village. Lucy loves keeping up with the little library, making sure there are always plenty of books for her amazing community. When someone reads a book, they leave a note inside saying what they liked about the book. When Logan Lancaster arrives in town to solve the town’s budget problems, Lucy is not happy about all the proposed changes. She loves the quaint village exactly the way it is. It is why she never left. Can she change Logan’s ideas or will they continue to be complete opposites?

The Library of Second Chances authored by Savannah Carlisle is the perfect beach read. I loved everything about this story. This is a wonderful story that will immediately transport you to the sandy beach. With the beautiful sparkling water, picturesque village and the community that feels like family, this is a story that will keep you flying through the pages. I read well into the night because I could not put this book down. I loved the amazing characters and the romance that developed between Lucy and Logan was absolutely charming. Carlisle paints such an incredible picture of life in a quaint village, she makes me want to sell the house and move to the coast. The end of the story is perfectly enchanting and this book would make an amazing movie. This is a debut book for Savannah Carlisle and she writes as a seasoned author and is definitely on my auto-buy list. I highly recommend this phenomenal book. I look forward to many more stories from this amazing author.

[Maddie Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

❀ BOOK REVIEW: The Library of Second Chances by Savannah Carlisle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❀ synopsis:
Lucy is a lover of books, the town’s Free Little Library, her friends and Heron Isle. Her little beach town is as perfect as it can be so when Logan Lancaster comes in to try to solve the town’s budget problems by expanding on the waterfront, Lucy is going to do everything she can to make sure he doesn’t ruin their town.

❀ my thoughts:
I’m not sure if there are words to describe how much I loved this book. Savannah did such an amazing job at making you feel like you are right there on Heron Isle. But besides that, I felt like I could relate to Lucy on such a deep level and her outlooks on life and I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that as made me feel so seen. I loved Logan’s enthusiasm for preserving the historical aspects of the town and how he treated Lucy was just absolutely precious. This book also gave me a taste of home. My hometown is about an hour from where Heron Isle is supposedly at and hearing about Amelia Island, Jacksonville and Sea Island filled my heart with so much joy and helped with the homesickness that I have been feeling all summer. If you want a book that is going to transport you to the beach, I’m BEGGING you to pick up this book.

Thank you so much Savannah for sending me your book!! I don’t think my review will ever be able to convey how much I loved it. I cannot wait to see what books you have in the future!

❀ read this book if you love:
🌊 small beach town
💌 you’ve got mail vibes
💕opposites attract

❀ content ratings:
🍭 - no spice
🤗 - no explicit language

❀ when to read:
☀️ summer

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Sullivan is a bookstore owner and a proud owner of a little free library on Heron Isle. The little free library is where you cannot only share books, but also leave notes and recommendations. When the library is forced to close, Lucy installs the little free library. Lucy starts communicating with another book lover through notes and books through her Little Free library. Who could it be? Will they meet one day?

When Heron Isle is threatened by Logan Lancaster, a consultant who specializes in helping waterfronts grow and bring in revenue, everyone is skeptical. Logan is hired by the commission to revamp Heron Isle! Lucy is not so sure about Logan’s plans and intentions. When sparks start to fly between Lucy and Logan, can they still fulfill their own agendas or will one lose out? Who will win in the end?

A fun beach read that is entertaining, romantic, and full of drama! From the writing to the characters to the story, this book will have you hooked from the beginning! I loved the You’ve Got Mail vibe to this book. I could see this book made into a Hallmark Movie! A perfect read for your pool or beach bag!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Sullivan
Logan Lancaster

Lucy is a bookstore owner in the small town of Heron Isle. Lucy likes things just as they are on Heron Isle and works hard to preserve the town. After the Library was closed she started a little free library. Those who leave books there can write a note explaining why they think someone should read the book. Logan is brought to town by the Council to help solve the towns budget problems and vision for growth on the waterfront. This immediately puts Lucy and Logan at odds. Then they are appointed to host town meetings about the expansion. In addition Lucy and Logan have been exchanging books in the little free library under made up names. This is a very good, fast reading book. Lucy really changes throughout the book, with help from the books she’s getting in the little free library. Logan also changes, with some help from the books in the little free library. I would definitely read more books by this author.

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this - the development of two relationships at once without realizing they are one and the same has me swoooning. From the kismet way they met (extremely cute, btw. More swooning) to the development of their friendship and Logan's pure ADMIRATION for Lucy is just stunning all around. Side note, I'm a sucker for green eyes on guys.

ALSO, the end was fantastically satisfying. I'm glad and relieved beyond words that Lucy didn't get too upset when she realized Logan was Gatsby's Ghost. In too many other books have the female main character thrown a bitch fit of some sort that makes me want to punch someone.

Can't wait to see more of Carlisle's books (this book is going to find it's way onto TikTok. I'm sure of it). I know when I've stumbled upon a treasure cove filled with jewels. 😍❤️❤️

[Marian Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harpeth Road Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Library of Second Chances is a charming summer read set in the coastal town of Heron Isle. I was smitten with this delightful debut by author Savannah Carlisle with its You’ve Got Mail vibes using notes passed in a Little Free Library. This book was so good!

Lucy owns a bookstore and also maintains the local Little Free Library. The town’s budget is in need of help and Logan is brought in to help revitalize the waterfront. Sparks fly between Lucy and Logan but unbeknownst to them they’ve been corresponding in notes left in the Little Free Library.

I loved the small town setting which was so beautifully described and the sweet romance. Add in the Little Free Library in this charming town and you have the perfect summer beach read. Cant’t wait to read more from this author. A stunning debut!

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Library of Second Chances: A Heartwarming Summer Romance by Savannah Carlisle is truly a sweet romance. When bookstore owner and former librarian, Lucy meets Logan, a waterfront property, developer, sparks are in the air but they are on opposite sides of the potential development project. I loved the anonymous correspondences between Lucy and Logan, as they left notes and annotations inside of books that they left in the little free library, for one an other. Carlisle’s debut novel is rich in bookish delights, hand-written correspondences, friendship connections, small town appeal, local history, and heartwarming, budding romance. Carlisle’s writing is full of heart, uplifting, and cozy. I can’t wait for her next book. If you’re looking for a great poolside or beach read, The Library of Second Chances is the book for you.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story set in a dream location!

Heron Isle is now on my fictional bucket list. Set on the coast of Florida, it has a small town beachy vibe that is just so very, very appealing.

Unfortunately, the town needs revenue, which means change. And if there’s one thing Lucy Sullivan is against, it’s change.

Enter Logan Lancaster, an outsider hired by the town council to find the most profitable changes possible. But Heron Isle is merely a way to redeem himself before heading off to bigger projects.

When the two first meet sparks fly. When they discover who’s who and what the agendas are sparks ignite and threaten what could be a potential relationship.

I enjoyed the story. This is not an inspirational romance, but it’s sweet and clean. A couple of elements bothered me, but overall I liked my time in Heron Isle.

3.75 stars.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by Savannah Carlisle, and it won't be the last!

I loved the beautiful coastal setting of Heron Isle. With the author's vivid descriptions, I felt as though I were walking along the shoreline, watching the waves lap over my toes. I could even imagine the seagulls squawking overhead!

This story gives You've Got Mail vibes, which I loved. Logan Lancaster is in town to develop the waterfront, but Lucy Sullivan is determined to stop him. Cue all the romantic tension! What they don't know is that they're exchanging notes through the Little Free Library, slowly connecting with each other and encouraging each other under their pen names: Island Girl & Gatsby's Ghost. It all culminates with a heartfelt ending, including a few surprises.

If you love a feel-good, emotionally satisfying summer read, this is it!

[Rubie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Library of Second Chances is a charming summer read. 
Carlisle is such an incredible storyteller.
The story of Lucy and Logan is so wonderfully told.

Breathtaking, vulnerable, tender, beautiful, funny and oh so REAL – those are just some of the words I’d use to describe this stunning debut novel from Savannah Carlisle, and even then I can’t do it justice. I felt every moment of this book. I smiled, I laughed, my heart raced, and sometimes it truly skipped a beat, but at every single moment, I was experiencing this book as if I was there.

This was a beautiful love story with characters I fell in love with.
It’s just so dang good.

Do yourself a favor and read this book.

Thanks to Harpeth Road Press for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review and blog tour spot!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @harpethroad and author @savvycarlisle for the #gifted e-book!

Ahh this book is dreamy! If you are looking for a sweet beach read … you won’t go wrong with this one! Think ‘You’ve Got Mail’ but with notes tucked inside books left at a walk-in sized Little Free Library by the beach. It’s perfection!

Lucy & Logan’s enemies to lovers journey is heartwarming and super romantic and their chemistry is “chef’s kiss”! I couldn’t wait to see their happy-ever-after unfold! The supporting characters are fun and really charming and OH! there are bookstore kitties, too!!! Totes adorbs!

This debut from Savannah is enjoyable, like a summer breeze coming in off the water! I had a wonderful little getaway in the picturesque seaside town of Heron Isle and 100% recommend this for your summer (or anytime) tbr!

[Maxine (The Bookish Brew) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heron Isle is the kind of place that feels like a warm hug — small-town charm, a Little Free Library with heartfelt notes, and yes… an alligator named Sidney as the town mascot- What’s not to love?

Lucy’s perfectly cozy, beachy life is all about calm vibes and zero change. Enter Logan, a big-city guy with big plans to shake things up. Naturally, they clash in the most hilarious, adorable, slow-burn way possible.

Savanna Carlisle’s writing is so immersive that you can practically feel the ocean breeze and the sand between your toes. I laughed, I cried happy tears, and now I’m emotionally attached to a fictional island.

10/10, would pack my bags for Heron Isle immediately. 😍😍😍

[Neetu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.7

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An ideal, sweet and cozy small town romance set around books with FMC owning a bookshop, MMC a handsome hero who ends up altering his life path for her and they get a happy ending. For me, the highlight was the emotional and beautifully written ending.

While reading this , I kept on getting a feeling I have read such plot earlier but I couldn't recall the book.It was bit too repetitive and stretched for me and the charm and the beautiful ending also couldn't make up for it.
It has a feel good vibe to it and if you have not read such romance earlier you might love it a lot more.