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The Second Chance Book Club: A heart-warming and uplifting novel about family, love, friendship and the joy of books, from the author of Found in a Bookshop
Dear Ms Blythe
We are dealing with an estate of which you may be a beneficiary.
Please send any documents in your possession that relate to your birth and adoption.
September is at her wits' end. There's never enough money to support her boyfriend and herself. September has nothing to look forward to.
Then the letter comes. September has inherited a house from a great-aunt she never knew she had. It would make sense to sell it. But when sees the place - the orange gate, the garden, the tree, the bumblebee door knocker - she doesn't want to let it go. Not yet. Then the members of the book club arrive, and she begins to discover the story of the family she didn't know. And to make new friends.
September feels safe here. But money alone can't bring contentment. September is just at the start of a journey full of surprises, shocks - and opportunities, if she's brave enough . . .
We are dealing with an estate of which you may be a beneficiary.
Please send any documents in your possession that relate to your birth and adoption.
September is at her wits' end. There's never enough money to support her boyfriend and herself. September has nothing to look forward to.
Then the letter comes. September has inherited a house from a great-aunt she never knew she had. It would make sense to sell it. But when sees the place - the orange gate, the garden, the tree, the bumblebee door knocker - she doesn't want to let it go. Not yet. Then the members of the book club arrive, and she begins to discover the story of the family she didn't know. And to make new friends.
September feels safe here. But money alone can't bring contentment. September is just at the start of a journey full of surprises, shocks - and opportunities, if she's brave enough . . .
Audible Audio
Published March 27, 2025
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About the author
Stephanie Butland
17 books836 followersStephanie Butland is a writer, who is thriving after breast cancer. (She used to say she was a survivor, but that was a bit lacking in joie de vivre.)
Although she’d never have chosen it, her dance with cancer has changed her life in many positive ways. Now she is happier, healthier, and more careful with her precious life and the precious people and things in it.
Her writing career began with her dance with cancer, and now she is a novelist.
Aside from writing, she works as a speaker and trainer, and she works with charities to help raise awareness and money in the hope that cancer will soon be about as scary as a wart.
She lives in Northumberland.
Although she’d never have chosen it, her dance with cancer has changed her life in many positive ways. Now she is happier, healthier, and more careful with her precious life and the precious people and things in it.
Her writing career began with her dance with cancer, and now she is a novelist.
Aside from writing, she works as a speaker and trainer, and she works with charities to help raise awareness and money in the hope that cancer will soon be about as scary as a wart.
She lives in Northumberland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
March 17, 2025
I have read all of Stephanie Butland’s books and loved them all, although I confess that Lost For Words is a particular favourite. Having read this new book, The Second Chance Book Club, I think I’d now be hard pushed to choose between the two.
As always, Stephanie Butland has created some wonderful characters who I just took to heart. We first meet September as a babe in arms, the arms of her very loving mother April. We next meet her as an adult struggling to make ends meet and know that she has been adopted. Unexpected contact from a lawyer completely changes September’s life as she finds herself the beneficiary of a substantial amount of money and a rambling house in Harrogate. What a complete change of life for September and one that was hard for her to take in. She didn’t just have to deal with sudden wealth but also with finding out about the family she never knew she had. As she said at one point in the book, she felt rather like the second Mrs de Winter in Rebecca: in a big house, on her own and not really knowing what was going on. My heart really went out to her.
The other main character is Lucia, the great-aunt who left the legacy for September. We find out Lucia’s story – and therefore about September’s younger days – in a strand of the book set in the past. I loved reading her back story and her romance, which didn’t work out as she’d hoped, was so touching. The birthday gifts she bought and kept for September even though she didn’t have contact with her were just perfect. I had a lump in my throat reading the messages she wrote each year for her beloved niece.
This book was originally going to be called The Book of Kindness, named after a kind of journal Lucia kept. She recorded kindnesses shown to her each day and kindnesses she showed to others. It made me smile to spot a mention of a woman who had a greyhound called Harris as I happen to know the author’s dog is called Harris! Through these journals, September got to know a bit more about her aunt and her family and I so wished the two could have met again. September also decides to keep a ‘book of kindness’ to notice the small things which are so important in life. It’s perhaps something we all should do to encourage us to show kindness and to notice when we receive it.
I also adored reading about the various members of Lucia’s book club, a book club for what people perhaps unkindly called Lucia’s waifs and strays. The book club continued to meet in Lucia’s house and September carries on the tradition. Through getting to know them, September found out so much about herself. I have to mention a soft spot for William the gardener – you’ll know why when you read the book. Books are so important in this book whether gifts or the books the book club discuss. Like Lost for Words, I felt that this book is a real love letter to reading and the power of books to teach us about ourselves and the world.
I can’t tell you how much I loved The Second Chance Book Club and I urge everyone to read it. It’s uplifting and touching, beautifully written and quite probably will be my book of the year.
As always, Stephanie Butland has created some wonderful characters who I just took to heart. We first meet September as a babe in arms, the arms of her very loving mother April. We next meet her as an adult struggling to make ends meet and know that she has been adopted. Unexpected contact from a lawyer completely changes September’s life as she finds herself the beneficiary of a substantial amount of money and a rambling house in Harrogate. What a complete change of life for September and one that was hard for her to take in. She didn’t just have to deal with sudden wealth but also with finding out about the family she never knew she had. As she said at one point in the book, she felt rather like the second Mrs de Winter in Rebecca: in a big house, on her own and not really knowing what was going on. My heart really went out to her.
The other main character is Lucia, the great-aunt who left the legacy for September. We find out Lucia’s story – and therefore about September’s younger days – in a strand of the book set in the past. I loved reading her back story and her romance, which didn’t work out as she’d hoped, was so touching. The birthday gifts she bought and kept for September even though she didn’t have contact with her were just perfect. I had a lump in my throat reading the messages she wrote each year for her beloved niece.
This book was originally going to be called The Book of Kindness, named after a kind of journal Lucia kept. She recorded kindnesses shown to her each day and kindnesses she showed to others. It made me smile to spot a mention of a woman who had a greyhound called Harris as I happen to know the author’s dog is called Harris! Through these journals, September got to know a bit more about her aunt and her family and I so wished the two could have met again. September also decides to keep a ‘book of kindness’ to notice the small things which are so important in life. It’s perhaps something we all should do to encourage us to show kindness and to notice when we receive it.
I also adored reading about the various members of Lucia’s book club, a book club for what people perhaps unkindly called Lucia’s waifs and strays. The book club continued to meet in Lucia’s house and September carries on the tradition. Through getting to know them, September found out so much about herself. I have to mention a soft spot for William the gardener – you’ll know why when you read the book. Books are so important in this book whether gifts or the books the book club discuss. Like Lost for Words, I felt that this book is a real love letter to reading and the power of books to teach us about ourselves and the world.
I can’t tell you how much I loved The Second Chance Book Club and I urge everyone to read it. It’s uplifting and touching, beautifully written and quite probably will be my book of the year.
January 1, 2026
4.5★s
The Second Chance Book Club is the eighth novel by British author, Stephanie Butland. Abandoned at fifteen months in a hospital A&E, September Blythe was lucky enough to be adopted by a loving couple. But now, at thirty-three, living with a mostly jobless, always feckless boyfriend, she works really hard in a low-paying supermarket job to make ends meet.
So she finds it hard to believe what the letter from the solicitor is saying: Lucia Dawson, the great-aunt she never knew she had, has left her a four-bedroom house in Harrogate, and several hundred thousand pounds in the bank. The boyfriend is already planning how he will spend the windfall that selling the house will bring when September discovers his ongoing financial dishonesty, and her own inexplicable attraction to the house.
At her great-aunt’s home, she encounters Esin, the Afghan refugee who continues to clean, even though Lucia is gone; elderly William gardens, as much for his own pleasure as for maintaining the grounds. There’s a rather cranky neighbour who is pleased that Lucia isn’t there to bring in more miscreants and ne’er-do-wells.
Lucia worked at the local library, and her book club has continued to meet regularly in her absence. When September meets them, she understands why her snobbish neighbour sees them as waifs and strays, but she has no intention of turning them away. With a bit of encouragement, she joins in. And gradually learns just who Lucia Dawson was, and why she never found September.
She also finds a series of journals that Lucia kept, in which she documented the kindnesses that occurred in her daily life: those she did, and those she received, her Book of Kindness. September is so taken by this concept, she does it too. In Lucia’s bedside drawer, she finds parcels: books earmarked for each of September’s birthdays, with a loving dedication in each.
And, after some months, she learns, from various people, from Lucia’s journals, and by other means, just what happened to her parents, and how she came to be abandoned. Along the way, she grows and changes, understands her great-aunt’s legacy and how best to use it.
Two narratives carry the story: September’s in the present day, and Lucia’s fills in the details of what happened to September’s extended family. A moving and heart-warming read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Headline.
The Second Chance Book Club is the eighth novel by British author, Stephanie Butland. Abandoned at fifteen months in a hospital A&E, September Blythe was lucky enough to be adopted by a loving couple. But now, at thirty-three, living with a mostly jobless, always feckless boyfriend, she works really hard in a low-paying supermarket job to make ends meet.
So she finds it hard to believe what the letter from the solicitor is saying: Lucia Dawson, the great-aunt she never knew she had, has left her a four-bedroom house in Harrogate, and several hundred thousand pounds in the bank. The boyfriend is already planning how he will spend the windfall that selling the house will bring when September discovers his ongoing financial dishonesty, and her own inexplicable attraction to the house.
At her great-aunt’s home, she encounters Esin, the Afghan refugee who continues to clean, even though Lucia is gone; elderly William gardens, as much for his own pleasure as for maintaining the grounds. There’s a rather cranky neighbour who is pleased that Lucia isn’t there to bring in more miscreants and ne’er-do-wells.
Lucia worked at the local library, and her book club has continued to meet regularly in her absence. When September meets them, she understands why her snobbish neighbour sees them as waifs and strays, but she has no intention of turning them away. With a bit of encouragement, she joins in. And gradually learns just who Lucia Dawson was, and why she never found September.
She also finds a series of journals that Lucia kept, in which she documented the kindnesses that occurred in her daily life: those she did, and those she received, her Book of Kindness. September is so taken by this concept, she does it too. In Lucia’s bedside drawer, she finds parcels: books earmarked for each of September’s birthdays, with a loving dedication in each.
And, after some months, she learns, from various people, from Lucia’s journals, and by other means, just what happened to her parents, and how she came to be abandoned. Along the way, she grows and changes, understands her great-aunt’s legacy and how best to use it.
Two narratives carry the story: September’s in the present day, and Lucia’s fills in the details of what happened to September’s extended family. A moving and heart-warming read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Headline.
August 5, 2025
This is a story of September an overworked, down on her luck, young women with a Ne'er-do-well boyfriend and nary a nickle to rub together. Then, out of nowhere she learns that her biological aunt (September was adopted) has left her a grand house and a slew of money.
The rest of the story is how September learns more about her painful history, makes new friends, discovers her aunt’s love of books, makes several life changes, and forges a new and fulfilling life for herself. The book is a bit too long and much of the plot is predictable but the story leaves a warm spot in your heart
The rest of the story is how September learns more about her painful history, makes new friends, discovers her aunt’s love of books, makes several life changes, and forges a new and fulfilling life for herself. The book is a bit too long and much of the plot is predictable but the story leaves a warm spot in your heart
April 11, 2025
This review was originally posted on Queen's Book Asylum.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I picked up this book on NetGalley in the spur of the moment, mostly because of the title, but also because I wanted something lighter to read. I wasn’t familiar with the author or her work, so I had no comparison. It was mostly just a gut feeling that I might like it. Thankfully, I wasn’t wrong.
The Second Chance Book Club tells the story of two women – September’s in the present and Lucia’s in the 1970s/80s. They couldn’t be more different, and yet, blood ties them together. Lucia has a privileged life, and a happy one, although it’s not without losses and heartaches as she has to deal with her family’s prejudices, their selfishness, and the fact they care more about themselves and what people think of them than about each other. But she never gives up looking for her niece and grandniece after she loses touch with September’s mother, April.
September, on the other hand, grows up in a middle-class family who aren’t particularly rich but who give her everything she needs. As an adult, she is an orphan, she is stuck in a relationship that doesn’t make her happy and she struggles to keep up with debts. Until one day everything changes and her life turns upside down.
The Second Chance Book Club brings up interesting questions, such as, what happens when you finally find yourself in a position where you don’t have to worry about anymore? How do you cope with that? How does it change you, as a person? And whether money is what makes you happy, after all. I liked the found family theme of the book (I’m a sucker for that trope) and how September comes to terms with her past and with herself, although I’m not entirely sure I liked her much. I found myself more invested in Lucia’s life, and how she fights against conventions and becomes a pillar in her community through her book clubs. I particularly liked her idea of keeping journals about daily kindnesses given by and to her. We all need a little bit more kindness, and if we look closely enough, we might find it too around us.
This is, well, not particularly a slow-paced book, but not a lot of things happen in it. The focus is more on the interpersonal relationships, and on the main characters, which could be boring to some. Butland’s writing kept me invested, although it has to be said, that she has very simple and very readable prose. The Second Chance Book Club is more of a slice-of-life kind of book if I have to put a label on it. It has a small, diverse cast of characters, of whom I would have liked to learn a bit more if I’m being honest, as they didn’t take up a lot of space, except maybe one of them, but I’m not going to spoil it. And even though I liked reading this book, I don’t think it’s going to leave a lasting memory in my head. It was nice, and it did deal with heavy topics such as racism, adoption, family fall-outs, toxic relationships, but even so, I didn’t connect with it on an emotional level as much as I would have liked.
The Second Chance Book Club could be a good choice if you want a cozy, quiet reading weekend with a book that won’t require much effort. Sometimes, the light, fluffy books are the ones we need, after all.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“It’s on the top of September’s tongue to say, You don’t need to tell us if you don’t want to. But then she realises: she’s trying to protect herself. If Esin wants to talk she must listen.”
I picked up this book on NetGalley in the spur of the moment, mostly because of the title, but also because I wanted something lighter to read. I wasn’t familiar with the author or her work, so I had no comparison. It was mostly just a gut feeling that I might like it. Thankfully, I wasn’t wrong.
The Second Chance Book Club tells the story of two women – September’s in the present and Lucia’s in the 1970s/80s. They couldn’t be more different, and yet, blood ties them together. Lucia has a privileged life, and a happy one, although it’s not without losses and heartaches as she has to deal with her family’s prejudices, their selfishness, and the fact they care more about themselves and what people think of them than about each other. But she never gives up looking for her niece and grandniece after she loses touch with September’s mother, April.
September, on the other hand, grows up in a middle-class family who aren’t particularly rich but who give her everything she needs. As an adult, she is an orphan, she is stuck in a relationship that doesn’t make her happy and she struggles to keep up with debts. Until one day everything changes and her life turns upside down.
The Second Chance Book Club brings up interesting questions, such as, what happens when you finally find yourself in a position where you don’t have to worry about anymore? How do you cope with that? How does it change you, as a person? And whether money is what makes you happy, after all. I liked the found family theme of the book (I’m a sucker for that trope) and how September comes to terms with her past and with herself, although I’m not entirely sure I liked her much. I found myself more invested in Lucia’s life, and how she fights against conventions and becomes a pillar in her community through her book clubs. I particularly liked her idea of keeping journals about daily kindnesses given by and to her. We all need a little bit more kindness, and if we look closely enough, we might find it too around us.
This is, well, not particularly a slow-paced book, but not a lot of things happen in it. The focus is more on the interpersonal relationships, and on the main characters, which could be boring to some. Butland’s writing kept me invested, although it has to be said, that she has very simple and very readable prose. The Second Chance Book Club is more of a slice-of-life kind of book if I have to put a label on it. It has a small, diverse cast of characters, of whom I would have liked to learn a bit more if I’m being honest, as they didn’t take up a lot of space, except maybe one of them, but I’m not going to spoil it. And even though I liked reading this book, I don’t think it’s going to leave a lasting memory in my head. It was nice, and it did deal with heavy topics such as racism, adoption, family fall-outs, toxic relationships, but even so, I didn’t connect with it on an emotional level as much as I would have liked.
The Second Chance Book Club could be a good choice if you want a cozy, quiet reading weekend with a book that won’t require much effort. Sometimes, the light, fluffy books are the ones we need, after all.
April 25, 2025
I was gifted this book from Headline Books in exchange for an honest review.
The Second Chance Book Club was a delightful read!
September Blythe was adopted and spends her days struggling to make ends meet in a thankless supermarket job, with a feckless boyfriend in tow. All that changes when she receives a letter informing her that she's the sole beneficiary of her great Aunt Lucia's will. An Aunt she never knew.
September inherits her Aunt's home an along with it an eclectic bunch of Book group attendees, who meet in the house. Through the group members she discovers more about her Aunt and her estranged family. She makes friends, builds relationships and develops a love of reading. Following her Aunt Lucia's practice of keeping note of all the Kindnesses she does and receives, September gradually rebuilds her life and forges her own path - just as the Aunt she's learned about would have wished!
I loved this book and flew through it in just over a day.
The story follows two timelines - September's in the current day and her Aunt Lucia's from the 1970s - early 2000s. The story encompasses family bitterness, disappointed love, societal prejudices, friendship, found family and kindness.
The book group characters are a mixed but loveable bunch and each brings something unique to September's new life - an increased knowledge of her Aunt, insight into their own lives and struggles and the opportunity to build real community.
I enjoyed how books formed a large part of this tale - books received as gifts and books discussed during the group meetings. It made me want to go out and immediately read all the titles mentioned!
This was a feel good story, without being saccharine and with a real insight into how little it takes for lives to be changed for the worse or the better, how acts of spite or acts of compassion can have far reaching impact and it left me wanting to put more kindness out into the world.
The Second Chance Book Club was a delightful read!
September Blythe was adopted and spends her days struggling to make ends meet in a thankless supermarket job, with a feckless boyfriend in tow. All that changes when she receives a letter informing her that she's the sole beneficiary of her great Aunt Lucia's will. An Aunt she never knew.
September inherits her Aunt's home an along with it an eclectic bunch of Book group attendees, who meet in the house. Through the group members she discovers more about her Aunt and her estranged family. She makes friends, builds relationships and develops a love of reading. Following her Aunt Lucia's practice of keeping note of all the Kindnesses she does and receives, September gradually rebuilds her life and forges her own path - just as the Aunt she's learned about would have wished!
I loved this book and flew through it in just over a day.
The story follows two timelines - September's in the current day and her Aunt Lucia's from the 1970s - early 2000s. The story encompasses family bitterness, disappointed love, societal prejudices, friendship, found family and kindness.
The book group characters are a mixed but loveable bunch and each brings something unique to September's new life - an increased knowledge of her Aunt, insight into their own lives and struggles and the opportunity to build real community.
I enjoyed how books formed a large part of this tale - books received as gifts and books discussed during the group meetings. It made me want to go out and immediately read all the titles mentioned!
This was a feel good story, without being saccharine and with a real insight into how little it takes for lives to be changed for the worse or the better, how acts of spite or acts of compassion can have far reaching impact and it left me wanting to put more kindness out into the world.
April 10, 2025
Oh my goodness, this was the most uplifting, beautiful, heartwarming story and another favourite for 2025! I will definitely have to buy myself a physical copy for my shelves and for many friends as well!
This book was originally called ‘The Book of Kindness’ which is also a perfect title and so fitting. This book felt like a great big hug. I adored it!!
There were so many things I loved about this story. It covers so many real life situations but written in a way that makes you reflect, really feel, and admire what life has to offer.
I don’t want to give away anything, but September’s life really does shift for the better, and in doing so she meets some amazing new friends, finds out more about her family and her past. At times I was deeply sad, when I think about what could have been for her life. But I was also overjoyed in other aspects of her life.
My favourite character was Lucia. What a life she endured and what a wonderful woman. I’ve always said kindness costs you nothing, so reading all about the kind things that happen, really warmed my heart.
This book had all my favourite things in it, books, libraries, kindness, gardening, new friendships, a bookclub and helping people out. I think we should all notice kindness more each day, what we do and what we receive, it’s really quite special and beautiful.
I could go on and on about this book, but you just need to read it, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Many thanks Headline and NetGalley!
This book was originally called ‘The Book of Kindness’ which is also a perfect title and so fitting. This book felt like a great big hug. I adored it!!
There were so many things I loved about this story. It covers so many real life situations but written in a way that makes you reflect, really feel, and admire what life has to offer.
I don’t want to give away anything, but September’s life really does shift for the better, and in doing so she meets some amazing new friends, finds out more about her family and her past. At times I was deeply sad, when I think about what could have been for her life. But I was also overjoyed in other aspects of her life.
My favourite character was Lucia. What a life she endured and what a wonderful woman. I’ve always said kindness costs you nothing, so reading all about the kind things that happen, really warmed my heart.
This book had all my favourite things in it, books, libraries, kindness, gardening, new friendships, a bookclub and helping people out. I think we should all notice kindness more each day, what we do and what we receive, it’s really quite special and beautiful.
I could go on and on about this book, but you just need to read it, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Many thanks Headline and NetGalley!
December 14, 2025
4.75. I loved this soooooo SOOO MUCH!!!!!!! It was warm, heartfelt, just the right amount of sad and happy, and the plot had me hooked. The only thing I would take 1/4 of a star off for is that the changing timelines/perspectives made me lose interest sometimes. But that’s a personal preference!
August 8, 2025
The Second Chance Book Club is a contemporary story that is mainly set in Harrogate, Yorkshire.
We are introduced to September as she struggles to make ends meet as bills pile up and her boyfriend takes advantage of her generous nature.
A second character is Lucia—daughter sister, aunt, friend— who is a significant part in the lives of so many others.
September has known that she was adopted for many years and always wonders about her birth family, but she is unprepared for what comes after she receives a letter from a solicitor.
The story flows back and forth between September and Lucia as background is built and memories unravelled. When September goes to Harrogate she becomes involved in her relative’s book club. The eclectic group of book enthusiasts have all been shown immeasurable amounts of kindness by Lucia.
This was a lovely reading experience; filled with interesting characters and a storyline that smoothly meandered through the second chances that so many of the characters received. It really was a tale of hope.
We are introduced to September as she struggles to make ends meet as bills pile up and her boyfriend takes advantage of her generous nature.
A second character is Lucia—daughter sister, aunt, friend— who is a significant part in the lives of so many others.
September has known that she was adopted for many years and always wonders about her birth family, but she is unprepared for what comes after she receives a letter from a solicitor.
The story flows back and forth between September and Lucia as background is built and memories unravelled. When September goes to Harrogate she becomes involved in her relative’s book club. The eclectic group of book enthusiasts have all been shown immeasurable amounts of kindness by Lucia.
This was a lovely reading experience; filled with interesting characters and a storyline that smoothly meandered through the second chances that so many of the characters received. It really was a tale of hope.
April 17, 2025
I received an arc of this book from the publisher. This is my first book by this author and I will certainly be looking out for more.
The main character September lives hand to mouth and doesn't know her early history as she was adopted so she is surprised to inherit a house from her Aunt Lucia who she doesn't remember.
At the house she meets members of the book club Lucia set up and discovers her aunts books of kindness and a series of books her au t bought for her birthdays as she never forgot her.
The author creates characters that I could warm to really easily and I loved the interaction between the main character September and the other members of the book club, especially Esin. I also loved the flashbacks to Aunt Lucia that the author uses to tell us the truth about September's past. There is a helpful list of books at the back of the book which would be great for a book club.
The main character September lives hand to mouth and doesn't know her early history as she was adopted so she is surprised to inherit a house from her Aunt Lucia who she doesn't remember.
At the house she meets members of the book club Lucia set up and discovers her aunts books of kindness and a series of books her au t bought for her birthdays as she never forgot her.
The author creates characters that I could warm to really easily and I loved the interaction between the main character September and the other members of the book club, especially Esin. I also loved the flashbacks to Aunt Lucia that the author uses to tell us the truth about September's past. There is a helpful list of books at the back of the book which would be great for a book club.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
I enjoyed the book referrals and short synopsis of many of them. I was turned off by the main character. She received a gift beyond belief, a gift beyond most peoples wildest prayers but was consumed with her self serving drivel. There were times I wanted to stop reading it altogether, but I slogged on through the history of her dysfunctional heritage and abandonment. Lucia was the real hero as were her adopted parents. She (September) threw money around and started to act like landed gentry, buy, buy buy all the while reveling in her delicious pity party. Always wanting more, more more until slowly slightly perceiving that there were others suffering far worse fates than hers. Then a fairy tale ending. Aw baloney!
April 25, 2025
4.5 stars
A really uplifting and beautiful story.
I found the journey that September goes on discovering her previously unknown family really emotional and loved the sound of Lucia. The stories September’s new friends had of Lucia and her life were lovely to read about, and the idea of the birthday books, just wonderful.
The idea of the bookclub continuing on and providing such comfort and support for all was beautiful and the whole theme of kindness and community was a strong one.
To have a list of books provided at the end of the book was a perfect ending for this Bookworm.
A really uplifting and beautiful story.
I found the journey that September goes on discovering her previously unknown family really emotional and loved the sound of Lucia. The stories September’s new friends had of Lucia and her life were lovely to read about, and the idea of the birthday books, just wonderful.
The idea of the bookclub continuing on and providing such comfort and support for all was beautiful and the whole theme of kindness and community was a strong one.
To have a list of books provided at the end of the book was a perfect ending for this Bookworm.
February 8, 2026
No one warned me how utterly depressing this book was going to be, or maybe more accurately, how emotionally draining it would be.
The author does such an incredible job of telling this story that I felt like I was right there with the characters every step of the way. And what a sad journey it was. My heart genuinely hurts at the injustice of their lives, both September’s and Lucia’s.
I was relieved that September got rid of that boyfriend early on. For a moment, I thought I was going to have to suffer through another selfish, irritating character we all knew had to go eventually.
I’m sad that William (Billy) never told her his story. I wish she could have known it, if only to understand the aunt she never truly got the chance to know.
I’m sad that her father never went looking for her, even though he believed her aunt wanted her to have a fresh start, because if he had, maybe they would have met.
I’m sad that her grandmother’s selfishness is what ultimately kept September from ever meeting the people who loved her. I’m sad that Lucia never knew her granddaughter had died until it was too late.
And despite the so-called “happy” ending, I’m still sad, for the lives these characters never got to live. Sad that Rex and Jenne lived unhappily, that Mariah and Richard lived unhappily, that Lucia never had the husband she loved or the children she longed for.
This book left me deeply sad. And really, nothing but truly great writing can make you feel that much.
The author does such an incredible job of telling this story that I felt like I was right there with the characters every step of the way. And what a sad journey it was. My heart genuinely hurts at the injustice of their lives, both September’s and Lucia’s.
I was relieved that September got rid of that boyfriend early on. For a moment, I thought I was going to have to suffer through another selfish, irritating character we all knew had to go eventually.
I’m sad that William (Billy) never told her his story. I wish she could have known it, if only to understand the aunt she never truly got the chance to know.
I’m sad that her father never went looking for her, even though he believed her aunt wanted her to have a fresh start, because if he had, maybe they would have met.
I’m sad that her grandmother’s selfishness is what ultimately kept September from ever meeting the people who loved her. I’m sad that Lucia never knew her granddaughter had died until it was too late.
And despite the so-called “happy” ending, I’m still sad, for the lives these characters never got to live. Sad that Rex and Jenne lived unhappily, that Mariah and Richard lived unhappily, that Lucia never had the husband she loved or the children she longed for.
This book left me deeply sad. And really, nothing but truly great writing can make you feel that much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
4.5 Stars
September 21, 2025
This was delightful and sweet and just what I needed after several darker books. Loved it!
June 9, 2025
A feel good novel with a few setbacks, where you just know everything will be all right in the end.
October 4, 2025
I really want a 4.5 for this book, and may even want to give it a 5 star rating for how it resonated with me personally
April 23, 2025
This story was told in dual timelines, the first starting in the 1970’s when Lucia was a young woman starting out her adult life, starting work at a library, dealing with a tumultuous family environment and meeting the love of her life. The second being in 2024 when September receives the letter, during a period of her life when she barely has enough money to survive and every day is a struggle.
September meets the members of her great aunt’s book club, and they discuss her aunt, the books they are reading and their own personal hardships.
Throughout the book many important subjects are touched upon. Adoption, racism, seeking asylum, the importance of kindness, family support and relationships, death, tragedy, love. Even owning a pet for the first time! All of these topics were dealt with in an easily digestible way for the reader and the story still felt light and hopeful!
Thank you to @headlinebooks and @stephaniebutlandauthor for my copy of this lovely book and my chance to read and review it.
3.5/5
September meets the members of her great aunt’s book club, and they discuss her aunt, the books they are reading and their own personal hardships.
Throughout the book many important subjects are touched upon. Adoption, racism, seeking asylum, the importance of kindness, family support and relationships, death, tragedy, love. Even owning a pet for the first time! All of these topics were dealt with in an easily digestible way for the reader and the story still felt light and hopeful!
Thank you to @headlinebooks and @stephaniebutlandauthor for my copy of this lovely book and my chance to read and review it.
3.5/5
November 9, 2025
I’ve read a surprising amount of books related to bookshops, books, clubs or some sort of that circle this year. I was expecting this to be a rather feel-good, chick flick cozy read to brighten up my nights. But by the time I finished this left me with (a rather uneven) amount of warmth. I love stories that highlight and give the importance to surrounding and finding yourself your community. By choosing your own chosen family. But on the other side, I have also been left with this degree of stillness of emotions and the feeling of loneliness I can’t quite explain. This writing in this book shines through, simply profound and emotional. It’s that kind of writing that makes you question, makes you feel and you have to answer those deep questions yourself. I loved reading this, it broke me into little pieces.
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January 29, 2026Fans of feel-good books would like this a lot.
I personally don't think I'm a big fan of this genre (something I have come to realise very recently). I always like these books towards the end because that's when the plot moves forward with all the loose ends being tied up.
In this specific book, though, I would have liked some things to be different. Revealing more info would be heavy spoilers, so let me leave it at this. I will say, though, I would have liked for September to know much more about her aunt than what was written in the book or the way it was done.
I personally don't think I'm a big fan of this genre (something I have come to realise very recently). I always like these books towards the end because that's when the plot moves forward with all the loose ends being tied up.
In this specific book, though, I would have liked some things to be different. Revealing more info would be heavy spoilers, so let me leave it at this. I will say, though, I would have liked for September to know much more about her aunt than what was written in the book or the way it was done.
October 11, 2025
Such a heartwarming read & exactly what I needed for the season I’m in. Normally I think I’d give 4 - 4 1/2 but I’m rounding up. I really loved the characters - I feel that they will stick with me. The idea of noting kindnesses is something I’ve added to my daily reflection & it’s been a great way to see love in my daily life.
January 20, 2026
This was more like a 4.5 ⭐️ book to me. I really enjoyed it, but some of the chapters were very long. I had to reread certain parts because of English sentence construction/vocabulary. For those of you who want to give it a try, search for The Second Chance Book Club, not The Book of Kindness as shown as being the title.
September 5, 2025
This was an audio read. I loved it. The book is a book about people and books (three book(s) in one sentence- why I’m a reader and not a writer). The character development was slow and lovely, like watching roses bloom. The book arced over family drama, love, financial issues, trust, racism, and immigration. And it did through the members of the book club. There is a slight sadness that is woven throughout which made me like it even more.
The narration was in a British accent with an unhurried pace. I thought it might be too slow when I started, but it wasn’t at all. The narrator’s pace let things sink in and simmer - much like I believe the author intended.
This might not be a five for everyone but at this time in my life it was perfect for me.
The narration was in a British accent with an unhurried pace. I thought it might be too slow when I started, but it wasn’t at all. The narrator’s pace let things sink in and simmer - much like I believe the author intended.
This might not be a five for everyone but at this time in my life it was perfect for me.
October 2, 2025
This was cute. A charming little heartwarming story. Not my favorite kind of book, but characters and story are so likeable that it would be impossible to say something bad about it. I can’t help but to feel sorrow that Lucia never got to reconnect with September, but that’s life I guess!
January 12, 2026
a book about books and all about life
Wow. Sometimes a book tugs at you and you’ll remember it always. This books does this for me. I highly recommend this book, especially if you love books and libraries.
Wow. Sometimes a book tugs at you and you’ll remember it always. This books does this for me. I highly recommend this book, especially if you love books and libraries.
January 19, 2026
Interesting story about a who woman inherits a house from a great aunt she didn’t know existed, including a book club that meets there. The book is mainly about her finding out about her past & the family she never knew, new friends & new beginnings.
August 20, 2025
3.8/5 but rounded up to 4/5
the beginning of the book was very interesting and immediately got me hooked on it but the middle parts of the book got me feeling a little dreadful to finish it but nevertheless i loved all of the plots and it was an easy read. :)
the beginning of the book was very interesting and immediately got me hooked on it but the middle parts of the book got me feeling a little dreadful to finish it but nevertheless i loved all of the plots and it was an easy read. :)
August 30, 2025
Cute story about discovering one’s self.
September 5, 2025
Undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read..
September 6, 2025
Such a sweet and cozy read. This book had so much heart in it and was a nice change of pace.
Want to read
September 6, 202599 cents on Kindle
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