Second Chances at Hearts Hotel

by Amy Rafferty

Sometimes healing begins with the people who show up when you least expect it.

Summer has arrived in Sweet Blossom Bay, bringing new guests, busy days at Hearts Hotel, and a welcome reunion for Linda Heart’s family. When Linda’s brother Michael arrives with his eleven-year-old granddaughter Lily for the summer, the hotel quickly fills with laughter, beach adventures, and the joyful chaos of three inseparable girls making memories by the sea.

As everyone pitches in to help keep Hearts Hotel running, Michael finds himself spending more and more time with Maggie Sullivan – Linda’s lifelong best friend and owner of Maggie’s Bridal & Couture. Between repair projects, shared meals, and long conversations after busy days, Maggie slowly begins to lean on Michael as she struggles through the final stages of her divorce. What begins as an easy friendship soon becomes a source of comfort, laughter, and companionship neither of them expected to find again.

Meanwhile, Linda’s growing connection with Darius Wayne becomes far more complicated when she discovers just how deeply tied he is to the future of Hearts Hotel. As pressure mounts to sell the beloved seaside inn, Sweet Blossom Bay finds itself caught between preserving the past and embracing change.

But in a town built on family, friendship, and fresh starts, the people of Sweet Blossom Bay may discover that healing often arrives in the most unexpected ways – and that some chapters of life are only just beginning.

Second Chances at Hearts Hotel is Book 2 in the heartwarming Sweet Blossom Bay series, filled with coastal charm, family bonds, gentle romance, and the healing power of community.

Genres: Romance

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2026

About the author

Amy Rafferty writes uplifting, clean romance filled with heart, healing, and the kind of hope that lingers long after the last page. Known for her coastal settings, later-in-life heroines, and unforgettable family bonds, Amy's books offer second chances and emotional journeys wrapped in love and mystery. When she’s not dreaming up her next story, she’s sipping tea by the sea and treasuring time with her family.

I always love to hear from you and get your feedback. Email me at books@amyraffertyauthor.com and Follow Me on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/amyrafferty

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Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story keeps getting more interesting. The little cliffy at the end is going to make the next one a rollercoaster I bet!

Love is in the air, scheming is fun and those that deserve it are getting what's coming to them!

I don't know if they can save Hearts Hotel, but I have a good feeling that there is going to be alot of happily ever afters, but we shall see.

I expect a certain annoying cousin to show up and start even more trouble.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes healing begins with the people who show up when you least expect it.

Summer has arrived in Sweet Blossom Bay, bringing new guests, busy days at Hearts Hotel, and a welcome reunion for Linda Heart’s family. When Linda’s brother Michael arrives with his eleven-year-old granddaughter Lily for the summer, the hotel quickly fills with laughter, beach adventures, and the joyful chaos of three inseparable girls making memories by the sea.

As everyone pitches in to help keep Hearts Hotel running, Michael finds himself spending more and more time with Maggie Sullivan – Linda’s lifelong best friend and owner of Maggie’s Bridal & Couture. Between repair projects, shared meals, and long conversations after busy days, Maggie slowly begins to lean on Michael as she struggles through the final stages of her divorce. What begins as an easy friendship soon becomes a source of comfort, laughter, and companionship neither of them expected to find again.

Meanwhile, Linda’s growing connection with Darius Wayne becomes far more complicated when she discovers just how deeply tied he is to the future of Hearts Hotel. As pressure mounts to sell the beloved seaside inn, Sweet Blossom Bay finds itself caught between preserving the past and embracing change.

But in a town built on family, friendship, and fresh starts, the people of Sweet Blossom Bay may discover that healing often arrives in the most unexpected ways – and that some chapters of life are only just beginning.

This contemporary sweet, second-chance beach romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Sweet Blossom Bay, with its magnificent sunrises and sunsets that are majestically painted in vibrant hues across the sky, and characters who are witty, resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with second chances at Hearts Hotel, second chances at Hearts Hotel, in a town that is built on family, friendship, fresh starts, the people of Sweet Blossom Bay may discover that healing often arrives in the most unexpected ways-and that some chapters of life are only just beginning, filled with coastal charm, family bonds, gentle romance, the healing power of community, pressure mounts to sell the beloved seaside inn, Sweet Blossom Bay finds itself caught between preserving the past and embracing change, sometimes healing begins with the people who show up when you least expect it, beach adventures, joyful vhaos of three inseperable girls making memories by the sea, at Hearts Hotel Maggie struggles throuhg the final stages of her divorce, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth that will leave readers needing Kleenex or Puffs to wipe away the tears threatening to spill down their cheeks, heartwarming second-chance starting over romance, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with second chances at Hearts Hotel and a contemporary, sweet, second-chance beach romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is immensely emotional, intriguing, and unforgettable.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Sweet Blossom Bay Book is unputdownable! In this one there is more focus on Michael and Maggie's relationship. What a wonderful fun story we have there with Michael taking on Maggie's divorce from her horrible husband since her lawyer has done nothing for her. And we have Linda getting ready for her first date since her nasty divorce with Darius Wayne who unbeknownst to her is looking to buy the family hotel to change the properties to a resort. Add to that and Uncle George will be getting out of the hospital soon and She and Michael are preparing a downstairs suite with a rehab area for him. The kids get along so well and Michael's sister and his friend lawyer love it there and don't want Michael to change anything. And more, what is found when the excavation was going on to fix the pool? This book has so many things going on, you have to read it straight through, you just can't put it down! I can't wait to see what will happen next! I highly recommend these two books so far as well as all the rest of this series to follow! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Amy Rafferty, and this does not disappoint; this is book two in The Sweet Blossom Bay series. Linda Heart and her brother Michael are getting their Uncle George's room, and rehab room ready; for when he comes home from the hospital. Linda and Michael are going over the hotels finances with Martin their attorney. Their is no money and the hotel has three mortgages!! The Wayne Group sent another letter wanting to buy Heart's Hotel and Heart House; they are not for sale!! Linda goes on a date with Darius, not knowing he is the head of Wayne Group. She found it odd he said nothing about his personal life. Michael and Maggie (Linda's best friend) are now connecting, forty years after they went to prom together! While needing to do work on the hotel pool, the excavator hit something, and they need to stop work immediately!! What did they hit? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I cant wait for the next book in the series!!!

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. It ends with another find that will give the Heart Hotel another chance for survival in the family. Two great things do happen in this book after the arrival of Michael the older brother who is a very skilled lawyer. He clears up Maggie’s problems getting her the divorce with the terms that she deserved. Also her ex husband and his soon to be fiancé are loosing their shop that steals her designs and sells the knockoffs. Then Michael and Maggie are able to declare their love for each other and develop their relationship. As they are telling Linda Maggie’s great news and revealing their new relationship Linda is called to the excavation site to see what has been uncovered and when she sees it she tells them they have something that will delay maybe end the takeover attempts they face. Hope you get this book and continue to follow what happens with the hotel and the lives of the family that own it. Enjoy!

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet, clean small town, second chance, fresh starts, later-in-life romance.

Some of the lines I really like --- that sometimes we do things on impulse because, deep down, we know it would affect our future. ---- “Bad isn't the same as hopeless. I've seen hopeless, and this isn't it." --- A man is usually known by the company he keeps. If those two love him, he must be a good person underneath and needs to be given a chance to prove it either way." ----

What's Baxter up to? Will they save the hotel? What's Vanessa up to? What did they find when rebuilding the pool? What does it mean for the hotel, as well as for the Heart family? These and other questions will all be answered in books 3, 4, 5 or 6.

I loved Linda and Darius and Lila and Tom and Maggie and Michael's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and I can't wait to read Book 3, Whispers of Love at Hearts Hotel!

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael, now a grandfather and a lawyer, returns home to save his family hotel. He is reunited with Maggie, his sister’s best friend. Maggie is also an old flame, but Michael and Maggie would never acknowledge their love because of family relationships. Michale is a widower, Maggie is soon to be divorced, with Michael’s help. Will they have a second chance at love?

Linda is Michael’s widowed sister. She has custody of her grandchildren since their parents’ death. She meets Darius and dates him very soon after meeting him. She does not even know his last name.

This story is well-written, and the characters are well developed.

Caution: there is another situation and another romance that were not resolved.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 5 out of 5]

No… no… NO! Don’t leave me hanging like this!
Even though I knew the cliffhanger was coming, it still hit me right in the gut. This series just keeps getting better, and I’m completely invested in every twist, every setback, and every tiny victory. You can’t help but root for the hotel — wondering how on earth it’s going to survive, and hoping against hope that somehow it will.
And then there’s the side story with Vanessa, the unapologetic husband‑stealer. Absolutely hilarious. Maggie handled her with such perfect, satisfying finesse that I couldn’t stop grinning.
This book has everything I love: fun, mystery, intrigue, family drama, and characters who feel like they’ve walked right off the page and into your life. Another fantastic installment in a series that refuses to let you go.

[Lucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Ms Rafferty's new Sweet Blossom Bay series.

I enjoyed this second chance book with its wonderful characters even more than the first instalment. The characters are becoming more rounded, therefore more interesting. Two more characters are added in the mix, Linda's brother Michael and Maggie who is Linda's best friend. All protagonists are realistic, although not all are likeable. 
The story keeps you guessing at what will happen next. I am looking forward to the third book in the series.

Thank you BookFunnel for giving me the opportunity of reading this arc in return for an honest review.
Yet again, a well-deserved 5 ⭐️!

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely hotting up..the plot certainly is thickening. Relationships are beginning, but not as steady as others. Michael and Maggie are a certainty, Kevin and Vanessa definitely are not and the verdict is out on Linda and Darius.
Underhand tactics by some are obviously personal and vindictive. Underhand tactics by others are not so obvious, but mixing business and pleasure is possibly a disaster in the making..but not yet sure which individual associated with Wayne Group is driving it. The author is well developed in the art of leaving breadcrumbs for the reader..just enough to whet the appetite.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great addition to the series! Ms. Rafferty has a way of making the reader a part of her characters' world. Linda has unanswered questions about Darius after their date, and the relationship between Michael and Maggie becomes more intimate after he helps her with her divorce case. What will happen next? Find out by reading this unputdownable book, which I highly recommend to other romance/mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing continuation of book one. 


Second Chances at Hearts Hotel book two of the new series Sweet Blossom Bay is amazing. 

I didn't want to put it down. I found myself throughout the book Iaughing out loud, cheering and maybe shedding a few tears.

I truly love these characters; Maggie and Michael are quickly becoming my favorites, while reading I wanted to stop and yell Go Maggie and Michael. They will sure keep your heart pounding with excitement. 

I can't wait to see what was found, will it be enough to save the hotel and house? I can't wait for book three. 

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

SECOND CHANCES AT HEARTS HOTEL by Amy Rafferty, is a clean, heartwarming, coastal, later-in-life romance that features family, friendship, fresh starts, and, of course, second chances.

Welcome to Sweet Blossom Bay - where tensions build, sweet romances bloom, mysteries twist and turn, and the pièce de résistance — the masterfully planned and beautifully executed sting operation that dispenses sweet poetic justice — brilliantly!! Well done!!!❣️❣️

I received this book as part of an advanced reader team and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is utterly amazing! This series is my new favorite by Amy Rafferty! The characters, the setting the story line makes is so hard to put down, I have stayed up past my bedtime quite a few times with this one! I love the story line of Linda, but Michael & Maggie and her shop have stolen the series with this one! Sweet Revenge for Maggie! And the cliff hanger at the end!!!! I think I know, as I picked up on a couple of clues thru the book! I can't wait to see where it goes in the next book!

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recovery

Hearts Hotel sounds like a great place to visit. If only they weren’t just trying to survive. With Uncle George still in the hospital Linda is busy preparing for his arrival on discharge. Her brother, Michael comes for the summer to help. They are facing a big corporate takeover and they are determined to fight it. So many things going on in this story that make it hard to put it down. Between all the characters there is a lot going on. When Darius finally reveals his identity it will get heated.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances at Hearts Hotel, Book 2, finds Michael, Linda's brother, arriving for the summer to prepare for Uncle George's discharge and to try to financially save the family hotel. Michael and Maggie, Linda's best friend, become closer as he helps support her through her divorce from her husband. Linda agrees to a date with Darius unbeknownst he is the CEO of the Wayne Group. This well written series' book by Amy Rafferty is full of plot twists situations including a cliffhanger.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 2, Linda goes on a date with Darius. What secrets is he hiding? What plan is the Wayne group hatching to try to take over the Hearts Hotel Property?

Michael is helping Maggie try to get a divorce from her sorry husband Kevin. His “fiancé” Vanessa keeps trying to sneak designs from her very successful couture design shop. When a news leak claims Vanessa’s shop is working with a famous celebrity, a plan is hatched to get both of them out of Maggie’s life.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Blossom Bat book 2 is all about Michael and Maggie. They fell in love as teenagers but never acknowledged it and then married others. Now Maggie is in a messy divorce and Michael is going to help her. Throw in a nasty fiancé if Maggie’s soon to be ex and things get even more exciting.

Linda still doesn’t know who Darius really is but his sister and aid are on Linda’s side so we’ll see is Darius gives up on his plan in book three.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and Michael have had crushes on each other for 40 years! Michael helps Maggie with her divorce from Kevin. Could there now be a second chance for their romance?

Linda goes on a date with Darius and thinks she’s falling for him. Will Linda find out who he really is? What gets uncovered when the contractors start digging up the swimming pool at Heats Hotel? Will this change everything?

Book 3 will surely have the answers to at least one of these questions.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael & Maggie’s story continues to grow and take us along! We feel all the emotions in Book 2 which only means we are ready for Book 3! Rafferty once again engages the reader with the opening scene and takes us into the next oat of the story allowing the characters to become more endearing to us so that we want to know what will happen next and after that and later on! I am part of Rafferty’s ARC team and am offering this honest review.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my first Amy Rafferty read she went in my insta read list. And this book didn’t let me down. I’m loving so much about this series.
While there is tension and some drama there is so much more. I love that the characters are older. The FMC is in her late 50s as is her best friend. Her step-father is in his 70s. And their lives are active and vibrant and open to new love. These aren’t “old people,” they are people who are older. I love the butterfly bellies, the racing hearts, the crushes. I love the sense of family and second chapters in life. A true 5 star read from what is so far a 5 star series.


I recieved and ARC from the author.

[Doris Abramson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so eager to get back to the second installment and was not in the least disappointed. The development of characters, their relationships, the laughter and the tears are what makes the reader drawn to Ann Rafferty's books! Do yourself a favor and pick up this series--you will just love them! So excited to be able to be chosen to receive this title prior to publication for an honest review. Soooo looking forward to the next book! Thank you again.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner this is! We start to see some of the relationships form while Linda and Michael, along with Maggie are wracking their brains on how to save the hotel. Even though it wasn’t kept in pristine condition, this hotel and the town sound like a place I would love to visit. Now, what was found that we don’t know about?
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two and summer has arrived and with it is Michael and his granddaughter to stay at Hearts Hotel. Michael finds himself helping Maggie as she works her way through the end of her divorce and what’s starts as friendship soon turns into more! Love is in the air but so is a takeover which Linda is determined to fight, there’s mysteries, there’s secrets and there’s fun, laughter and friendship with so much more as we head into book three.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book brings much more excitement, beginnings of relationships, and major life changes. You will have moments of laughter, anxiety, dread and perhaps a saving issue. This is one of the most exciting segments I have read and look forward to the next issues. Fantastic thought processes were sure implemented with the book set.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC.

Micheal & Maggie are getting closer. After 40 years they deserve a second chance at love. Linda’s falling for Darius she doesn’t know anything about him. Wayne Group is coming in hot after the Hearts Hotel. Until the pool people dig up something that could save their family home.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love blossoms.

A captivating story as a second chance romance blossoms and a new romance is blossoming amidst the tension and struggles of the Heart family.  I love the story line in this book and series.  It's clear there will be challenges ahead, but am hoping that love will overcome the challenges.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Linda Ann Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series focuses on the growing relationship between Maggie and Linda’s brother Michael. Meanwhile Uncle George is soon to be released from hospital and return to Hearts Hotel to recuperate. The Wayne Group are pushing to buy the hotel, that’s not for sale. Linda and Darius are totally “unaware” of who each other actually is in this saga.
Looking forward to Book 3.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

Such a wonderful series! Mystery, romance, drama and family along with love, laughter, friendship, and a hint of newly discovered love. I love these strong, heartwarming, engaging characters so full of emotion. The writing is amazing and this story has kept me entertained page after page. Can't wait for book 3!