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Something Borrowed
All she’s ever wanted is for someone to love her as much as she loves them . . .
So why is she alone, facing midlife questions about what comes next, and estranged from her adult son?
When Vic moves “home” to care for her ailing—and relentlessly critical—mother, she’s hoping for a peaceful place to regroup and figure out her future. Instead, she's confronted by old wounds, familiar dysfunction, and slips into destructive coping habits.
Then she gets caught shoplifting at the cozy, eclectic Second Chance Shop.
Humiliated and ashamed, Vic faces a difficult the only common denominator in all her unhealthy relationships is her.
But change is possible. If she's willing to heal old hurts and rewrite the stories she's always believed about herself, she could gain genuine friendships, a healed relationship with her son, and maybe even something she’s long given up lasting romantic love.
First, however, she must learn that self-hatred is something borrowed—and the love she's spent her life searching for begins within.
Perfect for readers who love books
• Later-in-life romance
• Women's friendships
• Mother-daughter relationships
• Family relationships
• Starting over at midlife
• Found family
• Second chances
• Personal growth journeys
• Charming small-town settings
• The pets who bring us joy
So why is she alone, facing midlife questions about what comes next, and estranged from her adult son?
When Vic moves “home” to care for her ailing—and relentlessly critical—mother, she’s hoping for a peaceful place to regroup and figure out her future. Instead, she's confronted by old wounds, familiar dysfunction, and slips into destructive coping habits.
Then she gets caught shoplifting at the cozy, eclectic Second Chance Shop.
Humiliated and ashamed, Vic faces a difficult the only common denominator in all her unhealthy relationships is her.
But change is possible. If she's willing to heal old hurts and rewrite the stories she's always believed about herself, she could gain genuine friendships, a healed relationship with her son, and maybe even something she’s long given up lasting romantic love.
First, however, she must learn that self-hatred is something borrowed—and the love she's spent her life searching for begins within.
Perfect for readers who love books
• Later-in-life romance
• Women's friendships
• Mother-daughter relationships
• Family relationships
• Starting over at midlife
• Found family
• Second chances
• Personal growth journeys
• Charming small-town settings
• The pets who bring us joy
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
Ev Bishop
38 books171 followersEv Bishop is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author, who believes in the power of fiction to transform lives, knowing we both lose ourselves—and find ourselves!—in good stories.
Best known for her small-town contemporary romance series, River’s Sigh B & B, readers describe her books as “full of humor, love and wisdom,” set in places “where breathtaking scenery and the magic of love are the best medicine for the soul.”
In addition to writing novels—her favorite length of story because she always has so much she wants to fit in!—Ev was a columnist with the Terrace Standard for almost twenty years and is a prolific scribbler of . . . other things. Her articles, essays, short stories, and poems appear in a variety of publications, and she also writes under the pen name Toni Sheridan.
When Ev’s nose isn’t in a book or her fingers aren’t on her keyboard, you’ll find her with her family and dogs or playing outside, usually at the lake or in the middle of a forest somewhere.
She loves any and all garden-related talk and work, cooking (and eating!), and making all sorts of random things—especially out of upcycled or reclaimed items.
For more information, visit Ev’s website at https://evbishop.com. You can also connect with Ev on Twitter @Ev_Bishop, or follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEvBishop, but the best way to keep in the loop re: current works, upcoming books and events, and other fun tidbits is to subscribe to her newsletter at: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
She looks forward to hearing from you!
Fall in love with books by Ev Bishop today:
RIVER’S SIGH B & B SERIES
Wedding Bands
Hooked
Spoons
Hook, Line & Sinker
Silver Bells
Reeling
One to Keep
The Catch
SOUL SISTERS AT CEDAR MOUNTAIN LODGE
Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson
STANDALONES
Bigger Things
A Sharla Brown Christmas
WRITING AS TONI SHERIDAN
The Present
Drummer Boy
Best known for her small-town contemporary romance series, River’s Sigh B & B, readers describe her books as “full of humor, love and wisdom,” set in places “where breathtaking scenery and the magic of love are the best medicine for the soul.”
In addition to writing novels—her favorite length of story because she always has so much she wants to fit in!—Ev was a columnist with the Terrace Standard for almost twenty years and is a prolific scribbler of . . . other things. Her articles, essays, short stories, and poems appear in a variety of publications, and she also writes under the pen name Toni Sheridan.
When Ev’s nose isn’t in a book or her fingers aren’t on her keyboard, you’ll find her with her family and dogs or playing outside, usually at the lake or in the middle of a forest somewhere.
She loves any and all garden-related talk and work, cooking (and eating!), and making all sorts of random things—especially out of upcycled or reclaimed items.
For more information, visit Ev’s website at https://evbishop.com. You can also connect with Ev on Twitter @Ev_Bishop, or follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEvBishop, but the best way to keep in the loop re: current works, upcoming books and events, and other fun tidbits is to subscribe to her newsletter at: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
She looks forward to hearing from you!
Fall in love with books by Ev Bishop today:
RIVER’S SIGH B & B SERIES
Wedding Bands
Hooked
Spoons
Hook, Line & Sinker
Silver Bells
Reeling
One to Keep
The Catch
SOUL SISTERS AT CEDAR MOUNTAIN LODGE
Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson
STANDALONES
Bigger Things
A Sharla Brown Christmas
WRITING AS TONI SHERIDAN
The Present
Drummer Boy
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 14, 2026
This is book three in the Second Hand Bookshop series. Although I have not read the first two books in the series, when I was offered the opportunity to read and review Something Borrowed by the author, I accepted because I have read and enjoyed other titles by Ms. Bishop.
This story can be read as a stand alone book. It delves deeply into some pretty heavy emotional subjects, but I think it brings to light the fact that you can’t find your true happiness in life without accepting the support of caring individuals who surround you, believe in you, and lend a hand. We sometimes need others to see in us what we cannot see ourselves.
I think Vic (Victoria) had a very hard time coming to terms with what she needed to do to overcome her toxic self image and deep seated doubts to find her desired path in life.
But her journey is worth the read, in my opinion.
This story can be read as a stand alone book. It delves deeply into some pretty heavy emotional subjects, but I think it brings to light the fact that you can’t find your true happiness in life without accepting the support of caring individuals who surround you, believe in you, and lend a hand. We sometimes need others to see in us what we cannot see ourselves.
I think Vic (Victoria) had a very hard time coming to terms with what she needed to do to overcome her toxic self image and deep seated doubts to find her desired path in life.
But her journey is worth the read, in my opinion.
September 16, 2026
This is great series ! Pick yourself up and figure your problem out with help of friends and family
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in return for my unbiased review.
Many times, throughout our lives, we continue to make mistakes in love, getting tangled up in what seemed like a good thing only to discover that we are stuck in a mess that won’t end well. So it goes for Vic(Victoria), at 53 years old, moving in with her mother in her childhood home and town,. She is coming home to take care of Audra, who is sick, trying to leave behind and escape from the dark places of her life. So much heartache, so much dysfunction, missing the love and relationship with her adult son Michael, and a mother, Audra, who seems to have hated Vic her entire life. Out of the pain comes compulsive behaviors that triggered kleptomania, and during that time of returning here to Greenridge she is caught. But out of the mess comes a new beginning. A new job in The Second Chance Shop, meeting Madeline who sees herself in Vic when she was lost, rekindling a childhood friendship with Gwen, and meeting Cal Anderson, a handyman who is working on the problems in Vic’s childhood home and becoming a real friend. The possibility of that dream, of her own second chance, of being loved truly - especially learning to love herself in order to be loved - and being safe could be within her reach, finally.
Ev Bishop writes absolutely wonderful books, but this series and characters are so true to life in so many ways. From dysfunction to a promise of what can really be - true to yourself and others, safety, love of self and to have the love of another - she weaves a perfect story with characters that will make you think, cry and feel good too.
Many times, throughout our lives, we continue to make mistakes in love, getting tangled up in what seemed like a good thing only to discover that we are stuck in a mess that won’t end well. So it goes for Vic(Victoria), at 53 years old, moving in with her mother in her childhood home and town,. She is coming home to take care of Audra, who is sick, trying to leave behind and escape from the dark places of her life. So much heartache, so much dysfunction, missing the love and relationship with her adult son Michael, and a mother, Audra, who seems to have hated Vic her entire life. Out of the pain comes compulsive behaviors that triggered kleptomania, and during that time of returning here to Greenridge she is caught. But out of the mess comes a new beginning. A new job in The Second Chance Shop, meeting Madeline who sees herself in Vic when she was lost, rekindling a childhood friendship with Gwen, and meeting Cal Anderson, a handyman who is working on the problems in Vic’s childhood home and becoming a real friend. The possibility of that dream, of her own second chance, of being loved truly - especially learning to love herself in order to be loved - and being safe could be within her reach, finally.
Ev Bishop writes absolutely wonderful books, but this series and characters are so true to life in so many ways. From dysfunction to a promise of what can really be - true to yourself and others, safety, love of self and to have the love of another - she weaves a perfect story with characters that will make you think, cry and feel good too.
September 15, 2026
Vic and Cal put in all the work
Vic is not an easy character to make sympathetic. She’s had a tough life, made some questionable decisions, and admittedly is still trying to figure out how to be the adult she wants to be. As a woman in her 50s, she’s quite the late bloomer as far as taking accountability for the direction of her life, but that’s what makes her perfect for Cal. Also in his early 50s, he hasn’t had nearly the obstacles that Vic has had, but he’s still adrift, trying to find his path to happiness that doesn’t depend on the participation of someone else.
Both Vic and Cal are making the most of their own personal self-evaluation journeys, which unfortunately keeps them apart for much of the book. Understandably so, of course, so don’t lose heart with the story. There is a very satisfying HEA awaiting at the end. I was truly amazed at how the author was able to show us all the flaws and foibles while still keeping the reader rooting for a less than ideal character, giving us such an emotional, introspective story with just the right amount of heartwarming romance.
It’s been a while since I read the last book in this series, but the fact that I instantly remembered the earlier books, despite having read approximately 700 books since then, is a testament to the outstanding writing and truly memorable characters. These characters don’t just linger in your mind, they’ll find a home in your heart.
Vic is not an easy character to make sympathetic. She’s had a tough life, made some questionable decisions, and admittedly is still trying to figure out how to be the adult she wants to be. As a woman in her 50s, she’s quite the late bloomer as far as taking accountability for the direction of her life, but that’s what makes her perfect for Cal. Also in his early 50s, he hasn’t had nearly the obstacles that Vic has had, but he’s still adrift, trying to find his path to happiness that doesn’t depend on the participation of someone else.
Both Vic and Cal are making the most of their own personal self-evaluation journeys, which unfortunately keeps them apart for much of the book. Understandably so, of course, so don’t lose heart with the story. There is a very satisfying HEA awaiting at the end. I was truly amazed at how the author was able to show us all the flaws and foibles while still keeping the reader rooting for a less than ideal character, giving us such an emotional, introspective story with just the right amount of heartwarming romance.
It’s been a while since I read the last book in this series, but the fact that I instantly remembered the earlier books, despite having read approximately 700 books since then, is a testament to the outstanding writing and truly memorable characters. These characters don’t just linger in your mind, they’ll find a home in your heart.
September 26, 2026
Complicated families
“Something Borrowed” is not a book that can be read quickly or without added reflection. It is a study of relationships and of that age-old adage “The sins of the father…” or, in this case, the mother!
Vic is a product of her childhood, raised by a vindictive mother and an absent father, who has spent her adulthood looking for approval in several relationships which invariably end badly, including feeling that she has failed her adult son. When she reaches a new low, a sympathetic business owner reacts in a surprising manner, and this, together with her friendship with Cal, the contractor she hires to fix her home, ultimately helps Vic to redeem herself.
This is a compassionately written account of an older woman who is determined to change her circumstances, the genuine friendships she develops with women who accept her without undue judgement, and the gentle, supportive man who overcomes his own misgivings in order to help her become the person she has always strived to be.
I have given my voluntary opinion of a review copy I received from the author.
“Something Borrowed” is not a book that can be read quickly or without added reflection. It is a study of relationships and of that age-old adage “The sins of the father…” or, in this case, the mother!
Vic is a product of her childhood, raised by a vindictive mother and an absent father, who has spent her adulthood looking for approval in several relationships which invariably end badly, including feeling that she has failed her adult son. When she reaches a new low, a sympathetic business owner reacts in a surprising manner, and this, together with her friendship with Cal, the contractor she hires to fix her home, ultimately helps Vic to redeem herself.
This is a compassionately written account of an older woman who is determined to change her circumstances, the genuine friendships she develops with women who accept her without undue judgement, and the gentle, supportive man who overcomes his own misgivings in order to help her become the person she has always strived to be.
I have given my voluntary opinion of a review copy I received from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The long awaited Something Borrowed finally arrives!
The title is so fitting in more ways than I expected it to be. Vic, short for Victoria, has been living on a lot of borrowed - poisonous relationships, self-hatred, time and material things that actually wasn’t something she wanted or needed. She needed connections with people who could help her understand herself, to believe in herself. Long way to be brave to face her own challenges and rebuild the true self. And then there’s Cal with his own background and insecurities. Could they become more than friends?
It was a pure delight to meet Gwen in Second Chance shop, like visiting an old friend again.
I always admire how Ev Bishop takes the hard, difficult problems and digs in to the depths of it, never fails to amaze us with her ability to get readers into the story and never looking back.
What I loved most was to see the growth of Vic and Cal along with other characters. Oh, and of course cats, quite a few of them! Lots of humorous moments and mischief that made the story lighter.
All in all I absolutely loved Something Borrowed, second chances and all that.
The title is so fitting in more ways than I expected it to be. Vic, short for Victoria, has been living on a lot of borrowed - poisonous relationships, self-hatred, time and material things that actually wasn’t something she wanted or needed. She needed connections with people who could help her understand herself, to believe in herself. Long way to be brave to face her own challenges and rebuild the true self. And then there’s Cal with his own background and insecurities. Could they become more than friends?
It was a pure delight to meet Gwen in Second Chance shop, like visiting an old friend again.
I always admire how Ev Bishop takes the hard, difficult problems and digs in to the depths of it, never fails to amaze us with her ability to get readers into the story and never looking back.
What I loved most was to see the growth of Vic and Cal along with other characters. Oh, and of course cats, quite a few of them! Lots of humorous moments and mischief that made the story lighter.
All in all I absolutely loved Something Borrowed, second chances and all that.
September 16, 2026
Something Borrowed is an inspirational look at personal growth and second chances. Vic had to first face humiliation for her kleptomania before she could embark in a journey of personal growth. With the help of Madeline, renewed friendship with Gwen and working at The Second Chance Shop, Vic begins to get her life in order. Living with a verbally abusive mother does not help improve Vic's chances for success, but as she slowly sheds her toxic self image, works on her relationships with both her mother and her adult son, and falls in love with Cal, Vic slowly gets her own second chance. Ms. Bishop's books always move me to tears for the hardships her characters face, but she is brilliant at getting them to a hard fought HEA. I could not but the book down and it was nearly 6 am when I finished reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Victoria (Vic) has returned to her hometown to take care of her mother. There is another reason too, but Vic is ashamed of that reason.
All she ever dreamed of was having a husband to love and for him to love her back. But here she is, never married and with an adult son who rarely calls her. Plus, she has also ‘picked up’ a bad habit. Vic needs help, and unexpectedly that is just what she receives when she visits the Second Chance Shop. If you enjoy reading a heartwarming book where treasures are not only “things” but also can be friendships and second chances, then don’t miss this enjoyable book.
All she ever dreamed of was having a husband to love and for him to love her back. But here she is, never married and with an adult son who rarely calls her. Plus, she has also ‘picked up’ a bad habit. Vic needs help, and unexpectedly that is just what she receives when she visits the Second Chance Shop. If you enjoy reading a heartwarming book where treasures are not only “things” but also can be friendships and second chances, then don’t miss this enjoyable book.
October 9, 2026
I loved this book! I want to say it is the best of the Second Chance Shop series, except that the others are so good, and I related with each of the main characters so much. But Vic! She is sad and sweet and angry (mainly at herself) but still shows up for her challenging mom. She needs a special guy, and some loyal friends, and some rescued cats – and to forgive herself for things she considers unforgiveable. Watching her move through her transformation was a delightful, aching, rejoicing journey. So much heart! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 3 in this series is the story of Vic (Victoria), who despite a boatload of her own troubles, chooses to move in with her cantankerous mother who needs someone to look after her. This opens the door to old wounds but also to new possibilities and the personal work and growth needed for Victoria to find the life and love she wants. A hopeful, engaging read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews