Something Old

by Ev Bishop

How do you find the strength to start again?

Madeline’s world caves in when her husband, daughter, and sister are ripped away in one fell swoop.

Trapped in a limbo of grief and loneliness, she realizes that to survive, she needs to fight her way back to some kind of life.

She throws her belongings into storage, sells her house, and heads to a new-to-her small town. There she invests every dime she has to open what had been her and her daughter’s shared dream: an upscale secondhand, consignment, and upcycling store. It has to work, or else—No. She can’t think about that. It has to work.

The birth of Madeline’s heart-healing Second Chance Shop is not without pain. And the clock is ticking on whether the shop can support her. Still, she is floored to find things she’d lost hope of ever experiencing again: laughter, dear friends—including a fat, slightly cantankerous cat and a distinguished old yellow lab—and surprising moments of joy.

She even has a second chance for love.

If she’s brave enough—and if she can come to terms with her loss, shed her guilt, and fully embrace living.

If you enjoy emotionally compelling stories about family relationships, women’s friendships, romance for women over forty, and the pets who bring us so much joy, you’re going to love USA Today bestselling author Ev Bishop’s The Second Chance Shop, a brand-new small-town contemporary romance series about overcoming heartbreak, starting over later in life, and finding home again. . . .

358 pages, ebook

Published February 14, 2021

About the author

Ev 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

Reviews

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read it was! I have to admit that I fell in love with this books cover instantly! It not only catches your eye but is also a symbol of hope and love, and second chances.
I thoroughly enjoyed (Read: LOVED) every moment spent reading "Something Old". I am so happy being back in Greenridge visiting my old friends from River's Sigh B&B and being introduced to the wonderful new ones. And one special bossy cat which I adored!
This was Madeline and Grant's heart strings pulling emotionally charged and humorous at once story. Inspirational. How to make one small step at a time to feel alive again after a great loss and grieving for years.
I absolutely loved the heartwarming story line, Madeline and Grant's characters so imperfectly perfect match that makes you smile and laugh at their interactions - Madeline's quirkiness and Grant's grumpiness does it to you.
Now I'm super excited for the next book in this promising new series! Can't wait!!!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with emotion, this amazing read captures the depth of the pain of loss, of second chances at living while letting go of the ghosts of the past that weight down the hearts of those left behind.

Beautifully written, Ev Bishop has infused small town charm into a heart-warming tale of starting over. SOMETHING OLD even captures moments of humor as two seemingly opposites attract in a delightfully human way.

Sweet and cleverly done, there is no feeling of being rushed, but of seeing hope in the amazing characters Ms. Bishop has created as they form bonds that give strength, even as there are a few stumbles along the way!

Highly, highly recommended for readers who want to feel good and believe in well deserved happiness.

I received a complimentary copy from Ev Bishop! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: The Second Chance Shop - Book 1
Publisher : Winding Path Books (February 14, 2021)
Genre: Women's Fiction
Print length : 360 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! The story is thoughtful, emotional, and entertaining, and Ev Bishop’s story timing is impeccable. The characters are so well portrayed, especially Madeline. She’s so strong and devastated and funny and philosophical and quirky. Grant is wonderfully genuine and a great love interest.
I also liked that it was so sweet and clean, and yet was not even close to shallow. The ‘third storage unit’ scene completely gutted me on a deep level, and I loved how Madeline so authentically came to terms with her previous loss, which wasn’t so much resolved by the end but changed to a different kind of grief, one where she welcomed her memories. The development of her acceptance was very well done and natural.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I’m excited that it’s going to be an entire series because I love Ev’s writing style. She explores the different emotions of love with heartwarming characters that wrap themselves around my heart and engage my empathy because every character has a hidden side just waiting to be revealed, examined and understood. Madeline is struggling to make a new start after the tragic loss of her entire family and Grant is reeling from his ex wife’s cheating and his father’s death. Together they start a friendship that can lead to much more if they’re brave enough to embrace the future and the positive messages this book presents is healing for the characters and the reader alike. I have read the majority of Ev’s books and I highly recommend them, especially the River’s Sigh Series which has loose ties to this book. You can’t go wrong with an Ev Bishop title! I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally charged friends-to-lovers romance!

Both Madeline and Grant are close to fifty and each is still adjusting to unwanted changes in their lives.  Madeline was devastated when her husband, daughter, and sister were killed three years before, while Grant is still reeling from the way his wife left him around the same time his father died.  

Madeline is starting over in Grant's hometown, and their rocky friendship is raw and genuine as Madeline suffers no fools, not even the surly Grant whose default setting is abrasive, almost borderline hostile.  Watching these two gradually find a quiet joy in their friendship was absolutely breathtaking.  

I loved the gentle way their friendship weathered a few thoughtless confrontations, showing that grieving and moving on is not always smooth and pretty.  There's a real sense of authenticity throughout the book, and I really enjoyed the entire journey.  

Madeline and Grant get a very sweet HEA and we're given a few hints about the next story in this series which I am now looking forward to reading.  I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.  

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean Greenridge, Canada small-town contemporary romance novel Something Old: The Second Chance Shop, Book 1: Madeline and Grant by Ev Bishop and this review was given freely.
Three years after a tragic accident kills everyone she loves, 40 something Madeline seeks relief from her struggles against grief and loneliness by starting over in a new town called Greenridge where her plan to fulfill her last dream made with her daughter Lauren; an upscale secondhand, consignment, and upcycling store; is enriched by the grouchy divorced former furniture crafter, Grant Graham. Ev Bishop captures the personality of small towns with her characters: the opinionated, independent cat Boots, the loyal and aging dog Grover as well as the small town busy body/mean girl layers of Kelsey and Monika in this story of survivor guilt, broken relationships. healing, making friends and finding love.

[Yvonne Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a Great Book! I am a big fan of the River Sigh B & B series and some of the characters crossover
. I was so invested in Madeline and her fur babies right away. I got caught up in how she was feeling and how she could move on from the terrible tragedy. I Absolutely Loved it and am excited for the future books in this series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved meeting Ev Bishop’s newest characters in this heartwarming small town story. Ev has a knack for drawing us into the lives of her characters as they experience life with all of its surprises and challenges. Something Old expands on the ever increasing cast of characters, which we were introduced to in the delightful River’s Sigh B&B series. I always feel as if I have caught up on old friends when I read Ev’s books. Our newest friend is Madeleine, who we are eager to find out more about from the very first page. Madeleine’s story unfolds on its own merits, whether or not you’ve met any of Ev’s other characters. You’ll admire her as she journeys through her pain to hope and love. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this new series.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed the River's Sigh B&B series that I was delighted to find this spin off series. Something Old is a sweet, small town, second chance romance - with pets! This heartwarming story has main characters who are about 50 years old, some cross over characters from River's Sigh, women's friendships, a grumpy Grant dealing with his dad's estate, an ancient dog and a bossy cat. As far as I am concerned, it does not get much better than that! I was engaged from page one and did not get another thing done until I had devoured this treasure!

[Lori Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series by Ev Bishop. I really enjoyed reading about Madeline and her journey with starting over. Ev's characters are always do relatable. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I’m excited that it’s going to be an entire series because I love Ev’s writing style. She explores the different emotions of love with heartwarming characters that wrap themselves around my heart and engage my empathy because every character has a hidden side just waiting to be revealed, examined and understood. Madeline is struggling to make a new start after the tragic loss of her entire family and Grant is reeling from his ex wife’s cheating and his father’s death. Together they start a friendship that can lead to much more if they’re brave enough to embrace the future and the positive messages this book presents is healing for the characters and the reader alike. I have read the majority of Ev’s books and I highly recommend them, especially the River’s Sigh Series which has loose ties to this book. You can’t go wrong with an Ev Bishop title! I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something Old is the first book in The Second Chance Shop series by Ev Bishop. Madeline’s world came crumbling down when she lost her husband, daughter and sister in a fatal car accident. Tired of the limbo of grief and loneliness, she decides to move to a small town and open a second hand shop. A dream that she shared with her daughter. She doesn't know if it will work but she is determined to make it work. As opening day gets closer and closer, she finds that there is hope in life after all. She finds herself with friends again, laughing and even adopting a moody old cat. Could there even be a second chance for love? Can she find the strength to fully embrace life again?
I love stories about finding the strength and courage to move forward after a tragic event. I looked forward to reading Madeline’s new life in this small town. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to really connect with Madeline or the people she meets along the way. I admire her determination to start living again and feeling a fresh start in a new town was her only option. There was very little conversation other than surface communication. I feel the conservation really didn’t get deep enough especially on such hard topics as loss and grief. There are a lot of silent musings and internal dialogues that slowed the story down. Overall, the story was okay; however, I will not be continuing the series. If you enjoy second chances for life and love, you may enjoy Something Old.

Something Old is available in paperback and eBook

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's just something so wonderfully brave about a woman who has lost everything dear to her deciding to take a chance as Madeline does in this story. With all of those she loves - some moments, not so much - she dives into this new chapter of her life, hoping to make something real with her future. Grant is an unexpected chink in her perfectly planned life.

Watching these characters fall apart and put themselves and each other back together is such a bittersweet pleasure. And this author has such a way of making the character speak to us and invite us in. I always want to live where her characters live because there's something so intimate about the places she invents. This was another fantastic love story that is so full of hope. I absolutely loved it.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story. Born out of tragedy, Madeline has opened a shop of old and new. Her store called The Second Chance Shop is a little bit vintage, recycled and upcycled, something like herself. When she meets Grant, who has a house full of 'stuff' to sell, she sees someone who is perhaps a kindred spirit. As their relationship stutters and stops, enjoy the journey of these two delightful characters who are themselves a little vintage and thankfully, can be upcycled into a loving couple.

[Julie Allwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading your book very much love the books you have written I would recommend this book.

I have enjoyed reading your book very much and I would recommend this books you have written to anybody.
I look forward to reading your next book in the series.
And while I am reading your books I imagine myself in your book while reading your books.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough action for me. Not even enough conversation. Too much explanation. Nice characters. Ends well for them, which I like. Pretty much like an old Redbook romance from my much younger days, updated for the times.

[Laurie Conklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! For anyone and everyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one, you need this book! If you have a need to believe that life can go on, you need this book! If you love a good Happily Ever After, you need this book!

[Cindy Stamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The author approaches grief and loss with considerable heart, but leaves room for a promising future. I am excited to see what happens with Madeline in the next book.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, hard to put down book that I read in two days. I can hardly wait for the next "Second Chance" book. What a delight!!!

[Amy Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just found this author through a giveaway. This book was so well done - I loved the characters and their stories!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about getting back into life after tragedy-both for the hero and the heroine!

[Louise Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book I am looking forward to reading book 2 in the series

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: While I received a free copy of this story via BookFunnel.

Ev Bishop's great characters are living in a world full of fun vintage finds and fur babies.
What's not to love?

A highly relatable, starting over, and found family story.

I'm looking forward to reading more from Ev Bishop.