Second Chance at Sunshine Inn Book Review – Amy Clipston’s Charming Coastal Romance

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn is a sweet grumpy/sunshine romance about unexpected co-owners finding love and purpose at a seaside inn.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Libro.fm for the ARC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

When ever-on-the-move NICU nurse Everleigh Hartnett inherits half of her godmother’s cherished seaside inn, she sees a chance to sell it and fund the nonprofit they once dreamed of—except her new co-owner, brooding and steadfast Cade Witherspoon, refuses to part with it. Total opposites, Everleigh’s sunshine clashes with Cade’s gruff reserve, and their battle over the inn turns into unexpected attraction as they uncover each other’s deeper sides. But with a developer circling and Cade’s estranged brother showing up, they must decide whether to fight for the inn—and a future together—or walk away from it all.

My Thoughts:

There’s something about a romance set at a coastal inn that always draws me in. Maybe it’s the quiet, scenic setting or the promise of new beginnings, but I often find these stories give me a sense of calm—even when listening during a busy week. Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston offered just that, with a blend of sweet romance, emotional backstories, and a charming seaside B&B.

The story centres on Everleigh Hartnett, a warm-hearted and spirited travelling NICU nurse who returns to her hometown of Coral Cove after the death of her beloved aunt. To her surprise, Everleigh is left half ownership of the Sunshine Inn—a place filled with fond memories and a dream she once shared with her aunt to open a nonprofit for families of sick children. The other half of the inn is left to Cade Witherspoon, a brooding and somewhat gruff newcomer who formed a close bond with Everleigh’s aunt during her final months.

Told in alternating POVs, the novel explores Everleigh’s sunny disposition clashing with Cade’s more guarded nature. While she’s hoping to sell the inn to fund the nonprofit, Cade is fiercely loyal to the inn and believes they should honour her aunt’s legacy by keeping it. They strike a deal: if they can sell the inn privately by Thanksgiving, they will do so. If not, she’ll stay on as a silent partner and continue her travel nursing.

As they work side by side through community events—and a natural disaster that brings them closer—they begin to see past their first impressions. I enjoyed how their relationship slowly developed, with glimpses into their pasts and the vulnerabilities they both carry. Everleigh’s optimism is infectious, and Cade’s transformation felt natural. Yes, the story is a bit predictable, but in the best way—like a cozy Hallmark film where the comfort lies in knowing things will work out.

My only wish was that the setting could’ve been brought to life a bit more. I adore coastal backdrops and would have loved more description of the seaside charm. That said, the emotional heart of the story carried it through, and the themes of grief, growth, and second chances added depth to the romance.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Melissa Moran, and found her performance wonderful. She captured Everleigh’s sweetness and Cade’s rougher edges with ease, making it a lovely listening experience.

Final Thoughts:

If you enjoy no-spice, grumpy/sunshine romances with heart and hope, Second Chance at Sunshine Inn is worth picking up. It’s an easy read (or listen) that leaves you smiling—exactly what I was hoping for.

A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:

Friends To Lovers by Sally Blakely