The best books about love the second time around

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been an incurable romantic for as long as I can remember. In fact, when I was in middle school, my friends and I started writing what would now be considered novellas. We would write our stories during class and trade notebooks in the hallways between bells. That is until I was caught writing one of my opuses in pre-algebra. There was nothing like the dopamine hit of writing those first stories that would deter me! The characters in my head grew up as I did and I found myself passionate about the telling of second chances in life and in love. 


I wrote...

The Final Piece

By Maggi Myers,

Book cover of The Final Piece

What is my book about?

Beth Bradshaw has spent her life hiding from her tragic past. From the moment a trusted family friend steals her innocence until the moment another rescues her, she struggles to just survive. Beth embarks on a journey of healing far from the horrors of her home. In her darkest moments, she meets a boy named Ryan. For one incredible summer, Ryan shows Beth what it’s like to act her own age. To feel free and let go.

Years later, another tragedy threatens to shatter the life Beth has carefully crafted. She sets forth on a pilgrimage that will bring her back to the boy she could never forget. He wants to help her pick up the pieces, but is she willing to do what it takes to become whole again?

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Swear on This Life

Maggi Myers Why did I love this book?

Renée Carlino writes gorgeous second chance romances and this one is the pinnacle for me. Swear on This Life is the story of Emiline and Jase and how through the most tragic beginning blooms the love of a lifetime. Imagine picking up the latest best-selling novel and discovering your deeply painful childhood on every page. Nothing could be worse, except finding out your childhood best friend and first love wrote it. Renée writes a raw story of resilience that first feels like a gut punch but melts into salve to the soul. I devoured all the words and then regretted it when I had none left to savor. I wish I could read this one again for the first time. Bring the tissues, this one will tear your heart out and sew it back together bigger and brighter than it was before.

By Renée Carlino,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Swear on This Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From bestselling author Renee Carlino, a warm and witty novel about a struggling writer who must come to grips with her past, present, and future after she discovers that she's the inspiration for a pseudonymously published bestselling novel.
When a bestselling debut novel from mysterious author J. Colby becomes the literary event of the year, Emiline reads it reluctantly. As an adjunct writing instructor at UC San Diego with her own stalled literary career and a bumpy long-term relationship, Emiline isn't thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of a young and gifted writer.
Yet from the very first page, Emiline is…


Book cover of The Ex Hex

Maggi Myers Why did I love this book?

This book was so much fun! I can’t remember a time I used “fun” to describe a second chance romance but Erin Sterling delivers. Vivi is left broken-hearted after Rhys leaves town only to return nine years later to wreak havoc on Vivi’s life once again. Did I mention she’s a witch? Or the minor curse she cast on Rhys when he left? As you can imagine, hijinks ensue when these two crash together again. One of my favorite parts of written chemistry is banter and wow the banter in this book is on point. When you aren’t busy rooting for Vivi and Rhys you’re enchanted by the cast of characters that surround them. Cousin Gwen is a riot! One part romantic comedy, one part second chance romance. This was a favorite read of 2021 for me.

By Erin Sterling,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Ex Hex as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.


Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths...and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn't use her magic this way, but with only an "orchard hayride" scented candle on hand, she isn't worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.

That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town's ancestors, breaker of hearts,…


Book cover of Twice in a Blue Moon

Maggi Myers Why did I love this book?

This book made me swoon. Sam has all of Tate’s important firsts - first love, first betrayal, and first heartbreak. Twice in a Blue Moon is the story of reconnecting and rewriting the wrongs of the past. It’s emotional, tender, redemptive, and impossible to put down. Christina Lauren’s signature witty banter and descriptive writing style pulls you into the book and keeps you there until the last page. It was one of my favorite pandemic reads!

By Christina Lauren,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Twice in a Blue Moon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Emotional, sweet, and surprising novel about first loves and second chances' Shondaland

'You can never go wrong with Christina Lauren!' Paige Toon

Sam was Tate's first: Her first love. Her first everything. Including her first heartbreak.

During a whirlwind two-week vacation abroad, Sam and Tate fell for each other in only the way that first loves do: sharing all of their hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets along the way. Sam was the first, and only, person that Tate - the long-lost daughter of one of the world's biggest film stars - ever revealed her identity to. So when it became…


Book cover of True Love Story

Maggi Myers Why did I love this book?

Willow Aster’s debut novel is one of my all-time favorite second chance romances. The story of Sparrow and Ian is one of deep love and unbelievably bad timing. Life seems to constantly put them together only to rip them apart but somehow they keep finding each other. True Love Story made me believe in soulmates and the power of letting go of the past to create a beautiful future. It will break your heart and mend it back together in the most beautiful way!

By Willow Aster,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked True Love Story as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Growing up in an idealistic home, Sparrow Fisher is sheltered and innocent. When she meets Ian Sterling, a musician who is rising in popularity, she instantly falls for his charm. The attraction is instant, but their relationship isn't so simple.At different places in their lives, Sparrow is off to college in New York, and Ian is traveling the country with the band. Over a five year span, Sparrow and Ian run into each other in unusual places. Each time, Sparrow has to decide if she can trust him and if he feels the same for her. It’s hard to not…


Book cover of The Highland Fling

Maggi Myers Why did I love this book?

Bonnie needs a second chance at life. Nothing says “starting over” like packing up your life and moving across the Atlantic to answer a help-wanted ad for a barista in Scotland. Why not? It’s not like Bonnie wasn’t just fired from her third job in a row and has anything else going on. She just wants another chance at doing life right and not feeling like a failure. Her high hopes are immediately challenged by grumpy handyman Rowan. This is a great opposites attract read, full of wit and humor. You’ll be charmed by the end and ready to book a trip to Scotland.

By Meghan Quinn,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Highland Fling as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this steamy tale by USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn, an American searching for her purpose escapes to a Scottish town but finds more questions than answers when she meets a brooding yet handsome handyman.

Freshly fired from her third job in a row, Bonnie St. James has lost her way. So when she and her best friend stumble upon a "help wanted" post to run a coffee shop in the Scottish Highlands, they apply on a whim. Who knows? Maybe traveling to a new place is just what she needs to figure out her next move.

When the…


You might also like...

Luck of the Irish

By Kate Darroch (editor),

Book cover of Luck of the Irish

Kate Darroch Author Of Death in Paris

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Living on Devon's gorgeous coast, I'm melding my lifelong love of reading Cozy Sleuths with my love of writing and years of living in foreign climes to write Travel Cozies. I also have a Vella Heist serial Found Money starting on Vella soon, and a Cozy Spy series They Call Him Gimlet coming out in the Autumn.

Kate's book list on humorous murder mysteries

What is my book about?

Ten Tantalizing Cozy Mysteries to enjoy on Saint Patrick's Day! Sure to make you chuckle and keep you guessing! Plus, the authors' favorite Saint Patrick's Day Recipes.

Have fun curling up with these Cozy stories and a delicious drink, knowing that just by enjoying these tales you are doing good in the world as well - because 100% of book sales proceeds go to a non-profit helping children living in terrible conditions (through the non-profit RAICES Texas). 

Luck of the Irish

By Kate Darroch (editor),

What is this book about?

Ten Tantalising Cozy Mysteries to enjoy on Saint Patrick's Day! Sure to make you chuckle, make you go "aawww", maybe even raise goosebumps,too - or a bump of curiosity! Plus the authors' favorite Saint Patrick's Day Recipes.

Have fun curling up with these Cozy stories and a delicious drink, knowing that just by enjoying these tales you are doing good in the world as well - because 100% of book sales proceeds go to a non-profit helping children living in terrible conditions, RAICEStexas.org


Topics
  • Coming soon!

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in romantic love, the Scottish Highlands, and curses?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about romantic love, the Scottish Highlands, and curses.

Romantic Love Explore 840 books about romantic love
The Scottish Highlands Explore 39 books about the Scottish Highlands
Curses Explore 77 books about curses