The Second Chance Shoe Shop by Marcie Steele

Description

All Riley Flynn wants is to meet someone who makes her happy. But attracting the right kind of man is not easy, and with her heart still hurting from her last break-up, Riley believes she’ll never find love again.

A year ago, Sadie Stewart’s whole world was shattered when her husband, Ross, died. She has struggled to keep herself together for the sake of their young daughter, but with the anniversary of his death approaching, Sadie finds herself overwhelmed by grief.

Sadie and Riley work at Chandlers shoe shop, in the charming town of Hedworth. But when Chandlers is threatened with closure, the friends are confronted with the loss of not only their jobs, but also their support network – the glue that holds them together when they are close to breaking.

As they put together a plan to save their beloved shop, Sadie realises that she might just be learning to live again. Could it be that new beginnings are just round the corner? The campaign also finds Riley unexpectedly crossing paths with charming photographer, Ethan. Maybe her second chance at love is right under her feet …

A delightfully romantic tale of love, friendship and putting your best foot forward

My Review – 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Marcie Steele for the early copy.

Every town, no matter where you live has a shoe shop like Chandlers. An old fashioned looking shop with expensive old fashioned shoes. Chandlers was that shop, but after a refit was looking more modern. The shoes were still a bit old fashioned though.

Riley Flynn is the manager of Chandlers. She has worked there for years and has a real loyalty to the place. Dan and Sadie work there too, and the three of them are firm friends.

However, the shop is struggling to keep going. Suzanne, the owner, sets them a task of turning it round or it will close.

Riley keeps up with current shoe trends through social media but has her hands tied a little as Suzanne doesn’t want to change.

Riley sets out on a promotional push, contacting the local paper who send round journalist Kim Nash (!!!) and photographer Ethan.

Riley comes up with a social media campaign on Twitter to drum up some interest in the shop and #shoelove is born 🙂

This included a flash mob, such a good idea and had me wanting to join in.

As is life, it doesn’t all go smoothly and a few things backfire.

The Twitter campaign starts off well, with the flash mob really sparking an interest and setting up a mini Twitter trend. But it turns sour when a troll spoils things for Riley.

I love the way the social media part of modern life has been brought in. In fact if it wasn’t for Twitter I would never have found this great author.

Of course it’s not just about the shop.

Once again Marcie Steele has created some lovely, warm characters that you can easily relate to.

Sadie is trying to come to terms with life without her husband Ross, the first anniversary of his death is coming up. And she has a young daughter Evie.

And there’s Dan, who’s back on the dating scene after his relationship break up. Some of his date nights were hilarious.

Ash is Riley’s neighbour and close friend.

Cooper was best pal with Ross, and still spends time with Sadie and Evie.

There is lots of fun interaction in the group. And their friends and families are entwined with some funny moments, and some sensitive moments.

Towards the end I had ‘Happy’ tears and ‘Look up to the stars and you will see me’ had the tears flowing too.

So easy to get into. I wanted to savour every page, not wanting it to end.

My favourite Marcie Steele book so far.

I’ve enjoyed everything she has written and thoroughly recommend her books. There’s no denying that I’m a big fan of Marcie Steele/Mel Sherratt.

#TeamSherratt

Publication date 8^th April 2016

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