The Second Chance Book Club by Stephanie Butland

September Blythe is exhausted, both physically and mentally. No matter how many shifts she does at the supermarket she just can't make her money stretch to pay all the bills. When a mysterious letter arrives informing her she's inherited a house and money September can't believe her good fortune.

I discovered author Stephanie Butland a couple of years ago when I read the heartwarming Found In A Bookshop (review here), so I was pleased to see that she had a new novel on the horizon. The Second Chance Book Club grabbed my attention immediately. The main character, September is down-to-earth and her situation fills you with sympathy. Money is short and debt collectors are hovering. September's boyfriend is so laid back about it all, which only seems to add to her worries. Unfortunately, September doesn't have the luxury of family to fall back on as we quickly learn that she was abandoned as a toddler so doesn't know her birth family. A wonderful couple adopted and raised September but they are both dead.

It is easy to understand September's skepticism when she is informed that her aunt has left her a substantial amount of money and a large house in Harrogate. Initial thoughts are to sell the house but when she visits September is enthralled by the calm it provides. Betrayal by her boyfriend helps cement her decision to move to Harrogate and then look at the possibilities her new life offers her. 

September's aunt was a firm believer in kindness, resulting in her running a book club for people she felt needed a little help. Through this club, September meets a group of individuals who have all struggled through difficult life experiences. As we slowly learn the background of each character we see September blossom as she realises she has not only the means but also the ability and the courage to change her life around.

I loved getting to know all the different characters, it is impossible to isolate just a couple as favourites, I felt empathy towards them all. It was lovely to see their individual stories wrapped up at the end of this uplifting tale of kindness and possibility. Added to all of this were the numerous references to books, from classics to children's literature, there will be something every reader recognises.

The Second Chance Book Club by Stephanie Butland will be published on 27th March 2025 in ebook and audio format. The paperback will be published on 24th April 2025. My thanks to NetGalley and Headline for a review copy.

Author Details

Stephanie Butland is the author of many novels, including beloved bookshop tale 'Lost For Words'. Stephanie lives in Northumberland, close to the place where she grew up. She writes in a studio at the bottom of her garden, and loves being close to the sea. She's thriving after cancer.