The Bookshop on Maple Street

Emma Hart returned to Evergreen Bay to settle her late mother’s bookshop estate and leave. What she didn’t expect? Noah Caldwell—the literature professor who broke her heart twenty-five years ago when he chose Oxford over her—running the café next door. Now the Literary Ladies book club is forcing them to co-host the grand opening, and the chemistry that once burned between them? Still there. Still dangerous.

When threatening notes escalate to vandalism and arson, Noah’s protective instincts kick into overdrive. Someone wants Maple Street’s historic buildings badly enough to destroy them—and her. As danger escalates and old feelings reignite, Noah finally reveals the truth about why he really left Oxford: his wife hid her cancer for a year because of his career ambition, and the guilt nearly destroyed him. Understanding doesn’t erase twenty-five years of hurt, but maybe—just maybe—it’s enough for a second chance.

Until the developer strikes again with arson. This time, the bookshop Emma’s rebuilt with her own hands is engulfed in flames. Noah has seconds to choose: let her handle it alone or risk proving he’s finally the man who stays. He chooses her. He chooses them. And when the smoke clears and the developer’s arrested, Noah takes Emma to Harbor Overlook—where he first kissed her at twenty-three—and says the words he should have said twenty-five years ago: “I’m not leaving. Not ever again.” Because some loves are worth twenty-five years of regret. And some second chances—built on books and forgiveness and showing up when it matters—are worth everything.

TROPES:

• Second Chance Romance
• First Love Reunited
• College Sweethearts Reunited
• Bookshop Romance
• Small Town Romance
• Widow/Widower Romance
• Forced Proximity
• Meddling Book Club
• Professor Hero
• Literary Romance
• Found Family
• Secret Past
• 25 Years of Regret

HEAT LEVEL: Sweet/Wholesome (Fade to Black)