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The Second Chance Bus Stop
Edith has Alzheimer’s. The idea that she will someday forget her son, her life, even her self, plagues her constantly. So there is something important she must do she has to find Sven, the love of her life she was supposed to meet on a bus bench twenty-seven years ago and run away with.
Her son, Blade, is struggling to keep an eye on her. His mother’s full-time caregiver, he resents the fact that he gave up most of his life to look after her. But what wouldn’t he do for his mother? Track down her decades-old flame before her mind fails her? Sure, he can do that.
Sophia is fiercely working to keep her business afloat. Her uncle left his flower shop to her and her brothers after he died, and she needs to show her family that the business is worth saving. So when an opportunity comes along that takes her all over Sweden, she can’t say no.
While Edith is desperately trying to hold on to her memories, she discovers friendship as she sits daily at the bus stop. While Blade is out looking for Sven, he learns to embrace his relationship with his mother more fully. While Sophia is fighting to keep her dream alive, she comes to terms with the therapies that were forced upon her in response to her autism diagnosis. Life is happening all around them, and like in life, there’s always still good to be found.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2025
7 people are currently reading
6144 people want to read
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July 4, 2025
This novel was a very deep, emotional read for me. I have an Uncle who suffers with dementia and it is very difficult for me to see him with this condition. This book is hopeful, sad, mysterious, romantic and comes with a dash of sense of humor! It is beautifully written and hard to put down. I loved the diverse characters in the story and how it was written in alternative perspectives. It has multigenerational characters, which kept me engaged. I found that all the characters in the story were lovable and it would be hard for me to pick a favorite one. The author did an excellent job with these characters and the depth that they all came with! This book is about second chances, memory, family, self worth, love and healing. Overall, I give this novel a 4.5, bumping it up to a 5 out of 5 stars rating!
“The Second Chance Bus Stop” centers around a woman named Edith, who is aging and has the early stage of Alzheimer’s. Edith is scared of losing all of her memories and wants closure before her memory completely fades away. She wants to track down Sven, someone that she was going to elope with twenty-seven years ago, but this person never showed up at the bus bench stop with her. Then we have her son, whose name is Blade. Blade is the caretaker of his Mom, Edith. Blade searches for Sven, for many reasons. He wants to help his mother out and wants to connect with his mother on a deeper level. We also have a woman named Sophia, who is a neurodivergent and works at a flower shop. Paths come together and this story takes turns you don’t see coming! This book is emotionally powerful and multi layered! It all came together nicely and it left me feeling satisfied.
I think fans of the author Fredrik Backman would really enjoy reading this book! Content warnings include dementia, emotional grief, neurodivergence and identity issues.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ally Zetterberg and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and feedback. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on August 19, 2025!
“The Second Chance Bus Stop” centers around a woman named Edith, who is aging and has the early stage of Alzheimer’s. Edith is scared of losing all of her memories and wants closure before her memory completely fades away. She wants to track down Sven, someone that she was going to elope with twenty-seven years ago, but this person never showed up at the bus bench stop with her. Then we have her son, whose name is Blade. Blade is the caretaker of his Mom, Edith. Blade searches for Sven, for many reasons. He wants to help his mother out and wants to connect with his mother on a deeper level. We also have a woman named Sophia, who is a neurodivergent and works at a flower shop. Paths come together and this story takes turns you don’t see coming! This book is emotionally powerful and multi layered! It all came together nicely and it left me feeling satisfied.
I think fans of the author Fredrik Backman would really enjoy reading this book! Content warnings include dementia, emotional grief, neurodivergence and identity issues.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ally Zetterberg and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and feedback. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on August 19, 2025!
October 27, 2025
4⭐
Genre ~ women's fiction
Setting ~ London & Sweden
Publication date ~ August 19, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 348 (p+ 71 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 29 minutes
Narrators ~ Heather Long, Joe Jameson, Pearl Hewitt
POV ~ multiple in the 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ 3 parts, neurodivergent rep
Edith (64) has Alzheimer's and is certain she was stood up 27 years ago by a man named Sven. Every day she visits the bus stop hoping he'll be there, but he never shows up. She wants answers after all this time, before she completely loses her memories, so Blade (29), Edith's son, makes it his mission to find Sven for his momma. Off to Sweden he goes, while his best friend, Zara, steps in the help care for her while he is away.
He meets Sophia, a struggling flower shop owner, on his first day. After hearing his story she becomes invested and tags along on the road trip journey. Being neurodivergent she's often misunderstood, but not by Blade. He stands by her side and sticks up for her when necessary. The slow burn of their friendship into more was so nice.
We, also, hear from "An almost retired storage facility manager" with some intriguing information.
Overall, this was predictable, but that doesn’t take away from the lovely, sweet and heartbreaking journey. I’m so scared of getting Alzheimer’s, as I'm sure many people are. While I don't have first hand experience with it I do feel it was depicted well.
Narration notes:
🙌 for multiple! All did great.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Pre reading notes:
Oh my gosh, I have a feeling this is going to yank at my heartstrings 💕
Genre ~ women's fiction
Setting ~ London & Sweden
Publication date ~ August 19, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 348 (p+ 71 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 29 minutes
Narrators ~ Heather Long, Joe Jameson, Pearl Hewitt
POV ~ multiple in the 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ 3 parts, neurodivergent rep
Edith (64) has Alzheimer's and is certain she was stood up 27 years ago by a man named Sven. Every day she visits the bus stop hoping he'll be there, but he never shows up. She wants answers after all this time, before she completely loses her memories, so Blade (29), Edith's son, makes it his mission to find Sven for his momma. Off to Sweden he goes, while his best friend, Zara, steps in the help care for her while he is away.
He meets Sophia, a struggling flower shop owner, on his first day. After hearing his story she becomes invested and tags along on the road trip journey. Being neurodivergent she's often misunderstood, but not by Blade. He stands by her side and sticks up for her when necessary. The slow burn of their friendship into more was so nice.
We, also, hear from "An almost retired storage facility manager" with some intriguing information.
Overall, this was predictable, but that doesn’t take away from the lovely, sweet and heartbreaking journey. I’m so scared of getting Alzheimer’s, as I'm sure many people are. While I don't have first hand experience with it I do feel it was depicted well.
Narration notes:
🙌 for multiple! All did great.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Pre reading notes:
Oh my gosh, I have a feeling this is going to yank at my heartstrings 💕
November 27, 2025
Edith has Alzheimer’s and her son, Blade is her caregiver. This was a gentle and emotional story. A very rough disease for patient and family.,Edith realizes her mind will fail completely but she wants to do one more thing. Blade goes to Sweden to accomplish this mission, find the love of her life. This story had so many twists and turns on this journey. It kept me turning the pages. Outstanding narration.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
July 10, 2025
We meet two women and many quirky characters in this emotional read.
We meet Edith who has Alzheimer's and whose son is her caregiver. Edith wants to find the love of her life who left her at the bus stop.
Yes, she is at the bus stop every day looking for Sven. She has been waiting a long time and talks to other people as she sits on the bus stop bench. Many people think she’s homeless and do things for her.
We also meet Sophia who owns a flower shop and who is trying to find someone to spend time and her life with, but she has a lot of quirky things. She doesn't like to kiss and doesn’t trust anyone.
She actually meets Edith’s son Blade as he is in Sweden looking for Sven.
These three characters will pull at your heartstrings as you hope for the best for what each is looking for.
Those readers who enjoy Fredrik Backman will enjoy this book.
I do have to say it was a bit confusing, but a good read. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
We meet Edith who has Alzheimer's and whose son is her caregiver. Edith wants to find the love of her life who left her at the bus stop.
Yes, she is at the bus stop every day looking for Sven. She has been waiting a long time and talks to other people as she sits on the bus stop bench. Many people think she’s homeless and do things for her.
We also meet Sophia who owns a flower shop and who is trying to find someone to spend time and her life with, but she has a lot of quirky things. She doesn't like to kiss and doesn’t trust anyone.
She actually meets Edith’s son Blade as he is in Sweden looking for Sven.
These three characters will pull at your heartstrings as you hope for the best for what each is looking for.
Those readers who enjoy Fredrik Backman will enjoy this book.
I do have to say it was a bit confusing, but a good read. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing me with an ALC.
This was a very wholesome book. As the title says, this book is about the chances you took/didn't take and the effect of it on people's lives. I really liked the characters and how their relationships evolved. Blade and Sophia's relationship felt very wholesome although a little fast paced. The way their conversations were structured was nice. Edith's PoV was also done well. Also, this is a closed door romance (which I find quite rare these days) so I liked this even more. I felt like a lot of sensitive topics like autism and dementia were treated well. This book made me feel a range of emotions and made me smile and cry. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a wholesome novel with romance.
The narrators did a great job with the book and all the emotions were expressed well. I could connect with the characters better because of the narration.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing me with an ALC.
This was a very wholesome book. As the title says, this book is about the chances you took/didn't take and the effect of it on people's lives. I really liked the characters and how their relationships evolved. Blade and Sophia's relationship felt very wholesome although a little fast paced. The way their conversations were structured was nice. Edith's PoV was also done well. Also, this is a closed door romance (which I find quite rare these days) so I liked this even more. I felt like a lot of sensitive topics like autism and dementia were treated well. This book made me feel a range of emotions and made me smile and cry. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a wholesome novel with romance.
The narrators did a great job with the book and all the emotions were expressed well. I could connect with the characters better because of the narration.
December 25, 2025
The Second Chance Bus Stop by Ally Zetterberg is a multigenerational, deeply human story about memory, love, family ties, and the unexpected ways our lives intersect when we least expect it. At its heart is Edith, a woman living with Alzheimer’s who fears losing the threads of her life and is determined to find Sven, the love she waited for decades ago at a bus stop and who never showed up, a quest that sends her devoted son Blade on a road trip across Sweden where he meets florist Sophia and together they confront loss, hope, and healing.
From the very beginning, I felt pulled into the emotional richness of this story: Edith’s quiet bravery in the face of creeping memory loss made me ache with tenderness, and her daily vigil at the bus bench became a strangely beautiful symbol of love that refuses to fade even when memory does. Blade’s loyalty and frustration felt painfully real, especially as he gave up so much of his own life to care for his mother and wrestled with the weight of that choice, and Sophia’s journey to save her flower shop while embracing her neurodivergent identity brought gentle, reflective joy into the narrative. The way their paths cross, and how each of them slowly begins to understand what they are searching for, made me laugh, cry, and sit with a soft, lingering sense of hope long after I finished.
Rating: 4 out of 5. I’m giving this score because this novel made me feel deeply connected to every character’s search for belonging and closure, weaving together stories of memory and second chances in a way that felt honest, compassionate, and warmly reassuring about the good we can find even amid loss. If you enjoy character driven contemporary fiction with heart, humor, and emotional resonance, this one will stay with you.
From the very beginning, I felt pulled into the emotional richness of this story: Edith’s quiet bravery in the face of creeping memory loss made me ache with tenderness, and her daily vigil at the bus bench became a strangely beautiful symbol of love that refuses to fade even when memory does. Blade’s loyalty and frustration felt painfully real, especially as he gave up so much of his own life to care for his mother and wrestled with the weight of that choice, and Sophia’s journey to save her flower shop while embracing her neurodivergent identity brought gentle, reflective joy into the narrative. The way their paths cross, and how each of them slowly begins to understand what they are searching for, made me laugh, cry, and sit with a soft, lingering sense of hope long after I finished.
Rating: 4 out of 5. I’m giving this score because this novel made me feel deeply connected to every character’s search for belonging and closure, weaving together stories of memory and second chances in a way that felt honest, compassionate, and warmly reassuring about the good we can find even amid loss. If you enjoy character driven contemporary fiction with heart, humor, and emotional resonance, this one will stay with you.
September 28, 2025
Well, if this one doesn’t make you feel “ALL THE FEELS”, I’m not sure what will…. 🥹
1. We have a young woman who’s on the Autism spectrum. She had a rough childhood (to say the least), and now has a beautiful, cozy little flower shop… passed down from her beloved uncle. And probably the only one who truly understood and accepted her!
2. We have a young man who’s given up his job, and basically his whole life to take care of his elderly Mom who has dementia. She’s taken a turn for the worse lately, but still has a lot of good, lucid days. BUT, every day she walks to the bus stop in hopes of meeting up, once again, with her one true love.
3. We have a Mom who’s given up the love of her life, in order to take care of the other love of her life, her son. And she’s not sure just how to go about this, as she is utterly heartbroken. 💔 But, she must find a way to go on…
This is the premise. These are the players. And then, there’s a WHOLE STORY IN BETWEEN!
And what a remarkable story it is!!!!
This one made me LOL! 😂
This one made me tear up, on multiple occasions! 🥲
This one made me see what love, family, friends and life are all about!!!! (‘We all find Edith!” “It takes a village!” “She is our village!” ) … just a few lines that resonated with me…
#TheSecondChanceBusStop by @AllyZetterberg and narrated beautifully by @Heather Long; @JoeJameson; @PearlHewitt.
4 1/2 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 for me, happily rounded up to 5!!!
This one has already been released, but I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the audiobook recently! So, look 👀 for it on shelves now!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
1. We have a young woman who’s on the Autism spectrum. She had a rough childhood (to say the least), and now has a beautiful, cozy little flower shop… passed down from her beloved uncle. And probably the only one who truly understood and accepted her!
2. We have a young man who’s given up his job, and basically his whole life to take care of his elderly Mom who has dementia. She’s taken a turn for the worse lately, but still has a lot of good, lucid days. BUT, every day she walks to the bus stop in hopes of meeting up, once again, with her one true love.
3. We have a Mom who’s given up the love of her life, in order to take care of the other love of her life, her son. And she’s not sure just how to go about this, as she is utterly heartbroken. 💔 But, she must find a way to go on…
This is the premise. These are the players. And then, there’s a WHOLE STORY IN BETWEEN!
And what a remarkable story it is!!!!
This one made me LOL! 😂
This one made me tear up, on multiple occasions! 🥲
This one made me see what love, family, friends and life are all about!!!! (‘We all find Edith!” “It takes a village!” “She is our village!” ) … just a few lines that resonated with me…
#TheSecondChanceBusStop by @AllyZetterberg and narrated beautifully by @Heather Long; @JoeJameson; @PearlHewitt.
4 1/2 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 for me, happily rounded up to 5!!!
This one has already been released, but I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the audiobook recently! So, look 👀 for it on shelves now!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
August 15, 2025
I loved the author's debut and I had high expectations for this sophomore novel but wow, it completely blew me away!! This is such a heartfelt story about love lost and found and the lengths some people go to make the ones they love happy (or miserable).
Told from alternating POVs the story follows Blade, the sole caregiver for his mom, Edith, who has dementia and is obsessed with finding the lost love of a mysterious Swedish man named 'Sven,' who promised to meet her at a bus stop but never showed up.
Unable to say no when his mother asks Blade to travel to Sweden and try to track the man down, he shows up there and meets Sophia, an autistic Swedish florist who makes a deal to help Blade in exchange for him driving her around to various locations for her floral design installations.
Full of heart and amazing autism, OCD and anxiety rep, this strangers to friends to lovers road trip romance was utterly relatable with characters I couldn't help rooting for. I so enjoyed Sophia learning how to set boundaries with her toxic family members and open herself up to the possibility of love with Blade. The parts told from Edith's POV provided excellent insights into aging and learning how to accept the loss of independence and memory as her Alzheimer's progresses.
Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Chloe Liese and books like To hell with it by Claire Frances. I can't wait to see what Ally Zetterberg writes next. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Told from alternating POVs the story follows Blade, the sole caregiver for his mom, Edith, who has dementia and is obsessed with finding the lost love of a mysterious Swedish man named 'Sven,' who promised to meet her at a bus stop but never showed up.
Unable to say no when his mother asks Blade to travel to Sweden and try to track the man down, he shows up there and meets Sophia, an autistic Swedish florist who makes a deal to help Blade in exchange for him driving her around to various locations for her floral design installations.
Full of heart and amazing autism, OCD and anxiety rep, this strangers to friends to lovers road trip romance was utterly relatable with characters I couldn't help rooting for. I so enjoyed Sophia learning how to set boundaries with her toxic family members and open herself up to the possibility of love with Blade. The parts told from Edith's POV provided excellent insights into aging and learning how to accept the loss of independence and memory as her Alzheimer's progresses.
Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Chloe Liese and books like To hell with it by Claire Frances. I can't wait to see what Ally Zetterberg writes next. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
April 26, 2025
Ally Zetterberg was floating along with both main characters, Blade, who was Edith's son, Sophia, who was Sven's niece, and Edith who was Blade's mom, an Zara who was a friend of Blade's and a lesbian. Each of them had chapters about how they came together and found out how Edith fell in love with Sven and left him at a bus stop. It didn't happen because of her first marriage with out the possible leaving for Sweden without his signature on the passport. Love killed with the first husbands non signature on passport. How ever Blade went to Sweden at the age of 29 to find Sven, but ended up finding his niece and traveling around Sweden looking for Sven. Love bloomed between each of the per sewers in the story. It ends with Blade and Edith moving to Sweden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 3, 2025The Second Chance Bus Stop by Ally Zetterberg, There is nothing I love more than someone who doesn’t seem likely to find romance finds not only romance but their other person, their one, their better half, their soulmate, and that is definitely this book. The only difference between this and a standard romance is while finding the one he’s also looking for his mother‘s soulmate who has Alzheimer’s and she keeps returning to the same bus stop Waiting for him. While he is away looking for his mom‘s soulmate he meets one of his own while his mom is making a new friend everything is just awesome about this book I loved it and want to go RVing in Switzerland because how awesome is it that you can camp anywhere for a few days in Switzerland And it’s legal. I’ve always loved the northern countries and that tidbit just made me love it even more. This is a great book that I highly recommend to anyone who loves Love found families and just an all-around heartwarming story. #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
September 18, 2025
This is a charming book featuring neuro-divergent characters who, with the help of their friends, take risks and become more successful. The storyline is clear from the start, but it’s the journey that is so delightful. It’s about asking for what you need while reminding us that paying attention to those around us who are different may have surprising benefits.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HarlequinAudio, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook #TheSecondChanceBusStop for review purposes. It is currently available.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HarlequinAudio, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook #TheSecondChanceBusStop for review purposes. It is currently available.
October 15, 2025
4.5 rounded up
August 12, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and MIRA for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Edith is 64 and is living with dementia. A big constant in her life is waiting at a bus stop for her lost love of 30 years to show up. Her son Blade has given up his life to be her carer and can’t understand her need to wait for this man at a bus stop or if he is even a real person. He makes a deal with his mom, if he travels to Sweden to find her Sven and get closure and in return she will finally agree to go to a care home.
Sophia has struggled with being understood by her family her whole life, but her uncle always gave her the space to be herself. When he died and left her and her brothers the floral business with the caveat they can’t sell for 5 years, it was the life line she needed. It is approaching the deadline and she hasn’t been able to come up with the full amount to buy them out. She takes on a large multi city contract to help raise the money. It pushes her beyond her limits and she runs into Blade a few times. They both end up on a road trip across Sweden both finding answers and understanding.
This was so heartwarming and it really got me in my feelings. This is a story about being understood, closure, and a little sprinkle of fate. I loved reading each individual’s story and although some parts are sad overall this was a story about hope.
Edith is 64 and is living with dementia. A big constant in her life is waiting at a bus stop for her lost love of 30 years to show up. Her son Blade has given up his life to be her carer and can’t understand her need to wait for this man at a bus stop or if he is even a real person. He makes a deal with his mom, if he travels to Sweden to find her Sven and get closure and in return she will finally agree to go to a care home.
Sophia has struggled with being understood by her family her whole life, but her uncle always gave her the space to be herself. When he died and left her and her brothers the floral business with the caveat they can’t sell for 5 years, it was the life line she needed. It is approaching the deadline and she hasn’t been able to come up with the full amount to buy them out. She takes on a large multi city contract to help raise the money. It pushes her beyond her limits and she runs into Blade a few times. They both end up on a road trip across Sweden both finding answers and understanding.
This was so heartwarming and it really got me in my feelings. This is a story about being understood, closure, and a little sprinkle of fate. I loved reading each individual’s story and although some parts are sad overall this was a story about hope.
September 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!)
Thank you to NetGalley, Ally Zetterberg, and Harlequin Audio for the audiobook copy of The Second Chance Bus Stop in exchange for an honest review.
This was one of the most touching books I’ve read so far this year. Following the journeys of Edith, Blade, Sophia, Zara, and others was refreshing and kept me fully engaged. The multiple POVs worked beautifully, showing how their lives intertwined and helping me connect with the characters on a deeper level.
I especially appreciated the authentic representation of a woman with autism. This is so often underrepresented (or misrepresented) in fiction, and as a mom to an autistic daughter, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the care given here. The story, centered on lost love and dementia, was filled with life lessons and moments that made me tear up.
My only critique is the mix of first- and third-person POVs, which sometimes disrupted the flow. I think sticking with one style throughout would have made the narrative stronger.
The audiobook narration, however, was phenomenal. The narrators brought the story to life with distinct voices and seamless character transitions. Their performance made the experience even more impactful.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It’s sentimental without tipping into “ugly-cry” territory, and it left me feeling both emotional and deeply appreciative of my own life and relationships.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ally Zetterberg, and Harlequin Audio for the audiobook copy of The Second Chance Bus Stop in exchange for an honest review.
This was one of the most touching books I’ve read so far this year. Following the journeys of Edith, Blade, Sophia, Zara, and others was refreshing and kept me fully engaged. The multiple POVs worked beautifully, showing how their lives intertwined and helping me connect with the characters on a deeper level.
I especially appreciated the authentic representation of a woman with autism. This is so often underrepresented (or misrepresented) in fiction, and as a mom to an autistic daughter, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the care given here. The story, centered on lost love and dementia, was filled with life lessons and moments that made me tear up.
My only critique is the mix of first- and third-person POVs, which sometimes disrupted the flow. I think sticking with one style throughout would have made the narrative stronger.
The audiobook narration, however, was phenomenal. The narrators brought the story to life with distinct voices and seamless character transitions. Their performance made the experience even more impactful.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It’s sentimental without tipping into “ugly-cry” territory, and it left me feeling both emotional and deeply appreciative of my own life and relationships.
October 4, 2025
3.75 - Thank You Netgalley and Harleyquin Trade Publishing Audio for the audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review!
Overall, this story was so sweet. The characters were unlike any I have read before. Sophia and Blade's relationship was so refreshing and so pure. I loved his intentions with her and the way he truly was trying to learn and understand her. I also loved seeing her development throughout the story and how she started to become more sure of herself. The full circle elements in this story made the ending even more sweet.
There were so many deep and emotional elements in this, from every character. It made it engaging and relatable and real. I love books that have complex characters and I loved seeing the growth. The characters reminded me of ones you would find in a Fredrik Backman book, so obviously that made me love it even more.
The audio book was fantastic I loved the cast and it was such a fun listen!
Overall, this story was so sweet. The characters were unlike any I have read before. Sophia and Blade's relationship was so refreshing and so pure. I loved his intentions with her and the way he truly was trying to learn and understand her. I also loved seeing her development throughout the story and how she started to become more sure of herself. The full circle elements in this story made the ending even more sweet.
There were so many deep and emotional elements in this, from every character. It made it engaging and relatable and real. I love books that have complex characters and I loved seeing the growth. The characters reminded me of ones you would find in a Fredrik Backman book, so obviously that made me love it even more.
The audio book was fantastic I loved the cast and it was such a fun listen!
September 21, 2025
ALC Review
The audiobook includes three POVS/narrators and each of them did a wonderful job voicing their characters. Their voices fit the character and brought the story to life.
Sofia has autism and I believe the author did a good job showing one aspect of it. Throughout the story we see how Sofia was impacted by the way her parents handled her autism as a child and how that affects her today. Blade's job is to care for his mother, who is has dementia. Blade accepted her and understood her. Their chemistry and the way they fell for another was sweet.
Edith's POV was sweet and a reminder that life is precious. We see how she reflects on choices she made in her life and tries to hold onto memories.
The side characters were great editions to the story.
There was care put into telling this story, and overall it is sweet.
Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
The audiobook includes three POVS/narrators and each of them did a wonderful job voicing their characters. Their voices fit the character and brought the story to life.
Sofia has autism and I believe the author did a good job showing one aspect of it. Throughout the story we see how Sofia was impacted by the way her parents handled her autism as a child and how that affects her today. Blade's job is to care for his mother, who is has dementia. Blade accepted her and understood her. Their chemistry and the way they fell for another was sweet.
Edith's POV was sweet and a reminder that life is precious. We see how she reflects on choices she made in her life and tries to hold onto memories.
The side characters were great editions to the story.
There was care put into telling this story, and overall it is sweet.
Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
August 23, 2025
Edith has Alzheimer’s. The idea that she will someday forget her son, her life, even her self, plagues her constantly. She knows that she has to be somewhere each day, she has to go to the bus stop and wait for Sven. He was the love of her life and they were supposed to meet there twenty-seven years ago to run away together. Her son Blade is his mother's full-time caregiver. When he leaves the house to go the gym to do something for himself, he gets a call. His mother was mistaken for a homeless person and picked up by the police. She has his information on her, so he was called. He thought she had stopped doing that, but now he realizes that he will have to put her in a home, where she can be cared for properly. When he broaches that with his mother, she is adamant that she doesn't need that, so they strike a bargain. If Blade goes to Sweden and finds Sven, she will move into a care home. He thinks it is an impossible task, but what wouldn’t he do for his mother? In Sweden, he meets Sophia quite by accident. She is working hard to keep her business afloat. Her uncle left his flower shop to her and her brothers after he died, but with the proviso that she gets to run it for 5 years before they decide if they want to sell it. She needs to show her family that the business is worth saving, and that she is the one to do it. Sophia has autism, which is why her family, specifically her parents, don't think she can do it. When she is offered a job to set up flowers at a variety of shows all over Sweden, she initially declined, but if she wants to show her family that she can make this business viable, she can’t say no. Once again, she runs into Blade, who is now driving around Sweden as well to find Sven in a rented camper van and he offers to help her out. Three people, three different situations.
This book was so good. I had no idea what to expect when I started reading it, but as the story unfolded, I fell in love with all three of the main characters. Edith could be frustrating at times, but it was because she didn't want to lose her memories and all she had left of her life. Blade was lucky to have Zara to care for her while he was away. Zara sees Edith in a different way and nurtures her friendships that she develops sitting each day at the bus stop. I so wanted her to reconnect with Sven. Blade is frustrated and at times resentful, but he loves his mother and will do whatever he can for her. His trip to Sweden may have been for his mother, but was exactly what he needed. I liked seeing him uncertain about what he was doing, but also loved watching his relationship with Sophia grow. He was such a caring person, understanding much of what Sophia was going through, but listening to her when he asked a question, and explaining carefully anything she asked him. Sophia broke my heart. She was fighting and giving the shop her all, to show her family she could keep it alive. It was the only place she felt at home and her love of plants that she got from her uncle was amazing. Sharing what it was like growing up, the therapies she was forced to endure ant the various activities and events that caused her to shut down parts of herself were so sad. I never thought of it in the way it was presented, but it made sense. Underneath all the personal stories, is the mystery of Sven. Who is he? Is he still alive? Will he want to see Edith again? Why didn't he show up that day? I don't want to ruin the story so will not say anymore about the plotline. As I read this book, my emotions were all over the place. There is humour, heartbreaking moments and true love and caring. This is a love story, not a romance, with themes of personal growth, second chances, family, friendship, health issues, and for me sharing what it is like to be a high functioning autistic adult and what they are capable of and how their idiosyncratic traits may develop and why. I definitely recommend this book.
This book was so good. I had no idea what to expect when I started reading it, but as the story unfolded, I fell in love with all three of the main characters. Edith could be frustrating at times, but it was because she didn't want to lose her memories and all she had left of her life. Blade was lucky to have Zara to care for her while he was away. Zara sees Edith in a different way and nurtures her friendships that she develops sitting each day at the bus stop. I so wanted her to reconnect with Sven. Blade is frustrated and at times resentful, but he loves his mother and will do whatever he can for her. His trip to Sweden may have been for his mother, but was exactly what he needed. I liked seeing him uncertain about what he was doing, but also loved watching his relationship with Sophia grow. He was such a caring person, understanding much of what Sophia was going through, but listening to her when he asked a question, and explaining carefully anything she asked him. Sophia broke my heart. She was fighting and giving the shop her all, to show her family she could keep it alive. It was the only place she felt at home and her love of plants that she got from her uncle was amazing. Sharing what it was like growing up, the therapies she was forced to endure ant the various activities and events that caused her to shut down parts of herself were so sad. I never thought of it in the way it was presented, but it made sense. Underneath all the personal stories, is the mystery of Sven. Who is he? Is he still alive? Will he want to see Edith again? Why didn't he show up that day? I don't want to ruin the story so will not say anymore about the plotline. As I read this book, my emotions were all over the place. There is humour, heartbreaking moments and true love and caring. This is a love story, not a romance, with themes of personal growth, second chances, family, friendship, health issues, and for me sharing what it is like to be a high functioning autistic adult and what they are capable of and how their idiosyncratic traits may develop and why. I definitely recommend this book.
October 28, 2025
This is a warm, cozy, heartwarming story that hits close to home for me as my grandmother has the start of dementia. This book was deep, emotional, hopeful, sad, romantic, and mysterious with a dash of humor. I receive an audio ARC of this book from NetGalley and had a hard time with the narrators. I feel that if I would have picked p the book and read it myself this could have been a 4 star review. Highly recommend reading.
August 27, 2025
Only popped into it by chance and loved it!! I highly recommend it if you like quirky characters who you enjoy getting to know (and love!) throughout the pages.
October 4, 2025
I should have liked this but I just didn’t. Zero chemistry. The dementia side story was just meh. The FMC is autistic and that storyline was ok.
August 18, 2025
In Ally Zetterberg’s sensitive read, Edith, grappling with Alzheimer’s, implores her son Blade to find her lost love, Sven. Blade, who has been caring for his mother for the past few years, embarks on a journey to Sweden, determined to locate Sven. However, the task seems insurmountable, as it has been decades since her mother last saw her beloved.
Meanwhile, Sophie, struggling to keep her flower shop afloat, faces a daunting challenge. She inherited the shop from her uncle, but the condition of the business demands a specific profit margin. If it falls short, she will be forced to sell the shop and share the proceeds with her brothers. Despite her desire to share her uncle’s inheritance, Sophie holds deep sentimental value for the shop and goes to great lengths to ensure its survival. This includes taking job deliveries outside her local area.
Sophie’s latest delivery takes her far from her comfort zone, and her car breaks down. During her deliveries, she encounters the kind man Blade twice. When he notices her car trouble, he offers to take her along on his journey to find Sven. Interestingly, when Blade went to rent a vehicle for his own travel plans, he ended up with a much larger one than expected. This unexpected rental, coupled with the shared path they are taking, leads Blade to make the offer for Sophie to join him on his deliveries.
Sophie, a neurodivergent young woman, possesses a remarkable ability to sense people’s emotions. Despite Blade’s intimidating presence, she feels no fear and takes necessary precautions for her safety. This mutual trust and cautious approach pave the way for a blossoming friendship between Blade and Sophie. Their bond is built on trust, kindness, compassion, and much more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because I have three neurodivergent grandsons, one of whom is currently staying with me for the summer. Spending time with him has allowed me to deepen my understanding and appreciation for the incredible individuals on the spectrum. With each of my grandsons being unique, I have developed a profound and enduring love for those on the spectrum. My growing awareness has enabled me to appreciate their remarkable gifts and the invaluable contributions they make to society. I can envision all of “my boys” becoming wonderful adults, and I eagerly anticipate the future that awaits them.
Throughout the book, I couldn’t help but feel a strong desire to give Sophie a warm hug and shower her with all the kindness I could. I hope that other readers share this sense of caring for this wonderful character. In a similar vein, Blade and his mother’s story deeply touched me, particularly the chapters narrated by Edith and her temporary carer while Blade searched for Sven.
This book is simply amazing—utterly wonderful and well-written. The author’s remarkable ability to create real characters that feel tangible and compelling is something I will cherish forever. One of the things I truly admire about this book’s writing is how different readers will value its work, whether it’s Edith’s story or Sophie’s. While my connection was primarily with Sophie, my heart was broken more than once while reading about Edith’s gradual decline. Although this is my first book by Ally Zetterberg, my curiosity is certainly piqued, and I eagerly anticipate reading more of her work.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Meanwhile, Sophie, struggling to keep her flower shop afloat, faces a daunting challenge. She inherited the shop from her uncle, but the condition of the business demands a specific profit margin. If it falls short, she will be forced to sell the shop and share the proceeds with her brothers. Despite her desire to share her uncle’s inheritance, Sophie holds deep sentimental value for the shop and goes to great lengths to ensure its survival. This includes taking job deliveries outside her local area.
Sophie’s latest delivery takes her far from her comfort zone, and her car breaks down. During her deliveries, she encounters the kind man Blade twice. When he notices her car trouble, he offers to take her along on his journey to find Sven. Interestingly, when Blade went to rent a vehicle for his own travel plans, he ended up with a much larger one than expected. This unexpected rental, coupled with the shared path they are taking, leads Blade to make the offer for Sophie to join him on his deliveries.
Sophie, a neurodivergent young woman, possesses a remarkable ability to sense people’s emotions. Despite Blade’s intimidating presence, she feels no fear and takes necessary precautions for her safety. This mutual trust and cautious approach pave the way for a blossoming friendship between Blade and Sophie. Their bond is built on trust, kindness, compassion, and much more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because I have three neurodivergent grandsons, one of whom is currently staying with me for the summer. Spending time with him has allowed me to deepen my understanding and appreciation for the incredible individuals on the spectrum. With each of my grandsons being unique, I have developed a profound and enduring love for those on the spectrum. My growing awareness has enabled me to appreciate their remarkable gifts and the invaluable contributions they make to society. I can envision all of “my boys” becoming wonderful adults, and I eagerly anticipate the future that awaits them.
Throughout the book, I couldn’t help but feel a strong desire to give Sophie a warm hug and shower her with all the kindness I could. I hope that other readers share this sense of caring for this wonderful character. In a similar vein, Blade and his mother’s story deeply touched me, particularly the chapters narrated by Edith and her temporary carer while Blade searched for Sven.
This book is simply amazing—utterly wonderful and well-written. The author’s remarkable ability to create real characters that feel tangible and compelling is something I will cherish forever. One of the things I truly admire about this book’s writing is how different readers will value its work, whether it’s Edith’s story or Sophie’s. While my connection was primarily with Sophie, my heart was broken more than once while reading about Edith’s gradual decline. Although this is my first book by Ally Zetterberg, my curiosity is certainly piqued, and I eagerly anticipate reading more of her work.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 16, 2025
A social worker in London calls 29 year old Blade, who is his mother's caretaker. Edith has early dementia and things seem to be getting worse for her, which is why Blade torpedoed his own life to move back to London to take care of her. Blade goes to the bus stop on Horton street where he finds the social worker talking to his mom about Sven, the Swedish man Edith is meeting. His heart sank-she is again waiting for this man there as she has been doing every week, at the same time, for the last three years. Even though Blade has done a thorough search, he can't find any trace of this man, until they find a box of letters and pictures in the attic. A Swedish town is mentioned in one of her unsent letters-could this be a clue? To solve this mystery, Edith sends Blade to the town with a list of possible Svens, his friend will act as her caregiver in his place. His first stop will be at a flower shop that one of the Svens owned.
Sophia now is a partial owner of the flower shop, along with her older brothers. She works hard every day to be able to purchase it from them but it seems almost impossible to make that kind of money. Her uncle Sven was the only person who understood her, and was probably also on the autism spectrum. She had had a sad childhood-kids at school taunted and laughed at her, and her parents did everything to deny her personhood, and spent their time and money trying to make her "normal. But now that she is 23, she tries to break out of her lonely life and find a boyfriend (with the understanding that she won't kiss because of the bacteria exchange.) She's not having a lot of success. Since her uncle never left London, Blade immediately eliminates him.
It turns out that Blade has a camper to tour retirement homes in Sweden, and Sophia needs a van to take her flowers to several events around the countryside-and what could happen in just a week?
This was a charming and very thoughtful novel. Neither Blade nor Sophia are perfect but they learn to put up with each other as you follow their road trip, while back in London, Edith is finding friends and creating a community of strangers. Zetterberg fills her novel with humor, but at the same time, there is a sadness in her character's lives. Watching Edith cope with her illness, Sophia handling her trust issues, and Blade emerging from his three year caregiving duties lends a very positive and hopeful twist to a potentially challenging situation.
Sophia now is a partial owner of the flower shop, along with her older brothers. She works hard every day to be able to purchase it from them but it seems almost impossible to make that kind of money. Her uncle Sven was the only person who understood her, and was probably also on the autism spectrum. She had had a sad childhood-kids at school taunted and laughed at her, and her parents did everything to deny her personhood, and spent their time and money trying to make her "normal. But now that she is 23, she tries to break out of her lonely life and find a boyfriend (with the understanding that she won't kiss because of the bacteria exchange.) She's not having a lot of success. Since her uncle never left London, Blade immediately eliminates him.
It turns out that Blade has a camper to tour retirement homes in Sweden, and Sophia needs a van to take her flowers to several events around the countryside-and what could happen in just a week?
This was a charming and very thoughtful novel. Neither Blade nor Sophia are perfect but they learn to put up with each other as you follow their road trip, while back in London, Edith is finding friends and creating a community of strangers. Zetterberg fills her novel with humor, but at the same time, there is a sadness in her character's lives. Watching Edith cope with her illness, Sophia handling her trust issues, and Blade emerging from his three year caregiving duties lends a very positive and hopeful twist to a potentially challenging situation.
July 21, 2025
Book review: The Second Chance Bus Stop by Ally Zetterberg.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA and NetGalley for my ARC.
This novel is the kind that sneaks up on you—quietly at first, then all at once. The Second Chance Bus Stop unfolds like memory itself: fragmented, deeply emotional, sometimes funny, sometimes unbearably tender. It’s a story about love lost, love found, and the in-between places where people try to make sense of themselves and each other. Ally Zetterberg has written something quietly extraordinary here, a novel that doesn’t just ask for your attention—it earns it, slowly and deliberately, with characters who feel alive from the first page.
The heart of the story is Edith, a woman in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who knows her mind is slipping but refuses to let go of one final hope: to reconnect with Sven, the man she never stopped loving and the person she was supposed to run away with decades ago. There’s something both devastating and empowering about Edith’s clarity in the face of confusion—she knows what she wants before she forgets what she’s already lost. Sitting each day at a London bus stop, she’s not just waiting for a man—she’s waiting for memory, for time to give her just a little more space.
Her son, Blade, is her reluctant but loyal caregiver, a man whose own life has been hijacked by duty. He resents it, even as he knows he’d do it all again. The depiction of caregiving here is raw and authentic—Zetterberg doesn’t sugarcoat the exhaustion or the emotional toll. Blade isn’t a martyr, and that makes him feel real. When Edith asks him to go to Sweden to find Sven, he doesn’t want to. But he goes anyway, and in that reluctant journey begins a quiet unraveling of his own pain, and ultimately, a rebuilding.
Then there’s Sophia, the autistic florist in Sweden who’s trying to save her late uncle’s shop—and her sense of purpose along with it. Sophia is unlike any character I’ve seen in contemporary fiction. She’s sharp, funny, guarded, and beautifully complex. Zetterberg gives her the space to be whole, not defined solely by her diagnosis. Sophia’s struggles with social cues, sensory overload, and trust are portrayed with unflinching honesty, but so are her strengths—her creativity, her intelligence, and her resilience. She doesn’t need fixing; she needs to be seen. That Zetterberg understands this and writes it so naturally makes the novel feel like a quiet act of defiance against a world that too often demands conformity.
When Blade and Sophia’s lives intersect, the novel shifts into a road trip of sorts—two wounded people navigating the Swedish countryside in a camper van, both searching for something: a person, a future, a place where they might feel whole again. Their relationship unfolds slowly, marked by awkwardness, tension, small kindnesses, and a growing trust that feels earned. There’s romance here, but it’s never rushed, never cliché. It grows the way real connection does—in shared silences, in seeing and being seen, in the willingness to sit beside another person’s pain without trying to erase it.
Meanwhile, back in London, Edith finds unexpected community at the bus stop, where strangers become friends and moments of clarity come as gifts. Her chapters are laced with both humor and grief—one moment she’s witty and sharp, the next confused and scared. It’s heartbreaking and honest. Zetterberg handles Edith’s decline with immense care, allowing her dignity and agency even as the illness encroaches. These scenes never feel manipulative; instead, they’re achingly human.
The structure of the novel—told in alternating perspectives—allows each character’s story to breathe. There’s no rushing here, no artificial drama. The emotional impact comes from the accumulation of small, truthful moments. Zetterberg trusts her readers to sit in the quiet with her characters, and that trust pays off.
What surprised me most about this book was how hopeful it is. Yes, it deals with illness, lost time, and regret, but it also insists on the possibility of joy. Blade learns to forgive himself. Sophia learns to believe that she deserves love exactly as she is. Edith, even in her fading memory, finds peace in connection. There’s grief here, but it’s not the end of the story. There’s always another chapter, another chance.
Ally Zetterberg’s writing has been compared to Fredrik Backman, and the comparison holds. There’s the same emotional intelligence, the same careful pacing, the same ability to make you laugh on one page and cry on the next. But Zetterberg has her own voice—gentle but unflinching, warm but never sentimental. She writes like someone who knows people are complicated and beautiful in equal measure.
The Second Chance Bus Stop is a novel about timing, about the way life never moves exactly as we hope it will, but still offers us unexpected paths forward. It’s about caregiving and neurodivergence, about the power of community, about how even in decline there can be grace. I closed the book feeling not just satisfied, but changed. This one’s going to stay with me.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA and NetGalley for my ARC.
This novel is the kind that sneaks up on you—quietly at first, then all at once. The Second Chance Bus Stop unfolds like memory itself: fragmented, deeply emotional, sometimes funny, sometimes unbearably tender. It’s a story about love lost, love found, and the in-between places where people try to make sense of themselves and each other. Ally Zetterberg has written something quietly extraordinary here, a novel that doesn’t just ask for your attention—it earns it, slowly and deliberately, with characters who feel alive from the first page.
The heart of the story is Edith, a woman in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who knows her mind is slipping but refuses to let go of one final hope: to reconnect with Sven, the man she never stopped loving and the person she was supposed to run away with decades ago. There’s something both devastating and empowering about Edith’s clarity in the face of confusion—she knows what she wants before she forgets what she’s already lost. Sitting each day at a London bus stop, she’s not just waiting for a man—she’s waiting for memory, for time to give her just a little more space.
Her son, Blade, is her reluctant but loyal caregiver, a man whose own life has been hijacked by duty. He resents it, even as he knows he’d do it all again. The depiction of caregiving here is raw and authentic—Zetterberg doesn’t sugarcoat the exhaustion or the emotional toll. Blade isn’t a martyr, and that makes him feel real. When Edith asks him to go to Sweden to find Sven, he doesn’t want to. But he goes anyway, and in that reluctant journey begins a quiet unraveling of his own pain, and ultimately, a rebuilding.
Then there’s Sophia, the autistic florist in Sweden who’s trying to save her late uncle’s shop—and her sense of purpose along with it. Sophia is unlike any character I’ve seen in contemporary fiction. She’s sharp, funny, guarded, and beautifully complex. Zetterberg gives her the space to be whole, not defined solely by her diagnosis. Sophia’s struggles with social cues, sensory overload, and trust are portrayed with unflinching honesty, but so are her strengths—her creativity, her intelligence, and her resilience. She doesn’t need fixing; she needs to be seen. That Zetterberg understands this and writes it so naturally makes the novel feel like a quiet act of defiance against a world that too often demands conformity.
When Blade and Sophia’s lives intersect, the novel shifts into a road trip of sorts—two wounded people navigating the Swedish countryside in a camper van, both searching for something: a person, a future, a place where they might feel whole again. Their relationship unfolds slowly, marked by awkwardness, tension, small kindnesses, and a growing trust that feels earned. There’s romance here, but it’s never rushed, never cliché. It grows the way real connection does—in shared silences, in seeing and being seen, in the willingness to sit beside another person’s pain without trying to erase it.
Meanwhile, back in London, Edith finds unexpected community at the bus stop, where strangers become friends and moments of clarity come as gifts. Her chapters are laced with both humor and grief—one moment she’s witty and sharp, the next confused and scared. It’s heartbreaking and honest. Zetterberg handles Edith’s decline with immense care, allowing her dignity and agency even as the illness encroaches. These scenes never feel manipulative; instead, they’re achingly human.
The structure of the novel—told in alternating perspectives—allows each character’s story to breathe. There’s no rushing here, no artificial drama. The emotional impact comes from the accumulation of small, truthful moments. Zetterberg trusts her readers to sit in the quiet with her characters, and that trust pays off.
What surprised me most about this book was how hopeful it is. Yes, it deals with illness, lost time, and regret, but it also insists on the possibility of joy. Blade learns to forgive himself. Sophia learns to believe that she deserves love exactly as she is. Edith, even in her fading memory, finds peace in connection. There’s grief here, but it’s not the end of the story. There’s always another chapter, another chance.
Ally Zetterberg’s writing has been compared to Fredrik Backman, and the comparison holds. There’s the same emotional intelligence, the same careful pacing, the same ability to make you laugh on one page and cry on the next. But Zetterberg has her own voice—gentle but unflinching, warm but never sentimental. She writes like someone who knows people are complicated and beautiful in equal measure.
The Second Chance Bus Stop is a novel about timing, about the way life never moves exactly as we hope it will, but still offers us unexpected paths forward. It’s about caregiving and neurodivergence, about the power of community, about how even in decline there can be grace. I closed the book feeling not just satisfied, but changed. This one’s going to stay with me.
August 18, 2025
This was a tender and emotional read, and had it just been about Edith and her son Blade, it would have been more than enough, but then Sophia is added to the mix, and it becomes something exceptional.
Edith is slowly losing her memories to Alzheimer’s, but she doesn’t want to forget her one true love, Sven. A man she was supposed to meet years ago at a bus stop. Blade is her full-time caregiver, and although he loves his mother with all his heart, he feels he has missed his chance to have a career, a family, and his chance at love. But he will grant his mother’s last wish to travel to Sweden to track down her long-lost love.
Enter Sophia. She is trying to run the flower shop in Sweden, which her beloved uncle left to her and her brothers. Lovely Sophia is autistic, and although extremely sharp and witty, she struggles with social cues and sensory stimuli. When Blade and Sophia have an encounter, which turns into a road trip through Sweden, it becomes the most beautiful depiction of two lonely, wounded people who needed someone to accept them for who they are.
The story is filled with awkwardness, brutal honesty, and compassion. It has humor and sadness, but it reminds us to love with abandon. Hearing all three characters’ points of view was affecting. Edith knew her mind and memories were fading. Blade was so loyal and kind, but the weight of being a caregiver is a heavy one. Sophia yearned to be seen and loved, not analyzed or put in a category.
I was so impressed with the writing; it felt natural, stirring so many emotions within me—truly a beautiful story.
🎧I loved sharing my time reading with the audiobook. Narrators Heather Long, Joe Jameson, and Pearl Hewitt brought these characters to life for me. With their accents and distinct voices, I felt like I got to know each one of them. It made the story all that much more emotional for me.
4.5 🌟
Thank you @htpbooks @MIRAbooks and @allyzetterbergauthor for the #gifted ebook via #NetGalley. Thank you @Harlequinaudio for the gifted audiobook via #NetGalley.
August 29, 2025
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:
I really enjoyed the voice this book brought to two tough topics: the onset of early Alzheimer's and living with autism as an adult. Since this book is multi pov you get to see the characters firsthand pov giving you so much insight to daily life and struggles. Eye opening! That being said it was a bit heavy but that’s to be expected, I enjoyed the storyline and how all the pieces fit together in the end. A truly beautiful emotional journey.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Edith always wondered what happened to Sven. Even now years later she’s driven to go sit at the bus stop and wait for him to show up. She has Alzheimer's and she’s worried her son will forget it and more importantly she’ll forget herself. Even now things are begging to slip away.
Blade gave up his career and social life when his mom received the early onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. He loves his mom and would do anything for her but she’s becoming more than he can handle alone. He made a deal with her to help track down the mystery of Sven in Sweden if she agrees to consider going into a care home when he returns.
Sophia uncle left her his flower shop when he passed away, she has 5 years to buy her siblings out. She works hard but taking chances and diverting from her safe habits are difficult because she has Autism. So when an Englishman comes into her life unexpectedly she takes a risk. To save her shop she will be doing a series of events that are not local and he will help transport her there in his van.
For the next 10 days Sophia and Blade will take a road trip across Sweden. Both with their own agenda but unaware how interconnected they really are.
𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:
* Strangers to Lovers
* Forced Proximity
* 10 Day Roadtrip Across Sweden
* Neurodivergent FMC
* MMC is Caregiver to Mother
* Searching for Answers
* Early Onset of Alzheimer's
* Traumatic Childhood
* Multi POV & Intertwined Storylines
🌻🇸🇪💙🇬🇧 🌻🇸🇪💙🇬🇧 🌻🇸🇪💙🇬🇧
https://www.instagram.com/p/DN6ii7QEi...
I really enjoyed the voice this book brought to two tough topics: the onset of early Alzheimer's and living with autism as an adult. Since this book is multi pov you get to see the characters firsthand pov giving you so much insight to daily life and struggles. Eye opening! That being said it was a bit heavy but that’s to be expected, I enjoyed the storyline and how all the pieces fit together in the end. A truly beautiful emotional journey.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Edith always wondered what happened to Sven. Even now years later she’s driven to go sit at the bus stop and wait for him to show up. She has Alzheimer's and she’s worried her son will forget it and more importantly she’ll forget herself. Even now things are begging to slip away.
Blade gave up his career and social life when his mom received the early onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. He loves his mom and would do anything for her but she’s becoming more than he can handle alone. He made a deal with her to help track down the mystery of Sven in Sweden if she agrees to consider going into a care home when he returns.
Sophia uncle left her his flower shop when he passed away, she has 5 years to buy her siblings out. She works hard but taking chances and diverting from her safe habits are difficult because she has Autism. So when an Englishman comes into her life unexpectedly she takes a risk. To save her shop she will be doing a series of events that are not local and he will help transport her there in his van.
For the next 10 days Sophia and Blade will take a road trip across Sweden. Both with their own agenda but unaware how interconnected they really are.
𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:
* Strangers to Lovers
* Forced Proximity
* 10 Day Roadtrip Across Sweden
* Neurodivergent FMC
* MMC is Caregiver to Mother
* Searching for Answers
* Early Onset of Alzheimer's
* Traumatic Childhood
* Multi POV & Intertwined Storylines
🌻🇸🇪💙🇬🇧 🌻🇸🇪💙🇬🇧 🌻🇸🇪💙🇬🇧
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September 22, 2025
It took me a bit to get into the storyline of this book but it built up as it went. This is definitely a hit for those who like that cozy feel.
They say life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.
Edith has Alzheimer’s. The idea that she will someday forget her son, her life, even her self, plagues her constantly. So there is something important she must do before the disease robs her of her she has to find Sven, the love of her life she was supposed to meet on a bus bench twenty-seven years ago and run off with, but he never showed.
Her son, Blade, is struggling to keep an eye on her. His mother’s full-time caregiver, he resents the fact, if he’s being honest, that he gave up his career and most of his life to look after her. But what wouldn’t he do for his mother? Track down her decades-old flame so that she has a chance to finally understand why he never showed all those years ago, before her mind fails her? Sure, he can do that.
Sophia is fiercely working to keep her business afloat. Her uncle left his flower shop to her and her brothers after he died, but she seems to be the only one interested in keeping it running. She needs to land a big enough client to show her family that not only is the business worth saving but she’s the one to do it. So when an opportunity comes along that takes her all over Sweden, she can’t say no.
While Edith is desperately trying to hold on to her memories, she discovers friendship with a young woman who sits with her daily at the bus stop. While Blade is out looking for Sven, he learns to embrace his relationship with his mother more fully. While Sophia is fighting to keep her dream alive, she comes to terms with the way her parents treated her as a child and the therapies that were forced upon her in response to her autism diagnosis. Life is happening all around them, and much like with life, there’s so much good to be found in these pages.
They say life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.
Edith has Alzheimer’s. The idea that she will someday forget her son, her life, even her self, plagues her constantly. So there is something important she must do before the disease robs her of her she has to find Sven, the love of her life she was supposed to meet on a bus bench twenty-seven years ago and run off with, but he never showed.
Her son, Blade, is struggling to keep an eye on her. His mother’s full-time caregiver, he resents the fact, if he’s being honest, that he gave up his career and most of his life to look after her. But what wouldn’t he do for his mother? Track down her decades-old flame so that she has a chance to finally understand why he never showed all those years ago, before her mind fails her? Sure, he can do that.
Sophia is fiercely working to keep her business afloat. Her uncle left his flower shop to her and her brothers after he died, but she seems to be the only one interested in keeping it running. She needs to land a big enough client to show her family that not only is the business worth saving but she’s the one to do it. So when an opportunity comes along that takes her all over Sweden, she can’t say no.
While Edith is desperately trying to hold on to her memories, she discovers friendship with a young woman who sits with her daily at the bus stop. While Blade is out looking for Sven, he learns to embrace his relationship with his mother more fully. While Sophia is fighting to keep her dream alive, she comes to terms with the way her parents treated her as a child and the therapies that were forced upon her in response to her autism diagnosis. Life is happening all around them, and much like with life, there’s so much good to be found in these pages.
August 24, 2025
Ally Zetterberg’s The Second Chance Bus Stop is an uplifting, emotional and thought-provoking read perfect for book clubs.
After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Edith is constantly plagued by worry. She is wracked by fears that she will forget the memories she cherishes, the son she loves and herself. However, Edith is a woman with a plan determined to fulfil her most dearest wish: to be reunited with Sven, the love of her life she was supposed to meet twenty-seven years ago on a bus bench to run away with. Edith has enlisted her son Blade’s help to find Sven. But Blade has got his own problems to contend with.
Caring for his mother is certainly taking its toll on Blade and despite of the weight of responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders, finding Sven is just something else that he’s going to have to add to his list. But might this quest to find the love of his mother’s life lead him to appreciate what he has – and to cherish the relationship he has with his mother before it’s too late?
Sophia had been left her uncle’s flower shop alongside her brothers and she is determined to prove to her family that this business is worth saving. Will Sophia be successful and manage to turn the shop’s fortunes around? Or is she doomed to fail?
I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked up The Second Chance Bus Stop, but I am so glad that I took a chance on this book because it’s intelligent, astute, heartfelt, moving and so brilliantly written readers will want to recommend it to all their friends and family. Full of nuanced and compelling characters, laugh out loud humour and heart-wrenching pathos, The Second Chance Bus Stop is a hugely enjoyable page-turner by Ally Zetterberg that shouldn’t be missed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Edith is constantly plagued by worry. She is wracked by fears that she will forget the memories she cherishes, the son she loves and herself. However, Edith is a woman with a plan determined to fulfil her most dearest wish: to be reunited with Sven, the love of her life she was supposed to meet twenty-seven years ago on a bus bench to run away with. Edith has enlisted her son Blade’s help to find Sven. But Blade has got his own problems to contend with.
Caring for his mother is certainly taking its toll on Blade and despite of the weight of responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders, finding Sven is just something else that he’s going to have to add to his list. But might this quest to find the love of his mother’s life lead him to appreciate what he has – and to cherish the relationship he has with his mother before it’s too late?
Sophia had been left her uncle’s flower shop alongside her brothers and she is determined to prove to her family that this business is worth saving. Will Sophia be successful and manage to turn the shop’s fortunes around? Or is she doomed to fail?
I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked up The Second Chance Bus Stop, but I am so glad that I took a chance on this book because it’s intelligent, astute, heartfelt, moving and so brilliantly written readers will want to recommend it to all their friends and family. Full of nuanced and compelling characters, laugh out loud humour and heart-wrenching pathos, The Second Chance Bus Stop is a hugely enjoyable page-turner by Ally Zetterberg that shouldn’t be missed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 22, 2025
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Edith was losing her memories, so she sent her son, Blade, on a mission to find the love of her life. His trip to Sweden brought Sophia, who needed a way to travel from market to market in order to raise the funds to buy her brothers out of the business, into his life. What seemed like a bad idea turned into a wonderful adventure which helped all parties involved come to terms with their past and make some decisions about their futures.
This was a lovely and feel-good story about second chances, love, family and friendship. It was about being yourself and finding your people, the people who won't try to change you. It's about building a "village" and seizing the path to happiness.
Edith's storyline was heartbreaking, naturally, but it was handled with so much care. Zetterberg didn't shy away from how difficult Alzheimer’s can be for everyone involved, but she also let Edith shine in her own way. She was a woman, a mother, a friend. She had a bright personality and a big heart, and it was obvious throughout this tale.
Blade had been a full-time caregiver for his mother for the past three years. He lost his job, life, and girlfriend due to this commitment, but only wanted what was best for his mother whom he loved dearly. This mission to find her Sven was eye-opening, showing him things he didn't know about his mother and himself.
It was kismet that he met Sophia, and I loved how they clicked with each other. Sophia was definitely someone you could root for. Being neurodivergent, she was often bullied and misunderstood. She was subjected to therapy that left scars, but Sophia found comfort in flowers and her shop. What was special about her and Blade was the way he accepted her, how he took cues from her, and genuinely liked her just as she was. Sophia's story arc was one that really touched me, and I suppose the second chance part applied to her family as much as to Edith's search for Sven.
I was wholly captivated by this tale and terribly invested in the outcome for everyone involved - Edith, Blade, Sophia, and all the people who made up their community. This was a sweet and tender story that emphasized community and memories, and it really touched my heart.
*ARC provided by publisher
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Edith was losing her memories, so she sent her son, Blade, on a mission to find the love of her life. His trip to Sweden brought Sophia, who needed a way to travel from market to market in order to raise the funds to buy her brothers out of the business, into his life. What seemed like a bad idea turned into a wonderful adventure which helped all parties involved come to terms with their past and make some decisions about their futures.
This was a lovely and feel-good story about second chances, love, family and friendship. It was about being yourself and finding your people, the people who won't try to change you. It's about building a "village" and seizing the path to happiness.
Edith's storyline was heartbreaking, naturally, but it was handled with so much care. Zetterberg didn't shy away from how difficult Alzheimer’s can be for everyone involved, but she also let Edith shine in her own way. She was a woman, a mother, a friend. She had a bright personality and a big heart, and it was obvious throughout this tale.
Blade had been a full-time caregiver for his mother for the past three years. He lost his job, life, and girlfriend due to this commitment, but only wanted what was best for his mother whom he loved dearly. This mission to find her Sven was eye-opening, showing him things he didn't know about his mother and himself.
It was kismet that he met Sophia, and I loved how they clicked with each other. Sophia was definitely someone you could root for. Being neurodivergent, she was often bullied and misunderstood. She was subjected to therapy that left scars, but Sophia found comfort in flowers and her shop. What was special about her and Blade was the way he accepted her, how he took cues from her, and genuinely liked her just as she was. Sophia's story arc was one that really touched me, and I suppose the second chance part applied to her family as much as to Edith's search for Sven.
I was wholly captivated by this tale and terribly invested in the outcome for everyone involved - Edith, Blade, Sophia, and all the people who made up their community. This was a sweet and tender story that emphasized community and memories, and it really touched my heart.
*ARC provided by publisher
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
September 24, 2025
4.25⭐️ Absolutely adorable and such great characters. Loved the autism and Alzheimer’s rep. If you enjoy a fun grandmother trying to make amends to past decisions before she forgets, read this. If you love reading about a son just wanting to do best by his mother, this is worth a read. If you like a strong, neurodivergent woman just wanting to prove she can handle things on her own, absolutely give this a try.
5⭐️ narration by Heather Long, Joe Jameson, and Pearl Hewitt. Absolutely loved having narrators for all three main characters. Just a beautiful job by all expressing the many battles of these wonderful characters. It’s truly helped the reader see a glimpse of the struggle of Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and those with neurodivergence.
Blade is the full time caregiver to his mother, Edith. He feels like he can’t keep going on as her full time caregiver. But he can’t help but be there for Edith and do anything for her. Even travel to find her ex-boyfriend, Sven.
Sophie has to find ways to make her flower shop a success. Her uncle beloved in her, and she knows she can too. The next step is to be able to deliver to more people all over Sweden.
Blade has the truck and helps Sophie further her goals. She even tries to help him find Sven. The more time they spend together, the more a friendship and affection grows. But Blade’s guilt of not being with Edith may ruin all he’s found for himself.
Thank you to @netgalley @harlequinbooks and @allyzetterbergauthor for the advanced listener copy.
5⭐️ narration by Heather Long, Joe Jameson, and Pearl Hewitt. Absolutely loved having narrators for all three main characters. Just a beautiful job by all expressing the many battles of these wonderful characters. It’s truly helped the reader see a glimpse of the struggle of Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and those with neurodivergence.
Blade is the full time caregiver to his mother, Edith. He feels like he can’t keep going on as her full time caregiver. But he can’t help but be there for Edith and do anything for her. Even travel to find her ex-boyfriend, Sven.
Sophie has to find ways to make her flower shop a success. Her uncle beloved in her, and she knows she can too. The next step is to be able to deliver to more people all over Sweden.
Blade has the truck and helps Sophie further her goals. She even tries to help him find Sven. The more time they spend together, the more a friendship and affection grows. But Blade’s guilt of not being with Edith may ruin all he’s found for himself.
Thank you to @netgalley @harlequinbooks and @allyzetterbergauthor for the advanced listener copy.
October 6, 2025
The Second Chance Bus Stop by Ally Zetterberg
Edith may have Alzheimer's but she remembers the man who didn’t show up almost 30 years ago. The bus stop they were supposed to meet at. Her son is at a loss of what to do so she sends him on a mission. To find Sven.
Sophia is just barely keeping her dead uncle's flower shop afloat.. Following a clue to her flower shop, Blade offers to help her get her flowers all over Sweden while he hunts for Sven…
Sophia has PTSD from the treatment of her autism diagnosis and her parents' response to it in her childhood but Blaze sees her… He understands her and he is helping her to heal in a way she didn’t know was possible.
Firstly…. I am loving the asd rep in the book! It was well researched and done with care. The narration was done phenomenally well. I couldn’t imagine having a parent with Alzheimer's but the author also tackled that with gravitas as well. I’m not sure we needed two reps of this magnitude but it did make for a really heartbreaking story.
I hated Blade at first. Edith can’t help her diagnosis but I did start to appreciate that he had to put his life on hold to take care of her but she did that for him when he was small. Family does what is necessary not what is convenient and he seemed to have more tolerance for Sophia which didn’t sit too well with me.
I enjoyed Sophia. She was a great and well rounded character. I thought it was a charming story with some really solid writing.
4 stars
Edith may have Alzheimer's but she remembers the man who didn’t show up almost 30 years ago. The bus stop they were supposed to meet at. Her son is at a loss of what to do so she sends him on a mission. To find Sven.
Sophia is just barely keeping her dead uncle's flower shop afloat.. Following a clue to her flower shop, Blade offers to help her get her flowers all over Sweden while he hunts for Sven…
Sophia has PTSD from the treatment of her autism diagnosis and her parents' response to it in her childhood but Blaze sees her… He understands her and he is helping her to heal in a way she didn’t know was possible.
Firstly…. I am loving the asd rep in the book! It was well researched and done with care. The narration was done phenomenally well. I couldn’t imagine having a parent with Alzheimer's but the author also tackled that with gravitas as well. I’m not sure we needed two reps of this magnitude but it did make for a really heartbreaking story.
I hated Blade at first. Edith can’t help her diagnosis but I did start to appreciate that he had to put his life on hold to take care of her but she did that for him when he was small. Family does what is necessary not what is convenient and he seemed to have more tolerance for Sophia which didn’t sit too well with me.
I enjoyed Sophia. She was a great and well rounded character. I thought it was a charming story with some really solid writing.
4 stars
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