Second-chance romance books are beloved for a reason. Their plot lines have a unique appeal, offering readers a glimpse into the emotional complexity of relationships that have been tested by time, distance or life’s unexpected twists.

In these rekindling love stories, the reader is immediately engaged as the characters are typically given the opportunity to rediscover each other. What makes second-chance romances so captivating is the rawness and vulnerability that comes with trying again, often after heartache, and many readers — like myself — find the “second chance” angle inspiring.

I’m an avid reader, and there is a wealth of second-chance romance books I recommend. However, below are the top 10 that are the very best.

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Goodreads rating: 3.97/5 stars

About the book: “Happy Place” by Emily Henry follows Harriet and Wyn, exes who still share a close friendship, as they reunite for a weeklong vacation with their friends at a luxurious lake house. Despite their breakup, they pretend to still be together for the sake of their friend group, leading to emotional revelations and moments of personal growth. As Harriet and Wyn confront their past, they navigate the complexities of love, healing and moving on — and ultimately discover what happiness and true connection mean for them.

Goodreads rating: 4.20/5 stars

About the book: “Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune centers on Persephone, who returns to her family’s lake house after a long time away, facing both the grief of her mother’s passing and the unresolved feelings she has for Sam, her childhood love. Over the course of their summer, they rekindle their connection and confront the painful events that caused their separation years earlier. As they revisit their past and unpack old wounds, Persephone and Sam must decide if they can rebuild their relationship and embrace the future together.

Goodreads rating: 3.86/5 stars

About the book: “It Starts With Us” by Colleen Hoover is the sequel to “It Ends With Us” and picks up with Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan as they try to build a new life together after Lily’s difficult past with Ryle. As they navigate the challenges of their rekindled relationship, Lily’s complicated emotions and Ryle’s continued presence in her life create tension and obstacles. Ultimately, the story explores themes of healing, forgiveness and finding strength in love, as Lily learns to prioritize her own happiness and future.

Goodreads rating: 4.03/5 stars

About the book: “One True Loves” by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows Emma, a woman who is forced to rebuild her life after the sudden death of her husband, Jesse. Years later, just as she’s learned to move on and gotten engaged to another man, she unexpectedly reconnects with Jesse, who turns out to be alive after all. Torn between the past and her present, Emma must confront her feelings and make a difficult decision about which love is truly her “one true love.”

Goodreads rating: 3.75/5 stars

About the book: “Same Time Next Summer” by Annabel Monaghan tells the story of Frankie, a woman who returns to the Long Island beach town where she spent her childhood summers after the death of her mother. There, she reunites with her former summer love, Tate, and they try to rekindle their connection, despite the years of emotional baggage between them. Frankie learns to reconcile her memories with the person she has become and, in tandem, they both share and reconcile their pasts.

Goodreads rating: 4.15/5 stars

About the book: “Persuasion” by Jane Austen follows Anne Elliot, a woman who, eight years after breaking off an engagement with the man she loved, Captain Frederick Wentworth, finds herself still in love with him. It’s a great second-chance romance novel for those who love classics. Due to her family’s financial troubles, Anne is forced to reconnect with Wentworth, now a successful naval officer, and as they navigate social expectations and misunderstandings, old feelings resurface.

Goodreads rating: 4.15/5 stars

About the book: “After I Do” by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows Lauren and Ryan, a married couple who, after years of drifting apart, decide to take a temporary break from each other to figure out if they still want to be together. During their time apart, both confront their individual desires, personal growth and what they truly need from a relationship. And, through this journey, Lauren learns about herself, love and what it means to truly fight for a marriage — leading to an uncertain but hopeful path forward.

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