4,5/5

Mrs. Yeon worries about her son, her convenience store, her employees, and her memory, which isn't the same as it used to be. The proof is that she's lost her wallet. Luckily, a man found it, a vagrant, a homeless man, someone she shouldn't have crossed paths with, but who will change everything...
I spotted this novel as soon as it came out in Korean, and so I was looking forward to it with perhaps excessive impatience. What I'll remember first and foremost from this book is that it's a novel full of humanity and great tenderness. I loved the themes it explored: those of the marginalized, people who don't fit into society's norms, the elderly too, and themes that are too rarely addressed in Korean works, such as alcohol, for example, which is one of the country's major problems. Still, it is not perfect for me, and I think that's more a matter of form than substance. In this kind of novel, I love it when destinies intertwine and each one brings something to the others. Here, we have a more linear structure; it's essentially the hero who helps others, and the stories of the secondary characters follow one another. We even go back a few times to tell the fate of one or the other rather than talking about several people at once; it left me with a rather strange feeling. And then there's that final chapter, a real gem, written in the first person, but which I would have loved to discover in small pieces throughout the story. In short, with a different cut, I would have liked it even more.
It's still a beautiful novel, which will undoubtedly be among my favorite Korean sweet novels, and these last pages have convinced me to be there for the sequel. But now that I'm stripped of my expectations, I also really want to reread it and take the time to better absorb its message.



Madame Yeon s'inquiète pour son fils, pour sa supérette, pour ses employés, pour sa mémoire qui n'est plus la même qu'autrefois aussi, la preuve, elle a égaré son portefeuille. Par chance, un homme l'a trouvé, un vagabond, un sans abri, quelqu'un dont elle n'aura pas dû croiser la route et qui pourtant va tout changer...
J'avais repéré ce roman dès sa sortie en coréen et je l'attendais donc avec une impatience démesurée peut-être. Ce que je retiendrai en premier lieu de cette lecture, c'est que c'est un roman plein d'humanité, d'une grande douceur. J'ai adoré les thèmes abordés, ceux des laissés pour compte, les personnes en marge de la société, les personnes âgées aussi, et des thèmes trop peu évoqués dans les productions coréennes comme l'alcool par exemple, qui est pourtant l'un des problèmes majeur du pays. Malgré tout, ce n'est pas tout à fait un coup de coeur et je pense que cela vient plus de la forme que du fond. Dans ce genre de romans, j'adore que les destins s'entrecroisent, s'emmêlent et que chacun apporte quelque chose aux autres. Ici, on est sur un schéma plus linéaire, c'est essentiellement le héros qui aide les autres, et les histoires des personnages secondaires se succèdent. On repart même quelque fois en arrière pour raconter le destin de l'un ou de l'autre plutôt que de parler de plusieurs personnes à la fois, cela m'a laissé une impression assez étrange. Et puis on a ce dernier chapitre, une vraie pépite, à la première personne, mais que j'aurais tellement aimé découvrir par petits bouts tout au long de l'histoire. En bref, avec un découpage différent, le coup de coeur aurait sûrement été au rendez-vous.
C'est malgré tout un très beau roman, qui figurera sans aucun doute parmi mes romans doux coréens préférés et ces dernières pages m'ont convaincue d'être au rendez-vous pour la suite. Mais maintenant que je suis dépouillée de mes attentes, j'ai également très envie de le relire et de prendre le temps de mieux m'imprégner de son message.

"Life's not meant to be comfortable and convenient all the time."

⇢ The Second Chance Convenience Store is a heartwarming tale set in Seoul, centered around Dokgo, a homeless man suffering from alcohol-induced memory loss. After a chance encounter, he’s taken in by Mrs. Yeom, the kind and determined owner of Always Convenience. She offers him more than just shelter, giving him a fresh start.

⇢ Told through a series of interconnected chapters, this book introduces various characters who cross paths at the store. Each of them carries their own emotional baggage, and somehow, Dokgo, despite his own struggles, manages to offer them meaningful advice and genuine kindness that helps them move forward. As he quietly impacts their lives, he begins piecing together fragments of his forgotten past.

❀ The pacing feels just right, and the writing invites you to care deeply for its flawed but relatable characters. Besides Dokgo, I also like Mrs. Yeom, an older woman running a barely surviving convenience store not for profit, but to give people a sense of purpose and belonging. One chapter that especially moved me was the fourth story, BOGO. It was emotional and meaningful, touching me to the point that it brought tears to my eyes 🥺

❀ This book gently reminds readers of the importance of compassion, empathy, and human connection. It invites readers to step into someone else’s shoes, listen deeply, and offer kindness even when nothing is asked in return. I recommend this comforting, character-driven story to anyone looking for a heartfelt and meaningful read that makes you feel and reflect ❤️

"In the end, life boiled down to relationships, and relationships to communication."

4.25 ★

Kim Ho Yeon's The Second Chance Convenience Store is a heartfelt novel about how small acts of kindness can change and impact people's lives in unexpected ways. The story follows Mrs Yeom, Dokgo and multiple other characters like Sihyeon, Minsik among others at the Always Convenience Store owned by Mrs Yeom.

It is a warm, compassionate novel that feels emotional at times. It doesn't have any dramatic twists but has heartfelt moments that make it a slice of life story worth reading, especially on days that feel overwhelming. I absolutely adored Dokgo's character and was really invested in how his story developed. It is a cozy read that is mainly character driven and reminds us of the beauty of human connections and second chances in life. I liked the author's quiet reflective narrative which also talks about some heavy topics that plague our society today but leave us feeling hopeful by the end of the book. If you are fan of healing fiction then you should definitely check this one out.

This book truly felt like a warm hug. It’s one of those stories that gently pulls you in and makes you feel comforted without even realising it. I loved how quiet and peaceful it was—it didn’t need any big twists or drama to keep me hooked.

Watching the main character slowly find his way again through simple, everyday moments was so moving. It reminded me how small acts of kindness and routine can mean so much when life feels overwhelming. I also loved his interactions with all the other characters in the book and I truly took a lot of life lessons from it.

It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling soft, hopeful, and a little bit more in love with the ordinary. I didn’t want it to end.

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The Second Chance Convenience Store
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ho-yeon Kim (translated by Janet Hong)
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁 + 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: Ebook, 208 pages by Tor

★★★★

💌 First of all, I would like to thank @NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ebook in exchange for a honest review. I requested this ebook because the title was really intriguing, and the cover of the book had so many cosy vibes.

The Second Chance Convenience Store is an adult fiction where the reader follows multiple characters (in order of appearance: Mrs. Yeom, Sihyeon, Seonsuk, Kyeongman, Inkyeong, Minsik, Mr. Kwak, Dokgo) as they come and go by one shop: the Always Convenience Store, owned by Mrs. Yeom.

I am not always a fan of these "slice of life" and feel-good films and books because they are more character-driven than plot-driven, but it turns out I was really invested in some of the characters' story and wanted to find out what would happen to them in the end. The book was really well-paced and always made me yearn to read the next chapter.
It is also the first time that I am reading a non-English book that has been translated into English, and as a translator, I quite liked the experience.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of South-Korean feel-good dramas!

As always, I’m drawn to stories set in convenience stores—there’s something about meeting different characters, each carrying their own little story. With each chapter, compared to other books in the same genre, I found this to be a mid-paced read. Some chapters felt shorter and lacked a bit of emotional depth but doesn’t really bother me.

One thing that really annoyed me was how often the characters judged Dokgo, the main character, just by how he looked. Maybe that’s the reality—that people do judge others based on appearances. But focusing on Dokgo himself, I genuinely loved his character. The kindness he offered, how he treated every customer with empathy and care, even when they were rude or dismissive—that really stayed with me.

This book reminded me that one simple act of kindness can truly save a life. My favorite part was the last chapter, which centers more on Dokgo’s perspective. It kind of wraps up the whole book through his encounters with the customers. I won’t spoil anything, but this part genuinely melted my heart. It’ll make you want to be kinder—not just in big ways, but in quiet, everyday moments.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this eARC.

This was a truly beautiful illustration of the humanity and the importance of human connection. There were some moments that gave me a giggle (especially as someone who works in customer service) and others that brought a tear to my eye.
This novel is driven by its characters, exploring the complexity of life and the influence a connection with an individual can have one’s perspective.

Heartwarming, quirky, and full of charm 🏪💫. The Second Chance Convenience Store is a beautifully told story of community, redemption, and small acts of kindness. Kim Ho-Yeon’s writing is gentle, funny, and deeply moving, reminding readers of the magic in everyday moments. I adored the cosy setting and hopeful message. Perfect for fans of heartwarming fiction like Before the Coffee Gets Cold.

Gorgeously written. I wasn’t expecting some parts, especially to be reaching for a tissue to wipe damp eyes. Loved it.

"The river was for crossing, not for plunging into. A bridge was for getting to the other side, not for leaping off."

The Second Chance Convenience Store is a story of reflection and redemption; with the main character Dokgo acting as a catalyst in bringing about change in others' lives with his kindness.

This is a book about rediscovering purpose and healing. The characters are well written - each person carrying their own burdens and Dokgo offering them hope, along with a bottle of comforting corn silk tea.

The Second Chance Convenience Store is the perfect example of ‘healing fiction’ or rather fiction that deals with everyday struggles and offers hope, sometimes with the help of magical realism, to see the brighter side or at least the positive alongside the negative.
I really enjoyed this read, so much so that I got a physical copy. It’s a lovely, short read. This is definitely a feel good story, with a little bit of emotional moments in there as well. If you love translated fiction this is one to read but more so if you are looking for a feel good read you will enjoy this one too.
As always thank you to Pan Macmillan for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

i really, really loved this book. brought tears to my eyes. i didn’t expect that plot twist about the kain character at all. this just found me at the right time. thank you so much for another ARC of a comfort book!!! 💖💖💖

I love translated fiction so was very excited about this book. I loved the community feel of the good and it was an uplifting story. It was a slow read but that felt right so I could fully immerse myself in the setting and story. I found this easy to read and would definitely recommend

One look at the cover, and you know The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho Yeon, tr from Korean by Janet Hong falls under the category of ‘healing fiction’ where either cats, cafes or convenience stores in Japan or Korea with some magic specific to them set right all major life crises. How a single (and simple) act of kindness has a telling effect is its one-line crux. Add another line, it shows that life gives us a chance (or many chances) to correct our errors and set things right, if only we remain perceptive. 

Mrs.Yeom, a retired high school history teacher, runs a convenience store. When her missing/lost purse is found and duly returned to her by a stranger, a homeless person holed up in Seoul station who looks like a grizzly bear, her efforts to thank him give him a new lease of life. For the stranger who cannot remember his past due to excessive drinking, the promise of good food and drink comes first, followed by a job offer. An appearance makeover and abstinence from alcohol follow suit, and he gets a name too, Dokgo. 

Dokgo gives more than he receives & his colleagues, regular customers, even his boss Mrs Yeom, benefit greatly from his trust, kindness and care. The last two chapters where we learn who Dokgo was before he became homeless with his memories slowly revisiting him is where everything comes together yielding a heartwarming finish. 

With interesting characters and life affirming lines, if you are a cynic you would give this 3*; if a victim of draining routine/mid life crisis, a 4.5*, I will stick to the middle path. For giving a fair picture of the Korean society - the popularity of cosmetic surgery, the condition of the homeless in its swanky cities where there is cut throat hustle to thrive, this gets an extra brownie point. With an apt title & smooth narrative, reflective and hopeful, if this book’s job is to fix a little something broken in us, it does it pretty well.

Dok Go has been homeless for sometime and he couldn't remember his past. Then he finds a wallet while in Seoul Station and then that changes his life forever. The wallet belongs to an old woman named Mrs. Yeom who is a distraught convenience store owner ad a former retired teacher. When she receives the call from Dok go that he found her wallet, she was excited and offers him free food from the convenience store. When one night, Dok Go saves the store from getting robbed, Mrs. Yeom hires him for the night shift despite hesitations from her staff. And that is how story starts and how Dok Go working in the store changes everyone's lives by offering them free advice to their problems. Meanwhile Mrs. Yeom's son is determined to find the secret that Dok Go is hiding.

This is a heartwarming tale. I like the style of writing and the novel as a whole was intriguing and enjoyable to read. Dok Go's character is a character that I liked. However the story was predictable but then again, the flow of the story was good which made the novel overall enjoyable to read. The reveal of Dok Go's secret at the end was intriguing and interesting.

Overall I give this book a four star rating.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

I didn’t have many expectations when I picked up this book but it started off so well I thought it might turn out to be a pleasant surprise. From the first few pages I was instantly invested in Mrs Yeom and Dokgo’s unconventional relationship; I couldn’t wait to see how it would develop further. But then I got to the second chapter, soon understanding that we would follow different characters throughout the novel. To me, this narrative style is usually a hit (Han Kang’s Human Acts) or a miss (Cho Yeeun’s The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre). Unfortunately, this one was the latter, and the non-linear aspect of it didn’t help. Each new person was more irritating and less interesting than the one who came before. But that’s what happens when you reduce someone’s life to a chapter: it becomes a shallow overview severely lacking in depth.

Which is a shame, because the writing is truly insightful. Kim authentically depicts the reality of (South Korean) society through the struggles of his characters, and he has a way of describing one’s emotions with such beautiful rawness. On the other hand, it often felt like he was sermonising us, saying this is good and this is bad. It starts with two seemingly principled characters (the convenience store’s owner and the homeless man), then come the prejudiced employees who sort of stand in a grey area before they slowly let go of their preconceptions, and finally the "bad people" who must be taught a lesson by the "good" ones. I’m not sure what the author tried to do here, focusing on unpleasant customers ("PIAs") and young delinquents. This side plot didn’t go anywhere. The whole thing was disappointingly too black and white.

In the end, the story’s contradictions and overall hypocrisy became too much. I don’t know what to think of the writer’s intentions anymore. "Could one small act of kindness really change someone so dramatically?" a character rightly wondered. Good question, but to what purpose? To become a useful member of society seems to be the predominant answer. Not surprising coming from a Confucian country, but very underwhelming nonetheless. It makes Dokgo’s transformation and (good) redemption arc almost meaningless…

The way I ate this novel up still surprises me. This was that warm hug, that little craving, the little extra coffee right before lunch break is over. I fell in love with the words, the prose, the build up. I salute the translator, and I bow towards greatness to Kim Ho-Yeon. Because this book was sublime in every way. I will not spoil, I will not to the same recap others do: I will simplu say that I will be ordering my own physical copy, because I need to highlight and comment in the margins of my copy. I think I cried five times, and laughed right after. It's so well linked, and Kim Ho-Yeon never TELLS me anything, I am SHOWN clearly. I loved every sentence. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me give my honest feedback.

✨ 4.5 stars
A gentle, healing story about second chances, human connection, and the quiet magic of kindness.

When Mrs. Yeom loses her wallet on the train, she never expects that the man who finds it—Dokgo, a homeless stranger with no memory of his past—will change her life, and the lives of everyone around her. What begins as a small act of gratitude turns into something much deeper as Dokgo becomes a quiet presence in her 24-hour convenience store, helping others through simple acts, patient listening, and an almost spiritual calm.

Kim Ho-yeon writes with warmth and sincerity, weaving together small stories of grief, loneliness, and hope. Dokgo’s mysterious aura and slow journey of remembering feel both tender and meaningful. This book is a quiet reminder that we’re all connected—and that healing often begins with simply being seen and heard.

It’s a novel that reads like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day: comforting, reflective, and full of quiet grace.

I absolutely adored this book, what a warm, kind, gentle story.
I loved the characters and the relationship between Dokgo and Mrs Yeom. I loved the kindness shown by Mrs Yeom, and in turn, the kindness and wisdom shown to others by Dokgo.
If anything, I would have liked it to be longer as I wanted to read more.
Nothing was lost in translation. 5 stars.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

One moment changes a man's future, and his involvement sets off a chain of events that impact everyone around him. The Second Chance Convenience Store is about connection, communication, and community, and it is overflowing with hope for humanity.

When a woman's purse goes missing, the last thing she expects is for a homeless man to return it (and then return it again, just a little more bloody). However, one act of kindness is returned with another, and that really is the message of this whole book.

The mysterious 'Dokgo' is given a second chance through random chance, and his slow and methodical ways help transform both customers and employees who spend time around him. From the floundering Sihyeon and burnt out Seonsuk who work the day shifts to runaway children, struggling writers, down and out sons, boozed up family men, and tired private detectives - all those who come into his sphere are changed in ways that have the potential to shift their fates.

I really enjoyed most of this story. Each section is told from a different point of view, starting with 'The Boss' of the Always Convenience. You get a glimpse into their struggles, worries, and hardships, and then after receiving some insight or thoughtful advice from Dokgo, you witness a moment that holds potential to transform their situation. For some, this is clarity about their mindset and goals, while for others it is a rockier road.

The book covers a lot of big issues, including alcoholism, aging, family pressure, toxic masculinity, broken families, suicide, homelessness, and more. Despite the heavy content, the story feels light and encouraging.

I struggled with the ending, as it felt really disconnected and exposition heavy. I was disappointed that such an important POV was rushed so quickly. For me, this let the book down a bit as it felt forced and didactic whereas the other chapters were emotive and naturally progressed.

Overall, this is a very thoughtful and genuine story that spreads hope and reminds you that our perspective is just that - our own. Sometimes listening is the best thing we can do, and that can heal and inspire in ways that are unexpected but necessary.