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emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I first discovered Melissa Wiesner’s books when I received an ARC of Wish I Were Here, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I had to check out her other books, so I decided to dive into The Second Chance Year—and I absolutely loved it! I’m honestly torn between which story I love more, but I just can’t get enough of Wiesner’s writing; it completely sucks me in. (And can we take a moment to appreciate how beautiful that cover is?)
In The Second Chance Year, Sadie’s life has fallen apart. After a rough year, she’s been dumped by her boyfriend of three years, lost her job as an assistant pastry chef at a top restaurant, was forced to leave her dream apartment, and watched her savings for opening her own bakery disappear. So when she’s granted one wish, she wishes for a second chance to relive that disastrous year and make things right.
Oh my goodness, I couldn’t put this book down! It made me smile, giggle, laugh, and cry all at once. I was completely head over heels for this story. The time travel aspect was super cute, and the characters were so satisfying to follow. I loved seeing Sadie’s growth throughout the story, especially how the magic of doing over her year was handled. She was chasing what she thought she wanted, only to realize what she truly needed was right in front of her.
This book was not only heartwarming, but it also came with some valuable life lessons. And I can’t emphasize enough how precious the ending was. The chemistry between Sadie and Jacob was off the charts! I loved them together, and their friends-to-lovers dynamic was perfection. And let’s not forget about the amazing cast of characters at the Higher Grounds coffee shop—such kind, joyful people who brought so much heart to the story.
Overall, this was such a cute and meaningful read that I highly recommend it!
Favorite quote:
"I wish you could see yourself the way I do because I don’t see someone with a big mouth. I see someone who stands up to bullies. Who doesn’t let bigger, more powerful people get away with treating someone badly"
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This was a cute book, and it was lot more introspective than I had anticipated. It questions your identity, your hopes and dreams and fears, and if you’d wish it all away. I entered the book ready for a cute story and left it with a little more appreciation for my life’s journey.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
The moral of this book was great. It’s a book I’ll have to think about going forward when I deal with the same issues.
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes