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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
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
Get you a man who will always show up for you and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I needed a quick, light-hearted read, and this hit the spot. It was perfect for the upcoming holiday season without being a Christmas book... however, I've definitely read other books with the same plot concept (magically getting a re-do to win back a boy when the right boy was there all along). I appreciate the girl power that this book had, though, and I'm glad that it showed that the only person who has the power to change your life is you instead of the magic fixing all of Sadie's problems.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Headline and Melissa Wiesner for letting me have an ARC copy of The Second Chance Year to give a fair and honest review!
As we come to the end of 2023, some of us might have unfulfilled dreams, missed opportunities, and woeful regrets as we stare the approaching New Year in the face. We might even wish we could get a do-over year… be careful what you wish for as it might not turn out as you thought… as this wonderful intoxicating and magical New Year read proves!
I’m not exaggerating when I say I devoured this book overnight. I picked it up for an hour of little reading before bed, then suddenly it was 3 AM and I finished the last page. The writing is engrossing and will hook you from the first page as it reveals the story of how Sadie relives her last year; trying to stop herself from repeating her mistakes, seizing opportunities she missed, and trying to recover from a whole new set of mistakes she makes at cost to herself and the ones she truly cares for. The food descriptions are divine and mouth-watering for all the amazing cakes, deserts and baked goods mentioned. The book should carry the warning, don’t read when hungry.
The premises focus on Sadie’s journey of self-discovery, growing into herself, and learning about her flaws and insecurities which is a beautifully developed character arc, that compliments the romantic plot arc of the story. As she untangles were own personal troubles, Sadie moves closer to Jacob in a natural attraction and growth of feeling for her (though Jacob’s been in love with her since they were teens). He’s such a sweet, gentlemanly cinnamon roll sort; Jacob makes my heart melt just reading how kind, considerate, and protective he could be for those he cares about, friends and family.
The characters for me were a delight to read; they are the shining heart of this story. Melissa crafts everyone with a wonderful realism, even if they step onto the page for a few sentences, you learn so much about the characters themselves. The close-knit group of adopted friend family surrounding Sadie is so warm, loving, and supportive, you can’t help but wish they would adopt you too (got to love a found family trope!). It’s a lovely contrast to the tense relationship that Sadie can have with her.
I cheered for how important it is for us all to champion equality and stand up against sexual harassment for all genders in the workplace. I thought this thread of the story was handled very delicately. I love the way the story spun the comeuppance owned to the offending parties – I do love it when the villains get what’s coming to them.
Everything about The Second Chance Year is perfect for those of us wanting to curl up on New Year’s Eve with a good book to ring out the old and in with the new. A heart-warming, cosy vibes, reflective story full of wonderful characters and mouth-watering descriptions. This book is going to be one of my New Year's Day favourites for years to come.
As we come to the end of 2023, some of us might have unfulfilled dreams, missed opportunities, and woeful regrets as we stare the approaching New Year in the face. We might even wish we could get a do-over year… be careful what you wish for as it might not turn out as you thought… as this wonderful intoxicating and magical New Year read proves!
I’m not exaggerating when I say I devoured this book overnight. I picked it up for an hour of little reading before bed, then suddenly it was 3 AM and I finished the last page. The writing is engrossing and will hook you from the first page as it reveals the story of how Sadie relives her last year; trying to stop herself from repeating her mistakes, seizing opportunities she missed, and trying to recover from a whole new set of mistakes she makes at cost to herself and the ones she truly cares for. The food descriptions are divine and mouth-watering for all the amazing cakes, deserts and baked goods mentioned. The book should carry the warning, don’t read when hungry.
The premises focus on Sadie’s journey of self-discovery, growing into herself, and learning about her flaws and insecurities which is a beautifully developed character arc, that compliments the romantic plot arc of the story. As she untangles were own personal troubles, Sadie moves closer to Jacob in a natural attraction and growth of feeling for her (though Jacob’s been in love with her since they were teens). He’s such a sweet, gentlemanly cinnamon roll sort; Jacob makes my heart melt just reading how kind, considerate, and protective he could be for those he cares about, friends and family.
The characters for me were a delight to read; they are the shining heart of this story. Melissa crafts everyone with a wonderful realism, even if they step onto the page for a few sentences, you learn so much about the characters themselves. The close-knit group of adopted friend family surrounding Sadie is so warm, loving, and supportive, you can’t help but wish they would adopt you too (got to love a found family trope!). It’s a lovely contrast to the tense relationship that Sadie can have with her.
I cheered for how important it is for us all to champion equality and stand up against sexual harassment for all genders in the workplace. I thought this thread of the story was handled very delicately. I love the way the story spun the comeuppance owned to the offending parties – I do love it when the villains get what’s coming to them.
Everything about The Second Chance Year is perfect for those of us wanting to curl up on New Year’s Eve with a good book to ring out the old and in with the new. A heart-warming, cosy vibes, reflective story full of wonderful characters and mouth-watering descriptions. This book is going to be one of my New Year's Day favourites for years to come.
Perfect book to read on New Year's Eve. Just a touch of magic to allow a redo of a horrible year, with an opportunity to make all new mistakes.
It was a really cute story. I'd give it 3.5 - 3.75 stars.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes