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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I have general beef for books about women finding themselves after a failed romance by finding themselves with a new romance and that’s basically how I assumed this book would go based on the title. BUT, I was pleasantly surprised.
A Season For Second Chances follows Annie, a forty-something mother of grown twins, as she finally leaves her cheating husband and settles into a house guardian gig in a quirky seaside town. Right off the bat, I loved the English setting and the townspeople. While the “second chances” definitely involve Annie starting over, it’s actually a second chance for the whole town of Willow Bay as Saltwater Nook (where Annie is staying for the winter) is under threat of being sold and commercializing this quiet, cozy community and the townspeople must come together to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Now, I’ve seen complaints that there wasn’t enough romance in this book, but that’s actually what I enjoyed. Annie was pregnant and married at 17. She’s trying to find herself, give herself a second chance at life… not hop right into another relationship. So, I think her interactions with the townspeople and her sons and discovering a passion and building a business for herself was exactly the “romance” she needed to woo herself into fully enjoying life. There is a little bit of romance, for sure, and that was the perfect amount for me.
I removed one star for cheesiness and predictability, but I definitely recommend. If this were a hallmark movie, I’d totally watch it.
A Season For Second Chances follows Annie, a forty-something mother of grown twins, as she finally leaves her cheating husband and settles into a house guardian gig in a quirky seaside town. Right off the bat, I loved the English setting and the townspeople. While the “second chances” definitely involve Annie starting over, it’s actually a second chance for the whole town of Willow Bay as Saltwater Nook (where Annie is staying for the winter) is under threat of being sold and commercializing this quiet, cozy community and the townspeople must come together to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Now, I’ve seen complaints that there wasn’t enough romance in this book, but that’s actually what I enjoyed. Annie was pregnant and married at 17. She’s trying to find herself, give herself a second chance at life… not hop right into another relationship. So, I think her interactions with the townspeople and her sons and discovering a passion and building a business for herself was exactly the “romance” she needed to woo herself into fully enjoying life. There is a little bit of romance, for sure, and that was the perfect amount for me.
I removed one star for cheesiness and predictability, but I definitely recommend. If this were a hallmark movie, I’d totally watch it.
Adorable, feel good romance. Perfect for winter reading!
A cute story about a women in her 40s finding her happiness. It does have an undercurrent of romance but I wouldn’t say that is the main theme of the story. I loved the small town aspects of this story.
Had I read this book strictly as a fiction novel instead of being put onto this book as a holiday romance recommendation by a friend of mine, maybe I would've appreciated it more. But having thought it'd be more romance heavy, I was severely disappointed lol.
It wasn't until 75% into the book that I found myself wanting to keep reading until the end. Was it a cozy seasonal read with plenty of lovely characters? Yes. Will I reread it? No.
It wasn't until 75% into the book that I found myself wanting to keep reading until the end. Was it a cozy seasonal read with plenty of lovely characters? Yes. Will I reread it? No.
Second book I've read by her and exactly what I'm looking for when I say "Christmas romance".
This is the coziest and most charming book I have ever read!!
The vibes are: If Stars Hollow was an English seaside town and everyone genuinely liked one another. I loved getting lost in the descriptions of Willow Bay, the café Annie creates, and all the celebrations that the locals partake in.
I think something about this book that a lot of people will appreciate is is that there is no huge conflict toward the end between Annie and her romantic love interest. I get so irritated when there's about 70 pages left in a book and suddenly people stop communicating or there's some misunderstanding that turns everything into chaos. This was only pure love and charm and I ate up every last bit of it.
The vibes are: If Stars Hollow was an English seaside town and everyone genuinely liked one another. I loved getting lost in the descriptions of Willow Bay, the café Annie creates, and all the celebrations that the locals partake in.
I think something about this book that a lot of people will appreciate is is that there is no huge conflict toward the end between Annie and her romantic love interest. I get so irritated when there's about 70 pages left in a book and suddenly people stop communicating or there's some misunderstanding that turns everything into chaos. This was only pure love and charm and I ate up every last bit of it.
Why I picked it up: A Goodreads friend and an Instagram friend read it and loved it. Then I realized her debut was one of my favorite books of 2021!
How I read it: Paperback over a couple of days.
What it’s about: Annie finds her husband in a compromising position at table nine of the restaurant they co-own after hours one night. The last of many dalliances during their marriage. She moves out and finds a place by the sea for a few months to figure out her next move. The town is enchanting and soon she’s reopened the old coffee shop and making a go at a new venture. But there’s also the nephew of her landlord, John, who proves to be more than she imagines.
What I liked: I loved seeing Annie get her second chance at a new life with friends and family who aren’t trying to manipulate her to get what they want. The text messages were witty and a great addition. Also the reading together while apart!! Swoon!
What I disliked: Max!! He’s the absolute worst.
Genre: Romance with a “seasoned” protagonist.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and yes!! Loved it!!
How I read it: Paperback over a couple of days.
What it’s about: Annie finds her husband in a compromising position at table nine of the restaurant they co-own after hours one night. The last of many dalliances during their marriage. She moves out and finds a place by the sea for a few months to figure out her next move. The town is enchanting and soon she’s reopened the old coffee shop and making a go at a new venture. But there’s also the nephew of her landlord, John, who proves to be more than she imagines.
What I liked: I loved seeing Annie get her second chance at a new life with friends and family who aren’t trying to manipulate her to get what they want. The text messages were witty and a great addition. Also the reading together while apart!! Swoon!
What I disliked: Max!! He’s the absolute worst.
Genre: Romance with a “seasoned” protagonist.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and yes!! Loved it!!
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Three strikes and I’ve accepted this author is not for me. I rated one book 2.5 stars and the other two 1 star. I thought this one was hokey, bland, and uninspired, just as I’ve found the author’s other books. 🤷🏻♀️ Not every author is for every reader though, and that’s okay!
This is my third year reading a Jenny Bayliss book at Christmastime. And it’s a tradition I hope to continue. Though this year, I may have to add in a second or third book from her before the season is truly over.
Jenny Bayliss has a way of creating characters that feel like friends. I always find myself fully immersed in her stories. I can feel the salty sea wind, hear the gulls, and taste the tartlets of the Saltwater Nook. I wish I could be there.
Synopsis: Annie Sharpe’s life takes an unexpected turn and she finds herself the temporary caretaker of a house and cafe on the North Sea. As she befriends the townspeople, she also finds herself needing to befriend the prickly nephew of her boss. John only wants to care for his aging aunt, and selling her home and property to be redeveloped is the surest way to do so. But the new caretaker is giving him second thoughts.
If you’re looking for a holiday escape full of rough around the edges townspeople, strong women, and fresh air, I highly suggest this book! Three cheers for middle aged main characters!!
The audio for this book was fantastic. I’m a sucker for a story read to me in a British accent and Ell Potter’s voice is lovely.