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3.68 AVERAGE


I was hoping for more from this novel, based off of the location. The author had the opportunity to really ramp up this story using setting details but unfortunately, it missed the mark. This is a family drama with a lot of drama! I found the characters frustrating and the plot moved too slowly for my tastes. All of the family drama just made me feel really sad and frustrated! There was just so much going on for each character that it felt a bit convoluted. I enjoyed a few of the characters and I enjoyed reading this family figure things out but overall, too much drama for my tastes. My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

This was a very good debut novel. There was a lot going on in this book but it was well written and I had no issues with keeping up. There is a rape and a child born later which causes dreams to be given up. There is blackmail going on. There is a tragic car accident. Really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to St Martins Press for this ARC vis Netgalley.

*Giveaway Winner*
So many different dynamics in this book. It takes modern family problems to a whole other level. Parts of it were heartwarming and others were heartbreaking. There were some areas of the book that were predictable, but overall it was a really great. A perfect beach read.

A family tale about the complexities of coming of age and family dynamics.

I enjoyed this book. The characters felt real, in not always likeable. There were some insightful passages. I did feel that some sections of the book were drawn out, while others were rushed. I would have liked to read more about the intervening years between adolescence and when Anne and Michael's children were older.

6.5/10

There were parts that were interesting but it annoyed me that a lot of the conflict could have been resolved easily if the characters would have just talked to each other about the circumstances.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the gifted copy.

I went into this book fairly blind. I saw some good reviews, I read the synopsis, but I still didn't really know much about this book. Let me just say, I ended up really liking it!

A family drama, The Second Home is about two sisters, Ann and Poppy, and their estranged adopted brother, Michael. When their parents suddenly die, Ann and Poppy have to deal with the estate, including the family's second home in Cape Cod. Ann wants to sell everything, but Poppy wants the Cape Cod house...and then when Michael finds out, he wants it too.

The back stories of all three characters drew me in, and Clancy did a good job of explaining what happened in the past to drive Michael away but still keep focus on the current events too. We find out what happened fifteen years ago and how each character moved on (or didn't).

The Second Home is full of individual growth, healing, understanding the many misunderstandings, and leaves you satisfied and hopeful for the characters.

4.5 stars - only because the ending just seemed a tad rushed. I would have liked just a little more, even if it meant a longer book.
emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for gifting me a copy of THE SECOND HOME.

What a beautiful debut novel by Christina Clancy! I have always been a sucker for a coming of age story being told from alternating perspectives of the characters. While reading this book, I felt a sort of deep connection to the storyline. Countless intricacies come with having siblings and having to share a space that is held so close to the heart; Clancy was able to pinpoint all of the emotions perfectly.

If you are looking for a quick read then this book is not for you. THE SECOND HOME is meant to be savored - it is not fast-moving. It is the story of the lives of Ann, Poppy, and Michael. I would also like to mention that there are a lot of difficult topics that come up within the pages of this book (rape and drug abuse); if you have any concerns about reading this book let me know so we can chat about it!

If you were enjoyed reading Mrs. Everything, The Last Romantics, The Immoralists, or Ask Again, Yes then I encourage you to add THE SECOND HOME to your reading list.

Overall, I was impressed with this storyline. I know that some people have mentioned not liking any of the characters but I feel that is because they are all deeply flawed and haunted by their past mistakes. Sometimes it’s harder to let go of the past than one might think.

Thank you, Christina Clancy, for the opportunity to read and review your book before its release. I look forward to reading your next book!

THE SECOND HOME will be published on June 2, 2020, and is available to pre-order now!

I loved how this novel unfolded. There were twists and turns much like real life and Ann, Michael, and Poppy were really wonderfully relatable characters. The story makes me wonder about my own siblings. It makes me want to escape to the Cape!