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whiptostic's review
4.0
This was a fun version of a time loop story. The way she built a community around her the second time around and she was able to grow her dreams her own way made a very enjoyable experience. I didn’t like how she gave a lot of who she was going through this.
badgerlady's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
litwithleigh's review
3.0
Thank you Forever (Grand Central Pub) and NetGalley for the ARC. IYKYK my reviews are always honest.
Writing: bit on the blander side | Plot: cooliooooo | Ending: aww
SYNOPSIS
Sadie has had a Very Bad Year, so when she gets the opportunity at a redo she doesn't think twice. But can she turn it into a Very Good Year, or is fate set in stone?
MY OPINION
I'm balls deep (is 'clit deep' somehow grosser???) in time travel romances right now and enjoying them for the most part. This premise is BANGIN, so if it speaks to you, give it a whirl and form your own opinion. I think it would make a fantastic movie. Similar to [b:The Good Part|112976344|The Good Part|Sophie Cousens|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1685352418l/112976344._SX50_.jpg|135511344], I wouldn't call this a straight up romance. It's trending more chick lit to me—there's a significant amount spent on work and family dynamics. In fact, the alleged romance between Sadie and Jacob was the weakest and my least fave part.
I just didn't buy into their vibes. There was no banter, and they could barely have a conversation together, yet Jacob wanted wear her hair as a wig since they were kids???? And all the sudden Sadie was like he's kinda hot, because he was muscular... from playing piano???????????????? PLAYING PIANO??????????? Google 'famous pianist' and tell me one a scale from Arnold Schwarznegger to pine needle what the average body composition is like.
And let's talk about all these food-related similes. Or, more specifically, baking similes. I know homegirl bakes for a living, but this was giving ole Stacy Willingham (iykyk) a run for her money. The similes were so jarring, oftentimes I had to pause and reread to make sure I wasn't hallucinating, which took me out of the story's flow. See below:
"Something about that leaves me as hollow as a cannoli without any filling."
"Look, the last year of my life sucked like a straw in a milkshake." I guess this is better than saying a prostitute in a truck stop parking lot....
"...Spinning around in the darkness like cake batter in a KitchenAid?" Hope KitchenAid cut the cheque because that's silly
"... I ask, my voice like fluffy meringue." wtf does this even sound like????? I think about this at least once a day.
"Confusion curls in my gut like a Swiss roll." I mean.............
Ok last one: "But my dad's face is as hard as a burned loaf of bread, and my mom keeps sighing and shaking her head like I've brought pumpkin pie to a summer party." MA'AM. STEP AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD!!!!!
Anyways, like I said, if the premise speaks to you, don't hesitate to pick it up. Especially if baking is your main personality trait.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: cool and fun premise, interesting look at if we can rewrite history or destiny is set in stone, the work/family issues were nicely incorporated
Cons: didn't feel the chemistry between Jacob and Sadie, about 30 too many baking puns/similes, Sadie could've told me she was 17 and I would've believed her, writing was a bit uninspired
___
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
Writing: bit on the blander side | Plot: cooliooooo | Ending: aww
SYNOPSIS
Sadie has had a Very Bad Year, so when she gets the opportunity at a redo she doesn't think twice. But can she turn it into a Very Good Year, or is fate set in stone?
MY OPINION
I'm balls deep (is 'clit deep' somehow grosser???) in time travel romances right now and enjoying them for the most part. This premise is BANGIN, so if it speaks to you, give it a whirl and form your own opinion. I think it would make a fantastic movie. Similar to [b:The Good Part|112976344|The Good Part|Sophie Cousens|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1685352418l/112976344._SX50_.jpg|135511344], I wouldn't call this a straight up romance. It's trending more chick lit to me—there's a significant amount spent on work and family dynamics. In fact, the alleged romance between Sadie and Jacob was the weakest and my least fave part.
I just didn't buy into their vibes. There was no banter, and they could barely have a conversation together, yet Jacob wanted wear her hair as a wig since they were kids???? And all the sudden Sadie was like he's kinda hot, because he was muscular... from playing piano???????????????? PLAYING PIANO??????????? Google 'famous pianist' and tell me one a scale from Arnold Schwarznegger to pine needle what the average body composition is like.
And let's talk about all these food-related similes. Or, more specifically, baking similes. I know homegirl bakes for a living, but this was giving ole Stacy Willingham (iykyk) a run for her money. The similes were so jarring, oftentimes I had to pause and reread to make sure I wasn't hallucinating, which took me out of the story's flow. See below:
"Something about that leaves me as hollow as a cannoli without any filling."
"Look, the last year of my life sucked like a straw in a milkshake." I guess this is better than saying a prostitute in a truck stop parking lot....
"...Spinning around in the darkness like cake batter in a KitchenAid?" Hope KitchenAid cut the cheque because that's silly
"... I ask, my voice like fluffy meringue." wtf does this even sound like????? I think about this at least once a day.
"Confusion curls in my gut like a Swiss roll." I mean.............
Ok last one: "But my dad's face is as hard as a burned loaf of bread, and my mom keeps sighing and shaking her head like I've brought pumpkin pie to a summer party." MA'AM. STEP AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD!!!!!
Anyways, like I said, if the premise speaks to you, don't hesitate to pick it up. Especially if baking is your main personality trait.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: cool and fun premise, interesting look at if we can rewrite history or destiny is set in stone, the work/family issues were nicely incorporated
Cons: didn't feel the chemistry between Jacob and Sadie, about 30 too many baking puns/similes, Sadie could've told me she was 17 and I would've believed her, writing was a bit uninspired
___
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
readingonthefly's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
3.5
I liked it! This was a super short read, and easy to get into. I thought the premise of the book was similar to other time travel books (The Good Part) but had a few differences. Slightly heavier topics of sexual harrassement in the workplace and misogyny are covered in this book. Overall I did enjoy it but it’s not one that will be super memorable to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny
ljoy3's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
khaleesimod93's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
What if you could go back and repeat an entire year? Would you do it?
This is exactly what happens with Sadie. She had just had the worst year of her life. Lost a relationship, lost her home, and lost her job all because she refused to back down from bullies. I admire her strength, but I understand how much she was reeling. When she gets the chance to go back and do it again, I can't blame her. I think we've all been there at some point. What Sadie doesn't expect or realize is how much she would change and lose repeating the year.
I'm so glad with how this author handled the going back in time and all the little missteps and chances not taken. I really love Sadie. I hated watching her constantly making herself less so that Alex would still love her or that Xavier would recognize the hard work she was doing. It's a true testament to how society perceives women in the workforce and in relationships. Her parents and pretty much everyone except for a handful of people considered her job less than. Its disgusting to read but very accurate.
I adore her friend, Kasumi, and the friendship Sadie made with Zoe and the people at the coffee shop. I wish she wouldn't have changed so much where she almost lost her friendships, but she thought that's what she needed to do to get what she wanted. Sadie grew so much, and I'm so happy she realized how crappy Alex was and how amazing Jacob is.
The author handled the second chances beautifully. But she also handled the sexual harassment and misogynistic and toxic workplaces well. I didn't feel that she understated the effect it has on women, nor did she ignore the issues. This book is amazing. It's exactly what I needed. I definitely want to read other books by this author!
This is exactly what happens with Sadie. She had just had the worst year of her life. Lost a relationship, lost her home, and lost her job all because she refused to back down from bullies. I admire her strength, but I understand how much she was reeling. When she gets the chance to go back and do it again, I can't blame her. I think we've all been there at some point. What Sadie doesn't expect or realize is how much she would change and lose repeating the year.
I'm so glad with how this author handled the going back in time and all the little missteps and chances not taken. I really love Sadie. I hated watching her constantly making herself less so that Alex would still love her or that Xavier would recognize the hard work she was doing. It's a true testament to how society perceives women in the workforce and in relationships. Her parents and pretty much everyone except for a handful of people considered her job less than. Its disgusting to read but very accurate.
I adore her friend, Kasumi, and the friendship Sadie made with Zoe and the people at the coffee shop. I wish she wouldn't have changed so much where she almost lost her friendships, but she thought that's what she needed to do to get what she wanted. Sadie grew so much, and I'm so happy she realized how crappy Alex was and how amazing Jacob is.
The author handled the second chances beautifully. But she also handled the sexual harassment and misogynistic and toxic workplaces well. I didn't feel that she understated the effect it has on women, nor did she ignore the issues. This book is amazing. It's exactly what I needed. I definitely want to read other books by this author!
thebookishnarwhal's review
5.0
If you're seeking a heartwarming tale that embraces second chances, this novel is the one for you! In The Second Chance Year, Melissa Wiesner crafts an unforgettable story that blends charm, wit, and just a touch of magic.
Meet Sadie Thatcher. She’s a woman down on her luck who is granted an extraordinary opportunity: to fix her life by reliving one year all over again. This novel takes readers on a delightful journey with Sadie, as her life has unraveled rather spectacularly. She lost her job, apartment, and boyfriend due to her own big mouth.
Then she meets a fortune teller who offers her a wish. Sadie seizes the chance to redo her disastrous year. But when she wakes up, nothing has changed. At least that’s what she thinks until she stumblers upon one unexpected detail: she kissed her brother's best friend, Jacob. And then she realizes it's January 1 of last year.
Follow Sadie as she navigates her second-chance year, uncovering red flags in her relationship and career missed the first time around. The novel beautifully explores themes of divorce, sobriety, and forgiveness. Plus there's that lingering kiss with Jacob, the one he has no memory of.
Wiesner's writing in this novel is both honest and enchanting. The Floridian setting adds warmth, and the magical realism elements infuse the story with wonder. Whether you're sipping cocoa by the fireplace or lounging on a sunny beach, The Second Chance Year is a perfect companion for the holiday season and beyond.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (an imprint of Grand Central Publishing) for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Sadie Thatcher. She’s a woman down on her luck who is granted an extraordinary opportunity: to fix her life by reliving one year all over again. This novel takes readers on a delightful journey with Sadie, as her life has unraveled rather spectacularly. She lost her job, apartment, and boyfriend due to her own big mouth.
Then she meets a fortune teller who offers her a wish. Sadie seizes the chance to redo her disastrous year. But when she wakes up, nothing has changed. At least that’s what she thinks until she stumblers upon one unexpected detail: she kissed her brother's best friend, Jacob. And then she realizes it's January 1 of last year.
Follow Sadie as she navigates her second-chance year, uncovering red flags in her relationship and career missed the first time around. The novel beautifully explores themes of divorce, sobriety, and forgiveness. Plus there's that lingering kiss with Jacob, the one he has no memory of.
Wiesner's writing in this novel is both honest and enchanting. The Floridian setting adds warmth, and the magical realism elements infuse the story with wonder. Whether you're sipping cocoa by the fireplace or lounging on a sunny beach, The Second Chance Year is a perfect companion for the holiday season and beyond.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (an imprint of Grand Central Publishing) for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
bam43's review
So many baking puns - way more than an actual pastry chef would use. Also, you live with someone you literally grew up with for three months and you don't talk? At all? Until your friend casually mentions the roommate is attractive...and then you immediately make out with him? The concept was great and the execution wasn't there.