Scan barcode
lovelymisanthrope's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.5
I heard about this book online, and I was immediately intrigued and wanted to read it during this holiday season.
"The Second Chance Year" follows Sadie Thatcher, a woman who has just completed the worst year of her life. On New Years Eve, Sadie craves nothing more than a do-over. She lost her job, her boyfriend, and her beloved apartment all in one year, and she has not been able to pull herself out of this depression since. A chance encounter on New Years Eve gives Sadie the opportunity to get her second chance, but a second chance might not be what she actually needed.
This story was so special and sweet, and it really explored this idea of differentiating between what you actually need and what you think you need. Sadie has convinced herself that she can make her life better if she just has a second chance to do everything "right". But it does not take her long to realize that to do things "right" means conforming for people who never actually appreciated her. She also learns very quickly that life is going to play out how it is supposed to, with or without her interference.
People around Sadie do not seem to really see her and appreciate how great and talented she actually is. Sadie is a very skilled baker, but her parents snub her accomplishments because they are not scholarly enough. She has a big mouth and stands up for what she believes in, but her boyfriend sees her stirring the pot. Sadie is lucky enough to have a small circle of people who do appreciate her, but it takes her second chance year for her to really see that. I loved seeing Sadie realize that she really did have it good, she was just looking at things wrong.
Sadie's bad year was a trainwreck, but it helped to establish the life she was meant to live all along. I think so many of us tend to see doors closing as a bad thing, but sometimes that can just be the universe trying to redirect us back on the path that is destined for us. Sadie's growth and reestablishment of her self-confidence was beautiful to read.
I did think this was a romance going into the book, and there is a really sweet romantic interest for Sadie, but it was not the main focus of the story, in my opinion. I loved Jacob, and I wanted to see more from him and Sadie, but it took her the entire book to realize her true feelings for him. I loved the messaging that Jacob has always seen Sadie for how great she is, and that for the right person, you do not need to change a thing.
This was a beautiful, quick story, that is perfect to read this time of year, to get inspired to live your best self in the new year!
"The Second Chance Year" follows Sadie Thatcher, a woman who has just completed the worst year of her life. On New Years Eve, Sadie craves nothing more than a do-over. She lost her job, her boyfriend, and her beloved apartment all in one year, and she has not been able to pull herself out of this depression since. A chance encounter on New Years Eve gives Sadie the opportunity to get her second chance, but a second chance might not be what she actually needed.
People around Sadie do not seem to really see her and appreciate how great and talented she actually is. Sadie is a very skilled baker, but her parents snub her accomplishments because they are not scholarly enough. She has a big mouth and stands up for what she believes in, but her boyfriend sees her stirring the pot. Sadie is lucky enough to have a small circle of people who do appreciate her, but it takes her second chance year for her to really see that. I loved seeing Sadie realize that she really did have it good, she was just looking at things wrong.
Sadie's bad year was a trainwreck, but it helped to establish the life she was meant to live all along. I think so many of us tend to see doors closing as a bad thing, but sometimes that can just be the universe trying to redirect us back on the path that is destined for us. Sadie's growth and reestablishment of her self-confidence was beautiful to read.
I did think this was a romance going into the book, and there is a really sweet romantic interest for Sadie, but it was not the main focus of the story, in my opinion. I loved Jacob, and I wanted to see more from him and Sadie, but it took her the entire book to realize her true feelings for him. I loved the messaging that Jacob has always seen Sadie for how great she is, and that for the right person, you do not need to change a thing.
This was a beautiful, quick story, that is perfect to read this time of year, to get inspired to live your best self in the new year!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
More...