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A review by readerpants
Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved everything about this book except Eli being kind of the worst. The author's choice not to deadname him at all. His parents! The photo scene 😂😍😭! Zoe was an excellent plot moppet, even. Laurie and Nick's relationship. Nick's dad. Nick! But jeez, Eli, try to not be a dick and pull out your best self sometimes.
I do have questions, tho. Like ... they broke up after prom, ok. Went to college in different places. But then lost touch completely in some way that was no big deal? After having been attached at the hip best friends and then first loves, without any heartbreak or sense of betrayal? And even though their parents are friends and both spend a reasonable amount of time with their parents (who are DEFINITELY on Facebook) somehow Nick didn't know that Eli transitioned? Logistically this seems like a narrative gap.
Another plot hole - the Arizona plot line and Nick losing regular access to his beloved daughter with whom he has a healthy and loving relationship - that feels like way way more of a big deal than it was treated as.
Overall, a sweet and satisfying read, especially if you can get past one of the MCs being pretty much a brat who should know better.
I do have questions, tho. Like ... they broke up after prom, ok. Went to college in different places. But then lost touch completely in some way that was no big deal? After having been attached at the hip best friends and then first loves, without any heartbreak or sense of betrayal? And even though their parents are friends and both spend a reasonable amount of time with their parents (who are DEFINITELY on Facebook) somehow Nick didn't know that Eli transitioned? Logistically this seems like a narrative gap.
Another plot hole - the Arizona plot line and Nick losing regular access to his beloved daughter with whom he has a healthy and loving relationship - that feels like way way more of a big deal than it was treated as.
Overall, a sweet and satisfying read, especially if you can get past one of the MCs being pretty much a brat who should know better.