A review by sam_is_reading
A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Look, I'm no expert in romance books but Jenny Bayliss hits for me every time. I've never missed. NEVER. Also this is not strictly a Christmas book - it feels very much like a winter book and, while we don't get traditional winters in LA, I definitely feel like winter right now.

This is one of those books that the town itself becomes a character, and I really enjoyed it. Annie's character development over the course of her time in Willow Bay is nice to read: I like seeing women grow their self-confidence. Plot is mostly predictable but that's also why I chose it - I knew what I was looking for going in & got what I asked for. 

I'm enjoying second chance romances because I feel like sometimes the MCs are a bit more mature: John is clearly upset by witnessing what looks to be a reunion between Annie and her [insert strong expletive here] ex Max but doesn't lash out or go crazy. He is upset, takes himself away from the situation, and listens to Annie when she explains. They're definitely enemies to lovers for a bit but because they're both mature adults they're able to admit when they're wrong and call the other out. I think I'm getting old. :/