What do you think?
Rate this book
Second Chance Inn
Rachel Winston is suddenly and tragically widowed in her early 30s. She and her adopted, teenaged daughter, Karen, are forced to leave everything behind in Southern California. She purchases an Amish farmhouse in Lancaster County, PA to open an Amish-style Bed & Breakfast Inn. The farmhouse she purchases was put on the market by a young Amish widower, Samuel Miller, who recently lost his wife and five children in a buggy accident. He has moved into the Dawdi house to maintain the farm and Rachel happily cooks, cleans, and does his laundry in exchange for his help.
Thrown together by tragic loss, their mutual suffering draws them together against the rules of his community. Solace and friendship soon turn into something deeper, putting him at great risk for shunning. Rachel struggles to adapt while her daughter finds it easier to fit in to the Amish lifestyle.
Will Rachel succeed in becoming Amish so she can be with Samuel, or will their blossoming relationship doom them both as outcasts?
Thrown together by tragic loss, their mutual suffering draws them together against the rules of his community. Solace and friendship soon turn into something deeper, putting him at great risk for shunning. Rachel struggles to adapt while her daughter finds it easier to fit in to the Amish lifestyle.
Will Rachel succeed in becoming Amish so she can be with Samuel, or will their blossoming relationship doom them both as outcasts?
- GenresAmish
318 pages, ebook
First published October 13, 2023
7 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
About the author
Marlayne Giron
5 books131 followersMarlayne Giron is a wife and mother living in Orange County, California. She currently works full time and enjoys cooking for her family every night, scrapbooking, making high teas, and entertaining.
...
At the age of 22 (In 1982) Marlayne was inspired to write The Victor by a line in an Amy Grant song called: “Fairytale” (from her Father's Eyes album). The particular verse in the song which inspired the idea was: “two princes wage the battle for eternity but the victor has been known from the start”. The verse made her imagine an evil “Baron” in black armor and knight in shining armor crossing swords over "maiden in distress". She wrote the story in her free time at work on an IBM Selectric typewriter and at home on a Smith Corona Portable....
Marlayne rewrote the story over the course of almost 30 years and made many attempts to get it published for several years but after a 4-year bout with ulcerative colitis that resulted in major surgery, then infertility then the adoption of her daughter and the demands of having to work full-time to pay the bills, she gave up on her dream of The Victor ever being published until April of 2008 when Tate Publishing called to offer her a contract....
The Victor was released on April 14th of 2009 and many doors have opened up for her to get the word out on her book. One of which being that as a direct result of her former employment with John Styll at CCM Magazine 28 years ago (who is now currently President of the Gospel Music Association), both he and Amy Grant now have copies of The Victor and Marlayne's personal copy has been autographed by Amy Grant herself.Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 13, 2023
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Second Chance Inn. This is a new to me author and the first book I’ve read by Marlayne Giron and I couldn’t put it down.
It’s a story of sadness and starting over. Rachel Winston deals with a major tragedy in her life and she makes the decision move her and her daughter away and start over in Lancaster, PA. That is where she meets Samuel Miller who also has suffered a major loss. Together they struggle to deal with their losses and find comfort in each other’s friendship even though it is against Samuel’s way of life.
I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more of Samuel and Rachel’s stories.
It’s a story of sadness and starting over. Rachel Winston deals with a major tragedy in her life and she makes the decision move her and her daughter away and start over in Lancaster, PA. That is where she meets Samuel Miller who also has suffered a major loss. Together they struggle to deal with their losses and find comfort in each other’s friendship even though it is against Samuel’s way of life.
I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more of Samuel and Rachel’s stories.
September 5, 2024
This story is sadly frustrating. Characters are not likable. They’re whiny, rude, mean, and entitled. There are so many errors. The Amish inaccuracies are throughout. It would be beneficial for the author to use an editor that knows what they’re doing if the author is one that makes many grammar and spelling mistakes as well as numerous inconsistencies. It’s hard to get around those things to even try to enjoy the story.
October 14, 2023
An anticipated read for me and this 5 star book did not let me down in the slightest but surpassed my expectations. What a wonderful wonderful story that took me back to my 21 year old soulmate dying from a brain aneurysm and the feeling of loss and helplessness. Looking past that the characters were so beautifully written. There was just enough narrative and I felt like I was there to witness every conversation. They were written that well. Believable characters in a believable setting and one that charmed the reader from the very start. A beautiful cover that really does give meaning to the book. Marlayne Giron took us on a visit to Amish Pennsylvania and gave all us readers a Christmas that we will never forget. This book ended but it could very easily be the first book in a series. Please Marlayne, consider making this into a series. There are so many stories that are still waiting to be told and situations that could be made into a story. I am not going to write what they are since I don't wish to include spoilers in this review. I thank Marlayne for my ARC of this book and it will stay with me forever. It is definitely one I will read again and these opinions are completely my own. I encourage those of you who have not read this outstanding author to pick up a copy of this book, the paperback version released today. If you are a Marlayne fan you have either read it or are about to and what a treat she has in store for y'all.
October 23, 2023
When a widow and widower from two completely different worlds are thrown together through necessity, will they find common ground? Or will their worlds collide?
Rachel Wilson suddenly finds herself a widow. In order to survive, she decides to move from her southern California home to a large Amish farmhouse in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in order to open a bed and breakfast. Along for the ride is her angry teenage daughter Karen. Samuel Miller lost everything he lived for and loved in the blink of an eye. Blaming himself and being slammed with memories, he feels the only way for him to survive is to sell his home. Neither Rachel nor Samuel expected what happened next. Added bonus, the reader was able to see how Karen changed from an angry teenager to mature adult. She left behind many things and embraced the Amish lifestyle offered to her.
I always love when a find a wonderful addition to my must read author list. Ms. Giron's characters were well fleshed out and really drew the reader in. Her characters experienced true growth in their lives. I really hope that their is a sequel to this book. Many of the characters have more stories to tell! I received an advanced readers copy. A review was not required.
Rachel Wilson suddenly finds herself a widow. In order to survive, she decides to move from her southern California home to a large Amish farmhouse in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in order to open a bed and breakfast. Along for the ride is her angry teenage daughter Karen. Samuel Miller lost everything he lived for and loved in the blink of an eye. Blaming himself and being slammed with memories, he feels the only way for him to survive is to sell his home. Neither Rachel nor Samuel expected what happened next. Added bonus, the reader was able to see how Karen changed from an angry teenager to mature adult. She left behind many things and embraced the Amish lifestyle offered to her.
I always love when a find a wonderful addition to my must read author list. Ms. Giron's characters were well fleshed out and really drew the reader in. Her characters experienced true growth in their lives. I really hope that their is a sequel to this book. Many of the characters have more stories to tell! I received an advanced readers copy. A review was not required.
October 29, 2023
If you like Amish fiction you will love this book.
I loved the characters, they are very well written and likeable. The setting is so realistic. This sweet story of second chances keeps your attention the entire time. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author and under no obligation to post a positive review.
I loved the characters, they are very well written and likeable. The setting is so realistic. This sweet story of second chances keeps your attention the entire time. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author and under no obligation to post a positive review.
June 23, 2024
Thank you in advance to Kate Rock Book Tours for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
I’m absolutely no stranger to Amish fiction, even when it is suspense. And, I love a sweet second-chance romance. It’s more interesting when it is Amish/Englisch.
I also enjoy discovering new-to-me authors.
I’d been seeing this book, or rather information about this book, floating around social media for a few months. So, when I got the chance to read it – I was pretty happy.
I have to admit, that seeing “city folks” transplanted to rural areas, can be amusing in itself. I was born in a small town, but raised in cities. However, some of my family was raised in rural and farm areas, so I got to know that life through them. Also, from a few friends I’d made in my adult years.
Truth be told, I wouldn’t mind living in a farm or rural area. Just need internet, electricity and indoor plumbing. Which, brings me to this read.
Giron introduces readers to:
👩🏻 Rachel
👧🏻 Karen
👨🏻🌾 Sam
👒 Ruth
Along with Sam’s sister Sarah, brother-in-law Joseph, and their kids.
There are going to be some themes/incidents that could be triggering for some readers. These are: death (brain aneurism), death due to drowning (Sam’s wife and kids), infertility, grief, and mentions of “considered” suicide (slitting wrists, taking pills). There is also a mention of spanking being used as discipline. It isn’t done, but it is mentioned.
Giron wastes no time in getting into the plot – Barry’s death, Rachel’s profound grief, and her bleak financial outlook. Her CPA brings up the high cost of living in California (she isn’t wrong), and what might be best for Rachel and Karen.
A year later, Rachel and a very perturbed Karen are on their way back to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Rachel is hoping to turn the Amish farmhouse she bought into a B and B, a dream she’d had with Barry.
At the train station, Rachel is greeted by Sam. While Karen is almost rude to her mother, the girl takes to Sam. It is clear that mother and daughter don’t seem to get along.
While the Amish don’t have electricity or internet service, Rachel and Karen are stunned about the residence having no indoor plumbing. Rachel is thinking it is a bad idea, but wants to hang in there.
Karen instantly takes to Sam, but he cannot stand her attitude towards her mother. He thinks to what he would’ve done if Karen had been his. However, Karen seemingly takes to farm life – her favorite part is collecting the eggs from the chickens. This eventually leads her into selling the eggs to make a little money.
Rachel outlines her plan for the farmhouse, which had once been Sam’s home with his family – incidentally his wife’s name was also Rachel. This Rachel wants to have certain Amish “classes”. Sam isn’t sure his bishop will go for that, but the bishop does agree for Rahcel to visit and learn so she can teach.
Karen’s growing discontent at being at the farmhouse with her mother leads Sam to offer to send her to his sister. Karen is first dismayed that she ends up “working”, but grows to like the chores, even dressing like an Amish girl. She even finds herself attracted to one of Sam’s nephews – Willis.
Sam can’t hide his growing attraction to Rachel. And, she is definitely drawn to him. However, even the simplest token of affection between the two is forbidden, despite their shared grief.
In addition to Sam, Rachel makes another friend – Ruth. Rachel is not only grateful for the baking lessons, but to have someone to talk to.
As she readies the inn to welcome guests, Rachel’s life is changing at a rapid pace. She and Sam get closer, and Karen drifts further away.
Of course, life happens: misunderstandings, storms, and even financial problems. Faith is constant, which is what Rachel is hanging on to. She’s also wondering if she could be Amish in order to be with Sam, or will she remain the outside?
And, Sam is wondering if the last string tying him to his community is worth breaking.
The Second Chance Inn, aptly named, provides just that – a second chance at life, even love.
Giron doesn’t shy away from reality in dealing with hard topics – teen angst, death and grief, and faith.
What I found interesting was the reversal in faith. Rachel’s whole life had shifted in an instant, yet she still had faith in God. Sam, being raised Amish, was questioning his faith. Both felt the grief of losing their spouses, Sam’s grief was even more profound because of losing his children. It was fitting that Rachel and Karen were dropped on his door. They seemed to give him a sense of purpose and healing.
The sweetest moments were between Sam and Rachel. I was conflicted between wanting him to leave the Amish (he’d left in his heart), and Rachel joining the community. It was interesting to see her as a flawed character – one who was grieving, yet hanging in there. Even when Rachel was learning, she remained a flawed and real person. There was no miraculous shift, just a raw and realistic person. And, she didn’t pretend not to be flawed, she knew she wasn’t going to fit in.
When it comes to favorite and not so favorite characters, I find myself conflicted when it comes to children. Even teens. But, I honestly couldn’t stand Karen at all. It was clear her mother was struggling and the girl was an absolute nightmare – selfish and self-centered. While there were a few cute moments (less than three) between them, her constant rudeness was annoying.
I had the utmost sympathy as she’d adopted separate from other siblings, yet it seemed like she had it in for Rachel since the adoption. There was some unresolved anger or resentment against Rachel. The two could’ve benefitted from therapy, especially after Barry’s death. What really destroyed my feelings for Karen was when she saw her mother crying, and upon learning it was because her mother missed Barry, telling her – “Really, mom, it’s been over a year, you really need to get over it already”. I was quite surprised she took to Amish ways like she did, her admiration for how the Amish girls were content despite living the way they did, and even courting an Amish boy. That didn’t make up for her faults though.
While a very clean read, and having a Christian message, there were too many errors to rate this above 3-stars. I can almost overlook grammatical errors (misspelled words, missing punctuation, wrong word being used). That happens in traditional publishing as well. There was one traditionally published book where a paragraph repeated itself.
There are some distracting errors that stand out, almost screaming. I’m not talking about how Karen tells Sam she’s a Jewish mother, then makes a reference to them being Christian or needing a new church. I’m talking about errors that disrupted the “flow” of the story. What do I mean by disrupt? Going back over already read material to make sure I read things right. Even when keeping notes, it’s possible to misread something. It is hard to describe the errors without going into detail (including some spoilers) though.
#1 – Age discrepancy:
As the book begins, Rachel is 32 and Barry is 35 at the time of his passing. In the second chapter, her trip back to Pennsylvania is a year after his death, so she is around 33. No birthdays were mentioned in the book, so I assumed they occurred during that time.
On a visit to Sam’s community, Rachel tells one of the Amish ladies she was married for 15 years, but knew Barry for 5 years before (pg. 177). That would’ve been 20 years total. As a result, Rachel would’ve been 12 and Barry 15 when they met. The problem? She had previously told Sam that she and Barry met at a college/career retreat (pg. 116). I can’t see a 12-year-old going to a college/career retreat. I think 15 would be questionable.
#2 – Timeline Continuity:
Reading the book it never occurred to me that it might’ve been set in a different year. I assumed, that unless it is historical or listed in the description or chapters, the book is in modern day (within the past 12-18 months).
That was until the end of page 223 and beginning of page 224.
Rachel is recalling her 30th birthday when Barry took her to New York (so, it would be three years before she moved to Pennsylvania). One of the key moments to that evening is the couple having dessert at Windows on the World at the WTC. Rachel then mentions the 9/11/2001 attack.
Even if the couple visited in August 2001, and the story is set 2-3 years later by Rachel’s age, that would place the story in 2003/2004. If that is/was the case, there are certain “modern day” items, websites, and apps mentioned that wouldn’t have existed:
📱 iPhones (first one released June 2007) [first mention pg. 10; multiple after]
📱 SIRI (2010/2011) [pg. 207]
📱 TikTok (2018) [pg. 103]
📱 Snapchat (2011) [pg. 103]
📱 WhatsApp (2009) [pg. 103]
💻 Airbnb (officially named as such in 2009) [pg. 224]
If the story is set in the current timeline (2023/2024) – having dinner at the WTC couldn’t have happened as Rachel would’ve been at least 10. And, it wouldn’t have worked for her 20th birthday either, especially using the social media sites listed as a timeline. The most recent app was released in 2018, so it’s clear to see that would’ve been in 2008.
#3 – The “Karen” issue:
This is perhaps the smallest error, but one that needs mentioning. If Karen wasn’t yet 18 (was turning soon [282] had a year or so to go [286]), she should’ve been in school in the last ¼ of the book. According to the Lancaster School District, high school starts around the third week of August, but definitely as of the first week in September. Yet, there was no mention of it. The story ends in February, so that is at least half of the school year being missed. She isn’t Amish and hadn’t been baptized in the faith, so that couldn’t have been a factor.
The ending, for me, was a bit abrupt. There was no conclusion between Karen and Willis, nor a real “conversion” moment for Karen’s behavior towards her mother. I would’ve liked to have seen Karen dealing with her mother’s hospitalization, along with Sam’s POV during that time. I also wanted to know how it was going to work with Karen/Willis and Sam/Rachel.
This wasn’t a horrible book by any means. It could’ve benefitted from editing for the three bigger issues to make it a stellar read.
Overall, the premise is sweet, and the characters are mostly real, relatable, and likeable. The clean aspect (no bad language, no intimacy) means it’s suitable for readers of most ages.
I’m absolutely no stranger to Amish fiction, even when it is suspense. And, I love a sweet second-chance romance. It’s more interesting when it is Amish/Englisch.
I also enjoy discovering new-to-me authors.
I’d been seeing this book, or rather information about this book, floating around social media for a few months. So, when I got the chance to read it – I was pretty happy.
I have to admit, that seeing “city folks” transplanted to rural areas, can be amusing in itself. I was born in a small town, but raised in cities. However, some of my family was raised in rural and farm areas, so I got to know that life through them. Also, from a few friends I’d made in my adult years.
Truth be told, I wouldn’t mind living in a farm or rural area. Just need internet, electricity and indoor plumbing. Which, brings me to this read.
Giron introduces readers to:
👩🏻 Rachel
👧🏻 Karen
👨🏻🌾 Sam
👒 Ruth
Along with Sam’s sister Sarah, brother-in-law Joseph, and their kids.
There are going to be some themes/incidents that could be triggering for some readers. These are: death (brain aneurism), death due to drowning (Sam’s wife and kids), infertility, grief, and mentions of “considered” suicide (slitting wrists, taking pills). There is also a mention of spanking being used as discipline. It isn’t done, but it is mentioned.
Giron wastes no time in getting into the plot – Barry’s death, Rachel’s profound grief, and her bleak financial outlook. Her CPA brings up the high cost of living in California (she isn’t wrong), and what might be best for Rachel and Karen.
A year later, Rachel and a very perturbed Karen are on their way back to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Rachel is hoping to turn the Amish farmhouse she bought into a B and B, a dream she’d had with Barry.
At the train station, Rachel is greeted by Sam. While Karen is almost rude to her mother, the girl takes to Sam. It is clear that mother and daughter don’t seem to get along.
While the Amish don’t have electricity or internet service, Rachel and Karen are stunned about the residence having no indoor plumbing. Rachel is thinking it is a bad idea, but wants to hang in there.
Karen instantly takes to Sam, but he cannot stand her attitude towards her mother. He thinks to what he would’ve done if Karen had been his. However, Karen seemingly takes to farm life – her favorite part is collecting the eggs from the chickens. This eventually leads her into selling the eggs to make a little money.
Rachel outlines her plan for the farmhouse, which had once been Sam’s home with his family – incidentally his wife’s name was also Rachel. This Rachel wants to have certain Amish “classes”. Sam isn’t sure his bishop will go for that, but the bishop does agree for Rahcel to visit and learn so she can teach.
Karen’s growing discontent at being at the farmhouse with her mother leads Sam to offer to send her to his sister. Karen is first dismayed that she ends up “working”, but grows to like the chores, even dressing like an Amish girl. She even finds herself attracted to one of Sam’s nephews – Willis.
Sam can’t hide his growing attraction to Rachel. And, she is definitely drawn to him. However, even the simplest token of affection between the two is forbidden, despite their shared grief.
In addition to Sam, Rachel makes another friend – Ruth. Rachel is not only grateful for the baking lessons, but to have someone to talk to.
As she readies the inn to welcome guests, Rachel’s life is changing at a rapid pace. She and Sam get closer, and Karen drifts further away.
Of course, life happens: misunderstandings, storms, and even financial problems. Faith is constant, which is what Rachel is hanging on to. She’s also wondering if she could be Amish in order to be with Sam, or will she remain the outside?
And, Sam is wondering if the last string tying him to his community is worth breaking.
The Second Chance Inn, aptly named, provides just that – a second chance at life, even love.
Giron doesn’t shy away from reality in dealing with hard topics – teen angst, death and grief, and faith.
What I found interesting was the reversal in faith. Rachel’s whole life had shifted in an instant, yet she still had faith in God. Sam, being raised Amish, was questioning his faith. Both felt the grief of losing their spouses, Sam’s grief was even more profound because of losing his children. It was fitting that Rachel and Karen were dropped on his door. They seemed to give him a sense of purpose and healing.
The sweetest moments were between Sam and Rachel. I was conflicted between wanting him to leave the Amish (he’d left in his heart), and Rachel joining the community. It was interesting to see her as a flawed character – one who was grieving, yet hanging in there. Even when Rachel was learning, she remained a flawed and real person. There was no miraculous shift, just a raw and realistic person. And, she didn’t pretend not to be flawed, she knew she wasn’t going to fit in.
When it comes to favorite and not so favorite characters, I find myself conflicted when it comes to children. Even teens. But, I honestly couldn’t stand Karen at all. It was clear her mother was struggling and the girl was an absolute nightmare – selfish and self-centered. While there were a few cute moments (less than three) between them, her constant rudeness was annoying.
I had the utmost sympathy as she’d adopted separate from other siblings, yet it seemed like she had it in for Rachel since the adoption. There was some unresolved anger or resentment against Rachel. The two could’ve benefitted from therapy, especially after Barry’s death. What really destroyed my feelings for Karen was when she saw her mother crying, and upon learning it was because her mother missed Barry, telling her – “Really, mom, it’s been over a year, you really need to get over it already”. I was quite surprised she took to Amish ways like she did, her admiration for how the Amish girls were content despite living the way they did, and even courting an Amish boy. That didn’t make up for her faults though.
While a very clean read, and having a Christian message, there were too many errors to rate this above 3-stars. I can almost overlook grammatical errors (misspelled words, missing punctuation, wrong word being used). That happens in traditional publishing as well. There was one traditionally published book where a paragraph repeated itself.
There are some distracting errors that stand out, almost screaming. I’m not talking about how Karen tells Sam she’s a Jewish mother, then makes a reference to them being Christian or needing a new church. I’m talking about errors that disrupted the “flow” of the story. What do I mean by disrupt? Going back over already read material to make sure I read things right. Even when keeping notes, it’s possible to misread something. It is hard to describe the errors without going into detail (including some spoilers) though.
#1 – Age discrepancy:
As the book begins, Rachel is 32 and Barry is 35 at the time of his passing. In the second chapter, her trip back to Pennsylvania is a year after his death, so she is around 33. No birthdays were mentioned in the book, so I assumed they occurred during that time.
On a visit to Sam’s community, Rachel tells one of the Amish ladies she was married for 15 years, but knew Barry for 5 years before (pg. 177). That would’ve been 20 years total. As a result, Rachel would’ve been 12 and Barry 15 when they met. The problem? She had previously told Sam that she and Barry met at a college/career retreat (pg. 116). I can’t see a 12-year-old going to a college/career retreat. I think 15 would be questionable.
#2 – Timeline Continuity:
Reading the book it never occurred to me that it might’ve been set in a different year. I assumed, that unless it is historical or listed in the description or chapters, the book is in modern day (within the past 12-18 months).
That was until the end of page 223 and beginning of page 224.
Rachel is recalling her 30th birthday when Barry took her to New York (so, it would be three years before she moved to Pennsylvania). One of the key moments to that evening is the couple having dessert at Windows on the World at the WTC. Rachel then mentions the 9/11/2001 attack.
Even if the couple visited in August 2001, and the story is set 2-3 years later by Rachel’s age, that would place the story in 2003/2004. If that is/was the case, there are certain “modern day” items, websites, and apps mentioned that wouldn’t have existed:
📱 iPhones (first one released June 2007) [first mention pg. 10; multiple after]
📱 SIRI (2010/2011) [pg. 207]
📱 TikTok (2018) [pg. 103]
📱 Snapchat (2011) [pg. 103]
📱 WhatsApp (2009) [pg. 103]
💻 Airbnb (officially named as such in 2009) [pg. 224]
If the story is set in the current timeline (2023/2024) – having dinner at the WTC couldn’t have happened as Rachel would’ve been at least 10. And, it wouldn’t have worked for her 20th birthday either, especially using the social media sites listed as a timeline. The most recent app was released in 2018, so it’s clear to see that would’ve been in 2008.
#3 – The “Karen” issue:
This is perhaps the smallest error, but one that needs mentioning. If Karen wasn’t yet 18 (was turning soon [282] had a year or so to go [286]), she should’ve been in school in the last ¼ of the book. According to the Lancaster School District, high school starts around the third week of August, but definitely as of the first week in September. Yet, there was no mention of it. The story ends in February, so that is at least half of the school year being missed. She isn’t Amish and hadn’t been baptized in the faith, so that couldn’t have been a factor.
The ending, for me, was a bit abrupt. There was no conclusion between Karen and Willis, nor a real “conversion” moment for Karen’s behavior towards her mother. I would’ve liked to have seen Karen dealing with her mother’s hospitalization, along with Sam’s POV during that time. I also wanted to know how it was going to work with Karen/Willis and Sam/Rachel.
This wasn’t a horrible book by any means. It could’ve benefitted from editing for the three bigger issues to make it a stellar read.
Overall, the premise is sweet, and the characters are mostly real, relatable, and likeable. The clean aspect (no bad language, no intimacy) means it’s suitable for readers of most ages.
October 13, 2023
Second Chance Inn
When the English and Amish worlds collide and then toss in an English teenager almost anything can happen,
even a second chance at love.
Second Chance Inn written by Marlayne Giron is a wonderfully emotional, suspenseful, and romantic story all at the same time.
This is a story of an English California widow who decides to make a fresh start for her and her adopted daughter that she has never truly connected with.
Rachel and her unwilling teenage daughter travel to an Amish community in Lancaster, PA to of all things start a Bed and Breakfast on a farm totally void of all the modern conveniences they are used to, that they recently purchased from a young Amish widower who will remain on and work the farm.
This story is truly engaging and you won't want to put it down, from start to finish I was thoroughly invested in the story.
The words and imagery throughout the story make you feel like you are staying right at the Inn yourself and experiencing all of the events first hand.
I highly recommend this book.
When the English and Amish worlds collide and then toss in an English teenager almost anything can happen,
even a second chance at love.
Second Chance Inn written by Marlayne Giron is a wonderfully emotional, suspenseful, and romantic story all at the same time.
This is a story of an English California widow who decides to make a fresh start for her and her adopted daughter that she has never truly connected with.
Rachel and her unwilling teenage daughter travel to an Amish community in Lancaster, PA to of all things start a Bed and Breakfast on a farm totally void of all the modern conveniences they are used to, that they recently purchased from a young Amish widower who will remain on and work the farm.
This story is truly engaging and you won't want to put it down, from start to finish I was thoroughly invested in the story.
The words and imagery throughout the story make you feel like you are staying right at the Inn yourself and experiencing all of the events first hand.
I highly recommend this book.
January 3, 2024
I truly enjoyed the Second Chance Inn – so much, in fact, that I read it in two days! The book is reminiscent of a Lifetime Christmas movie. You are emotionally connected to the female main character, who has recently endured the loss of her husband and must keep it together for the sake of her daughter and move to a more affordable home. Then, the handsome, distraught, out-of-reach romantic interest is introduced and you become invested in their chemistry and social barriers. This book is an easy read and immersive. Marlayne Giron shows great promise and I look forward to reading her other books.
November 25, 2023
Second Chance Inn by Marlayne Giron ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My first book by Marlayne definitely not the last.
A story of loss, grief, letting go, starting over, friendship and eventually ending in a second change at love.
After both Rachel and Samuel lose their spouses, they navigate how to go on living. When many road blocks are putting them to the test, they realize they have to lean on God and each other. I was interested in learning the amish culture and the Shunning that Sam was facing.
So if you are looking for answers , or interested in learn more about Amish culture, I hope you pick up this book and read it. You won't be disappointed. It will leave you wanting to know more. Your heart will feel warm, and your eyes might water a little.
My first book by Marlayne definitely not the last.
A story of loss, grief, letting go, starting over, friendship and eventually ending in a second change at love.
After both Rachel and Samuel lose their spouses, they navigate how to go on living. When many road blocks are putting them to the test, they realize they have to lean on God and each other. I was interested in learning the amish culture and the Shunning that Sam was facing.
So if you are looking for answers , or interested in learn more about Amish culture, I hope you pick up this book and read it. You won't be disappointed. It will leave you wanting to know more. Your heart will feel warm, and your eyes might water a little.
December 8, 2023
This is a beautifully written story of people from two completely different walks of life. But when forced together, discover things may not be so different nor as they appear. A story of hope, and at times very funny. I think this is the first book that I actually started laughing out loud while reading. A very talented writer! While this was the first time I have read from this author, it won’t be the last. High recommend!
October 15, 2023
Such a well thought out and written story. This is a new to me author and Marlayne did not disappoint. It had me engaged from page one until the end of the book. I hope this becomes a series because I would love to see some of the other characters have their own storyline so we could get to know them more. I will definitely be on the lookout for other books written by this author. I highly recommend!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All words are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All words are my own.
February 23, 2024
What a wonderful second chance!
A gripping story of a man, woman and young girl who overcome terrible loss with God's help, and find their second chances. The ending was unexpected. This story satisfies!
A gripping story of a man, woman and young girl who overcome terrible loss with God's help, and find their second chances. The ending was unexpected. This story satisfies!
October 10, 2023
I was really intrigued by this book. I could barely put this book down once I started. It took me just 2 days to read it I was so excited and he gave me a new perspective on how the Amish do things. So whoever reads it next I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
October 30, 2023
Such a good read! I was hooked from the first page. This is the first time I've read a book by Marlayne and it sure won't be the last. I didn't want to put it down and didn't see that ending coming.
Thank you Marlayne for an advance copy, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Marlayne for an advance copy, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2023
Excellent Book
Everything about the book is excellent, the author keeps you to want to keep on reading. If you like Amish romance you will want to read this one
Everything about the book is excellent, the author keeps you to want to keep on reading. If you like Amish romance you will want to read this one
June 14, 2024
Really enjoyed the book. Hope the series continues with a second book
October 22, 2023
Love this story,Second Chance Inn is one of the best stories I have read! It’s a story of loss, finding love again after many struggles! It will leave you in tears, happy tears for the people of Second Chance Inn! Author Marlayne Giron has written a beautiful story!
February 8, 2024
Second Chance Inn by Marlayne Giron
This was my first book I have read by this author and it didn’t disappoint. Rachel Winston from Southern California finds herself suddenly widowed in her early thirty’s. With not enough money and in need of a change of scenery for herself and her angry adopted daughter Karen she purchases a farmhouse in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She decides to follow through with her and her deceased husband’s dream of owning a bed & breakfast. Samuel Miller has sold this farmhouse and is the caretaker. Samuel has lost his wife and five children tragically to a buggy accident. With both of them grieving the love of their lives, they have found a connection between the different cultures. They form an unlikely friendship through tragedy and healing. Great story. I was given a copy to leave my honest review!
This was my first book I have read by this author and it didn’t disappoint. Rachel Winston from Southern California finds herself suddenly widowed in her early thirty’s. With not enough money and in need of a change of scenery for herself and her angry adopted daughter Karen she purchases a farmhouse in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She decides to follow through with her and her deceased husband’s dream of owning a bed & breakfast. Samuel Miller has sold this farmhouse and is the caretaker. Samuel has lost his wife and five children tragically to a buggy accident. With both of them grieving the love of their lives, they have found a connection between the different cultures. They form an unlikely friendship through tragedy and healing. Great story. I was given a copy to leave my honest review!
November 9, 2023
What a wonderful book! Rachel has suddenly become a single mother after her husband passed away. She decides she wants to leave her current area and try and open an Amish-style bed and breakfast in Amish country but wants the amenities of the English lifestyle. After a few challenges, she has her first reservation. Will they enjoy their stay? Will she have successfully achieved her dream of owning her own bed and breakfast or will she have more heartache? This is a book with ups and downs, excitement, suspense and all the feels of a great book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a book that will pull you in from the very beginning and keep you engaged all the way through! Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy of this book. Although I received an advanced copy of this book, my review is my own personal honest review.
August 22, 2024
New author, new book, new series, what could be better? I still consider myself a lucky girl. I have read so many good books. I am very careful what I say I will read so most of my books are rated 5 stars because of that. I have a long list of books to read and I don’t think I’ll ever run out of books. Do you all have a long “to be read pile”? I can’t resist. If life didn’t get in the way, I could read all day everyday. There are things that come up and things that need done so that doesn’t happen too much.
The book I just finished is by Marlayne Giron. It is titled Second Chance in. Did I rate it 5 stars? You bet I did! I literally loved this story, the setting, the characters, all of it. From page one I was hooked.
First of all this is an Amish story. I will have to say I have read several Amish stories and have enjoyed every one of them. This one was different in oh so many ways! I have a bit of knowledge of the Amish ways because I lived in a community that was home to many of those families. I did however learn more about them in this book and what happens to them if they communicate or become too friendly with the non-Amish people in the area. I do like learning new things. I do like the sense of community and the closeness they have with each other.
This story is about a woman and her daughter from California who loses her husband and has to move somewhere with a cheaper cost of living to survive. She buys the farm of an Amish man who has lost his wife and children in a buggy accident. The agreement is he will stay on as caretaker. You can probably guess where this is going and all the problems that come from it.
There is a sequel A Place of Refuge that is coming out the first of October. I will be reading it. I am totally looking forward to the rest of the story. There is so much that has to be dealt with and I am not sure if we are looking at more heartache or a lot of happiness.
If you love romance and Amish stories, this book should be on your radar if you haven’t read it yet. If you have, I’m happy to let you know there is a sequel coming out. I know I can’t wait to read it. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Marlayne Giron. Thank you! The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The book I just finished is by Marlayne Giron. It is titled Second Chance in. Did I rate it 5 stars? You bet I did! I literally loved this story, the setting, the characters, all of it. From page one I was hooked.
First of all this is an Amish story. I will have to say I have read several Amish stories and have enjoyed every one of them. This one was different in oh so many ways! I have a bit of knowledge of the Amish ways because I lived in a community that was home to many of those families. I did however learn more about them in this book and what happens to them if they communicate or become too friendly with the non-Amish people in the area. I do like learning new things. I do like the sense of community and the closeness they have with each other.
This story is about a woman and her daughter from California who loses her husband and has to move somewhere with a cheaper cost of living to survive. She buys the farm of an Amish man who has lost his wife and children in a buggy accident. The agreement is he will stay on as caretaker. You can probably guess where this is going and all the problems that come from it.
There is a sequel A Place of Refuge that is coming out the first of October. I will be reading it. I am totally looking forward to the rest of the story. There is so much that has to be dealt with and I am not sure if we are looking at more heartache or a lot of happiness.
If you love romance and Amish stories, this book should be on your radar if you haven’t read it yet. If you have, I’m happy to let you know there is a sequel coming out. I know I can’t wait to read it. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Marlayne Giron. Thank you! The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 24, 2023
I usually read this author’s books in one to two days. However, I have been sick for almost a month. I had finished the first half of the book and got sick again. I am glad I was finally able to finish it. My husband said he knew how sick I was when I didn’t even feel like reading. I am sorry it took so long to finish this wonderful book.
Marlayne Giron is a very talented writer. In Second Chance Inn we meet Rachel Wilson and her daughter Karen. It is obvious from the start that they don’t get along and Rachel isn’t sure how to make it work. After her husband dies Rachel and her daughter move to Pennsylvania. She has bought a farmhouse belonging to an Amish widower. The idea is to turn it into a bed and breakfast so everyone who stays can have a full Amish experience. The only difference is there will be electricity and inside bathrooms.
Samuel Miller has sold the farm to Rachel after losing his family. He stays on to work with the animals and continue to be a part of his Amish community, even if he has had a falling out with God. We see the way God uses both adults to help the other heal. We see a teenager who lived in the world of social media and immediate gratification embrace the Amish lifestyle and turn from being an angry teen to very pleasant young lady. We see Karen’s attitude toward her mother completely change. It is obvious that God is in the details here. Marlayne has obviously done a lot of research into the Amish lifestyle. Her characters are well developed and her setting puts you right in the middle of the story. I hope Marlayne continues to write in this genre. She is natural at it. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Marlayne Giron is a very talented writer. In Second Chance Inn we meet Rachel Wilson and her daughter Karen. It is obvious from the start that they don’t get along and Rachel isn’t sure how to make it work. After her husband dies Rachel and her daughter move to Pennsylvania. She has bought a farmhouse belonging to an Amish widower. The idea is to turn it into a bed and breakfast so everyone who stays can have a full Amish experience. The only difference is there will be electricity and inside bathrooms.
Samuel Miller has sold the farm to Rachel after losing his family. He stays on to work with the animals and continue to be a part of his Amish community, even if he has had a falling out with God. We see the way God uses both adults to help the other heal. We see a teenager who lived in the world of social media and immediate gratification embrace the Amish lifestyle and turn from being an angry teen to very pleasant young lady. We see Karen’s attitude toward her mother completely change. It is obvious that God is in the details here. Marlayne has obviously done a lot of research into the Amish lifestyle. Her characters are well developed and her setting puts you right in the middle of the story. I hope Marlayne continues to write in this genre. She is natural at it. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
October 16, 2023
Second Chance Inn by best selling author Marlayne Giron is a contemporary Christian novel. It has modern day or “English” and Amish elements in it. For me it was a poignant tale that spoke to my heart.
This is the story of Rachel Winston from Southern California. She suddenly finds herself a widow even though she is just in her early thirties. Her teenage daughter, Karen, moves with her to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is also the story of Samuel Miller, an Amish man who recently lost his wife and five children in a buggy accident. He sold his farmhouse to Rachel and now lives in the smaller Dawdi Haus on the property.
The author has done a fabulous job with this book. I was immediately invested in the story and characters. The characters are crafted with emotions and depth to make them believable and relatable. The dialogue sounded authentic and was true to life. My emotions mirrored the characters, which is a sign of great writing. I felt this book.
It is a charming story that is quite different from most of the Amish tales that I have read. The author does an exquisite job transporting readers to the Amish Community in Pennsylvania. She included Life and Christian messages throughout this intriguing book.
I highly recommend this remarkable book. It would make a great book club choice because there is so much to discuss. It gave me pause to think about what I had just read. I am still thinking about it days later. It earns a 5 out of 5 stars rating from me. A copy was provided, but these are my honest words.
This is the story of Rachel Winston from Southern California. She suddenly finds herself a widow even though she is just in her early thirties. Her teenage daughter, Karen, moves with her to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is also the story of Samuel Miller, an Amish man who recently lost his wife and five children in a buggy accident. He sold his farmhouse to Rachel and now lives in the smaller Dawdi Haus on the property.
The author has done a fabulous job with this book. I was immediately invested in the story and characters. The characters are crafted with emotions and depth to make them believable and relatable. The dialogue sounded authentic and was true to life. My emotions mirrored the characters, which is a sign of great writing. I felt this book.
It is a charming story that is quite different from most of the Amish tales that I have read. The author does an exquisite job transporting readers to the Amish Community in Pennsylvania. She included Life and Christian messages throughout this intriguing book.
I highly recommend this remarkable book. It would make a great book club choice because there is so much to discuss. It gave me pause to think about what I had just read. I am still thinking about it days later. It earns a 5 out of 5 stars rating from me. A copy was provided, but these are my honest words.
October 13, 2023
Second Chance Inn by Marlayne Giron
Rachel Winston is suddenly and tragically widowed in her early 30s. She and her adopted, teenaged daughter, Karen, are forced to leave everything behind in Southern California. She purchases an Amish farmhouse in Lancaster County, PA to open an Amish-style Bed & Breakfast Inn. The farmhouse she purchases was put on the market by a young Amish widower, Samuel Miller, who recently lost his wife and five children in a buggy accident. He has moved into the Dawdi house to maintain the farm and Rachel happily cooks, cleans, and does his laundry in exchange for his help.
Thrown together by tragic loss, their mutual suffering draws them together against the rules of his community. Solace and friendship soon turn into something deeper, putting him at great risk for shunning. Rachel struggles to adapt while her daughter finds it easier to fit in to the Amish lifestyle.
Will Rachel succeed in becoming sufficiently Amish so she can be with Samuel, or will their blossoming relationship doom them both as outcasts?
This is Rachel Winston,adopted teenaged daughter,Karen and Samuel Miller's story.
This book is well written,Romantic and has wonderful characters.
If you like to read amish story you will love this book.
I recommend reading.
Second Chance Inn by Marlayne Giron is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Marlayne Giron.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review.
Rachel Winston is suddenly and tragically widowed in her early 30s. She and her adopted, teenaged daughter, Karen, are forced to leave everything behind in Southern California. She purchases an Amish farmhouse in Lancaster County, PA to open an Amish-style Bed & Breakfast Inn. The farmhouse she purchases was put on the market by a young Amish widower, Samuel Miller, who recently lost his wife and five children in a buggy accident. He has moved into the Dawdi house to maintain the farm and Rachel happily cooks, cleans, and does his laundry in exchange for his help.
Thrown together by tragic loss, their mutual suffering draws them together against the rules of his community. Solace and friendship soon turn into something deeper, putting him at great risk for shunning. Rachel struggles to adapt while her daughter finds it easier to fit in to the Amish lifestyle.
Will Rachel succeed in becoming sufficiently Amish so she can be with Samuel, or will their blossoming relationship doom them both as outcasts?
This is Rachel Winston,adopted teenaged daughter,Karen and Samuel Miller's story.
This book is well written,Romantic and has wonderful characters.
If you like to read amish story you will love this book.
I recommend reading.
Second Chance Inn by Marlayne Giron is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Marlayne Giron.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review.
November 29, 2023
I really didn't ever plan to read an Amish romance, but it sounded interesting and I am glad I did. This book is amazingly good. It was so hard to stop reading! The story opens when the heroine Rachel faces a horrific tragedy. The tragedy leads her to live a much different life than she was accustomed to. Her plan is to live out a dream of starting a bed and breakfast but it is in the only place she can afford- where the Amish live. What she has to endure living on the property, I couldn't imagine doing and her daughter was livid about it. The hero Samuel has an unbelievable tragedy of his own but has stopped having a relationship with God, the opposite of Rachel. He sold his house and lives in a dawdi house on the property taking care of the livestock and doing what is needed. That is all I will say, because I don't want to give away too much.
What I liked about this book is that the characters are believable and the romance is well-paced. I loved it. Five plus stars for this romance. There are only two things I didn't like about this book. Karen's attitude towards her mother. Karen acted like she hated her when Rachel was trying so hard to be a good mother. It wasn't until later in the story that I kind of understood Karen, but still a little bit much so I loved the parts when Samuel put her in her place. The last thing I didn't like about this story was that it ended so abruptly. The End. No, no no! I want more, what about an epilogue? A sequel?
What I liked about this book is that the characters are believable and the romance is well-paced. I loved it. Five plus stars for this romance. There are only two things I didn't like about this book. Karen's attitude towards her mother. Karen acted like she hated her when Rachel was trying so hard to be a good mother. It wasn't until later in the story that I kind of understood Karen, but still a little bit much so I loved the parts when Samuel put her in her place. The last thing I didn't like about this story was that it ended so abruptly. The End. No, no no! I want more, what about an epilogue? A sequel?
October 6, 2023
There a no words to Adequately describe Marlayne Giron’s Second Chance Inn. Brilliantly only begins to describe how well this story is written. It is totally unique and different from any other Amish romance you have ever read. She has her own, unique style when telling a story.
Ms. Giron calls upon her own personal experience to share with us the pain that Rachel feels when she loses the love of her life in her early 30s and is forced to move away from friends and family to Amish country with her adopted daughter. Here she is thrown together with Samuel Miller who is also suffering from the tragic, profound, loss of his whole family.
The characters are realistic and the story line is well developed with a wonderful use of words and writing style.
I highly recommend this 5-star book. You will not be disappointed.
I was given and ARC by the author, but was not required to give a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. Order your copy today. Release date is October 13, 2023.
Ms. Giron calls upon her own personal experience to share with us the pain that Rachel feels when she loses the love of her life in her early 30s and is forced to move away from friends and family to Amish country with her adopted daughter. Here she is thrown together with Samuel Miller who is also suffering from the tragic, profound, loss of his whole family.
The characters are realistic and the story line is well developed with a wonderful use of words and writing style.
I highly recommend this 5-star book. You will not be disappointed.
I was given and ARC by the author, but was not required to give a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. Order your copy today. Release date is October 13, 2023.
June 15, 2024
This is a sweet story of love and loss and starting over.Rachel has lost the love of her life and decides to start over in Pennsylvania by living her dream of running a bed and breakfast. She uproots her teenage daughter and moves into an Amish farmhouse. As she struggles with the changes she relies on her caretaker, Samuel Miller, who is struggling with his own loss. The friendship puts Samuel’s place in the Amish community at risk as it is against their rules. Add in a mother daughter relationship and the turmoil it includes and there is even more upset and drama in Rachel’s life. As Rachel and Samuel grow closer they both must face the question, what are they willing to risk for a second chance at love? Rachel and Samuel’s story includes the elements that make a second chance romance enjoyable, heartbreak, healing, being ready to take a chance again only to have seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the way, and an ending that leaves you smiling.
Thanks to the author and Kate Rock Book Tours for providing copy for my honest review.
Thanks to the author and Kate Rock Book Tours for providing copy for my honest review.
June 26, 2024
Thank you to my partners, Kate Rock Book Tours, and the author. I appreciate the gifted paperback! I am leaving this review voluntarily!
1. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 - When Rachel and Samuel discover each other’s grief, they come together to bring comfort to one another. It wasn’t surprising that their bond became more than it should have considering the circumstances.
2. 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 - I wonder what we could accomplish if everyone took a while to bask in the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle. I think everyone could benefit from a little bit of it!
3. 𝐓𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 - Oh, Karen. Those teenage years for females can sure be tough (I do remember mine - and my poor parents 😂). Karen doesn’t make life easy for Rachel, but by the end, it is easy to see that things will work out eventually!
4. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 - For Samuel and Rachel, there is an imminent need for one of them to make a complete lifestyle change. The reader is left trying to figure out just who that person will be! I also love the way Karen embraced the possibility of her own transition into the Amish community.
5. 𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠…𝐁𝐔𝐓 - I wish that I could’ve gotten a little more into the details of the ending. It just felt a bit blunt and sudden - even though it did answer the big questions. I was just left wanting a little bit more…BUT GUESS WHAT?! This just in - a sequel is on its way 🙌🏼
1. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 - When Rachel and Samuel discover each other’s grief, they come together to bring comfort to one another. It wasn’t surprising that their bond became more than it should have considering the circumstances.
2. 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 - I wonder what we could accomplish if everyone took a while to bask in the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle. I think everyone could benefit from a little bit of it!
3. 𝐓𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 - Oh, Karen. Those teenage years for females can sure be tough (I do remember mine - and my poor parents 😂). Karen doesn’t make life easy for Rachel, but by the end, it is easy to see that things will work out eventually!
4. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 - For Samuel and Rachel, there is an imminent need for one of them to make a complete lifestyle change. The reader is left trying to figure out just who that person will be! I also love the way Karen embraced the possibility of her own transition into the Amish community.
5. 𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠…𝐁𝐔𝐓 - I wish that I could’ve gotten a little more into the details of the ending. It just felt a bit blunt and sudden - even though it did answer the big questions. I was just left wanting a little bit more…BUT GUESS WHAT?! This just in - a sequel is on its way 🙌🏼
October 23, 2023
This is a book that will appeal to so many readers! The setting is Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, so there are Amish characters but it's also contemporary women's fiction. Second Chance Inn is a gripping tale of loss and grief, learning to let go, and trying to move on; and I experienced all of the feels! Yes, there's sadness but it's buffered with hope and a renewal of faith. Throw in the efforts to start a successful B&B and the desire to create a magical Christmas, and the result is a story that kept me turning the pages!
I know that Marlayne Giron is a talented author, but this book reveals another facet of her writing abilities. It is a captivating story of second chances, and I would love to learn more about Rachel, her daughter Karen, and a very remarkable Samuel Miller!
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy from the author but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
I know that Marlayne Giron is a talented author, but this book reveals another facet of her writing abilities. It is a captivating story of second chances, and I would love to learn more about Rachel, her daughter Karen, and a very remarkable Samuel Miller!
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy from the author but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
June 27, 2024
Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and Marlayne Giron for the opportunity to recieve a copy of Second Chance Inn in return for an honest review.
"Second Chance Inn"is a poignant tale of loss, sorrow, and starting over. The story follows Rachel Winston, who, after the sudden and tragic death of her husband, relocates from Southern California to Lancaster County, PA, with her adopted teenage daughter, Karen. There, she buys an Amish farmhouse with plans to open a Bed & Breakfast Inn. The farmhouse was sold by Samuel Miller, a young Amish widower grieving the loss of his wife and five children. As Rachel and Samuel navigate their shared grief, their relationship deepens, challenging the strict norms of his community. Rachel’s struggle to adapt to the Amish way of life is contrasted with her daughter’s ease in fitting in. This heartwarming and emotional novel is perfect for readers who enjoy Amish storylines and tales of resilience and new beginnings.
"Second Chance Inn"is a poignant tale of loss, sorrow, and starting over. The story follows Rachel Winston, who, after the sudden and tragic death of her husband, relocates from Southern California to Lancaster County, PA, with her adopted teenage daughter, Karen. There, she buys an Amish farmhouse with plans to open a Bed & Breakfast Inn. The farmhouse was sold by Samuel Miller, a young Amish widower grieving the loss of his wife and five children. As Rachel and Samuel navigate their shared grief, their relationship deepens, challenging the strict norms of his community. Rachel’s struggle to adapt to the Amish way of life is contrasted with her daughter’s ease in fitting in. This heartwarming and emotional novel is perfect for readers who enjoy Amish storylines and tales of resilience and new beginnings.
October 25, 2023
Marlayne Giron has done it again, knocking a story out of the park! I love visiting Lancaster, PA and this story paints the perfect picture of what you'd see there and gives us the sweetest characters that make this community one you will want to visit in person. Rachel and Karen, this mother and daughter team, leave everything they know to move to Lancaster and start a fresh new life after the passing of their husband and Dad. I have had to start fresh in a new state myself and it is so not easy. Rachel and Karen handle this with such grace, hope and determination to make their lives truly the best they could be. Then we meet Samuel, oh everyone needs a Samuel. With loss behind each of these, they come together to forge a unit that becomes most special and one that you will adore. Journey into this story full of love, hope and second chances. You will not be disappointed!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews