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Second Time Around
A heart-warming tale of love in the face of family and friendship, perfect for fans of Cathy Kelly and Maeve Binchy
Divorcee Jennifer Irwin has it all – a successful interior design business and two loving children. But as her 45th birthday approaches and her children prepare to start their own lives, Jennifer is left feeling lonely in her empty nest.
That’s when she meets Ben Crawford – a man 16 years her junior – as their attraction heightens, Jennifer realises what she’s been missing. But mindful that the small-town Ballyfergus residents would never approve, they conduct their affair in secret.
But a secret is never a secret for long…
As the affair surfaces, Jennifer encounters opposition from friends and family, especially her daughter Lucy. Enraged by her mother’s relationship, Lucy seeks comfort in the arms of charismatic but troubled, Oren. Jennifer knows that Oren is not the man he seems, but can she convince her daughter of that?
And with everything going against them, can Jennifer and Ben’s love survive? Or will she risk losing her daughter to be with the man she loves?
Divorcee Jennifer Irwin has it all – a successful interior design business and two loving children. But as her 45th birthday approaches and her children prepare to start their own lives, Jennifer is left feeling lonely in her empty nest.
That’s when she meets Ben Crawford – a man 16 years her junior – as their attraction heightens, Jennifer realises what she’s been missing. But mindful that the small-town Ballyfergus residents would never approve, they conduct their affair in secret.
But a secret is never a secret for long…
As the affair surfaces, Jennifer encounters opposition from friends and family, especially her daughter Lucy. Enraged by her mother’s relationship, Lucy seeks comfort in the arms of charismatic but troubled, Oren. Jennifer knows that Oren is not the man he seems, but can she convince her daughter of that?
And with everything going against them, can Jennifer and Ben’s love survive? Or will she risk losing her daughter to be with the man she loves?
- GenresChick Lit
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2012
26 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Erin Kaye
17 books46 followersErin Kaye (real name Patricia Kay) was born in Larne, Northern Ireland in 1966. She studied Geography at the University of Ulster where she met her husband, Mervyn. They married ten days after graduating and moved to Scotland where Erin joined a Scottish bank as a graduate recruit. Ten years later she’d had enough of the long working-hours culture and decided to pack it all in to write her first novel. Mothers and Daughters was published in 2003, followed in 2004 by Choices, Second Chances in 2005, Closer to Home in 2006 and My Husband's Lover in 2008.
Erin lives in North Berwick on the East Coast of Scotland with her husband, two young sons, Ryan and Liam, and Murphy the dog.
Star sign: Scorpio
Middle name: Anne
Parents: Pat and Jim
Siblings: Mary, Janet, Jim and Susan
Erin lives in North Berwick on the East Coast of Scotland with her husband, two young sons, Ryan and Liam, and Murphy the dog.
Star sign: Scorpio
Middle name: Anne
Parents: Pat and Jim
Siblings: Mary, Janet, Jim and Susan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 1, 2012
Divorcee Jennifer Irwin has it all – a successful interior design business and two loving children. But as her 45th birthday approaches and her children prepare to start their own lives, Jennifer is left feeling lonely in her empty nest. That’s when she meets Ben Crawford – a man 16 years her junior – as their attraction heightens, Jennifer realises what she’s been missing. But mindful that the small-town Ballyfergus residents would never approve, they conduct their affair in secret.
But a secret is never a secret for long… As the affair surfaces, Jennifer encounters opposition from friends and family, especially her daughter Lucy. Enraged by her mother’s relationship, Lucy seeks comfort in the arms of charismatic but troubled, Oren.
Jennifer knows that Oren is not the man he seems, but can she convince her daughter of that? And with everything going against them, can Jennifer and Ben’s love survive? Or will she risk losing her daughter to be with the man she loves?
Erin Kaye is an author I had not come across before, I loved the sound of the synopsis as it is a situation I am sure alot of people find themselves in when they have had a previous relationship which has ended and having the uncertainty of how the children will feel about a new relationship looming.
Jennifer who is our lead character is a loveable character and it is clear although her children are now grown up they are still the centre of her world and her emotions shown well in this book where she is torn between following her head or her heart as she really cannot bear the thought of disappointing her children but she has clearly fallen for Ben who although is younger in age comes across as a very mature character but |I think this is because of the characters background story.
This book flowed at a perfect pace and had me hooked from the first chapter the only time I was a little hesitant was when the religious aspect was brought into the storyline as I know we all have our own beliefs but I personally do not to read about religion but I needn’t have worried as this didn’t distract me from the storyline and it also had its own little twist!
The book was slightly predictable but it was great to see the journey the author created to get us to the predictable outcome. I will look for future books by this author as this was a great book and at a fantastic price on Kindle at the moment.
But a secret is never a secret for long… As the affair surfaces, Jennifer encounters opposition from friends and family, especially her daughter Lucy. Enraged by her mother’s relationship, Lucy seeks comfort in the arms of charismatic but troubled, Oren.
Jennifer knows that Oren is not the man he seems, but can she convince her daughter of that? And with everything going against them, can Jennifer and Ben’s love survive? Or will she risk losing her daughter to be with the man she loves?
Erin Kaye is an author I had not come across before, I loved the sound of the synopsis as it is a situation I am sure alot of people find themselves in when they have had a previous relationship which has ended and having the uncertainty of how the children will feel about a new relationship looming.
Jennifer who is our lead character is a loveable character and it is clear although her children are now grown up they are still the centre of her world and her emotions shown well in this book where she is torn between following her head or her heart as she really cannot bear the thought of disappointing her children but she has clearly fallen for Ben who although is younger in age comes across as a very mature character but |I think this is because of the characters background story.
This book flowed at a perfect pace and had me hooked from the first chapter the only time I was a little hesitant was when the religious aspect was brought into the storyline as I know we all have our own beliefs but I personally do not to read about religion but I needn’t have worried as this didn’t distract me from the storyline and it also had its own little twist!
The book was slightly predictable but it was great to see the journey the author created to get us to the predictable outcome. I will look for future books by this author as this was a great book and at a fantastic price on Kindle at the moment.
June 9, 2013
A boring read, predictable outcomes
September 30, 2024
An enjoyable read which was predictable in places but had a unique twist to the story. I loved the setting. Having never been to Ireland, I seem to have a small infatuation with this country. It’s well written, which was easy to read right from the beginning. I loved the couger story as well as Lucy’s. It’s refreshing to read the traditional chick lit storey line with a modern twist. But really it’s not a book I’ll rave about. I enjoyed it, but it was just a good book really. Good enough to read on holiday, or whilst relaxing after a hard day at work.
I’m rating this as a good read
I’m rating this as a good read
May 3, 2019
2.5 stars
October 30, 2024
Worse plot ever
February 6, 2025
Predictable but cute
August 30, 2012
This book consists of many different relationships, not just a romantic one. That is one reason that I loved this book so much. When you look at the front cover and you read the synopsis, you might be tempted to assume that Jennifer Irwin is the only character getting a second try at love or life. You would be wrong. So many other characters bloom and blossom throughout the novel. There are so many different relationships happening, but the book is never confusing and it is very easy to maintain what is going on and whose perspective is being revealed.
One of my favorite characters was Jennifer’s daughter, Lucy. At first, I will tell you that I hated her and the way that she treated her mother. Lucy and Jennifer do not have the best relationship in the beginning of the story. One of my favorite parts was getting to know what was going on between them more than any of the other characters. Lucy was studying at university and was still trying to “define” herself, which is completely understandable if you have ever been to university. It is a big change in any young adult’s life and you find out a lot of things that you didn’t know about yourself prior to attending. Lucy has a lot of maturing to do at first; she is ungrateful and takes everything for granted. Her character was my favorite to analyze and guess what horrible decisions she would make next!
The fact that Jennifer and Ben’s relationship steps outside of the box, at least in their community, is what kept me so interested. Jennifer is a “cougar” as she would be called in America or at least where I grew up. I loved that they both felt such a strong connection to each other that the age did not seem to matter because in reality, it doesn’t. Jennifer had me from the start because I just respected her character so much. The way that she was able to be civil and even kind to her ex-husband who then married her ex-best friend is totally commendable. Jennifer was just such a poised character and even made her flaws seem sophisticated.
This was a charming read, by far. I loved finding this new author, whose work I am now going to obsess over! Erin has been so great and is one of the kindest authors that I have worked with. I highly suggest looking into this book and giving it a try if you think you can handle all the screwed up relationships that are involved, and I mean that in the best way possible. I just want to say a big thank you to Erin, and to all of my many readers who keep me pushing on even when I am covered up in schoolwork and my blog has to take the back seat!
***A big thank also to the publishers at Avon/Harper Collins for sending me a copy of this enjoyable read in exchange for my unbiased opinion***
One of my favorite characters was Jennifer’s daughter, Lucy. At first, I will tell you that I hated her and the way that she treated her mother. Lucy and Jennifer do not have the best relationship in the beginning of the story. One of my favorite parts was getting to know what was going on between them more than any of the other characters. Lucy was studying at university and was still trying to “define” herself, which is completely understandable if you have ever been to university. It is a big change in any young adult’s life and you find out a lot of things that you didn’t know about yourself prior to attending. Lucy has a lot of maturing to do at first; she is ungrateful and takes everything for granted. Her character was my favorite to analyze and guess what horrible decisions she would make next!
The fact that Jennifer and Ben’s relationship steps outside of the box, at least in their community, is what kept me so interested. Jennifer is a “cougar” as she would be called in America or at least where I grew up. I loved that they both felt such a strong connection to each other that the age did not seem to matter because in reality, it doesn’t. Jennifer had me from the start because I just respected her character so much. The way that she was able to be civil and even kind to her ex-husband who then married her ex-best friend is totally commendable. Jennifer was just such a poised character and even made her flaws seem sophisticated.
This was a charming read, by far. I loved finding this new author, whose work I am now going to obsess over! Erin has been so great and is one of the kindest authors that I have worked with. I highly suggest looking into this book and giving it a try if you think you can handle all the screwed up relationships that are involved, and I mean that in the best way possible. I just want to say a big thank you to Erin, and to all of my many readers who keep me pushing on even when I am covered up in schoolwork and my blog has to take the back seat!
***A big thank also to the publishers at Avon/Harper Collins for sending me a copy of this enjoyable read in exchange for my unbiased opinion***
October 28, 2013
I picked up a copy of this recently when I saw it in the supermarket. The cover is pretty and the subject sounded like something I would usually like - it had nothing to do with the author and I sharing the same name - honest! I like how this book has been given a content guide on the back cover so if the blurb isn't enough to convince you this is your type of book then this will.
The story is set in Ireland, focusing on the Irwin family and is told from Jennifer, Lucy and Ben's point of views. I was glad to see this as I have been reading a lot lately and wishing that some books had some perspective from the other characters - so this was an added bonus. I was hooked straight away after reading the first chapter and couldn't put it down until I had finished it two days later.
Single mother, divorcee Jennifer is starting to live her life for herself again now that her children are grown up and have flown the nest. While being encouraged to start dating again Jennifer's eyes lock with Ben's. Their mutual attraction is instant and their relationship flourishes as they start working together in Ben's new business.
Ben has been in business with his father since the death of his brother. He's not interested and would have much rather followed his own path in life. Meeting Jennifer is like having his eyes opened to what he is missing in life and he can finally face up to the secret burden he has carried for many years.
Lucy is Jennifer's 20 year old daughter. Struggling to cope with university and with an addiction she can't admit, she is on the brink - until she meets Oren. Tall, handsome worldy Oren takes Lucy under his wing and with guidance gifted to him by God Oren helps her on the right path, and to find her calling in life. When Oren and Jennifer clash, the Irwin family are nearly torn apart.
The story is fast paced and full of emotion. There is something in each character that is identifiable making it easy to empathise with them all. The book also broaches two ever present issues in society - relationships and religion. Erin handles both of them with care and ensures the story is thought provoking, allowing the readers to really engage with it. I wasn't sure how I felt at first as the subject of religion is discussed quite heavily, however instead of being detrimental to the story it adds to it - so don't be put off! I am sure that this will not be the last of Erin's books that I will read. If you like Freya North I think you will like this.
The story is set in Ireland, focusing on the Irwin family and is told from Jennifer, Lucy and Ben's point of views. I was glad to see this as I have been reading a lot lately and wishing that some books had some perspective from the other characters - so this was an added bonus. I was hooked straight away after reading the first chapter and couldn't put it down until I had finished it two days later.
Single mother, divorcee Jennifer is starting to live her life for herself again now that her children are grown up and have flown the nest. While being encouraged to start dating again Jennifer's eyes lock with Ben's. Their mutual attraction is instant and their relationship flourishes as they start working together in Ben's new business.
Ben has been in business with his father since the death of his brother. He's not interested and would have much rather followed his own path in life. Meeting Jennifer is like having his eyes opened to what he is missing in life and he can finally face up to the secret burden he has carried for many years.
Lucy is Jennifer's 20 year old daughter. Struggling to cope with university and with an addiction she can't admit, she is on the brink - until she meets Oren. Tall, handsome worldy Oren takes Lucy under his wing and with guidance gifted to him by God Oren helps her on the right path, and to find her calling in life. When Oren and Jennifer clash, the Irwin family are nearly torn apart.
The story is fast paced and full of emotion. There is something in each character that is identifiable making it easy to empathise with them all. The book also broaches two ever present issues in society - relationships and religion. Erin handles both of them with care and ensures the story is thought provoking, allowing the readers to really engage with it. I wasn't sure how I felt at first as the subject of religion is discussed quite heavily, however instead of being detrimental to the story it adds to it - so don't be put off! I am sure that this will not be the last of Erin's books that I will read. If you like Freya North I think you will like this.
July 25, 2012
44 year old divorcee Jennifer Irwin meets Ben Crawford, a man 16 years her junior, and they fall for each other instantly. Second Time Around explores the attitudes of their immediate family members towards their relationship.
There would be plenty of snide comments and gossip outside of family in a real life situation like this, especially given Ben's status in the business world, although this is not explored in any depth and I do feel it would have benefitted the story.
Lucy, Jennifer's daughter, is the other main character of the book. Shy and lonely, she is taken in by the charms of Oren, a religious fanatic. I could absolutely see why someone like Lucy would fall for him, but found it hard to believe that a young lady with as much self loathing as Lucy could have come from a family like Jennifer's, caring and sucessful, the type of family to nurture confident and succesful children.
All that aside, the book is very readable, just not likely to leave any lasting impression.
There would be plenty of snide comments and gossip outside of family in a real life situation like this, especially given Ben's status in the business world, although this is not explored in any depth and I do feel it would have benefitted the story.
Lucy, Jennifer's daughter, is the other main character of the book. Shy and lonely, she is taken in by the charms of Oren, a religious fanatic. I could absolutely see why someone like Lucy would fall for him, but found it hard to believe that a young lady with as much self loathing as Lucy could have come from a family like Jennifer's, caring and sucessful, the type of family to nurture confident and succesful children.
All that aside, the book is very readable, just not likely to leave any lasting impression.
October 15, 2012
Jennifer is a forty-four year old successful business woman, divorced with two children who have just flown the nest. Jennifer is now at the stage in her life that she should be able to live her life just for herself and to do exactly what she wants to do with her life. When she finds herself attracted to a much younger man Ben, after all the time she has given to her family, can she now spend her time doing what she wants to do regardless of what her family may think of her?
This is a great romance story, not about an older woman or cougar preying on a much younger man, but about two people who genuinely love and care for each other and the woman just happens to be older. The story is not just about Jennifer and Ben’s relationship, it is also about the relationships they have with different family members too. A modern day romance with a good story that is true to life. This is a book that is well worth the read.
This is a great romance story, not about an older woman or cougar preying on a much younger man, but about two people who genuinely love and care for each other and the woman just happens to be older. The story is not just about Jennifer and Ben’s relationship, it is also about the relationships they have with different family members too. A modern day romance with a good story that is true to life. This is a book that is well worth the read.
November 6, 2012
Set in fictitious town of Ballyfergus, Ireland, this heart warming story had my full attention.
The lead character Jennifer has a story that I could identify with, apart from the younger man. :)
The strong characters each had their own background to bring to the story and reason for being there.
Each situation and problem that Jennifer came across was believable . There were no "that just wouldn't happen" scenes. I liked that.
A very lifelike look at the changing dynamics of a family post-divorce, where dad has moved on, but the children find it difficult to come to terms with mum moving on.
I felt like I was catching up with an old friend and how her life was changing as she reached her mid 40's.
I loved it!
10/10 for me!
Thank you to Avon for a review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.
The lead character Jennifer has a story that I could identify with, apart from the younger man. :)
The strong characters each had their own background to bring to the story and reason for being there.
Each situation and problem that Jennifer came across was believable . There were no "that just wouldn't happen" scenes. I liked that.
A very lifelike look at the changing dynamics of a family post-divorce, where dad has moved on, but the children find it difficult to come to terms with mum moving on.
I felt like I was catching up with an old friend and how her life was changing as she reached her mid 40's.
I loved it!
10/10 for me!
Thank you to Avon for a review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.
January 16, 2014
I quite enjoyed reading this story but the stylistic issues and narrative inconsistencies irritated: Oren's supposedly wealthy family who came across as somewhat ignorant and "common" (yet he attended the same expensive supposedly high-class public school as Ben), Oren's sudden turn-about in character from puritanical evangelical bible-basher to sex maniac, Lucy's almost pathological rejection of her mother and her resort to gambling followed by her blind devotion to Oren ... these seemed to be "explained away" by the author superficially but unconvincingly, I'm afraid. There were some interesting issues broached which could have been developed further and this would have deepened the narrative, but I guess that's chick-lit. I got the feeling that the author was reining herself in. Shame. But a nice read by the fire on a winter's evening.
September 19, 2012
An enjoyable read which was predictable in places but had a unique twist to the story. I loved the setting. Having never been to Ireland, I seem to have a small infatuation with this country. It’s well written, which was easy to read right from the beginning. I loved the couger story as well as Lucy’s. It’s refreshing to read the traditional chick lit storey line with a modern twist. But really it’s not a book I’ll rave about. I enjoyed it, but it was just a good book really. Good enough to read on holiday, or whilst relaxing after a hard day at work.
I’m rating this as a good read.
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I’m rating this as a good read.
Read more reviews in my blog: www.rosiereview.wordpress.com
Follow me on twitter @rosiereview
October 27, 2012
When I picked this book, I thought it was only the story of Jennifer and how she gave life a second chance after her failed marriage to David and upon meeting Ben. However, every character in this book is giving life a second chance in an attempt to be happy. Ben meeting Jennifer and falling in love despite the age difference and gaining the strength to pursue his dreams. Lucy (Jennifer's daughter) meeting Oren and finding her faith in God. Matt (Jennifer's son) becoming a chef. Then there's Alan, Brian, David, Maggie, Donna... Erin Kaye brings in "second Time Around" a heart-warming tale of family, friendship and love.
July 18, 2012
Jennifer Murray is an Interior Designer with her own business; she is
divorced with 2 grown up children Matt and Lucy. Jennifer meets
Gorgeous Ben Crawford (heir to The Crawford Empire) Ben was voted
Northern Irelands most Eligible Bachelor of the year by Ulster Tatler.
They are both attracted to one another but he is 16 years younger than
Jennifer what would their families say about their relationship? I
really enjoyed this book it was funny at times very easy to read and
follow definitely recommend.
divorced with 2 grown up children Matt and Lucy. Jennifer meets
Gorgeous Ben Crawford (heir to The Crawford Empire) Ben was voted
Northern Irelands most Eligible Bachelor of the year by Ulster Tatler.
They are both attracted to one another but he is 16 years younger than
Jennifer what would their families say about their relationship? I
really enjoyed this book it was funny at times very easy to read and
follow definitely recommend.
August 7, 2012
A totally lovely summer read which brings faith back to the happy ever after. Jennifer feels, like a lot of people do when they meet a milestone birthday, as though there has to be more to life, her children are growing and not needing her as much and life just feels empty. Ben is just the ticket she needs to put that spring back in her step, but as she lives in a small village, Jen's new love interest is big news and every one has an opinion. Brilliantly written with loveable characters from the start.
May 2, 2013
I must say I was surprised by the taboo issue of older women dating younger men but as the author suggested that if its ok for men to date younger women then why can't women date younger men. This story sure shows that to love someone, you heart and mind should be connected, age is therefore just a number.
December 12, 2013
can't say im satisfied with this book. was at first expecting a love story and roller coaster of ups and downs between two people but instead it revolves around more than two people and the romance part is only one little tiny fragment. I would say this is more like a life of a single successful mum rather than a love story.
May 29, 2014
I really love this book. I love how Erin Kaye could set the story in my head and make it stand inside for days. I'm absolutely falling on Jennifer & Ben. Kaye writes their love story honestly and the fact that the two of them have to suffer from people who judge, just make their love story even more interesting. I highly recommend this book for everyone!
March 28, 2015
A fairly solid novel, but not one that inspired me to finish it in any great hurry. Some of the sub-plots (such as the trials of the main character's daughter) held my interest far more than the main romance, resulting in a book where lightning-quick reads would be followed by bouts of slower reading, where I struggled to be interested.
April 10, 2013
Started off well for the first about 100 pages then I just found it boring and predictable and I wasn't keen on the constant mention of God. It isn't to do with my beliefs I just felt this didn't add to the book if anything it spoiled it for me.
July 16, 2012
This was good - kept me hooked throughout and an unusual theme. Just a few stylistic niggles - e.g. must have been a good half dozen cockings of the head, and they jarred a bit with me. Nice book though - I'll read more by her...
February 17, 2015
Was hoping for a romantic read but there were so many relationships developed in this book that it didn't satisfy the book cover. Jennifer's relationship is the least developed. Everyone is happy in the end--too perfect of an ending.
August 30, 2012
This book bored me a wee bit too much
Read
February 23, 2013Good story, I enjoyed the book but thought that lot more could have been made of the relationship between Ben and Jennifer. I thought the spotlight was more on her daughter, which was a shame.
September 10, 2012
This is a good book. Bit strange at times, but a good read!
October 15, 2012
An uncomplicated read about complicated love stories.
Feelgood and had a tear in my eye at the end which is always good!
Feelgood and had a tear in my eye at the end which is always good!
December 16, 2012
Slow but improved towards the end. Enjoyed
November 1, 2014
oh wow what a great book one of my favourites this year.. loved ben and jennifer. loved the storyline the characters and hate that its over.. 10/10
June 26, 2013
Ok, chic lit, could have been more developed. Pleasant read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews