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That Second Chance #1
Pulling Home
It’s all about that second chance…
Sometimes we’re lucky enough to get that second chance—in life and in love. That Second Chance Series are stories of strong women who battle heartache and loss with courage and determination to find new paths and true love. These books are standalones and are NOT related. Therefore, the characters from one story will not appear in another. What ties them together? A common theme—belief in the beauty of that second chance.
Pulling Home is Book One in That Second Chance Series.
She'll risk anything to save her child…even the truth
It’s taken nine years and a cross-country move, but Audra Valentine Wheyton has kept her secrets safe. She’s created the perfect life—a husband who loves her, a daughter she adores, and a position as head writer for an award-winning daytime soap. When her husband dies suddenly, Audra returns to her hometown for the funeral and faces a community that has not forgotten her meager beginnings and a man who has never forgiven her for marrying his brother.
Jack Wheyton is a successful pediatric neurosurgeon who is about to become engaged when Audra walks back into his life with her daughter. He forgave his brother long ago for taking something that had been his, something he hadn’t even realized he wanted until it was gone. But forgiving Audra is another story…and forgetting her? Near impossible.
When a shattering illness strikes Audra’s daughter, she turns to Jack to save her child and risks exposing a secret that will change their lives forever.
That Second Chance Series
Book One: Pulling Home - She'll risk anything to save her child...even the truth
Book Two: The Way They Were - Tragedy tore them apart, destiny will bring them back together
Book Three: Simple Riches - What is real weath?
Book Four: Paradise Found - How does one see truly? With the heart or with the eyes?
Book Five: Not Your Everyday Housewife
Book Six: The Butterfly Garden
Sometimes we’re lucky enough to get that second chance—in life and in love. That Second Chance Series are stories of strong women who battle heartache and loss with courage and determination to find new paths and true love. These books are standalones and are NOT related. Therefore, the characters from one story will not appear in another. What ties them together? A common theme—belief in the beauty of that second chance.
Pulling Home is Book One in That Second Chance Series.
She'll risk anything to save her child…even the truth
It’s taken nine years and a cross-country move, but Audra Valentine Wheyton has kept her secrets safe. She’s created the perfect life—a husband who loves her, a daughter she adores, and a position as head writer for an award-winning daytime soap. When her husband dies suddenly, Audra returns to her hometown for the funeral and faces a community that has not forgotten her meager beginnings and a man who has never forgiven her for marrying his brother.
Jack Wheyton is a successful pediatric neurosurgeon who is about to become engaged when Audra walks back into his life with her daughter. He forgave his brother long ago for taking something that had been his, something he hadn’t even realized he wanted until it was gone. But forgiving Audra is another story…and forgetting her? Near impossible.
When a shattering illness strikes Audra’s daughter, she turns to Jack to save her child and risks exposing a secret that will change their lives forever.
That Second Chance Series
Book One: Pulling Home - She'll risk anything to save her child...even the truth
Book Two: The Way They Were - Tragedy tore them apart, destiny will bring them back together
Book Three: Simple Riches - What is real weath?
Book Four: Paradise Found - How does one see truly? With the heart or with the eyes?
Book Five: Not Your Everyday Housewife
Book Six: The Butterfly Garden
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2012
1267 people are currently reading
1641 people want to read
About the author
Mary Campisi
80 books419 followersMary Campisi is the author of over 40 emotion-packed novels that center around hope, redemption, and second chances.
Mary should have known she'd become a writer when at age thirteen she began changing the ending to all the books she read. It took several years and a number of jobs, including registered nurse, receptionist in a swanky hair salon, accounts payable clerk, and practice manager in an OB/GYN office, for her to rediscover writing. Enter a mouse-less computer, a floppy disk, and a dream large enough to fill a zip drive. The rest of the story lives on in every book she writes.
When she's not working on her craft or following the lives of five adult children, Mary's digging in the dirt with her flowers and herbs, cooking, reading, walking her rescue lab, Henry, or, on the perfect day, riding off into the sunset with her very own hero/husband on his Ultra Limited aka Harley.
If you would like to be notified when Mary has a new release, please sign up at http://www.marycampisi.com/book/book-...
website: marycampisi.com
e-mail: mary@marycampisi.com
blog: marycampisi.com/blog/
twitter: twitter.com/MaryCampisi
facebook: facebook.com/marycampisibooks
Instagram: instagram.com/marycampisiauthor/
Mary should have known she'd become a writer when at age thirteen she began changing the ending to all the books she read. It took several years and a number of jobs, including registered nurse, receptionist in a swanky hair salon, accounts payable clerk, and practice manager in an OB/GYN office, for her to rediscover writing. Enter a mouse-less computer, a floppy disk, and a dream large enough to fill a zip drive. The rest of the story lives on in every book she writes.
When she's not working on her craft or following the lives of five adult children, Mary's digging in the dirt with her flowers and herbs, cooking, reading, walking her rescue lab, Henry, or, on the perfect day, riding off into the sunset with her very own hero/husband on his Ultra Limited aka Harley.
If you would like to be notified when Mary has a new release, please sign up at http://www.marycampisi.com/book/book-...
website: marycampisi.com
e-mail: mary@marycampisi.com
blog: marycampisi.com/blog/
twitter: twitter.com/MaryCampisi
facebook: facebook.com/marycampisibooks
Instagram: instagram.com/marycampisiauthor/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
January 27, 2017
I have been going through my kindle trying to read books that I already have and not buy more new books. I wondered why I bought this one and I see I got it as a freebie back in 2013!
I have never read this author before but I enjoyed it. OK, saw most of the "twists" coming but that didn't take from my enjoyment of the book.
Jack was a bit of an ass at times.
"You have your mother's eyes.
Warm as a shot of whiskey on a cold night."
I will definitely check out more by this author.
I have never read this author before but I enjoyed it. OK, saw most of the "twists" coming but that didn't take from my enjoyment of the book.
Jack was a bit of an ass at times.
"You have your mother's eyes.
Warm as a shot of whiskey on a cold night."
"I can't get you out of my system.
Even after all these years."
"Sooner or later the truth always comes out."
I will definitely check out more by this author.
August 30, 2021
free 30 Aug 2021:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
SPOILERS
In college:
Boy meets girl.
Insta fling.
She falls pregnant but before she can tell H he breaks up with her because he needs to concentrate on his studies
She marries his brother, they leave town and everyone thinks the baby is the brother’s. He’s gay, so no nookie for her for 9 years.
Now:
His brother dies.
She and kid go back home for the funeral. Hxh meet again for 1st time in 9 years.
Same sparks fly except now he’s engaged. He cheats on the (mentally unstable - she’s damn cray-cray) fiancée with the h.
The kid gets sick and H is the best dr to treat her. Lies and secrets are revealed. He leaves the ow. They have their HEA after MUCH scandal.
👆🏽Those are the bare bones of the story. So MANY other shenanigans going on in this small town:
Suicide, almost-incest, unpriest-like priests, infidelity, backstabbing, interfering old women, etc etc etc etc etc
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
SPOILERS
In college:
Boy meets girl.
Insta fling.
She falls pregnant but before she can tell H he breaks up with her because he needs to concentrate on his studies
She marries his brother, they leave town and everyone thinks the baby is the brother’s. He’s gay, so no nookie for her for 9 years.
Now:
His brother dies.
She and kid go back home for the funeral. Hxh meet again for 1st time in 9 years.
Same sparks fly except now he’s engaged. He cheats on the (mentally unstable - she’s damn cray-cray) fiancée with the h.
The kid gets sick and H is the best dr to treat her. Lies and secrets are revealed. He leaves the ow. They have their HEA after MUCH scandal.
👆🏽Those are the bare bones of the story. So MANY other shenanigans going on in this small town:
Suicide, almost-incest, unpriest-like priests, infidelity, backstabbing, interfering old women, etc etc etc etc etc
October 6, 2012
I bought this book after reading A Family Affair by Mary Campisi. This book started out good but ended up being boring & silly. I hated the brother and found it incomprehensible that you would end up in a closet having sex with your brother in law right after he performed brain surgery on your child. I skipped over much of the book just because I had already invested my time & I wanted to see how it ended. Another waste as they tied up all the loose ends in a way that was totally unbelievable. Waste of time, don't even begin this book.
February 12, 2014
This is the first book by Mary Campisi that I have read.. this will not the last.. This book blew my mind.. the twist the turns.. the secrets.. some shocking.. some heart warming.. the revelations totally flawed me Especially Peter and Christian..Have to admit I cried.. and the story blended well.. the characters very believable.. even if I times I wanted to boot Jack up the butt..will not give the story away I detest spoilers... If you want to know the story please please download the book you will not be disappointed I highly recommend this book..
May 15, 2017
WTF. The H is a jerk. He keeps trashing the h, but gets away with it. Not enough groveling.
January 8, 2013
Mary Campisi's Pulling Home was another brilliant book in her Second Chances Series. Once again, it was an enthralling story with captivating storylines, likeable characters and quite a few twists and turns to keep you guessing.
There were a few medical inaccuracies, but they didn't distract me too much from the plot. The book was masterfully written, teasing you with hints of the truth, yet keeping the mystery and intrigue alive until close to the very end.
In many ways, brilliant surgeon Jack Wheyton was the atypical Hero. Distractingly handsome and sexy, yet for the most part, not particularly likeable. He was self-absorbed and selfish, however, you still wanted him to forgive himself, to be able to be redeemed from his self loathing and guilt, to attain love.
Likewise, it was not a quick journey to discover and applaud Audra Valentine Wheyton's kind-hearted, generous and sacrificial character. She had hidden strengths and intelligent insight despite her sorrowful upbringing and scarred self-image.
As described by the synopsis, Pulling Home is all about second chances. Not just second chances at love, but also at self-discovery for all the characters involved in the story. It was engrossing, cleverly written and thought provoking. Not a light, fun romp, but a book i highly recommend be read. Well done Mary Campisi! Well done! I look forward to more in this series.
There were a few medical inaccuracies, but they didn't distract me too much from the plot. The book was masterfully written, teasing you with hints of the truth, yet keeping the mystery and intrigue alive until close to the very end.
In many ways, brilliant surgeon Jack Wheyton was the atypical Hero. Distractingly handsome and sexy, yet for the most part, not particularly likeable. He was self-absorbed and selfish, however, you still wanted him to forgive himself, to be able to be redeemed from his self loathing and guilt, to attain love.
Likewise, it was not a quick journey to discover and applaud Audra Valentine Wheyton's kind-hearted, generous and sacrificial character. She had hidden strengths and intelligent insight despite her sorrowful upbringing and scarred self-image.
As described by the synopsis, Pulling Home is all about second chances. Not just second chances at love, but also at self-discovery for all the characters involved in the story. It was engrossing, cleverly written and thought provoking. Not a light, fun romp, but a book i highly recommend be read. Well done Mary Campisi! Well done! I look forward to more in this series.
December 30, 2013
I really like this author as just recently read her first two books in the Family Affair (Truth in Lies Series)—highly recommend, and Pushing Home (Second Chance Book #1) which can be a standalone, was included as a preview in the e-book. I listened to the audio version and the narrator did an outstanding job.
The story had a number of twists, secrets, and turns from tragedy to hot sex. A story of misunderstandings, redemption, second chances and love with lots of secrets and shockers near the end which helps explain the events throughout the novel.
Audra, a head writer for a famous soap opera, returns home (to a town where everyone hates due to her family history), after her husband Christian dies with her eight year old daughter. Her daughter has a very serious illness and she has to put aside her feelings for Jack (the surgeon) - -Christian’s brother with who she had an affair with years ago. She also sets on a journey to find her father for the family medical history which is needed for her daughter.
A heartfelt story of family secrets and drama and look forward to reading more from this author!
The story had a number of twists, secrets, and turns from tragedy to hot sex. A story of misunderstandings, redemption, second chances and love with lots of secrets and shockers near the end which helps explain the events throughout the novel.
Audra, a head writer for a famous soap opera, returns home (to a town where everyone hates due to her family history), after her husband Christian dies with her eight year old daughter. Her daughter has a very serious illness and she has to put aside her feelings for Jack (the surgeon) - -Christian’s brother with who she had an affair with years ago. She also sets on a journey to find her father for the family medical history which is needed for her daughter.
A heartfelt story of family secrets and drama and look forward to reading more from this author!
July 5, 2018
I almost stopped reading this book in the first few chapters. I was unsure how it would all be tied together without being...trashy. I mean, come on, woman marries ex's brother and that brother dies and now you are thrown together with the ex again? How in the world can that work without a convoluted storyline? I am so glad I kept going. This is such a great story of second chances, forgiveness and family. My biggest complaint is in the later part of the book, when Peter and Audra meet with Jack, at his request, Jack said some mean and hateful things and in the next few sentences, she forgave what he said and they move forward. I thought that was rather rushed after such a build up, but otherwise it was a strong story and I can't wait for the second in this series.
July 12, 2018
Pulling Home: That Second Chance, Book 1
The love story of Jack and Audra. When they were in college one day Jack told Audra that he was not ready for a life together, they were ten years to soon and he went on a ski trip. When he return Audra and his brother had elope and move to California. Eight years later, Christian is dead and Audra's daughter need brain surgery and Jack is the best doctor to do it. Will the truth come out and can Audra forgive Jack? Great story.
The love story of Jack and Audra. When they were in college one day Jack told Audra that he was not ready for a life together, they were ten years to soon and he went on a ski trip. When he return Audra and his brother had elope and move to California. Eight years later, Christian is dead and Audra's daughter need brain surgery and Jack is the best doctor to do it. Will the truth come out and can Audra forgive Jack? Great story.
April 14, 2021
TW/CW: Grief, death of a loved one.
Sexual harassment and assault (isn’t main character and isn’t on page, but there are a few mentions of this)
Questionable consent
Yikes.
I had this on my Kindle (it was a freebie) for a few years. I’m trying to do a Kindle “cleanup” this year and read ones that have been on there for a while rather than keep buying new books.
I liked the premise of this one. Audra is a widow, her husband dies. Her kid gets sick. So, lotta heartbreak for Audra here. Okay, that I’m cool with. We find out that Audra had been in love with her husband’s brother, who is now the doctor treating her kid. (We all know where this is going, right?). I didn’t feel much build up because it was so obvious what was coming up. There’s another “twist” about Audra that we also see coming a mile away.
So, I just couldn’t get into the story, but that wasn’t even my main issue. Like I rolled my eyes so freaking hard at this one. Jack is Kara’s (the kid) doctor? He’s related to her, but a hospital is like “nah, go ahead and perform SURGERY ON A CHILD YOU ARE RELATED TO?! Really?
Audra works as a head writer on a soap opera, but she writes it anonymously? This book was published in 2014. There is the issue that a) why would an employer think that Audra is so indispensable that they allow her to write for a show and be all “no one can know who I am” and b) again, this is 2014. People barely gave a fuck about soap operas then, yet alone care enough that when her identify is reveled the paparazzi heads to the state she’s in with her in-laws (Audra was living in California. Her in laws lived somewhere else. This is brought up a lot because her late husband’s parents blame her for their son moving to California)
I’ve never known anyone to be so into the writers of a TV show that the writers are hounded by paparazzi. This was just beyond ridiculous, imo.
Also the fact that this book was published in 2014 is astounding. It reads like one of those old paperbacks my grandma might have read. Everything about it seems outdated.
We have a heaping pile of misogyny and slut shaming.
Some reviewers didn’t like the sex, which is fair if you’re into cleaner reads. However, if you don’t mind or even like your books on the sexier side of things, the scenes here are probably not going to interest you. Very bland. Very tame. Again, think old paperback with Fabio on the cover.
Jack is a cheater. And in my opinion there’s some questionable consent. There’s a scene were Audra is on pills that help her relax/sleep and Jack goes into her room and has sex with her. Ick.
I ended up skimming this one when I got about midway through. Not only was I just not enjoying the story, but the writing was too jumbled for me. There was too much back and forth of Audra with side characters. While we had the main story, we also had Audra looking for her dad and the story of her mom’s past. It just wasn’t all necessary.
I hated pretty much every character in this book. Both the hero and heroine were insufferable. The mother in law and her friends were mean and petty. The hero’s fiancé was vapid. The fiancé’s brother was written as a “nice guy”. The father in law was the only one I didn’t hate. He should have taken the kid and left the rest of this crew.
I had three other books in this series on my Kindle. While I’m sure there is an audience for them, I realize that this author just isn’t for me. Maybe it’s that they are more chick-lit and that often doesn’t work for me. Maybe it’s because of how dated everything in it felt to me. Whatever the reason, I deleted them and am moving on.
Sexual harassment and assault (isn’t main character and isn’t on page, but there are a few mentions of this)
Questionable consent
Yikes.
I had this on my Kindle (it was a freebie) for a few years. I’m trying to do a Kindle “cleanup” this year and read ones that have been on there for a while rather than keep buying new books.
I liked the premise of this one. Audra is a widow, her husband dies. Her kid gets sick. So, lotta heartbreak for Audra here. Okay, that I’m cool with. We find out that Audra had been in love with her husband’s brother, who is now the doctor treating her kid. (We all know where this is going, right?). I didn’t feel much build up because it was so obvious what was coming up. There’s another “twist” about Audra that we also see coming a mile away.
So, I just couldn’t get into the story, but that wasn’t even my main issue. Like I rolled my eyes so freaking hard at this one. Jack is Kara’s (the kid) doctor? He’s related to her, but a hospital is like “nah, go ahead and perform SURGERY ON A CHILD YOU ARE RELATED TO?! Really?
Audra works as a head writer on a soap opera, but she writes it anonymously? This book was published in 2014. There is the issue that a) why would an employer think that Audra is so indispensable that they allow her to write for a show and be all “no one can know who I am” and b) again, this is 2014. People barely gave a fuck about soap operas then, yet alone care enough that when her identify is reveled the paparazzi heads to the state she’s in with her in-laws (Audra was living in California. Her in laws lived somewhere else. This is brought up a lot because her late husband’s parents blame her for their son moving to California)
I’ve never known anyone to be so into the writers of a TV show that the writers are hounded by paparazzi. This was just beyond ridiculous, imo.
Also the fact that this book was published in 2014 is astounding. It reads like one of those old paperbacks my grandma might have read. Everything about it seems outdated.
We have a heaping pile of misogyny and slut shaming.
Some reviewers didn’t like the sex, which is fair if you’re into cleaner reads. However, if you don’t mind or even like your books on the sexier side of things, the scenes here are probably not going to interest you. Very bland. Very tame. Again, think old paperback with Fabio on the cover.
Jack is a cheater. And in my opinion there’s some questionable consent. There’s a scene were Audra is on pills that help her relax/sleep and Jack goes into her room and has sex with her. Ick.
I ended up skimming this one when I got about midway through. Not only was I just not enjoying the story, but the writing was too jumbled for me. There was too much back and forth of Audra with side characters. While we had the main story, we also had Audra looking for her dad and the story of her mom’s past. It just wasn’t all necessary.
I hated pretty much every character in this book. Both the hero and heroine were insufferable. The mother in law and her friends were mean and petty. The hero’s fiancé was vapid. The fiancé’s brother was written as a “nice guy”. The father in law was the only one I didn’t hate. He should have taken the kid and left the rest of this crew.
I had three other books in this series on my Kindle. While I’m sure there is an audience for them, I realize that this author just isn’t for me. Maybe it’s that they are more chick-lit and that often doesn’t work for me. Maybe it’s because of how dated everything in it felt to me. Whatever the reason, I deleted them and am moving on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2017
I was just browsing what book to read until I came across this one, the cover was giving me a suspense vibe and I thought I could need some of that. Plus, the author has the same first name with my favorite suspense author so I had a feeling that it's going to be good. And dang, I love it when I'm right! The first chapter pulled me instantly because of the mystery. Aside from my favorite author, no other suspense/thriller books I've read so far went near her, but dang! This one got a hold of me the instant I read the first chapter. It was crazy because I wasn't really expecting this at all.
The reason why I'm so hooked with MHC was because I love the mystery, I love the suspense and I love it when a book makes you use all the cells in your brain in order to find out who the bad guy/s are. And the whole time I read this book, I don't remember even a second that I got bored. I keep thinking who's the father of the main character is, or if there's a loose criminal they should be looking out with and dang! I should have seen this coming, haha. I know the name of series should have given me the idea on what to expect of this book, but it's just that the first chapter gave me mystery so I can't help but think that this one's a suspense/mystery.
But before I talk more let me tell you first about this story. Audra Valentine has moved away from her hometown and her past. She married her bestfriend Christian Wheyton and moved to California. She has a young daughter and a wonderful job as a writer for a television series, which apparently based from her personal life. She has managed to keep her identity secret as a writer to keep her private life private. But her life changes dramatically when her husband died. She doesn't want to return but she must for the funeral. Has the town forgotten about her past? How will her in-laws treat her since they blame her for Christian's moving to California?
I don't read sypnosis when I'm about to read the book, so imagine my surprise when I found out that it's not a suspense story, lol. I was really laughing at myself, haha. But you can't blame me, the first chapter really had me going about the mystery and Christian's sudden death didn't help at all. I was really on high alert because maybe the culprit will be introduced soon and will be disguising as a good guy. This book really had me trick, big time, lol.
For the characters, well, I can't say I was charmed by Jack but he sure sounds sexy as heck. Whenever he's mentioned, all I could see is a hot doctor with a smile that will make you lose your senses. Hot eh? But surprisingly, I can't fully love his character. A guy who dumped his girlfriend because she's messing up with his studies and then a few days after realized that he can't live without her. Eh? But then what kind of person would I be if I wouldn't give him a chance explain himself right? So yep, I've listened and then waited but all I could see is how he's screwing everything up with his testosterone and with his stupid decisions. Another thing, I don't really like his current girlfriend but I really pitied the girl. She suffered enough and was really desperate to keep him but then, he was kind of cold with her. But in all fairness, he's a good son and a good brother (?) I guess.
For Audra, my! She suffered a lot growing up. I don't even know what I'll do if I was in her position. It's crazy growing up without a father and with a mother who can't seem to behave like one. She was raised by her grandmother and right after graduation in High school she died. So the only one who's left of her was Christian. He helped her on her feet and even married her. Of all the things happened, I have to say that she's tough lady, and a very attractive one actually. But because of her past, people been spreading bad and hurtful rumors about her which keeps getting nastier each day, but she keeps moving and proving them wrong. So I was really glad that after what happened, she finally have the happy ending she deserves.
I love the twist and how the story is running but I can't say I approve of everything though. There's some characters in this story that didn't deserved what happened to them, like for example, Christian. Dang! He's a perfect bff and I can't believe he's gone even before I've got to know him more. Also, I didn't really like Leslie that much but she sure was nice enough, but having to experience two failed engagements? Dang! That was really heartless. For a romance book, this one pulled off more than three deaths which isn't really what normally happens. That said, it's definitely not your typical second chance romance.
Honestly, there's nothing remarkable about the plot where the guy left the girl because she's a distraction and then found out what's she's really worth but is already too late. But what makes this story interesting for me was the mystery, and its clever how the author stretched that out until the ending. I'm not a good detective and I usually end up naming the wrong guy in the end with every MHC books that I've read, and I should have focus on the romance part really, but it's hard when the mystery was literally pricking in my scalp begging for me to scratch.
I instantly gave this story a 5-stars rating really, after finishing it last night. But this morning, I've been thinking and then realized that there's some loop holes in this story that I failed to really acknowledge. The author was busy working on making you guess and she's careful not to mention some clue and the end result, she failed to mention some things in the past that really mattered, like for example, how Christian and Audra first met and became a bestfriend. And then those part where Audra and Jack supposedly fell inlove. I still have a two or three questions really, but it was so focus with the mystery that it didn't really matter at all, so I guess it's fine. Besides, it's only the first book of the series, so I guess it'll be clearer on the next installment. That said, I retracted one star, thus giving this story a 4-stars rating. Not bad eh?
Of all the things happened, what I'm sure is that I was really entertained. That despite all the issues (which I just realized now), I was so engrossed with this story that I ended up staying late so I could finish it. What I remember was that I was laughing most of the time reading this book. It was not even funny really, I dunno, I just keep on laughing really that I disturbed our sleeping beauty which he ended up staying awake until I shut my mouth, lol.
So despite everything, I can still see myself reading this story over and over again. And oops, there's definitely no cliff hanger and it's guaranteed HEA.
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The reason why I'm so hooked with MHC was because I love the mystery, I love the suspense and I love it when a book makes you use all the cells in your brain in order to find out who the bad guy/s are. And the whole time I read this book, I don't remember even a second that I got bored. I keep thinking who's the father of the main character is, or if there's a loose criminal they should be looking out with and dang! I should have seen this coming, haha. I know the name of series should have given me the idea on what to expect of this book, but it's just that the first chapter gave me mystery so I can't help but think that this one's a suspense/mystery.
But before I talk more let me tell you first about this story. Audra Valentine has moved away from her hometown and her past. She married her bestfriend Christian Wheyton and moved to California. She has a young daughter and a wonderful job as a writer for a television series, which apparently based from her personal life. She has managed to keep her identity secret as a writer to keep her private life private. But her life changes dramatically when her husband died. She doesn't want to return but she must for the funeral. Has the town forgotten about her past? How will her in-laws treat her since they blame her for Christian's moving to California?
I don't read sypnosis when I'm about to read the book, so imagine my surprise when I found out that it's not a suspense story, lol. I was really laughing at myself, haha. But you can't blame me, the first chapter really had me going about the mystery and Christian's sudden death didn't help at all. I was really on high alert because maybe the culprit will be introduced soon and will be disguising as a good guy. This book really had me trick, big time, lol.
For the characters, well, I can't say I was charmed by Jack but he sure sounds sexy as heck. Whenever he's mentioned, all I could see is a hot doctor with a smile that will make you lose your senses. Hot eh? But surprisingly, I can't fully love his character. A guy who dumped his girlfriend because she's messing up with his studies and then a few days after realized that he can't live without her. Eh? But then what kind of person would I be if I wouldn't give him a chance explain himself right? So yep, I've listened and then waited but all I could see is how he's screwing everything up with his testosterone and with his stupid decisions. Another thing, I don't really like his current girlfriend but I really pitied the girl. She suffered enough and was really desperate to keep him but then, he was kind of cold with her. But in all fairness, he's a good son and a good brother (?) I guess.
For Audra, my! She suffered a lot growing up. I don't even know what I'll do if I was in her position. It's crazy growing up without a father and with a mother who can't seem to behave like one. She was raised by her grandmother and right after graduation in High school she died. So the only one who's left of her was Christian. He helped her on her feet and even married her. Of all the things happened, I have to say that she's tough lady, and a very attractive one actually. But because of her past, people been spreading bad and hurtful rumors about her which keeps getting nastier each day, but she keeps moving and proving them wrong. So I was really glad that after what happened, she finally have the happy ending she deserves.
I love the twist and how the story is running but I can't say I approve of everything though. There's some characters in this story that didn't deserved what happened to them, like for example, Christian. Dang! He's a perfect bff and I can't believe he's gone even before I've got to know him more. Also, I didn't really like Leslie that much but she sure was nice enough, but having to experience two failed engagements? Dang! That was really heartless. For a romance book, this one pulled off more than three deaths which isn't really what normally happens. That said, it's definitely not your typical second chance romance.
Honestly, there's nothing remarkable about the plot where the guy left the girl because she's a distraction and then found out what's she's really worth but is already too late. But what makes this story interesting for me was the mystery, and its clever how the author stretched that out until the ending. I'm not a good detective and I usually end up naming the wrong guy in the end with every MHC books that I've read, and I should have focus on the romance part really, but it's hard when the mystery was literally pricking in my scalp begging for me to scratch.
I instantly gave this story a 5-stars rating really, after finishing it last night. But this morning, I've been thinking and then realized that there's some loop holes in this story that I failed to really acknowledge. The author was busy working on making you guess and she's careful not to mention some clue and the end result, she failed to mention some things in the past that really mattered, like for example, how Christian and Audra first met and became a bestfriend. And then those part where Audra and Jack supposedly fell inlove. I still have a two or three questions really, but it was so focus with the mystery that it didn't really matter at all, so I guess it's fine. Besides, it's only the first book of the series, so I guess it'll be clearer on the next installment. That said, I retracted one star, thus giving this story a 4-stars rating. Not bad eh?
Of all the things happened, what I'm sure is that I was really entertained. That despite all the issues (which I just realized now), I was so engrossed with this story that I ended up staying late so I could finish it. What I remember was that I was laughing most of the time reading this book. It was not even funny really, I dunno, I just keep on laughing really that I disturbed our sleeping beauty which he ended up staying awake until I shut my mouth, lol.
So despite everything, I can still see myself reading this story over and over again. And oops, there's definitely no cliff hanger and it's guaranteed HEA.
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May 12, 2017
From the beginning of this book I really wanted to like it so I kept reading, even as the beginning was a little slow. The writer's talent is good but I struggled with the depressive turns the story kept taking. If there had been more focus on the love story unfolding and less on shame and judgement, the overall impression would have been much better. Some of the characters I really wanted to like but then there would be some out of the blue episode and I just couldn't. And there were a few too many surprises and twists and turns for such a short story so it got a little distracting. Overall, while the happily ever after was there, the depressing constant judgement, condemnation and depressing events, just couldn't compete and left me wishing there was more happy to the story. The writer is obviously very talented and I will look to read more of her work in the future but I just ended up not liking this particular story.
June 30, 2016
BEFORE I HAD GOT TO 10% I HAD GUESSED WHAT THE BIG SECRET WAS AND KNEW IT WAS GONNA CAUSE BIG TROUBLES. STORYLINE READS LIKE AN OLD FASHION SOAP OPERA REMINDED ME A LOT OF “PEYTON’S PLACE”. WHEN THAT BOOK CAME OUT IT TOOK THE COUNTRY BY STORM, I MEAN EVERBODY WAS READING IT. WHEN IT JUMPED TO THE SMALL SCREEN AND ALL THE S*IT SURROUNDING THE STARS IN IT (whew) AND WE DIDN’T MISS A EPISODE. I USUALLY LIKE READING ABOUT SMALL TOWNS BUT HOLLY SPRINGS, NOT SO MUCH TO MANY NASTY MEAN PEOPLE. ALICE AND HER CRONIES WERE LIKE THREE WITCHES ONLY THING MISSING WAS THEIR CAULDRON. THE WHOLE TOWN WAS FILLED WITH A LOAD OF PIOUS BIDDIES, DELIVER ME FROM HONEST CHRISTIAN WOMEN (just evil) NO THANKS. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS EVEN THOUGH IT WAS PREDICTABLE, TOOK ME BACK TO BETTER DAYS. SMILE! ;D
August 24, 2012
Another great story, I couldn't believe the outcome, when everything was said and done. I'm serious, I nearly crapped myself, I certainly wasn't expecting that. However I did love the story so much. The characters were great and you became really emotionally attached to them. Even though the story had 'God' in it, which I normally detest I didn't mind this one at all.
April 10, 2012
While I liked the general theme and storyline, I felt the author tried to cram too much into 220 pages. I felt that part way through the book the author kept throwing another twist or turn and it turned into a bit of a train wreck.
June 21, 2016
Book review
I really enjoyed this book. I have read other books by this author. I love how she pulls the characters together with a little twist. I can't wait to read the next book in the series
I really enjoyed this book. I have read other books by this author. I love how she pulls the characters together with a little twist. I can't wait to read the next book in the series
June 25, 2016
Good story if you can muddle through the beginning
Badly written intro. So bad, I wondered if it was a different writer. Once the book kicks Christian off, it turns into a halfway decent novel of missed connections, misunderstandings, gossip, and keeping secrets.
Badly written intro. So bad, I wondered if it was a different writer. Once the book kicks Christian off, it turns into a halfway decent novel of missed connections, misunderstandings, gossip, and keeping secrets.
July 16, 2012
I could not put this down wanting to know how things would turn out. thanks Meredith for sharing.
July 29, 2018
Do you believe in second chances? Audra has promised herself that she will never return to Holly Springs she had no choice but to leave and now she has to return with her daughter Kara. She knows everyone thinks that she took Christian away from them but they don't know the truth about why. She needs to get through the funeral and say good by to her husband and leave everything behind again. But Jack still isn't over Audra no matter that she ran away with his brother he has loved her from the very first day that they met. And he knows that she ran because of him and he was stupid but it was too late to make things right. Audra needs to leave but not before she finds out who her father is but no one knows or is saying. She has always been ashamed of who her mother was as she has a bad name around the town but no one knew the truth about her downward spiral into depression. But will Audra be strong enough to accept the truth? Kara is very ill and only Jack can help but that means trusting him again and Audra is afraid that he will find out the truth about her & Christian? And she can't allow him to change her life again. Can Jack even forgive her for keeping a secret that could have changed everything? A good read.
November 5, 2021
With such an unassuming name, this story blew me away! Audra Valentine Wheyton presented herself as an upstanding individual that was devoted to her daughter. How and why Audra left her hometown at a young age, quickly married, and settled in a busy neighborhood clear across the country is revealed gradually with bits and pieces falling into place as the narrative progresses. I was completed engrossed by this storyline and constantly astounded by each new revelation. The surprises never stopped coming in this fast-paced, emotionally-charged drama. This was the total package, intriguing, suspenseful, and very touching. I immediately connected and sympathized with the main characters, Audra Valentine Wheyton and Jack Wheyton. And, learning how their relationship had turned into the convoluted mess they current found themselves trying to navigate through was an emotional roller coaster ride. This is a ride you don't won't to miss, totally worth the angst and frustration! Five Big Stars for a Truly Engaging and Great Story!!!!!
July 31, 2018
This book had a strange affect on me. There were characters I disliked, but also felt such sadness for. I felt parts of the story were a little unrealistic, others quite predictable! For 95% of the book Jack was not my favourite person and I thought Audra forgave him far too quickly, he needed to do some serious grovelling. Actually now when I come to think about it, apart from Audra, Kara, Christian and Peter the rest of the characters weren’t very nice at all! And there were many of them! Regardless of this for some reasons I don’t understand, I really liked this book. I didn’t want to put it down. I honestly think it is worth reading, just keep in mind, it is far-fetched and ridiculous at times, but very addictive.
June 14, 2018
This was a so, so book. The plot was a little far fetched, and it ended rather quickly. I felt like the ending came very abruptly and was too perfect. I felt the author should have stopped the book at a certain spot and led our imaginations to fill in the rest so the book didn’t feel like it had a perfect ending and then it wouldn’t have felt so rushed. There were also too many plot twists, which took away from the main plot twist. Audra’s child being Jack’s and Christian being gay and their marriage being a cover marriage was plenty. We didn’t need her to be a sister to Leslie as well. It was just a little over the top to be believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2018
Things are not always what they seem
For her entire life, Audra Valentine has lived with the shame of her mother's reputation in the small town where she was born. The town's people did not let her forget and the sins of the mother were assumed to be the sins of the daughter, even by the family of her husband. When he suddenly dies, she is thrown back into the center of that town and all the secrets it holds. This is the third book I have read by this author and each one gets better!
For her entire life, Audra Valentine has lived with the shame of her mother's reputation in the small town where she was born. The town's people did not let her forget and the sins of the mother were assumed to be the sins of the daughter, even by the family of her husband. When he suddenly dies, she is thrown back into the center of that town and all the secrets it holds. This is the third book I have read by this author and each one gets better!
August 5, 2018
Very Predictable story
The story was very predictable. I had most of the story,s characters pegged not long into the book. I really felt the plot took place in different decades. The parents talked and acted as this book was written in the 1950's. Housewives sitting around drinking coffee and gossiping and the adult children are in the 2000's. Do women sit around like that talk about the church and tarnish everyone in the community these days as the book is in the present day? The story line should have been in one decade or the other.
The story was very predictable. I had most of the story,s characters pegged not long into the book. I really felt the plot took place in different decades. The parents talked and acted as this book was written in the 1950's. Housewives sitting around drinking coffee and gossiping and the adult children are in the 2000's. Do women sit around like that talk about the church and tarnish everyone in the community these days as the book is in the present day? The story line should have been in one decade or the other.
January 5, 2020
Good and not so good
Thinking about what I just read makes me wonder what I liked. Gossiping women and town, sinning religious leaders and a sanctimonious H. It was like 'Peyton Place'. Maybe that's why. Couldn't place the era but it seemed like latter '90's. Scandalous. Although not a favorite type of story I would read this author again. I liked how the author made some characters unlikable, some likable and some redeemable. It wasn't great but I was entertained in a 'Dallas' kind of way.
Thinking about what I just read makes me wonder what I liked. Gossiping women and town, sinning religious leaders and a sanctimonious H. It was like 'Peyton Place'. Maybe that's why. Couldn't place the era but it seemed like latter '90's. Scandalous. Although not a favorite type of story I would read this author again. I liked how the author made some characters unlikable, some likable and some redeemable. It wasn't great but I was entertained in a 'Dallas' kind of way.
April 15, 2020
I am reading this as part of a boxed set, however, I am choosing to review the stories individually.
It's hard to describe this story without giving anything away, but I'm going to try. Audra has been keeping a secret, and as we all know, the truth always finds it's way out. I was taken immediately to these characters, all were strong in their own right. There were times when I was certain I had it all figured out, just to find out that was not the case. I truly enjoy that style of writing. It keeps me interested. I also love a happily ever after. Great story of second chances.
It's hard to describe this story without giving anything away, but I'm going to try. Audra has been keeping a secret, and as we all know, the truth always finds it's way out. I was taken immediately to these characters, all were strong in their own right. There were times when I was certain I had it all figured out, just to find out that was not the case. I truly enjoy that style of writing. It keeps me interested. I also love a happily ever after. Great story of second chances.
June 13, 2018
I truly liked this book , even if it was sort of over the line in s few places... it was different, & I was completely unable to put it down ! Stayed up late, late finishing it.. I It was kind of far out, but hey , you don't want to read uninteresting stuff! I rated it 5 , because it kept me spellbound. I don't know how to explain much without being a spoiler, so that's it !! Read it .....you will like it !!
June 16, 2018
"People don’t care about the truth, he’d told Audra. They only care about supporting what they believe is the truth, which is rarely even close. "
And isn't that the truth! This book was all about love, loss, and lies. All in all a good story even though I certainly didn't like all the characters. Only 8 year old Kara was a good kid all the way through. There were secrets all around which eventually came out and true identities were revealed.
And isn't that the truth! This book was all about love, loss, and lies. All in all a good story even though I certainly didn't like all the characters. Only 8 year old Kara was a good kid all the way through. There were secrets all around which eventually came out and true identities were revealed.
June 27, 2018
The story line reads like a soap opera, which I guess is fitting since the main character writes anonymously for a hit soap, pulling the story line from her own life. She became pregnant in college but married the guy's brother, then avoided the child's father for the next 9 years until her husband's death. She's also trying to escape her mother's troubled history. Sexually explicit, and with a few unnecessary slams of the Church (it even pokes fun at Catholic Digest.)
September 30, 2025
Page after page is the introduction of the Weston family.
I’m already bored in the first chapter.
I have no clue who is who and why who is there.
I got lost in to many useless nothingness of information.
It was very depressing and that was on full repeat.
The mother in law and her friends were the most disgusting, veil, evil hateful people ever.
He is fucking another woman and getting engaged to her.
While he believes every hateful story about audra right away.
I have no idea why she would marry him.
I’m already bored in the first chapter.
I have no clue who is who and why who is there.
I got lost in to many useless nothingness of information.
It was very depressing and that was on full repeat.
The mother in law and her friends were the most disgusting, veil, evil hateful people ever.
He is fucking another woman and getting engaged to her.
While he believes every hateful story about audra right away.
I have no idea why she would marry him.
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