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Once Upon A Second Chance
What happens to your Happily-Ever-After when your Fairy Godmother doesn't show up for work?
Julia Basham’s life was perfect. She was finally done with school, about to start an internship with a prestigious financial company which would lead to a great job and, best of all, she’d just become engaged to her very own Prince Charming, Nicholas Kerkley. Unfortunately, while Nick was warm, intelligent, and completely devoted to Julia, he was also a college dropout, with no job to speak of, and almost completely broke. While none of his shortcomings were a problem for Julia, they were a big problem for her older sister Lisa, who told her that a guy like Nick wasn’t proper marriage material for a girl on the fast track to success, Julia began to reconsider the relationship. Although she didn’t wholeheartedly agree with Lisa, after some thought Julia decided that she would take her sister’s advice and end her engagement with Nick, convincing herself that it was the right thing to do. Only after breaking Nick’s heart, and her own in the process, did Julia realize what a horrible mistake it was.
As the story opens nearly a decade later, Julia is the quiet shadow of the woman everyone thought she’d be, who’s once fulfilling life has fallen into a stale and safe existence. Her shell of a world is thrown into upheaval when she finds out that the financial planning team she works for has taken on a new client; a now successful and very rich Nick Kerkley. Stuck in a horribly awkward situation, Julia makes a decision–take charge, step up, and find her own happy ending. However, she quickly realizes that fairy tales aren’t as straight forward as we’ve been brought up to believe. Sometimes, to get to happily ever after, you have to stop waiting for fate, strap on a pair of wings, and be your own fairy godmother.
Once Upon A Second Chance, is a modern yet whimsical take on Austen’s classic love story, Persuasion.
Julia Basham’s life was perfect. She was finally done with school, about to start an internship with a prestigious financial company which would lead to a great job and, best of all, she’d just become engaged to her very own Prince Charming, Nicholas Kerkley. Unfortunately, while Nick was warm, intelligent, and completely devoted to Julia, he was also a college dropout, with no job to speak of, and almost completely broke. While none of his shortcomings were a problem for Julia, they were a big problem for her older sister Lisa, who told her that a guy like Nick wasn’t proper marriage material for a girl on the fast track to success, Julia began to reconsider the relationship. Although she didn’t wholeheartedly agree with Lisa, after some thought Julia decided that she would take her sister’s advice and end her engagement with Nick, convincing herself that it was the right thing to do. Only after breaking Nick’s heart, and her own in the process, did Julia realize what a horrible mistake it was.
As the story opens nearly a decade later, Julia is the quiet shadow of the woman everyone thought she’d be, who’s once fulfilling life has fallen into a stale and safe existence. Her shell of a world is thrown into upheaval when she finds out that the financial planning team she works for has taken on a new client; a now successful and very rich Nick Kerkley. Stuck in a horribly awkward situation, Julia makes a decision–take charge, step up, and find her own happy ending. However, she quickly realizes that fairy tales aren’t as straight forward as we’ve been brought up to believe. Sometimes, to get to happily ever after, you have to stop waiting for fate, strap on a pair of wings, and be your own fairy godmother.
Once Upon A Second Chance, is a modern yet whimsical take on Austen’s classic love story, Persuasion.
210 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
1011 people want to read
About the author
Marian Vere
1 book12 followersMarian Vere is a twenty eight year old writer of Women's Fiction. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she received her degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in--oddly enough--vocal music performance, only to later discover her love of writing and storytelling. Marian is represented by Carly Watters of PS Literary, and currently lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her Husband, and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 28, 2017
Let me start this review by saying I adore Persuasion and there aren't nearly enough retellings of it out there. It's right up there next to Pride and Prejudice in terms of my love for Jane Austen books. While P&P is full of snark, Persuasion is basically an angst-fest and I love it! So obviously I had to read this book!
Everyone who knows the plot of Persuasion, knows the plot of Once upon a Second Chance. Eight years ago Julia was persuaded (get it? Hence the original title :P) to break off her engagement to charming but down on his luck Nick and has regretted it ever since. Suddenly he returns into her life when he becomes the next new client for the firm she is working for. He is still gorgeous, but now he is ridiculously rich and successful and apparently completely over Julia. This is a Persuasion retelling … take a wild guess how it ends. XD
This book was exactly what I wanted it to be. It was a quick and entertaining read. It made me feel with Julia (despite her stupidity of breaking up with someone as gorgeous as Nick). The break-up scene was brutal and I legitimately cried while reading it. What I especially appreciated was Julia's personal growth through out the book. She started out accepting the situation as it was, went over to hoping something would happen that would bring them back together and ended up realizing if she wanted something to change, she had to take a leap of faith and risk getting hurt.
There are two things that made me slightly uncomfortable. At one point of the story there is a transphobic joke. It's an age old joke that's been told thousands of times before (guy meets hot woman, woos her, takes her home, only to find out she is a guy), but it was entirely unnecessary and the author could have easily found a less offensive story to tell. In a second situation it is implied that it is emasculating if a man gets proposed to instead of proposing. It might have been just meant as a joke but it was again unnecessary and had me role my eyes.
I did think the whole Mary situation was unnecessary and kind of went against the general message. Wasn't the point of the story that fairy godmothers don't exist and you hold the key to your own happiness? Wouldn't it have been just as satisfying, maybe even more so, if Mary had waited at the reception desk and been happy for Julia and Nick? After all, isn't the kindness and sympathy of random strangers its own kind of magic?
In conclusion, as a Persuasion retelling it works great, it hits all the right notes and made me smile and cry, and the existing flaws didn't dim my overall enjoyment.
Everyone who knows the plot of Persuasion, knows the plot of Once upon a Second Chance. Eight years ago Julia was persuaded (get it? Hence the original title :P) to break off her engagement to charming but down on his luck Nick and has regretted it ever since. Suddenly he returns into her life when he becomes the next new client for the firm she is working for. He is still gorgeous, but now he is ridiculously rich and successful and apparently completely over Julia. This is a Persuasion retelling … take a wild guess how it ends. XD
This book was exactly what I wanted it to be. It was a quick and entertaining read. It made me feel with Julia (despite her stupidity of breaking up with someone as gorgeous as Nick). The break-up scene was brutal and I legitimately cried while reading it. What I especially appreciated was Julia's personal growth through out the book. She started out accepting the situation as it was, went over to hoping something would happen that would bring them back together and ended up realizing if she wanted something to change, she had to take a leap of faith and risk getting hurt.
There are two things that made me slightly uncomfortable. At one point of the story there is a transphobic joke. It's an age old joke that's been told thousands of times before (guy meets hot woman, woos her, takes her home, only to find out she is a guy), but it was entirely unnecessary and the author could have easily found a less offensive story to tell. In a second situation it is implied that it is emasculating if a man gets proposed to instead of proposing. It might have been just meant as a joke but it was again unnecessary and had me role my eyes.
I did think the whole Mary situation was unnecessary and kind of went against the general message. Wasn't the point of the story that fairy godmothers don't exist and you hold the key to your own happiness? Wouldn't it have been just as satisfying, maybe even more so, if Mary had waited at the reception desk and been happy for Julia and Nick? After all, isn't the kindness and sympathy of random strangers its own kind of magic?
In conclusion, as a Persuasion retelling it works great, it hits all the right notes and made me smile and cry, and the existing flaws didn't dim my overall enjoyment.
August 3, 2015
Bridget Jones Meets Cinderella!
For some reason I had some pretty inaccurate assumptions about this book! Judging this contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion by its youthful cover and fairytale-inspired title, I instantly thought this story would be more geared towards Young Adult audiences and be filled with lots of magic and enchantment. However, this story ended up being for adult audiences and not as heavily steeped in the fairytale realm as one might anticipate. Which I liked even better!
Like most Persuasion-inspired stories this tale is about a fervent and youthful romance that ended too soon, living with regret, and the rare opportunity to have a second chance. While we don’t encounter any characters with the vanity of Sir Walter Elliott, the neediness of Mary Musgrove, or the flattery of Mrs. Clay, we do encounter characters that resemble Anne, Wentworth, Lady Russell, Louisa, and Captain Benwick. I loved how this story wasn’t an exact scene-for-scene modernization of Persuasion! Yes, we saw some familiar incidents, themes and exchanges, but the story was very much its own.
Our heroine, Julia Basham, an administrative assistant at a successful personal finance consulting group, has always believed in fairy-godmothers and she desperately wishes hers would pay her a visit now! It has been eight years since she broke off her engagement with Nick Kerkley, and now he is back in her life. This is her second chance…she can right the wrong she made eight years ago…she just needs someone to help her make it happen…[cue: enter Julia’s fairy-godmother…ahem! Julia’s fairy-godmother??? Where are you? This is your cue…]
I thoroughly enjoyed the inspiring and honest message this book delivers to its audiences! Readers see right away that Julia is crippled by her past – how she refuses to date and has lost a lot of her drive and potential in her profession. She was in love and happy eight years ago, bu because she listened to her older sister's caution, her life is dull and lonely. What I liked most about Julia is how she took on a lot of culpability for her mistakes and decision to break her engagement. While kind Anne Elliot refuses to blame anyone for her broken-heart and unhappiness, Julia blames and castigates herself. When Julia sees pain reflected in Nick's eyes she knows it is pain she caused. She realizes things in her life are wrong, not because she yielded to persuasion, but because she didn't trust in her own instincts. Learning to trust and believe in yourself when others disagree is a scary thing to do. For me, this message was far more powerful and vital than witnessing a happily ever after manufactured by fate, fairies, or enchantment.
I truly enjoyed the engaging characters in this story. At times Julia felt just a tad undeveloped, but most of the time I enjoyed her refreshing honesty, reflective nature, and penchant for having a hilarious inner monologue going on at all times...definitely reminded me of Bridget Jones, who while being a bit more neurotic is just as sarcastic, obsessively analytical, and romantically challenged! In addition, I was utterly charmed and captivated by Nick. He doesn't seem to be as bitter and resentful as Captain Wentworth, instead he is portrayed as lonely, hurt, and betrayed. And his passionate devotion and intensity will definitely make your knees go weak my friends! ;)
Once Upon a Second Chance is a delightful and imaginative story that wonderfully illustrates the importance of having courage, believing in yourself, and not waiting for someone to wave their magic wand and make everything in your life better. A contemporary romance inspired by Jane Austen and reminiscent of fairytales – a perfect book for readers looking for something inspiring, light-hearted, and romantic!
Note: Due to the use of some mild profanity and a few adult situations towards the end, I'd recommend this story for readers over the age of 14.
For some reason I had some pretty inaccurate assumptions about this book! Judging this contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion by its youthful cover and fairytale-inspired title, I instantly thought this story would be more geared towards Young Adult audiences and be filled with lots of magic and enchantment. However, this story ended up being for adult audiences and not as heavily steeped in the fairytale realm as one might anticipate. Which I liked even better!
Like most Persuasion-inspired stories this tale is about a fervent and youthful romance that ended too soon, living with regret, and the rare opportunity to have a second chance. While we don’t encounter any characters with the vanity of Sir Walter Elliott, the neediness of Mary Musgrove, or the flattery of Mrs. Clay, we do encounter characters that resemble Anne, Wentworth, Lady Russell, Louisa, and Captain Benwick. I loved how this story wasn’t an exact scene-for-scene modernization of Persuasion! Yes, we saw some familiar incidents, themes and exchanges, but the story was very much its own.
Our heroine, Julia Basham, an administrative assistant at a successful personal finance consulting group, has always believed in fairy-godmothers and she desperately wishes hers would pay her a visit now! It has been eight years since she broke off her engagement with Nick Kerkley, and now he is back in her life. This is her second chance…she can right the wrong she made eight years ago…she just needs someone to help her make it happen…[cue: enter Julia’s fairy-godmother…ahem! Julia’s fairy-godmother??? Where are you? This is your cue…]
I thoroughly enjoyed the inspiring and honest message this book delivers to its audiences! Readers see right away that Julia is crippled by her past – how she refuses to date and has lost a lot of her drive and potential in her profession. She was in love and happy eight years ago, bu because she listened to her older sister's caution, her life is dull and lonely. What I liked most about Julia is how she took on a lot of culpability for her mistakes and decision to break her engagement. While kind Anne Elliot refuses to blame anyone for her broken-heart and unhappiness, Julia blames and castigates herself. When Julia sees pain reflected in Nick's eyes she knows it is pain she caused. She realizes things in her life are wrong, not because she yielded to persuasion, but because she didn't trust in her own instincts. Learning to trust and believe in yourself when others disagree is a scary thing to do. For me, this message was far more powerful and vital than witnessing a happily ever after manufactured by fate, fairies, or enchantment.
I truly enjoyed the engaging characters in this story. At times Julia felt just a tad undeveloped, but most of the time I enjoyed her refreshing honesty, reflective nature, and penchant for having a hilarious inner monologue going on at all times...definitely reminded me of Bridget Jones, who while being a bit more neurotic is just as sarcastic, obsessively analytical, and romantically challenged! In addition, I was utterly charmed and captivated by Nick. He doesn't seem to be as bitter and resentful as Captain Wentworth, instead he is portrayed as lonely, hurt, and betrayed. And his passionate devotion and intensity will definitely make your knees go weak my friends! ;)
Once Upon a Second Chance is a delightful and imaginative story that wonderfully illustrates the importance of having courage, believing in yourself, and not waiting for someone to wave their magic wand and make everything in your life better. A contemporary romance inspired by Jane Austen and reminiscent of fairytales – a perfect book for readers looking for something inspiring, light-hearted, and romantic!
Note: Due to the use of some mild profanity and a few adult situations towards the end, I'd recommend this story for readers over the age of 14.
December 18, 2012
I love Persuasion. It’s my second favorite Austen to Pride and Prejudice, but only just barely. There’s so much to love about it – and by so much to love I mostly mean Captain Wentworth (and of course, The Letter). One of the biggest problems with Persuasion for many readers, though, is Anne. I like Anne. I get why she originally rejected Wentworth, why she let herself be swayed, why she ended up as the epitome of a wallflower in the years after. I get it, but it still makes her not as easy to fall head over heels in love with as a heroine.
Anne is the main reason that I think modern Persuasion adaptations can be difficult. It’s hard to translate that kind of a character into something modern women will accept and identify with. This is why I was surprised and excited by the fact that I actually love the main character, Julia, in Marian Vere’s Once Upon a Second Chance.
Like Anne, Julia rejects the love of her life, Nick Kerkley. She breaks their engagement based on the advice of her older sister who is a mother figure to her. Julia is young with a promising career in front of her and Nick is young and decidedly poor with nothing but big plans and dreams (and hard work and dedication) going for him.
After Julia breaks off their engagement she never quite recovers. I loved that she didn’t just shrivel up and die, she also didn’t become quite Anne Elliot level of wallflower, but she was never really totally happy and she never let herself reach her full potential. It is so easy for a woman her age (or really for anyone) to put her career in neutral. Working, even doing well in their job, but never achieving their full potential. For me, Julia was a modern Anne I could relate to.
Plus, Julia has a great voice. The story is written in first person and she has just enough humor, self-deprecating wit, and sense of irony to make it truly enjoyable to read her perspective.
So, here we have Julia, cruising along in her comfortable job, love life on total hold, when who should walk back into her life? Nick Kerkley. In fact, he’s hired her firm to help him vet some property – property? Yes, Nick, like Captain Wentworth before him, has made good on all that potential. And he’s hot. Really, really hot. And not a total jerk. And he seems to be falling in love with Julia’s good friend and co-worker. Oh yeah, and Julia is still completely head-over-heels in love with him.
Will Julia’s fairy godmother come to her rescue or will she have to make her own magic? Will Nick and Julia ever be able to work through their past and make a new future? Will this book leave you all warm and fuzzy? (The answer to that last question is YES!)
Although this is a Persuasion retelling (and probably the best one I’ve read), you don’t at all have to be familiar with the original to enjoy it. However, for Janeites there are some fun moments and plot twists.
So to sum up, Once Upon a Second Chance is a fun, breezy, and romantic modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Vere weaves together a story of rediscovering lost love with sweetness, sincerity, chic-lit sass, and just a sash of magic. A highly recommended read.
Anne is the main reason that I think modern Persuasion adaptations can be difficult. It’s hard to translate that kind of a character into something modern women will accept and identify with. This is why I was surprised and excited by the fact that I actually love the main character, Julia, in Marian Vere’s Once Upon a Second Chance.
Like Anne, Julia rejects the love of her life, Nick Kerkley. She breaks their engagement based on the advice of her older sister who is a mother figure to her. Julia is young with a promising career in front of her and Nick is young and decidedly poor with nothing but big plans and dreams (and hard work and dedication) going for him.
After Julia breaks off their engagement she never quite recovers. I loved that she didn’t just shrivel up and die, she also didn’t become quite Anne Elliot level of wallflower, but she was never really totally happy and she never let herself reach her full potential. It is so easy for a woman her age (or really for anyone) to put her career in neutral. Working, even doing well in their job, but never achieving their full potential. For me, Julia was a modern Anne I could relate to.
Plus, Julia has a great voice. The story is written in first person and she has just enough humor, self-deprecating wit, and sense of irony to make it truly enjoyable to read her perspective.
So, here we have Julia, cruising along in her comfortable job, love life on total hold, when who should walk back into her life? Nick Kerkley. In fact, he’s hired her firm to help him vet some property – property? Yes, Nick, like Captain Wentworth before him, has made good on all that potential. And he’s hot. Really, really hot. And not a total jerk. And he seems to be falling in love with Julia’s good friend and co-worker. Oh yeah, and Julia is still completely head-over-heels in love with him.
Will Julia’s fairy godmother come to her rescue or will she have to make her own magic? Will Nick and Julia ever be able to work through their past and make a new future? Will this book leave you all warm and fuzzy? (The answer to that last question is YES!)
Although this is a Persuasion retelling (and probably the best one I’ve read), you don’t at all have to be familiar with the original to enjoy it. However, for Janeites there are some fun moments and plot twists.
So to sum up, Once Upon a Second Chance is a fun, breezy, and romantic modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Vere weaves together a story of rediscovering lost love with sweetness, sincerity, chic-lit sass, and just a sash of magic. A highly recommended read.
December 14, 2012
Once Upon A Second Chance
I loved this book. Yes, I know you hear that from me more often than not, but a lot of times I see a book cover I like or a read a description that sounds interesting and I go into reading a book with little or no expectations. So when I find one that I honestly enjoy to the point of not being able to put it down, I get ridiculously excited because I didn’t expect it to be that good in the first place, so it’s like a treat.
Once Upon a Second Chance by Marian Vere is that book. I thought it would be something cute to get me out of all the paranormal stuff I’ve been reading lately, but I wound up relating to it a lot more than I ever thought I would. Julia Basham’s life was perfect. She was done with school, about to start a prestigious internship, which would lead to a great job, and she was engaged to the man of her dreams, Nick Kerkley.
But when her sister Lisa finds out the two are engaged she quickly talks Julia out of getting married and in with conflicting feelings and a need to follow her sisters advice she winds up breaking off her engagement with Nick, shattering his heart in the process. The story opens up eight years later and we see through flashbacks that Julia is only a shell of the woman she used to be.
Where she was once passionate, lively and full of drive, Julia has now become complacent and content in a life that’s beneath what she’s capable of. But of course fate intervenes and Nick comes back into her life when he becomes a client of the financial team she works for. The idea for this book was masterful, I kid you not. Vere had gold with the whole fairy godmother scenario and the angle she took, the way Julia had to put herself out there to get what she wanted was very realistic.
I’m not going to lie, this book made me cry, yes I’m owning up to it, but I think it’s because I understand how she was feeling and I related to Julia so much that I couldn’t help feeling her pain. The fact that she’d had made the wrong choice in the beginning with breaking things off, well who doesn’t regret a decision or two in their lives?
I think the part that got me the most was when Nick arranged for her team to go up to look at a house and they all spent time together including Nicks friends and sister. I loved Bree as a supporting character but oh my god I think my heart broke for Julia when Nick and Bree were flirting. Vere’s style of writing and her obvious passion for her own story came through with every word.
There’s a really awesome twist in the story and I have to give Vere credit because she totally had me going. I was cursing Julia and the book and everything even though I couldn’t put it down, but then she made everything right with five little words and I let out this huge breath I didn’t even know I was holding.
Nick is an amazing character and while I enjoyed all the characters in the story, his unyielding faith in love and his outlook on life makes him my favorite. His speech at the rehearsal dinner brought tears to my eyes. It was all just so damn good. I can’t get over how much I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book is insightful, romantic, heartbreaking, and has a whimsical feeling that’s reminiscent of childhood dreams and falling in love. If you’re into contemporary romance and second chances, Once Upon a Second Chance is for you.
I loved this book. Yes, I know you hear that from me more often than not, but a lot of times I see a book cover I like or a read a description that sounds interesting and I go into reading a book with little or no expectations. So when I find one that I honestly enjoy to the point of not being able to put it down, I get ridiculously excited because I didn’t expect it to be that good in the first place, so it’s like a treat.
Once Upon a Second Chance by Marian Vere is that book. I thought it would be something cute to get me out of all the paranormal stuff I’ve been reading lately, but I wound up relating to it a lot more than I ever thought I would. Julia Basham’s life was perfect. She was done with school, about to start a prestigious internship, which would lead to a great job, and she was engaged to the man of her dreams, Nick Kerkley.
But when her sister Lisa finds out the two are engaged she quickly talks Julia out of getting married and in with conflicting feelings and a need to follow her sisters advice she winds up breaking off her engagement with Nick, shattering his heart in the process. The story opens up eight years later and we see through flashbacks that Julia is only a shell of the woman she used to be.
Where she was once passionate, lively and full of drive, Julia has now become complacent and content in a life that’s beneath what she’s capable of. But of course fate intervenes and Nick comes back into her life when he becomes a client of the financial team she works for. The idea for this book was masterful, I kid you not. Vere had gold with the whole fairy godmother scenario and the angle she took, the way Julia had to put herself out there to get what she wanted was very realistic.
I’m not going to lie, this book made me cry, yes I’m owning up to it, but I think it’s because I understand how she was feeling and I related to Julia so much that I couldn’t help feeling her pain. The fact that she’d had made the wrong choice in the beginning with breaking things off, well who doesn’t regret a decision or two in their lives?
I think the part that got me the most was when Nick arranged for her team to go up to look at a house and they all spent time together including Nicks friends and sister. I loved Bree as a supporting character but oh my god I think my heart broke for Julia when Nick and Bree were flirting. Vere’s style of writing and her obvious passion for her own story came through with every word.
There’s a really awesome twist in the story and I have to give Vere credit because she totally had me going. I was cursing Julia and the book and everything even though I couldn’t put it down, but then she made everything right with five little words and I let out this huge breath I didn’t even know I was holding.
Nick is an amazing character and while I enjoyed all the characters in the story, his unyielding faith in love and his outlook on life makes him my favorite. His speech at the rehearsal dinner brought tears to my eyes. It was all just so damn good. I can’t get over how much I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book is insightful, romantic, heartbreaking, and has a whimsical feeling that’s reminiscent of childhood dreams and falling in love. If you’re into contemporary romance and second chances, Once Upon a Second Chance is for you.
November 14, 2012
(This review was originally posted at My Library in the Making.)
When I started reading Once Upon a Second Chance, I was only expecting a light love story with a few cute moments here and there, but what I got was a captivating tale of a woman who had finally decided to take charge of her life.
At first glance, Julia Basham seemed happy. She had a nice job and even nicer co-workers, a supportive older sister, and a life that she was living the way she wanted to. But she wasn't. For eight years, she'd secretly been regretting following the advice of Lisa - her older sister - to break up with Nick Kerkley, her ex-fiance from college who, back then, had an uncertain future. And for eight years, she'd been following his journey to success, right up to Forbes' Top 10 Richest list. Julia thought those news articles would be the closest she'd ever get to him again... until the day he was to be her personal finance consulting group's newest client.
Honestly, when I first read the summary, I felt an immediate dislike for Julia. I mean, breaking up with your fiance just because your older sister thought he wasn't matching up to your foreseeable successful future? Really? But then I realized this story's not so far-fetched; I'm sure it's already happened to someone out there, so I quickly overcame that dislike and dived into her story, and she even more quickly made me regret that initial dislike!
Being inside Julia's head was really fun. She was witty and rational - well, most of the time - and her inside jokes with herself had me burst out laughing. But at the same time, I really felt the pain and regret she had in her, a weight she'd been carrying around for almost a decade when, if not for her one mistake, she should've been happy. I also pitied her when she was trying but failing to turn her love life around. When she wanted to give up, I also wanted to give up. When she saw a glimmer of hope, I also saw a glimmer of hope. Yes, this book took me on an emotional roller coaster, and I regret nothing.
Another thing I loved was how the characters all breathed life through the pages. There were quite a lot of them, but Vere developed them all very well, becoming their own selves.
Though the plot was slightly predictable, I still got surprised. Like I were expecting to see a bridge but instead, what I see is a fallen bridge. Get it? No? Well, no one said I'm good at metaphors. *sigh* Also, I almost always got tempted to skip over Julia's internal monologues, or maybe that's just the constant anxiety this book brought me. The pace was brilliant and made this a real page-turner.
Overall, reading Once Upon a Second Chance was a great experience, and it is now one of my favorite contemporary reads! Sadly, I haven't read Jane Austen's Persuasion yet so I can't compare the two, but I'm sure that, like this retelling, it can only be good. Also... someone find me my Nick Kerkley!
MY FAVORITE PART was after the rehearsal dinner thingy ♥
When I started reading Once Upon a Second Chance, I was only expecting a light love story with a few cute moments here and there, but what I got was a captivating tale of a woman who had finally decided to take charge of her life.
At first glance, Julia Basham seemed happy. She had a nice job and even nicer co-workers, a supportive older sister, and a life that she was living the way she wanted to. But she wasn't. For eight years, she'd secretly been regretting following the advice of Lisa - her older sister - to break up with Nick Kerkley, her ex-fiance from college who, back then, had an uncertain future. And for eight years, she'd been following his journey to success, right up to Forbes' Top 10 Richest list. Julia thought those news articles would be the closest she'd ever get to him again... until the day he was to be her personal finance consulting group's newest client.
Honestly, when I first read the summary, I felt an immediate dislike for Julia. I mean, breaking up with your fiance just because your older sister thought he wasn't matching up to your foreseeable successful future? Really? But then I realized this story's not so far-fetched; I'm sure it's already happened to someone out there, so I quickly overcame that dislike and dived into her story, and she even more quickly made me regret that initial dislike!
Being inside Julia's head was really fun. She was witty and rational - well, most of the time - and her inside jokes with herself had me burst out laughing. But at the same time, I really felt the pain and regret she had in her, a weight she'd been carrying around for almost a decade when, if not for her one mistake, she should've been happy. I also pitied her when she was trying but failing to turn her love life around. When she wanted to give up, I also wanted to give up. When she saw a glimmer of hope, I also saw a glimmer of hope. Yes, this book took me on an emotional roller coaster, and I regret nothing.
Another thing I loved was how the characters all breathed life through the pages. There were quite a lot of them, but Vere developed them all very well, becoming their own selves.
Though the plot was slightly predictable, I still got surprised. Like I were expecting to see a bridge but instead, what I see is a fallen bridge. Get it? No? Well, no one said I'm good at metaphors. *sigh* Also, I almost always got tempted to skip over Julia's internal monologues, or maybe that's just the constant anxiety this book brought me. The pace was brilliant and made this a real page-turner.
Overall, reading Once Upon a Second Chance was a great experience, and it is now one of my favorite contemporary reads! Sadly, I haven't read Jane Austen's Persuasion yet so I can't compare the two, but I'm sure that, like this retelling, it can only be good. Also... someone find me my Nick Kerkley!
MY FAVORITE PART was after the rehearsal dinner thingy ♥
November 12, 2012
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Julia is a girl down on her luck. She actually brings herself down and always needs advice from her sister who was not only the best sister growing up, she was also her mother growing up doing everything for her. This might be why she went to her for "support" when she was proposed to eight years ago and why she took her advice and let him go. Immediately she knows she made a huge mistake but of course she does nothing about it. She does sound like a take charge kind of girl sometimes but other times when she actually needs to do something about her love life she walks away.
Most of the way through I thought that Nick did the dumping. That's what I get for not reading the whole summary on Goodreads. When I do find out that it was her who left him I am thoroughly confused. She acts like her world is being crushed when he's around and that his nonchalance about her being in the same room as him is such a betrayal. You broke his heart. Deal with it. Here sister sets her up on all these dates. She always has a problem with all of them even when a hot guy is crushing on her. Seriously? I want to throw a shoe at her. If a hot guy liked me I wouldn't be trying to find problems with him.
There was reference a lot to fairy godmothers. It was a childhood dream to have her fairy godmother find her and give her, her own Prince Charming. It was a really sweet part of the story that I didn't expect to actually be kind of a big part of the story. But duh! Look at the cover woman. I think most girls can relate to wanting the fairy tale fantasy of meeting your one true love so I liked how it was incorporated in and at which parts.
I might sound like I was frustrated with Julia but I was really not. I could not put this book down (in this case computer). It had me reading all night. It was killing me to know the secret (now I know anyone could have found out) of what happened to them all those years ago and what would happen in the end. Would the author be cruel and let her never have a happily ever after again, would she fall for another guy, or would she get her Prince Charming from eight years ago? I loved reading about Julia and I could understand why she was so timid in fighting for what she wanted. Nick might have been a little cold towards her but what do you expect? The added people coming into the home brought upon a lot of new possibilities to take the story and I wanted to know where it was going to take me. This book will keep you up at night just dying to know what happens especially if you are like me and love fairy tale romances.
Julia is a girl down on her luck. She actually brings herself down and always needs advice from her sister who was not only the best sister growing up, she was also her mother growing up doing everything for her. This might be why she went to her for "support" when she was proposed to eight years ago and why she took her advice and let him go. Immediately she knows she made a huge mistake but of course she does nothing about it. She does sound like a take charge kind of girl sometimes but other times when she actually needs to do something about her love life she walks away.
Most of the way through I thought that Nick did the dumping. That's what I get for not reading the whole summary on Goodreads. When I do find out that it was her who left him I am thoroughly confused. She acts like her world is being crushed when he's around and that his nonchalance about her being in the same room as him is such a betrayal. You broke his heart. Deal with it. Here sister sets her up on all these dates. She always has a problem with all of them even when a hot guy is crushing on her. Seriously? I want to throw a shoe at her. If a hot guy liked me I wouldn't be trying to find problems with him.
There was reference a lot to fairy godmothers. It was a childhood dream to have her fairy godmother find her and give her, her own Prince Charming. It was a really sweet part of the story that I didn't expect to actually be kind of a big part of the story. But duh! Look at the cover woman. I think most girls can relate to wanting the fairy tale fantasy of meeting your one true love so I liked how it was incorporated in and at which parts.
I might sound like I was frustrated with Julia but I was really not. I could not put this book down (in this case computer). It had me reading all night. It was killing me to know the secret (now I know anyone could have found out) of what happened to them all those years ago and what would happen in the end. Would the author be cruel and let her never have a happily ever after again, would she fall for another guy, or would she get her Prince Charming from eight years ago? I loved reading about Julia and I could understand why she was so timid in fighting for what she wanted. Nick might have been a little cold towards her but what do you expect? The added people coming into the home brought upon a lot of new possibilities to take the story and I wanted to know where it was going to take me. This book will keep you up at night just dying to know what happens especially if you are like me and love fairy tale romances.
August 4, 2012
I received an advanced copy of this book and to put things in perspective, I'm a guy. To be honest I really quite enjoyed the read. Naturally this is not the type of book I would normally read but, Once upon a second chance is quite well written and the story makes you want to keep reading. I would highly recommend picking this book up when it comes out.
January 1, 2014
3.5 stars
Umm...too Disney for me...:(
Umm...too Disney for me...:(
December 14, 2012
“I don’t want dreams, and I don’t want fairy tales. They are not made for everyone, and that’s just how it is. My life was fine before I screwed it up by trying to fix what wasn’t broken. It may have been far from perfect, but that doesn’t equal bad. The only goal I have is to get through this night and tomorrow. After that, who knows.”
(Lol, idk what quote to copy & paste for this review. There are lots of good ones!)
Reading this book is like a roller coaster ride, it has ups downs, twists and moments before you take the plunge. And also, like riding in a roller coaster, it's breathtaking and wonderful and you'll never ever get bored out of your mind.
I love how the story started! At first I was wondering if the author will start from the beginning like how the two of them met and the building of their relationship up to their break up, yadadada. But no, it's so not like that at the very least. The story started in the present and there's this little flashbacks as the story unfolded more fully, it's like Cracked Up To Be but without all those horrible things, I mean their break up was horrible but not as horrible as witnessing someone raping your best friend for Pete's sake.To tell the truth, I am not the biggest fan of Julia, she's the one who brought this drama upon her. And, well.. after finding out that she breaks up with Nick because it's for the best like what her sister said. I have doubts in their relationship. Because, ahem, really? If you really love him that much, you'll just let some girl (even if she's your sister) plant little flowers of doubt in you and scare you of what the future will hold for the two of you if you married the college dropout without money or job, just a bunch of pie-in-the-skies dreams yet to come true. Hm, I don't know about Julia but if I am her, I'll fight for him, I'll say "to hell with y'all" then I'll marry him the next day then try my bestest to be an, um.. idk? some job that have a high salary, maybe? (yeah, because that's just me. Not planning for my future and all that, just split second decisions. :D) But that's not the point. The point is Julia have it all to find a great job until Nick pursue his dreams then they'll both be successful and they'll have cute, little babies and there will be no need to waste 8 long long long long years and no need for drama and heartbreaks and pain and suffering. But, if Julia did took that decision (ha! I doubt that, she's too much of a coward. :D) then there'll be no story to tell. Just saying my opinion here, people! But still. It's 8 very long years wasted! Life is short, and I just feel so sorry for them both but it's still worth all the drama in the end. Because then finally they have their happily ever after even without the wands and fairy godmother. Eckkk-! Correction, this story did have a fairy godmother which was very entertaining by the way. Honestly, I'm thinking if mine will show up soon because I'm done crushing on some cute guy in our school because he hates my guts. (fluffin' fudge you!) And I think I need help in spreading the word that he's gay in the whole campus, but then I think it's not in her line of job so I'll just start the plan myself. ;)
(Lol, idk what quote to copy & paste for this review. There are lots of good ones!)
Reading this book is like a roller coaster ride, it has ups downs, twists and moments before you take the plunge. And also, like riding in a roller coaster, it's breathtaking and wonderful and you'll never ever get bored out of your mind.
I love how the story started! At first I was wondering if the author will start from the beginning like how the two of them met and the building of their relationship up to their break up, yadadada. But no, it's so not like that at the very least. The story started in the present and there's this little flashbacks as the story unfolded more fully, it's like Cracked Up To Be but without all those horrible things, I mean their break up was horrible but not as horrible as witnessing someone raping your best friend for Pete's sake.To tell the truth, I am not the biggest fan of Julia, she's the one who brought this drama upon her. And, well.. after finding out that she breaks up with Nick because it's for the best like what her sister said. I have doubts in their relationship. Because, ahem, really? If you really love him that much, you'll just let some girl (even if she's your sister) plant little flowers of doubt in you and scare you of what the future will hold for the two of you if you married the college dropout without money or job, just a bunch of pie-in-the-skies dreams yet to come true. Hm, I don't know about Julia but if I am her, I'll fight for him, I'll say "to hell with y'all" then I'll marry him the next day then try my bestest to be an, um.. idk? some job that have a high salary, maybe? (yeah, because that's just me. Not planning for my future and all that, just split second decisions. :D) But that's not the point. The point is Julia have it all to find a great job until Nick pursue his dreams then they'll both be successful and they'll have cute, little babies and there will be no need to waste 8 long long long long years and no need for drama and heartbreaks and pain and suffering. But, if Julia did took that decision (ha! I doubt that, she's too much of a coward. :D) then there'll be no story to tell. Just saying my opinion here, people! But still. It's 8 very long years wasted! Life is short, and I just feel so sorry for them both but it's still worth all the drama in the end. Because then finally they have their happily ever after even without the wands and fairy godmother. Eckkk-! Correction, this story did have a fairy godmother which was very entertaining by the way. Honestly, I'm thinking if mine will show up soon because I'm done crushing on some cute guy in our school because he hates my guts. (fluffin' fudge you!) And I think I need help in spreading the word that he's gay in the whole campus, but then I think it's not in her line of job so I'll just start the plan myself. ;)
November 17, 2012
I received Once Upon a Second Chance as part of the blog tour hosted by AToMR Tours in return for a honest review. Eight years have changed since Julia’s life changed forever and the name staring up at her is about to bring her little world crashing down. Her newest client for work just happens to be the man she almost married but didn’t and who she can’t stop dreaming or thinking about. Even though her sister talked to into she still regrets breaking up with Nick Kerkley because to her he was perfect and every guy she meets doesn’t even come close. With the impending arrival she fakes a sickness to get out of the office only to learn the next day her client will be arriving for the meeting after all.
Julia heads into the meeting a little sick to her stomach but when Nick takes no notice to her she thinks he’s moved on and doesn’t remember her. On the weekend house inspection things heat up for Nick and Bree who happens to be one of Julia’s best friends but for her Nick still acts as if he doesn’t know her. Julia is torn between telling him how she feels and pretending she’s gotten over him when Bree is injured by a jelly fish thanks to Julia’s quick thinking she saves her and on the ride to the hospital Nick starts to let on he does remember her but before she can tell him how she feels she sees him kissing Bree. In a panic Julia flees from the house to spend a vacation with her best friend Susan and her family only checking her email once to see an email from Bree telling her she’s in love who Julia assumes is Nick. Upon returning back to the city she learns that Bree is getting married to who she assumes is Nick.
OMG I loved this book. I could so read it over right now it was that good. I love Julia she’s a great character because she acts like a real woman would act if she was in her position. I know I would if it was me. The story has some fun twists and turns I didn’t see coming as well as a little magic twisted in the story. It’s a clean romance my favorite kind, so anyone would be able to read it, and I suggest that if you like a quick fun romance story this is the one. I started it right before bed and didn’t put it down till I finished reading which was past when I should have been asleep since I have to get up early. I can’t say enough how much I loved this book it’s so well written and the story flows along so smoothly. Plus I love the characters they have great personality’s and add a lot of depth to the story.
Julia heads into the meeting a little sick to her stomach but when Nick takes no notice to her she thinks he’s moved on and doesn’t remember her. On the weekend house inspection things heat up for Nick and Bree who happens to be one of Julia’s best friends but for her Nick still acts as if he doesn’t know her. Julia is torn between telling him how she feels and pretending she’s gotten over him when Bree is injured by a jelly fish thanks to Julia’s quick thinking she saves her and on the ride to the hospital Nick starts to let on he does remember her but before she can tell him how she feels she sees him kissing Bree. In a panic Julia flees from the house to spend a vacation with her best friend Susan and her family only checking her email once to see an email from Bree telling her she’s in love who Julia assumes is Nick. Upon returning back to the city she learns that Bree is getting married to who she assumes is Nick.
OMG I loved this book. I could so read it over right now it was that good. I love Julia she’s a great character because she acts like a real woman would act if she was in her position. I know I would if it was me. The story has some fun twists and turns I didn’t see coming as well as a little magic twisted in the story. It’s a clean romance my favorite kind, so anyone would be able to read it, and I suggest that if you like a quick fun romance story this is the one. I started it right before bed and didn’t put it down till I finished reading which was past when I should have been asleep since I have to get up early. I can’t say enough how much I loved this book it’s so well written and the story flows along so smoothly. Plus I love the characters they have great personality’s and add a lot of depth to the story.
November 17, 2012
Originally posted at: http://nightstandnovels.com
Have you ever wished for a “Do over” in your life? Well, that is just what happens in this fairy tale like novel. The author tells the amusing story of a true love surviving all obstacles after eight years apart.
Julia had it all until she let her older sister whom she looked up to as a second mom, give her advice. Now, eight years later, broken and a shadow of her former self, A chance meeting with the “one” she let get away has Julia rethinking her life. Can she change her destiny and finally have the life and love she’s longed for or is it really too late.
Once Upon a Second Chance is a light-hearted and enjoyable read. This novel will have you believing that dreams do really come true and maybe, just maybe, fairy Godmothers really do exist.
The book was very well-written and I absolutely adored Vere’s take on the classic tale.
I really enjoyed the characters journey in trying to find their way back to each other and I absolutely fell in love with Nick! At first, I had my doubts about Nick but my heart just melted for him pretty early on. Julia, on the other hand, really had to grow on me. It amazed me how she was willing to let others control her life and her destiny for such a long time. When she finally decided to become responsible for her own happiness I all but cheered out loud for her.
The supporting characters were all wonderful in their own right..even Bree. As much as I tried to dislike her, I just couldn’t do it lol and Susan was the friend that we all should have.
I experienced a whirlwind of emotions while reading this book……surprise, anger, sadness, joy and believe it or not I even shed a few tears. If you know me then you know that I am an unrepentant cryer. I cry at movies, tv shows, I’ve even been known to cry on a commercial or two (SSSShhh! Don’t tell anyone) but it’s a great feat for a novel to elicit that much emotion from me. Kudos to Mrs. Vere!
If you’re a hopeless romantic and Live for the HEA then this book is definitely for you!
Have you ever wished for a “Do over” in your life? Well, that is just what happens in this fairy tale like novel. The author tells the amusing story of a true love surviving all obstacles after eight years apart.
Julia had it all until she let her older sister whom she looked up to as a second mom, give her advice. Now, eight years later, broken and a shadow of her former self, A chance meeting with the “one” she let get away has Julia rethinking her life. Can she change her destiny and finally have the life and love she’s longed for or is it really too late.
Once Upon a Second Chance is a light-hearted and enjoyable read. This novel will have you believing that dreams do really come true and maybe, just maybe, fairy Godmothers really do exist.
The book was very well-written and I absolutely adored Vere’s take on the classic tale.
I really enjoyed the characters journey in trying to find their way back to each other and I absolutely fell in love with Nick! At first, I had my doubts about Nick but my heart just melted for him pretty early on. Julia, on the other hand, really had to grow on me. It amazed me how she was willing to let others control her life and her destiny for such a long time. When she finally decided to become responsible for her own happiness I all but cheered out loud for her.
The supporting characters were all wonderful in their own right..even Bree. As much as I tried to dislike her, I just couldn’t do it lol and Susan was the friend that we all should have.
I experienced a whirlwind of emotions while reading this book……surprise, anger, sadness, joy and believe it or not I even shed a few tears. If you know me then you know that I am an unrepentant cryer. I cry at movies, tv shows, I’ve even been known to cry on a commercial or two (SSSShhh! Don’t tell anyone) but it’s a great feat for a novel to elicit that much emotion from me. Kudos to Mrs. Vere!
If you’re a hopeless romantic and Live for the HEA then this book is definitely for you!
November 15, 2012
I received a review copy in exchange for my participation in the blog tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I wanted to like Julia, but she was just too uninvolved in her own life. Having grown up with her sister acting as her mother, Julia lets Lisa {her sister} make all of her decisions for her, including calling off her engagement to true love Nick Kerkley and setting her up on dates. Just when I think Julia is going to stand her ground and do something about her life, she goes right back into hiding and feeling sorry for herself.
To be honest, I expected Jules's fairy godmother to pop out and give her a chance to redo her life; pleasantly I was surprised that Julia herself had to change her life instead of relying on magic. And while I love first person narratives, there were times that Julia's internal monologue was slow as molasses and somewhat suffocating.
I loved all of the secondary characters, especially Susan and Bree. Even if you wanted to dislike Bree due to circumstances, it wasn't possible. Especially as Julia had never been honest with her or Margaret.
It was hard to put this book down all things considered. I wanted to see Julia get her happily ever after. So wherever I went, so did my Kindle.
I wanted to like Julia, but she was just too uninvolved in her own life. Having grown up with her sister acting as her mother, Julia lets Lisa {her sister} make all of her decisions for her, including calling off her engagement to true love Nick Kerkley and setting her up on dates. Just when I think Julia is going to stand her ground and do something about her life, she goes right back into hiding and feeling sorry for herself.
To be honest, I expected Jules's fairy godmother to pop out and give her a chance to redo her life; pleasantly I was surprised that Julia herself had to change her life instead of relying on magic. And while I love first person narratives, there were times that Julia's internal monologue was slow as molasses and somewhat suffocating.
I loved all of the secondary characters, especially Susan and Bree. Even if you wanted to dislike Bree due to circumstances, it wasn't possible. Especially as Julia had never been honest with her or Margaret.
It was hard to put this book down all things considered. I wanted to see Julia get her happily ever after. So wherever I went, so did my Kindle.
December 11, 2012
This is Ms. Vere's modern version of Jane Austen's Persuasion.
Julia's life seemed to be falling perfectly into place. She had burgeoning job prospects in the finance industry, an exciting life in New York City, and a wonderful fiancé, Nick Kerkley, who she was totally in love with. Nick however, while being completely devoted to Julia, did not have the career potential or financial stability to be worthy of someone like her -- or at least that's what she came to convince herself. Hesitantly, Julia ended the relationship, forcing herself to believe it would all be for the best. Little did she know, that one decision would lead both their lives to spiral away from each other, only to converge again. What happens to your fairytale when you let someone else wave the magic wand? Will your dreams of love and enchantment still come true, or will your 'happily ever after' pass by without you? Once Upon a Second Chance is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion.
Julia's life seemed to be falling perfectly into place. She had burgeoning job prospects in the finance industry, an exciting life in New York City, and a wonderful fiancé, Nick Kerkley, who she was totally in love with. Nick however, while being completely devoted to Julia, did not have the career potential or financial stability to be worthy of someone like her -- or at least that's what she came to convince herself. Hesitantly, Julia ended the relationship, forcing herself to believe it would all be for the best. Little did she know, that one decision would lead both their lives to spiral away from each other, only to converge again. What happens to your fairytale when you let someone else wave the magic wand? Will your dreams of love and enchantment still come true, or will your 'happily ever after' pass by without you? Once Upon a Second Chance is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion.
November 12, 2012
So super cute! I know nothing about Persuasion, but it didn't matter, I loved it. It is a fluffy easy read, with an awesome, swoon-worthy hero who actually isn't a total ass.
Shocking, I know.
This one is really worth a read for any other romantics out there like me.
The only thing I will say is that it is on the shorter side--just over 200 pages--and as such, I don't think it is worth the $16.99 price tag for the paper back. However, the ebook is only 5 bucks, and it is WELL worth that!
(I know that pricing is not determined by the author, thus the price did not affect my rating or opinion of this book)
Shocking, I know.
This one is really worth a read for any other romantics out there like me.
The only thing I will say is that it is on the shorter side--just over 200 pages--and as such, I don't think it is worth the $16.99 price tag for the paper back. However, the ebook is only 5 bucks, and it is WELL worth that!
(I know that pricing is not determined by the author, thus the price did not affect my rating or opinion of this book)
September 17, 2012
I just had to keep emailing the author to tell her that she was *killing me*. Really sweet, fun book. Love that the heroine decides to become her own "fairy godmother". (once you read about her hilarious dream godmother, you will know why! haha!)
The hero is dreamy and sweet, the heroine is smart, funny, and relateable. Great, fun, read.
The hero is dreamy and sweet, the heroine is smart, funny, and relateable. Great, fun, read.
November 16, 2012
Incredibly romantic! I prefer books with more 'heat' so when I heard this one was 'cooler' I didn't think I'd like it, but it was more romantic than alot of the sexfilled books I've read! Julia was funny and real, and Nick was perfect, but in a real world way, not the annoying unrealistic way. Will definitively read again and recommend.
September 1, 2013
This book was so similar to Persuasion ... It's like an updated rendition of it! I enjoyed reading it very much... Frankly i needed a much needed break from all the vampires, werewolves, and erotic novels that I've been reading lately.
This was a pleasant surprise !
They should make it into a movie
This was a pleasant surprise !
They should make it into a movie
March 16, 2020
I absolutely loved this modern retelling of Persuasion. It didn't follow the original plot as closely as some other adaptations I've read, but the leads, Julia and Nick, were a fresh and fun take on the characters and kept the essence of the Anne/Wentworth love story! I was rooting for the couple the whole time and felt all the angst and heartache, along with the pining and love throughout the story and was engaged and invested in how their story would play out in this adaptation. I especially loved all the inner monologues of Julia, she's a very relatable character and felt very "real" with all of her reactions and emotions. I would definitely read this again and recommend to any avid fan of Jane Austen's Persuasion!
January 7, 2021
Needed something light and fluffy and entertaining for the first book of 2021. A retelling of Persuasion seemed like a good fit.
It was okay. Overall, I liked the characters and plot. I felt he was too rich, though. And the main character spent half of the book just thinking and not doing much. Some romance scenes I could have done without. Still, it was funny at times, and I think the author did well with the main character's feelings.
It was okay. Overall, I liked the characters and plot. I felt he was too rich, though. And the main character spent half of the book just thinking and not doing much. Some romance scenes I could have done without. Still, it was funny at times, and I think the author did well with the main character's feelings.
December 13, 2018
3.5 stars. There was a lot of inner Monolog about Whether or not the guy was love with her but that makes sense cause it's sort of like the original story. Overall it was pretty cute and I like to comparing it to the original story since persuasion is My favorite Jane Austen story
February 12, 2015
DUMB. DUMB. DUMB. SO DUMB IT HURTS.
JUST SHUT UP. YOU'RE STUPID.
NO MORE PLEASE! YOU DUMB B****
Dumb, OTT fairy-tale, poorly written tripe. It's so bad that I want refund on my time for reading it (I only read a few chapters).
1 dimensional characters and so far-fetched that it makes Cinderella seem plausible.
Mousy, loser admin assistant has hot, tall, dark handsome cliché billionaire fall in love with her. The End.
there are loads of better adaptations of Persuasion that aren't stupid.
Dumb, OTT fairy-tale, poorly written tripe. It's so bad that I want refund on my time for reading it (I only read a few chapters).
1 dimensional characters and so far-fetched that it makes Cinderella seem plausible.
Plot: Mousy, loser admin assistant has hot, tall, dark handsome cliché billionaire fall in love with her. The End.
Persuasion is my favourite JA novel. Unlike P&P there isn't that fairy-tale element of rich, handsome extremely eligible socially superior gentleman falling for "little old me." Additionally, unlike Emma it doesn't have the silly-spoilt-young-rich-girl element either.
The characters are ordinary in their social and financial standing. The Hero isn't much higher than the Heroine (although initially he was poorer and not as socially acceptable). In Persuasion it is their personalities and their circumstances that engages the reader. Hence Persuasion in many respects focuses more on the plot than on an individual character(s) making the book. To me it's Jane Austen's most mature book. There is a satirical element that's evident in P&P with it's observations and ridicule of social norms, but it's also about the options women have and their strength of character required to pursue those options.
This book unfortunately does not retain that very essence of Persuasion - the very beauty of what made Persuasion so different to JA other books. In this rendition by making the hero so much more wealthy, plus good-looking, plus all the other trappings while the heroine is a complete loser with lost looks is completely missing the point of Jane Austen's masterpiece.
Persuade Me - another rendition manages to capture this far better
JUST SHUT UP. YOU'RE STUPID.
NO MORE PLEASE! YOU DUMB B****
Dumb, OTT fairy-tale, poorly written tripe. It's so bad that I want refund on my time for reading it (I only read a few chapters).
1 dimensional characters and so far-fetched that it makes Cinderella seem plausible.
Mousy, loser admin assistant has hot, tall, dark handsome cliché billionaire fall in love with her. The End.
there are loads of better adaptations of Persuasion that aren't stupid.
Dumb, OTT fairy-tale, poorly written tripe. It's so bad that I want refund on my time for reading it (I only read a few chapters).
1 dimensional characters and so far-fetched that it makes Cinderella seem plausible.
Plot: Mousy, loser admin assistant has hot, tall, dark handsome cliché billionaire fall in love with her. The End.
Persuasion is my favourite JA novel. Unlike P&P there isn't that fairy-tale element of rich, handsome extremely eligible socially superior gentleman falling for "little old me." Additionally, unlike Emma it doesn't have the silly-spoilt-young-rich-girl element either.
The characters are ordinary in their social and financial standing. The Hero isn't much higher than the Heroine (although initially he was poorer and not as socially acceptable). In Persuasion it is their personalities and their circumstances that engages the reader. Hence Persuasion in many respects focuses more on the plot than on an individual character(s) making the book. To me it's Jane Austen's most mature book. There is a satirical element that's evident in P&P with it's observations and ridicule of social norms, but it's also about the options women have and their strength of character required to pursue those options.
This book unfortunately does not retain that very essence of Persuasion - the very beauty of what made Persuasion so different to JA other books. In this rendition by making the hero so much more wealthy, plus good-looking, plus all the other trappings while the heroine is a complete loser with lost looks is completely missing the point of Jane Austen's masterpiece.
Persuade Me - another rendition manages to capture this far better
April 9, 2016
Originally posted on the blog: What the Cat Read
The moment I found out that this was a modern-day take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion, I knew I had to read this book! And I’m so glad I did because I truly enjoyed this story. If you are a fan of Jane Austen’s novels, then I highly recommend you check this book out! =^.^=
I first wish to say that I loved the message Vere gives within this story. The idea that a woman can be her own “fairy godmother” and can make her own “happily ever after” really put a fantastic spin on the entire plot. It made me purr out loud when Julia realizes this, and I will admit that I couldn’t help but smile during the last few scenes. The whole novel was a joy to read and Vere did a wonderful job of retelling Austen’s work.
I automatically loved both Julia and Nick, though will admit that there were a number of times where I wanted to slap both of them for their obtuseness. And yes, there were a few moments where Julia’s self-pity made me a bit twitchy, but generally speaking, both characters found a place in my heart, and by the end of the book I wanted them to work things out. I also enjoyed the whole cast of secondary characters. Chris and Derek provided a few comedic moments, Bree’s enthusiasm was contagious, and Lisa and Cathy’s sisterly wisdom was insightful. All of the characters that Vere introduces the reader to were easily likeable. Even Zach was a great guy despite everything.
There were also many memorable scenes throughout this book. The scene at the hospital and the events leading up to it is just one example. Then there’s the wedding reception scene, and the wedding scene itself…Well, I could go on, but I think it’s better for you to discover the rest for yourselves, don’t you agree? I will say this much though, some scenes will make you laugh, some will make you get a bit teary eyed, and a few will make you want to hiss in frustration. Truthfully it’s rather hard not to get caught up in some of the events that take place in this book.
I don’t know if Vere has plans on writing other modern-day retellings of Austen’s stories, but I can definitely say that if she does, I’ll be one of the first in line to check them out. I offer purrs and tail waves for a job well done! =^.^=
The moment I found out that this was a modern-day take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion, I knew I had to read this book! And I’m so glad I did because I truly enjoyed this story. If you are a fan of Jane Austen’s novels, then I highly recommend you check this book out! =^.^=
I first wish to say that I loved the message Vere gives within this story. The idea that a woman can be her own “fairy godmother” and can make her own “happily ever after” really put a fantastic spin on the entire plot. It made me purr out loud when Julia realizes this, and I will admit that I couldn’t help but smile during the last few scenes. The whole novel was a joy to read and Vere did a wonderful job of retelling Austen’s work.
I automatically loved both Julia and Nick, though will admit that there were a number of times where I wanted to slap both of them for their obtuseness. And yes, there were a few moments where Julia’s self-pity made me a bit twitchy, but generally speaking, both characters found a place in my heart, and by the end of the book I wanted them to work things out. I also enjoyed the whole cast of secondary characters. Chris and Derek provided a few comedic moments, Bree’s enthusiasm was contagious, and Lisa and Cathy’s sisterly wisdom was insightful. All of the characters that Vere introduces the reader to were easily likeable. Even Zach was a great guy despite everything.
There were also many memorable scenes throughout this book. The scene at the hospital and the events leading up to it is just one example. Then there’s the wedding reception scene, and the wedding scene itself…Well, I could go on, but I think it’s better for you to discover the rest for yourselves, don’t you agree? I will say this much though, some scenes will make you laugh, some will make you get a bit teary eyed, and a few will make you want to hiss in frustration. Truthfully it’s rather hard not to get caught up in some of the events that take place in this book.
I don’t know if Vere has plans on writing other modern-day retellings of Austen’s stories, but I can definitely say that if she does, I’ll be one of the first in line to check them out. I offer purrs and tail waves for a job well done! =^.^=
November 14, 2012
Note: This is an adult book, but it is appropriate for the New Adult or YA audience. The characters are around 30, but there is nothing racy in the book. (Actually all the New Adult books I have read so far, were much more explicit than Once Upon A Second Chance)
I enjoyed Once Upon A Second Chance. It kind of reminded me of Austentatious, which I loved. It is a total contemporary, but there are glimpses of something that could be magic. When I say glimpses, I mean maybe two or three times in the book. I loved seeing a little bit of a "fairy godmother". Once Upon A Second Chance is just such a cute love story.
Normally, I like the two main characters pretty much equally. But this book was the exception. I liked Nick way more than I liked Julia. I wanted so badly to love Julia, but she just kept doing things to sabatoge her own life. But she is just so nice and helpful to everyone that it is hard to dislike her for that. I was also disappointed that she hadn't done more in her life career-wise. She was all set to take on the world, and then nothing. Once Upon a Second Chance was a journey for Julia, and the reason that I ended up liking her as much as I did was because she started to wisen up in the second half of the book. Plus, I think anyone would pale in comparison to Nick. I swear, the guy didn't have a single flaw. He was a total sweetheart, smart, and just an all around good guy. He reminded me of a sad puppy when he was hurt. Who could be mean to a puppy?? Nick just totally melted my heart. I loved reading their story.
I loved how the story was laid out in Once Upon A Second Chance. They start off in present day, right before Julia is about to meet Nick again after not seeing him for 8 years. And then throughout the book you get flashbacks of moments in their relationship so you can see the progression of it and find out what happened between the two of them. I really liked this style and I thought Marian Vere transitioned seamlessly from flashback to present day. The writing was great. If you like cute, contemporary romances, and if you have a little patience with your main character, I think you will really enjoy Once Upon A Second Chance.
I enjoyed Once Upon A Second Chance. It kind of reminded me of Austentatious, which I loved. It is a total contemporary, but there are glimpses of something that could be magic. When I say glimpses, I mean maybe two or three times in the book. I loved seeing a little bit of a "fairy godmother". Once Upon A Second Chance is just such a cute love story.
Normally, I like the two main characters pretty much equally. But this book was the exception. I liked Nick way more than I liked Julia. I wanted so badly to love Julia, but she just kept doing things to sabatoge her own life. But she is just so nice and helpful to everyone that it is hard to dislike her for that. I was also disappointed that she hadn't done more in her life career-wise. She was all set to take on the world, and then nothing. Once Upon a Second Chance was a journey for Julia, and the reason that I ended up liking her as much as I did was because she started to wisen up in the second half of the book. Plus, I think anyone would pale in comparison to Nick. I swear, the guy didn't have a single flaw. He was a total sweetheart, smart, and just an all around good guy. He reminded me of a sad puppy when he was hurt. Who could be mean to a puppy?? Nick just totally melted my heart. I loved reading their story.
I loved how the story was laid out in Once Upon A Second Chance. They start off in present day, right before Julia is about to meet Nick again after not seeing him for 8 years. And then throughout the book you get flashbacks of moments in their relationship so you can see the progression of it and find out what happened between the two of them. I really liked this style and I thought Marian Vere transitioned seamlessly from flashback to present day. The writing was great. If you like cute, contemporary romances, and if you have a little patience with your main character, I think you will really enjoy Once Upon A Second Chance.
December 6, 2012
You say Chick Lit, I say YES! I love this genre. It's cute, sweet and makes me smile.
"Women are taught to believe they have to look for and find ‘the one,’ while men are taught to believe there will always be another princess.”
This is a modern day retelling of Jane Austen's, Persuasion. I haven't read Persuasion and I am hoping rectify that mistake soon. I love the concept. Who doesn't like second chances?
Being the hopeless romantic that I am there was no way that I wasn't going to like this book. And it didn't disappoint. So the synopsis pretty much tells the entire story but the question is whether the second chance given to Julia leads to a happy ending or not. I had absolutely no idea what would happen next and I couldn't put the book down until I read the very last page. I finished the book in one sitting.
Julia was confusing. I never really hated her but she was too whiny for my liking. She broke up with Nick, right? She has no right to play the victim. She is just a mute spectator for about half the novel and does absolutely nothing. If there was a guy that I thought was my soul mate I would have fought for him. I just couldn't connect with Julia and understand her decisions.
But toward the end she did get more sensible and decided to become her own fairy Godmother. I like the idea. We all have the power to make or break our lives. We need to make our own choices and stop blaming others. And when Julia finally realized that and strapped on the wings and decided to DO something. I was relieved and the story got so much better towards the end.
Nick is totally swoon worthy. I do have certain issues with how easily he could forgive Jules but I guess he is just too sweet. And I can't complain about that, it won't be fair. I loved the moments between Julia and Nick. They are adorable together.
I LOVED the ending!! *sigh*
I smiled a lot reading the book and I adore the cover. Read this if you like the genre and are looking for a light, fluffy read.
"Women are taught to believe they have to look for and find ‘the one,’ while men are taught to believe there will always be another princess.”
This is a modern day retelling of Jane Austen's, Persuasion. I haven't read Persuasion and I am hoping rectify that mistake soon. I love the concept. Who doesn't like second chances?
Being the hopeless romantic that I am there was no way that I wasn't going to like this book. And it didn't disappoint. So the synopsis pretty much tells the entire story but the question is whether the second chance given to Julia leads to a happy ending or not. I had absolutely no idea what would happen next and I couldn't put the book down until I read the very last page. I finished the book in one sitting.
Julia was confusing. I never really hated her but she was too whiny for my liking. She broke up with Nick, right? She has no right to play the victim. She is just a mute spectator for about half the novel and does absolutely nothing. If there was a guy that I thought was my soul mate I would have fought for him. I just couldn't connect with Julia and understand her decisions.
But toward the end she did get more sensible and decided to become her own fairy Godmother. I like the idea. We all have the power to make or break our lives. We need to make our own choices and stop blaming others. And when Julia finally realized that and strapped on the wings and decided to DO something. I was relieved and the story got so much better towards the end.
Nick is totally swoon worthy. I do have certain issues with how easily he could forgive Jules but I guess he is just too sweet. And I can't complain about that, it won't be fair. I loved the moments between Julia and Nick. They are adorable together.
I LOVED the ending!! *sigh*
I smiled a lot reading the book and I adore the cover. Read this if you like the genre and are looking for a light, fluffy read.
May 21, 2013
I was totally into this book at first, until the actual fairy Godmother came into the story. I love the premise of old loves reunited, but there is a line between real and imaginary. To me, you can’t have a fairy tale character just pop into a real situation. Granted, it is sort of a Cinderella story and yes since it is a fairy tale type, you would expect that sort of thing to pop up as your reading but it still kind of caught me off guard and had me rolling my eyes.
From the first moment Julia and Nick meet, they just know. And within three months they are engaged. But it seems Julia has no backbone and is weak since she can’t stand up for herself against her strong willed sister, and when her sister Lisa, kowtows Julia into breaking things off, telling her that the relationship is moving too quickly, Julia heeds her older sister’s advice and for the next eight years is miserable…as Nick is too.
Eight years later Nick needs a financial company’s help with buying a house and guess who works at that company? Of course they don’t get together right away, what fun would that be? Miscommunication and hurt feelings last for about three quarters of the way through this book, but in between page 1 and the last page?
It was cute; you could totally picture yourself in Julia’s place and the man of your dreams as Nick. Actually my version would be a whole lot…friskier, but I’m not the author. Anyway, Once Upon a Second Chance overall was a nice, enjoyable read that will take you away for a short while. It took less than a couple hours to read. I was wishing it were longer and had more substance and plot but it was overall was a nice escape for an afternoon. I wouldn’t mind reading more from this author.
From the first moment Julia and Nick meet, they just know. And within three months they are engaged. But it seems Julia has no backbone and is weak since she can’t stand up for herself against her strong willed sister, and when her sister Lisa, kowtows Julia into breaking things off, telling her that the relationship is moving too quickly, Julia heeds her older sister’s advice and for the next eight years is miserable…as Nick is too.
Eight years later Nick needs a financial company’s help with buying a house and guess who works at that company? Of course they don’t get together right away, what fun would that be? Miscommunication and hurt feelings last for about three quarters of the way through this book, but in between page 1 and the last page?
It was cute; you could totally picture yourself in Julia’s place and the man of your dreams as Nick. Actually my version would be a whole lot…friskier, but I’m not the author. Anyway, Once Upon a Second Chance overall was a nice, enjoyable read that will take you away for a short while. It took less than a couple hours to read. I was wishing it were longer and had more substance and plot but it was overall was a nice escape for an afternoon. I wouldn’t mind reading more from this author.
June 23, 2016
2.5..
Once Upon A Second Chance
I have to tell you people, as those who are reading this review in order to gain perspective about this book that whether or not they should read this book..it is my duty to tell you. This is one frustrating hell of a book. I swear.
I have never seen so much of drama, crying, stupidly ignorant heroine, too sweet of a hero, too many misunderstandings...I could go on.
Seriously. I could.
I have never been a fan of books which are too predictable and have too much melodrama and misunderstandings between the protagonists at every turn of events. At some point, was ready to give up on the whole affair as I was sure these two people were not getting together before the end of the book.
As I have already described, the plot of the book has been highly frustrating.
About the writing style of the author, apart from her ability to annoy the reader that hates this kind of series of events(not everybody hates this kind of thing. To each his own.), what other thing I found lacking was that there was too much internal debate and discussion in the mind of the heroine where she cooks up a lot of foolish notion, and that she is far too gullible.
I think I would've appreciated there being more dialogue and that if Julia was a little less spineless and had more of her own brain.
All wasn't bad. The ending portion was in fact really sweet. I think the book would've been better if there was such portion more and more conversation between Nick and Julia instead of just mere assumptions.
Oh well, we don't get everything in life.
Once Upon A Second Chance
I have to tell you people, as those who are reading this review in order to gain perspective about this book that whether or not they should read this book..it is my duty to tell you. This is one frustrating hell of a book. I swear.
I have never seen so much of drama, crying, stupidly ignorant heroine, too sweet of a hero, too many misunderstandings...I could go on.
Seriously. I could.
I have never been a fan of books which are too predictable and have too much melodrama and misunderstandings between the protagonists at every turn of events. At some point, was ready to give up on the whole affair as I was sure these two people were not getting together before the end of the book.
As I have already described, the plot of the book has been highly frustrating.
About the writing style of the author, apart from her ability to annoy the reader that hates this kind of series of events(not everybody hates this kind of thing. To each his own.), what other thing I found lacking was that there was too much internal debate and discussion in the mind of the heroine where she cooks up a lot of foolish notion, and that she is far too gullible.
I think I would've appreciated there being more dialogue and that if Julia was a little less spineless and had more of her own brain.
All wasn't bad. The ending portion was in fact really sweet. I think the book would've been better if there was such portion more and more conversation between Nick and Julia instead of just mere assumptions.
Oh well, we don't get everything in life.
May 7, 2013
2.5
Jane Austen’s Persuasion is one of my favorite books. I love the lost-love story and seeing couples get a second chance. So, I was looking forward to this modern day retelling. I liked it. I thought some parts were a bit wordy or overly descriptive. I also was looking for more interactions/conversations between Nick and Julia. I thought them finally getting together was super fast and I didn’t really feel the chemistry between them. I wanted more build up between them before they just jump back into things, literally. Overall, it was an okay retelling.
For some reason I thought I had read a review that said there was no sex in this one, I guess I was mistaken. The love scenes were more fade to black, but it was definitely implied what was about to happen or just happened, etc.
Content: Um, I guess I’d say Pretty Clean. It may depend on your sensitivity level though. Like I mentioned, the love scenes were more fade to black, but there were a couple love scenes. There was also some swearing.
Jane Austen’s Persuasion is one of my favorite books. I love the lost-love story and seeing couples get a second chance. So, I was looking forward to this modern day retelling. I liked it. I thought some parts were a bit wordy or overly descriptive. I also was looking for more interactions/conversations between Nick and Julia. I thought them finally getting together was super fast and I didn’t really feel the chemistry between them. I wanted more build up between them before they just jump back into things, literally. Overall, it was an okay retelling.
For some reason I thought I had read a review that said there was no sex in this one, I guess I was mistaken. The love scenes were more fade to black, but it was definitely implied what was about to happen or just happened, etc.
Content: Um, I guess I’d say Pretty Clean. It may depend on your sensitivity level though. Like I mentioned, the love scenes were more fade to black, but there were a couple love scenes. There was also some swearing.
December 11, 2012
This book is predictable as I thought it would be, the only thing that caught me off guard was the fact that the author continued to their story after they made up and got back together to just for them to
I probably would have like to see Nick POV mainly because I also thought it was going have his POV in the book as well. Like at the end or something. I know that there are authors who put up Male POVs on their website/blog so maybe in the future we might see a couple of Nick POVs soon.
I probably would have like to see Nick POV mainly because I also thought it was going have his POV in the book as well. Like at the end or something. I know that there are authors who put up Male POVs on their website/blog so maybe in the future we might see a couple of Nick POVs soon.
February 14, 2016
Cute modern version
This book was based on Persuasion but there is enough differences that it feels like an homage rather than a copy. Some of the familiar plot points remain, but just enough to navigate with.
While it might have used Austen's framework none of the characters feel like transfers. And nothing is forced like some modern adaptations do when they try to recreate the story too closely.
I think this could have been better only if it had been filled out with other points of view, or amounts of time not skipped over without warning. It's a nice read if you like second chance stories.
This book was based on Persuasion but there is enough differences that it feels like an homage rather than a copy. Some of the familiar plot points remain, but just enough to navigate with.
While it might have used Austen's framework none of the characters feel like transfers. And nothing is forced like some modern adaptations do when they try to recreate the story too closely.
I think this could have been better only if it had been filled out with other points of view, or amounts of time not skipped over without warning. It's a nice read if you like second chance stories.
August 25, 2016
When I read that this book was an adaption of persuasion by Jane Austen I was so excited. But though the beginning started out well,It begun to drag. I feel like this would've worked better if it wasn't in the main characters head so much and it had two PoV because I didn't really see a connection from the couple and the ending felt rushed. There weren't enough "moments" between them so I felt like they're love wasn't really true. Plus Julia came off as whinny for half the book and it was really annoying
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