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The Lewis Legacy #2
[Second Time Around] [Author: Durgin, Joann] [September, 2011]
The follow-up novel to the popular Awakening and second in The Lewis Legacy Series, Second Time Around proves that God's time is the right time. Marc Thompson is on top of the world-a newlywed with a beautiful wife, the owner of a thriving Boston sports advertising agency, and a century-old home they're renovating in the suburbs. Then the unthinkable happens. Two months after the wedding, Marc sits in a hospital emergency waiting room after Natalie suffers a horrible fall. One shock follows another. Not only does his wife remember nothing of their life together, but now he has a personal timeline to reconnect with her-seven months. Marc's gold wedding band mocks him, a glaring reminder of a promise broken by a rotting basement stair and his own negligence. His renowned psychologist advises him to court his wife again-a daunting task the first time around. Then Marc's pastor suggests he call Sam and Lexa Lewis of TeamWork Missions, a ministry dear to Natalie's heart. Determined to help her reclaim her life, the young groom makes great strides until a ghost from the past surfaces, opening fresh wounds and threatening to destroy it all. With Natalie's trust shattered and Marc's faith wavering, they head to Milestone Ranch outside Helena, Montana, with TeamWork for a two-week work camp. But instead of romancing his wife in the freezing November temperatures with warm fires and shared sweet moments, he's out in the cold and back at square one. Even if Natalie recovers her lost memories, will she forgive him? If not, can Marc come to terms with his deepest fear-the failure of his marriage? You'll root for Marc and Natalie as they fight against the odds and discover that surrendering all at the throne of grace doesn't mean failure. It's simply called faith. And it might be the only way to finding their way back to one another . . . the second time around.
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First published September 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 29, 2012
I read Second Time Around by JoAnn Durgin on a long flight home, and didn’t want to put it down. I read till I was bleary-eyed and finished it.
This contemporary Christian romance is a book I highly recommend to women from the ages of 20 to 45 because not only is the story heart-wrenching, but it teaches in a gentle manner how to fall in love again with your spouse. Older female readers will enjoy it for the simple romantic enjoyment.
The author hooked me from the start as newly married Natalie Thompson falls and suffers a brain injury. Much of her recent memory has gone, and she no longer remembers Marc Thompson, the man she’s been married to for only 8 weeks.
This is a Christian romance—--not in that its characters are perfect and have halos around their heads, but that they know how the painful things in life can stretch their faith to the limit---especially if that character has only been a Christian for a few years, like Marc. In the story he finds that the secrets he’s kept from his former life now affect whether or not his wife will ever love him again.
On an interesting note, this book is about 70 % written from Marc’s point of view—a refreshing change.
This is a book with great depth and reality to its romance, and deals with tough issues. It is also book 2 in the Lewis Legacy series, and we catch up with characters, Sam and Lexa from the author’s first book Awakening.
I thoroughly enjoyed this journey with Marc and Natalie Thompson.
This contemporary Christian romance is a book I highly recommend to women from the ages of 20 to 45 because not only is the story heart-wrenching, but it teaches in a gentle manner how to fall in love again with your spouse. Older female readers will enjoy it for the simple romantic enjoyment.
The author hooked me from the start as newly married Natalie Thompson falls and suffers a brain injury. Much of her recent memory has gone, and she no longer remembers Marc Thompson, the man she’s been married to for only 8 weeks.
This is a Christian romance—--not in that its characters are perfect and have halos around their heads, but that they know how the painful things in life can stretch their faith to the limit---especially if that character has only been a Christian for a few years, like Marc. In the story he finds that the secrets he’s kept from his former life now affect whether or not his wife will ever love him again.
On an interesting note, this book is about 70 % written from Marc’s point of view—a refreshing change.
This is a book with great depth and reality to its romance, and deals with tough issues. It is also book 2 in the Lewis Legacy series, and we catch up with characters, Sam and Lexa from the author’s first book Awakening.
I thoroughly enjoyed this journey with Marc and Natalie Thompson.
May 27, 2013
Second Time Around!
By JoAnn Durgin
WOW to the LOVE VOW!!!
Again I'm amazed at JoAnn's writing! It is one of the very few novels that took me on emotional rollercoaster. I cried with Marc from the very begining.(it is written mainly from his POV- its adorable)Such a close brush with the other World can stir so much in your life. It is of great importance that you have right people by your side--teamwork provided the best for Marc and Natalie and Mr Davis gave the advice of a lifetime to him. Im moved. Even though I loved the jokes, friendships, sweet little moment, and very anguished once for that matter, what really got me in this book was the question it made me ask myself- am I a wife worth being redeemed? Will my husband, given the same situation, do all in his power to win my love or will he be relieved to be rid of me? Wives, ask yourself that question and really think, you will realize that we are the ones holding the reins to the happy marriage..
From milking a cow to assisting in calf-birthing, from reining a stempead to reining phisical desires, from a frigid dip in the river to a complete drown in a warm love serenade, from silly teasing to life-changing marriage advizes -- JoAnn takes you to visit her teamwork camp in frigid Montana where love-at-work warms the hearts.
Tune in and enjoy, this novel cost me another sleepless night and the problem is - it is absolutelly worth every minute!!
By JoAnn Durgin
WOW to the LOVE VOW!!!
Again I'm amazed at JoAnn's writing! It is one of the very few novels that took me on emotional rollercoaster. I cried with Marc from the very begining.(it is written mainly from his POV- its adorable)Such a close brush with the other World can stir so much in your life. It is of great importance that you have right people by your side--teamwork provided the best for Marc and Natalie and Mr Davis gave the advice of a lifetime to him. Im moved. Even though I loved the jokes, friendships, sweet little moment, and very anguished once for that matter, what really got me in this book was the question it made me ask myself- am I a wife worth being redeemed? Will my husband, given the same situation, do all in his power to win my love or will he be relieved to be rid of me? Wives, ask yourself that question and really think, you will realize that we are the ones holding the reins to the happy marriage..
From milking a cow to assisting in calf-birthing, from reining a stempead to reining phisical desires, from a frigid dip in the river to a complete drown in a warm love serenade, from silly teasing to life-changing marriage advizes -- JoAnn takes you to visit her teamwork camp in frigid Montana where love-at-work warms the hearts.
Tune in and enjoy, this novel cost me another sleepless night and the problem is - it is absolutelly worth every minute!!
January 25, 2013
Oh!!!! I absolutely LOVED this book! I don't know if there's any way for me to say that this was better than the first book because they're different stories. However, this is my favorite of the two I've read so far... and I still have Twin Hearts to read. This story brought it to a whole new level for me. I've seen The Vow and know the story from watching the news, but I just felt so connected to the characters in this book. I loved how this story was written from Marc's point of view and I though JoAnn portrayed the hero's perspective quite well. This story had enough depth in the plot to keep me interested and wanting to read more. I'm just so excited that there are more books in this series!!!
March 28, 2013
Another great book by JoAnn. How can you not fall in love with the characters in her books. I love the good clean story of romance JoAnn brings in her books. What a great love story between Marc and Natalie. It is amazing what God can bring us through if we let him have the control. I was glad to see Sam and Lexa back in this one. What a God honoring couple. If you have a friendship with someone like them it is God Blessed. Sam reminds me more and more of my own husband the more I read of him. Looking forward to the next book.
March 7, 2012
Second Time Around is a sweet falling-in-love again romance. I especially love the theme of friendship woven within Second Time Around -- how friends are there in times of need to help in both practical and emotionally and spiritually supportive ways. Falling in love again isn't easy for Marc and Natalie, the novel's main characters, because retrograde amnesia has stolen all of Natalie's memories of Marc, her husband of just a few months. Their journey back to trusting each other again is at times heartbreaking and humorous.
Merged review:
Second Time Around is a sweet falling-in-love again romance. I especially love the theme of friendship woven within Second Time Around -- how friends are there in times of need to help in both practical and emotionally and spiritually supportive ways. Falling in love again isn't easy for Marc and Natalie, the novel's main characters, because retrograde amnesia has stolen all of Natalie's memories of Marc, her husband of just a few months. Their journey back to trusting each other again is at times heartbreaking and humorous.
Merged review:
Second Time Around is a sweet falling-in-love again romance. I especially love the theme of friendship woven within Second Time Around -- how friends are there in times of need to help in both practical and emotionally and spiritually supportive ways. Falling in love again isn't easy for Marc and Natalie, the novel's main characters, because retrograde amnesia has stolen all of Natalie's memories of Marc, her husband of just a few months. Their journey back to trusting each other again is at times heartbreaking and humorous.
October 6, 2012
Second Time Around is book two in this trilogy that takes the reader through tragedy in the life of a newlywed TeamWork volunteer and pulls the crew back together in a place in Montana where hearts mend, forgiveness is learned, and true love blossoms at a deeper level than the first time this couple fell in love. This book has suspenseful moments, and appropriately sensual scenes for the Christian reader, as well as wonderful, biblical messages that are valuable in any relationship, but laced through the story in a meaningful way that is never preachy. I would caution you, though, if you read this one, you may as well add Twin Hearts to your book budget. When you finish this one, you’ll want that one, too.
August 19, 2013
This is why I read love stories. For that feeling, for that reminder, for a giddy laugh. Oh, I really loved Marc for his determination and how his love for his wife didn't wane. I liked how Natalie tried to be the best wife she could be. This story was simply sweet but complicatedly true. It's definetly a romance you need before you can even think of completing your collection. And it just might change your opinion of what real love really is.
April 13, 2013
I think it was awesome! Thank you JoAnn for writing it! I just finished it and it was super romantic! Marc's character was very well written, well all of the characters are well written but Marc was my Fav!
February 2, 2015
Absolutely loved this book! I read it in the midst of going through some difficult stuff. Though I've never been in Marc or Natalie's situation (dealing with amnesia), I most definitely identified with the heart issues they had - feelings of being a failure, fear, guilt, the struggle to trust God with a situation they just couldn't understand. Joann's use of humor throughout kept it from being heavy, and I especially loved the open, honest relationship Marc and his mentor, Sam, developed. Definitely a keeper for my personal library to read again.
September 4, 2014
Happy to say I liked it more than the 1st book.
So glad to say I liked this book. I always love to see Christian principles in books. This book is about faith to get through trials. In this case, it's a wife's head injury, and resulting memory loss. Sweet story. I also love that it's written mostly from the husband's point of view. Unusual approach, that works.
This was my favorite of the 3 books I read in the boxed set.
So glad to say I liked this book. I always love to see Christian principles in books. This book is about faith to get through trials. In this case, it's a wife's head injury, and resulting memory loss. Sweet story. I also love that it's written mostly from the husband's point of view. Unusual approach, that works.
This was my favorite of the 3 books I read in the boxed set.
August 22, 2014
I learned from reading this book that when you put God first in your life no matter what trials you go through, you will do just that, go through! The sincere love of God allows you to forgive, persevere, and love unconditionally.
March 31, 2018
Beautiful
This is a beautiful story of love & faith. Natalie & Marc were going to rehab their new home since getting back from their honeymoon 8 weeks earlier, when she falls when a step break going into the basement. She has forgotten who Marc is to her. But with faith in God and their love and friends they try to find their way back. Plus she is 6 weeks pregnant
This is a beautiful story of love & faith. Natalie & Marc were going to rehab their new home since getting back from their honeymoon 8 weeks earlier, when she falls when a step break going into the basement. She has forgotten who Marc is to her. But with faith in God and their love and friends they try to find their way back. Plus she is 6 weeks pregnant
October 1, 2018
A complicated love story
This story is filled with so many challenges for the main characters but still a good story. It is about all the things that can go right and wrong in the ways of love. Interwoven in the story is messages of God's love and help always available. This story makes one think a lot about life and love.
This story is filled with so many challenges for the main characters but still a good story. It is about all the things that can go right and wrong in the ways of love. Interwoven in the story is messages of God's love and help always available. This story makes one think a lot about life and love.
May 9, 2022
A beautiful story that you can’t stop reading, you will fall in love with Marc a Man of God that grows in his faith and learns about forgiveness, patience and is so sweet❣️
March 7, 2012
Marc Thompson is a successful businessman with a beautiful new wife, and seemingly everything going for him. But he is haunted by his relationship with his now-deceased Dad with whom he never felt good enough. He puts those unsettling inadequacies to the back of his mind while cultivating a take-charge approach to his life. Above all else, he wants to be in control.
But life’s events soon spin out of control when his new bride, Natalie, suffers a serious fall. Her resulting head injury inflicts a life-changing situation: Natalie cannot remember her new husband. Married only a few months, Marc is devastated, especially when a routine test shows a complication. Questioning his faith in a God he had only recently discovered, Marc struggles with not only this upheaval in his life, but how to win Natalie’s love back—for the second time around. His efforts are thwarted when a ghost from his past is discovered by Natalie, heightening her distrust of him.
Marc looks to God for help, as well as to Natalie’s friends from a mission group who pull out all the stops to bring Natalie’s memory back, as well as her love for her husband.
Second Time Around is the sequel to Awakening, a romance story involving the head of the mission group known as TeamWork, a Christian organization similar to Habitat for Humanity. The reader becomes re-acquainted with the main characters in Awakening, as well as several minor characters from that romance that is filled with banter reminiscent of Hepburn/Tracy movies. This sequel is a delightful reunion with these old friends, as well as several other minor characters from the first book.
An enjoyable, contemporary romance that satisfies the romantic heart! Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
Merged review:
Marc Thompson is a successful businessman with a beautiful new wife, and seemingly everything going for him. But he is haunted by his relationship with his now-deceased Dad with whom he never felt good enough. He puts those unsettling inadequacies to the back of his mind while cultivating a take-charge approach to his life. Above all else, he wants to be in control.
But life’s events soon spin out of control when his new bride, Natalie, suffers a serious fall. Her resulting head injury inflicts a life-changing situation: Natalie cannot remember her new husband. Married only a few months, Marc is devastated, especially when a routine test shows a complication. Questioning his faith in a God he had only recently discovered, Marc struggles with not only this upheaval in his life, but how to win Natalie’s love back—for the second time around. His efforts are thwarted when a ghost from his past is discovered by Natalie, heightening her distrust of him.
Marc looks to God for help, as well as to Natalie’s friends from a mission group who pull out all the stops to bring Natalie’s memory back, as well as her love for her husband.
Second Time Around is the sequel to Awakening, a romance story involving the head of the mission group known as TeamWork, a Christian organization similar to Habitat for Humanity. The reader becomes re-acquainted with the main characters in Awakening, as well as several minor characters from that romance that is filled with banter reminiscent of Hepburn/Tracy movies. This sequel is a delightful reunion with these old friends, as well as several other minor characters from the first book.
An enjoyable, contemporary romance that satisfies the romantic heart! Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
But life’s events soon spin out of control when his new bride, Natalie, suffers a serious fall. Her resulting head injury inflicts a life-changing situation: Natalie cannot remember her new husband. Married only a few months, Marc is devastated, especially when a routine test shows a complication. Questioning his faith in a God he had only recently discovered, Marc struggles with not only this upheaval in his life, but how to win Natalie’s love back—for the second time around. His efforts are thwarted when a ghost from his past is discovered by Natalie, heightening her distrust of him.
Marc looks to God for help, as well as to Natalie’s friends from a mission group who pull out all the stops to bring Natalie’s memory back, as well as her love for her husband.
Second Time Around is the sequel to Awakening, a romance story involving the head of the mission group known as TeamWork, a Christian organization similar to Habitat for Humanity. The reader becomes re-acquainted with the main characters in Awakening, as well as several minor characters from that romance that is filled with banter reminiscent of Hepburn/Tracy movies. This sequel is a delightful reunion with these old friends, as well as several other minor characters from the first book.
An enjoyable, contemporary romance that satisfies the romantic heart! Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
Merged review:
Marc Thompson is a successful businessman with a beautiful new wife, and seemingly everything going for him. But he is haunted by his relationship with his now-deceased Dad with whom he never felt good enough. He puts those unsettling inadequacies to the back of his mind while cultivating a take-charge approach to his life. Above all else, he wants to be in control.
But life’s events soon spin out of control when his new bride, Natalie, suffers a serious fall. Her resulting head injury inflicts a life-changing situation: Natalie cannot remember her new husband. Married only a few months, Marc is devastated, especially when a routine test shows a complication. Questioning his faith in a God he had only recently discovered, Marc struggles with not only this upheaval in his life, but how to win Natalie’s love back—for the second time around. His efforts are thwarted when a ghost from his past is discovered by Natalie, heightening her distrust of him.
Marc looks to God for help, as well as to Natalie’s friends from a mission group who pull out all the stops to bring Natalie’s memory back, as well as her love for her husband.
Second Time Around is the sequel to Awakening, a romance story involving the head of the mission group known as TeamWork, a Christian organization similar to Habitat for Humanity. The reader becomes re-acquainted with the main characters in Awakening, as well as several minor characters from that romance that is filled with banter reminiscent of Hepburn/Tracy movies. This sequel is a delightful reunion with these old friends, as well as several other minor characters from the first book.
An enjoyable, contemporary romance that satisfies the romantic heart! Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
March 19, 2013
Have you heard of the movie, The Vow? Well, this book is slightly similar to that story except this is the Christian version and in my good opinion so much more profound. Natalie and Marc have only been married two months when Natalie gets badly injured and loses her memory. She can still recall bits from her childhood and being in college, but she has NO memory of her husband!! My two favorite things about this story, it’s mostly from Marc’s perspective (VERY refreshing) and it’s FOR marriage.
Marc thought it was a miracle to get Natalie to marry him the first time, but now he has to help her fall in love with him what he calls the second time around. However, everything he fears will come to light and despite the obstacles he must face to win Natalie’s heart and trust back, he will come to see her in a whole new way. I also slightly thought of the movie, 50 First Dates with this story, slightly :)
With the help of the TeamWork crew, including Sam and Lexa from Awakening, LOTS of prayer and faith, a sweet Mr. Davis that Marc briefly meets in the hospital, grace from God, and a few close calls in the story, Marc gradually comes to realize that not only is his marriage worth fighting for but that surrendering everything he cares for into Christ’s hands brings freedom he never knew existed. Marc is the perfect example of how love conquers all even when it seems that all hope is gone. He actually cancels his cable when he realizes there’s pornography available, puts his job on hold for his marriage, and protects Natalie throughout the story. I didn’t consider Marc a saint in the story and even though Natalie needed another perspective once or twice to fully appreciate the amazing husband she has, I did think that every emotion they experience was realistic. I truly enjoyed watching these two have a fresh start in their marriage and watch as they get past their insecurities. Reading through Marc’s thoughts, actions, romance, and devotion to Natalie was truly wonderful. There are many touching moments, humorous moments, palpable frustration, friendship, romance, an adorable dog and faith in this story.
Not only was Second Time Around an interesting and sweet read, it also gave me hope in many ways. When it comes to a family member or loved one, no matter how hopeless things seem, with God all things are possible and there is a purpose in the difficult moments.
Marc thought it was a miracle to get Natalie to marry him the first time, but now he has to help her fall in love with him what he calls the second time around. However, everything he fears will come to light and despite the obstacles he must face to win Natalie’s heart and trust back, he will come to see her in a whole new way. I also slightly thought of the movie, 50 First Dates with this story, slightly :)
With the help of the TeamWork crew, including Sam and Lexa from Awakening, LOTS of prayer and faith, a sweet Mr. Davis that Marc briefly meets in the hospital, grace from God, and a few close calls in the story, Marc gradually comes to realize that not only is his marriage worth fighting for but that surrendering everything he cares for into Christ’s hands brings freedom he never knew existed. Marc is the perfect example of how love conquers all even when it seems that all hope is gone. He actually cancels his cable when he realizes there’s pornography available, puts his job on hold for his marriage, and protects Natalie throughout the story. I didn’t consider Marc a saint in the story and even though Natalie needed another perspective once or twice to fully appreciate the amazing husband she has, I did think that every emotion they experience was realistic. I truly enjoyed watching these two have a fresh start in their marriage and watch as they get past their insecurities. Reading through Marc’s thoughts, actions, romance, and devotion to Natalie was truly wonderful. There are many touching moments, humorous moments, palpable frustration, friendship, romance, an adorable dog and faith in this story.
Not only was Second Time Around an interesting and sweet read, it also gave me hope in many ways. When it comes to a family member or loved one, no matter how hopeless things seem, with God all things are possible and there is a purpose in the difficult moments.
March 12, 2012
With her second book, Second Time Around, JoAnn Durgin has another best seller on her hands!
Second Time Around is the story of Marc and Natalie Thompson. It is the story of a love that is nearly lost due to a tragic accident, of a husband who fights for the life, and then for the love, of his bride. It is the story of a new love that is stronger – a “three cord strand” kind of love that cannot be broken. What a beautiful parallel between Marc and Natalie’s story and the story of God’s love for us – how He fought for our very lives because of His love for us. And His love for us is always stronger than a “three cord strand.”
Ms. Durgin developed the characters of Marc and Natalie with such in-depth facets that they are our friends by the end of the first chapter and we are just as afraid for Natalie as Marc is. Oops – don’t want to give anything away there! By the end of the book, it almost feels as if they are family and we want to know what happens to them in the coming months and years.
With characters so well written and scenery so exquisitely detailed that we are there, Second Time Around will hold you captive from page one to the end.
Merged review:
With her second book, Second Time Around, JoAnn Durgin has another best seller on her hands!
Second Time Around is the story of Marc and Natalie Thompson. It is the story of a love that is nearly lost due to a tragic accident, of a husband who fights for the life, and then for the love, of his bride. It is the story of a new love that is stronger - a "three cord strand" kind of love that cannot be broken. What a beautiful parallel between Marc and Natalie's story and the story of God's love for us - how He fought for our very lives because of His love for us. And His love for us is always stronger than a "three cord strand."
Ms. Durgin developed the characters of Marc and Natalie with such in-depth facets that they are our friends by the end of the first chapter and we are just as afraid for Natalie as Marc is. Oops - don't want to give anything away there! By the end of the book, it almost feels as if they are family and we want to know what happens to them in the coming months and years.
With characters so well written and scenery so exquisitely detailed that we are there, Second Time Around will hold you captive from page one to the end.
April 18, 2012
"Second Time Around" - This Book Touched Me!
Marc Thompson and his wife Natalie have been married for two months when Natalie has a nasty fall going down the stairs to the basement. When Natalie finally regains consciousness in the hospital she doesn't even remember Marc. He is a complete stranger to her.
Marc is a Christian man but his faith and trust is being tested and stretched to the limit. His concern is for Natalie and even tells God he will fight him to get her back.
There are many ups and downs trying to live a normal life once Natalie is released from the hospital. How can she live with a man she doesn't even know let alone be married to him? Both Natalie and Marc are put in an awkward position. Natalie decides it is best for her to move out.
With the suggestion from Marc and Natalie's pastor he contacts Sam and Lexa Lewis of TeamWork Missions. Sam suggests that Marc and Natalie work with him and Lexa on a short term mission near Helena , Montana . Since Natalie has volunteered her services to several TeamWork Missions in the past Sam thought maybe this would help with the return of her memory.
Does Natalie regain her memory? Does she forgive Marc for some things in his past that he has never told her about? Does she even love Marc?
I am for marriage 100%; so I rooted from my living room sofa for Marc and Natalie every step of the way. I cried with the characters in this book. I cried for the characters in this book. Many I have come to love.
This book was an emotional one for me. It touched me in a way that opened my eyes up to some things happening in my own life. Ouch! That hurt. I had to acknowledge that I needed to let go and let God be in control. Since reading this book it has changed not only my way of thinking but has inspired me to put away things of the past for good.
This is a note to the author JoAnn Durgin. I love how your books speak to us on a spiritual level. I love that your books challenge us in our own life and our personal walk with God. I pray you never change your style of writing. I can't begin to tell you how much we need authors like you. Thank you for following Gods lead.
I am looking forward to reading "Twin Hearts." This book tells Joshua Grant's story. Joshua is a character from book One of The Lewis Legacy Series, "Awakening."
Marc Thompson and his wife Natalie have been married for two months when Natalie has a nasty fall going down the stairs to the basement. When Natalie finally regains consciousness in the hospital she doesn't even remember Marc. He is a complete stranger to her.
Marc is a Christian man but his faith and trust is being tested and stretched to the limit. His concern is for Natalie and even tells God he will fight him to get her back.
There are many ups and downs trying to live a normal life once Natalie is released from the hospital. How can she live with a man she doesn't even know let alone be married to him? Both Natalie and Marc are put in an awkward position. Natalie decides it is best for her to move out.
With the suggestion from Marc and Natalie's pastor he contacts Sam and Lexa Lewis of TeamWork Missions. Sam suggests that Marc and Natalie work with him and Lexa on a short term mission near Helena , Montana . Since Natalie has volunteered her services to several TeamWork Missions in the past Sam thought maybe this would help with the return of her memory.
Does Natalie regain her memory? Does she forgive Marc for some things in his past that he has never told her about? Does she even love Marc?
I am for marriage 100%; so I rooted from my living room sofa for Marc and Natalie every step of the way. I cried with the characters in this book. I cried for the characters in this book. Many I have come to love.
This book was an emotional one for me. It touched me in a way that opened my eyes up to some things happening in my own life. Ouch! That hurt. I had to acknowledge that I needed to let go and let God be in control. Since reading this book it has changed not only my way of thinking but has inspired me to put away things of the past for good.
This is a note to the author JoAnn Durgin. I love how your books speak to us on a spiritual level. I love that your books challenge us in our own life and our personal walk with God. I pray you never change your style of writing. I can't begin to tell you how much we need authors like you. Thank you for following Gods lead.
I am looking forward to reading "Twin Hearts." This book tells Joshua Grant's story. Joshua is a character from book One of The Lewis Legacy Series, "Awakening."
August 13, 2015
Second Time Around: Book 2 of the Lewis Legacy Series
By: JoAnn Durgin
Quite Simply, just to LOVE her.......what a sentence to end an emotionally packed, edge of the seat, gotta continue reading novel!
Tears of sadness, tears of joy, tears of heartache, tears of love. Is your life so busy that things are rushed where you don't get to spend family time together, is your life so busy that you and your spouse forget to say I love you every day, is your life so busy you forget to breathe, forget to show others how much you love them, forget to play, forget to watch God's beautiful sunsets, forget to smile? The list goes on and on. Our lives, with family, friends, jobs, etc can get so busy where we forget the small things, the simple things that God has graced us with. This is a novel that every man and every woman should read. JoAnn has written a story that is so tragic and my life has changed because of it. My husband and I are celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary this month and after reading the story of Marc and Natalie, I can't change the past but I'm forever grateful of God's grace that I can now make a difference in the future, each and every day. A difference of loving my husband unconditionally like I always did and always will but to stop and really, really just LOVE him. You see, the story of Marc and Natalie takes a tragic turn and they are faced with one of the most horrific life moments a person could ever go through. I could not fathom their pain, their heartache, their thoughts but I kept saying to myself, what if? And that what if stops you dead in your tracks!! It puts a whole new perspective on your relationship with your loved ones and even your relationship with God. Take time to read Marc and Natalie's story and be forever changed too. God's grace is sufficient, sufficient in you. Along the way, you will meet up with Sam, Lexa and their TeamWork crew. You will be guided through some thought provoking moments and be relished in God's love for you. Join me today in reading their story and being reminded that God loves you so unconditionally and His love is all you need to love, to grow, to live! Be forever blessed my friends!!
Thank you, JoAnn Durgin, for yet another powerful story that has forever changed me!
By: JoAnn Durgin
Quite Simply, just to LOVE her.......what a sentence to end an emotionally packed, edge of the seat, gotta continue reading novel!
Tears of sadness, tears of joy, tears of heartache, tears of love. Is your life so busy that things are rushed where you don't get to spend family time together, is your life so busy that you and your spouse forget to say I love you every day, is your life so busy you forget to breathe, forget to show others how much you love them, forget to play, forget to watch God's beautiful sunsets, forget to smile? The list goes on and on. Our lives, with family, friends, jobs, etc can get so busy where we forget the small things, the simple things that God has graced us with. This is a novel that every man and every woman should read. JoAnn has written a story that is so tragic and my life has changed because of it. My husband and I are celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary this month and after reading the story of Marc and Natalie, I can't change the past but I'm forever grateful of God's grace that I can now make a difference in the future, each and every day. A difference of loving my husband unconditionally like I always did and always will but to stop and really, really just LOVE him. You see, the story of Marc and Natalie takes a tragic turn and they are faced with one of the most horrific life moments a person could ever go through. I could not fathom their pain, their heartache, their thoughts but I kept saying to myself, what if? And that what if stops you dead in your tracks!! It puts a whole new perspective on your relationship with your loved ones and even your relationship with God. Take time to read Marc and Natalie's story and be forever changed too. God's grace is sufficient, sufficient in you. Along the way, you will meet up with Sam, Lexa and their TeamWork crew. You will be guided through some thought provoking moments and be relished in God's love for you. Join me today in reading their story and being reminded that God loves you so unconditionally and His love is all you need to love, to grow, to live! Be forever blessed my friends!!
Thank you, JoAnn Durgin, for yet another powerful story that has forever changed me!
March 4, 2012
Marc Thompson's life is perfect. He and his wife, Natalie, are newlyweds and his sports advertising business is thriving. His world is torn apart, however, when Natalie takes a fall down the basement stairs and ends up with amnesia. She can remember things from her past, just not Marc or their life together.
Natalie wants to remember her life with Marc, but doesn't feel married. She moves out of their house and back in with college roommates to give them both some space to figure things out. Marc begins to woo her all over again, hoping to spark Natalie's memory.
In a desperate attempt to win his wife back, Marc contacts Natalie's friends from TeamWork, a camp where she worked and made close friends. Sam and Lexa Lewis run the camps and are more than happy to help in any way they can.
While working a camp in Big Sky, Montana, Marc and Natalie are brought face to face with some ugly truths from the past and must decide what to do with their future.
Second Time Around is well written with lots of passion and romance. I couldn't help but feel the pain and frustration right along with Marc and Natalie as they try to recapture their love for each other in the midst of her amnesia. Although the story is told from mainly Marc's point of view, I would like to have heard Natalie's side a bit more. And even though it gets a little preachy in the middle when Marc looks to Sam for advice, the story is heartfelt and the characters are vivid and relatable. I loved the story and would recommend it to any romance reader.
Natalie wants to remember her life with Marc, but doesn't feel married. She moves out of their house and back in with college roommates to give them both some space to figure things out. Marc begins to woo her all over again, hoping to spark Natalie's memory.
In a desperate attempt to win his wife back, Marc contacts Natalie's friends from TeamWork, a camp where she worked and made close friends. Sam and Lexa Lewis run the camps and are more than happy to help in any way they can.
While working a camp in Big Sky, Montana, Marc and Natalie are brought face to face with some ugly truths from the past and must decide what to do with their future.
Second Time Around is well written with lots of passion and romance. I couldn't help but feel the pain and frustration right along with Marc and Natalie as they try to recapture their love for each other in the midst of her amnesia. Although the story is told from mainly Marc's point of view, I would like to have heard Natalie's side a bit more. And even though it gets a little preachy in the middle when Marc looks to Sam for advice, the story is heartfelt and the characters are vivid and relatable. I loved the story and would recommend it to any romance reader.
November 29, 2014
What a beautiful, charming, and captivating story! I cried, I smiled, I laughed, I cried some more, and I grew as a person, as a wife, and as a Christian. Thank you so much, JoAnn Durgin, for such a wonderful book!! A book certainly worthy of 5 plus stars!
I read a lot, but it has been a while since I’ve read a book that grabbed my attention and pulled me in on the very first page, but this one sure did! The pages are filled with love, friendship, romance, passion, forgiveness, hope, faith, and so many other elements that invite your heart into the story. The characters are so real-to-life that they feel more like friends and family than book characters.
I cannot begin to tell you the lessons this book has to offer both in marriage and in your Christian walk. I found myself searching my own life to see if I am a wife worthy of this kind of love, am I the kind of friend that would drop it all to help a friend through a tough time, and most of all, as a Christian, do I surrender full control of what life hands me to God?
This is book #2 in the Lewis Legacy Series, however, it certainly can be read as a stand-alone.
I read a lot, but it has been a while since I’ve read a book that grabbed my attention and pulled me in on the very first page, but this one sure did! The pages are filled with love, friendship, romance, passion, forgiveness, hope, faith, and so many other elements that invite your heart into the story. The characters are so real-to-life that they feel more like friends and family than book characters.
I cannot begin to tell you the lessons this book has to offer both in marriage and in your Christian walk. I found myself searching my own life to see if I am a wife worthy of this kind of love, am I the kind of friend that would drop it all to help a friend through a tough time, and most of all, as a Christian, do I surrender full control of what life hands me to God?
This is book #2 in the Lewis Legacy Series, however, it certainly can be read as a stand-alone.
December 12, 2012
Just a word to sum this novel up: beautiful.
UPDATE 12/11/12
This novel was very The Vow-ish but unlike that actual movie which didn't please me at all, this book did. I liked it even better than Awakening (book 1 of the Lewis series) and that says a lot because I gave that one a four stars. Hence, this one got the complete five.
Mostly narrated in a male's point of view, this story tackled a wide range of issues and emotions, from the lead's angsty past to his present love and devotion to his wife. Being a Christian for only a couple of years, it turned his world upside down when his new wife fell on the basement stairs and lost all memory of him. Devastated and sometimes questioning his own faith, he goes on a journey of winning his wife back—and discovering an even deeper relationship with the Lord.
And I didn't think it was possible, but Marc was even hotter than Sam (insert wiggly eyebrows here). Yes, there are hot Christian men on this world, people!
Seriously. Highly recommended.
UPDATE 12/11/12
This novel was very The Vow-ish but unlike that actual movie which didn't please me at all, this book did. I liked it even better than Awakening (book 1 of the Lewis series) and that says a lot because I gave that one a four stars. Hence, this one got the complete five.
Mostly narrated in a male's point of view, this story tackled a wide range of issues and emotions, from the lead's angsty past to his present love and devotion to his wife. Being a Christian for only a couple of years, it turned his world upside down when his new wife fell on the basement stairs and lost all memory of him. Devastated and sometimes questioning his own faith, he goes on a journey of winning his wife back—and discovering an even deeper relationship with the Lord.
And I didn't think it was possible, but Marc was even hotter than Sam (insert wiggly eyebrows here). Yes, there are hot Christian men on this world, people!
Seriously. Highly recommended.
July 4, 2012
Just finished reading this wonderful story of love, forgiveness, and persistence and I highly recommend it! Ms. Durgin does a wonderful job of breathing life into her characters and making them real people with strengths, weaknesses, and struggles. I found myself experiencing a gamut of emotions. I was crying at times and laughing at others, and definitely cheering for this couple as they overcame obstacle after obstacle to build a love relationship the second time around. Unexpectedly, Marc and Natalie's journey through forgiveness spoke to me about things in my own marriage relationship and I can see how God will use this story to communicate to anyone who reads it what true love ought to be and even how to have it.
May 14, 2015
First line of Second Time Around: “It wasn’t the bloodcurdling scream that made Marc’s heart pound. Not even the sickening thud. It was the silence.”
No wonder I couldn’t put this book down. Author JoAnn Durgin had my heart from that first line. Just two blissful months into their marriage, a terrible accident and the resulting amnesia tear Marc and his bride Natalie apart. Their struggles to regain what was lost, or barring that, rebuild a relationship, swung my emotions from hope to despair and back again.
The supporting cast from TeamWork show their love in sacrificial ways, a beautiful picture of the way the Church should operate.
I loved Second Time Around and give it five stars. Highly recommended.
No wonder I couldn’t put this book down. Author JoAnn Durgin had my heart from that first line. Just two blissful months into their marriage, a terrible accident and the resulting amnesia tear Marc and his bride Natalie apart. Their struggles to regain what was lost, or barring that, rebuild a relationship, swung my emotions from hope to despair and back again.
The supporting cast from TeamWork show their love in sacrificial ways, a beautiful picture of the way the Church should operate.
I loved Second Time Around and give it five stars. Highly recommended.
August 27, 2015
God gives us second chances
I loved Second Time around by JoAnn Durbin Book 2 in the Lewis Legacy Series.
Marc and Natalie have an idyllic life,just recently married and well on the way to achieving their dreams then tragedy strikes.
Natalie slips and falls down the stairs and the end result is retrograde amnesia.
Marc works to regain his marriage with a woman does not know him.
I loved all the characters and how they work to help Marc and Natalie.
This book is a must read for married Christians; It's a guide book for Godly husbands.
The theme of drawing to the throne of grace to find help in time of need is very enlightening.
I loved Second Time around by JoAnn Durbin Book 2 in the Lewis Legacy Series.
Marc and Natalie have an idyllic life,just recently married and well on the way to achieving their dreams then tragedy strikes.
Natalie slips and falls down the stairs and the end result is retrograde amnesia.
Marc works to regain his marriage with a woman does not know him.
I loved all the characters and how they work to help Marc and Natalie.
This book is a must read for married Christians; It's a guide book for Godly husbands.
The theme of drawing to the throne of grace to find help in time of need is very enlightening.
October 14, 2016
I loved The Vow, especially considering it was based on a true story. This storyline was similar so I thought it would be a good read. It was ok. I have to be honest when I say I was pretty uncomfortable with the steamy scenes that were prevalent in the book. At one point I really thought the author was leading up to a sex scene a couple of times and this made me really uncomfortable considering this is a Christian book. It felt a lot like a hormonal teenager wrote this book, at times. I think if that had been toned down I would have enjoyed the story a lot more. I'm not sure I will read more stories by the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2015
I loved this book. I have enjoyed anything I have read by this author, but this is one of my favorites. It is a beautiful story of love and second chances and seeing how God can take a tragedy and work all things for good. The story had me hooked from the first pages and I read it in one setting because i didn't want to put it down. This is the second book in a wonderful series which centers around people that that are part of a ministry group called Team Work and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 7, 2015
This is such an amazing love story. Trusting God is so very hard for Marc. All of Marc's feelings and experiences about God are so down to earth and painful. Don't we all fear giving all to God about something? However, when Marc finally does oh my... A story of redemption and restoration that will give you a roller coaster ride for your emotions. Written in such a way as to make you feel as though you are part of the story and not just reading it. Extremely clean yet wonderfully written to allow one to feel down to earth relationships. Good, good, good story! Highlyb recommend.
May 21, 2013
JoAnn Durgin did a fabulous job of drawing me into this precious love story. Immediately, I was taken in by Marc's dilemma. What would a person do in his shoes? What would I do? Can you imagine marrying someone and within a few short weeks, she doesn't know who you are? All your hopes and dreams squashed. Oh, but the story doesn't end there. Deeply woven characters sparkle with gentle humanity and pulsate with a love that keeps you cheering for a delightful "second time around."
April 26, 2015
I loved this book. This is part of the Lewis Legacy series. While I read it "out of order" it didn't make any difference to the enjoyment of the book. I was "hooked" from the first page. I felt for both Marc and Natalie in this situation. Marc was working so hard to recover the life that they were just beginning as newlyweds. This was made twice as hard due to Natalie's amnesia. Loved everything. The story, characters and the ending. Keep them coming, JoAnn!!
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