Second Chances

by Deborah McClatchey

Joyce Westfield thought she had it all. Married to her high school sweetheart and being a housewife was what life was meant to be ... or was it? Joyce eventually finds out that first loves aren’t always the answer to a woman’s prayer. It saddens her that her weight had become an issue, causing her marriage to fail.

When her marriage takes a miserable turn, Joyce decides she’d better start taking action to prepare herself for the inevitable divorce. She develops her talents as a baker and creates a thriving business, earning a decent living. Soon she discovers the ‘maturing and confident woman’ hidden inside herself.

She eventually learns Rob is cheating on her with another woman; but Joyce can’t seem to let him go. By chance she meets Kevin Munday, a charming young man, who changes her perspective on life and love. She nearly loses him over her many foolish decisions involving Rob. Can she salvage the marriage, or is it really worth the trouble?

Nevertheless, Kevin is truly in love with Joyce and is willing to give her all the time she needs to make her choice. For Joyce, a second chance can mean finding love, happiness, and sought-after dreams that can come true … when you are with the right person. Which choice will she make?

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Deborah loves to write stories about teens and horror. Romance with twists of suspense.

Her romances run along the lines of a Lifetime Movie For Women. Grab a cup of tea (or even a martini), sit back, and enjoy the ride.

Reviews

[Cindy]

Ugggh....My perceptions...was offensive to my sensibilities.A stunningly ridonculous ,largely silly,at times senseless,regressive parody of marriage in trouble saga ripe with caricatures reminiscent of a cross between a 1950 sitcom and an 80's after school special.Espouses disturbing stunted social mores evident via the h's shocked realization that although her brother and friend came out as gay they appeared as if any normal red blooded male.(wtf? 🤔😂)I could try to garble out more of my shock but think you get the picture...so why waste a minute more?
Sorry I'm in a mood and can't control my honest perceptions!🤷
Upon snapping out of it,hopefully will come back with some additional constructive critique.

[William O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances
by Deborah McClatchey

A stimulating story of love and romance in the life of Joyce Westfield and the decisions she makes through the journey of life.
Well worth a read - a romantic 5*****

[Dennis Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve all heard the saying, “You can forgive but you can never forget.” That’s how it goes when someone breaks your heart. The main character Joyce is faced with the same question that many of us will face at some point in our life. Should she stay with a cheating spouse and try and forgive and forget? Should she try and save what’s left of her failing marriage or should she end it and move on? For most people that live through this, it will be the most difficult period of their life. How we handle it defines the strength of our character. That is what makes this book such a treasure. Author Deborah McClatchey skillfully develops Joyce’s character so that we get to really know her and feel for her. We want the best for her. Some people in this situation would just cower and do nothing and wait for the inevitable painful ending. But Joyce is a strong, intelligent woman. It is that inner strength that drives her to become an independent woman. Joyce maintains her dignity throughout the painful transition.

Second Chances is a wonderful story. I love a story that empowers women and this story does just that. It may inspire those in a similar situation to become independent and capable of surviving and thriving on their own. In addition to the romance, there are also some shocking and exciting surprises woven into the plot that could completely alter the future for Joyce.

Second Chances is a well-written page turner with just the right amount of descriptive text to help the reader form images as they read. In short, it was a pleasure to read and I am looking forward to reading more titles by this talented author.

This book was gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Sherin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Deborah McClaychey, this was an emotional and hopeful read.

I like the author's writing style ... and how she realistically portrayed the struggles of Joyce. I loved Kevin through and through and hurt for him ... every time Joyce was on the fence!

This a must read - empowering, hopeful and makes one think! Joyce thought she has everything, until one fine day, she catches her husband cheating on her! But having loved and lived with someone for a while, it can be quite scary to start over again. That's the dilemma Joyce is in.

This is a situation many of us face in our lives at some point. There are no right or wrong answers to how to proceed ... for some getting back with their loved one after therapy and assurances that cheating wouldn't continue will work - provided the cheating spouse sticks with promise ... However, even after forgiving someone for doing wrong, forgetting is another matter altogether.

So, what should Joyce do? Try and work with her husband to rebuild her marriage or give Kevin, a chance to make her happy and treat her right? Deborah answers this question beautifully without sugar coating the real struggles and questions one goes through.

I appreciate Joyce for her decision to stay true to herself and find happiness again and kudos to Kevin for standing by her .... As much as I would have loved for her to be more sure about Kevin sooner, I guess I understand :)

[Duncan Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book - fan of the author and read everything she writes.

[C.A. Asbrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost all of us have suffered heartbreak, and the more time you have invested in a relationship, the more tempted you are to give it a second chance. It's this very relatable premise, which Deborah McClatchey bases the plot of this enjoyable romance. We see Joyce facing the loss of everything she had ever expected from life, and fighting the uphill battle to rebuild her shattered life. Of course there are a few setbacks along the way, but she ends up stronger, more independent, and happier in the end.

[Ju Ephraime · Rating 5 out of 5]

The decision Joyce had to make concerning her marriage to the man she was in love with, is both demoralizing and gut-wrenching. She wasn’t certain she could forget Rob’s cheating. She knew she could forgive him, having developed confidence in herself as a successful baker, but would she be able to forget? That question has been haunting her ever since she’d found out about his infidelity. And now to further complicate matters, a chance meeting brings Kevin Munday into her life. Joyce has an important decision to make, will she stay in her crumbling marriage or take the second chance that fate has thrown her way? Get your copy to find out.

[Fyrephoenix]

This is an odd one. It's written like it's right out of the fifties..."bosom" and cell phones?? just weird.


Couldn't get into it. Did not finish