Second Chance Christmas

by Shawn Inmon

Sometimes, a Christmas miracle is needed.

Steve and Elizabeth have led lonely lives for many years. An unlikely encounter on a Christmas tree lot could change everything--if they have the courage to overcome a lifetime's doubt and fears.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Second Chance, Novella, Fiction

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2013

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the cutest and best holiday short I’ve read. It’s the story of Steve and Elizabeth who have known each for years but through life’s circumstances have lost touch. One day by chance they meet up and begin to rekindle their friendship and maybe more. This is the perfect holiday read, it’s light yet it will touch you emotionally. I love how they come back into each other’s lives at the perfect time. Both needed something in their lives and I believed they needed each other. I’m a true believer in second chances sometimes things are meant to happen at a certain time, life always has a bigger plan for us than we could ever plan for ourselves. So if you want a quick and touching read this might be the right one for you this holiday season.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the authors note I understand why I felt this rating was necessary. I really enjoyed the story line but felt that there could have been so much more to it. Having said that I do want to say that I was very intrigued with the story and had so wished for more. I will be looking forward to the next release in Jan. Steve and Lizzie are adorable and so down to earth it will be a pleasure to hear from them again. CUTE READ

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little 30 page Christmas story about an unexpected reunion. Nice to have a warm feeling after reading it.

[Jatana Fleming · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story was just that and I enjoyed it. I hated to have this story end. This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. Great job.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story about finding love once again.

Content: several swear words

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful holiday story

Although short, this book was truly beautiful with a simply feel good feeling by the end. The story continues in another book and I know I want to read more.

[Carrie Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet

What do you when a second chance comes around twenty years after the first chance was a bust? Try again, or run?

[Sm · Rating 2 out of 5]

figured I would get another holiday story or two in before the end of the season.

this was a very short story (less than 30 pages) and was pleasant enough. I was okay with the glimpse of the two main characters and, unlike many other short stories, did not feel like I needed more of their story.

Second Chance Christmas is told in third person and begins with a moment in the life of Elizabeth (in her run down apartment) and Steve (in his lonely apartment) on December 23rd.

on December 24th, Elizabeth and Steve run into each other in a sad Christmas tree lot where Elizabeth proceeds to run away from Steve after dropping her ID (cinderella anyone?).

turns out they were the closest of friends twenty years ago, but Steve had to leave for family reasons and Lizzie sort of faded away. by the time Steve came up for air, so much time had gone by that he felt like he couldn't possibly reach out to her (haven't we all been there and felt that way?)

we leave them on Christmas Day, trying to find their way back to each other after decades apart and, truth be told, probably a little lost in their own way in the intervening years.

I liked this line, "The old friendship came back into focus; feelings long misplaced fit into well-worn emotional grooves." (elicits such nice, warm fuzzies)

it had this line that made me "ha!" out loud, "saying 'excuse me' in that tone that really means 'excuse you '"

I've been reading a lot of romance stories, written by a lot of women. this story falls into that category, but was actually written by a man ... I noticed it after I had read the story, so thought I would mention it in case that was of any interest to anyone.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Shawn Inmon. What a wonderful and touching Christmas story about couple, Steve and Elizabeth, that had known each other from middle school through their first year of college. Due to a death in the family that caused Steve to have to drop out of college they lost touch for 20 years. The meet by accident on Christmas Eve in a Christmas tree lot 20 years later and this is the story of what happened. I was glad to find, after reading the book and liking it so much, that there will be four more follow-up books in the story of Steve and Elizabeth coming out in 2014. I look forward to reading more of Shawn Inmon's books.

[Julie Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick sweet read, when old friends bump into each other after some considerable time.

Two high school best friends lives change due to family issues, it seems both have missed out on what could have been.

She comes from a low income family, his more wealthy, but in reality that has nothing to do with their feelings for each other, which they both kept hidden from each other.

They revisit their final evening together, learning the truth behind the departure. Their old feelings resurface, and are a strong as before and both start thinking about taking a second chance.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short little story is all about second chances. Steve and Elizabeth were best friends, each with a secret, but in college, something took Steve away and they lost touch. I enjoyed how different they each were on the surface, but how similar they are down deep. A cute little holiday read.

Content: mild romance; moderate swearing.

[Heidi Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance Christmas is a heartwarming holiday love story. Steve and Elizabeth, both thoughtful, intriguing characters, lead very different lives. But after spending a life time a part, they find each other. I could not put it down. Thank you for another happy ending Shawn!

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short Christmas story about two people who haven't seen each other for 20 years. A bit more language than I like, and the heroine wasn't my favorite (it was hard to believe she gave up her schooling), but a cute read!

[Terrie Stamey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance Christmas

I don't often read short stories, since I'm always left wanting more. This one was a warm hearted story that left me feeling good and not disappointed at the end. A lovely read and everyone would like it.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short sweet and predictable

This short story has a predictable plot, and mediocre writing. I "bought" it when it was free. I'm glad I didn't pay for it. There is nothing in this story that would entice me to read more by this author.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas book

This little book is a very enjoyable and cute story. It fits the mood because of the first measurable snow of the year.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute short story.

[Tara Holman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a bad story, just too short. As a reader you start to get attached & involved in the characters, just as the story is ending.

[Jessica Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average short story

This was nothing spectacular. A short, Christmas love story from the perspectives of a man and a woman. Took like sixteen minutes to read.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too short.

[Jennifer McMurrain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short story by Inmon, can't wait to read more about this couple.

[Dawn rizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect quick love story

Picked for the cover and short length I was surprised how glued I was and wanted more. Will definitely be checking out more from this author.