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A Second Chance
What if you discovered you only had months to live? How would you tell your children, your husband, your parents? Would you even tell them at all?
When faced with the devastating news that her cancer treatments failed, Annabelle Dixon does what many terminally ill people do: she prays for a second chance. But will she get one?
A Second Chance is the debut novelette from author Nicole Ireland
When faced with the devastating news that her cancer treatments failed, Annabelle Dixon does what many terminally ill people do: she prays for a second chance. But will she get one?
A Second Chance is the debut novelette from author Nicole Ireland
ebook
First published July 7, 2010
40 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Ireland
3 books45 followersNicole Ireland is an author and freelance writer from southern Maine. Over the past few years she has written for several companies, including Mahalo, Demand Studios, and Break Studios, to name a few. Currently, you can find her on MySpace as the Reality TV Curator.
In addition to freelance writing, Ms. Ireland is also a virtual assistant and compliance coordinator for a pizza dough production company located in southern Maine. Her main duties include maintaining the company’s HACCP and OSHA programs.
On April 12, 2011, Ms. Ireland published her first novelette, A Second Chance, via Smashwords and Amazon.
In addition to freelance writing, Ms. Ireland is also a virtual assistant and compliance coordinator for a pizza dough production company located in southern Maine. Her main duties include maintaining the company’s HACCP and OSHA programs.
On April 12, 2011, Ms. Ireland published her first novelette, A Second Chance, via Smashwords and Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 23, 2011
It was clear to me as I read A Second Chance, that it was a heart-felt, easy to read Novelette that triggered so much feeling towards the main character and her family. As a reader, just about anyone can identify with the struggle a person would feel if they were facing their own mortality. It was definitely a book worth reading and I would recommend it to anyone. A truly wonderful idea and a read that is good for the soul!
May 3, 2011
When I started reading Second Chance, my first thought was “here we go, another cancer book, another life after death novel” Ho-hum I have read it all before. How is this book going to be any different?
It’s not. There are hundreds of books on the market regarding cancer patients, both who have survived, and those who lost their battle. Of those cancer patients that have survived, there are some who faced a near-death experience, but not all of them “saw” the other side.
Then, there are us readers. Those who believe that it is possible for someone to cross over, meet their maker, and then return. Others have nothing of the sort running around inside their brain.
Stories like “Second Chance” are really going to ask you whether or not you believe in situations such as these.
Before I go any further, I do not want there to be any confusion. We have all seen incidents in the past where fellow writers are seen chit-chatting on social media sites and their personal website and a few days later up pops a book review and someone has to make a comment regarding fellow writers doing such thing.
Yes, I know Nicole, the author. No, I do not know her personally. Meaning, I don’t hang out with her outside of the internet world. Although, I would. She seems really sweet and we seem to have a lot in common. Would I consider her a friend? Yes. A co-worker sums it up well too and fellow writer. Nicole is not asking me for a review. I made the choice to do it after I purchased my copy. I support my fellow writers and when she announced its launch, I knew I had to read the final product having followed along on the journey to submission. I saw others were passing along reviews and I thought it would be helpful to her if I did one as well.
I am not being paid. I am not being forced to be nice or to act like I like something. These thoughts and words are my own.
Now that these things are out of the way, I have to admit I am torn over this story.
While I loved the story itself, the characters, and the plot, I felt the story lacked a little something more. I know firsthand how hard it can be to say everything you want to say without overloading an ebook short story, but I wish there was more. Maybe not so much more length in plot but more depth or volume to the characters and story itself. I almost felt as if the author was playing it safe, and I know she is a much better writer than she is letting us see.
This has nothing to do with the story itself, or even grammar. I don’t want to scare anyone away from purchasing this book.
We meet Annabelle, losing her battle with cancer. There are her parents, the loving husband, and their children. I would have loved a bit more detail to the back stories provided and more in-depth detail to the current events. There were times I could sense what Annabelle was feeling, and the pain everyone else was going through, but little else. When I read a story, no matter how short or long, I want it descriptive so I can transfer myself into the world of the words I am reading. I want to touch, smell, and even taste whatever is going in within the pages of the book.
(I hope that makes sense.)
Having said all of that, I do give Nicole 5 stars because the story is captivating and beautiful. It will pull at your heart (be sure to grab a tissue when you sit down to read), and I can see some people turning their life around after reading it. Life is too short. Don’t wait until you are handed your death sentence before you start making changes. Make your changes now.
I believe everyone deserves a Second Chance. Having watched so many people around me lose their battle with cancer, I can only wish one of them would have been given a second chance.
I am also thinking it would be nice to read about Annabelle and what she does with her second chance in life.
I really recommend this book to anyone, not just those who are connected to cancer somehow, but to everyone because there are lessons to be learned from stories like this.
One Word at a Time
It’s not. There are hundreds of books on the market regarding cancer patients, both who have survived, and those who lost their battle. Of those cancer patients that have survived, there are some who faced a near-death experience, but not all of them “saw” the other side.
Then, there are us readers. Those who believe that it is possible for someone to cross over, meet their maker, and then return. Others have nothing of the sort running around inside their brain.
Stories like “Second Chance” are really going to ask you whether or not you believe in situations such as these.
Before I go any further, I do not want there to be any confusion. We have all seen incidents in the past where fellow writers are seen chit-chatting on social media sites and their personal website and a few days later up pops a book review and someone has to make a comment regarding fellow writers doing such thing.
Yes, I know Nicole, the author. No, I do not know her personally. Meaning, I don’t hang out with her outside of the internet world. Although, I would. She seems really sweet and we seem to have a lot in common. Would I consider her a friend? Yes. A co-worker sums it up well too and fellow writer. Nicole is not asking me for a review. I made the choice to do it after I purchased my copy. I support my fellow writers and when she announced its launch, I knew I had to read the final product having followed along on the journey to submission. I saw others were passing along reviews and I thought it would be helpful to her if I did one as well.
I am not being paid. I am not being forced to be nice or to act like I like something. These thoughts and words are my own.
Now that these things are out of the way, I have to admit I am torn over this story.
While I loved the story itself, the characters, and the plot, I felt the story lacked a little something more. I know firsthand how hard it can be to say everything you want to say without overloading an ebook short story, but I wish there was more. Maybe not so much more length in plot but more depth or volume to the characters and story itself. I almost felt as if the author was playing it safe, and I know she is a much better writer than she is letting us see.
This has nothing to do with the story itself, or even grammar. I don’t want to scare anyone away from purchasing this book.
We meet Annabelle, losing her battle with cancer. There are her parents, the loving husband, and their children. I would have loved a bit more detail to the back stories provided and more in-depth detail to the current events. There were times I could sense what Annabelle was feeling, and the pain everyone else was going through, but little else. When I read a story, no matter how short or long, I want it descriptive so I can transfer myself into the world of the words I am reading. I want to touch, smell, and even taste whatever is going in within the pages of the book.
(I hope that makes sense.)
Having said all of that, I do give Nicole 5 stars because the story is captivating and beautiful. It will pull at your heart (be sure to grab a tissue when you sit down to read), and I can see some people turning their life around after reading it. Life is too short. Don’t wait until you are handed your death sentence before you start making changes. Make your changes now.
I believe everyone deserves a Second Chance. Having watched so many people around me lose their battle with cancer, I can only wish one of them would have been given a second chance.
I am also thinking it would be nice to read about Annabelle and what she does with her second chance in life.
I really recommend this book to anyone, not just those who are connected to cancer somehow, but to everyone because there are lessons to be learned from stories like this.
One Word at a Time
April 14, 2011
Whatever you want in life, start today. Not tomorrow - today.
Let it be a small beginning - a tiny beginning.
Your happiness depends on starting today - every day.
~Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Annabelle Dixon learns that, despite all their efforts, she has mere months to live. How will she tell her husband? Should she tell her children that their mommy is dying? With so many questions and so little time, Annabelle does what nearly every person with a terminal illness has been known to do...pray for a second chance.
A Second Chance is the debut novella by Nicole Ireland and if this is Ms Ireland's debut I cannot wait for more. The novella is beautifully written, very moving and emotionally draining...but in a good way. The pain Annabelle feels after seeing the doctor, dealing with how to tell her husband and whether or not to tell her children is heartbreaking. Annabelle's husband's reaction brought me, not to tears, but to sobs and it took me a moment to regain my composure. I do not want to go into great detail, as I want readers to truly experience the touching and thought provoking artistry of A Second Chance. This is an amazing debut by Nicole and one I hope to see become very successful for her.
Let it be a small beginning - a tiny beginning.
Your happiness depends on starting today - every day.
~Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Annabelle Dixon learns that, despite all their efforts, she has mere months to live. How will she tell her husband? Should she tell her children that their mommy is dying? With so many questions and so little time, Annabelle does what nearly every person with a terminal illness has been known to do...pray for a second chance.
A Second Chance is the debut novella by Nicole Ireland and if this is Ms Ireland's debut I cannot wait for more. The novella is beautifully written, very moving and emotionally draining...but in a good way. The pain Annabelle feels after seeing the doctor, dealing with how to tell her husband and whether or not to tell her children is heartbreaking. Annabelle's husband's reaction brought me, not to tears, but to sobs and it took me a moment to regain my composure. I do not want to go into great detail, as I want readers to truly experience the touching and thought provoking artistry of A Second Chance. This is an amazing debut by Nicole and one I hope to see become very successful for her.
April 24, 2011
I was fortunate enough to receive a free e-copy of Nicole Ireland's A Second Chance. Let me tell you people, you have to read it. The emotional intensity of the writing had me in tears throughout half the novel. (I'm sorry to say that if it scares anyone away). Despite the tears, it's an amazing, well written novel that deserves a LOT of love! (Don't mind me, I'm an easily emotional mom of two.)
Having read this right after reading Dream Smashers by Angela Carlie, I've had a very emotional week in the reading world. Also, having just read Dream Smashers, I have to say that A Second Chance falls in the same stellar category. It's very real, very beautiful, very powerful. It's yet another read that should not be missed!
5 STARS and 5 TISSUES go to this amazing novel!
Having read this right after reading Dream Smashers by Angela Carlie, I've had a very emotional week in the reading world. Also, having just read Dream Smashers, I have to say that A Second Chance falls in the same stellar category. It's very real, very beautiful, very powerful. It's yet another read that should not be missed!
5 STARS and 5 TISSUES go to this amazing novel!
April 23, 2011
All too often in life we get snagged on our past mistakes, refusing to move forward so our souls can heal. When we carry the burden of guilt and refuse to forgive ourselves, those bad feelings rob us of our potential to experience joy and live the best life possible.
The miracle of this debut novelette by Nicole Ireland is uplifting and beautiful. The powerful message presented will linger long after you read the last sentence, and hopefully inspire you to let go of all those petty things so your arms are free to embrace yourself and your potential.
The miracle of this debut novelette by Nicole Ireland is uplifting and beautiful. The powerful message presented will linger long after you read the last sentence, and hopefully inspire you to let go of all those petty things so your arms are free to embrace yourself and your potential.
May 17, 2011
This is so unlike anything I have read before. Admittedly, I am not usually a fan of drama, I'm more often found with my head in a fantasy book, however, I am so glad that I read this.
A Second Chance by Nicole Ireland is a poignant and heart warming tale of a woman with cancer, given just a few months to live. I confess to shedding a whole load of tears while devouring this book. It's more of a novella, so I finished it very quickly, even though I wished for the story to continue. I want to know what else happens (I can't write more without giving anything away!!).
This is one of those stories that just gets you, you know? It just gets you thinking... about life in general, about not taking things or loved ones for granted. It was a very touching tale.
A Second Chance by Nicole Ireland is a poignant and heart warming tale of a woman with cancer, given just a few months to live. I confess to shedding a whole load of tears while devouring this book. It's more of a novella, so I finished it very quickly, even though I wished for the story to continue. I want to know what else happens (I can't write more without giving anything away!!).
This is one of those stories that just gets you, you know? It just gets you thinking... about life in general, about not taking things or loved ones for granted. It was a very touching tale.
October 20, 2011
** For the full review please check out www.read2review.com **
With Nicole’s Q&A happening during our Read-A-Thon I wanted to try and read her books so I had questions about what I wanted to ask her fresh in my mind. Both of the books of hers I had are quite short so I was able to get both read.
A Second Chance is about a 28 year old woman who has terminal cancer and her last few days. It was heartbreaking to read and I found myself in tears reading it.
Read more here: http://read2review.com/our-reviews/n/...
With Nicole’s Q&A happening during our Read-A-Thon I wanted to try and read her books so I had questions about what I wanted to ask her fresh in my mind. Both of the books of hers I had are quite short so I was able to get both read.
A Second Chance is about a 28 year old woman who has terminal cancer and her last few days. It was heartbreaking to read and I found myself in tears reading it.
Read more here: http://read2review.com/our-reviews/n/...
August 27, 2016
This story made me cry. I know I speak on this a lot, but it should be said that it takes a talented writer to bring emotional response to a character in a short literary piece. And it's true. Ireland is very talented. She writes of trees and the seasons, and I was captivated by her style. It was a heartbreakingly beautiful story and Annabelle's experience will be forever etched in my mind. I can't stop thinking about her.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews