The Charm: A Second Chance at Love

by Mabel Havlin

Liz's daughter, Amanda, marries her soulmate. After the wedding, Liz realizes that something is missing in her life.

At the grocery store, she unexpectedly runs into Tyler, a high school friend. They decide to catch up over dinner, and as they reminisce, they discover that they would love to continue seeing each other. As they try to rekindle their relationship, Liz struggles with overwhelming guilt. Despite the unwavering support of her family and friends, Liz knows she must confront her fears on her own.

Eager to see the relationship blossom, Tyler invites Liz to accompany him to a business meeting in Chicago. After some hesitation, Liz decides to take a chance and join Tyler to visit one of her favorite cities. They head to Chicago a few days later, and their time alone allows them to follow their hearts.

However, tragedy strikes on their last night, which leads to various challenges in their lives. They face many heartbreaking moments as they struggle to overcome these obstacles.

Is their love strong enough to prevail and find their second chance at love?

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2024

About the author

New author as of 3/31/2024.
Began writing my first book in 2003 but it took 21 years to complete.
Married 40 years
Two Children
Three Grandchildren

Reviews

[Rose Brate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Mabel Havlin captures your heart in her amazing story of family, and friends, while emursing you in the character's emotions of love, and the pain of losing someone you love. I opened the book and read it cover to cover in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. Grab a box of tissues, a glass of your favorite drink, and settle in for a heart-warming story of love, loss, & the amazing strength it takes to move forward toward a second chance! I read it twice! Great read and an amazing reminder to show those you love how much they mean to you!

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute second chance romance. It would have been a very quick read had I not picked it up in the busiest season of life. I also love HEAs so it was a great break from some of the more tumultuous reads that I have done!

It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but I loved the realness of Liz’s emotions and inner dialogue. The fact that the main characters were middle aged was a nice change of pace from the younger characters that normally get written, so it was cool to see a different perspective.

Havlin did a great job of shining a light on some very touchy subjects, and she did so with grace. I loved the little bit of suspense that occurred in the middle of the book and the way she tied it all together in the end was very sweet and left me feeling satisfied.

All in all, the author painted a beautiful picture of love, loss, hope, and perseverance.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy that Liz ended up happy in the end. I felt so bad for everything she had been through and she deserved to be happy. I love how Tyler was so understanding as well as Amanda. This book is going to be on my mind for a while. A second chance love story that was so heartwarming.

[Melissa Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances and lost loves

Three years after losing the love of her life our Fmc finds herself falling for someone from her past. Only to have him ripped away from her after another tragedy. I was left desperate to know exactly how this book ended as I am sure you will too.

[Shavonne Bulmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mabel Havlin's “The Charm: A Second Chance at Love” is a heartwarming and beautifully written story that captures the magic of finding love when you least expect it. Havlin masterfully weaves themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and the enduring power of connection into a narrative that feels both tender and deeply relatable.

The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, and their journey toward healing and reconnection is filled with touching moments, witty dialogue, and just the right amount of emotional tension. Havlin's prose is captivating, painting vivid pictures of the characters' world while pulling readers into their story with effortless charm.

This book is a testament to the idea that love, even after heartbreak, can be just as powerful the second time around. If you're a fan of romance stories that tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a smile, *The Charm* is a must-read. Five stars all the way!

[A. Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved The Charm! Liz’s story really touched me—watching her daughter find happiness while she quietly realized something was missing in her own life felt so real. The moment she reconnected with Tyler had me smiling, and their journey together was filled with so much heart.

The Chicago trip was one of my favorite parts—it felt romantic and exciting, like they were truly getting a second chance. But then tragedy struck, and I found myself holding my breath, hoping they could find their way through it. The emotions in this book are raw and powerful, and I couldn’t put it down.

Mabel Havlin has such a gift for capturing love, loss, and resilience. This story reminded me that it’s never too late to follow your heart. Highly recommend!

[Charli West · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Charm was charming

I loved the premise of this storyline. It’s about heart crushing loss and new beginnings, of feeling guilty but reaching for new possibilities. I love “real-life” stories and tragedy and loss and all those feelings that are definitely real-life…they happen.

Liz struggled with making a new future for herself after losing her husband. And then, when she and Tyler have to deal with an enormous setback in their relationship, I loved his patience and kindness.

I would wish for more “show” versus “tell,” the POVS need to be refined, and way less scenes centered around food but this author is new and I still enjoyed the story.

[Tracy Daigrepont · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, heartwarming story about a mother who is grieving from the loss of her loved one when fate surprises her bringing a special someone back into her life. The author surprised me with a twist that I did not expect. This is an easy, quick read that will have you in your feelings when it comes to second chances! The cover had me curious when I purchased it; what the charm and the margarita symbolized - you will have to read it to find out!

[Sophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The charm was an emotional roller coaster, from the beginning to the end. In this second chance for a love story, we start out feeling the loss of her husband with Liz and her daughter. After a while, she reconnects with a friend from high school, and they hit it off. Though, more tragedy is in their future, and your heart goes out to these characters as they have to deal with another tragedy. This book will pull on your heart strings, while you wait to see if they get a happy ending.

[Marianne Antonichuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving this book what it’s worth if I could it would be so much more and I truly hope there are more books to come to add to this beautiful piece the emotions were so real and you could feel the emotions of every single person I was crying at the beginning I was crying when she lost her memory I cried at the end of this book this author truly has written an amazing award winning book

[Natasha Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually rate this 4.5 stars.

The strength that Liz shows throughout the entire story, is incredible.
From tragedy to hope, then thrown into the unknown…you will keep reading to find out if Liz can ever have a happy life again.
I needed a good romance that made me feel all the emotions and I got it!

[Robin ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and I thought it was a very cute book. Definitely emotional read. I did enjoy it. I wasn't disappointed reading this. If you like a cute book with a little bit of drama and romance this book is for you.

[vanicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances at love do exist! This book had me in all of my feelings! Such an amazing story! It was so beautiful! It had a twist I totally did not see coming! But just the most magical ending!! Loved every minute of it! Highly recommend!

[Tanya Pratt-Dubois · Rating 4 out of 5]

The charm was a sweet second chance love story. It was a quick, pallet cleanser read. I enjoyed the love story and the drama that unfolded. The charm was a great touch to the book. I do wish it went a little deeper into the character development. Overall it was a sweet story.

[Heather Mylek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute read! Second chance romance. Liz lost her husband and was devastated and lost. After 3 years she runs into a man named Tyler from her past. They start to talk and go to Chicago together. After a brutal attack will they survive? This is a super good read! Highly recommend!

[Ella Graff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, loss and tragedy are found in this book by Mabel Havlin.
Liz’s life takes a tragic turn when her husband passes away. Then her journey to heal and to possibly find love again begins.

[Wendy Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Second Chance

Liz finds herself dealing with the loss of her husband. Tyler returns to her life, bringing a second chance at love—sweet romance and a happily ever after.

[Jessie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall a cute story and sweet idea!

A couple critiques.
There were lots of details included that weren’t necessary / didn’t tie in, like the very specific details about each meal each day. Some typos & grammatical errors. I would love to “see” more, learning more about the characters and their inner thoughts, decisions, etc. through their actions rather than being told.

Thanks for sharing 💛

[Rose Brate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book.. This book is so good! I don’t do spoilers so I’ll just say this author penned a beautiful second chance at love! I dealt with every emotion reading this book! Give this book a read! You will not forget it nor regret it! It’s 5 star read from start to finish!

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of family, friends, second chance love and heartbreaking loss. Be prepared to have your heart all over the place. Grab your tissues, kickback, grab a drink and indulge in this amazingly written story.

[April Pisano · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author messaged me on tik tok to read her book for reviews so I immediately dived in. Good job! It was not a bad read you can tell it was her first book it was enjoyable and sweet. Although there was a few mistakes as I read the story that were overlooked it still was a great short book to enjoy! Give her book a try! Thanks Mabel Havlin.

[Paula Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was confusing, some of it seemed to be past tense, while some was from a narrator yet it would be the character saying they sat ion the couch instead of we sat on the couch. The story was good and touching, and I did enjoy it.

[Claire Mackenzie]

I couldn’t even get into the story because the tenses kept changing and the grammar was rough.

[Elizabeth Aubushon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second chance Romance

Second chances at love are possible for Liz. Surrounded by friends and Family she is supported as she begins a new chapter of her life.

[Kaycee Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A RELATABLE ROMANCE!

There are too few romances being published these days that focus on how love responds to the realities of the human experience , since most gravitate towards the most amorous, intimate aspects of those relationships. Those simulate our fantasies and that’s great, but Mabel Havlin has penned a narrative that is very relatable in the broader sense.

‘The Charm, A Second Chance At Love’, is a poignant and deeply emotional tale of love, loss, and resilience. This book takes readers on a genuine journey through grief and new beginnings. A woman, grappling with the devastating loss of her husband, faces the challenge of rebuilding her life. As she finds solace in another, the relationship is tested by an obstacle—that allows his fortitude and resolute compassion to take us on a wonderful journey.

The story explores the potential for second chances and the power of love to heal, with vivid connections of family, friendship and convictions of those who support us. The plot twist adds an additional tier of storytelling, that lead us to an uplifting conclusion.

This is more than simply a love story. It’s a celebration of life’s ups and downs, of finding light in the darkness. I enjoyed the read, as it did indeed touch all ‘the feels’, and is a must -read for those who have experienced tales of moving beyond tragedy and rediscovering hope.

[Julia Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Charm: A Second Chance for Love is a delightful and heartwarming tale that captures the essence of rediscovering love when you least expect it. With its blend of charm (pun intended) and emotional depth, this book will sweep you off your feet and remind you that love can indeed be sweeter the second time around.

The story follows a captivating journey of two people brought together by fate, only to discover that the connection they share is much more profound than either of them anticipated. The author does a wonderful job of crafting relatable characters whose chemistry leaps off the page, making readers root for their happiness from the very beginning. As the protagonists navigate the complexities of their pasts and the challenges of opening their hearts again, you'll find yourself eagerly turning the pages, hoping for the perfect resolution.

The narrative flows beautifully, with just the right mix of lighthearted moments, emotional depth, and romantic tension. Whether you're a fan of second-chance romances or just looking for a feel-good love story, The Charm delivers everything you could want from the genre wrapped up in a story that feels authentic and timeless. I couldn't put it down!

[Anastasia Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Charm: A Second Chance At Love is a beautifully crafted story of healing, resilience, and rediscovering love after loss. Liz, the main character, is no stranger to heartache, but when life gives her an unexpected second chance, a flame from her past, she embarks on a journey that is as tender as it is transformative.

This novel captures the raw emotions of grief and the slow, careful process of moving forward. The romance between the main characters is beautifully paced, filled with warmth, patience, and an undeniable connection that makes you root for them every step of the way. The story doesn’t shy away from life’s challenges, but it approaches them with authenticity and depth, making the characters’ growth feel all the more real.

While this is a closed-door romance—different from my usual reads—I appreciated the heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth. It’s a touching reminder that love can find us again, even after heartbreak.

[Larae Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Charm: A Second Chance at love is a beautiful story. It brings light in grief and how to move on. The two main characters Liv and Tyler were a very cute and calm couple. They somehow fit good together and were very sweet towards one another. This book to me came to me at a precious time. Liz felt her life was over and ruined but this story opens you up and makes you remember there more to life and a second chance. There were times in this story I was on the edge, anticipating what would happen next. But overall a beautiful story. I truly loved
Mabel has done a great job creating a beautiful timeless story.

[Sherry Rudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up this charming story from a fellow Indie Author and enjoyed the read. If you like second chance romance books, or books from several points of view, you’ll enjoy this one! Good job for a first time author.

[Kelli Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute romance book with a sweet stories about lovers finding their way back to each other after tragedy.