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Second Chance Cafe
ISABELLA ROMANO HAS GIVEN UP ON LOVE
Between her demanding work as a nurse and her father's poor health, Isabella has no time for distractions. So when a handsome firefighter practically falls at her feet, she keeps him at arm's length. But Ethan Carter is determined to win her over.
Orphaned at a young age, Ethan longs for a family of his own - and he's sure Isabella is his match. But when he opens a café near his firehouse, Isabella is less than thrilled. She knows firsthand the strain of being a restaurant owner, and she wants no part of that life. Can Ethan convince the busy nurse they can overcome any obstacle and have their happily ever after together?
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Brandy Bruce
13 books96 followersBrandy Bruce was scribbling stories in purple spiral notebooks at the age of 12. She traded in notebooks for a laptop and now writes romance novels. Having worked as a book editor for a traditional publishing house for more than a decade, Brandy is thrilled to work in an industry she loves. She's currently a freelance editor, a writer, a wife, a mother to three fabulous children, and she's someone who really loves dessert. Brandy makes her home in Virginia with her family. She's the author of After the Rain, Looks Like Love, The Romano Family Collection, and the award-winning novel The Last Summer.
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January 3, 2016This has got to be my favorite Christian-Romance novel of the year 2014. I just loved it. It used real life emotion and feelings.
This is the second book I’ve read by Brandy Bruce and it’s the sequel to Table for Two, which I also really liked. You don’t have to read the first book for this book to make sense, though if you do want to know the background of the characters I do recommend that you.
One thing I really like about this book is the relationship between Ethan and Isabella. It’s a real relationship with arguments, different views, and different ways of life. Another thing is the relationship wasn’t a fast one, it happened over a period of time.
Lots of times romance novels have a whirlwind romance, even in Christian novels. I’m sure that sometimes everything just falls into place and a couple does get married in under a year. But I think that a couple needs to get to know each other before they can go further, which was what I really liked about Ethan and Isabella.
I hope you get and read this book, because you will love it I’m sure.
Special thanks to Brandy Bruce for sending me a review copy.
This is the second book I’ve read by Brandy Bruce and it’s the sequel to Table for Two, which I also really liked. You don’t have to read the first book for this book to make sense, though if you do want to know the background of the characters I do recommend that you.
One thing I really like about this book is the relationship between Ethan and Isabella. It’s a real relationship with arguments, different views, and different ways of life. Another thing is the relationship wasn’t a fast one, it happened over a period of time.
Lots of times romance novels have a whirlwind romance, even in Christian novels. I’m sure that sometimes everything just falls into place and a couple does get married in under a year. But I think that a couple needs to get to know each other before they can go further, which was what I really liked about Ethan and Isabella.
I hope you get and read this book, because you will love it I’m sure.
Special thanks to Brandy Bruce for sending me a review copy.
October 14, 2014
I really, really enjoyed this story. From the first page, I was hooked. Brandy Bruce made the story flow effortlessly and kept me turning pages to reach the end. I really liked that, even though this was a novella, the author didn't have the characters unrealistically falling in love in 2 days. The passage of time was evident and I appreciated that.
The characters were my favorite. I really connected to both Isabella and Ethan. Both characters struggled and grew throughout the story. Their romance was sweet and developed at a natural pace. I loved how Ethan kept pursuing Isabella even when she was pushed him back. It's the kind of romance every girl dreams of!
The opening verse says this, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) That's the message throughout the book. Each character struggles to come to terms with the fact that having an abundant life means having a life that pleases God, even though it won't always be easy. As Isabella's mother reminds us, "An abundant life isn't necessarily an easy life. But it's beautiful."
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet novella.
http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of the FIRST WildCard Tour, in exchange for my honest review.*
The characters were my favorite. I really connected to both Isabella and Ethan. Both characters struggled and grew throughout the story. Their romance was sweet and developed at a natural pace. I loved how Ethan kept pursuing Isabella even when she was pushed him back. It's the kind of romance every girl dreams of!
The opening verse says this, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) That's the message throughout the book. Each character struggles to come to terms with the fact that having an abundant life means having a life that pleases God, even though it won't always be easy. As Isabella's mother reminds us, "An abundant life isn't necessarily an easy life. But it's beautiful."
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet novella.
http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of the FIRST WildCard Tour, in exchange for my honest review.*
August 22, 2015
Sweet, easy read Christian romance! This is my second one reading from this series with Brandy Bruce. Looking forward to the 3rd one already.
April 24, 2019
Second Chance Cafe is my favorite of books by Brandy Bruce! I loved everything about this creative story! The characters are as engaging as they are unique and the plot is as captivating as it is filled with sweet surprises. Most of all, I loved the ending of this book! Totally could see Second Chance Cafe as a movie!
As an author, Brandy is brilliant! She knows how to bring the hero and heroine together starting the story with their meet cute and filling the novella with plot twists, challenges, highs and lows that mirror real life romance. However, Brandy does not disappoint. She uses those highs and lows to develop the characters in a deep and profound way that resonates with the reader.
As a woman of faith, Brandy tackles real world matters of faith as she expresses the inner thoughts and character arcs of the fictional people in her story. She does this in a way that can inspire the hardest of hearts. Second Chance Cafe is worth every megawatt of the five star rating that I am giving it! I would recommend this book to everyone who has given up on love and needs a second chance.
*The author provided a complimentary copy of "Second Chance Cafe" to me (Alexis A. Goring) in exchange for an honest review.
As an author, Brandy is brilliant! She knows how to bring the hero and heroine together starting the story with their meet cute and filling the novella with plot twists, challenges, highs and lows that mirror real life romance. However, Brandy does not disappoint. She uses those highs and lows to develop the characters in a deep and profound way that resonates with the reader.
As a woman of faith, Brandy tackles real world matters of faith as she expresses the inner thoughts and character arcs of the fictional people in her story. She does this in a way that can inspire the hardest of hearts. Second Chance Cafe is worth every megawatt of the five star rating that I am giving it! I would recommend this book to everyone who has given up on love and needs a second chance.
*The author provided a complimentary copy of "Second Chance Cafe" to me (Alexis A. Goring) in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2017
This is the second book in a series of three about the Romano family. This one is about the daughter of the famous chef, Gabriel Romano. Isa, short for Isabella, is an ER nurse. She meets a handsome firefighter who was injured fighting a fire and is brought into the ER. There are some issues that need to be worked through before Isa is willing to think about Ethan as a potential boyfriend. I liked the book, but I did feel some frustration with Isa and her indecisions.
July 31, 2017
Loved this sweet romance laced with His truths!!! Seriously hoping for a sequel for Isa & Ethan
September 23, 2016
Second Chance Café, by Brandy Bruce, is a sweet story about firefighter Ethan and nurse Isabella who meet after Ethan is injured in an accident while attending a fire. Other than the “brothers” at the fire station, Ethan does not have any family members; however, Isabella comes from a large Italian family that owns two restaurants in the town. Both have busy lives with many responsibilities and have a tough time making time for each other. Ethan is a new believer and Isabella’s faith has grown cold. This touching story shows how individuals learn that the Lord is in their lives during the struggles that exist. I enjoyed this book and plan to read other books by Ms. Bruce.
August 12, 2014
This is the second book I have been able to review for author Brandy Bruce. It also happens to be the second installment in the series. A wonderful series about cafes, restaurants and relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed the first one and settled in to read the second one, after I had re-read Table for Two. You gotta make sure you remember every little thing ya know:)
This story is set around Isabella, or Isa as many call her. If you have read the first book, you will recognize her as Leo's sister from Table For Two. We get to catch up with Leo and Mandy a bit and see how they are doing as well. That is one thing I like about this series. It isn't just about two people and how they fall in love. It is about family, real life situations and things we deal with every day. Isa is the daughter of a well-known restaurant owner. She has seen what the job does and the toll it takes on those she loves. So when she runs(okay, he gets wheeled into her hospital) into firefighter Ethan, things seem to be looking up. He isn't involved in the dreaded restaurant business and they get along pretty well. That is until she finds out his secret desire, to run a restaurant. Not in her plans for sure!
I loved how they grew and matured together. Isa is a very strong woman who is used to getting her way and fighting for what she wants. She just has to decide if a life with Ethan is what she wants. Ethan is a strong man as well but I liked how tender he got with Isa. When you see how persistent he is over the flowers at the beginning? You gotta love him:) If only all men were that sweet. But he is head strong as well and I think he has to be for a woman as daunting as Isabella. Brandy has again written beautiful characters that make you love them, cry with them and even laugh a bit. You really do have strong reactions to them which makes for a good story. Well done!!
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. All thoughts are 100% mine.
This story is set around Isabella, or Isa as many call her. If you have read the first book, you will recognize her as Leo's sister from Table For Two. We get to catch up with Leo and Mandy a bit and see how they are doing as well. That is one thing I like about this series. It isn't just about two people and how they fall in love. It is about family, real life situations and things we deal with every day. Isa is the daughter of a well-known restaurant owner. She has seen what the job does and the toll it takes on those she loves. So when she runs(okay, he gets wheeled into her hospital) into firefighter Ethan, things seem to be looking up. He isn't involved in the dreaded restaurant business and they get along pretty well. That is until she finds out his secret desire, to run a restaurant. Not in her plans for sure!
I loved how they grew and matured together. Isa is a very strong woman who is used to getting her way and fighting for what she wants. She just has to decide if a life with Ethan is what she wants. Ethan is a strong man as well but I liked how tender he got with Isa. When you see how persistent he is over the flowers at the beginning? You gotta love him:) If only all men were that sweet. But he is head strong as well and I think he has to be for a woman as daunting as Isabella. Brandy has again written beautiful characters that make you love them, cry with them and even laugh a bit. You really do have strong reactions to them which makes for a good story. Well done!!
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. All thoughts are 100% mine.
August 10, 2014
I SO loved "Second Chance Cafe"! I really think that Brandy out did herself on this one! There was so much character depth and growth that I very easily related to Isa and Ethan!
However where Brandy definitely shined was the spirituality of this one! Wow! Talk about such a powerful Gospel truth message of trust and living a life of abundance in Christ! Throughout the novel I really reflected on the words written and how it could apply to my own life! Brandy so excellently weaved her faith in a bold way through every chapter as Isa and Ethan had different struggles! I was grateful to have read and experienced such a powerful message!
I also thoroughly enjoyed hearing more of Isa's story even if it was sometimes heart wrenching! Ethan was a great character as well and I really loved how Brandy uses him to show a perfect gentleman!
Overall, I was so inspired by Brandy's latest novel and also wanted someone to bring me some of the food made by Isa and Ethan! I highly recommend "Second Chance Cafe" to anyone who is looking for a novel of romance, but wants/needs real characters that learn/relearn the power of trust and love in Christ! Most definitely a 5 star novel!
*(I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review!)*
However where Brandy definitely shined was the spirituality of this one! Wow! Talk about such a powerful Gospel truth message of trust and living a life of abundance in Christ! Throughout the novel I really reflected on the words written and how it could apply to my own life! Brandy so excellently weaved her faith in a bold way through every chapter as Isa and Ethan had different struggles! I was grateful to have read and experienced such a powerful message!
I also thoroughly enjoyed hearing more of Isa's story even if it was sometimes heart wrenching! Ethan was a great character as well and I really loved how Brandy uses him to show a perfect gentleman!
Overall, I was so inspired by Brandy's latest novel and also wanted someone to bring me some of the food made by Isa and Ethan! I highly recommend "Second Chance Cafe" to anyone who is looking for a novel of romance, but wants/needs real characters that learn/relearn the power of trust and love in Christ! Most definitely a 5 star novel!
*(I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review!)*
January 23, 2016
SECOND CHANCE CAFÉ was the perfect mid-summer quick read. The storyline was good and the characters genuine. The perfect break from the suspense books I usually read.
Isabella Romano is feeling stretched. Not only does her nursing job keep her busy, but her ailing father occupies her time and her thoughts. So, when patient Ethan Carter vies for her attention, she convinces herself she has no time for a personal life.
Firefighter Ethan Carter is smitten with Isabella and does everything he can to convince her to give him a chance. When his back injury is slow to heal, Ethan decides to fulfill a lifelong dream and buy a café. Something that pushes Isabella even further away.
Isabella’s family is in the restaurant business, something she wants no part of. When she finds out Ethan has just purchased the café next to the firehouse, she’s convinced nothing could come of their relationship. What ensues is the push and pull of two people figuring out if they can really make their relationship work.
SECOND CHANCE CAFÉ was sweet and enjoyable story. Isabella is stubborn and Ethan is persistent. The perfect match for a spark-filled romance.
Book provided for review purposes.
Isabella Romano is feeling stretched. Not only does her nursing job keep her busy, but her ailing father occupies her time and her thoughts. So, when patient Ethan Carter vies for her attention, she convinces herself she has no time for a personal life.
Firefighter Ethan Carter is smitten with Isabella and does everything he can to convince her to give him a chance. When his back injury is slow to heal, Ethan decides to fulfill a lifelong dream and buy a café. Something that pushes Isabella even further away.
Isabella’s family is in the restaurant business, something she wants no part of. When she finds out Ethan has just purchased the café next to the firehouse, she’s convinced nothing could come of their relationship. What ensues is the push and pull of two people figuring out if they can really make their relationship work.
SECOND CHANCE CAFÉ was sweet and enjoyable story. Isabella is stubborn and Ethan is persistent. The perfect match for a spark-filled romance.
Book provided for review purposes.
August 12, 2014
When Ethan Carter comes into the ER, Isabella finds herself attracted, but aloof. But then he pursues her in the sweetest way, with chocolate croissants and yummy food, she finds herself weakening!
This story is short and sweet as it is a short Heartsong book. That does not mean that it doesn’t have some great lines in it! I found myself enjoying the Italian family storyline, as I come from a large Italian family myself. Family gatherings are loud and crazy!
I could tell she did some research when it came to the medical parts of the book, and I really appreciated that. As someone that educates others on breastfeeding and preemies especially, I wish that part would have been a little more accurate, but it was not the main focus of the book, so it was not distracting.
The food descriptions alone will make your mouth water and want to get busy in the kitchen, or at least find a sweet cafe to visit.
This was a sweet, short romantic story, without anything adult related, if you are okay with some romance, it would be okay for a teen read.
This story is short and sweet as it is a short Heartsong book. That does not mean that it doesn’t have some great lines in it! I found myself enjoying the Italian family storyline, as I come from a large Italian family myself. Family gatherings are loud and crazy!
I could tell she did some research when it came to the medical parts of the book, and I really appreciated that. As someone that educates others on breastfeeding and preemies especially, I wish that part would have been a little more accurate, but it was not the main focus of the book, so it was not distracting.
The food descriptions alone will make your mouth water and want to get busy in the kitchen, or at least find a sweet cafe to visit.
This was a sweet, short romantic story, without anything adult related, if you are okay with some romance, it would be okay for a teen read.
October 2, 2016
Ethan, orphaned at a young age, would love to have a family and experience what it would be like to have one around him. But he is an injured firefighter who needs to stay at home and heal. But he met Isabella. Isabella has so much to occupy her time. She is a nurse and helps to take care of her father. She has no time for anything or anyone else. But Ethan pursues her. What will happen as he heals and opens a restaurant? Also will Isabella ever let him in?
Brandy Bruce writes very real stories about real situations. The characters have faith, some strong, some struggling. I really enjoyed reading this book and will be reading more of her books.
I am submitting this review in exchange for the book.
Brandy Bruce writes very real stories about real situations. The characters have faith, some strong, some struggling. I really enjoyed reading this book and will be reading more of her books.
I am submitting this review in exchange for the book.
June 20, 2014
I love the books that have more than 1 in a series, especially the really good ones that pull you in, that you get really caught up in the people's lives and want to know what happens next...sounds like I'm talking about a 'real' family, lol.
It was a joy to see how the Lord was working to bring these 2 people together, how he restored her relationship with Him, renewed and rebuilt her faith, broke down the walls she'd built around her heart to protect herself from being hurt, etc. It was beautiful to see how the Lord was continuing to work in the lives of her family members also. What a great read :D
It was a joy to see how the Lord was working to bring these 2 people together, how he restored her relationship with Him, renewed and rebuilt her faith, broke down the walls she'd built around her heart to protect herself from being hurt, etc. It was beautiful to see how the Lord was continuing to work in the lives of her family members also. What a great read :D
October 26, 2014
Another great story about the Romano family. Isabella always swore she would never date a restaurant owner. After all, her father and brother devoted their lives to the business and she wanted a man who had time for other things. Enter Ethan, a fireman whom she meets in the ER when he's been injured in a fire. They form a connection, but when he buys a cafe next to the firehouse, Isabella is sure he can't be the right man for her.
Both of these characters get to find themselves and the things that are important to them. Another great job by this new author.
Both of these characters get to find themselves and the things that are important to them. Another great job by this new author.
August 11, 2014
I absolutely love love loved Second Chance Cafe! I'm so thrilled to have found Brandy Bruce and her books. I look forward to future reads from her! I loved the characters so much! Their story definitely pulls at your heartstrings.
The book had a fantastic faith message and I found myself being reminded of the love and grace of God in my own life.
I will caution readers, be careful reading when hungry...oh, the food!!! This book was yummy from start to finish!!!I
The book had a fantastic faith message and I found myself being reminded of the love and grace of God in my own life.
I will caution readers, be careful reading when hungry...oh, the food!!! This book was yummy from start to finish!!!I
August 9, 2014
Second Chance Café is a sweet and tender story. Easy to read and keeps your interest all the way. You will fall in love with Isabella's family. The Romano's own a family restaurant. When Ethan, a injured firefighter comes to the ER, nurse Isabella is there to look after him, while he is in the hospital. Ethan, recuperating at home has a chance on a café but can he convince Isabella they can a happy life together. Read and see. You will fall in love as I did.
September 29, 2015
Nice, clean read
A sweet love story, a little heavy on the religious side, but nice. My problem, was the characters actions at times seemed forced, making them too good to ring true. The hero's actions at time seemed wimpy and the heroine a little too woe is me.
A sweet love story, a little heavy on the religious side, but nice. My problem, was the characters actions at times seemed forced, making them too good to ring true. The hero's actions at time seemed wimpy and the heroine a little too woe is me.
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June 26, 2014I really like the way this author writes. Her stories are believable, especially the dialogue. THis was a "feel good" book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews