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Second Chance Friends
The national bestselling author of The Accidental Book Club shares a novel of four ordinary women rediscovering themselves and their futures at the most unexpected time….
Karen Freeman, Melinda Crocker, and Joanna Chambers have never met—but every morning they get their coffee at the Tea Rose Diner. Karen stops in on her way to the office job she’s held for more than twenty years, wondering how her sweet-faced boy turned into a misguided young man. EMT Melinda fuels up for her days helping others, after nights spent worrying her fear of having children could drive her husband away. And Joanna, with her long blonde hair and bohemian flair, digs into the Boston cream pie and hides—from her friends, from her family, and most importantly, from herself.
Their paths may have never crossed. But one morning, on the lawn of the Tea Rose, the three women collide during a searing event in the life of twenty-something Maddie Routh. In the nine months that follow, they return to the spot over and over. To discover what it means to be a mother, a wife, a lover, a friend. To find Maddie Routh. And to find themselves. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, these four women unite to show us second chances do exist, if only we have the courage to see them.
Karen Freeman, Melinda Crocker, and Joanna Chambers have never met—but every morning they get their coffee at the Tea Rose Diner. Karen stops in on her way to the office job she’s held for more than twenty years, wondering how her sweet-faced boy turned into a misguided young man. EMT Melinda fuels up for her days helping others, after nights spent worrying her fear of having children could drive her husband away. And Joanna, with her long blonde hair and bohemian flair, digs into the Boston cream pie and hides—from her friends, from her family, and most importantly, from herself.
Their paths may have never crossed. But one morning, on the lawn of the Tea Rose, the three women collide during a searing event in the life of twenty-something Maddie Routh. In the nine months that follow, they return to the spot over and over. To discover what it means to be a mother, a wife, a lover, a friend. To find Maddie Routh. And to find themselves. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, these four women unite to show us second chances do exist, if only we have the courage to see them.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
17 people are currently reading
1319 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 5, 2015
An accident, three women, and then four women to complete their circle.
Could the circle be completed, though, with the fourth woman?
Karen, Melinda, and Joanna met by chance the day a school bus ran into a car waiting at a red light as they helped save the children on the crashed bus but not the husband of the fourth woman, Maddie, in the car.
All three women had personal issues, but as women are they all were there for each other. They were even there for Maddie who really didn't want any part of the three women nor any part of her family or her life now that her husband was gone.
SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS is a book about women and how we bond. SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS is a very pleasant read with women you would want for friends along with sad as well as happy tears shed by the characters and you the reader.
SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS will appeal to the reader who enjoys a lot of character interaction. Karen was my favorite simply because she seemed innocent, naive, and lonely. Joanna
wasn't happy about anything. Melinda didn't realize what she had until it was too late. Poor Maddie had it all and lost it all and didn't care.
SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS will warm your heart and will have you looking at your friendships and at your family in a whole different light and appreciating what you have. 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation in return for an honest review.
Could the circle be completed, though, with the fourth woman?
Karen, Melinda, and Joanna met by chance the day a school bus ran into a car waiting at a red light as they helped save the children on the crashed bus but not the husband of the fourth woman, Maddie, in the car.
All three women had personal issues, but as women are they all were there for each other. They were even there for Maddie who really didn't want any part of the three women nor any part of her family or her life now that her husband was gone.
SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS is a book about women and how we bond. SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS is a very pleasant read with women you would want for friends along with sad as well as happy tears shed by the characters and you the reader.
SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS will appeal to the reader who enjoys a lot of character interaction. Karen was my favorite simply because she seemed innocent, naive, and lonely. Joanna
wasn't happy about anything. Melinda didn't realize what she had until it was too late. Poor Maddie had it all and lost it all and didn't care.
SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS will warm your heart and will have you looking at your friendships and at your family in a whole different light and appreciating what you have. 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation in return for an honest review.
May 27, 2015
Second Chance Friends was a little hard for me in parts due to the subject matter. Thankfully the accident in the book is in the beginning and while it is the glue of the book – it is not the soul. The soul of the book is what I appreciated and that was the friendships that came out of nowhere. A wise person once said (my son), that people come into our lives for a reason. Those who do not get you will drift away and that is ok because better people will come into your life who will genuinely love you. This is what makes Second Chance Friends a good read. The friendships that come out of tragedy. Seeing what is real and what is important and as you will see in this book (as I see in my own life), sometimes we grab onto the wrong thing and put all of our time and energies into trying to make that work when what we are doing is wasting our time on something that will never work.
A good read on friendship and life choices. I found this book to be another good read from Jennifer Scott, an author I will be watching.
For my full review: http://bookjourney.net/2015/05/27/sec...
A good read on friendship and life choices. I found this book to be another good read from Jennifer Scott, an author I will be watching.
For my full review: http://bookjourney.net/2015/05/27/sec...
June 9, 2015
I won this book thru a Goodreads Giveaway.
Another book where the synopsis is better than the book. The writing is good, but I did not care for any of the characters. I so sick of reading about insecure, overwrought, depressed, woe is me, I can't make decisions, let people walk all over me, treat me like dirt, I'm not worthy of being loved, don't know how to parent, can't live without a man in my life or because I got burned once all men are bad, think it's OK to cross professional boundaries, and whatever else the author throws in. Are women in this day and age so totally pathetic? This is the 21st century.
As a plea to authors, PLEASE stop writing about these kind of women.
Oh...and what happened with the bus driver?
Another book where the synopsis is better than the book. The writing is good, but I did not care for any of the characters. I so sick of reading about insecure, overwrought, depressed, woe is me, I can't make decisions, let people walk all over me, treat me like dirt, I'm not worthy of being loved, don't know how to parent, can't live without a man in my life or because I got burned once all men are bad, think it's OK to cross professional boundaries, and whatever else the author throws in. Are women in this day and age so totally pathetic? This is the 21st century.
As a plea to authors, PLEASE stop writing about these kind of women.
Oh...and what happened with the bus driver?
October 19, 2016
Four women all going through hard situations come together during a tragedy.
March 29, 2020
Truly enjoyed this book. It was somewhere between an “easy beach read” and “an emotional journey” as it followed the lives of four women united by one tragedy.
October 18, 2018
The story revolves around a group of women who happen to be in the same place at the same time and help during a tragic accident. It shows that once incident can really change the course of your life!
August 30, 2017
Beautifully written! I loved this book!
April 14, 2018
An enjoyable, well-written book with some meat.
September 30, 2018
This was a refreshing read about heartbreak and friendship, read just at the right time. I truly enjoyed this book.
November 20, 2018
Good, a quick read
May 10, 2019
Book that kept you hoping for good outcomes for all the people-each with different directions for their lives and the chance to make friends in unexpected ways. Easy read!
August 7, 2020
Great story about how events can lead to lasting friendships.
September 20, 2020
Cute Light typical type book about losing oneself, finding friends who love and support you and get you through.
February 28, 2021
Though the story and characters were barely plausible, the book was a surprisingly good read (except for the weirdly framed epilogue).
June 3, 2025
I just couldn’t pin point what the accident had to do with anything in the book
February 18, 2020
I wanted to like this book, I really did, but there wasn’t anything I liked about any of the characters. They all have sucky lives and were boring.
May 5, 2015
On Friday, the last day before the Labor Day weekend, the traffic is crazy, other people are looking forward to an extra day off from everything, and the kids on a certain school bus are acting up horribly, throwing books and pencils out of the windows and more. Of course the school bus driver is upset, trying to control the kids and drive at the same time through the busy city streets that she doesn’t see a red light until it’s too late. She slams on the brakes, but the unthinkable happens. The bus ends up hitting another car, then the bus tips over and pins that car down. There are two people stuck inside that car.
In the meantime, three women who visit the Tea Rose Diner every morning but are not yet close friends will soon find out this accident will draw them very close together. They all happen to be inside the diner across the street and all three saw the accident happen. They went running out to the accident scene to try to help. This is how they start to become friends. They do help get the children out of the bus and to help the people who are trapped in the car. Unfortunately, it looks like one person trapped in the car may not make it. This is how the three, then a fourth woman who are all strangers end up becoming very close friends as time goes on.
All four of these women are very different and very opposite from one another. This happens to play out very well as they bond and become closer together over time, getting to know each other better and better, learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses as they go along. All of them are still drawn back to the diner every day like they were, but now they know each other and are fast becoming friends. They even find themselves drawn back to the exact scene of the accident, and even find Maddie, the other woman who was stuck in the car there, too. She needs the most help of all. All of their personalities truly compliment one another, and one will step in where one is stronger, and vice-versa. It’s as if they already know who is better for different situations, especially as they try to help pregnant Maddie who happens to be going through hell. We have Joanna, who doesn’t really know for sure what she wants out of life, Karen, whose son is fully grown, but you would never know it by the severe trouble he gets himself into, and then there is Melinda who is a paramedic and whose husband wants to start a family, but she’s not ready yet and secretly continues to take the pill. They even form a close friendship with Maddie now, or as much as she will allow them in the beginning. It really is beautiful to watch how their friendship blossoms over time, and how strong their bond becomes. While doing so, they learn much more about their own lives, too, and find it easier to go after what they truly want, or to change the things they are able to change for the better.
I absolutely LOVED this book! It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten lost in such an excellent book like this one! I could tune out any noise in the background and just get lost in this book. Pages would fly by, too, this author writes so well! Jennifer Scott has truly written a compulsive and addictive story you will not put down. You will keep reading, you will burn that midnight oil losing sleep, or you’ll even keep going until your eyes are so blurry you just can’t read one more word. This book will be the first thing you pick up the next morning, too, even before your first cup of coffee! You ‘have’ to keep reading this one because the writing just flows so well that you have to know what happens next. Get ready to be late for appointments and/or sneak reading in here and there and more because you will not put this book down until you have finished it, I promise you that! The more this author, Jennifer Scott writes, she is going to be “the one” to go to for Women’s Fiction. I can’t wait for more from her! I received this book for FREE from the publisher, the New American Library, in exchange to read and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but of my own honest opinion. "Free" means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
In the meantime, three women who visit the Tea Rose Diner every morning but are not yet close friends will soon find out this accident will draw them very close together. They all happen to be inside the diner across the street and all three saw the accident happen. They went running out to the accident scene to try to help. This is how they start to become friends. They do help get the children out of the bus and to help the people who are trapped in the car. Unfortunately, it looks like one person trapped in the car may not make it. This is how the three, then a fourth woman who are all strangers end up becoming very close friends as time goes on.
All four of these women are very different and very opposite from one another. This happens to play out very well as they bond and become closer together over time, getting to know each other better and better, learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses as they go along. All of them are still drawn back to the diner every day like they were, but now they know each other and are fast becoming friends. They even find themselves drawn back to the exact scene of the accident, and even find Maddie, the other woman who was stuck in the car there, too. She needs the most help of all. All of their personalities truly compliment one another, and one will step in where one is stronger, and vice-versa. It’s as if they already know who is better for different situations, especially as they try to help pregnant Maddie who happens to be going through hell. We have Joanna, who doesn’t really know for sure what she wants out of life, Karen, whose son is fully grown, but you would never know it by the severe trouble he gets himself into, and then there is Melinda who is a paramedic and whose husband wants to start a family, but she’s not ready yet and secretly continues to take the pill. They even form a close friendship with Maddie now, or as much as she will allow them in the beginning. It really is beautiful to watch how their friendship blossoms over time, and how strong their bond becomes. While doing so, they learn much more about their own lives, too, and find it easier to go after what they truly want, or to change the things they are able to change for the better.
I absolutely LOVED this book! It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten lost in such an excellent book like this one! I could tune out any noise in the background and just get lost in this book. Pages would fly by, too, this author writes so well! Jennifer Scott has truly written a compulsive and addictive story you will not put down. You will keep reading, you will burn that midnight oil losing sleep, or you’ll even keep going until your eyes are so blurry you just can’t read one more word. This book will be the first thing you pick up the next morning, too, even before your first cup of coffee! You ‘have’ to keep reading this one because the writing just flows so well that you have to know what happens next. Get ready to be late for appointments and/or sneak reading in here and there and more because you will not put this book down until you have finished it, I promise you that! The more this author, Jennifer Scott writes, she is going to be “the one” to go to for Women’s Fiction. I can’t wait for more from her! I received this book for FREE from the publisher, the New American Library, in exchange to read and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but of my own honest opinion. "Free" means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
August 1, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/se...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Second Chance Friends is an engrossing tale of 4 ladies, all different, all not perfect, that all come together over a horrible tragedy. The Tea Rose is a nice little place to get pies and a good cup of coffee to start your day. As three ladies, Karen, Melinda and Joanna sit separately, thinking of their own lives, a horrific accident unfolds out the window. They go to help what turns out to be a school bus and car crash. The bus is on its side, the car is crushed. These ladies don’t think, they just act to pull children out of the bus and then hear a cry for help coming from the car. They find a woman still holding her pregnancy test strip begging for help for her husband. There is nothing the ladies can do other than comfort her and hold the head of her dying husband as he takes his last breath.
Somehow, something pulls these three ladies back to the spot. They end up running into each other and talking about the pregnant widow. They have to find her and see how she is doing. As each of these ladies deal with their own problems, insecurities, anxieties, they reach out to find Maddie. They have to overcome her paralyzing grief to try to help this woman. They become a whirlwind of action trying to help Maddie be ready for the blessed event. It is a struggle for sure. The ladies are all dealing with their own struggles yet are drawn to help this young lady.
Jennifer Scott has written a wonderful tale enveloping women of all different backgrounds and issues and brought them together with a strength that is truly heartwarming. Her writing style is endearing and heart felt. It draws the reader in and the pain and warmth are wonderfully palatable. These women, so different, but the same in their ache to help poor Maddie. The insight into their lives is well written and very human. The reader can surely find a little bit of herself in each of their lives. I know I did. Through friendship and kindness, these wonderful ladies help to brighten the life of the unborn child.
I would recommend Second Chance Friends to any reader that enjoys meaningful women’s literature, anyone that enjoys a solid and strong female voice while still exposing the frailty and angst that can come into any life. I was drawn into this novel and it never let go. Jennifer Scott’s writing style is enjoyable and descriptive. Her characters are well written and fully developed. This is an inspiring novel with a few twists and turns that fit together to form a marvelous read that pulls at the readers emotions.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review *
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Second Chance Friends is an engrossing tale of 4 ladies, all different, all not perfect, that all come together over a horrible tragedy. The Tea Rose is a nice little place to get pies and a good cup of coffee to start your day. As three ladies, Karen, Melinda and Joanna sit separately, thinking of their own lives, a horrific accident unfolds out the window. They go to help what turns out to be a school bus and car crash. The bus is on its side, the car is crushed. These ladies don’t think, they just act to pull children out of the bus and then hear a cry for help coming from the car. They find a woman still holding her pregnancy test strip begging for help for her husband. There is nothing the ladies can do other than comfort her and hold the head of her dying husband as he takes his last breath.
Somehow, something pulls these three ladies back to the spot. They end up running into each other and talking about the pregnant widow. They have to find her and see how she is doing. As each of these ladies deal with their own problems, insecurities, anxieties, they reach out to find Maddie. They have to overcome her paralyzing grief to try to help this woman. They become a whirlwind of action trying to help Maddie be ready for the blessed event. It is a struggle for sure. The ladies are all dealing with their own struggles yet are drawn to help this young lady.
Jennifer Scott has written a wonderful tale enveloping women of all different backgrounds and issues and brought them together with a strength that is truly heartwarming. Her writing style is endearing and heart felt. It draws the reader in and the pain and warmth are wonderfully palatable. These women, so different, but the same in their ache to help poor Maddie. The insight into their lives is well written and very human. The reader can surely find a little bit of herself in each of their lives. I know I did. Through friendship and kindness, these wonderful ladies help to brighten the life of the unborn child.
I would recommend Second Chance Friends to any reader that enjoys meaningful women’s literature, anyone that enjoys a solid and strong female voice while still exposing the frailty and angst that can come into any life. I was drawn into this novel and it never let go. Jennifer Scott’s writing style is enjoyable and descriptive. Her characters are well written and fully developed. This is an inspiring novel with a few twists and turns that fit together to form a marvelous read that pulls at the readers emotions.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review *
November 23, 2018
I found this book by chance on the self of a bargain book store. I enjoyed this story. While the premise was a tad sad, the over arching story was uplifting. The characters were extremely affecting and relatable. Each woman’s story was heart wrenching and touching. I loved how they each came together to reach out to Maddie despite how noisy their own lives were. The plot was well written and paced perfectly. The ending was sweet and hopeful which fit the story.
November 15, 2015
Review for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Jennifer Scott is a magnificent storyteller. She weaved the lives and stories of four very different women, each going through their own turmoil, into a delicate, intricate web of honesty and empowerment. It was interesting to learn about Karen, Melinda, Joanna and Maddie, women who might be the next door neighbor, or someone you’ve run into before a time or two and didn’t realize just how much they become a part of your life, and your own story. The women never intended to become friends, but perilous circumstances thrust them into something that ends up becoming all encompassing.
For me, character evolvement is an important attribute. Second Chance Friends doesn’t disappoint. No one is two dimensional and each woman lends into the other. There were moments where I was worried about the women, as though they were real-life people! In a way, I felt I was another character in this circle of women, and that’s what I enjoyed most from this novel. I felt apart of something important. I witnessed how good human nature can be when given the chance, and I really appreciated that. In a time where it feels more acceptable to wallow in negativity, it was refreshing to engage in positivity.
There will be many ups and downs throughout "Friends," at times stressful, other times cathartic. I even got a little emotional a time or two, which is unusual for me when I’m reading. That’s a true testament to how well this story was written. It’s one I know I’ll never forget. I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a dose of realism, and believes in never giving up on your fellow neighbor, even in times of strife. A great read!
Jennifer Scott is a magnificent storyteller. She weaved the lives and stories of four very different women, each going through their own turmoil, into a delicate, intricate web of honesty and empowerment. It was interesting to learn about Karen, Melinda, Joanna and Maddie, women who might be the next door neighbor, or someone you’ve run into before a time or two and didn’t realize just how much they become a part of your life, and your own story. The women never intended to become friends, but perilous circumstances thrust them into something that ends up becoming all encompassing.
For me, character evolvement is an important attribute. Second Chance Friends doesn’t disappoint. No one is two dimensional and each woman lends into the other. There were moments where I was worried about the women, as though they were real-life people! In a way, I felt I was another character in this circle of women, and that’s what I enjoyed most from this novel. I felt apart of something important. I witnessed how good human nature can be when given the chance, and I really appreciated that. In a time where it feels more acceptable to wallow in negativity, it was refreshing to engage in positivity.
There will be many ups and downs throughout "Friends," at times stressful, other times cathartic. I even got a little emotional a time or two, which is unusual for me when I’m reading. That’s a true testament to how well this story was written. It’s one I know I’ll never forget. I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a dose of realism, and believes in never giving up on your fellow neighbor, even in times of strife. A great read!
July 11, 2015
Realistic story of random human connections
This is the story of three women who are total strangers when they witness a horrific automobile accident from a diner window and attempt to help the victims. Their primary focus is on an overturned school bus until they notice a demolished car lying on its roof. Inside, the women find a young couple. The injured woman, clutching a positive home pregnancy test stick, is saved, but her husband dies before her eyes.
As time passes, the women meet every morning in the diner. They seem to have nothing in common other than the condition of the injured wife and her unborn child. Each woman is living with a secret. Karen's no-good son is in prison; Mel is secretly taking contraceptives even after she and her husband visit a fertility clinic; Joanna is a closet lesbian.
Slowly but surely, the women begin divulging their stories. How realistic, I thought. Many of us are more comfortable with relative strangers than with family and friends. What a wonderful support system they develop for each other and the young widow. Some readers may find this unrealistic, but I have first-hand experience. Stranded for hours in an airport, I chatted up three women who live all around the country. Thirty years later, we still have our weekly conference call! Random connections can have unintended consequences - good and bad.
I enjoyed this book because it is honest, even if the characters were not at first. They are well developed, and I could identify with parts of each one. I also like Jennifer Scott's writing style. The story flows smoothly from beginning to end. Anyone who likes excellent women's fiction will most likely enjoy Second Chance Friends.
This is the story of three women who are total strangers when they witness a horrific automobile accident from a diner window and attempt to help the victims. Their primary focus is on an overturned school bus until they notice a demolished car lying on its roof. Inside, the women find a young couple. The injured woman, clutching a positive home pregnancy test stick, is saved, but her husband dies before her eyes.
As time passes, the women meet every morning in the diner. They seem to have nothing in common other than the condition of the injured wife and her unborn child. Each woman is living with a secret. Karen's no-good son is in prison; Mel is secretly taking contraceptives even after she and her husband visit a fertility clinic; Joanna is a closet lesbian.
Slowly but surely, the women begin divulging their stories. How realistic, I thought. Many of us are more comfortable with relative strangers than with family and friends. What a wonderful support system they develop for each other and the young widow. Some readers may find this unrealistic, but I have first-hand experience. Stranded for hours in an airport, I chatted up three women who live all around the country. Thirty years later, we still have our weekly conference call! Random connections can have unintended consequences - good and bad.
I enjoyed this book because it is honest, even if the characters were not at first. They are well developed, and I could identify with parts of each one. I also like Jennifer Scott's writing style. The story flows smoothly from beginning to end. Anyone who likes excellent women's fiction will most likely enjoy Second Chance Friends.
April 27, 2015
I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
Four women…four lives on a collision course to save one another.
Maddie and her husband Michael couldn’t be happier. Maddie was pregnant and nothing could be more perfect for this young couple who were so much in love. But then their world was turned upside down, when a tragic accident took Michael’s life.
Karen, Melinda and Joanna were inside the diner when they saw the school bus barrel into the car All three ran out to do what they could to help. Following the accident, the women found themselves pulled together at the diner, and slowly they reached out to Maddie, whose grief was all consuming. Karen is learning to deal with a son who continuously gets into trouble, never feeling remorse for the trouble he causes. Melinda is keeping something from her husband that has the potential of destroying her marriage. And Artsy Joanna is hiding something from herself as well as her friends and family.
All four of these women have a problem they much deal with, and with the strength of their new found friendship, they are able to come to terms with their personal issues and move forward.
Jennifer Scott has written a story of loss, acceptance and finally, the ability to come to grips with reality and move forward. Thanks Ms Scott for this insightful novel.
Four women…four lives on a collision course to save one another.
Maddie and her husband Michael couldn’t be happier. Maddie was pregnant and nothing could be more perfect for this young couple who were so much in love. But then their world was turned upside down, when a tragic accident took Michael’s life.
Karen, Melinda and Joanna were inside the diner when they saw the school bus barrel into the car All three ran out to do what they could to help. Following the accident, the women found themselves pulled together at the diner, and slowly they reached out to Maddie, whose grief was all consuming. Karen is learning to deal with a son who continuously gets into trouble, never feeling remorse for the trouble he causes. Melinda is keeping something from her husband that has the potential of destroying her marriage. And Artsy Joanna is hiding something from herself as well as her friends and family.
All four of these women have a problem they much deal with, and with the strength of their new found friendship, they are able to come to terms with their personal issues and move forward.
Jennifer Scott has written a story of loss, acceptance and finally, the ability to come to grips with reality and move forward. Thanks Ms Scott for this insightful novel.
May 2, 2015
* ARC Received in exchange for my honest review*
Women are powerful creatures when we need to me. We put aside thoughts and feelings to help others when it is needed and usually do not expect anything in return. Such is the basis of this powerful new read.
I remember quite well the authors first novel, The Sister Season. It explored a hurting family and all of the issues that we deal with even in times of grief. Issues that mold and change us too.
This book is a bit similar but it deals with the strength of women who come together in times of extreme duress. Women that comfort and heal together; support and uplift each other. I found myself engrossed in the book late into the evening, following the lives of these four women that are bound by a single life changing event.
The author is a talented writer that has crafted a powerful and even a bit emotional read that is a must for your reading list. We all have a second chance to make a powerful and meaningful connection with new found friends in our lives. Maybe today is the day that it will happen for me!
Women are powerful creatures when we need to me. We put aside thoughts and feelings to help others when it is needed and usually do not expect anything in return. Such is the basis of this powerful new read.
I remember quite well the authors first novel, The Sister Season. It explored a hurting family and all of the issues that we deal with even in times of grief. Issues that mold and change us too.
This book is a bit similar but it deals with the strength of women who come together in times of extreme duress. Women that comfort and heal together; support and uplift each other. I found myself engrossed in the book late into the evening, following the lives of these four women that are bound by a single life changing event.
The author is a talented writer that has crafted a powerful and even a bit emotional read that is a must for your reading list. We all have a second chance to make a powerful and meaningful connection with new found friends in our lives. Maybe today is the day that it will happen for me!
April 30, 2015
I would like to thank penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an advance copy of this novel. I really enjoyed this novel. The book is set up in short chapters each focusing on one of three women who's lives all get changed for the better after dealing with an horrible situation. This is one of the books that makes you question how everything happens for a reason. It's amazing the secrets we hide from the world, and how it takes good friends for you to share your worries.
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick read (as I read it one day), or it would be a perfect book for a book club as there could be many opinions and perspectives taken within the storyline. I really enjoyed this story, and I hope you would give it a try!
"But what they did have in common was huge. They'd watched a man die. They'd kept his wife alive. They'd come together in the single most defining moment of someone else's life... And had ended up defining themselves." (263)
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick read (as I read it one day), or it would be a perfect book for a book club as there could be many opinions and perspectives taken within the storyline. I really enjoyed this story, and I hope you would give it a try!
"But what they did have in common was huge. They'd watched a man die. They'd kept his wife alive. They'd come together in the single most defining moment of someone else's life... And had ended up defining themselves." (263)
June 20, 2015
This was a very good book which dealt with four women who met and gradually formed a friendship following a horrible school bus/car accident. Each woman had unique problems, and the author did an excellent job of describing their struggles and eventual solutions to their difficult situations. This was a first reads book my daughter won from Goodreads and loaned to me. I had not read this author before but certainly enjoyed having the opportunity to become acquainted with her. This book contains raw emotion and the difficulties encountered when new friendships are formed, when loss, grief, and disappointment are experienced; and it was easy to identify with the characters created by Jennifer Scott as they encountered problems and joys in their personal lives. They demonstrated caring and compassion as their friendships grew and strengthened. I would recommend this book to readers who like stories dealing with human emotions. It was a very good read.
June 29, 2015
I thought Second Chance Friends was going to be a typical women’s friendship novel, but I was proven wrong. It was such a pleasant change from all of the other “chick-lit” friendship novels. In this tale, the characters are anything but cookie cutter and I have never seen their particular problems and concerns in another story so it was an absolute joy to read, even if the subject matter was a little depressing.
What I loved: The way these women rallied around another and placed their own issues on the proverbial back-burner to help someone else.
What I didn’t love: There was no part of the story that I didn’t love or didn’t think it belonged.
What I learned: All of those platitudes (darkest before the light, silver linings, etc.) do have merit.
Overall Grade: A
What I loved: The way these women rallied around another and placed their own issues on the proverbial back-burner to help someone else.
What I didn’t love: There was no part of the story that I didn’t love or didn’t think it belonged.
What I learned: All of those platitudes (darkest before the light, silver linings, etc.) do have merit.
Overall Grade: A
February 19, 2016
This is the second book that I have read by this author. The first, The Accidental Book Club, I really liked. This one, not as much. It was just okay for me. It was a story about friends and their relationships, which I liked. There were three strangers having breakfast at an all-nite diner one morning when there is an accident that happens right in front of them. A bus hits another car. Inside the car is a man and his newly pregnant wife. This is the beginning of a friendship between the 3 strangers and the wife. Although I didn't love this book, it was worth the read.
July 6, 2015
What happens when three women witness an accident and help the first responders? They develop a lasting bond. With this bond, they attempt to reach a pregnant woman, Maddie, who lost her husband in the disaster. Maddie suffers a deep depression. Can they help her through.
In the meantime, all three women are battling through their own issues. The three form a family of sorts.
There are good times and sad times in this book. I suppose it reflects life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I recommend it.
In the meantime, all three women are battling through their own issues. The three form a family of sorts.
There are good times and sad times in this book. I suppose it reflects life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I recommend it.
April 14, 2015
4 women are drawn together due to a terrible accident. They are all wrapped up in their own lives and problems until a bus hits a car in front of a diner. This story deals with some serious issues and everything does not turn out perfectly at the end of the book but that makes it all the more real and endearing. I like Jennifer Scott's writing and her insight into friendship and marriage. A good read.
April 30, 2016
Not really sure what possessed me to pick up this book but I really wish I hadn't.
In short this story had potential but the characters were utterly boring, in some cases pathetic (Karen for example), and generally unlikable. The story was predictable with no twists or turns.
Sorry to be harsh but if you are looking for a very average story with a neat little ending than this may be the book for you!
In short this story had potential but the characters were utterly boring, in some cases pathetic (Karen for example), and generally unlikable. The story was predictable with no twists or turns.
Sorry to be harsh but if you are looking for a very average story with a neat little ending than this may be the book for you!
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