The Summer of Second Chances

by Sage Parker

After catching her husband at a seedy motel with another woman, 54-year-old therapist Maggie Mitchell watches her carefully constructed life implode.

When a viral video of her parking lot confrontation destroys her reputation as a relationship expert, Maggie faces a cascade of canceled appointments, lost speaking engagements, and a marriage in ruins. Worse yet, her husband Greg claims she's the one who's been lying—about a secret that could shatter their daughter's world.

Desperate for escape, Maggie accepts an invitation from Liz, her pen pal of 27 years whom she's never actually met. In a remote mountain cabin in North Carolina, surrounded by nothing but trees and possibilities, Maggie begins to question her marriage, her career, and the safe, predictable life she's built.

As long-buried truths surface and her professional world crumbles around her, Maggie must decide—will she fight to salvage the life she's known for twenty years, or embrace the terrifying freedom of starting over?

A summer story about second chances, female friendship, and discovering who you really are when everything you've built falls apart.

This is Book 5 of 6 in the Gingercake Mountain series. Pre-order your copy now!

Genres: Fiction

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary, clean, and wholesome starting-over, small-town friends-to-lovers second-chance romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in the small town of Gingercake Mountain, North Carolina, where the sunrises and sunsets are magnificently painted across the majestic sky in vibrant hues, and characters who are resilient, independent, heartbroken, overwhelmed, emotionally wrecked, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the summer of second chances, a tame romance, divorce, later-in-life romance, second chances, female friendships, discovering who you really are when everything you've built falls apart, drama, heartfelt emotions that will leave readers needing Kleenex/Puffs to wipe away the tears that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, romantic suspense, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the summer of second chances and a friends-to-lovers romance in a world where love and loss collide, making for one unforgettable journey of self-discovery.


After catching her husband at a seedy motel with another woman, 54-year-old therapist Maggie Mitchell watches her carefully constructed life implode—on camera.

When a viral video of her parking lot confrontation destroys her reputation as a relationship expert, Maggie faces a cascade of canceled appointments, lost speaking engagements, and a marriage in ruins. Worse yet, her husband Greg claims she's the one who's been lying about a secret that could shatter their daughter's world.

Desperate for escape, Maggie accepts an invitation from Liz, her pen pal of 27 years, whom she's never actually met. In a remote mountain cabin in North Carolina, surrounded by nothing but trees and possibilities, Maggie begins to question everything: her marriage, her career, and the safe, predictable life she's built.

As long-buried truths surface and her professional world crumbles around her, Maggie must decide—will she fight to salvage the life she's known for twenty years, or embrace the terrifying freedom of starting over?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie finds all the prescription bottles in the medicine cabinet and is waiting for Liz to get home from work to find out what is going on! Liz confesses that she has an incurable disease that is something like Alzheimers that she will end up not be able to walk or speak within a short period of time and that she came to North Carolina because she is signed up for a free trial and that is why there are so many prescriptions. Liz also told Maggie that within the year she will be dead. Maggie is devastated. Maggie calls Greg and they have a really good talk about their marriage and decided to end it, as there is nothing that they like to do together and they don't make each other happy anymore. Liz has an appointment at the clinic and Maggie goes with her for support and while Maggie is waiting for Liz, Chase walks into the clinic and Maggie figures that Liz knew all along that Chase as living next door and that is why Liz invited her to come and stay. I can't wait to see how this book ends!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie has had a lot of changes to face since this series started. She started out a very confident Therapist, now her world has fallen apart day by day. She found out struggling about Liz she really didn’t want to know. What will she do with this new information? Maggie’s whole world has suddenly turned upside down! What else can go wrong. After talking things through about what is going on Liz she just can’t seem to get any sleep, so she calls Greg & see if they can work things out or move on. Greg decides he wants more, more than she can give him. So what, about Chase now. Where does that leave him? Will they get back together or just be friends. Liz has an appointment at the clinic & Maggie decides to go with her. While she is waiting for Liz in the waiting room, she gets another big shock. In walks someone she is very familiar with. What is he doing here? What is going on? Can’t wait for the next & final book.

Thanks to Bookspout for the free copy of this book. I am giving my review for free & in my own words.

[June Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is in North Carolina at a remote cottage with her long time pen pal friend Liz nursing a possibly ruined career and marriage, all due to her own actions. She unexpectedly runs into her long lost love, Chase, who she had no clue would ever be in the NC mountains. Then she spends time talking with her husband Greg and they both try to figure out what they are wanting their futures to be. As if she doesn’t have enough on her mind she finds out her friend Liz is hiding some things from her and is devastated when she finds out what is going on. Or, does she actually find out?

The mysteries deepen and character development is great. Really good series of books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

We found out in the last book that Liz has a medical condition and Maggie is doing everything in her power to be supportive. We now know that Maggie has decided that being with Greg is not what she wants in her life. She has spent the last 20 years being a good wife and mother but she wants more.
When she examines her life she realizes that she has wanted and waited for Chase. He might not have been available to her but she still loves him deeply and wants to be with him. BUT, is there any way that he wants to be with her. Has he moved on where she could not? Now on to book six and the answers to all the questions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer of Second Chances was one that I could not put down. It was filled with a lot of answers but also a bunch of new questions!
Maggie was shocked when she discovered Liz has a lot of prescription bottles and when she asked her about them Maggie felt her whole world turn upside down.
Maggie also calls Greg, and the conversation also adds answers but also more questions.
As soon as I read the last word in this book, I was ready for the next one to come out so I can get the whole story on everything happening. I really like this series, and I know others will too!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, what is going on and why is Chase entering the same clinic Liz is attending? Talk about a mystery of its own. Maggie and Greg's heart to heart had me in tears. I felt the pain and hurt as they came to terms with the end of their marriage. I would not like to be in Maggie's shoes when she let's their daughter know that their marriage is over, but that they still love each other as friends. Maggie also finding out about Liz's health broke my heart! This was an emotional book and book six has me in suspense as to how the story will end. This is truly good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Happy Happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better, This has helped me to look at my life and reevaluate my priorities, especially in my marriage of 30 years. This book is amazing. Married or not get out the pen and paper and write a list of what you want for your life and do what you have to do to make it happen as you are worth it. This book is inspirational I just love Liz she is so special and we should all have someone like her in our corner xx.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting turn of events where we learn the truth about Liz and her health and Maggie and Greg decide where their marriage is heading after the revelation about Sarah’s true paternity. Now we just need to be patient for the next book and hopefully find out whether Maggie and Chase will give their relationship another chance and will Sarah be told about her true father. The next book will be massive and I am so excited.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hits just keep coming for Maggie. This book was emotional with Liz's diagnosis and Maggie and Greg choosing to end their marriage. Very interested in book 6 to find out where that leaves Chase and why he's at the same clinic as Liz. Curious minds want to know... This is such a great story and wonderfully written with so many interesting things happening, twists I didn't see coming. A heartwarming read with strong characters. This is amazing reading you don't want to miss out on!.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Twist keep coming and more secrets are revealed. Complex characters to follow along as they are trying to get through the twists in the story. Like a location and the basis of the story. It's interesting to follow characters that are conflicted as they work through their issues to come to a resolution. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PW · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we first decided to deceive there is no control of what happens. Maggie and Liz have a heart to heart that reveals something that Liz is dealing with😢😢. Maggie is putting her issues on the back burner to be supportive of her friend. How does Chase fit in this town with Maggie. Some more issues to work through. Boy, oh, boy come on book 6!😳🤯

This Booksprout ARC answers a few questions but there are still more that need to be resolved.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decisions are made and new problems arise

There is so much going on with Maggie, she's not sure what to do. Liz tries to help but Maggie knows she has to take control and make some decisions. So she calls Greg and they calmly discuss their future of whether to stay married or divorce? What does,she do to help Liz now that she knows Liz's secret? How does she tell her daughter, Sarah, about all that's going on? Finally what does she do about Chase?

[Barb Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This series just got even better. Maggie learns a secret about Liz and her life. Greg and Maggie have a true discussion about their future. But the end of this book is absolutely unexpected! I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review. I can't wait to see what happens.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Summer of Second Chances: Book 5” by Sage Parker

Maggie’s world continues to shift in this installment. More secrets are revealed. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

The emotional buildup continues. This installment keeps the drama going but offers little resolution. Ready and impatient for the finale in book six.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and Greg decide what to do with their marriage. Maggie finds out Liz's secret about her health. What is going on between Liz and Chase? Would Maggie get her heart broken again? I can not wait to read the next book. I highly recommend this book to all women's fiction readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book and series!

I love this fantastic series.  As Maggie is struggling to come to grips with her situation and leaning on Liz for support, her world starts falling apart again.  This is an incredibly emotional story which is heartbreaking and heartwarming.  I highly recommend it.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer of Second Chances (Book Five) finds Liz admitting the truth to Maggie and the need to help her with her marriage. Maggie and Gregg make a decision about their marriage. The book ends in a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book five and the hits just keep on coming. Maggie is still trying to come to terms with her life blowing up when she discovers that Liz is hiding something from her and OMG it’s life changing and gives Maggie a different perspective on how to look at things. She has a great talk with Greg and they come to an understanding which is awesome and then another bomb drops.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is reeling from all the changes in her life. Her marriage is finished. Her career is in tatters. She finds out her friend, Liz is going through a medical crisis. While in the waiting room for Liz's appointment, a familiar face walks in. What does this mean?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl McCrork · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Interesting Book

This book was filled with so much information about life and relationships. The love of family and friends were so awesome. It also showed if you stay level headed and take your time you can come to the best decisions for all concerned. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some decisions are made and secrets revealed, but more still need to occur. Learning the difference between giving up and giving in as well as accepting vs agreeing with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is smart, determined and compassionate woman who has been thrown away mysterious curve ball. This story is opening new mysteries with each chapter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets come out when you expect less land what one does with it is up to you. Can we change the direction we are going in life. But can we find our way or are there more to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hanging by a thread here.
Most of this book has left me with my jaw dropping as I read it, but the ending,OMG!!!!!

Get me to book # 6 quick,Sage.

A MUST READ!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz and Maggie face big challenges and changes in their no longer young lives.

along the way, truths become clear about their respective lives and loves - yet there still seems to be plenty of surprises and new challenges ahead.

intense and engrossing drama.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Sage Parker; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fifth book in the Gingercake Mountain Series; the story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie and her husband make a decision about their marriage. She also finds out what Liz has been hiding about her health.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh,my..
It’s getting more complicated that you would think.
Secrets,betrayal and more.
Why and what are happening?
Enjoy reading,it’s one more book to find out
Loving reading this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer Of Second Chances

More of this mystery continues. Liz going to the doctor, how long does she have to live, Chase at the doctors office, why would he be there? I guess we will find out in this last chapter