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 4 of 6 in the Gingercake Mountain series. Pre-order your copy now!

Genres: Fiction

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

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 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.

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

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is trying her best to put her life back together, but it is hard when things keep happening to make matters worse! She keeps going back to the videos & the negative post every one has been making. Then her daughter make a live podcast with someone who is enjoying putting Maggie down. Liz, her best friend has tried her best to get her focused on what she needs to be focused on, not all this negativity posted on line. Liz says she needs to start out by forgiving herself for the past 20 years. Greg finally called her & he agrees to try to work things out, but he gives her an assignment to come up with ways to save their marriage, but can they save their marriage? They really have nothing in common & Greg always wants her to do what he wants to do. The more Maggie thinks about it she realizes they really don’t like doing anything together & have absolutely nothing in common, but go out & eat. She can’t seem to come up with any reason why they should save their marriage. She is always the one who has to compromise not Greg. Does she even want to save their marriage? Then she runs into her childhood sweetheart & that throws disaster into the mix because she has never gotten over him & realizes she never got over him! Now what?

I received this ARC book for free & I am giving my review for free in my own words. Can’t wait to see how this series is going to end.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie was struggling with herself and her past and trying to put things behind her to move on and reconcile with her husband Greg. They kept in contact once a week to discuss their problems and how they were going to fix it. One day Maggie couldn’t get on her laptop,as Liz had disconnected it so she went next door to Chases’s to call Greg back as she couldn’t reach him without wifi. After she called Greg she had an in depth discussion with Chase about why he had broken up with her before he went to war. It left Maggie with more questions and in utter confusion. After going on a hike the next day Liz suggested she take a hot bath to relax and Maggie found lots of prescriptions with Liz’s name on them. Maggie has found Liz very secretive about her life after all the years they have known each other being pen pals. What will happen next? I can’t wait to see….

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

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we watch as Maggie is struggling to figure out what is really going on in her life. Does she want to be with Chase (even though they have not discussed it) or does she really want to work it out with Greg? She talks to Greg and they decide that they should write a list of things they will do together to try and save their marriage. As Maggie is trying to do this she stumbles on a secret that Liz is keeping that could upend everything. Why did Liz not tell her? Will she decide that because of Liz she will not go back to Greg but go out on her own. What about her daughter? What will this do to the secret she has been keeping from her? SO many secrets it is hard being the reader and keeping them all sorted, can only imagine how confusing it must be to live them.

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

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie is struggling to come up with ideas of ways to salvage her marriage to Greg. As she thinks, she realizes that they truly do not like to do the same things. While she is willing to compromise, Greg really isn't.
Liz helps her to realize that she needs to forgive herself in order to move on with her life. As Maggie asks Liz more about her life, she discovers that she really doesn't know much about Liz and her personal life. While Liz goes to work, she encourages Maggie to use her bathtub for a relaxing soak. Looking for bath salts, she discovers a surprise that may be a hint of who Liz is. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from BookSprout and this is my honest review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book saw Maggie struggling with everything that was going on around her. Was she willing to give her marriage another chance if Greg was willing to try and what about her past with Chase? Could she throw that all away and start anew or can her and Greg work it all out and move forward? And what about Liz’s mysterious past which Maggie knows nothing about and why is Liz being very mysterious? This book only had me asking more questions but finding me eager to move on to the next book to get some answers.

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

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's Maggie to do

Maggie is so confused about her future. She wants to salvage het marriage but Chase has opened cup about why he left the way he did. Liz helps her face the fact she still loves the younger Chase and she still loves Greg, but in a totally different way. As she tries to work her way thru her dilemma, she takes Liz's suggestion to take a bath in her jetted tub. But she can't find any bubble bath or salts. So she starts checking the drawers in the bathroom but can t find any but what she does find shocks her. Bottles of medicine for Liz and what they are for is shocking

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer of Second Chances, Book Four, continues with Maggie distraught over the changes occurring in her life, both personally and professionally, as Liz tries to help her. Greg provides an ultimatum to Maggie to develop a list of what changes can be made to keep their marriage together. Maggie discovers the secrets of both Chase and Liz. There is a surprising cliffhanger at the end of this book in the Gingercake Mountain Series.

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 is book 4 in the Gingercake Mountain series by Sage Parker.
Every book in this series has a jaw dropping cliff hanger at the end and this one had me really wonder what is happening and why. Maggie is trying to put her life back in order. With every step forward she seems to run into another question she needs an answer to!.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Summer of Second Chances: Book 4” by Sage Parker

-Maggie faces emotional crossroads as secrets surface and old wounds reopen. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Between Greg’s ultimatum and Chase’s revelations, her world grows more uncertain. The plot thickens with hidden pills, strained friendships, and a looming cliffhanger.

A reflective, tension-filled chapter in the heart-tugging Gingercake Mountain series.

[Baby Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, there is so much to unpack in this story. Maggie has a lot to figure out in order to sal age what is left of her marriage. Also, what information did Maggie discover about Liz that has her second guessing how well she knows her friend. The mystery between Maggie's personal life and who Liz truly is has Maggie spinning in circles and I can not wait to see what happens next.

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

[D.M. Imbrunone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving how Sage Parker has this Series playing out. Each book in this series adds another in-depth scenario to Maggie's life, future and downfall. The conversations between Maggie and Liz, Maggie and Chase, and finally Maggie and Greg are some that most people can relate to.
The author's writing style definitely keeps me coming back for more.

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

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Maggie tries to save her marriage she finds herself looking within for answers. She talks with her ex Chase and finds some closure there but still more questions. She thinks her friend Liz is being very secretive and while trying to locate some bath salts she inadvertently finds some secrets that Liz is keeping from her. 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.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes starting over is never easy especially when there are secrets and unexpected twists. Interesting characters to follow along as they try to get through these issues and secrets and the ramifications that follow along. Like the setting and the background of the story. There's always hope for second chances. Good read.

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

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summer of Second Chances (Book 4 of Gingercake Mountain) continues Maggie's story. Her marriage is still in trouble. Greg is willing to meet and possibly reconcile, but Maggie is realizing she was always the one giving in. Greg has never really compromised. Does she even want to try and move on? Or should they just end it? What will happen with Chase? I can't wait for book 5.

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

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must be read in order. Ends with a major "Wait, WHAT?". One private argument done in a public place, plus a lie of omission, has her trying to put her life back together while a tornado full of secrets is still tearing it apart. Will she have anything left to rebuild with or will she have to start fresh?.

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

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg told Maggie to come up ideal to help save their marriage. Liz had told Maggie she needed to forgive herself and she has finally find a way. But now she not sure if she wants to give up her dreams for Greg who never does it for her. Maggie is wondering what Liz is hiding.

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

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie seems to hit a few more bumps in the road on her journey of discovery.

Her daughter's efforts to defend her publicly might have failed epically.

some connections mighy have been different than she ling credited them for. mysterious surprises might prove stumbling blocks to a variety of relationships, as Maggie sorts truths, wants, needs and opportunity costs

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow again!

A fantastic book in a fantastic series. What next is the question I keep asking.... How much worse can things get for Maggie? As she faces challenge after challenge, the tension grows. Counting down daily until the next book in this series is published.

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

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie keeps in contact with her husband, Greg. She has a long discussion with Chase and finds out why things ended. Her friend, Liz, is keeping so much to herself. You will be kept guessing until the next book.

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

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg had "Finally" called and given Maggie a job to do.
"Make a list of reasons they should stay married!!!!!"
She had 2 days. What will she come up with?

Keep reading to find all that Maggie discovers.

Loving it Sage.

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

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The struggle is real for Maggie. She has to dig deep and come up with a list to possibly save her marriage. It's one thing after the next for Maggie. This is an amazing story, so entertaining and twisty. It's written to keep you on the edge of your seat and it succeeds. I can't wait for book 5!.

[Brian LaPolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of My Seat

I love this story and can't wait to find out what happens next. Once I pick up a book of Sage Parker's, it's hard to put it down. And she always leaves a great cliffhanger. The only thing I won't do is read the Chapter 1 teaser at the end of the book. I'd rather wait for the next book to come out.

[Happy Happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, challenges me to look within and ask myself the touch questions about my life and maybe it will do the same for you. We could all do with a little introspection in the hope to make our lives better.

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

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggies struggles continue as we go into book 4 and she starts to realise maybe she and Greg don’t have as much in common as she thought so is the marriage really worth saving especially the way he is behaving? And there’s Chase to consider, could anything happen with him now and just what is Liz hiding. More secrets, more questions, hopefully will get some in book 5!!

[PW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie is going through a difficult time trying to figure out what she wants in her future. What does she want from her marriage? What does she want from Greg? What or how much should she tell her daughter? Liz has been her rock with insightful thoughts and questions. What secrets are Liz keeping?

This Booksprout ARC is FINALLY moving quickly.

[Violet Batejan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The riveting story of four good people

Maggie, her best friend Liz, Craig, Maggie's husband, and Chase, Maggie's lost love, are entwined in a book about life at its best and worst. Maggie discoveres Liz is ill, and Chase lives next door to Liz in North Carolina. A powerful story about relationships and the varied meanings of love, this series is unputdownable! Don't miss it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is a smart woman who is caring, stubborn, and compassionate. Her story is a mystery of circumstance and secrets.

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

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie s trying to put her life back together, but finds herself dwelling on what went wrong. Greg decided he finally maybe wants to work on their marriage, but does she think that's what she wants? Can't wait for more! Received a free copy.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

While trying to save her marriage she is learning more about her friend and the secrets she has been keeping. She needs to decide if she really wants her marriage.

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