Second Chances

by Tabytha Boozenny

Growing up, Jenna Matthews had a decent life, but she always felt like an outsider in her own family. It wasn’t until she met her fiancé, Gabe, that she felt like she belonged. However, days before her wedding, a series of world-shattering events irrevocably alter Jenna’s life, sending her on a path she could never imagine. Can Jenna survive the emotional journey and live the life destiny has in store for her, or will she succumb to the darkness?

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2025

Reviews

[Millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Firstly thank you to Tabytha for sending me this arc and letting me join your street team!

Spoiler free!
I literally had no idea what I would encounter when I started this book and omg the twists and turns I did not expect this was such an easy read with relatable characters!
For me I found the constant changing of pov was a little distracting but it was definitely insightful seeing what Jennas family were thinking and how it was effecting them.

I loved jenna standing up for herself when her family wouldn’t listen! And how she overcomes everything!
Honestly such a good book!

[Jamie Mas · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers, I promise! Following Jenna on her journey had many twists and turns, heartache, watching her find herself in the mist of everything happening to her and around her. I personally feel this book can be relatable for many people, everyone has family secrets and many have heartbreaks that leave us feeling like pieces of ourselves are scattered and unmendable. Jenna’s journey definitely left me wanting more, I’m eager for the second book to come out so I can see what happens next!

[Ashy Eddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a lovely book with a bunch of twists. If you love family drama this is a must!
We start off with an overbearing mother helping her daughter get ready for her upcoming wedding. From here it is nonstop drama filled twists! The first one off the bat is jarring enough and one or two were a given but then there are more.
The main character Jenna does not get a break in this book and the turmoil she’s going through would break the strongest of people! She was so great to follow even though she did have to make some tough decisions. I would not have been any good in any of these situations and she handled them all fairly well!
I’d love to get more of Chirons backstory in the next book!

[Allison H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and I honestly didn't fully know what I was about to read when I started (mom brain)...BUT I was quickly engaged and read it in one day!

Second Chances is set in modern day and has some very relatable elements. The writing flows so well, making this a quick read. BUT be prepared for the emotional journey you will go on. I feel like I went through all the emotions with Jenna and her family as they experienced them. There is definitely turmoil, stress, devastation, and pain, but there is also hope, joy, love, forgiveness, and healing. I loved the multiple points of view and that you got to experience things from so many sides of the story giving us everyone's thoughts and feelings...it made it feel very full and complete.

Family Secrets 🤫
Lost Love 💔
Emotional Journey
Found Family/Love ❤️
Healing
Trauma
Choices ❔️

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely needs a follow up. I inhaled it on and off in 24 hours! Captivating and brilliantly written read, I struggled to put it down.

Jenna's story reels you in from the start. It's not all glitter and rainbows though as her week turns into a string of traumatic, deep, dark events.

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Will she get a chance to just catch her breath? Curious? This is your cue to read it and find out the answers for yourself.

A strong reminder that life is short & everyone deserves that second chance.

[Kaytee Kreider · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of twist and turns and heartbreak. It was an enjoyable read but I feel like parts of it were a tad redundant. As another reviewer stated it definitely gives off “The Christmas Carol” vibes. Overall I think the storyline is good but I found myself getting sidetracked often due to repeated scenarios. Jenna isn’t a super lovable character for me…I know she goes through it but I just found her a little bratty.

[Ashlyn Boozenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute masterpiece! (No, I'm not just saying that because the author is my mom!) It is probably the best thing she's created (after me of course 😜) and I can't wait for her to finish writing the second one so I can get some answers after that little cliffhanger.

[Angel Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe so many people can feel the journey. the twists and turns.
little redundant but not in a bad way.

[Saphira Boozenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love love love it!!!!!!!!!! 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[Heather V · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline/plot was good, but so much kept happening over and over it was a bit overwhelming to read. I felt like every few pages some new and crazy was happening. You’ll never be bored reading this book.

Thank you for the ARC!

[Yajna Ramnath · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was something incredibly captivating about this book. It gives you a moment to stand back and reflect. The strength and personality of each character was just something else. Jenna is definitely an FMC I enjoyed, and I can't wait for more!

[SheaLeigh Wooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was nothing like what I expected but in such a good way. It gives A Christmas Carol vibes. It was a pretty quickly read, too. Once I started it, I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for book 2!

[LovelybeautycReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good wreckage and this one sucked me in and had me invested!! From the jump it kicks off with trauma and just dumps the whole way through. Second Chances lives up to its name. It will heal your heart and soul!!!

[Kelly Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 stars

Second Chances is an emotional, heartfelt story about love, loss, and finding yourself after everything falls apart. Jenna’s journey from heartbreak to healing is raw and relatable, and Tabitha Boozeny captures that pain and hope beautifully. While the pacing slowed a bit in the middle and was a bit redundant, the emotional payoff was worth it. A moving read about resilience and rediscovery.

[Angiewagg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an easy read. So many twists, turns, heartbreaks, and family secrets.
Every family has them, and this is Jenna's journal through it all.
And we all deserve a Second Chance. We have to learn to accept it and do better.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Broken Beauty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was grateful enough to receive this book as an arc ☺️

Now, when I first started this book, I was unsure of where it was headed but oh my goodness. I'm glad I stuck around because with all of the twist and turns that happened???
Wow. Like damn.

You gotta read this. I recommend it. ✨️

[Victoria Kemzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Christmas Carol-style journey—it was creative and emotional.

[Suliat Elebute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe’s loss was heartbreaking, but Jenna’s growth made the story inspiring.

[Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pacing was perfect; each revelation about her family kept me turning pages.

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna’s choice to forgive and embrace life gave me chills. Truly beautiful.

[Omowunmi Suliat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and heartfelt. The story stayed with me long after I finished it.

[Ruby Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how grief, love, and healing were all intertwined. Such a moving story.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narration of her coma journey was so vivid I could picture it perfectly

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chances made me laugh, cry, and reflect on forgiveness. Incredible read

[Omowunmi S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The family secrets twist added tension and depth to Jenna’s story.

[Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her journey from anger to acceptance was realistic and inspiring.

[GODWIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful holiday vibes mixed with emotional growth. I couldn’t put it down.

[Micheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every scene pulled me in, from the tragedy to the magical coma journey.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every scene pulled me in, from the tragedy to the magical coma journey.

[Mary Kenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing Jenna’s growth and how she learned to forgive herself and others.