A Sugarcoated Second Chance : A Sweet Romantic Comedy

by Francesca Spencer

Romance and rivalry rekindle at a small town's Valentine’s Day bake-off.



Guilt drives me to visit Aunt April at Rocky Point. It’s been a while, and her insistent messages imply that she’s unwell and needs help.

However, when I arrive with Willow, my sulky daughter, it’s clear there are other reasons she wants me back.

Number one – winning the prestigious Golden Whisk at the Valentine’s Bake-off.

Number two – Sheriff Daniel Cassidy, my first love, has bought the house next door.



When I pull over a vehicle with a broken taillight, my heart flips because the driver is Gemma Tilbury, the only woman I’ve ever loved.

It’s been twenty years since we said goodbye. Yet time slides backward in an instant, and we pick up where we left off – crazy rivals and crazy in love.

Is Daniel enough reason for Gemma to stay, and will they find a sugarcoated second chance?

A Sugarcoated Second Chance is part of The Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here's what you'll rom-comA next-door exRivals to loversSlow burnSmall townKisses-onlyBuy A Sugarcoated Second Chance for the sweetest second chance at love!

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Genres: Romance, Rom Com, Clean Romance

About the author

Read 'Mr Off-Limits Grump' for free. Just click on www.francescaspencerauthor.com

A bit about me...
My stories are loaded with funny stuff, coincidence, drama and love.

I pull out all the action and comedy, which is usually tragic and accident laden - add some romance if it's romcom - and package it up in a satisfying narrative tied up with a big pink shiny satin bow.

Tadaah! Here you go. Enjoy.

I'm a compulsive traveller. In fact, it's almost an addiction. I have to move around. To fund this expensive hobby, I've worked as an international primary school teacher in a number of countries, for a number of years, which has supplied its own rewards and serviced a mountain of writing material.

When I'm not teaching or having marvellous adventures, I'm visiting friends and family and writing books.

Award Winners
'Stuck With My Christmas Crush' Gold medal - Global Book Awards 2024 (Christmas category)

'Mr Billionaire Boss Grump' 2nd Place - Incipere Awards 2025 (Clean Romance)

Reviews

[Heather Deffley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance Novella. This is a really quick and feel good read. Childhood sweethearts rekindle their lost relationship in a small beach side town.

If you're looking for a quick, easy, feel good read then I would make this a priority on your TBR.

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and the character development was done really well. I just see the comedy aspect in the story.

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about the one that got away and a second chance. Things I loved: a short afternoon read, things are kept fairly light with honesty to keep it real. Also the characters are in their forties, so less about running on feelings alone. I enjoyed my afternoon break.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was a sweet and heartwarming second-chance romance that was impossible not to enjoy. It was a short, fast-paced read that was easy to get into, making it perfect for anyone looking for a light and uplifting romance. The story was incredibly cute, and I quickly found myself invested in the lovable characters and their journey back to one another. Their relationship felt genuine, and it was so enjoyable watching them reconnect and rediscover what they once had. Despite its shorter length, the story was full of charm and heart. It was an entertaining read that had me giggling and kicking my feet through so many of the romantic moments. The combination of sweet romance, fun interactions, and heartfelt emotion made it difficult to put down. Overall, this was a delightful second-chance romance that was quick, wholesome, and full of feel-good moments. If you're looking for a cute romance that will leave you smiling, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.

[Laurel Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this was absolutely adorable. Second chance romance, rekindled summer love, a dreamy beach town, a meddling aunt, and a Valentine’s bake off…I mean, it was legitimately just the cutest story. I loved the mother-daughter dynamic between Willow and Gemma. Honestly, this book was a perfect cozy, Valentine’s read. Grab a cup of something warm and read this one!

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and even though I wasn’t required to post a review, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression I had after reading it.

Francesca has written a sweet mid- life story about two high school sweethearts who meet some 20 years later after a breakup when they were leaving to go to college across multiple states from each other.

Gemma’s heart was broken when Daniel broke up with her but after being reunited again when she returns to her home town to see her aunt with her daughter, they meet up again and her aunt plays matchmaker!

Hurt feelings surface of course and the idea that they aren’t the same people they were back then is also
present but the attraction and feelings are still the same regardless.

This is a sweet second chance with the one that got away and the reconnection even for a three day weekend kindles that desire to see if maybe they can make it what they once dreamed of.

I enjoyed this short story in the Valentine’s Meet Cute series about second chances to find love and that happily ever after!

I definitely recommend this book and this series as ones you should read to find that love can strike even when you’re not looking for it and with the love you felt for your first love that never went away in this case!

It’s a short sweet no spice series which I guarantee you’ll be happy you read! I have read all the books in this series and loved them all so if you are a romantic and believe in love later on in life like I do if things don’t work out the first time, then by all means get this book and afterwards why not check out the entire series!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ulterior motives go ,aunt April puts on a great show. Guilt ridden Gemma has a dilemma and so ups and leaves for Rocky Point with her daughter Willow in tow. She hasn’t seen aunt April in a while ,not that she didn’t always make her smile. In fact she does love her aunt a lot and so off she does trot to the run down beach house she owns at Rocky Point . April isn’t getting any younger and thus Gemma worries over her. Of course April acts on her frailty when she’s really reintroducing her niece to an ex beau who’s moved in next door. Gemma though also had motivation as this trip is keeping her daughter Willow from a Valentines party so sneakily ,it came at the right time. It soon becomes clear why she wants her here ,it’s to win a baking competition that she holds dear. Speaking of dear and all ,the ex beau next door is Sheriff Daniel Cassidy who happens to be part of her history ,her first love . So there’s no mystery now she’s come back to the Point and she’s rather familiarising herself with the joint as well as getting to know her ex fella and competing in the baking competition she’ll surely be grinning on winning The Golden Whisk at the Valentines Bake Off .Whisking up batter that does matter and enjoying the odd natter to boot. This story sure is cute and Aunt April? A wily old coot, who is very astute and knows what she wants. What a delightful aunt to have. Matchmaking amid excellent baking. Wonderfully storyline, simply divine . Francesca Spencer I love this story of yours it’s sublime.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma and her teenage daughter arrive in Rocky Point, California to visit her Aunt April after receiving several pleading calls to come visit and are immediately pulled over by a police car. The sheriff no less and this sheriff is someone Gemma knew very well some twenty years ago. Daniel Cassidy was her first love until he broke her heart. Now Daniel is desperate to apologize and get Gemma to forgive him but can she?
This is a sweet, clean, beach setting, Valentine baking competition, second chance romance with a peacekeeper (although he does instigate a food fight) loving a bit of a fiery cat with mama bear tendencies and a matchmaking meddling aunt. Well written with moments of young love reminiscing, moments of confrontation and regret, and moments of hilarity. One of my favorite scenes was the food fight when the two 40-somethings are caught by the teenage daughter covered in flour and cookie dough. Sometimes even adults have to get a little crazy. A very delightful read!
I received an Advance Review Copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story! (Pun fully intended.) Gemma and Daniel had a multi-summer romance as a teenager, until he broke her heart. Twenty years later, they're both back in Rocky Point, once again next door to one another... and once again with sparks flying. Their re-introduction made me smile... and the smiles didn't stop there! Food fights, meddling aunts and a second chance at love... there was so much to enjoy in this story. Second chance happens to be a favorite of mine, and this one was done very well... and helps keep this shorter read from feeling too rushed, since they already have history. If you love later in life romance, meddling family, and smalltown vibes, this is one you won't want to miss!

A Sugarcoated Second Chance is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute series. This is a multi-author series of later in life Valentine's Day romcoms that can all be enjoyed as standalones or in any order.


**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Simone Gremillion · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sugar-Coated Second Chance by Francesa Spencer is a second chance romance for adults later in life. Gemma and Daniel loved each other 20 years ago when she would visit her aunt in Rocky Point. Being separated across the continent for college split them apart and she moved on. Feeling the need to visit her aunt again with the teenage daughter in tow, she stumbled across her long lost love.

Daniel is now the Sheriff in town and never found love after Gemma, no one could measure up her.

This weekend happens to be Valentine’s and the town’s bake-off. When her aunt cons her into baking for the contest things get heated and now they are both seeing that neither had ever really moved on.

This story does contain some talk of yogis and alternative hippy vibes. It isn’t frequent by any means but it stood out to me since that isn’t my lifestyle.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about second chance love for those later in life.

#sweetromcom #romancemidlife #secondchanceromance #valentinesromance #arcread

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced second chance romance. Jenna and her daughter Willow are taking a quick road trip to her aunt April’s Beachside home. It’s probably been 20 years since Jenna and her family used to come every summer. The last time she was here, her heart was broken by the boy Next Door. A charming romance with feel good nostalgia and a fun bake off. The characters are fun and entertaining, and aunt April as matchmaker. That’s really not a spoiler because you can guess it from the beginning anyway. This is part of a valentine midlife cute meet series that offer short sweet romances.(only kissing and no swearing.).

[Shauna Jones]

Matchmaking and cookies make a sweet story
Such a wonderful story of second chances helped by a mischievous, matchmaking aunt. When Gemma’s aunt convinces her to bring her daughter for a visit, she didn’t expect being pulled over by the police. When Daniel pulled over a car with a broken taillight he never expected to see his first and only love, Gemma. Soon Aunt April was arranging for Gemma and Daniel to work together including a cookie contest. Can their romance revive after twenty years? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love a second chance at love and later in in life? Even better. There is never a late time to fall in love and more if its someone who meant to much to you. Gemma and her daughter go to visit her aunt after multiple calls to come by. As they get to town Gemma sees again someone who was very important to her, who happens to be Shefif Daniel. The town, the aunt, the competition brings everyone together once again. And life had other plans for Gemma she didn't know she needed. Amazing story, characters and all! Loved it♥︎

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this novella. This is book 6 in the Valentine’s midlife meet cute series. All the stories are stand alone. If you enjoy Hallmark movies you will enjoy this sweet story of Gemma and Daniel who were high school summer love sweethearts. Gemma and her daughter are visiting her aunt for the weekend, only to be surprised that Daniel, the one who got away, is living there now. Can the scheming of a well-meaning Aunt and a small town get these two back together or is there too much past hurt? You’ll have to read to find out! You can easily read this in one sitting.

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute novella. if you enjoy second chance romance this is a good short read. the characters were enjoyable and the side characters were fun. aunt April is a hoot. she's a meddler. I wish this book was longer because it could have told a great romance for older readers getting their second chance. I do think if you are looking for a short read this is a good one

[Janet Shearouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Daniel and Gemma were pretty cute, and Aunt April was hilarious! That was very devious of her, tricking Gemma into entering the contest for her. I loved the food fight. I was a little puzzled that Gemma was still so angry with Daniel for the letter, even when she found out that his father had forced him to write it. I liked Willow too.

I received an ARC of this book but all opinions are my own.

[Liberty Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair warning... second chance is my least favorite trope, but Francesca does a good job with it (although I think Gemma forgave Daniel breaking her heart too quickly, but maybe that's what happens when 20 years pass...).

If you like second chance romance, you will love this book. It's a quick fix to fill your HEA needs. It's a fast, easy read that will make your heart smile.

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a short but sweet romance.

The romance felt a little rushed due to the fact that it was only a “weekend.” Also, the ending felt like it was trying to make up for the fact of romancing in a weekend. Loved the little tidbit about Willow and Kai. I would love a spinoff of their story. Overall good, but wish it was longer so the romance could flourish a little more.

[Slugpuppy3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SUGARCOATED SECOND CHANCE is a very sweet (pardon the pun) novella length rom-com. Gemma and Daniel lost 20 years together when Daniel’s father convinced him to break up because they were too young. Is it totally crazy to think the two of them might find that a spark of love still glows? Auntie April is determined to blow on the coals and find out!
I reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book with no strings attached.

[Tammi Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

who doesn't love getting a second chance. this was such a quick, sweet story. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Jaymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

super short & sweet! lovely little second chance romance, would definitely recommend :)

thank you to the author for an arc - i wasn’t required to review and opinions are honest and my own.

[Mandy Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for Sugarcoated Second Chance. This is a Valentines midlife small town romance. The are short and so sweet.

This is Gemma and Daniel's story.

Daniel is the new sheriff and just moved back into town.
Gemma is im town to help her aunt.
Gemma and Daniel were high school sweethearts they loved each other so much. When Daniel left for college he let his dad talk him into breaking up with her.
I loved this book. They were so cute together. Daniel had alot to make up for. I loved their banter and playfulness.
Can't wait for the next book.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second-chance midlife romantic comedy. Cute and easy-to-read..

[Jessica Freudinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute fast read. I loved the ideas to the story.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is another sweet, short one in this series! I really liked the premise of this story and the main characters. It was really fun and such a quick read!

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second chance romance that like. The couple don't have a big miscommunication trope they are teenage sweethearts pushed apart by a parent but done with the best intentions. Now 20 yrs later she is visiting her aunt again in Rocky Pointe. There is a local Valentines baking competition that she helps her aunt who secretly plots. I love the aunt. She is fun & energetic nostalgic. The ending almost threw me through a loop but I'm so glad things worked out. This was a fun midlife meetcute.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma has rushed to Rocky Point for the weekend with her teenage daughter, Willow, as it appears her Aunt April is having problems. Only to find she's been set up, her young first love, Daniel, has moved back in next door to her Aunt. They were in love and all prepared to make a go of long distance but he sent her a break up letter and pretended there was someone else, there wasn't but he thought she would accept it better!
Now they are competing in a Valentine Bake Off, finding their teenage selves. Will she forgive him for the letter?

An entertaining read from Francesca

[Leslie Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

He wrote a goodbye letter and never healed from losing his first love. Now, twenty years later, she’s on her way to visit her aunt when a routine stop brings her face‑to‑face with the sheriff—the same man who once shattered her heart. Divorced and raising her daughter, she must decide if she can let the past go and open the door to the love they almost had. Dive into this heartfelt story to discover what unfolds.

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and comforting read that gave me all the cozy small-town vibes. Gemma returns to Rocky Point with her teenage daughter to visit her Aunt April, and what she doesn’t expect is to run into Daniel, the boy who was once her first love and the one who broke her heart years ago. Seeing him again brings back old memories, but also stirs up feelings she thought she had buried.

I really enjoyed how the story balanced nostalgia with the reality of who Gemma and Daniel are now. Watching them navigate the past hurt while rediscovering their bond felt genuine.

The Valentine’s baking competition was another highlight, it brought lighthearted moments and gave the book a playful touch.

I also liked the dynamic between Gemma and her daughter.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Chance

Daniel was hopeful, but Gemma didn't see it coming. Aunt April was conniving in her matchmaking and almost blew it. Teenage daughter Willow gets it and is all in. All the characters dance around a possible romantic second chance. It's a fun, romantic "what if...?" from start to finish.