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The Second Chance Trailer Park
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26From award-winning author Katie Powner comes a funny feel-good novel about a woman discovering her second chance at life.
This charming and heartfelt story is perfect for readers who loved Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame.
Fifty-two-year-old Meredith McGillicutty is not having a midlife crisis. She’s just ready for a change of pace, that’s all. The fact that she lied to get into a retirement community has nothing to do with being passed over for a promotion at work nor her recent breakup with the only man she’s ever loved.
Nothing.
Meredith only wants some peace and quiet. To sit on a porch in elastic-waist pants and mingle with other mature individuals who value a life of serenity. But the residents of the Peaceful Pines retirement community have other plans for her. These quirky and endearing neighbors seem to know her better than she knows herself, and they decide Meredith’s life is only just beginning.
Blending humor and tenderness, The Second Chance Trailer Park will appeal to fans of Fredrik Backman and Lenora Worth.
This charming and heartfelt story is perfect for readers who loved Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame.
Fifty-two-year-old Meredith McGillicutty is not having a midlife crisis. She’s just ready for a change of pace, that’s all. The fact that she lied to get into a retirement community has nothing to do with being passed over for a promotion at work nor her recent breakup with the only man she’s ever loved.
Nothing.
Meredith only wants some peace and quiet. To sit on a porch in elastic-waist pants and mingle with other mature individuals who value a life of serenity. But the residents of the Peaceful Pines retirement community have other plans for her. These quirky and endearing neighbors seem to know her better than she knows herself, and they decide Meredith’s life is only just beginning.
Blending humor and tenderness, The Second Chance Trailer Park will appeal to fans of Fredrik Backman and Lenora Worth.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 21, 2026
2 people are currently reading
16537 people want to read
About the author
Katie Powner
8 books509 followersKatie Powner is a Christy Award-winning author who lives in rural Montana, where cows still outnumber people. She writes contemporary fiction about everyday people, filled with humor and heart. Katie is a mom to the third power: biological, adoptive, and foster. Learn more at www.katiepowner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 3, 2026
My synopsis
Fifty two year old Meredith McGillicutty is finally ready to retire and let some moss grow under her feet. What does this mean? She’ll slow down and finally make time for friendships and community. How will she do this you wonder? Well she’s got her sights set on moving to The Peaceful Pines Trailer Park for Seasoned Adults. The problem with this plan? Its bylaws state that you have to be at least fifty four and a half to live there. The solution? She’ll be a bit creative with her credentials maybe a bit less polished in her appearance and no one will be the wiser.
My thoughts
This book! Wow! I loved every minute of it. It’s characters, it’s deep heartfelt messages and just the entire beautiful ride. You’ve got Meredith who’s trying to reinvent herself but has never let anyone truly know her. Can she change her ways amongst her new neighbours and let them truly see her? Then there’s Meredith’s next door neighbour Harry, recently widowed and at a loss with what’s next. He’s as straight laced as they come but he’s got a secret that could get him expelled from Peaceful Pines. Next we have Sherry and Larry and Hairy (not Harry but Hairy a pet that to everyone but them brings the creeps) I love their unfailing loyalty, friendship and sense of self. They always know the right thing to say and have a style that’s the basis of many looks at the parks rule book. These are only a few of the characters that make up this wild and wonderful trailer park full of second chances and friendships that I’m truly in awe of. If you need a feel good book with truly unique and unfailingly kind and robust characters look no further this one has got you more than covered.
Fifty two year old Meredith McGillicutty is finally ready to retire and let some moss grow under her feet. What does this mean? She’ll slow down and finally make time for friendships and community. How will she do this you wonder? Well she’s got her sights set on moving to The Peaceful Pines Trailer Park for Seasoned Adults. The problem with this plan? Its bylaws state that you have to be at least fifty four and a half to live there. The solution? She’ll be a bit creative with her credentials maybe a bit less polished in her appearance and no one will be the wiser.
My thoughts
This book! Wow! I loved every minute of it. It’s characters, it’s deep heartfelt messages and just the entire beautiful ride. You’ve got Meredith who’s trying to reinvent herself but has never let anyone truly know her. Can she change her ways amongst her new neighbours and let them truly see her? Then there’s Meredith’s next door neighbour Harry, recently widowed and at a loss with what’s next. He’s as straight laced as they come but he’s got a secret that could get him expelled from Peaceful Pines. Next we have Sherry and Larry and Hairy (not Harry but Hairy a pet that to everyone but them brings the creeps) I love their unfailing loyalty, friendship and sense of self. They always know the right thing to say and have a style that’s the basis of many looks at the parks rule book. These are only a few of the characters that make up this wild and wonderful trailer park full of second chances and friendships that I’m truly in awe of. If you need a feel good book with truly unique and unfailingly kind and robust characters look no further this one has got you more than covered.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meredith McGuillicuddy decides at the age of 52 1/2 (after being passed over for a promotion) that she needs to simplify her life because she is too old. She quits her job, sells her house and moves into a 55+ mobile home (trailer) park. Her biggest challenge is to keep her age a secret or she will be evicted.
This is a cute, entertaining story. Meredith’s best friend is the cat that comes with her home. It’s quite predictable. Quirky senior characters, neighbourly spats, odd pets, recluses, nosy neighbours. Instead of going for walks, they take their mobility scooters for a group ride.
Every character has their own story. Meredith soon adapts to her new lifestyle.
It is a wholesome story, though a little slow paced in the middle. There were times I didn’t rush to pick it up. Then the last part of the book picks up again to a satisfying ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
This is a cute, entertaining story. Meredith’s best friend is the cat that comes with her home. It’s quite predictable. Quirky senior characters, neighbourly spats, odd pets, recluses, nosy neighbours. Instead of going for walks, they take their mobility scooters for a group ride.
Every character has their own story. Meredith soon adapts to her new lifestyle.
It is a wholesome story, though a little slow paced in the middle. There were times I didn’t rush to pick it up. Then the last part of the book picks up again to a satisfying ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Moving into a retirement community at fifty-two isn't necessarily a midlife crisis; it just looks like one from the curb. Meredith McGillicutty is done with being overlooked at work and exhausted by a recent breakup, so she lies her way into Peaceful Pines seeking nothing but silence and elastic-waist pants. She wants to disappear, but her elderly neighbors have zero interest in letting her hide. They see through her walls almost immediately, dragging her back into the world whether she likes it or not.
The blueprint is very familiar. We have seen the "younger person hiding among the elderly to find themselves" trope plenty of times. It is a slow burn that leans heavily on the charm of the supporting cast; those quirky seniors act as a collective mirror for Meredith’s own insecurities. While the neighbors are endearing, they occasionally feel like catalysts for her growth rather than fully realized people. Meredith herself is relatable enough, especially for anyone at that age where the corporate world starts treating you like an expired carton of milk.
Powner writes with a dry, gentle humor that keeps things moving. There is no unnecessary frivolity or over-the-top drama here. The tone is quiet and observant, capturing that specific trailer park atmosphere where everyone knows your business but might actually care about it. It is a clean, honest style that avoids the usual sentimentality of the genre. I appreciated the lack of forced emotional manipulation; the feelings are present, but they aren't shouted at you.
The story reflects a very modern anxiety: the fear of becoming irrelevant. In a society obsessed with the "new," Meredith’s retreat to a place for the "old" is a clever, if predictable, rebellion. It asks whether we are defined by our productivity or our connections. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it serves as a decent reminder that life doesn't end just because a promotion goes to someone twenty years younger.
If you are looking for a groundbreaking literary shift, keep looking. But if you want a grounded story about starting over when you’re already halfway through the race, it is a solid read. It’s a comfortable, low-stakes journey that might make you look at your own "retirement plan" a little differently. We all need a reminder that we don't have to wait until we’re eighty to stop caring what the wrong people think of us.
3.5/5
The blueprint is very familiar. We have seen the "younger person hiding among the elderly to find themselves" trope plenty of times. It is a slow burn that leans heavily on the charm of the supporting cast; those quirky seniors act as a collective mirror for Meredith’s own insecurities. While the neighbors are endearing, they occasionally feel like catalysts for her growth rather than fully realized people. Meredith herself is relatable enough, especially for anyone at that age where the corporate world starts treating you like an expired carton of milk.
Powner writes with a dry, gentle humor that keeps things moving. There is no unnecessary frivolity or over-the-top drama here. The tone is quiet and observant, capturing that specific trailer park atmosphere where everyone knows your business but might actually care about it. It is a clean, honest style that avoids the usual sentimentality of the genre. I appreciated the lack of forced emotional manipulation; the feelings are present, but they aren't shouted at you.
The story reflects a very modern anxiety: the fear of becoming irrelevant. In a society obsessed with the "new," Meredith’s retreat to a place for the "old" is a clever, if predictable, rebellion. It asks whether we are defined by our productivity or our connections. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it serves as a decent reminder that life doesn't end just because a promotion goes to someone twenty years younger.
If you are looking for a groundbreaking literary shift, keep looking. But if you want a grounded story about starting over when you’re already halfway through the race, it is a solid read. It’s a comfortable, low-stakes journey that might make you look at your own "retirement plan" a little differently. We all need a reminder that we don't have to wait until we’re eighty to stop caring what the wrong people think of us.
3.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meredith McGillicutty is fifty-two, recently dumped, passed over for promotion, and absolutely not having a midlife crisis. She's just looking for peace and quiet, which is why she lies her way into Peaceful Pines retirement community. Her plan is simple: sit on a porch in elastic-waist pants, avoid the chaos of the outside world, and embrace a life of serenity among other mature individuals who value calm.
Naturally, nothing goes according to plan.
The residents of Peaceful Pines have zero interest in letting Meredith hide away. These quirky, meddling, utterly lovable neighbors seem to see something in her that she's lost sight of herself—the possibility that her life isn't winding down but just beginning. What follows is a gentle, funny exploration of what it means to start over when you thought you were done starting.
What I found most valuable about this book was Powner's honest portrayal of older folks living independently while navigating that uncertain space between full autonomy and needing more help. She doesn't shy away from the real challenges: the fears about what comes next, the stubborn determination to hold onto independence, the small losses that accumulate alongside the continuing joys. The residents of Peaceful Pines aren't cutesy caricatures; they're people with full, complex lives who happen to be aging, and Powner treats them with dignity and genuine affection.
The depth of life experience these characters carry feels authentic. They've loved and lost, succeeded and failed, raised families and buried spouses. Their wisdom isn't dispensed in tidy sound bites but emerges naturally through lived experience. The connections they form with Meredith (and with each other) have real weight because Powner understands that meaningful relationships don't become less important as we age; if anything, they matter more.
The Second Chance Trailer Park is charming, heartfelt, and refreshingly real in its depiction of aging and community. It's a reminder that it's never too late to begin again, and that the richness of life doesn't diminish just because the number of years ahead might be fewer.
Naturally, nothing goes according to plan.
The residents of Peaceful Pines have zero interest in letting Meredith hide away. These quirky, meddling, utterly lovable neighbors seem to see something in her that she's lost sight of herself—the possibility that her life isn't winding down but just beginning. What follows is a gentle, funny exploration of what it means to start over when you thought you were done starting.
What I found most valuable about this book was Powner's honest portrayal of older folks living independently while navigating that uncertain space between full autonomy and needing more help. She doesn't shy away from the real challenges: the fears about what comes next, the stubborn determination to hold onto independence, the small losses that accumulate alongside the continuing joys. The residents of Peaceful Pines aren't cutesy caricatures; they're people with full, complex lives who happen to be aging, and Powner treats them with dignity and genuine affection.
The depth of life experience these characters carry feels authentic. They've loved and lost, succeeded and failed, raised families and buried spouses. Their wisdom isn't dispensed in tidy sound bites but emerges naturally through lived experience. The connections they form with Meredith (and with each other) have real weight because Powner understands that meaningful relationships don't become less important as we age; if anything, they matter more.
The Second Chance Trailer Park is charming, heartfelt, and refreshingly real in its depiction of aging and community. It's a reminder that it's never too late to begin again, and that the richness of life doesn't diminish just because the number of years ahead might be fewer.
April 4, 2026
Synopsis:
Meet Meredith, who works at Beau Boutique. When something happens at her job, she decides to slow down, start a new life at 52, and “grow moss” on her life. She moves to Peaceful Pines Trailer Park for seasoned adults—but there’s one problem: residents must be 55 or older. So, she has to find a way not to get caught!
The people in Peaceful Pines:
• Meredith – trying to find herself again. Independent and self-sufficient, but is that enough for her to truly be accepted by the community?
• Harry – her neighbor, a widower who constantly thinks of his wife. He also has a secret no one should know!
• Ted & Sherry (the couple) with Hairy – yes, sounds like Harry… the curly tarantula 😛
• Rowdy – a former pastor
• Amy – the youngest and the manager
My thoughts:
Oh man… I did not expect to finish this book with such a big smile on my face! Suuuuuch a cute story! With all these characters, I never thought I’d become so invested in the elderly people of Peaceful Pines.
There were times when it felt a bit slow, and I found it hard to pick up. But I’m glad I finished it. Around 70%, it really got better! So be patient!
I had so much fun reading and going along with their lives. It felt refreshing to read something outside my usual genre. It was like I was there with them, laughing at their goofiness. Their friendship is so special! They’re always ready to help one another.
I love how Katie portrayed the lives of the elderly. It felt very real and relatable. It’s a story about second chances and falling in love with life again. No matter your age, just do what makes you feel at ease, what feels like home 🏡💖
Looking at the book cover, it all made sense after I finished reading.
Overall:
If you’re looking for a feel-good, slow-burn, cozy read with laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming older characters, add this to your TBR!
3.75 stars 🌟
Meet Meredith, who works at Beau Boutique. When something happens at her job, she decides to slow down, start a new life at 52, and “grow moss” on her life. She moves to Peaceful Pines Trailer Park for seasoned adults—but there’s one problem: residents must be 55 or older. So, she has to find a way not to get caught!
The people in Peaceful Pines:
• Meredith – trying to find herself again. Independent and self-sufficient, but is that enough for her to truly be accepted by the community?
• Harry – her neighbor, a widower who constantly thinks of his wife. He also has a secret no one should know!
• Ted & Sherry (the couple) with Hairy – yes, sounds like Harry… the curly tarantula 😛
• Rowdy – a former pastor
• Amy – the youngest and the manager
My thoughts:
Oh man… I did not expect to finish this book with such a big smile on my face! Suuuuuch a cute story! With all these characters, I never thought I’d become so invested in the elderly people of Peaceful Pines.
There were times when it felt a bit slow, and I found it hard to pick up. But I’m glad I finished it. Around 70%, it really got better! So be patient!
I had so much fun reading and going along with their lives. It felt refreshing to read something outside my usual genre. It was like I was there with them, laughing at their goofiness. Their friendship is so special! They’re always ready to help one another.
I love how Katie portrayed the lives of the elderly. It felt very real and relatable. It’s a story about second chances and falling in love with life again. No matter your age, just do what makes you feel at ease, what feels like home 🏡💖
Looking at the book cover, it all made sense after I finished reading.
Overall:
If you’re looking for a feel-good, slow-burn, cozy read with laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming older characters, add this to your TBR!
3.75 stars 🌟
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this was such a wholesome and comforting read
i went into it thinking it would just be a light, easy story, but it actually had a bit more depth to it which i really loved
meredith was such a relatable character. even though her situation is a bit chaotic, the feeling of wanting to escape and start over felt really real
the side characters honestly made this book. they were so full of personality and added so much warmth and humour, and i loved how they slowly pulled meredith out of her shell
it’s one of those stories that’s easy to read but still makes you feel something. it’s about second chances, finding your place, and realising your life isn’t over just because things didn’t go to plan
overall such a feel-good, heartwarming read
thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the arc
i went into it thinking it would just be a light, easy story, but it actually had a bit more depth to it which i really loved
meredith was such a relatable character. even though her situation is a bit chaotic, the feeling of wanting to escape and start over felt really real
the side characters honestly made this book. they were so full of personality and added so much warmth and humour, and i loved how they slowly pulled meredith out of her shell
it’s one of those stories that’s easy to read but still makes you feel something. it’s about second chances, finding your place, and realising your life isn’t over just because things didn’t go to plan
overall such a feel-good, heartwarming read
thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an advanced readers copy.
This book is just so wholesome and delightful perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and The Thursday Murder Club (without all of the murder).
Meredith is ready for a life change and at the age of 52 decides that a little lie about her age to settle into the Peaceful Pines retirement community won’t hurt anyone. And while she was searching for a settled feeling and some serenity she ultimately finds so much more.
This book is cozy and heartwarming and very low stakes but still explores big themes of life change, grief and loss, family and of course love. I felt pulled in by the story and like I was a part of the Peaceful Pines community to the point where I was sad when it ended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an advanced readers copy.
This book is just so wholesome and delightful perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and The Thursday Murder Club (without all of the murder).
Meredith is ready for a life change and at the age of 52 decides that a little lie about her age to settle into the Peaceful Pines retirement community won’t hurt anyone. And while she was searching for a settled feeling and some serenity she ultimately finds so much more.
This book is cozy and heartwarming and very low stakes but still explores big themes of life change, grief and loss, family and of course love. I felt pulled in by the story and like I was a part of the Peaceful Pines community to the point where I was sad when it ended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
This was the perfect palate cleanser full of quirky characters and witty humor. The characters navigate aging and all the fun and not so fun things that come with it all while living at a trailer park. I loved the menagerie of faces, especially Harry (my heart), and their love of cats, gossip, and a good party. If you like a slow burn with some well placed humor, this is a gem.
This was the perfect palate cleanser full of quirky characters and witty humor. The characters navigate aging and all the fun and not so fun things that come with it all while living at a trailer park. I loved the menagerie of faces, especially Harry (my heart), and their love of cats, gossip, and a good party. If you like a slow burn with some well placed humor, this is a gem.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 24, 2026Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
The Second Chance Trailer Park was a cute slow burn story of the things that take place during a mid life crisis at a trailer park.
There were some slower parts making it a very easy read which included very funny, quirky characters who you fall in love with.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a book with fun characters and an easy story line!
The Second Chance Trailer Park was a cute slow burn story of the things that take place during a mid life crisis at a trailer park.
There were some slower parts making it a very easy read which included very funny, quirky characters who you fall in love with.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a book with fun characters and an easy story line!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
This book got me hooked from the beginning, it's a slow burn easy read and isnt my usual go to genre.
However I was pleasantly surprised
By 50% though I did get a little bored and found myself skimming
But it did pick back up around 70%
Overall I would definitely recommend this book as a palette cleanser in-between intense reads
thank you netgalley and alcove press for the ARC copy
This book got me hooked from the beginning, it's a slow burn easy read and isnt my usual go to genre.
However I was pleasantly surprised
By 50% though I did get a little bored and found myself skimming
But it did pick back up around 70%
Overall I would definitely recommend this book as a palette cleanser in-between intense reads
thank you netgalley and alcove press for the ARC copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Bittersweet, cozy novel about one woman's quest to accept growing older, and the rag-tag group of elderly neighbors she grows to love. Full of charm, with great characterization, that helped balance out the super slow pacing. A bit of a slow burn but a decent read. #thesecondchancetrailerpark #katiepowner #netgalley #goodreads
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved this sweet story about the cast of characters at the Peaceful Pines trailer park for the elderly. I am a little offended by how close I am to qualifying to live there. So many great stories about love, loss, and the journey to found family. I highly recommend this read!
Read
January 20, 2026A very likeable cast of characters inhabit the Second Chance Trailer Park. One shepherd and his flock of lost souls all searching for their community and finding home.
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