Second Chances: Love Renewed

by Bernetta Thorne-Williams

Brigette, Luanne, Genia and Carrie forged a relationship while in college that extends far past their time together in the institution of higher learning. Brigette is the heart and moral compass of the group; Luanne is the no-nonsense and straightforward risk-taker; Genia is the impulsive dreamer whose life choices have destroyed her self image; and Carrie is the wide-eyed innocence that trusts everyone except herself and her own instincts. Despite their difference, or perhaps because of them, the foursome develop a relationship that withstands the test of time as they learn to rely on each other as they pursue love, careers, happiness and motherhood. As one of the youngest associates at a prestigious law firm, Brigette is driven to succeed. It isn’t like she has a personal life; after all, she stopped believing in love and happily ever after in college after her fiancée married someone else. So she did what any smart, self respecting woman would do – she closed the door on her past ...until her ex-fiancee storms back into her life. Luanne is smart and fearless. She believes in leaping first and dealing with the consequences later. This approach has led her into a dead-end relationship with her married boss. Despite being in love with him, Luanne is a pragmatic woman and once reality rears its ugly little head she relocates to the Nation’s Capitol to be near her college friend, Brigette. Although, Luanne wants love, she persists in falling into relationships that have no future. Genia has lived with the sins of her past. Once her duplicity came to the light of day she was branded with a scarlet letter. At least that was how she chose to see herself – so much so that she rushed into marriage, only to realize too late that she had married a controlling, abusive monster. After living in a hellish nightmare for nearly three years; she escapes the abusive environment with the help of a friend. Carrie was raised in a loveless environment by an aunt and uncle after the death of her parents. This truth is how she has always lived her life – feeling like the person that nobody wants. As a result of this, she is extremely insecure. She believes that she has found her soulmate until he cancels their wedding a few weeks before their impending nuptials. Carrie is devastated and to make matters worse she learns that she is pregnant. As if the universe was conspiring against her – she loses her job due to downsizing within her company. Despite the years that have lapsed since their days in college, the four friends find themselves in need of support, encouragement and each other. Some bonds last regardless of the years and the miles that separate them. Their friendship allows them the emotional strength and courage to fight for their future.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2015

About the author

Bernetta Thorne-Williams is the author of several romance novels including POOF, Second Chances and Etched Upon My Heart. She has showcased her writing talents in Chicken Soup for The Soul books, including Chicken Soup for the African American Women’s Soul, Chicken Soup for the Beach Lover’s Soul, and other works. Mrs. Thorne-Williams credits her travels with her amazing husband, of over thirty years, as the inspiration behind many of her stories. She is the mother of two adult sons and resides in North Carolina.