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Southern Comfort #1
Second Chances
Life sails along smoothly on beautiful St. Thomas for Abby Melrose Bellavance, or so she thinks. That is, until her husband Remy steals her trust fund and disappears for parts unknown. Now, with five million reasons to write off men for good, she returns to Charleston, broke and groveling at her mother’s feet.
Living again in the opulent mansion on South Battery, Abby is thrown another curve ball. Her mother passes away, leaving Abby with an enormous home but no money to support it.
Turning the mansion into a boardinghouse has its advantage—immediate cash—and disadvantage—two of the hottest men in Charleston are now Abby’s tenants.
Abby wants love again, especially with hunky Erik, the handyman, and sexy Brandon, the prominent attorney, living in the mansion with her. They are so different, yet they’re similar in one way she needs to avoid—they are men, and she should keep her distance.
As the southern summer blazes on, Abby’s life becomes even more complicated. Personal secrets are revealed, and fate deals her one final blow. She wonders if she will ever be given a second chance at falling in love.
Living again in the opulent mansion on South Battery, Abby is thrown another curve ball. Her mother passes away, leaving Abby with an enormous home but no money to support it.
Turning the mansion into a boardinghouse has its advantage—immediate cash—and disadvantage—two of the hottest men in Charleston are now Abby’s tenants.
Abby wants love again, especially with hunky Erik, the handyman, and sexy Brandon, the prominent attorney, living in the mansion with her. They are so different, yet they’re similar in one way she needs to avoid—they are men, and she should keep her distance.
As the southern summer blazes on, Abby’s life becomes even more complicated. Personal secrets are revealed, and fate deals her one final blow. She wonders if she will ever be given a second chance at falling in love.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2015
817 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Bria Marche
15 books12 followersBria Marche has spent most of her adult years living near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a member of numerous writer’s organizations including, Fiction for All, Fiction Factor and Writers-Online.
Along with writing, she also enjoys many forms of art, especially creating tangible objects herself. She loves to travel worldwide and is an avid bicyclist.
Along with writing, she also enjoys many forms of art, especially creating tangible objects herself. She loves to travel worldwide and is an avid bicyclist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 1, 2015
I couldn't even finish this book. The main character is a spoiled immature brat. Nine chapters was enough for me. I couldn't care what happened to her.
: If she wasn't
smart enough to protect 15 million dollars of her own, who would care if she is going through a little hard time..
: If she wasn't
smart enough to protect 15 million dollars of her own, who would care if she is going through a little hard time..
May 31, 2017
I finished it fairly quickly but I had a hard time with the copy editing, you would be reading about one thing/place and the next sentence you have moved onto another aspect of the story... very confusing. A new paragraph would have removed that confusion. I also found the story to be very predictable with way to many cues about what was going to happen that nothing was a surprise. I also found the characters to not be very developed and not very believable either. Not sure I will read anything by this author.
February 19, 2017
Definitely a book for readers of (sweet) romance and/or chick lit. As with most/all romance it is eminently predictable.
Rich girl marries a Caribbean man who runs off with her millions and sells their house from under her. Rich – now poor – girl goes home to mummy who lives in the posh area of Charleston. Mummy has changed her will as she (correctly) thought the new husband was just after the family money, but she agrees to change it back. Trouble is, she dies before that happens leaving her daughter high and dry with no cash and a mansion to maintain, which can't be sold according to the terms of the will.
So our heroine turns it into an illegal boarding house, and natch, two of the tenants are extremely handsome eligible men … There is the inevitable misunderstanding between her and her chosen love interest, the inevitable reconciliation and she ends up recovering her millions.
The locations are glamorous, no slums or poverty in this, and there are some interesting ethical questions raised about deception, lies, trust, friendship and … money.
But the writing is one-dimensional, the characters similarly so, and every time a problem appears, a solution appears just as magically in the next few pages so there is no tension and the pacing is flat. It's an easy read though.
The blurb also gives away too much of the story about the death of the mother and the boarding house. It felt as though the first few chapters were just back story as the reader knows what's coming and is waiting for the mother's death and the reading of the will. Plus we also know there will be two men competing for her attention. I'd have liked less of a summary style blurb and one that was shorter and more intriguing.
I'd give it 2.5 stars, but given it is romance, that's rounded up to three stars.
Rich girl marries a Caribbean man who runs off with her millions and sells their house from under her. Rich – now poor – girl goes home to mummy who lives in the posh area of Charleston. Mummy has changed her will as she (correctly) thought the new husband was just after the family money, but she agrees to change it back. Trouble is, she dies before that happens leaving her daughter high and dry with no cash and a mansion to maintain, which can't be sold according to the terms of the will.
So our heroine turns it into an illegal boarding house, and natch, two of the tenants are extremely handsome eligible men … There is the inevitable misunderstanding between her and her chosen love interest, the inevitable reconciliation and she ends up recovering her millions.
The locations are glamorous, no slums or poverty in this, and there are some interesting ethical questions raised about deception, lies, trust, friendship and … money.
But the writing is one-dimensional, the characters similarly so, and every time a problem appears, a solution appears just as magically in the next few pages so there is no tension and the pacing is flat. It's an easy read though.
The blurb also gives away too much of the story about the death of the mother and the boarding house. It felt as though the first few chapters were just back story as the reader knows what's coming and is waiting for the mother's death and the reading of the will. Plus we also know there will be two men competing for her attention. I'd have liked less of a summary style blurb and one that was shorter and more intriguing.
I'd give it 2.5 stars, but given it is romance, that's rounded up to three stars.
November 4, 2019
I tried
I tried, but I just couldn’t finish this one. The story was very meandering. It also seemed to provide lots of detail when it wasn’t needed (goes on and on describing the house) and little detail where it is needed (there are three female lead characters and all we know about two of them is their occupation and how they’re affiliated with the heroine). I gave up at 30% and can’t recommend this one.
I tried, but I just couldn’t finish this one. The story was very meandering. It also seemed to provide lots of detail when it wasn’t needed (goes on and on describing the house) and little detail where it is needed (there are three female lead characters and all we know about two of them is their occupation and how they’re affiliated with the heroine). I gave up at 30% and can’t recommend this one.
March 3, 2019
Interesting basic premise; extremely obvious development of that premise. Stilted dialogue and narration, inconsistent timeline and relationship details. Plodding. At 50% I began skip-reading.
October 13, 2025
Abigail Melrose Bellavance has just been left by her husband Remy Bellavance. But he didn’t just leave her he took all her money as well. So Abby had no choice but to move back to Charleston, South Carolina and move in with her mother. Her mother set down conditions for her to live with her and Abby had to make a plan and present it to her for her mother to change her mind about changing her will back to what it initially stated. But the day Abby’s mom, Charlotte, was supposed to talk to her lawyer she had a car accident and was immediately killed. When the will was read Abby was in dire straits because she had no money left to her but she had the house she was raised in. The thing is she had no way of taking care of said house because she had no money. So the maid who she now treated as a best friend, Betsy, came up with an idea to make the house into a boarding house. This way Abby could get money to take care of the house while also taking care of Betsy, and her best childhood friend, Melanie. The three of them set up what they needed to take care of the house what price ranges to make of the rooms and how to find decent tenants. They found the tenants and two were two hot guys that were vying for Abby’s attention but she only really had the hots for one. Erik Christensen was a hardworking handyman and restorer and he offered his services for room and board. Brandon Luck was an attorney who boasted about what he did and looked down on everyone else in the house especially Erik. When the truth came out about Abby she lost both men but you will have to read the book yourself to see what happens at the very end.
November 8, 2019
The basic premise of the story is good. The fact that no attention was paid to the what was actually legal really made so much of he story a fantasy. As the purported confiscation of Abby's monies and the sale of the marital home took place in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the laws of the U.S. would be in effect. Therefore, even if Abby's name was not on the deed to the property, it was the marital home and therefore required her signature in order to be sold. As to a joint bank account, in order to empty and close a joint account, both signatures would be required. Indiscriminate monies could be taken out, but to close it out, as with any joint account, both signatures are required.
The rest of the story was good and the ingenuity in renting out the rooms in order to obtain monies to maintain the house was great. I had to snicker when Brandon hit on Abby and took her out, as it was kind of a foregone conclusion that he was going to turn out to be the lawyer who would be representing the insurance company and his fraternization and living in the property was such a clear cut conflict of interest and most certainly was going to make him look like a fool. Fortunately, our author paid attention to the law in this instance.
Although it was a pleasant story, it was not my cup of tea and I won't be following any further with this series.
The rest of the story was good and the ingenuity in renting out the rooms in order to obtain monies to maintain the house was great. I had to snicker when Brandon hit on Abby and took her out, as it was kind of a foregone conclusion that he was going to turn out to be the lawyer who would be representing the insurance company and his fraternization and living in the property was such a clear cut conflict of interest and most certainly was going to make him look like a fool. Fortunately, our author paid attention to the law in this instance.
Although it was a pleasant story, it was not my cup of tea and I won't be following any further with this series.
January 17, 2020
An example of what gives Chick Lit a bad name. I cannot comprehend how readers gave it such a high rating. The only good thing about this book is that it gives hope to anyone thinking of writing a book -- Yes, Virginia, even a horribly bad book can get published. I finished it just as some people rubber-neck at the scene of a collision. There was a certain fascination of the fact that the majority of the book is poor dialogue. One is that dependent on bad dialogue to tell the story only because they just can't write well enough to impart the story any other way. Do we blame the author, the editor. the copy editor? How about all? There's definitely enough blame to go around.
October 7, 2020
Couldn’t finish the book
Ok, I read a lot of books, probably 3 to 4 a week. This book got on my last nerve. Abby is so stupid, why would you allow a husband access to your money and you married without a prenuptial agreement because your Mom was looking out for you.
And you’re so immature I couldn’t finish the book and I deleted the second book. Sorry I just didn’t like it. After this review I’m deleting this book from my library.
Ok, I read a lot of books, probably 3 to 4 a week. This book got on my last nerve. Abby is so stupid, why would you allow a husband access to your money and you married without a prenuptial agreement because your Mom was looking out for you.
And you’re so immature I couldn’t finish the book and I deleted the second book. Sorry I just didn’t like it. After this review I’m deleting this book from my library.
October 10, 2022
Abby thought she had it all until her husband gave her a reality check by skipping off with all of her money. Now she is back in the house with her mother when she is given another kick of tragedy. She takes everything in stride and with the help of Erik a handy man and Brandon a lawyer she's beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel until she is thrown for another loop. Will Abby ever get her life back on track and get a second chance for a happily ever after?
March 23, 2018
Life sucks when you're husband leaves you, stealing all of your money and selling your home out from under you. Life really sucks, when you go home with your tail between your legs, only to have your Mom die the next day, and find out she left you a mansion you can't sell and no money for upkeep. What is a girl to do?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2020
I don't like romance novels.
This is so much more. The characters are believable as well as the settings. There is no raw sex or bad language. Happiness abounds along with the sadness. The word pictures of Charleston and St.Thomas are enough to make you start packing.Could have been a lot less alcohol, but that's just me. It's a very good story.
This is so much more. The characters are believable as well as the settings. There is no raw sex or bad language. Happiness abounds along with the sadness. The word pictures of Charleston and St.Thomas are enough to make you start packing.Could have been a lot less alcohol, but that's just me. It's a very good story.
November 12, 2024
I loved this book. It kept me on my toes with the love triangle but ended beautifully. I would definitely recommend this to any book lover.
My favorite part was when Abby got her money in the end and her love life was at its peak with Erik.
I would love for a second book where their all in the mansion and all the girls are now looking for love.
My favorite part was when Abby got her money in the end and her love life was at its peak with Erik.
I would love for a second book where their all in the mansion and all the girls are now looking for love.
August 10, 2018
Second Chances
Enjoyed this book. The characters were very likeable. I wish the ending didn't seem so abrupt. Everything wrapped up so quickly then it was over. Pleasant way to pass a day.
Enjoyed this book. The characters were very likeable. I wish the ending didn't seem so abrupt. Everything wrapped up so quickly then it was over. Pleasant way to pass a day.
September 8, 2018
Over a good read about s girl who had everything then lost it and what she was willing to do make threw life.
My only wish is the book would of taken us to what happen with her friends they reactions and Eric reaction to the home ect. I dislike quick ending
My only wish is the book would of taken us to what happen with her friends they reactions and Eric reaction to the home ect. I dislike quick ending
January 2, 2021
Karma
Everything possible goes wrong. Life's lessons carry a very heavy tuition as Abby tries to right her world or at least navigate her way through it. She does this as she gathers a very different sort of family around her. Good story.
Everything possible goes wrong. Life's lessons carry a very heavy tuition as Abby tries to right her world or at least navigate her way through it. She does this as she gathers a very different sort of family around her. Good story.
March 10, 2017
It was OK
It wasn't attention grabbing I was skimming thru the whole thing. I really just wanted to make sure she was gonna get everything she deserved.
It wasn't attention grabbing I was skimming thru the whole thing. I really just wanted to make sure she was gonna get everything she deserved.
June 14, 2017
Great story
I just finished this book and LOVED it. I would really like to see a sequel! I just ordered next book and look forward to reading it. Please think about a sequel 😋
I just finished this book and LOVED it. I would really like to see a sequel! I just ordered next book and look forward to reading it. Please think about a sequel 😋
July 11, 2017
Love it
Love it!! Great story! Great love story! Thank you for sharing it with me!!! I highly recommend you all read this book!!!!!
Love it!! Great story! Great love story! Thank you for sharing it with me!!! I highly recommend you all read this book!!!!!
September 25, 2017
Second chances
This book was a joy to read it covers a lot of sad and happy events many things happen as they do in our daily lives
This book was a joy to read it covers a lot of sad and happy events many things happen as they do in our daily lives
October 8, 2017
Such a sweet story. A veritable emotional rollercoaster. I look forward to reading of the author's writing.
February 26, 2018
Terrible!
This is quite possibly the worst book I have ever read! Completely unbelievable characters & situations. Such s ware of my time.
This is quite possibly the worst book I have ever read! Completely unbelievable characters & situations. Such s ware of my time.
June 23, 2018
Knew exactly where this story would go!
Typical poor little rich girl story. Not for me, corny totally unbelievable. Not my type of book just glad I got it cheap.
Typical poor little rich girl story. Not for me, corny totally unbelievable. Not my type of book just glad I got it cheap.
July 23, 2018
Liked it
After hardships she find love the second time around
With the help of her friends she overcomes loosing her mother and money and find the love of her life
After hardships she find love the second time around
With the help of her friends she overcomes loosing her mother and money and find the love of her life
October 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. The characters and plot were interesting and moved at a good pace. would definitely read another by this author.
October 5, 2018
Interesting read with a HEA.
December 8, 2019
Chances are
Trusting millionaire married handsome con man only to become poor very quickly. Will she rise to the challenge and become self sufficient?
Trusting millionaire married handsome con man only to become poor very quickly. Will she rise to the challenge and become self sufficient?
January 28, 2020
Kind of boring... Not bad but I didn't really connect with any of characters. And the big "conflict" fell flat for me. Just a big ol pile of ehhhhhh
Read
April 25, 2020Storyline good, but scene were described in a very charming manner.
January 3, 2021
Rather predictable romance
Nice to read about a strong woman rebounding after a deceitful marriage. I recommend only as an easy light read.
Nice to read about a strong woman rebounding after a deceitful marriage. I recommend only as an easy light read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews