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On Second Thought
From the New York Times bestselling author of Good Luck With That , If You Only Knew and Now That You Mention It comes an irresistible look at the affection and the acrimony that bind sisters together
Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is being blindsided by a breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her older half sister, Kate, who’s struggling with a sudden loss of her own.
Kate’s always been the poised, self-assured sister, but becoming a newlywed—and a widow—in the space of four months overwhelms her. Though the sisters were never close, she starts to confide in Ainsley, especially when she learns her late husband was keeping a secret from her.
Despite the murky blended-family dynamic that’s always separated them, Ainsley’s and Kate’s heartaches bind their summer together when they come to terms with the inevitable imperfection of relationships and family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.
Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is being blindsided by a breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her older half sister, Kate, who’s struggling with a sudden loss of her own.
Kate’s always been the poised, self-assured sister, but becoming a newlywed—and a widow—in the space of four months overwhelms her. Though the sisters were never close, she starts to confide in Ainsley, especially when she learns her late husband was keeping a secret from her.
Despite the murky blended-family dynamic that’s always separated them, Ainsley’s and Kate’s heartaches bind their summer together when they come to terms with the inevitable imperfection of relationships and family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.
470 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2017
1914 people are currently reading
10492 people want to read
About the author
Kristan Higgins
63 books12.9k followersKristan Higgins is the New York Times, USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than twenty novels, which have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. If you want to receive a free short story and be notified when Kristan releases a new book, sign up at kristanhiggins.com.
Kristan enjoys gardening, mixology, the National Parks and complimenting strangers on their children. The mother of two entertaining and wonderful humans, and the grandmother of one perfect child, Kristan lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, cuddly dog and indifferent cat.
Kristan enjoys gardening, mixology, the National Parks and complimenting strangers on their children. The mother of two entertaining and wonderful humans, and the grandmother of one perfect child, Kristan lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, cuddly dog and indifferent cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,646 reviews
July 5, 2018
This showstopper earned five glittery and blindingly bright gold stars from me. On Second Thought, Kate and Ainsley deserve them all; every single shining beauty you can see when you’re far away from the lights of the city and take the time to gaze up in wonder at the night sky. That awe-inspiring feeling that miraculous sight stirs up is akin to my feelings for these easy to adore characters and their all too relatable story.
Only three books in to her extensive backlist and Kristan Higgins has proved to me her style is untouchable. Her signature way of combining hilarious inner-thoughts, witty banter, undeniable chemistry and a loveable cast of characters, all while making their issues and lives feel relatable, tugs on my soul. Writing with this much heart and depth is why I’m such an ardent reader.
What I didn’t expect going in was to be gutted, like a fish. I’m talking ripped from sternum to belly button, leaving my beating heart and pile of guts exposed and vulnerable. Pushing forty, Kate finally has everything she’s always wanted, well almost. Four months into her marriage, and armed with a stash of pregnancy tests, she loses Nathan, the one person she thought she would have forever with. What happens to him is devastating and humbling in all its simplicity.
Her younger sister, Ainsley, on the other hand, has only ever loved one man and she’s eagerly awaiting that one special question. Fresh off his battle with cancer, her guy, Eric has one heck of an ego and loses touch with what’s important in life. After eleven years, he decides to “live life large” and it's a journey he needs to do solo. . . meaning no Ainsley and no diamond. What did she ever see in him anyway?
The BIG beating heart of the story, for me, was the connection the half-sisters cultivated in their mutual devastation. There’s nothing like finding someone that truly gets what you’re going through, on some level, or the bonds of sisterhood. There was also a great life lesson mixed in—we never see ourselves the way other people do, so don’t go making assumptions.
The two men that nab Kate and Ainsley post-heartbreak aren’t too shabby. Honestly, I can’t decide who I loved more—Daniel, the hot firefighter, or buttoned-up Jonathan—both were chock-full of surprise. The way things unfold is heartbreaking, but still sprinkled with charm, plenty of humor and that all important natural ease. And the cherry on top of the sundae . . . the achingly sweet conclusion. Another Kristan Higgins ending that incited a resounding aww from this reader.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Cambry-on-Hudson! This story takes place in the same classy little town as If You Only Knew, meaning we get a few glimpses of one of my favorite couples. J + L = Bliss *wink*
Only three books in to her extensive backlist and Kristan Higgins has proved to me her style is untouchable. Her signature way of combining hilarious inner-thoughts, witty banter, undeniable chemistry and a loveable cast of characters, all while making their issues and lives feel relatable, tugs on my soul. Writing with this much heart and depth is why I’m such an ardent reader.
What I didn’t expect going in was to be gutted, like a fish. I’m talking ripped from sternum to belly button, leaving my beating heart and pile of guts exposed and vulnerable. Pushing forty, Kate finally has everything she’s always wanted, well almost. Four months into her marriage, and armed with a stash of pregnancy tests, she loses Nathan, the one person she thought she would have forever with. What happens to him is devastating and humbling in all its simplicity.
Her younger sister, Ainsley, on the other hand, has only ever loved one man and she’s eagerly awaiting that one special question. Fresh off his battle with cancer, her guy, Eric has one heck of an ego and loses touch with what’s important in life. After eleven years, he decides to “live life large” and it's a journey he needs to do solo. . . meaning no Ainsley and no diamond. What did she ever see in him anyway?
The BIG beating heart of the story, for me, was the connection the half-sisters cultivated in their mutual devastation. There’s nothing like finding someone that truly gets what you’re going through, on some level, or the bonds of sisterhood. There was also a great life lesson mixed in—we never see ourselves the way other people do, so don’t go making assumptions.
The two men that nab Kate and Ainsley post-heartbreak aren’t too shabby. Honestly, I can’t decide who I loved more—Daniel, the hot firefighter, or buttoned-up Jonathan—both were chock-full of surprise. The way things unfold is heartbreaking, but still sprinkled with charm, plenty of humor and that all important natural ease. And the cherry on top of the sundae . . . the achingly sweet conclusion. Another Kristan Higgins ending that incited a resounding aww from this reader.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Cambry-on-Hudson! This story takes place in the same classy little town as If You Only Knew, meaning we get a few glimpses of one of my favorite couples. J + L = Bliss *wink*
February 10, 2017
*4.5 stars*
One time might be a fluke but two times? I'm in LOVE!
Kristan Higgins blew me away with another book set in the fictional New York town of Cambry-on-Hudson. I absolutely adored my first ever Kristan Higgins book, If You Only Knew, and this one was just as magical.
I have a little bit of trouble classifying the genre of these two recent Kristan Higgins books because they straddle the line between women's fiction and contemporary romance. Honestly, it doesn't matter what box you put them into because, bottom line, they take the best elements from both genres. We get the focus on family dynamics and two individual women's personal, introspective journeys from women's fiction, but we also get the heart-melting love-stories that I crave from romance. It shouldn't work so effortlessly and seamlessly, but it does. Kristan Higgins makes it look easy.
One of the main struggles of a romance author is to get the reader to buy into the romance. That's surprisingly hard to do, especially with "showing" instead of "telling." However, Kristan Higgins does it with not just one, but two characters in this book. Still, this book isn't simply about two people falling in love. It is MUCH more complex than that.
What I loved most about this story was how nothing is perfectly straightforward. There is pain and loss, there are conflicting and confusing emotions, and people are not who they seem at first. That is because these characters are real and flawed, especially the supporting characters, and that is what makes this book come to life. The former lovers and exes... you get them, even when you want to simply hate them. There are no evil villains or two-dimensional characters. I loved that.
There were also a few tropes that are weaknesses of mine, mainly the enemies-to-lovers trope. Gah, I love that one. I think a quiet, awkward man falling into love just does something to me. It reminded me a little of Pride and Prejudice, which is never a bad thing.
Also, I love a kooky grandma character. Gram gram was the best.
What impressed me even more about this story is that even when an author has great ideas, he or she still has to execute them. To make a book flow smoothly and be compulsively readable is extremely difficult. However, Kristan Higgins pulled that off too, and I couldn't put this book down for a minute.
This book is everything that I wanted First Comes Love by Emily Giffin to be but wasn't. It is a story about two sisters, a story about evolving families, a story about falling into and out of love, and a story about realizing that what you thought you wanted might not be what you needed. It is both heart-warming and heart-breaking while still maintaining its humor.
Honestly, it's a must-read.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
One time might be a fluke but two times? I'm in LOVE!
Kristan Higgins blew me away with another book set in the fictional New York town of Cambry-on-Hudson. I absolutely adored my first ever Kristan Higgins book, If You Only Knew, and this one was just as magical.
I have a little bit of trouble classifying the genre of these two recent Kristan Higgins books because they straddle the line between women's fiction and contemporary romance. Honestly, it doesn't matter what box you put them into because, bottom line, they take the best elements from both genres. We get the focus on family dynamics and two individual women's personal, introspective journeys from women's fiction, but we also get the heart-melting love-stories that I crave from romance. It shouldn't work so effortlessly and seamlessly, but it does. Kristan Higgins makes it look easy.
One of the main struggles of a romance author is to get the reader to buy into the romance. That's surprisingly hard to do, especially with "showing" instead of "telling." However, Kristan Higgins does it with not just one, but two characters in this book. Still, this book isn't simply about two people falling in love. It is MUCH more complex than that.
What I loved most about this story was how nothing is perfectly straightforward. There is pain and loss, there are conflicting and confusing emotions, and people are not who they seem at first. That is because these characters are real and flawed, especially the supporting characters, and that is what makes this book come to life. The former lovers and exes... you get them, even when you want to simply hate them. There are no evil villains or two-dimensional characters. I loved that.
There were also a few tropes that are weaknesses of mine, mainly the enemies-to-lovers trope. Gah, I love that one. I think a quiet, awkward man falling into love just does something to me. It reminded me a little of Pride and Prejudice, which is never a bad thing.
Also, I love a kooky grandma character. Gram gram was the best.
What impressed me even more about this story is that even when an author has great ideas, he or she still has to execute them. To make a book flow smoothly and be compulsively readable is extremely difficult. However, Kristan Higgins pulled that off too, and I couldn't put this book down for a minute.
This book is everything that I wanted First Comes Love by Emily Giffin to be but wasn't. It is a story about two sisters, a story about evolving families, a story about falling into and out of love, and a story about realizing that what you thought you wanted might not be what you needed. It is both heart-warming and heart-breaking while still maintaining its humor.
Honestly, it's a must-read.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
January 20, 2022
4.5 STARS
This is my first book read by this author and her writing and in particular her sense of humor was a perfect fit me for me! This story is told in the povs' of two sisters, Kate and Ainsley. Who through tragedy and loss, become closer.
The two different circumstances in both women’s lives devastates and then leads them on a path for both heroines to second chance at romance. My only complaint is the cover for this book. The title is perfect, but the cover is just too bland for what is held within the pages. There’s heartbreak, humor, family, and love all of which is so well done.
Both sisters’ hearts are broken…
One sister…
"It's true. Our life is not the one I want.”
The other sister…
"I’m a fucking widow now.”
I also loved how on their journey through grief and second chance romance (with two very yummy men) their bond as sisters is cemented.
It’s all timed perfectly and beautifully with characters to root for. This definitely won’t be the last book I try by this author I’m excited to start going through her work in the coming months. Yet is it weird that years from now Eric will stand out from this book? What a piece of work he was very memorable asshat for sure!
This is my first book read by this author and her writing and in particular her sense of humor was a perfect fit me for me! This story is told in the povs' of two sisters, Kate and Ainsley. Who through tragedy and loss, become closer.
The two different circumstances in both women’s lives devastates and then leads them on a path for both heroines to second chance at romance. My only complaint is the cover for this book. The title is perfect, but the cover is just too bland for what is held within the pages. There’s heartbreak, humor, family, and love all of which is so well done.
Both sisters’ hearts are broken…
One sister…
"It's true. Our life is not the one I want.”
The other sister…
"I’m a fucking widow now.”
I also loved how on their journey through grief and second chance romance (with two very yummy men) their bond as sisters is cemented.
It’s all timed perfectly and beautifully with characters to root for. This definitely won’t be the last book I try by this author I’m excited to start going through her work in the coming months. Yet is it weird that years from now Eric will stand out from this book? What a piece of work he was very memorable asshat for sure!
May 29, 2017
3.25 Stars* (rounded down)
Sweet, though it failed to tug at my heart strings.
“On Second Thought” by Kristan Hannah is a story about two Step-Sisters, who were never all that close - that is until Kate’s husband of 4 months, died in a freak accident and Ainsley’s boyfriend of eleven (11) years broke up with her instead of proposing, which is what she had been expecting.
Both Kate and Ainsley are beside themselves thereafter and thankfully, they have each other to lean on. Both are so different: Kate is a Photographer, and has always been so very confident and serious, while Ainsley is boisterous and funny but has never really had any career aspirations. At 39, Kate finally got what she wanted, a husband - and then she lost everything, in what seemed like a snap of the fingers. Ainsley has only ever wanted to be married to Eric. In a mean twist of fate, he dumped her and chronicled it on a blog - for all the world to see in the most humiliating of fashions, after she nurse him back to health after a cancer scare. These heartbreaks are what brings both of these women closer together. Ainsley, takes care of Kate after the loss of her husband, cooking for her, looking after her and being there, while Kate listens to Ainsley’s problems and gives her advice.
While Kate and Ainsley go through a myriad of trials and tribulations, unfortunately I couldn’t identify with either woman, though I tried hard to put myself in their shoes in order to imagine what their situations must have been like. The character of Kate was just too reserved and cold for me to feel any emotion from her, which is why the book didn’t make me “feel” Kate’s pain or heartbreak. Ainsley, however, was much more of an emotional hot head and her feelings surged out of her like water gushing out of a fire hydrant.
As the novel progressed, both women got new chances at life - neither of which were surprising, though both were, in fact endearing, though neither romance knocked my socks off.
For me, the best part of the book, was the relationship that was forged between Kate and Ainsley. While I didn’t love the novel, it was well written, easy to listen to and super cute. Ainsley is an adorable character who you can’t help but like. Her and Kate’s Gram Gram made me laugh a lot. All in all, I’m glad I branched out and decided to listen to this audiobook and thank my GR friend Melissa for her incredible review which is what convinced me to give this one a try.
Published on Goodreads and Amazon on 5.28.17.
Sweet, though it failed to tug at my heart strings.
“On Second Thought” by Kristan Hannah is a story about two Step-Sisters, who were never all that close - that is until Kate’s husband of 4 months, died in a freak accident and Ainsley’s boyfriend of eleven (11) years broke up with her instead of proposing, which is what she had been expecting.
Both Kate and Ainsley are beside themselves thereafter and thankfully, they have each other to lean on. Both are so different: Kate is a Photographer, and has always been so very confident and serious, while Ainsley is boisterous and funny but has never really had any career aspirations. At 39, Kate finally got what she wanted, a husband - and then she lost everything, in what seemed like a snap of the fingers. Ainsley has only ever wanted to be married to Eric. In a mean twist of fate, he dumped her and chronicled it on a blog - for all the world to see in the most humiliating of fashions, after she nurse him back to health after a cancer scare. These heartbreaks are what brings both of these women closer together. Ainsley, takes care of Kate after the loss of her husband, cooking for her, looking after her and being there, while Kate listens to Ainsley’s problems and gives her advice.
While Kate and Ainsley go through a myriad of trials and tribulations, unfortunately I couldn’t identify with either woman, though I tried hard to put myself in their shoes in order to imagine what their situations must have been like. The character of Kate was just too reserved and cold for me to feel any emotion from her, which is why the book didn’t make me “feel” Kate’s pain or heartbreak. Ainsley, however, was much more of an emotional hot head and her feelings surged out of her like water gushing out of a fire hydrant.
As the novel progressed, both women got new chances at life - neither of which were surprising, though both were, in fact endearing, though neither romance knocked my socks off.
For me, the best part of the book, was the relationship that was forged between Kate and Ainsley. While I didn’t love the novel, it was well written, easy to listen to and super cute. Ainsley is an adorable character who you can’t help but like. Her and Kate’s Gram Gram made me laugh a lot. All in all, I’m glad I branched out and decided to listen to this audiobook and thank my GR friend Melissa for her incredible review which is what convinced me to give this one a try.
Published on Goodreads and Amazon on 5.28.17.
April 7, 2024
4.5 Stars..
Really enjoyed this one. Kate and Ainsley have never been that close but tragic circumstances bring them together ... they realise that they do get on, they like each other, they have each other's backs.
Loved both characters and their interweaving storyline.
Gram-Gram - LOL. What a character!
Of course we have the obligatory dog, Ollie.
I think there was only one of her books that disappointed me a little but overall, she is an auto-buy and I usually end up enjoying them. Love her droll sense of humour.
I know I am not saying much about it but I don't want to give too much away. Just go for for it. I bet you will love it too.
I shed a few happy tears at the end!
Really enjoyed this one. Kate and Ainsley have never been that close but tragic circumstances bring them together ... they realise that they do get on, they like each other, they have each other's backs.
Loved both characters and their interweaving storyline.
Gram-Gram - LOL. What a character!
Of course we have the obligatory dog, Ollie.
I think there was only one of her books that disappointed me a little but overall, she is an auto-buy and I usually end up enjoying them. Love her droll sense of humour.
I know I am not saying much about it but I don't want to give too much away. Just go for for it. I bet you will love it too.
I shed a few happy tears at the end!
December 19, 2024
One of my favourite reads so far this year! Wow. My heart actually ached a little bit while reading this. I felt bereft and gutted. Such an emotional story. Again, like with If You Only Knew, we get two stories in one - half sisters Kate and Ainsley, each telling their point of view during a devastating time in their lives. (And coincidentally told in the same community as If You Only Knew with appearances from many of the characters in this book, a real bonus for me.)
I’m not really sure what I could write about this book to do it justice. Like other Kristan Higgins books, it was filled with fantastic characters, humour, sadness and a wonderful story to be told. This story had a much more serious tone, given the premise. Kate, newly married, had become a widow around the same time her sister, Ainsley’s long-time boyfriend had broken Ainsley's heart. Even so, there was still lots of humour and touching moments.
I immediately felts soothed when the Ainsley moved in with Kate after her break-up. The comfort they were able to provide, each in their own way, was tangible and made my heart smile. The relationship they formed, having never been close growing up, really made the story for me.
I couldn’t help but bond with Ainsley, who never quite felt wanted enough her entire life. I was pleasantly surprised at her strength in the face of having her planned future ripped out from under her. In the beginning, when Eric, her boyfriend, was introduced, I had no idea how his self-centred personality would play into Ainsley’s story. He was such a douche-canoe and I cringed the whole way through everything he put Ainsley through, while laughing and smiling at her coping mechanisms. Her transformation, if you will, was brilliant!
Kate, having been through a whirlwind relationship that led very quickly to marriage, only to become a widow a few months later, never had the chance to gain solid footing in her new community and new life. I felt gutted for her, giving up her home, city and moving her entire life to a new place only to have the reason for the move be taken away. The insecurity she felt was heartbreaking. Besides getting through the day to day, I had no idea how she would move past the grief.
Jonathan, Ainsley’s serious boss, was a great character in this story. Mr. Darcy is thrown out there several times as a point of reference and I found it quite fitting. In true Kristan Higgins style, he really did take a back seat to the strong female personalities in the story, thought.
Daniel, dubbed “Daniel the hot firefighter”, with his string of insignificant women, was hilarious and such a great friend to Kate. His love for this family was such a contradiction for the “casual” guy Kate observed over the years and I just knew there was so much more to him that met the eye.
I’m going to have a hard time starting another book, such is my epic book hangover right now. Sigh, such a great read!
I’m not really sure what I could write about this book to do it justice. Like other Kristan Higgins books, it was filled with fantastic characters, humour, sadness and a wonderful story to be told. This story had a much more serious tone, given the premise. Kate, newly married, had become a widow around the same time her sister, Ainsley’s long-time boyfriend had broken Ainsley's heart. Even so, there was still lots of humour and touching moments.
I immediately felts soothed when the Ainsley moved in with Kate after her break-up. The comfort they were able to provide, each in their own way, was tangible and made my heart smile. The relationship they formed, having never been close growing up, really made the story for me.
I couldn’t help but bond with Ainsley, who never quite felt wanted enough her entire life. I was pleasantly surprised at her strength in the face of having her planned future ripped out from under her. In the beginning, when Eric, her boyfriend, was introduced, I had no idea how his self-centred personality would play into Ainsley’s story. He was such a douche-canoe and I cringed the whole way through everything he put Ainsley through, while laughing and smiling at her coping mechanisms. Her transformation, if you will, was brilliant!
“Okay, I’m really leaving. I want to ride this wave of moral indignation.”
He grinned then, and I couldn’t help it, I smiled back.”
Kate, having been through a whirlwind relationship that led very quickly to marriage, only to become a widow a few months later, never had the chance to gain solid footing in her new community and new life. I felt gutted for her, giving up her home, city and moving her entire life to a new place only to have the reason for the move be taken away. The insecurity she felt was heartbreaking. Besides getting through the day to day, I had no idea how she would move past the grief.
Jonathan, Ainsley’s serious boss, was a great character in this story. Mr. Darcy is thrown out there several times as a point of reference and I found it quite fitting. In true Kristan Higgins style, he really did take a back seat to the strong female personalities in the story, thought.
“What made you happy?” he asked. Once again, I had the impression that he was data-gathering so he could report back to his home planet.
But that was just his way, maybe.”
Daniel, dubbed “Daniel the hot firefighter”, with his string of insignificant women, was hilarious and such a great friend to Kate. His love for this family was such a contradiction for the “casual” guy Kate observed over the years and I just knew there was so much more to him that met the eye.
“Okay, okay,” he said, sliding onto his knees in front of me. “Let’s see if you can answer a few questions. Put your head down and try not to pant, that’s a good girl.” I did, feeling his hand on my shoulder. “That’s it. Nice and slow. What color panties have you got on?”
My head snapped up. “What?”
He pushed my head back down. “Answer the question. Or I could check for you if that would be easier.”
“Aren’t you supposed to ask about—hehn—the President?”
“I don’t care about the President’s underwear. What color are yours? Throw me a bone and say a red thong.”
I’m going to have a hard time starting another book, such is my epic book hangover right now. Sigh, such a great read!
February 12, 2017
I will admit the two reasons I picked up this book was the cover (I love purple tulips) and the author (I love Kristan Higgins). I didn’t read the synopsis which is not normally something I do. I just knew based on who the author is and the lovely cover that I would enjoy this book.
I was right.
I honestly hate books the switch between characters each chapter yet Ms. Higgins made it work. We get a chance not only to see what each sister is going through but we also see how they view their sister’s own life and struggles. In the end these two not only become stronger sisters they also become more like friends. It is sad, it is sweet and at time humorous they life these two unique women live but it is all relatable. By the time the book was over I could see myself wanting to be friends with both Kate and Ainsley.
I started reading On Second Thought on a Saturday afternoon and by 2:00 am the next morning I had finished their journey. This is one book I found difficult to put down and I think you will as well.
I was right.
I honestly hate books the switch between characters each chapter yet Ms. Higgins made it work. We get a chance not only to see what each sister is going through but we also see how they view their sister’s own life and struggles. In the end these two not only become stronger sisters they also become more like friends. It is sad, it is sweet and at time humorous they life these two unique women live but it is all relatable. By the time the book was over I could see myself wanting to be friends with both Kate and Ainsley.
I started reading On Second Thought on a Saturday afternoon and by 2:00 am the next morning I had finished their journey. This is one book I found difficult to put down and I think you will as well.
June 28, 2017
★★★★½
On Second Thought is a standalone, women's fiction novel written by the fabulous Kristan Higgins. In my opinion, this would be an ideal read after experiencing the perfection that is If You Only Knew – at least this is the order I followed due to publication dates and the fact that we get a few cameos from the former's MC's. Yay!!! But other than that, On Second Thought stands on it's own and it's just as good (well a close second place at least). It features alternating POV's from two half-sisters who are both facing individual heartbreaks. Their grief is real! ...and one thing I loved about these parallel portrayals is that Ms. Higgins shows that loss is loss whether the person you're mourning is still alive or gone. The grief, confusion, and anger (and all the underlying stuff) are the same and all are valid.
Similar in style to If You Only Knew, Ms. Higgins takes these heavy emotions and incorporates hilarity, family issues, romance, a villainous “other woman”, and another mysterious hero. This familiar setup is in no way repetitive or distracting, but again shows that Ms. Higgins wins at her storytelling capabilities. It's got laugh-out-loud scenes, a memorable man-hungry grandma, an eye-rolling narcissistic ex, some super sweet moments, sexy times, and soul-splitting heartbreak. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars, right? Check it out.
My favorite quote:
"Sometimes, a smile was the bravest act of all."
Note: In an online interview located HERE, I found the following piece of information about the author which might explain how she can describe and show emotional responses so well:
On Second Thought is a standalone, women's fiction novel written by the fabulous Kristan Higgins. In my opinion, this would be an ideal read after experiencing the perfection that is If You Only Knew – at least this is the order I followed due to publication dates and the fact that we get a few cameos from the former's MC's. Yay!!! But other than that, On Second Thought stands on it's own and it's just as good (well a close second place at least). It features alternating POV's from two half-sisters who are both facing individual heartbreaks. Their grief is real! ...and one thing I loved about these parallel portrayals is that Ms. Higgins shows that loss is loss whether the person you're mourning is still alive or gone. The grief, confusion, and anger (and all the underlying stuff) are the same and all are valid.
Similar in style to If You Only Knew, Ms. Higgins takes these heavy emotions and incorporates hilarity, family issues, romance, a villainous “other woman”, and another mysterious hero. This familiar setup is in no way repetitive or distracting, but again shows that Ms. Higgins wins at her storytelling capabilities. It's got laugh-out-loud scenes, a memorable man-hungry grandma, an eye-rolling narcissistic ex, some super sweet moments, sexy times, and soul-splitting heartbreak. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars, right? Check it out.
My favorite quote:
"Sometimes, a smile was the bravest act of all."
Note: In an online interview located HERE, I found the following piece of information about the author which might explain how she can describe and show emotional responses so well:
"Kristan often tells stories of loss and does so with verisimilitude. This is in part due, perhaps, to her personal history. Her father was killed by a drunk driver when he was 47 and Kristan was 23. Her mother never remarried and the theme of losing a great love and being afraid to risk such heartbreak again permeates many of Kristan’s books."
March 16, 2017
Loved that these two sisters became closer and formed a bond during their trials.
HATED Eric with a passion! What a self-centered, delusional ass!
Can't say I was terribly thrilled with Nathan either after finding out about Madeline was just completely horrible! I hated that woman! Kate handled her with grace.
I loved the way everything turned out for both Ainsley and Kate, but I wish we would've had more. So, yes, more from both couples.
The audio was enjoyable, but I preferred Amy Rubinate as Ainsley more than I liked Sands Xe for Kate. Her pitch is a little too up and down for my taste.
HATED Eric with a passion! What a self-centered, delusional ass!
Can't say I was terribly thrilled with Nathan either after finding out about Madeline was just completely horrible! I hated that woman! Kate handled her with grace.
I loved the way everything turned out for both Ainsley and Kate, but I wish we would've had more. So, yes, more from both couples.
The audio was enjoyable, but I preferred Amy Rubinate as Ainsley more than I liked Sands Xe for Kate. Her pitch is a little too up and down for my taste.
February 7, 2017
This was my first Kristan Higgins book, and I absolutely LOVED it. How someone can take such a heartbreaking story and fill it with so many emotions, joy and laughter and then an ending that brought me to tears... I'm a little speechless. Great book.
February 23, 2017
Kate O'Leary Coburn is a 39-year old photographer who after four months of marital bliss finds herself a widow after her husband Nathan's sudden death. Her half sister, Ainsley has lived with boyfriend Eric Fisher for 11 years and is excited about getting engaged only to find herself unceremoniously dumped. Surprisingly, Kate and Ainsley turn to each other for support, even though they haven't ever had a close relationship.
I'm used to Higgins creating quirky, interesting characters and this story is no different in that respect. However, Kate and Ainsley's journey through their respective heartaches is one of substance as we see their relationship with each other deepen and strengthen while coming to terms with their grief and family issues.
The story is presented in the two alternating narratives of Kate and Ainsley, which really worked for me as you captured contrasting perspectives of the same events. At times, I thought that some of the minutiae presented was just that but over the course of the book, it became apparent that when combined, those details were important in the character development and to the story. Both women were so different and I liked each, especially Ainsley with her kind spirit and wonderful outlook. Their insights were revealing not only about themselves but the people important in their lives.
I really enjoyed this story and am loving Higgins' shift to contemporary fiction. There are definitely romantic elements in the story but they are not the primary emphasis. It's a rich and textured exploration of family and relationships, how they influence our choices as adults. It's a long journey (almost 500 pages) but I was sorry to let these characters go when I reached the end. (FYI, this story is loosely connected to If You Only Knew, both set in Cambry-on-Hudson, New York.)
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
I'm used to Higgins creating quirky, interesting characters and this story is no different in that respect. However, Kate and Ainsley's journey through their respective heartaches is one of substance as we see their relationship with each other deepen and strengthen while coming to terms with their grief and family issues.
The story is presented in the two alternating narratives of Kate and Ainsley, which really worked for me as you captured contrasting perspectives of the same events. At times, I thought that some of the minutiae presented was just that but over the course of the book, it became apparent that when combined, those details were important in the character development and to the story. Both women were so different and I liked each, especially Ainsley with her kind spirit and wonderful outlook. Their insights were revealing not only about themselves but the people important in their lives.
I really enjoyed this story and am loving Higgins' shift to contemporary fiction. There are definitely romantic elements in the story but they are not the primary emphasis. It's a rich and textured exploration of family and relationships, how they influence our choices as adults. It's a long journey (almost 500 pages) but I was sorry to let these characters go when I reached the end. (FYI, this story is loosely connected to If You Only Knew, both set in Cambry-on-Hudson, New York.)
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
February 16, 2017
On Second Thought by Kristan Higgins was a read that I couldn't put down. I came back to it any time I had, other things I thoroughly enjoy were put aside. I was totally hooked into this book, I laughed and at times a few tears slipped down from the sheer perfection of some of the relationships and how they worked out.
The book is told from the point of view of two sisters. Kate the older one, not long married to Nathan has found the love of her life and is hoping for a child, until the unthinkable happens and a freak accident takes him from her. She becomes the widow, encased in a grief locked inside her. Nathan's family are very much part of this story and the way the relationship with Kate develops is very interested - especially Kate's mother-in-law.
Ainsley is the younger sister, they share the same father but not the same mother. However Candy has raised Ainsley and while Ainsley doesn't quite feel the love there, she finds a few surprises along the way. Ainsley has been in a very long term relationship with Eric, the guy with the size of an ego that blinds him. He is a total ass. Ainsley is so kind and caring and loving she hasn't really seen him for who he really is. When it all turns to custard it turns out Ainsley and Kate begin to share things never shared before and the development of their relationship is deeply satisfying.
I warmed very much to both sisters, perhaps Ainsley a little more at first, but both of them are wonderful women, finding their way together through tough times. There extended family provide extra entertainment and Gram Gram - Candy's mother and the girls grandmother is totally incorrigible and a load of fun.
While this book is more than romance there are a couple of wonderful guys also in the story who really 'get' the women and are there for them.
On Second Thought was a delectable, delightful read - it hit all the right buttons for me, I was captivated by every part of it.
The book is told from the point of view of two sisters. Kate the older one, not long married to Nathan has found the love of her life and is hoping for a child, until the unthinkable happens and a freak accident takes him from her. She becomes the widow, encased in a grief locked inside her. Nathan's family are very much part of this story and the way the relationship with Kate develops is very interested - especially Kate's mother-in-law.
Ainsley is the younger sister, they share the same father but not the same mother. However Candy has raised Ainsley and while Ainsley doesn't quite feel the love there, she finds a few surprises along the way. Ainsley has been in a very long term relationship with Eric, the guy with the size of an ego that blinds him. He is a total ass. Ainsley is so kind and caring and loving she hasn't really seen him for who he really is. When it all turns to custard it turns out Ainsley and Kate begin to share things never shared before and the development of their relationship is deeply satisfying.
I warmed very much to both sisters, perhaps Ainsley a little more at first, but both of them are wonderful women, finding their way together through tough times. There extended family provide extra entertainment and Gram Gram - Candy's mother and the girls grandmother is totally incorrigible and a load of fun.
While this book is more than romance there are a couple of wonderful guys also in the story who really 'get' the women and are there for them.
On Second Thought was a delectable, delightful read - it hit all the right buttons for me, I was captivated by every part of it.
October 31, 2016
I loved, loved, loved this book. This is exactly what I like to read—women’s fiction with comedic and romantic elements. This novel delivers in every way—humor, heartbreak, complex family and romantic relationships, and characters you root for the whole way.
In chapter one, we know that Kate’s husband will not live through the day. You would think a novel that begins with a loved one’s death—a quirk of an accident—would not be funny, but there is a lot of humor throughout this story.
The other thing I love about this book is that it alternates between Kate’s first person point of view and her sister’s point of view. STEPsister, as Ainsley has been reminded time and time again by her stepmother throughout her life.
In part because Kate is several years older than Ainsley and in part because they have very different personalities, they’ve never been that close. But when Kate’s husband dies and Ainsley’s boyfriend of eleven years decides not to propose to her at long last but to break up with her, the two shattered sisters come together to help each other survive their mutual heartbreaks.
Much of the humor comes from the character of Gram-Gram, their octogenarian grandmother who gets a Tinder account and prowls wakes to make her move on newly widowed men.
Both Kate and Ainsley are likeable characters in their own way, and how the plot unfolds is not predictable—I hate when I can figure how things will end way before I actually finish the last page, and this book does not disappoint in that regard.
The writing is wonderful—I definitely recommend this for fans of women’s fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQN for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://theresaalan.net/blog/
In chapter one, we know that Kate’s husband will not live through the day. You would think a novel that begins with a loved one’s death—a quirk of an accident—would not be funny, but there is a lot of humor throughout this story.
The other thing I love about this book is that it alternates between Kate’s first person point of view and her sister’s point of view. STEPsister, as Ainsley has been reminded time and time again by her stepmother throughout her life.
In part because Kate is several years older than Ainsley and in part because they have very different personalities, they’ve never been that close. But when Kate’s husband dies and Ainsley’s boyfriend of eleven years decides not to propose to her at long last but to break up with her, the two shattered sisters come together to help each other survive their mutual heartbreaks.
Much of the humor comes from the character of Gram-Gram, their octogenarian grandmother who gets a Tinder account and prowls wakes to make her move on newly widowed men.
Both Kate and Ainsley are likeable characters in their own way, and how the plot unfolds is not predictable—I hate when I can figure how things will end way before I actually finish the last page, and this book does not disappoint in that regard.
The writing is wonderful—I definitely recommend this for fans of women’s fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQN for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://theresaalan.net/blog/
April 11, 2023
Give "On Second Thought" your first thoughts.
It's a winner that begins with a bang.
Newly married Kate O'Leary and her husband attend her stepsister Ainsley's live-in boyfriend's "I survived cancer" party.
Ainsley had been living with her boyfriend for 11 years; selflessly nursing him through his cancer battle.
To Ainsley's delight, she found an engagement ring that her boyfriend had FINALLY planned to put on her finger at the party.
When Kate's husband unexpectantly dies at Ainsley's boyfriend's party (really!), the trajectory of Kate and Ainsley's lives drastically changes.
Kristan Higgins is a brilliant writer and this book about sisterhood, love, and second chances sizzled and soared.
The character development was ultra-compelling and the pacing was on-spot.
I listened to the audiobook read by Amy Rubinate and Xe Sands.
Amy Rubinate did an outstanding job with the narration.
Unfortunately, Xe Sands' soporific narration was barely tolerable. (Why does Xe Sands narrate all of Kristin Higgins' books?)
Written in 2017, this audiobook is available as a freebie on Audible Plus.
It's a winner that begins with a bang.
Newly married Kate O'Leary and her husband attend her stepsister Ainsley's live-in boyfriend's "I survived cancer" party.
Ainsley had been living with her boyfriend for 11 years; selflessly nursing him through his cancer battle.
To Ainsley's delight, she found an engagement ring that her boyfriend had FINALLY planned to put on her finger at the party.
When Kate's husband unexpectantly dies at Ainsley's boyfriend's party (really!), the trajectory of Kate and Ainsley's lives drastically changes.
Kristan Higgins is a brilliant writer and this book about sisterhood, love, and second chances sizzled and soared.
The character development was ultra-compelling and the pacing was on-spot.
I listened to the audiobook read by Amy Rubinate and Xe Sands.
Amy Rubinate did an outstanding job with the narration.
Unfortunately, Xe Sands' soporific narration was barely tolerable. (Why does Xe Sands narrate all of Kristin Higgins' books?)
Written in 2017, this audiobook is available as a freebie on Audible Plus.
May 5, 2021
Re-read
I am really a stingy witch sometimes. Read a second time, loved it even more and bumping to 4 stars.
The two main characters are well done, interesting and there is a lot of humor and great dialogue. Sweet without being cloying really enjoyed it.
First review:
Another contemporary fiction set in the fictional town of Cambry on the Hudson, more a companion piece to If You Only Knew than a sequel.
This follows two half-sisters and their travails with men and relationships. One sister is caught up figuring out how to recreate her life after her boyfriend of ten years decides to explore life (amusing side of the story) while the other tries to recover from losing her husband of four months.
Some of the banter and inner dialogue of the two main characters was too familiar to the ones in If You Only Knew, but I still stayed up until 2:45 A.M. to finish this, and it's been a while since I've done that.
What surprises me is when an author can write in one setting and be mediocre then change to up and hit it out of the ballpark or the reverse. Maybe it's me, but I love these KH's novels set in Cambry on the Hudson. Funny, poignant and relatively believable.
I am really a stingy witch sometimes. Read a second time, loved it even more and bumping to 4 stars.
The two main characters are well done, interesting and there is a lot of humor and great dialogue. Sweet without being cloying really enjoyed it.
First review:
Another contemporary fiction set in the fictional town of Cambry on the Hudson, more a companion piece to If You Only Knew than a sequel.
This follows two half-sisters and their travails with men and relationships. One sister is caught up figuring out how to recreate her life after her boyfriend of ten years decides to explore life (amusing side of the story) while the other tries to recover from losing her husband of four months.
Some of the banter and inner dialogue of the two main characters was too familiar to the ones in If You Only Knew, but I still stayed up until 2:45 A.M. to finish this, and it's been a while since I've done that.
What surprises me is when an author can write in one setting and be mediocre then change to up and hit it out of the ballpark or the reverse. Maybe it's me, but I love these KH's novels set in Cambry on the Hudson. Funny, poignant and relatively believable.
February 25, 2017
I'd give this book endless stars if I could. I absolutely loved every minute. It was perfect in every way!!
February 7, 2017
"Don't make me wait too long."
Kristan Higgins is one of my favorite authors. I'm always super excited when she releases a new book. On Second Thought had everything I have come to love about her books.
On Second Thought is about two sisters, step-sisters as it is.
Kate O' Leary is the older sister. She has recently married a man after knowing him for just four months. She and her husband Nathan are anxious for her to become pregnant since she's almost forty. She loves her husband and she's very happy with her life and her job as a photographer.
Ainsley O' Leary is the younger sister. She's not crazy about her job and she dislikes her boss Jonathan. She has been in a long-term relationship with Eric Fisher. She's sure he's ready to propose to her and this is something she has been waiting for a while now. They have been dating for eleven years. When Eric was diagnosed with testicular cancer she was the one who stayed by his side and helps him through his journey. Now, she's ready for their relationship to move into matrimony.
In a blink of an eye, Kate's husband Nathan dies and she becomes a widow. Not too long after, Ainsley's dreams die too. Eric breaks up with her and asks her to move out. This will force Ainsley to find a place to live. She moves in with Kate and the sisters will have a chance at learning to communicate with each other despite never being close before.
This book had it all. Strong emotions, devastating loss, humor, and romance all made an appearance. I just love how these two sisters were able to find a common ground and were able to make their bond ten times stronger than it was, to begin with. I laughed and cried throughout it. It was easy to feel what the characters were going through and sympathize with their loss. The men they both fall for were both great. I won't spoil it. Just trust me, they were both worth it.
"I like that you always seem happy."
If You Only Knew and On Second Thought are different than Mrs. Higgins's prior work. These two have a feel more towards women's fiction than Contemporary Romance. However, we still get the signature pets. In this case a fish and a dog.
Don't hesitate to buy this one. It's worth it.
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
February 9, 2017
Gosh, I am so happy I ended up loving this one. I wasn't sure I would. I had made it to the 35% mark and I wasn't getting the I LOVE IT feeling like I did with the other books I have read by her.
I was feeling so sad by what was happening and I didn't like that feeling. But then it happened. The magic that KH pours into her stories bubbled to the top and I found myself smiling, laughing and shedding tears just like I have with her other books.
❤'d Ainsley
❤'d Kate
❤'d Jonathan - He was one of my favorite characters in the book.
❤'d Daniel
❤'d Gram-Gram - What a hoot she was.
And I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED the Epilogue. ❤ ❤ ❤
February 23, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
Every time Higgins releases a new book and I finish reading it I think, this is her best one yet, it’s my favorite, she’s topped herself again. She’s that’s good you guys, her work gets stronger and she was already extremely talented to begin with. I don’t even have to read the blurb for her novels, I’m reading it no matter what, but when I did read the blurb for this one I was thrilled. Her last book, If You Only Knew was also about sisters and she has such a gift for writing about these complicated relationships with humor and insight.
This flips back and forth from both Ainsley and Kate’s point of view, which I love, multiple narrators are my thing and Higgins does this flawlessly. Ainsley is the younger sister and she’s been dating the same guy for eleven years. She knows they’ll get married one day, but life keeps getting in the way. When she gets dumped instead of proposed to she’s shocked and humiliated. Did I mention that he chronicles this in his blog and it goes viral? Yikes. Kate is the older sister and after decades of being single she’s finally found love and married Nathan. Bliss is short though when he dies in a freak accident and she’s devastated and broken. Ainsley and Kate have never been close, but can they lean on each other when they both need it the most?
What makes Higgins book standout to me is the amazing characters she creates. I completely related and felt a deep connection to both Ainsley and Kate and by the end I felt like they were both friends of mine. Their journeys are messy, heartbreaking, raw, honest and so very real. Besides the sisters, this book is chock full of fantastic secondary characters that you’ll both love and hate. From Eric the pompous ass who dumped Ainsley, to Daniel the Hot Firefighter and Jonathan, Ainsley’s robotic like alien boss, to my favorite, Gram Gram. She is so sassy, she’s shamelessly looking for love and not too proud to use Tinder, she cracked me up! Leo and Jenny from If You Only Knew also make several appearances and I adored checking in with them.
Reading a Higgins book is like eating my ultimate comfort food for me, they just always make me feel warm and cozy by the end. Her books are full of so much heart, you can’t help but feel as if you’re experiencing what the characters are right along with them. If you haven’t read any of her books yet, I urge you to give them a shot. You can pick up any of them, but as I said earlier, I feel like they get better with each one, so start with If You Only Knew then try this one. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, in fact I think you’ll discover your new favorite author.
Every time Higgins releases a new book and I finish reading it I think, this is her best one yet, it’s my favorite, she’s topped herself again. She’s that’s good you guys, her work gets stronger and she was already extremely talented to begin with. I don’t even have to read the blurb for her novels, I’m reading it no matter what, but when I did read the blurb for this one I was thrilled. Her last book, If You Only Knew was also about sisters and she has such a gift for writing about these complicated relationships with humor and insight.
This flips back and forth from both Ainsley and Kate’s point of view, which I love, multiple narrators are my thing and Higgins does this flawlessly. Ainsley is the younger sister and she’s been dating the same guy for eleven years. She knows they’ll get married one day, but life keeps getting in the way. When she gets dumped instead of proposed to she’s shocked and humiliated. Did I mention that he chronicles this in his blog and it goes viral? Yikes. Kate is the older sister and after decades of being single she’s finally found love and married Nathan. Bliss is short though when he dies in a freak accident and she’s devastated and broken. Ainsley and Kate have never been close, but can they lean on each other when they both need it the most?
What makes Higgins book standout to me is the amazing characters she creates. I completely related and felt a deep connection to both Ainsley and Kate and by the end I felt like they were both friends of mine. Their journeys are messy, heartbreaking, raw, honest and so very real. Besides the sisters, this book is chock full of fantastic secondary characters that you’ll both love and hate. From Eric the pompous ass who dumped Ainsley, to Daniel the Hot Firefighter and Jonathan, Ainsley’s robotic like alien boss, to my favorite, Gram Gram. She is so sassy, she’s shamelessly looking for love and not too proud to use Tinder, she cracked me up! Leo and Jenny from If You Only Knew also make several appearances and I adored checking in with them.
Reading a Higgins book is like eating my ultimate comfort food for me, they just always make me feel warm and cozy by the end. Her books are full of so much heart, you can’t help but feel as if you’re experiencing what the characters are right along with them. If you haven’t read any of her books yet, I urge you to give them a shot. You can pick up any of them, but as I said earlier, I feel like they get better with each one, so start with If You Only Knew then try this one. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, in fact I think you’ll discover your new favorite author.
February 6, 2017
10+++++ STARS!
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. Seriously. This is why Kristan Higgins is my favorite author. Everything she's written, I've read and loved. I have a few special favorites, of course, but this woman knows how to string a few sentences together and make you laugh, cry, smile and sigh because of it.
KH also revisits the fictional and lovely Cambry-on-Hudson, a beautiful town full of character and relaxed wealth. We get cameos from Jenny and Leo, who featured in If You Only Knew but the meat of the story surrounds two lovely sisters, Kate and Ainsley, who through tragedy and loss, become closer then they ever thought they could be.
Of course there's romance! Did I mention that I loved, absolutely adored how Kate and Ainsley got second chances at love? I won't even get into it, because this book was like savouring the richest, most decadent dessert...I tried to make it last, but alas, it came to and end and I felt lost. I cried, sniffled, teared up endless times and laughed just as often. I'm gushing, I know, but I'm an emotional wreck reading her books.
This is joining the most favourite books by KH shelf and already on my best of 2017 shelf. The characters...They're so perfectly rounded and full of depth, hilarity and gravity. Characters are fleshed out in a way that makes them part of your life, or just maybe I'd love some of them to be part of mine. They're also written so accurately with everyday life experiences, it's incredible really. I could go on all day, but whenever I pick up a new release by Higgins, I know it'll touch me in the best way and reinforce why this author is so amazing.
Loved it.
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. Seriously. This is why Kristan Higgins is my favorite author. Everything she's written, I've read and loved. I have a few special favorites, of course, but this woman knows how to string a few sentences together and make you laugh, cry, smile and sigh because of it.
KH also revisits the fictional and lovely Cambry-on-Hudson, a beautiful town full of character and relaxed wealth. We get cameos from Jenny and Leo, who featured in If You Only Knew but the meat of the story surrounds two lovely sisters, Kate and Ainsley, who through tragedy and loss, become closer then they ever thought they could be.
Of course there's romance! Did I mention that I loved, absolutely adored how Kate and Ainsley got second chances at love? I won't even get into it, because this book was like savouring the richest, most decadent dessert...I tried to make it last, but alas, it came to and end and I felt lost. I cried, sniffled, teared up endless times and laughed just as often. I'm gushing, I know, but I'm an emotional wreck reading her books.
This is joining the most favourite books by KH shelf and already on my best of 2017 shelf. The characters...They're so perfectly rounded and full of depth, hilarity and gravity. Characters are fleshed out in a way that makes them part of your life, or just maybe I'd love some of them to be part of mine. They're also written so accurately with everyday life experiences, it's incredible really. I could go on all day, but whenever I pick up a new release by Higgins, I know it'll touch me in the best way and reinforce why this author is so amazing.
Loved it.
August 27, 2017
I needed On Second Thought. I didn't realize it until I felt myself smiling. Or laughing.
Kristan Higgins' female characters have such a unique outlook on life. They are women that you'd want as a sister or close friend. They are lovable. They have warmth. They can be funny. Or fragile.
In this narrative, the two women are half-sisters and in committed relationships at the beginning of the story. Kate is married and Ainsley is in a long-term romance waiting on a proposal. Then the unthinkable happens. Kate's husband dies and Ainsley's boyfriend has a public meltdown and breaks up with her. This occurs in the first chapters.
The remainder of the story is about each sister coming to terms with what happened: different versions of grief and learning to move on. It is wrapped with oddball family members, co-workers and frenemies that push, cajole and inveigle their opinions.
And about two men. Two. Other. Strong. Men. Their allotment was expertly written.
I loved Ainsley and Kate. I think their story was one of the nicest portrayals of two sisters that I have read in a very long time. This is the ninth story I have read by this author and it is my new all-time favorite.
Kristan Higgins' female characters have such a unique outlook on life. They are women that you'd want as a sister or close friend. They are lovable. They have warmth. They can be funny. Or fragile.
In this narrative, the two women are half-sisters and in committed relationships at the beginning of the story. Kate is married and Ainsley is in a long-term romance waiting on a proposal. Then the unthinkable happens. Kate's husband dies and Ainsley's boyfriend has a public meltdown and breaks up with her. This occurs in the first chapters.
The remainder of the story is about each sister coming to terms with what happened: different versions of grief and learning to move on. It is wrapped with oddball family members, co-workers and frenemies that push, cajole and inveigle their opinions.
And about two men. Two. Other. Strong. Men. Their allotment was expertly written.
I loved Ainsley and Kate. I think their story was one of the nicest portrayals of two sisters that I have read in a very long time. This is the ninth story I have read by this author and it is my new all-time favorite.
November 21, 2017
3.5 stars, rounded up
An easy listen with excellent narrators that explores grief and the relationship between sisters as they depend on one another like never before after each is dealt a blow. Although it sounds dark, the snarky humor and heartwarming scenes saved it from being a depressing read.
An easy listen with excellent narrators that explores grief and the relationship between sisters as they depend on one another like never before after each is dealt a blow. Although it sounds dark, the snarky humor and heartwarming scenes saved it from being a depressing read.
February 16, 2017
It's been a really long time since I have read a Higgins book, but when this was brought to my attention, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
On Second Thought was a book that not only surprised me, but blew my expectations out of the water. To date, I think this is the best book Higgins has ever written.
The story is told from the POV of two sisters, Kate and Ainsley. Kate is the older half sister from their father's first and current marriage, and she is also a 39-year old widow. For twenty years Kate never thought she would have a chance to marry with her bad luck and a string of bad relationships, she gave up hope - until Nathan came over into her life.
Nathan was sweet, talented, came from a wealthy family and wanted to have children. They dated for a few months before quickly getting married and not too soon after their marriage, Nathan dies, leaving Kate to pick up the pieces.
Ainsley is the younger half sister, who comes from a woman that the girl's father was actually in love with. Kate's mother took her in, and for the longest time Ainsley felt a little alienated. She was in a relationship with Eric for 11-years, up until after he recovered from his cancer, watched Nathan die at their life party and decided to cut ties with Ainsley with a very ugly public blog post to top of the hurt.
This book was everything, it had everything. I had my reservations at first, Nathan dies getting a glass of wine for Kate and it is mentioned several times as the guilt sits heavy on her chest. At first I was a little worried that this was going to be a very to shame anyone who drinks wine, but as the story went on, it was proven otherwise and I relaxed a little.
The story pulled on my heartstrings, squeezed my heart, broke my heart and cemented it back together with love and warmth.
It was frustrating, shocking, sad, heartbreaking, but at the same time it was wonderful, full of love and just downright realistic. There were moments that made me really feel for the two women, but Higgins hands the entire situation not only with wit and charm, but with humor cleverly woven in.
The story was about death, grief, moving on after, love, heartbreak, and family all the good, the bad and the ugly. I loved how the heartbreak and the events in both of the sister's lives bought them together and formed a stronger bond. I liked learning about their family, and how Candy (Kate's mother, Ainsley's step-mother) felt about having another woman's child trusted upon her. For a long time, I didn't know how to feel about her, but Candy redeemed herself tenfold by the end of the book.
Kate's story was rough. I couldn't even begin to understand how she felt being widowed so fast, but I also had to take into the account that Kate didn't even know her husband for a year, so the experience must have felt different to other widows who knew them for years.
I loved the romance, especially between Ainsley and her boss Jonathan. When Jonathan appeared more and more in the story, he won me over quickly. He isn't your typical love interest, which was so refreshing. He is awkward, he doesn't wear his feelings on his sleeve, his interaction with Ainsley is amusing. She calls him Captain Flatline for a reason, he is hard to read and she often compares him to an alien. But I loved that, I loved that Jonathan wasn't like the rest of the alpha males in the books, it made him so much more endearing and memorable.
Daniel the hot Fire Fighter was also an awesome addition to the book, and I loved the way he treated Kate and pulled her out of her funk.
The entire story was just great, but I think I already mentioned it. It was well over 400 pages and I was sad that it was over, I will definitely miss Jonathan. I liked both of the sister's voice and their sarcastic witty humor, I never found a dull moment.
If you want to give Higgin's a try, I strongly recommend this book.
I could seriously go on with snips and quotes forever. Go read the book!This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
On Second Thought was a book that not only surprised me, but blew my expectations out of the water. To date, I think this is the best book Higgins has ever written.
The story is told from the POV of two sisters, Kate and Ainsley. Kate is the older half sister from their father's first and current marriage, and she is also a 39-year old widow. For twenty years Kate never thought she would have a chance to marry with her bad luck and a string of bad relationships, she gave up hope - until Nathan came over into her life.
I became Nathan's wife. One hundred and two days later, I became his widow.
Nathan was sweet, talented, came from a wealthy family and wanted to have children. They dated for a few months before quickly getting married and not too soon after their marriage, Nathan dies, leaving Kate to pick up the pieces.
Ainsley is the younger half sister, who comes from a woman that the girl's father was actually in love with. Kate's mother took her in, and for the longest time Ainsley felt a little alienated. She was in a relationship with Eric for 11-years, up until after he recovered from his cancer, watched Nathan die at their life party and decided to cut ties with Ainsley with a very ugly public blog post to top of the hurt.
This book was everything, it had everything. I had my reservations at first, Nathan dies getting a glass of wine for Kate and it is mentioned several times as the guilt sits heavy on her chest. At first I was a little worried that this was going to be a very to shame anyone who drinks wine, but as the story went on, it was proven otherwise and I relaxed a little.
The story pulled on my heartstrings, squeezed my heart, broke my heart and cemented it back together with love and warmth.
It was frustrating, shocking, sad, heartbreaking, but at the same time it was wonderful, full of love and just downright realistic. There were moments that made me really feel for the two women, but Higgins hands the entire situation not only with wit and charm, but with humor cleverly woven in.
The story was about death, grief, moving on after, love, heartbreak, and family all the good, the bad and the ugly. I loved how the heartbreak and the events in both of the sister's lives bought them together and formed a stronger bond. I liked learning about their family, and how Candy (Kate's mother, Ainsley's step-mother) felt about having another woman's child trusted upon her. For a long time, I didn't know how to feel about her, but Candy redeemed herself tenfold by the end of the book.
Kate's story was rough. I couldn't even begin to understand how she felt being widowed so fast, but I also had to take into the account that Kate didn't even know her husband for a year, so the experience must have felt different to other widows who knew them for years.
I loved the romance, especially between Ainsley and her boss Jonathan. When Jonathan appeared more and more in the story, he won me over quickly. He isn't your typical love interest, which was so refreshing. He is awkward, he doesn't wear his feelings on his sleeve, his interaction with Ainsley is amusing. She calls him Captain Flatline for a reason, he is hard to read and she often compares him to an alien. But I loved that, I loved that Jonathan wasn't like the rest of the alpha males in the books, it made him so much more endearing and memorable.
Daniel the hot Fire Fighter was also an awesome addition to the book, and I loved the way he treated Kate and pulled her out of her funk.
The entire story was just great, but I think I already mentioned it. It was well over 400 pages and I was sad that it was over, I will definitely miss Jonathan. I liked both of the sister's voice and their sarcastic witty humor, I never found a dull moment.
If you want to give Higgin's a try, I strongly recommend this book.
"Are you crying?"
"Oh...I just...I'm a little, uh premenstrual." Shit.
He gave me a long, unblinking look. Strange pale blue eyes, like an alien. "Will that be a problem during this interview?" he asked.
"Let's hope not. But those first two days can be murder." I smiled. He did not. I felt my uterus shriveling, as if his disapproving gaze was bringing on menopause.
Finally, he blinked. "I'm Jonathan Kent. This way."
Inside the grocery store, it was as cold as a morgue. Poor choice of words.
I couldn't remember what I'd come for, Vegetables? Why not? Whole Foods did have the prettiest produce in the entire world, even if it did cost a million trillion dollars.
I was dying to know what my stick-up-the-colon boss did in his spare time. Taxidermy seemed about right.
I pulled into Kate's driveway, once again doing the walk of shame (though damn proud of it), went into the kitchen and screamed
A very large man was there.
"Hey," he said. "How's it going?"
"Who are you and why are you wearing my sister's shirt?" I yelped..
He smiled. I smiled. The cat smiled.
He had a cat!
"You have a cat!" I said. Maybe shouldn't have had that second glass of wine. Too late now.
I could seriously go on with snips and quotes forever. Go read the book!This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
July 7, 2018
Ainsley and Kate are sisters who become close when Kate's husband suddenly dies and Ainsley's boyfriend of 11 years dumps her. However, this contemporary romance is about the sister's relationship and making yourself happy. This is my third Kristan Higgins' novel this summer and I have enjoyed all of them so much. She has the perfect blend of funniness and lightness and seriousness. Like her other books, I find myself neglecting my responsibilities to read a few more chapters. There is nothing else to say about On Second Thought other than this is a feel good novel that was a pleasure to read.
December 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kristan Higgins you never disappoint me, loved the characters and a very intriguing story.
Kristan Higgins you never disappoint me, loved the characters and a very intriguing story.
January 14, 2018
4.5 que libro más bonito, esta tan bien escrito y tiene tan buenos diálogos que es una maravilla. Hasta la mitad más o menos le hubiera puesto un 4, pero la parte final es espléndida
Es el libro de las segundas oportunidades sin duda alguna.
La media estrellita que falta es por que a la romántica que hay en mi le ha faltado algo en ese aspecto.
Es el libro de las segundas oportunidades sin duda alguna.
La media estrellita que falta es por que a la romántica que hay en mi le ha faltado algo en ese aspecto.
October 31, 2025
Ha sido una buena lectura que me ha tenido enganchada todo el tiempo. Me gusta que las protagonistas sean Anshley y Kate, he empatizado mucho con ellas aunque no compartiera la forma de ser de la primera.
September 27, 2016
4.5 stars
Sigh.
This will probably be my most heartfelt review that I have written in some time.
When you dive into a KH book you know what you are getting. A few tears, lost of laughs, that good ole loving feeling. Someone dies, or has died. You always have dogs.
Sigh.
This year, this month, currently I probably should not have read this book. Because the topics were straight fucking daggers to my heart.
Cancer. Death. Funerals.
I dont even want to begin to count the number of wakes/funerals I have been to this year.
But July 28th 2016 @ 11:12am my life changed forever. Cause that is the day I lost my dad to cancer.
So this book... ugh it fucking hurt man.
But it was also soothing? Eye opening? I dont know. It def isnt a self help grief book.
But.. it did somehow show me in a way how my mom must be feeling.
How like the book said, you count time not by months, but by the wake, funeral, Dad's bday, 40 days, Dad's slava, their anniversary, 1st Christmas without, another year celebrating...without dad.
It. Fucking. Sucks.
It also shows how once someone is gone, how the others feel that are left behind and how it completely alters you, your family, your everyday.
You look for signs, and then the next day you want to call to tell a funny story and realize... wait heaven doesnt have a phone.
so yah, i probably should not have read this book but i couldn't put it down, a true testament to the fact that I really love the way KH writes, how even though it was daggers through my heart, my eyes stayed on the page and didnt stop. I didn't cry reading this, shockingly, but i believe my tear ducts are all fucked up, i think i dried up.
Nope...cause im shedding a little just writing this.
So, I love how we went back to the lil ole town and Leo was in it again and new characters, I really enjoy the sisters theme, which i would cause i got one of those myself.
Death, birth, hard times do bring you closer to your sibling and even though i dont tell her often, i love mine to pieces. We fight and we are different but I dont want to know what it would be like without her.
So sisters, lovers, parents, dogs, death, love, life is what this book gave to me.
Now im gonna go read a funny book to try and just take myself out of reality for just a lil bit.
Mare~Slitsread
Sigh.
This will probably be my most heartfelt review that I have written in some time.
When you dive into a KH book you know what you are getting. A few tears, lost of laughs, that good ole loving feeling. Someone dies, or has died. You always have dogs.
Sigh.
This year, this month, currently I probably should not have read this book. Because the topics were straight fucking daggers to my heart.
Cancer. Death. Funerals.
I dont even want to begin to count the number of wakes/funerals I have been to this year.
But July 28th 2016 @ 11:12am my life changed forever. Cause that is the day I lost my dad to cancer.
So this book... ugh it fucking hurt man.
But it was also soothing? Eye opening? I dont know. It def isnt a self help grief book.
But.. it did somehow show me in a way how my mom must be feeling.
How like the book said, you count time not by months, but by the wake, funeral, Dad's bday, 40 days, Dad's slava, their anniversary, 1st Christmas without, another year celebrating...without dad.
It. Fucking. Sucks.
It also shows how once someone is gone, how the others feel that are left behind and how it completely alters you, your family, your everyday.
You look for signs, and then the next day you want to call to tell a funny story and realize... wait heaven doesnt have a phone.
so yah, i probably should not have read this book but i couldn't put it down, a true testament to the fact that I really love the way KH writes, how even though it was daggers through my heart, my eyes stayed on the page and didnt stop. I didn't cry reading this, shockingly, but i believe my tear ducts are all fucked up, i think i dried up.
Nope...cause im shedding a little just writing this.
So, I love how we went back to the lil ole town and Leo was in it again and new characters, I really enjoy the sisters theme, which i would cause i got one of those myself.
Death, birth, hard times do bring you closer to your sibling and even though i dont tell her often, i love mine to pieces. We fight and we are different but I dont want to know what it would be like without her.
So sisters, lovers, parents, dogs, death, love, life is what this book gave to me.
Now im gonna go read a funny book to try and just take myself out of reality for just a lil bit.
Mare~Slitsread
February 21, 2017
Finally! A 5 star read. This is actually two seperate stories, alternating between two sisters. This is the deepest, most complex Kristan Higgins novel I've read to date. Not the usual fluffy rom-com fare, this delved into family life and going from newlywed to widow in a matter of months. Despite the heavier subjects, it wasn't angsty. Not at all a bum-me-out kind of story, I actually felt happy.
Honestly, this KH novel had the best humor too. It wasn't manufactured horrible dates and super quirkiness, it was quality funny times. Ainsley is dang witty! There were a few sister moments that had me shaking with laughter!
How Kate met Nathan (recently deceased)...
Kate: “It was this awful wedding, and he asked me out, and I thought he must be a serial killer or something.”
Ainsley: “But he wasn’t. Or he was really secretive about it.”
Thoughts about her boss...
“Though my boss was somewhere around my age, he gave the impression of being a seventy-year-old minor British lord, an ivory-topped walking stick firmly impacted in his colon.”
“He’d given me a flannel shirt, too. Huh. I didn’t picture him owning one. An ascot, yes. Flannel...not so much.”
Gram-Gram is complaining about how women outnumber men 5 to 1 at her posh retirement home...
Gram: “Only women go to salsa dancing.”
Ainsley: “Maybe you should become a lesbian, then. It would solve that pesky life expectancy problem.”
Chats with Mom...
“Nursing? Oh, honey. All you’ll do is change old people’s diapers.”
“Well, just think. I can change yours when you decide to let loose."
The romance was fresh and entertaining, it was intelligent. I put KH on my clean-romance list because the sex is fade to black, no details about bedroom romps. KH does the less-is-more thing very well, you don't feel cheated and you don't feel TMI! That's a hard balance for an author to achieve and especially rare in this genre.
Highly recommended. I think this might be a Wendy book.
Honestly, this KH novel had the best humor too. It wasn't manufactured horrible dates and super quirkiness, it was quality funny times. Ainsley is dang witty! There were a few sister moments that had me shaking with laughter!
How Kate met Nathan (recently deceased)...
Kate: “It was this awful wedding, and he asked me out, and I thought he must be a serial killer or something.”
Ainsley: “But he wasn’t. Or he was really secretive about it.”
Thoughts about her boss...
“Though my boss was somewhere around my age, he gave the impression of being a seventy-year-old minor British lord, an ivory-topped walking stick firmly impacted in his colon.”
“He’d given me a flannel shirt, too. Huh. I didn’t picture him owning one. An ascot, yes. Flannel...not so much.”
Gram-Gram is complaining about how women outnumber men 5 to 1 at her posh retirement home...
Gram: “Only women go to salsa dancing.”
Ainsley: “Maybe you should become a lesbian, then. It would solve that pesky life expectancy problem.”
Chats with Mom...
“Nursing? Oh, honey. All you’ll do is change old people’s diapers.”
“Well, just think. I can change yours when you decide to let loose."
The romance was fresh and entertaining, it was intelligent. I put KH on my clean-romance list because the sex is fade to black, no details about bedroom romps. KH does the less-is-more thing very well, you don't feel cheated and you don't feel TMI! That's a hard balance for an author to achieve and especially rare in this genre.
Highly recommended. I think this might be a Wendy book.
January 9, 2018
Pensandolo Mejor narra la historia de las hermanas Kate y Ainsley y es el septimo libro de Kristan Higgins que leo.
Las novelas de la autora siempre me hacen disfrutar, no importa si es una historia comica como Too Good To Be True o una con una trama mas seria y madura como Si Supieras pero hasta ahora no he leido ni un solo libro de la autora que no me haya gustado.
Esta historia me sorprendio gratamente, la inicie con muchas ganas y aun asi disfrute la lectura mas de lo que esperaba. Ainsley y Kate eran muy diferentes entre si y a la vez muy similares, por lo que simpatice con ellas desde un primer momento, ademas de hacerme sentir bastante identificada en varias ocasiones ( yo tambien tengo una hermana y somos como uña y carne xDD ).
Creo que esta lectura tiene un equilibrio perfecto, la autora es simplemente sensacional combinando la parte graciosa con las escenas mas emocionales y profundas, y aunque no es un libro precisamente corto, se me hizo muy agil de leer y en cuanto me meti en la historia no pude parar hasta llegar al final.
Quizas si tuviera que quedarme con una de las dos historias que narra este libro, elegiria la de Ainsley y Jonathan, en parte porque el caracter de ella me parecio maravilloso. El drama de Kate aunque me conmovio mucho, tenia pequeños detalles que no me convencieron al 100%.
Sin duda, Pensandolo Mejor es una novela emocional, realista y con unos personajes muy creibles.
4 Estrellas!!
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