Kasey Thomas had the perfect life - an adoring husband, two beautiful sons, a job she loved. Then a tragic car accident leaves her a widow and upends her entire world. After enduring two years of failed blind dates, Kasey has called it quits on love. Then, in walks handsome Paul Jennings. Can Kasey open her heart to him? Will this be her chance for a second happy ever after?
This is the debut novel from author Ashlie Knapp and I thought it was so cute! The story line had me intrigued and I was always eager to resume reading. There were places in the book where I actually laughed out loud, which rarely happens to me while reading a book. That alone made this book worthy of 5 stars! I'm eagerly looking forward to reading future novels by this author.
Kasey Thomas had the perfect life, the husband, the kids, the job everything was perfect, until one night it was ripped away from her by a tragic accident which leaves her a widow. When the time is right her best friend Beth sets her up on a series of horrid blind dates, does her friend hate her that much? She promises herself just one more blind date before she calls it quits, could she luck out with this one or will it be just as bad as the rest?
Paul Jennings is looking for love, he wants the kind of love that his parents had, the all-consuming kind of love, but he is failing to find the right woman to share that with and is now giving up. His friend Beth has now taken to setting him up on a blind date with her best friend. Is this the one? Will it fall short like all the others?
Will this be a one-time date? Will they hit it off? Will Paul find his happy ever after? Will Kasey be able to move on from her dead husband and admit her flaws?
Ashlie Knapp has written a great story here, it starts off sad but comes back giving you a lot of laughter, normally I just smile but this book had me laughing out loud, smacking the arm of whoever was near expecting them to understand what I was on about. Found this story very sweet. Loved that Kasey despite her loss she still made time for her kids and provided you the reader with relationship goals with your kids, she shows us that life might have caused you pain but you must get back on that life horse and show it who is boss. Found Paul to be quick witted and sweet. I did love this book, normally second chance romance books do very little for me but this one surprised me and defiantly worth the 5 stars.
A Second Time Around written by Ashlie Knapp was a beautiful romance story! Oh my goodness! You want to laugh your booty off....read this book! You want to cry....read this book! You want to read a feel good book....read this book! You want to read a book leaving you anxious when secrets will be revealed or what will be the next conflict to happen....read this book! I looooovvved this book!!!!!!!! The author was able to catch my interest right from the first paragraph and kept it until the last paragraph! As I said; this story was for sure very sad at times, hysterically funny lots of times, happy at other times and basically left me an emotionally mess! I was hoping for the best but you never know what an author is going to write. I do know she developed some AWESOME characters that made this book just so wonderful! I loved Beth who would be a tough act to follow. Kasey needed a break! Poor thing! Carson was a teenage boy...enough said. Tate was an ADORABLE little boy who charmed the pants off everyone in the story and me the reader. Paul seemed to be sexy in that old school way! Pike was funny in his own right! I also loved the banter between some of the characters! It was non-stopped at some points in the story! I think it was awesome how the author wrote how strong Kasey was and dealt with the cards she was given! I think the story flowed beautifully! Everything connected really well! I would say as my final comment this is a story you would watch on a Saturday morning, on the LIfetime or Hallmark channel. Just sayin! So, as you can see I think this story should get many more stars than five! I hope to read from Ms. Knapp again!
A Second Time Around by Ashlie Knapp is an emotional ride that I gave 4 out of 5 stars! This novel had it all: grief, hope, romance, and love. You will cry from happiness as well as sorrow. This book has all the feels! Kasey Thomas had the perfect life. Family was everything with her doting husband and two amazing children, and she also had a career she loved. Then the unthinkable happened, a tragic accident. Her husband, and part of her-were gone in an instant. This is a story of finding hope and happiness after loss. Kasey has to learn how to parent alone while still grieving the loss of her partner. She also has to learn to live as a partial amputee. Her children need her, and she isn’t one to give up. She works hard to provide a great life in the absence of her husband for her children’s sake, often sacrificing her own life to be there for them. She feels it is time to get back in the dating game, but it isn’t easy. Her best friend tries to play match-maker but all the dates were epic fails. But then Beth chooses a winner, and Kasey meets Paul. Paul Jennings is the kind of man you would bring home to your parents. He is kind, caring, and compassionate. They are both scared to enter into a relationship, yet they are drawn to each other. Even the kids approve. Are they willing to take the leap and start an actual relationship? Read to find out! These characters are well developed, and you will be rooting for them both! The author pulls at your heart, and takes you on an emotional journey through this fast paced novel. This novel does not disappoint! Can’t wait to read more from this author!
I originally bought a copy of this book and started reading it, it has some issues so I stopped reading it. The author reached out to me a short time later informing me that a new edition was out and she would love to send me a copy. I accepted and a short time later began to read the book....this was a cute romantic book with a few twists and turns along the way. I'm glad I gave this book a second chance!! I look forward to reading more of Ashley's books.
This is the first book I’ve read by Ashlie Knapp and it’s also her debut novel and I must say I really enjoyed it. It was a sweet, beautiful, funny story. I will definitely be reading more from Ashlie Knapp in the future. Kasey Thomas had the perfect life in her book, she had a loving husband, two beautiful boys and she loved her job but after a night out celebrating her life in turned upside down. She is left a widow and left being both mother and father to her two boys. Paul Jennings wants to find a love like his parents have but can’t seem to find it no matter where he looks. After being on terrible dates and having horrible relationships he thinks that true love doesn’t exist and that he will never find love. Kasey’s friend Beth sets both Kasey and Paul up on a blind date and after both of them agree to go on the date they are really surprised to find out how much they have enjoyed themselves and at their connection. This book is not only sweet and beautiful but it will have you laughing out loud as well. It will keep you entertained from the very start to the very end.
I give A Second Time Around by Ashlie Knapp four stars.
Kasey Thomas had the perfect life, a loving husband, two wonderful boys and a job she loves. But then one night, things turn tragically upside-down. She is not only a widow left to raise her boys alone on a teacher’s salary, she has to do it all while trying to recover from the physical issues of the accident.
It’s been two years since that horrible day and her best friend has been trying to set her up on blind dates that are just horrible. She knows her friend is just trying to help, but the rejection and embarrassment of these dates takes a toll. Being single may be a bit lonely, but she has her boys to keep her happy. Besides, her husband was perfect and she’ll never find that kind of connection again. But she decides to go on one last blind date. It won’t get past the first date anyway and she won’t have to put up with any more blind dates.
Paul Jennings has had no luck with women. His parents had the perfect relationship. His best friend, who is old enough to be his father, also has the perfect, loving relationship with his wife. But Paul hasn’t had any luck whatsoever. When his accountant hooks him up with a blind date, he thinks she’s crazy. He’s even crazier for accepting, but he does anyway. Then he arrives at her house. A teenage boy answers the door. He wasn’t looking for a woman with kids, especially a teenager. Then a toddler shows up. Then a small accident happens, leaving Kasey with a bloody nose and black eye. Although he hangs around for a while, he goes home thinking what a mess this woman is. She’s drop dead gorgeous in his eyes, but she has too much drama in her life. He shouldn’t proceed. But he can’t seem to help himself.
Will these two lonely, scarred hearts be able to find love in each other? Will they be able to overcome all the obstacles that come their way?
This is a nice romance book. There are no heavy romance scenes which is refreshing (I tend to skip over them in other books). The characters are fun and well written. It’s a bit predictable, although the some of the obstacles that get in the way you will never see coming. And they will make you laugh. There is a little bit of a shock towards the end, but nothing too tragic or jaw-dropping. It was also refreshing to read a second chance romance. All in all, it’s a fun, light romance read.
A Second Time Around by Ashlie Knapp is a story about a woman who has suffer a tragedy and now is trying to find her way in life. This story is sadness, romance and excitement. This story will show you that given enough time after a tragedy, you will be able to find yourself one day at a time. This story will warm your heart and make you believe in love.
Kasey Thomas is a woman who had it all, a husband who adored her, two boys and a job she loved. Until one night when tragedy strikes and her world comes crashing down. She is now a single mother of two boys trying to find her way. Two years later, her best friend has been setting her up on blind dates that she doesn't think she needs. What will happen when she meets him? Her first date with him didn't work out the way she wanted, will he call her back? Will she overcome her fears? Will tragedy strike again?
Paul Jennings is a store owner who has been the love em and leave em type of guy. What will happen when he is set up on a blind date? What will happen when he meets her? Her family is chaotic but can he handle it? He doesn't believe that a love exists like his parents, will she convince him otherwise? Will he realize that he is worth loving?
Kasey and Paul's story is one of fighting feelings and overcoming scars that are hidden. What will happen when those scars are revealed? Will they overcome them? Is there a potential for a future for them? Will they find their happily ever after? Their story will pull you into their emotional world and keep you wanting more. Will they overcome tragedy?
This is my third read by Ashlie Knapp. Ashlie is a small town mom who lives in Oklahoma and loves to write. She love to buy books knowing that it will leave her smiling at the end. When she is not writing you can find her watching the Food Network, Netflix or HGTV. She also loves to spend time with her daughter and son. Ashlie brings life to these characters on the pages of their story. This story is a page turner, page after page. I know you will enjoy journey they take you on. I highly suggest this story as I know you will love this story as much as I have.
Kasey Thomas has been through so much after a tragic car accident she loses her husband which turns her life completely upside down but she has too carry on for her two wonderful sons who means the world to her. It's a struggle being a single mum to keep providing a good life for them but shes strong and determined to keep going which is inspirational. Beth her best friend believe it wil be good for Kasey to get in the dating game again and keeps setting her up on blind dates and everyone of them is a complete disaster except one Paul. Paul has always wanted the love that he witnesses when he see his parents and his best friend pike the forever kind, hes wanting the kids, the house, the wedding, the happy ever after you would think with him having these dreams love would come easy he would find his one as he's a catch but he goes on endless dates and they all end up the same a big dead end until he meets Kasey. See the thing is Paul and Kasey were both sceptical to go on this blind date after having so many terrible ones but I guess fate intervened and made them go even with the doubt. Kasey loves how Paul is with her children he interacts with them and give them something they have been missing a male role model but is it enough for them to build a relationship together after all the trauma in Kasey past and the endless dead ends for Paul will they get there happy ever after together???
Wow wow wow what a novel truly beautiful I was completely captivated by Kasey’s and Pauls story I definitely wasn't disappointed. The storyline is a deep emotional roll coaster after everything Kasey goes through its amazing to watch her grow and see how strong she is, it truly is inspirational she could of gave up but she didn't and that is what make this novel more touching and real cause in real life you have two options you fight or flight and this proves even when the going goes tough you can still pull through. Ashlie Knapp you have done a wonderful job with this book it really is a lovely read I enjoyed every second.
Kasey is a single mom of two boys Carson and Tate. She lost her husband Daniel in a tragic accident and accident that also took her leg. Her best friend Beth is forever trying to set her up with blind dates.
The dates never go well ever. They have all been weirdos and Kasey is finally putting her foot down. No more! But Beth is adamant just one more she has the perfect guy for her.
Kesey relents but she lets Beth know this is the last one. If this guy does not work out thats it.
Paul is also alone with only his dog. He owns a successful chain of convenience stores. He is also vows this will be the last blind date.
There first date is hilarious if you could call it that. Paul arrives at the house and Carson her oldest son lets Paul in and entertains him while Kasey finishes up getting ready. Its here where she decides to try and check her date out before he sees her. But her youngest Tate gives her up. Mortified she takes off down the hall but being the klutz that she is she walks into the bathroom door and gives herself a black eye. From there is is one disaster after another.
The laugh out loud moments in this book were hilarious. Paul is not sure at first, he’s wondering is this something he wants to take on a mom with a ready made family.
With good friends like Pike who owns a barbecue restaurant Paul confides in Pike often. Pike is a wonderful friend an older man who listens to Pauls concerns. But in the end it really is too late, Paul likes Kaseys brand of crazy.
With an adorable Tate who idolises Paul and Carson who is starting to come around it looks like things are looking up. Its only when tragedy nearly strikes that Paul steps back. He thinks that he will never have a place in Kaseys heart because he feels she still loves her husband.
But with the help of Pike and friends he realises he may lose the best thing that ever happened to him.
This family is crazy funny but the love they have for each other is heart warming.
Life it’s about taking another chance at love and moving forward.
****5 Stars**** A Second Time Around by Ashlie Knapp
A Second Time Around is a wonderful 5 star book by Ashlie Knapp. This story is a great one about the complicated realities of dating later in life, after disappointment and loss, with kids (including bitter teens), being a little jaded by several bad blind dates, and the klutziness that I personally experience myself all the time. Kasie Thomas is a widow raising two young boys who lets her friend Beth set her up on “one more” blind date, that ends up with her having a black eye, bleeding all over the place from smacking her head on the wall, being a little tipsy from wine, and her and her hot blind date never even getting to leave the house for the actual “date.”
Paul Jennings is a sexy David Beckham looking guy with his best pals being his dog, and a couple that owns a BBQ joint that he met when the owner, Pike, pulled a gun on him thinking he was getting ready to rob the place when Paul had just got lost. Paul wants love like that of his parents, and that of Pike and Eloise, but he is afraid that doesn't exist, at least not for him. He was happily surprised by the blind date his friend Beth set him up on with Kasie. Even with all the unplanned conversation with her teenage son and the random unexpected turn of events in the night, Paul ended up intrigued and interested in this woman that had him experiencing what was the opposite of the “usual” blind date.
This story had me laughing and crying. The author did a wonderful job with character development and creating real, honest, and not always “accident free” interactions. The idea of having a second chance at real love after you’ve experienced love once and are convinced that was your “one time” is a great one. I love stories of hope and stories where the complications and somewhat ugly sides of real life are explored. It's refreshing to see the real side of life,love, family and friendships. I recommend A Second Time Around and give this book 5 stars. I definitely look forward to reading more in the future by Ashlie Knapp.
A Second Time Around By: Ashlie Knapp 5 out of 5 stars
The story A Second Time Around by Ashlie Knapp is a romantic comedy. This is the story of Kasey Thomas and Paul Jennings. Kasey has it all, an adoring husband, two beautiful sons and a job she loves. Then a tragic accident leaves her a widow and her world is turned upside down. Paul doesn’t believe true love like his parents has exists anymore. He believes that it just won’t happen to him. Then they are both set up on a blind date. Can Kasey overcome her fears and let Paul in? Can Paul handle Kasey’s chaotic family? Is this their chance for a happy ever after?
This is a truly wonderful story! It starts out building the background on both Paul and Kasey and then takes off from there. I don’t know how many times I found myself laughing out loud at some of the situations that they find themselves in, especially when Kasey’s to sons are involved. There are also moments that are so touching that you are saying “aww” in your head or in my case out loud. Yes, I admit I was very vocal when reading this book which made everyone want to know what I was reading. Kasey is such a strong woman after all that she has been through. She is raising her sons on her own, as well as holding a full-time job. She has just about given up on finding someone to share her life with because of bad experiences with blind dates. Paul owns a chain of stores in the town that they live in and has given up finding “the one.” He is a very responsible person and soon learns how to interact with Kasey’s sons. Their friends and family are encouraged when they seem to hit it off and continue to see each other. There also are conflicts that come up as in any relationship and both Paul and Kasey depend on them for support and advice. I highly recommend this book as a perfect story for an afternoon curled up on the couch. If I could give it more than five stars I would.
This is an amazing novel by Author Ashlie Knapp and I believe this was her first novel. This heart-warming story was intriguing, funny and romantic as well as very well written. This captivating story is approximately 273 pages long and it will have you crying, but most of all, it will have you laughing so hard you will start crying. Trust me when I say, you will not be able to put this book down once you start reading it. That, I can guarantee you.
Kasey Thomas was left a widow after a tragic car accident. Kasey didn’t only lose half of her leg, but lost her beloved husband, Daniel. But when life throws you a curve, you just don’t lay there and take it, you get up and move on. That’s exactly what Kasey did, at least for the sake of her two young children.
Paul Jennings only wanted one thing in life, and that was to find the kind of love his parents had, the kind of love his best friend Pike shared with his wife of fifty three years, the ‘forever’ kind. But after so many failed attempts to find love, he was sure that said kind of love didn’t exist at all.
After their mutual friend Beth sets them up on a blind date, Paul and Kasey were hesitant at first, thinking Beth’s “picker” will fail again. While their first date was a disaster, Paul’s interest was piqued by her, for the first time in what felt like forever, he was actually interested in someone and wanted to learn more about her. Kasey was very pleased with the way Paul looked but she was more pleased at how well her boys interacted with Paul.
You will not regret buying this novel, you will instantly fall in love with the characters, their crazy lives and their funny banters. I can’t wait to read more from this Author. Also, this story is a standalone, there are no cliffhangers.
I give this Author and her story FIVE BIG STARS!!!
5 out of 5 stars This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Knapp it was funny but also cute. She had me crying in the first few pages but she also had me laughing throughout the story. Kasey Thomas had an adoring husband, two beautiful sons, and a job she loved. A night out celebrating leads to a tragic car accidents that leaves her a widow and her world turned upside down. Two years later she is playing mom and dad to Tate her three years old who doesn’t remember his father and Carson her thirteen year old who is bitter and still has a hard time with his father’s death. Casey's best friend Beth who she has known since the fifth grade has a bad habit of setting Kasey up on blind dates with losers. Beth informs her she has another blind date and Kasey will love him. Kasey tells Beth she will go only on one condition and that this is the last time she goes on a blind date set up by Beth if this date is a looser. Paul Jennings's has been looking to find a love like his mom and dad's. But after years, of awful blind dates and shallow relationships have taught Paul one thing love like his parents does not exist. At least not for himself. A friend of his has set him up on another blind date and he has resigned himself to this being another disastrous date. But when their date is anything but, Kasey and Paul find themselves unexpectedly hopeful. But Kasey has a secret. When he finds out the secret will he stick around? Is Paul ready for an instant family? Can Paul handle all the chaos that is the Thomas family? Will Kasey open herself up to Paul and let him see her true self, scars and all? You will need to read this story if you want to find the answers to my questions I highly recommend this book it will not disappoint you. By Tracy Manderson
Oh geez what a great book! A Second Time Around is not the first book that I have read by Ashlie Knapp and there is a good reason for that….her books are awesome! Even though this book starts out on the sad side, Miss Knapp has a way of writing that sucks you in and anxious to see how it all turns out. This book starts out with Kasey waking up to EMT medics standing around her and she can’t remember for a minute why they are there; then it all comes back to her. Her husband is dead after a terrible car accident. Now a widowed mother, she is devastated to have to do this on her own, it wasn’t the plan. Fast forward a few years and she finally feels like maybe she should start dating again. With the help of her friend Beth she has met quite a few that have changed her mind about dating at all. Then Beth asks her to give it one more chance… Paul is a complete bachelor although he secretly wants more, but no one has ever given him the connection he is looking for. When his accountant (Beth) sets him up on a blind date with Kasey, he definitely feels something new and different with her and decided to see where it leads. Things certainly get interesting with these two and he is not running, but will they be able to over come life when obstacles keep popping up in their way? Ok seriously I was cracking up reading the story between Kasey and Paul, I honestly don’t know if I could have stuck with it if I was them but I am soooo happy that they did. This was an amazing book full of love, loss, sadness, happiness, friendship, romance and a second chance at love. I definitely recommend that you go and pick up this book right now (maybe have some tissues ready too and not just for the sad parts, as you will have tears from laughing too) then just sit back and enjoy is crazy, funny love story.
A Second Time Around is a great book. I have read other Ashlie Knapp books, and this book did not disappoint. It is a romance, but a clean one, more the story of love loss, and falling in love again. The characters are well rounded and developed, each with their own history. They had real life problems and situations, and kept me entertained. There were parts that had me laughing out loud, and other parts where I wanted to cry. I highly recommend this book, and give it a 5 star! Kasey Thomas is teacher, a mom, and a widow. She had the perfect life, until a tragic accident left her the single, widowed mom of a baby and 10 year old boy. She has finally gotten her life together, and created a routine for her family, making it work. Her best friend hates to see her alone, and keep setting her up on blind dates. Kasey is ready to call it quits, as she cant take another awful date, but her best friend Beth promises this is a good one! Paul Jennings is a successful businessman, who owns his own company. He has dated many women, but none have ever held up to his expectations. He saw his parents perfect marriage growing up, and strives for the same for himself. He is beginning to believe there is no one out there that can fulfill all his desires in a woman, until his friend insists he go on another blind date with a friend of hers. This woman is a mother of two boys and their first date is total chaos, but he is intrigued enough to ask for a second date. Could Kasey really be the woman of his dreams? Can Paul handle the chaos of Kasey's life, and her past? Maybe they can both find a happily ever after.
There is so much that happens, to begin let’s just say that Murphy's law is definitely in effect for Kasey and her little family. I felt every wonderful and painful emotion out there; I laughed out loud, teared up, rolled my eyes, and felt heartbreak and I followed her life. Kasey is a fantastic character with a lot of strong redeeming qualities. She is a mom, a teacher, a friend, and on top it all she is humble. She is a klutz and feels so down to earth that throughout most of the book I felt like a close friend being told her story over coffee. Paul was a breathe of fresh air, after hearing about some horrible dates it was great to see a guy that was so put together forced to deal with some truly awkward scenarios that would have most dates running for the hill. Both characters have a great spirit and want that everlasting love that we hear about from our parents or grandparents. They have their struggles too both from embarrassment and from the heart. I could not have imagined the horrible twists that happened. Some of them definitely were things that would have made me want to sink into the ground and never have to face anyone who got to witness it and other twists left me swiping pages as quick as I could just hoping for some kind of resolution that I could deal with. The dialogue was great and felt easy to get into, I could hear the accents in my head even though I am from up north and never went to Oklahoma the writing just brought it all to life for me. I enjoyed the ending, once again the sweetness and the awkward moment ruining things that happened just sealed the deal for me.
While this story starts out a little… no a lot heart breaking, I absolutely love it! It is a story with all the feels! Heartbreak, love, understanding, patience, hilarity, more love and even more hilarity!
"Listen to you, Ms. Down and Out. I'm not used to this. You always have the unicorn farting rainbows mentality."
There were even some parts I could really relate to because I say this daily:
“I’m a teacher . Throat punching would be a bad idea.”
This story is about Kasey and Paul. Kasey loses her perfect husband, Daniel, in a tragic accident right in chapter one. After a couple of years of mourning and being set up on horrible blind dates by her best friend, Beth, Kasey finally meets Paul. He is almost too good to be true. During the first week of meeting, Kasey and Paul have nothing but unbelievably chaotic craziness! From bloody noses, naked children, and a case of diarrhea! Nothing goes as planned and while Paul thinks he should be running for the hills, Kasey thinks he should too! Luckily enough for the both of them, there is something intriguing about the other to keep them wanting to get to know each other in spite of the messes that have happened. Kasey has a secret, well something that may be the final straw for Paul. However when Kasey calls for Daniel in a moment of terror what can Paul do?
This story is so good. So funny! When Kasey and Paul get to meet Kasey’s parents I nearly peed my pants from laughing so hard! Who would have thought that was going to happen! This story is definitely worth a read!
Five Stars In A Second Time Around by Ashlie Knapp we meet a widowed mom with two sons named Kasey. Kasey has had her ups and downs the last 2 years trying to keep up with being a second grade teacher and the only parent of a 13 yr od and a 3 yr old. Her parents and her best friend Beth along with Beth's husband Tom are a wonderful supportive loving family, but Kasey wonders if she will ever find love again Beth has been Kasey's best friend for many years and she has tried to set Kasey up on a few blind dates that all ended in disaster. So after a few horrendous failed attempts Kasey has almost given up hope that she will ever meet someone. So on a final attempt to let Beth pick the man for her, Kasey has agreed to one more blind date. Hopes aren't high that this will work but she gives it a go. Ashlie Knapp kept me in stitches through the majority of this book. There were some seriously laugh out loud funny moments that had my kids looking at me like I had lost my mind. I even went so far as to read them an entire chapter with tears running down my face because having a teenage son I could just see this happening him. With the tears there were a couple sobering moments as well. Ashlie kept us enthralled with the friendship between Pike and Paul. Two totally opposite people who have developed a bond that has forged a tight friendship to where you dont know if they are friends or true family. I loved this book and it is total happy ending. Thank you Ashlie for my first favorite feel good read this year.
A Second Time Around by Ashlie Knapp is about a single mother, Kasey, with a 13-year-old son and a three-year-old son who is introduced to Paul by their friend Beth. When Kasey first meets Paul, it is a blind date that was set up by her best friend Beth. After a long line of only just one dates because they are so bad, Kasey decides to give it one more shot but then she is done. Paul is a lonely guy since he has no living relatives left and spends most of his time with his new-found family Pike and Eloise. When Beth decides to play match maker and try to get them together with the promise of if they don’t fall for each other at first sight, then she won’t try anymore. When Paul and Kasey realize that they love each other, even though there is plenty of crazy surrounding Kasey, they both decided to give it a go for the long run. Second Time Around is a love story that goes beyond what could have happened when something happens. When you lose the love of your life and are offered a second chance at it, you need to grab it and hang on because you never know when you will get another chance. Ashlie Knapp writes a very heartwarming story about two people who gave up on love but then find it again for a second chance. Knapp will have you laughing and crying along with her characters as you read. Get ready for a tear jerker in the best possible way because that is what you will get when reading this novel.
A Second Time Around by Ashlie Knapp Stars: 5 Kasey Thomas and her husband, Daniel, had a wonderful life with their two boys, Carson and Tate. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in the form of a car accident. Daniel was killed, and everything changed for Kasey and her boys. Two years later, Kasey’s best friend, Beth, sets her up on a blind date. Kasey is not excited, because Beth is terrible at selecting potential dates. Paul Jennings is looking for the once in a lifetime love story, which his parents were lucky enough to have. However, he has become discouraged and does not feel that the blind date with Kasey will be anything different. Surprisingly, the date is not a complete disaster. Now, they must figure out what happens next, and Kasey and her family needs to see if they can move on with life after losing someone essential part of their lives. I really enjoyed reading this book. Ashlie Knapp managed to give us several scenes that were hilarious and, at times, gross. My favorite funny scene was in chapter twenty-two. I laughed out loud during this part of the book. My I really love Kasey. She is a strong, nurturing, positive, and funny woman that you can’t help, but to love. She is completely relatable. Paul did not disappoint me at all. He is handsome, smart, and caring towards the whole Thomas family. They are an excellent couple that made me smile on several occasions. One of my favorite characters was Tate. He sounded so cute and adorable. He was really funny too.
This book doesn’t start out easy, much like life. Kasey is in a tragic accident and wakes up surrounded by EMT’s quickly learning that she has lost the love of her life – her husband – in a terrible car accident. Worse yet, she is left to break this news to her two boys. Adding trial to tribulation, Kasey’s best friend just wants to see her happy again and keeps setting her up on blind dates. These dates just keep going horribly wrong. They have become the dread of Kasey’s life and she hates going on them. That is until she meets Paul. Paul is a store owner who doesn’t take relationships seriously. While his parents had the perfect relationship, he just hasn’t found the right woman to have a reason to put the relationship effort in with. However, when his accountant sets him up with Kasey, he decides to take a chance. When Paul goes to pick up Kasey he is surprised to have a teenage boy answer the door, quickly followed by a toddler with big curious eyes. Then there is an incident with Kasey where she ends up with a bloody nose and a black eye. As he is approached with this handful of craziness, he contemplates the value of going home to his trusty and reliable dog at home. However, there is something that just draws Paul to Kasey. Be sure to grab your tissues – however not just for tears of sadness but for tears from laughing so hard. There are moments of true heartache, excitement, compassion, and wonder.
This is a story of loss and love that tugs at the heartstrings but also makes you smile. It starts with a catastrophic accident that leaves Kasey a widow. Fast forward 2 years and we find her bringing up her two boys alone. Carson is 13 and like his deceased dad and young Tate (or tater tot as everyone calls him) is just 3 and a bundle of joy. The relationship between the three of them is beautifully written and you can feel the love they have for each other in every word. Kasey’s friend Beth however thinks she needs a man so after setting her up with some serious losers, she finally sets Kasey up with Paul. Paul is a bachelor who has also been the victim of some of Beth’s awful blind dates so he’s not expecting much when it comes to this one. When Kasey and Paul meet their attraction is instant but there are more than one disasters that happen along the way. Through it all both sides have their doubts for different reasons but realise that the other person is worth the effort. Their story is written in a gentle way with lovely humour. The relationships between all the characters are real and very believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved that it was all wrapped up nicely at the end.
This is a compelling story that will keep you interested to find out what happens. Read it in 2 days because I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book!
a second time around. by Ashlie Knapp. ******5***** Wow! this is my first book from this author and I am so excited to have found her. this book was so wonderful that I was sad when I got to the end. the humor in this story is hysterical and I often found myself laughing so hard my husband kept asking me what was so funny. I would read him the funny parts and I had him laughing too. it has everything in it for a great book, humor, romance ,sorrow, and all around a great story. y out u k ow it is a good book when it stays with you. kasey Thomas l o st her husband in a car wreck when a deer ran out in front of them two years ago. she also lost part of her leg that was pinned beneath the van. Tate her three year oldies not remember him but Carson who is bitterness and has a hard time with it still. Casey's best friend Beth who she has known since the fifth grade has a bad habit of setting kasey up on blind dates with losers. kasey tells beth that her man radar is broken. Beth informs her she has another blind date and kasey will love him. PAul Jennings is not looking for love. he is a love them and leave them type. he wants what his parents had and so far life has disappointed him with finding someone like that he could see himself grow old with.like his parents. when Paul moved to the area he found himself in a parking lot and this guy comes out of nowhere asking him if he is going to rob him. they have been friends ever since. in fact pike's family have adopted him and usually spends almost everyday with them. when he arrives at kasey's house Carson entertains him till kasey is ready so she spys on them and when Tate rats her out she makes a run for it and hits the corner of the door frame busting her nose and biting her eye. PAul comes to her rescue to help her up. on their second date Paul takes her to pike's to eat. they have a great time. they start to have feelings for each other as time goes on. but kasey is keeping a secret from Paul, her leg. she thinks she is half a woman without it and no one will ever want her again. Will her secrets ruin their relationship before it takes off. when Paul finds out about her leg will he leave. this a book you need to read
A Second Time Around is a cute contemporary romance about a widowed mother of two finding love again. Kasey is a very sweet elementary school teacher who lost her husband and one of her legs in a tragic car accident. Two years later, she is in the trenches of parenting boys, with a 13-year-old and a 3-year-old, and not much hope of finding a good relationship. When her best friend Beth sets her up with the handsome and well-off Paul, she expects him to be a dud just like the rest of her set-ups. Unsurprisingly, she's wrong!
Paul is not only into the frazzled and klutzy Kasey, but he also is really great with her kids. As a mom with boys myself, I found the depictions of the kids and the parenting in this book to be very funny, often heartwarming, sometimes gross, but clearly written by someone with first-hand experience!
Some of my favorite moments revolved around the kids and interactions with them, especially one involving Halloween costumes that was very funny and sweet. She also nails what it can be like to be a mom to littles where having the house to yourself to watch Netflix in sweats sounds amazing! I think anyone who has been a parent to young kids will really appreciate that aspect of the book.
The relationship that develops between Kasey and Paul is very cute and you can't help but be happy for Kasey who is just the sweetest. In terms of intimacy, the content is pretty PG-13, so this would certainly be accessible to a wide audience.
My only real complaint had to do with a brief plot twist near the end of the book that, in my opinion, should have either been left out or expanded. How those events would affect the kids is totally not addressed and the way it was glossed over seemed too unrealistic in comparison with the rest of the story. Otherwise, I thought this was a very sweet, funny romance! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.