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Second Chance Romance
In this sweet Christian romance, a single dad in smalltown Virginia just might be the perfect match for a big city gal in need of a new beginning.As a paramedic and part-owner of a local café, Jackson Daughtry has a lot on his plate. But the single dad’s number one priority is raising his little girl with love and small-town values. So when a hotshot lawyer comes to town and starts disrupting their lives, Jackson decides to set Melanie Harper straight. But he’s surprised to learn how charming and down to earth she really is.When circumstances force them to work in the café side by side, Jackson slowly discovers what put the sadness in Melanie’s pretty brown eyes. Now it’ll take all his faith—and a hopeful five-year-old—to show the city gal that she’s already home.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2017
39 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Jill Weatherholt
26 books620 followersNewsletter Sign-up: JillWeatherholt.Substack.com
Jill Weatherholt is an author of sweet, emotional, small-town romance novels that guarantee a happy ending.
She’s sold over half a dozen sweet romance short stories to Woman’s World Magazine.
Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in North Carolina. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.
She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.
Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.
Sign-up for her newsletter at JillWeatherholt.com for the latest news and giveaways.
Instagram: jillweatherholt.author
Jill Weatherholt is an author of sweet, emotional, small-town romance novels that guarantee a happy ending.
She’s sold over half a dozen sweet romance short stories to Woman’s World Magazine.
Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in North Carolina. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.
She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.
Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.
Sign-up for her newsletter at JillWeatherholt.com for the latest news and giveaways.
Instagram: jillweatherholt.author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 12, 2021
This romance novel drew me in and refused to let me go. Once I started reading it was next to impossible to put the book down. I hated to see the end coming but hopefully I will get a glimpse of these characters that I grew to love in future books. The author has penned a beautiful heart warming romance for her readers in her debut book. Very well written !
I recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance. Readers of Love Inspired Romance will love it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance. Readers of Love Inspired Romance will love it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
March 8, 2017
This book for Love Inspired is a definite departure from what I usually read, but I enjoyed the change of pace and its delightful account of two sweet people finding love again. I especially liked the little girl, Rebecca, who would melt anyone's heart, and the setting of Sweet Gum Valley. Weatherholt's depiction of the place made this reader want to visit the Shenandoah Valley one day. A charming debut!
July 12, 2021
This is a delightful book with characters who quickly become friends. Jackson is a single dad, raising his five-year-old little girl, Rebecca. A paramedic, he’s also business partners with Phoebe in a local café called the Bean. When Phoebe encounters health problems, her niece, Melanie—a high-profile divorce attorney from Washington—shows up to take Phoebe back to D.C. But Phoebe has no intention of leaving the small town of Sweet Gum, and Jackson has no intention of allowing it to happen. Phoebe is family to him, which means Melanie has an adjustment in store.
One that is long overdue. Since losing her husband and children over a year ago, she has buried herself in work and the unfeeling isolation of urban life. Sweet Gum and the people who populate the town are friendly, sociable, and truly care about one another. What’s more, she finds herself falling for Jackson and becoming involved with Rebecca.
Weatherholt writes from the heart, delving into the emotions and tribulations of her characters. A Christian theme is beautifully woven into the story, especially in the character of Melanie who has lost her faith. I loved the relationship between Melanie and Rebecca almost, if not more, than the relationship between Melanie and Jackson. And Aunt Phoebe is a charmer!
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Especially when an unexpected character causes havoc in the last quarter of the book. I loved the HEA ending, and the small-town values. This is a well-written, feel good story that leaves the reader with a smile long after the final page is read. If you want a sweet escape… escape to Sweet Gum with this talented author!
One that is long overdue. Since losing her husband and children over a year ago, she has buried herself in work and the unfeeling isolation of urban life. Sweet Gum and the people who populate the town are friendly, sociable, and truly care about one another. What’s more, she finds herself falling for Jackson and becoming involved with Rebecca.
Weatherholt writes from the heart, delving into the emotions and tribulations of her characters. A Christian theme is beautifully woven into the story, especially in the character of Melanie who has lost her faith. I loved the relationship between Melanie and Rebecca almost, if not more, than the relationship between Melanie and Jackson. And Aunt Phoebe is a charmer!
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Especially when an unexpected character causes havoc in the last quarter of the book. I loved the HEA ending, and the small-town values. This is a well-written, feel good story that leaves the reader with a smile long after the final page is read. If you want a sweet escape… escape to Sweet Gum with this talented author!
March 16, 2017
In Jill Weatherholt's debut romantic fiction, Second Chance Romance (Harlequin Digital Sales 2017), Jackson and his daughter Rebecca are doing just fine even though his first wife left him for another man. Despite being the most eligible bachelor in his small rural town, Jackson doesn't feel like he needs anything in his life but his daughter, his job, and a select group of close friends. That changes when he saves Melanie's life after her car crashes. Something intangible about her makes Jackson feel like for the first time in a long time, he wants more. But Melanie's personal history includes a husband and twin children killed in a fire and she can't get beyond that. She has arrived at Jackson's small town to convince her only remaining living relative, Aunt Phoebe (who just happens to be Jackson's partner in a local diner), to leave small town America and move back to D.C. where they can live together. To Melanie's surprise, Phoebe doesn't feel alone and refuses to leave. When Phoebe has a stroke, Jackson and Melanie work together to keep the diner going while Phoebe recuperates and Jackson finds himself falling for Melanie.
This makes things a whole lot more complicated.
This is a fun, page-turner of a read, filled with smiles and memories. I ended up reading it over an afternoon (that should have been spent working, but oh well). You will not be disappointed with this cozy Christian mystery.
This makes things a whole lot more complicated.
This is a fun, page-turner of a read, filled with smiles and memories. I ended up reading it over an afternoon (that should have been spent working, but oh well). You will not be disappointed with this cozy Christian mystery.
February 21, 2018
Not to be a broken record matching other reviews here, but for a book so far outside of my reading wheelhouse, I really, truly enjoyed Second Chance Romance.
Jill put together a touching, plausible plot and I caught myself smiling more than once during my reading. It’s a “cute” book, but that’s not a slight–I think that’s the goal, and man, she knocked it out of the park. She hits all the notes of a page-turner by setting up the characters with well-grounded conflict. Painful past events for both the male lead, Jackson, and his love interest, Melanie, drive their thoughts and actions, eventually leading up to the climax and promised happy ending. Throughout, there’s an emphasis on faith and how it affects each individual, but it never felt overbearing.
I’m certainly looking forward to Jill’s next book as well as subsequent releases throughout her career.
Jill put together a touching, plausible plot and I caught myself smiling more than once during my reading. It’s a “cute” book, but that’s not a slight–I think that’s the goal, and man, she knocked it out of the park. She hits all the notes of a page-turner by setting up the characters with well-grounded conflict. Painful past events for both the male lead, Jackson, and his love interest, Melanie, drive their thoughts and actions, eventually leading up to the climax and promised happy ending. Throughout, there’s an emphasis on faith and how it affects each individual, but it never felt overbearing.
I’m certainly looking forward to Jill’s next book as well as subsequent releases throughout her career.
March 6, 2017
This book is a big departure from what I normally read--in fact, it's the first Harlequin book I've ever read--so kudos to the author for getting me out of my usual dark-genre zone, and kudos to the author for her clean writing style (both craft-wise and content-wise) and great story-telling chops.
This is a story of a man and a woman who must overcome past heartache in order to form a new life together. The woman's past is particularly traumatic, and her pain is palpable. The characters come to life on the pages as does the small-town setting. The writing is smooth and seamless.
An enjoyable and sweet departure from my normal fare.
This is a story of a man and a woman who must overcome past heartache in order to form a new life together. The woman's past is particularly traumatic, and her pain is palpable. The characters come to life on the pages as does the small-town setting. The writing is smooth and seamless.
An enjoyable and sweet departure from my normal fare.
June 10, 2019
A sweet romance that will delight Love Inspired Romance fans.
April 3, 2024
I struggled with how to rate this book. As someone who travels quite a bit I love a good audio book. Herein lies my only complaint, AI narration nearly ruined this for me. The English language requires nuance which this “reading” lacked. I borrowed it from the library, glad I didn’t pay for the audio.
Now, the story had me from the beginning. I’m a sucker for a good love story! I’m even a bigger sucker for a redemption story and all things are possible for those who love the Lord. This is a good “Christian” romance without proselytizing. I’ll have to check out the authors other writings.
Now, the story had me from the beginning. I’m a sucker for a good love story! I’m even a bigger sucker for a redemption story and all things are possible for those who love the Lord. This is a good “Christian” romance without proselytizing. I’ll have to check out the authors other writings.
February 24, 2017
Charming debut Love Inspired contemporary romance.
This one ticks all the boxes -- compelling single-dad who embraces small-town values; an emotionally wounded heroine with conflicting big city plans and a sweet little girl who longs to see her family complete. There's enough here to touch the heart strings and raise a reader's ire. There were times when I just wanted to pinch some sense into Melanie! How is it possible to be sympathetic to a heroine while being spitting mad at her? Gah, that woman was frustrating at times. And there was Jackson, solid, dependable, patient. Oh, she got his dander up sometimes too but he seemed to handle things better than I did. :-) A sweet read to curl up with.
This one ticks all the boxes -- compelling single-dad who embraces small-town values; an emotionally wounded heroine with conflicting big city plans and a sweet little girl who longs to see her family complete. There's enough here to touch the heart strings and raise a reader's ire. There were times when I just wanted to pinch some sense into Melanie! How is it possible to be sympathetic to a heroine while being spitting mad at her? Gah, that woman was frustrating at times. And there was Jackson, solid, dependable, patient. Oh, she got his dander up sometimes too but he seemed to handle things better than I did. :-) A sweet read to curl up with.
March 1, 2017
A book that really tugs on your heartstrings! I was drawn in by the exciting opening, and I fell in love right along with the sympathetic heroine and the delightful hero. A great debut by Jill Weatherholt! Put this one on your reading list!
July 10, 2018
Sometimes you need a feel-good book, a story in which realistic characters face many challenges, but are able to overcome them through love and faith. That’s what you get in Second Chance Romance by Jill Weatherholt, a wonderful inspirational romance that promises just what the title suggests.
Jackson Daughtry doesn’t know what to think when a young, and very attractive, career-driven divorce lawyer arrives in Sweet Gum, Virginia. Melanie Harper is there to convince her Aunt Phoebe to move to Washington, D.C. because she is sure that Phoebe, her only relative, cannot manage on her own. But it may be that Melanie is the one in need, for despite a successful career and head-turning looks, Melanie lives in a shadow of sadness.
Add to the fact that Jackson, a handsome paramedic and single dad, shares ownership with Phoebe of Sweet Gum’s local café. They need each other. And Phoebe may not be a blood relative, but she’s definitely family to Jackson. This charming small town is where Phoebe belongs, and he’s about lock horns with Melanie on the subject.
As the story unfolds, readers learn more about Melanie’s mysterious past and why she is so entrenched in her career. In addition, Jackson’s back story explains why his little girl, Rebecca, has no mother in the picture. Could Melanie fill that void?
This isn’t just a love story, however. Weatherholt tackles important issues such as how to deal with loss and questions of faith. She presents a serious conflict and shows how her characters cope, using humor and keen insight into human behavior. Readers will need to read till the end to see how Weatherholt resolves the strong attraction and tension between Jackson and Melanie, which is also threatened by outside developments.
I very much enjoyed reading Second Chance Romance, and especially liked the small-town setting in which friends and neighbors look out for each other. I recommend this lovely romance to readers who like to see the good guys win.
Jackson Daughtry doesn’t know what to think when a young, and very attractive, career-driven divorce lawyer arrives in Sweet Gum, Virginia. Melanie Harper is there to convince her Aunt Phoebe to move to Washington, D.C. because she is sure that Phoebe, her only relative, cannot manage on her own. But it may be that Melanie is the one in need, for despite a successful career and head-turning looks, Melanie lives in a shadow of sadness.
Add to the fact that Jackson, a handsome paramedic and single dad, shares ownership with Phoebe of Sweet Gum’s local café. They need each other. And Phoebe may not be a blood relative, but she’s definitely family to Jackson. This charming small town is where Phoebe belongs, and he’s about lock horns with Melanie on the subject.
As the story unfolds, readers learn more about Melanie’s mysterious past and why she is so entrenched in her career. In addition, Jackson’s back story explains why his little girl, Rebecca, has no mother in the picture. Could Melanie fill that void?
This isn’t just a love story, however. Weatherholt tackles important issues such as how to deal with loss and questions of faith. She presents a serious conflict and shows how her characters cope, using humor and keen insight into human behavior. Readers will need to read till the end to see how Weatherholt resolves the strong attraction and tension between Jackson and Melanie, which is also threatened by outside developments.
I very much enjoyed reading Second Chance Romance, and especially liked the small-town setting in which friends and neighbors look out for each other. I recommend this lovely romance to readers who like to see the good guys win.
April 17, 2017
Second Chance Romance is a heartwarming story of love and friendship, small town comforts and values.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters while sharing the town of Sweet Gum with them. It felt as if I could be sitting there in a corner booth at the town’s coffee shop, The Bean, sipping coffee while watching the story unfold. Descriptions of the apple orchard also made me want to be there, to soak in the beauty of the area and to sample Aunt Phoebe’s brownies.
While this is a romance, it’s also a story about overcoming any fears in order to love more fully. After Melanie loses her family in a fire, she turns inward and finds it difficult to interact with others, especially a five-year-old girl who reminds her of her daughters. I felt for Melanie as she struggled to open up, put her past behind her, and find love again.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters while sharing the town of Sweet Gum with them. It felt as if I could be sitting there in a corner booth at the town’s coffee shop, The Bean, sipping coffee while watching the story unfold. Descriptions of the apple orchard also made me want to be there, to soak in the beauty of the area and to sample Aunt Phoebe’s brownies.
While this is a romance, it’s also a story about overcoming any fears in order to love more fully. After Melanie loses her family in a fire, she turns inward and finds it difficult to interact with others, especially a five-year-old girl who reminds her of her daughters. I felt for Melanie as she struggled to open up, put her past behind her, and find love again.
August 10, 2021
This is such a good story of tragedy and heartache turned around to finding love again for both Jackson and Melanie. The icing on the cake is Jackson’s young daughter, Elizabeth, who seems to be an old soul in a young girl’s body - wise beyond her years. Throw in a twist of an alcoholic ex-wife and there is a bit of mystery and excitement. The book is a fast read - and when I started reading - I had to finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2017
A charming story of love and light, Jill Weatherholt’s first novel Second Chance Romance is published by the Love Inspired imprint of Harlequin. According to the website:
You believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.
I’m not used to reading in the genre of Christian fiction, and I was eager to try something new. If you think that everything is puppy dogs (there is a puppy, happily) and rainbows in Weatherholt’s book, you will be astonished. Melanie, a divorce lawyer from D.C., has lost her faith and hope in the face of horrific tragedy. A resident of Sweet Gum, handsome single dad Jackson has been touched by darkness in his life, too. But he’s been able to hold onto his faith.
Events transpire that first set Melanie and Jackson at odds and, later, try to prevent them from finding love together. The reader is left in suspense until the end as to how the problems will be resolved. And how faith and forgiveness and compassion can change their lives.
The characters are engaging, especially the characterization of Rebecca, Jackson’s little girl. Her personality rises right off the pages, and I feel as if she’s an actual child I know and can’t wait to see again. I’ll always remember her characteristic twirl.
Weatherholt’s book is one I want to pass on to several people because they will love moving to Sweet Gum, a town with a heart, for the duration.
You believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.
I’m not used to reading in the genre of Christian fiction, and I was eager to try something new. If you think that everything is puppy dogs (there is a puppy, happily) and rainbows in Weatherholt’s book, you will be astonished. Melanie, a divorce lawyer from D.C., has lost her faith and hope in the face of horrific tragedy. A resident of Sweet Gum, handsome single dad Jackson has been touched by darkness in his life, too. But he’s been able to hold onto his faith.
Events transpire that first set Melanie and Jackson at odds and, later, try to prevent them from finding love together. The reader is left in suspense until the end as to how the problems will be resolved. And how faith and forgiveness and compassion can change their lives.
The characters are engaging, especially the characterization of Rebecca, Jackson’s little girl. Her personality rises right off the pages, and I feel as if she’s an actual child I know and can’t wait to see again. I’ll always remember her characteristic twirl.
Weatherholt’s book is one I want to pass on to several people because they will love moving to Sweet Gum, a town with a heart, for the duration.
January 8, 2021
I really enjoy the books by Love Inspired. They’re clean, Christian fiction that I can read when I just want to relax. Which doesn’t mean there’s no depth to the story.
Second Chance Romance by author Jill Weatherholt is charming, easy to read, and still deals with life issues. The main characters have both been hurt and need to learn to trust again. Their faith in God is important to this story and I appreciate that.
I love the settings that Weatherholt has written into the story. A coffee shop, an apple orchard, all small town warmth and fun. And who doesn’t love an adorable five year old? Seriously, this book has it all and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Second Chance Romance by author Jill Weatherholt is charming, easy to read, and still deals with life issues. The main characters have both been hurt and need to learn to trust again. Their faith in God is important to this story and I appreciate that.
I love the settings that Weatherholt has written into the story. A coffee shop, an apple orchard, all small town warmth and fun. And who doesn’t love an adorable five year old? Seriously, this book has it all and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
January 11, 2017
I really like all of the characters in this book. When I do reviews, I don't usually do a synopsis of what the book is about. I think the description on Goodreads is clear for that.
Jill is a personal friend of mine, and she is an amazing hard worker! She works full-time and writes in the evenings and on the weekends, very dedicated. This is her first published novel, and it shows her sensitivity and wonderful sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Rebecca, the five year old in the book is a delight and is my favorite character. Jill also weaves an element of mystery throughout the story which kept me reading.
Jill is a personal friend of mine, and she is an amazing hard worker! She works full-time and writes in the evenings and on the weekends, very dedicated. This is her first published novel, and it shows her sensitivity and wonderful sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Rebecca, the five year old in the book is a delight and is my favorite character. Jill also weaves an element of mystery throughout the story which kept me reading.
Read
March 16, 2017"This is an emotional tale about second chances, and the way the town comes together is heartwarming. The details are rich, and the flawed characters are relatable. The conclusion is the perfect wrap-up to the story" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
September 25, 2017
After reading a series of intensive, high-octane thrillers in the past weeks, Jill Weatherholt’s ’Second Chance Romance’ proved just the tonic I needed to relax and return to earth.
In this heart-warming novel published by Harlequin Love Inspired, Jackson Daughtry, a single father of five-year-old Rebecca, one morning comes to the rescue of Melanie Harper. She hit a tree whilst swerving to avoid a deer and Jackson’s paramedic skills come to good use as he helps her out of the car and then to the hospital. From this very first meeting, their lives are interwoven and irrevocably changed.
Melanie is the niece of the very popular Phoebe Austin, Jackson’s business partner to the local cafe The Bean and since the death of his parents, Phoebe has been like family to him. Melanie wants her aunt to move with her to Washington, DC., which causes conflict for everyone concerned.
As a divorce attorney in the capital Melanie is a city girl through and through. However, the tragedy which struck her life a year earlier had resulted in her retreating into herself in the isolated, uncaring environment of urban life. When faced with the beauty and wondrous landscape of idyllic and harmonious Sweet Gum in the Shenandoah Valley she gradually opens up emotionally. The setting becomes an intrinsic part of the novel and the friendly, caring attitude of the community is sensitively and memorably portrayed.
The novel is told in the third person switching with ease and skill between the two main protagonists and ultimately allowing us closer access to their thoughts and feelings.
Being a romantic novel, the frisson between Jackson and Melanie is at the core of the story; its intensity and the continual emotional rollercoaster between them makes this a most compelling, addictive read. Whilst attracted to each other, they deny these feelings to themselves as differences over many issues makes any future seem untenable. Just as Melanie comes out of the hospital, Aunt Phoebe suffers a stroke and whilst she recuperates, the running of the cafe falls to Melanie and Jackson. The past haunts them both more than ever when faced with working together each day and confronting their traumas.
Having been left to raise his daughter four years earlier when he was abandoned by his wife, Jackson finds it difficult to trust anyone. Meanwhile, Melanie is still lost to herself and the world following overwhelming grief…a tragedy that is only slowly revealed. Whilst Jackson finds solace in his faith, Melanie lost hers.
Faith is one of several deep and thought-provoking themes examined and woven into the narrative. Grief, fear, forgiveness and love are all seamlessly arced across the novel and hidden within the more everyday events. These include such gentle, seemingly inconsequential happenings such as a fair, apple picking, picnic and baking, which are all exquisitely described and very much part of the homily Mills & Boon genre. Numerous sub-plots such as the menacing return of woman long since disappeared and the romantic possibilities for Aunt Phoebe bolster the main story.
For me the star of this book is Rebecca, Jackson’s daughter – she instantly won a place in my heart! Her warm loving personality, belief and innate wisdom is brilliantly captured and helps unravel the darkness of sorrow within Melanie; I can just imagine the powerful impact of the hugs from this little girl. The reader’s instant affection for Rebecca only heightens the tension and drama as she faces danger and the possibility of being lost to them forever.
Although an easy read with a welcome escapist element, this is a well-crafted and written novel with a perfect fusion of romance and drama; I quickly became engrossed in the lives of all the characters and I didn’t want to leave my new friends as the novel came to an end.
In this heart-warming novel published by Harlequin Love Inspired, Jackson Daughtry, a single father of five-year-old Rebecca, one morning comes to the rescue of Melanie Harper. She hit a tree whilst swerving to avoid a deer and Jackson’s paramedic skills come to good use as he helps her out of the car and then to the hospital. From this very first meeting, their lives are interwoven and irrevocably changed.
Melanie is the niece of the very popular Phoebe Austin, Jackson’s business partner to the local cafe The Bean and since the death of his parents, Phoebe has been like family to him. Melanie wants her aunt to move with her to Washington, DC., which causes conflict for everyone concerned.
As a divorce attorney in the capital Melanie is a city girl through and through. However, the tragedy which struck her life a year earlier had resulted in her retreating into herself in the isolated, uncaring environment of urban life. When faced with the beauty and wondrous landscape of idyllic and harmonious Sweet Gum in the Shenandoah Valley she gradually opens up emotionally. The setting becomes an intrinsic part of the novel and the friendly, caring attitude of the community is sensitively and memorably portrayed.
The novel is told in the third person switching with ease and skill between the two main protagonists and ultimately allowing us closer access to their thoughts and feelings.
Being a romantic novel, the frisson between Jackson and Melanie is at the core of the story; its intensity and the continual emotional rollercoaster between them makes this a most compelling, addictive read. Whilst attracted to each other, they deny these feelings to themselves as differences over many issues makes any future seem untenable. Just as Melanie comes out of the hospital, Aunt Phoebe suffers a stroke and whilst she recuperates, the running of the cafe falls to Melanie and Jackson. The past haunts them both more than ever when faced with working together each day and confronting their traumas.
Having been left to raise his daughter four years earlier when he was abandoned by his wife, Jackson finds it difficult to trust anyone. Meanwhile, Melanie is still lost to herself and the world following overwhelming grief…a tragedy that is only slowly revealed. Whilst Jackson finds solace in his faith, Melanie lost hers.
Faith is one of several deep and thought-provoking themes examined and woven into the narrative. Grief, fear, forgiveness and love are all seamlessly arced across the novel and hidden within the more everyday events. These include such gentle, seemingly inconsequential happenings such as a fair, apple picking, picnic and baking, which are all exquisitely described and very much part of the homily Mills & Boon genre. Numerous sub-plots such as the menacing return of woman long since disappeared and the romantic possibilities for Aunt Phoebe bolster the main story.
For me the star of this book is Rebecca, Jackson’s daughter – she instantly won a place in my heart! Her warm loving personality, belief and innate wisdom is brilliantly captured and helps unravel the darkness of sorrow within Melanie; I can just imagine the powerful impact of the hugs from this little girl. The reader’s instant affection for Rebecca only heightens the tension and drama as she faces danger and the possibility of being lost to them forever.
Although an easy read with a welcome escapist element, this is a well-crafted and written novel with a perfect fusion of romance and drama; I quickly became engrossed in the lives of all the characters and I didn’t want to leave my new friends as the novel came to an end.
August 18, 2022
SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE by Jill Weatherholt is the heart tugging inspirational story of Jackson Daughtry and Melanie Harper in Sweet Gum, Virginia.
Jackson is a paramedic, part-owner of The Coffee Bean, and the proud father of five year old Rebecca. Divorced from Rebecca’s mom after she walked out on him with his best friend with no regard to her daughter four years ago left him with trust issues. He’s not ready to open himself up to that kind of hurt again. But that’s ok because he’s main job is to take care of and protect his precious and precocious daughter. That’s all he needs.
Melanie is a very successful attorney in Washington, D.C. She’s had more than her fair share of heartache in the last year. An accident claimed the lives of her husband and twin daughters. An accident that she feels responsible for. Now she’s all alone, spending every waking moment working, isolating herself from people and the hurt. She’s made up her mind that her Aunt Phoebe, her only remaining relative, needs to come live with her convincing herself it’s for her aunt’s own good. After all at her age, it’s time for her aunt to retire and let her take care of her. In reality she’s tired of being lonely. She’s finally going for a visit with plans of bringing her home with her.
On the way to Sweet Gum, an encounter with a deer on a rain slick road, has Melanie running off the road and hitting a tree. Jackson, who had been traveling behind her, witnessed it all and immediately stopped finding her unconscious. With no ambulance available, he gets her out of her car and into his to transport her to the hospital ER. That’s when the nurse found in the contents of her purse that she is Phoebe Austin’s niece. Phoebe was his mother’s dearest friend, like a mother to him since his mother’s death and his business partner at The Coffee Bean.
While recovering from her accident, Melanie learns her aunt has no intention of leaving the home and friends she loves. Jackson and the whole community of Sweet Gum aren’t in favor of it either. Melanie just has to find a way to convince them all.
When Phoebe suffers a stroke, Melanie puts all her plans on hold to concentrate on helping her heal and to help in the day to day operations of The Coffee Bean, which means so much to Phoebe. It will mean not only working side by side with the man she’s bumped heads with since day one, but also come face to face with one of her greatest fears – being around a child that reminds her so much of her twins and the heartache of her family being gone.
Can Melanie fight all of them to get her way or will they convince her she is the one that’s in error on what’s best for Phoebe? Will seeing Jackson’s beautiful blue eyes every day and his caring ways have her seeing him in a different light? Dare Jackson have more than friendship ideas with a woman that he knows will be leaving in just a short span of time? Can a little 5 year old weave herself into a woman’s heart who thought she was beyond loving every again? Will Phoebe’s match making play into them both seeing what’s important in life and have them willing to take another chance on a happily ever after? Will someone from the past bring havoc to developing feelings?
SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE is a fabulous book about having faith to follow your heart, believing that you are exactly where you’re need to be, second chances, community, forgiveness, giving friendship and love brings it back tenfold, never giving up and the power of prayer. Jill Weatherholt delivers another amazing story that will have you reading it in one sitting because you won’t be able to put it down. FIVE STAR reading at its very best!
Jackson is a paramedic, part-owner of The Coffee Bean, and the proud father of five year old Rebecca. Divorced from Rebecca’s mom after she walked out on him with his best friend with no regard to her daughter four years ago left him with trust issues. He’s not ready to open himself up to that kind of hurt again. But that’s ok because he’s main job is to take care of and protect his precious and precocious daughter. That’s all he needs.
Melanie is a very successful attorney in Washington, D.C. She’s had more than her fair share of heartache in the last year. An accident claimed the lives of her husband and twin daughters. An accident that she feels responsible for. Now she’s all alone, spending every waking moment working, isolating herself from people and the hurt. She’s made up her mind that her Aunt Phoebe, her only remaining relative, needs to come live with her convincing herself it’s for her aunt’s own good. After all at her age, it’s time for her aunt to retire and let her take care of her. In reality she’s tired of being lonely. She’s finally going for a visit with plans of bringing her home with her.
On the way to Sweet Gum, an encounter with a deer on a rain slick road, has Melanie running off the road and hitting a tree. Jackson, who had been traveling behind her, witnessed it all and immediately stopped finding her unconscious. With no ambulance available, he gets her out of her car and into his to transport her to the hospital ER. That’s when the nurse found in the contents of her purse that she is Phoebe Austin’s niece. Phoebe was his mother’s dearest friend, like a mother to him since his mother’s death and his business partner at The Coffee Bean.
While recovering from her accident, Melanie learns her aunt has no intention of leaving the home and friends she loves. Jackson and the whole community of Sweet Gum aren’t in favor of it either. Melanie just has to find a way to convince them all.
When Phoebe suffers a stroke, Melanie puts all her plans on hold to concentrate on helping her heal and to help in the day to day operations of The Coffee Bean, which means so much to Phoebe. It will mean not only working side by side with the man she’s bumped heads with since day one, but also come face to face with one of her greatest fears – being around a child that reminds her so much of her twins and the heartache of her family being gone.
Can Melanie fight all of them to get her way or will they convince her she is the one that’s in error on what’s best for Phoebe? Will seeing Jackson’s beautiful blue eyes every day and his caring ways have her seeing him in a different light? Dare Jackson have more than friendship ideas with a woman that he knows will be leaving in just a short span of time? Can a little 5 year old weave herself into a woman’s heart who thought she was beyond loving every again? Will Phoebe’s match making play into them both seeing what’s important in life and have them willing to take another chance on a happily ever after? Will someone from the past bring havoc to developing feelings?
SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE is a fabulous book about having faith to follow your heart, believing that you are exactly where you’re need to be, second chances, community, forgiveness, giving friendship and love brings it back tenfold, never giving up and the power of prayer. Jill Weatherholt delivers another amazing story that will have you reading it in one sitting because you won’t be able to put it down. FIVE STAR reading at its very best!
July 6, 2022
Craptastic story about an absolutely horrible woman and her attitude.
This was a DNF@50 pages.
Melanie is a high powered lawyer too busy with her career to be with her kids/husband, who died in a car wreck/fire. Now that her grief has lulled enough that she can focus outside of herself (HA) she's DECIDED for her aunt that said aunt is going to leave the home she's always lived in and the café she co-owns in a sweet small town to go live with Melanie in Washington D.C.... because Melanie says so.
Then the day Melanie shows up in town? Aunt Phoebe conveniently has a stroke. YEARS apart with no visits, and the aunt just happens to have been saving up for a moment like this, per the author. Um... how about NO?
Meanwhile, Jackson is a paramedic who's known he would be a life-saver since he rescued a proverbial cat from a tree, and no... I'm not kidding. The lack of imagination/shoddy writing here is *staggering*. He's also co-owner of the café (his mom's share, now that she's passed). He has a daughter he's raising alone since his previous bee-OTCH of a wife ran out on him to go be awesome somewhere else. So of COURSE he's spoiling the daughter rotten as "he could never say no to his little girl". Ugh, BAD parenting. More, he's running headlong into another relationship with a bee-OTCH who is awesome somewhere else.
Grrrrrrreat guy, there.
I was *DONE* when I got to pg 50, and Jackson assured the doctor that he'd take over Phoebe's job at the café while she recuperated, and Melanie goes, "Wait a minute - it's Phoebe's business, too and she's *MY* aunt. I'll take care of the restaurant. Unless you think I can't handle it. I do have a law degree, you know."
SHUT. UP. *N.O.W*. What. A. Harpy...!!!!!
THIS... *THIS* is inspirational fiction?! In what world?!?!?
NO! Absolutely NOT. This is NOT at all uplifting.
It's going directly in my burn barrel.
I'm not passing on garbage like this to anyone. Ever.
This was a DNF@50 pages.
Melanie is a high powered lawyer too busy with her career to be with her kids/husband, who died in a car wreck/fire. Now that her grief has lulled enough that she can focus outside of herself (HA) she's DECIDED for her aunt that said aunt is going to leave the home she's always lived in and the café she co-owns in a sweet small town to go live with Melanie in Washington D.C.... because Melanie says so.
Then the day Melanie shows up in town? Aunt Phoebe conveniently has a stroke. YEARS apart with no visits, and the aunt just happens to have been saving up for a moment like this, per the author. Um... how about NO?
Meanwhile, Jackson is a paramedic who's known he would be a life-saver since he rescued a proverbial cat from a tree, and no... I'm not kidding. The lack of imagination/shoddy writing here is *staggering*. He's also co-owner of the café (his mom's share, now that she's passed). He has a daughter he's raising alone since his previous bee-OTCH of a wife ran out on him to go be awesome somewhere else. So of COURSE he's spoiling the daughter rotten as "he could never say no to his little girl". Ugh, BAD parenting. More, he's running headlong into another relationship with a bee-OTCH who is awesome somewhere else.
Grrrrrrreat guy, there.
I was *DONE* when I got to pg 50, and Jackson assured the doctor that he'd take over Phoebe's job at the café while she recuperated, and Melanie goes, "Wait a minute - it's Phoebe's business, too and she's *MY* aunt. I'll take care of the restaurant. Unless you think I can't handle it. I do have a law degree, you know."
SHUT. UP. *N.O.W*. What. A. Harpy...!!!!!
THIS... *THIS* is inspirational fiction?! In what world?!?!?
NO! Absolutely NOT. This is NOT at all uplifting.
It's going directly in my burn barrel.
I'm not passing on garbage like this to anyone. Ever.
February 6, 2022
Jackson Daughtry is a single dad raising a sweet five-year-old named Rebecca. His wife left him for one of Jackson's friends when Rebecca was one. Melanie Harper is a widow from Washington D.C. whose husband and daughters died in an accident. She arrives in the small town of Sweet Gum to try and convince her Aunt Phoebe to come live with her. Jackson is quite protective of Phoebe and thinks that would be a mistake as she seems happy living in her small town while running a restaurant called The Bean.
Neither Jackson nor Melanie is looking for romance, but they can't deny the chemistry they feel. Everything about being around children makes Melanie sad about her daughters' passing, but she and Rebecca immediately hit it off. To complicate matters, Aunt Phoebe has a stroke, and Jackson and Melanie join forces (reluctantly at first) to work together to keep The Bean going. When Jackson's ex-wife returns, the tension ramps up even more.
The story was delightful, though a somewhat predictable plot. There is a faith-based element to Jill Weatherholt's cozy read that might bother some readers, but it didn't bother me at all. I thought the characterization was believable, and both Jackson and Melanie have roadblocks that may prevent them from becoming a couple. Rebecca is a particularly delightful character that most readers will immediately love. I think most fans of romance novels will enjoy this quick read.
Neither Jackson nor Melanie is looking for romance, but they can't deny the chemistry they feel. Everything about being around children makes Melanie sad about her daughters' passing, but she and Rebecca immediately hit it off. To complicate matters, Aunt Phoebe has a stroke, and Jackson and Melanie join forces (reluctantly at first) to work together to keep The Bean going. When Jackson's ex-wife returns, the tension ramps up even more.
The story was delightful, though a somewhat predictable plot. There is a faith-based element to Jill Weatherholt's cozy read that might bother some readers, but it didn't bother me at all. I thought the characterization was believable, and both Jackson and Melanie have roadblocks that may prevent them from becoming a couple. Rebecca is a particularly delightful character that most readers will immediately love. I think most fans of romance novels will enjoy this quick read.
November 6, 2023
“Second Chance Romance” is a sweet Christian romance set in a charming small town. A local paramedic, Jackson, was on his way to pick up his young daughter Rebecca when he came across an accident. He immediately rescued the woman, Melanie, and got her to the hospital. Luckily, Melanie only had some bumps and bruises that only required an overnight watch, and she was back on her quest to ask her only living relative to come live with her. Unfortunately for Melanie, her aunt Phoebe had no desire to leave. Melanie wasn’t an easy woman to deal with. Only her aunt knew that a horrible accident had claimed Melanie’s daughter and husband and how much she was hurting. Melanie had lost all her faith and couldn’t wait to get back to her job, which consumed all her time. I loved the developing relationship between Melanie with not only Jackson but also his daughter. Sweet Gum seemed like a place Melanie could heal if she allowed it to happen. A few twists changed her life in ways she didn’t expect. A well-written story that weaves in not only a woman’s coming to grips with her past, and possible romance, but her spiritual healing, too. This is a feel-good HEA that I can easily recommend.
March 11, 2017
Jill Weatherholt writes a story that not only draws the reader in from the very beginning: she keeps the reader there loving the characters, being a part of the developing story, and riding it to the very end. No two love stories are the same, at least that is the case in the hands of this accomplished author. The story is precious, and the message Ms. Weatherholt sends her readers is one we all need to hear from time to time. For me, that message was: “What we see and know about our unfolding lives is just a fraction of what goes on behind the scenes because we are not alone on this journey called life, not by a longshot.” I’m sure this story will capture your heart as it did mine. – Irene Frances Olson, author of REQUIEM FOR THE STATUS QUO, to be published by Black Rose Writing summer of 2017.
August 14, 2022
I received this book as a gift and found it to be a refreshingly light read. Several things appealed to me, such as the small town setting where everyone knows everyone, a single dad raising a little girl, who is also a paramedic and dashingly handsome, and a big city lawyer who has given up on love and God.
Faith is woven throughout the story, but it's done in a tasteful way so that it doesn't come across as preachy.
One of my favorite characters in the story is Rebecca, a precocious little girl who adores her father. While the plot and storyline are predictable, I enjoyed the light-hearted read, and it left me feeling hopeful. I am a sucker for a happy ending. Especially one where all the characters come out winners. This author writes from the heart, and that is obvious in this story. If you love Christian-based clean and wholesome romances, you'll enjoy this book.
Faith is woven throughout the story, but it's done in a tasteful way so that it doesn't come across as preachy.
One of my favorite characters in the story is Rebecca, a precocious little girl who adores her father. While the plot and storyline are predictable, I enjoyed the light-hearted read, and it left me feeling hopeful. I am a sucker for a happy ending. Especially one where all the characters come out winners. This author writes from the heart, and that is obvious in this story. If you love Christian-based clean and wholesome romances, you'll enjoy this book.
September 12, 2018
Small-Town Daddy Jackson Daughtry's jobs as a (paramedic and part-owner of a local café) keep him busy—but the single dad's number one priority is raising his little girl Rebecca with love and small-town values. And when his business partner's hotshot (lawyer) niece comes to town planning to disrupt their lives by moving her aunt away, Jackson has to set Melanie Harper straight. When circumstances force them to work side by side in the coffee shop, Jackson slowly discovers what put the sadness in Melanie's pretty brown eyes. Now it'll take all his faith—and a hopeful five-year-old—to show the city gal that she's already home.
December 11, 2018
The story was fine but i found it a little unbelievable also timeline seemed off. First issue i have is one person runs a cafe all by herself? She has no wait staff of any kind and as busy as she makes it out to be seems improbable. 2nd issue is with the puppy. It wasn't born yet but then all the sudden it exists and they are already taking it to river for a picnic. 3rd issue is the aunts time in a hospital and her recovery. She says it was a stroke which is pretty serious. Maybe if it was a ministroke which aren't as serious but can lead to a more serious issue but then the recovery time for a ministroke is different from a stroke. I don't know just didn't seemed will thought out.
March 14, 2017
Jill Weatherholt’s debut is a sweet and tender story of tragic losses and second-chance love. Jackson and Melanie may not be perfect, but that just gave me more reason to root for them. Jackson’s little girl, Rebecca, is absolutely adorable! She stole my heart from the start, and how fortunate for Melanie that Rebecca came along to help heal her shattered one. Jill skillfully creates relatable characters you will care about, and a small town atmosphere you won’t want to leave. I look forward to reading many more books from Jill!
October 18, 2017
Second Chance Romance is a very sweet account of how two emotionally scarred individuals learn to trust and to have faith in love again after suffering loss. I chuckled at the main characters' verbal sparring when they first became acquainted with each other. Jackson's young daughter, Rebecca, is a prominent figure in the book and she is adorable.
I enjoyed this quick, light romance book. If you're looking for a little sweet escape from more emotionally draining reads, you'll find solace in Second Chance Romance.
I enjoyed this quick, light romance book. If you're looking for a little sweet escape from more emotionally draining reads, you'll find solace in Second Chance Romance.
July 17, 2018
Like many of the other reviewers, this novel is a different genre from what I usually read. Quickly, I found Jill Weatherholt's heart-warming tale to be a much-appreciated breath of fresh air. This story is well-written and captivating. I was drawn into the lives of the characters and their small town in the Shenandoah Valley. I was sad to have this story end. I look forward to reading Jill's upcoming novel, A Father for Bella.
BTW - I did have a strong desire to hang out in a small town coffee shop when I was finished reading!
BTW - I did have a strong desire to hang out in a small town coffee shop when I was finished reading!
May 11, 2017
Second Chance Romance by Jill Weatherholt. Melanie Harper is coming to town to visit her aunt. On the way she hit a deer. Paramedic Jackson Daughtry was behind her. He got her out of her car and took her to the hospital. Feelings are going on between Jackson and Melanie. Jackson has a five year old daughter. His ex wife comes to town wanting to take his daughter away from Jackson. Melanie wants to take her aunt to the big city but her aunt doesn't want to move. A good read.
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