Second Chances

Coming Home #1

by Kristi Rose

Clean, sweet romance about first loves and second chances.

Fourteen years ago Lorelei Parker fell in love with her best friend, Cole Williams, but instead of forever she ended up with a broken heart. Now, if they can put their past behind them, Lorelei and Cole may find a second chance.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

71 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2014

About the author

Hey! I’m Kristi. I write romances that will tug your heartstrings and laugh out loud mysteries. In all my stories you’ll fall in love with the cast of characters, they’ll become old, fun friends. My one hope is that I create stories that satisfy any of your book cravings and take you away from the rut of everyday life (sometimes it's a good rut).

When I’m not writing I’m spinning (riding a stationary bike, repurposing Happy Planners, or drinking a London Fog (hot tea with frothy milk).

I’m the mom of 2 and a milspouse (retired). We live in the Pacific Northwest and are under-prepared if one of the volcanoes erupts.
Here are 3 things about me:
• I lived on the outskirts of an active volcano (Mt.Etna)
• A spider bit me and it laid eggs in my arm (my kids don’t know that story yet)
• I grew up in Central Florida and have skied in lakes with gators.

I’d love to get to know you better. Join my Read & Relax community and then fire off an email and tell me 3 things about you!
Not ready to join? Email me or follow me here. Thanks for popping by!

You can connect with Kristi at any of the following:
www.kristirose.net
kristi@kristirose.net

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from the fact that most of the text is taken up by other works of the author, this was an enjoyable short story. While the couple on the cover look deliriously infatuated with one another, it's not really the case for main characters, Lorelei and Cole. Both are still trying to make the other see the reason for the bad turn in their high school romance despite the fact both are grown adults

Of course, the story heats up in the few chapters and the epilogue takes us 20 years into the future. So, I suppose the cover really is a spoiler for the future.

[Carole Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needed a quick short story and this did deliver.



The story follows Lorelei and Cole. The two broke up 14 years ago. Years have past and Cole is coming back home for two reasons: work in town and get Lorelei's forgiveness for leaving. Time does not heal all wounds and it will not be an easy task to get her forgiveness and love.



This was a sad story especially after learning about the BIG reason why they broke up. It was so sad. Nearly got a tear out of me. I hated Cole at first....but then after he could explain I felt for him too. It was rough for both parties. So sad.



I'm glad this wasn't an insta-love and forgiveness. It took until pretty much the end. It was needed. I honestly wish this had been longer because I feel like their road to forgiveness and love needed to be fleshed out more. I think it would've been an even better story and I I would have loved it even more.



The narrator was pretty good. I wouldn't mind listening to more.



But yes - I liked this and it did work. But I think it would've been WAYYYYYYYYYY better longer. I for sure recommend this if you need something quick and has a touch of feels. A pretty good narrator. I'll give this 4 stars.

[Carie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella! I liked the characters and the detail the author put into such a short story. I felt like I knew the characters and their stories really well, despite it being such a short read. And it was a great romantic fix—also very clean. No language or graphic sex—some mention of past encounters, but NO details at all.

My only problem with this story is that I was left wanting MUCH more—the novella ended rather abruptly and, though I did like the ending and the epilogue, I was left feeling somewhat unfulfilled and less than satisfied that we didn’t get more with the couple :( The story should have been longer, with much MORE of their reconciliation—more discussions, Lorelei reading some of those letters so we could see what Cole had actually written to explain/apologize for his behavior, more coming back together between the two, etc. I liked what we got, but I really wanted MORE with these two! I was a little disappointed when I reached the 60% mark in the ebook and realized it was actually over :( NOT fair!! :(

[RONI FIELDS-OWEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Very Well Written Short Story"❤❤


I really love this short story; Second Chances: A Coming Home Short Story," written by Kristi Rose. She put love, romance and heart in such a little amount of time, that it gave me goosebumps. At no time did I feel that the story was rushed or hurried.

This was my 1st time hearing from this narrator Suzanne Barbetta and she was no disappointment. She proved to be very professional in her vocal storytelling, and she has a very fluent range of voice tones.

I recommend this audiobook to others and I definitely will look for other books by both the author and narrator.


msronigirl

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet second chance story- but too short. Lorelei Parker and Cole Williams had been next door neighbors, best friends and neighbors until the day he let her down and she was unable to forgive him. She had forgotten that he once told her that in the future he might let her down, but it wouldn't mean that he didn't love her. Now they have their second chance. Will Lorelei be able to trust him again? Con- why does the woman on the cover have dark hair, when Lorelei is described as being a blonde.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet, short, light story. Well-written and easily read. It brought back memories of small-town living. A story of high school sweethearts meeting up once again.

There is not a lot of research involved in the story and no major drama, and hence it will be easily forgettable; however it is the kind of story that I would return to for an afternoon at the beach or for a long bus, train or plane ride.

[Carrie K-Ski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet short story about two people who need to move on from a past that's holding on. There are typos and grammar issues that I looked past because the story has depth and I connected with the characters.

A second chance love story that's worth the read.

*I received volunteered to leave and honest review for and ARC of Second Chances*

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been 14 years since cole left and never looked back at least that's what Lorelei thought. But when cole comes back he's determined to win the woman he has always loved and cared for back. When he tells her the truth how will she react? With love or hatred to the man that helped her sin and left her with only pain as a reminder.

[K B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
I received a free copy of Second Chances A Coming Home Short Story book 1 by Kristi Rose and this review was given freely.
After 14 years assistant football coach Cole comes home to Florida where he finds highschool girlfriend and nextdoor neighbor Lorelei co owning a breakfast diner.
A sweet brief rapid paced story ending in an injury, acceptance and a love letter.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet, yet thorough enough. Cole and Lorelei had a deep history but he left fourteen years ago and never once came back even for a visit. A tragedy occurred causing them to fall apart. Once he returned, could she possibly forgive and move on? Many issues to work through before they could even hope for a HEA. Read Second Chance by Kristi Rose and find the answers.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose delivers a quick small town romance that's good for the heart. Great characters and witty dialogue drive this clean, thoughtfully written romance. I highly recommend this story to fans of small town romance genre.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet story about young love, broken heart and second chances. Lorelei and Cole need to rewin the friendship that they shared fourteen year ago because what matters is true love.

[Kathleen Booker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good short read. Glad Lorelie and Cole found their way back to each other.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute short (very short) story. I loved that it had an epilogue. Could use some editing but good writing aside from that.

[Lila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, second chances do happen. A quick read.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet.

[robert tabora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeless Romantic

Great book and characters. Really enjoyed this story line. Like that they found each other after so long. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Jocelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Kristi Rose's book. This is a sweet short novella. Lorelei and Cole's story is a good second chance to love. Suzanne Barbetta did a good job with the narration.

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and thoroughly likeable story
4 stars

I have to admit that this wasn’t the book that I was planning to read when I picked up my kindle. I was already at about 11% before I realised that I had accidentally hit the wrong title when choosing the book I wanted to read next.

But it turned out to be a good mistake to have made.

This book is quite short, 53 pages worth and likely to take you about 20 minutes to half an hour to get through. With that said, it had surprising depth for so short a story and you really do feel connected to the characters and their emotions throughout the story.

The story is set in Florida and I have to show my ignorance here by not really appreciating the customs and idiosyncrasies of small town life in this part of America. There were a lot of ‘y’alls’ and speaking of people’s mamas and daddys to name but two things. Since the author is from those parts, I’m taking it as a true depiction of life in southern Florida and it sounded just lovely.

Cole is back in town after fourteen years and he’s come to realise that he may have professional success but it’s definitely at the cost of the love that he left behind to go to college. He’s pretty much back in town to win back the heart of Lorelei.

However, it’s not as simple as all that, as a tragic incident from their past has left some pretty big emotional scars and left trust between the couple almost non-existent. Thankfully, I’ve never been through a similar situation but I felt that they way the couple behaved towards each other had such a ring of truth to it that it made their interplay wholly believable. Again, despite being a short story, there was a realness to it that made it an engaging story.

Cole and Lorelei had a sweetness to them, and with a history - I was always a sucker for a second-chance love story - you definitely will be rooting for the pair to get together.

This is the only Kristi Rose book that I’ve ever read but I liked her writing style and, as I’ve said before, the fond way in which she brings small town living to life. I’m only not giving this book the full 5 stars is because of the rather annoying typos and grammar errors in the book. Still a great story and for a quick read, one I would recommend if you enjoy sweet, second chance romance stories.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a very good read for a short story. Lorelei Parker has been living in her hometown for years. Now that the love of her life is back in town, she starts questioning some things. (Read to find out).

Lorelei is so mad at Cole, but we do not know why at first. What happened that has her so mad at him? Does she have a good reason? (I think so) Now you know I am not going to tell you what, who, when, how, etc. Read the book!! They both seem to want each other, but things from their past is stopping them.

There is no cliffhanger. I had an issue with the end of the book and the epilogue. Us readers are missing (to me) details. I am not going to get into because I want you to read this book. I don't want to give anything away.

☆☆☆☆
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[Marla Josephs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was a very short read that I would have loved to be longer. But, still it was a full story. I loved the characters. Lorelei's character cracked me up. I loved her sarcasm. Some might not like her character or think she was too bitter or sarcastic, but considering what she'd been through, I thought she was perfect. And, I wanted to not like Cole, but I couldn't. He was remorseful, young, and dumb, and felt really bad about what had happened. Now that they are adults, I totally wanted to see what happened between them.

I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator, Suzanne Barbetta, did a great job! She really brought the characters and story to life. This book was an ARC and, I'm so happy I chose to read and review it. I'm always on the lookout for my next great read or listen!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, short love story that proves it's never too late to come home and it's never too late to give and be forgiven. I love these characters. Lorelei is sassy but devoted to those she loves and cares for but cross her and well... Cole is the man who broke her heart and he is determined to gain her forgiveness. The narration was perfectly done and the storyline was well done although with this being such a short read was fast paced but flowed well. Loved the epilogue and the fact that Cole wrote her letters (a wonderful gift that is missing in today's time).

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the love of Lorelei's life, Cole, moves back to the small town, all her feelings come rushing back. He's the one she loved and lost. Cole hurt her so much she wanted to forget all about him. Cole wants to have a second change with Lorelei but she wants nothing to do with him. They used to be inspirable before the inevitable happened. When she lost her virginity to him just fourteen years earlier and became pregnant then having a miscarriage and only received emails and letters from Cole, how can she forgive that? Why couldn't he have come to see her in person to face what had happened? Will he be able to win her over or will the past be too much for her to forgive?

[Julianne Redmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet short story of young love lost and found.

The story was complete, no cliff-hangers, no trying to guess at what happened before. The all of Cole and Lorelei's story was there. I easily became invested in the main characters as they were well-developed despite brevity of the story. The supporting characters were great as well and I couldn't help but get the feeling that Mrs. Williams harbored her own desire to see Cole and Lorelei together.

Will definitely be looking for more books by this author!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, quick read. I enjoyed the characters and the whole premise of the story. I wished that the book had been just a little bit longer, so that we could have a little more detail about Lorelei and Cole's relationship, we know they get their HEA, and we get their past story, but we never really get the now. I would love to have a little bit of what happened next. I enjoyed all the secondary characters, they added a lot of color to the story. Overall, this was a great read and I look forward to more from Kristi Rose.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

--I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

I like short books in between my long listens, and this was the perfect length. The character development was good, the story of Lorelei and Cole's history was explained and their chemistry was very apparent. I loved the way that Cole's passion for football was integrated into the Lor's gameday challenge. Though I would have like the book to be a little longer and go into a few more memories and exploration of their new life, I would definitely recommend this book.

Suzanne Barbetta did a wonderful job with the narration.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Second Chances" by Kristi Rose is a beautiful tale about how important second chances are in everyday life. Love is something that can touch everyone, even the hardest heart, especially when it is allowed to come back around for a second chance.

I believe that everyone, at one point in their lives, has lost someone for not being where they needed to be at that specific moment. When another chance arises and something beautiful is allowed to bloom, it's hard not to believe in hope and a happily ever after.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was short but was so sweet I wish there was more! The characters are written so very well I felt like I knew them and would love to hang out with them. I would also love some of Lorelei's recipes!!!! This could have been a true story. Sometimes before you can get to your second chance you need to work through your own issues before you can forgive. This is what Lorelei does when Cole comes back, but will it be enough though. I read this quickly and wish there was more!!!

[One-Click · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook

Narration - Suzanne Barbetta - Pretty Good.

Oh, how I wanted more of this book. Perhaps short stories aren't my thing, because they always leave me wanting.

This story has so much potential to be a full novel. I loved the whole storyline between Lorelei and Cole, but just wanted more. All the sudden, it was over. :(

I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review.

[The Bookish Empire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leuke en vlot lopende schrijfstijl. Gerne daarin tegen iets minder mijn leesstyl, maar wel een leuk verhaaltje om te lezen als je met openbaar vervoer moet. Een "perfect sprookjesverhaal" dat alle kanten van het leven in deze korte bundel heeft doorgemaakt. 3 sterren bemachtigd voor de inhoud, schrijfstijl en verhaallijn maar miste nog net het "wauw-effect", waardoor het geen 4 sterren gehaald heeft.