The Second Chance Hotel

by Rachel Dove

Welcome to Shady Pines, where the sun is shining, the sea is sparkling, and there’s a cosy chalet waiting to be your home away from home. But will April find the new start she’s looking for?

April Statham had it all – until her husband left her for a blonde ten years her junior. Now she’s thirty-five, single, and starting again. So she does what anyone in her position would do: she impulsively invests her life savings in the chalet park she used to visit as a child, on the beautiful Cornish Coast.

The Shady Pines Chalet Park is… ramshackle. But it has one big advantage – it is as far as physically possible from April’s ex, his new fiancée, and her old life. With gorgeous handyman Cillian O’Leary, April is looking forward to the challenge.

As visitors arrive, April realises that Shady Pines isn’t just a second chance for her, it gives Cillian another shot at happiness too.

But when he moves into the chalet next door, April’s painful past starts to catch up with her, and she struggles to reconcile her feelings for Cillian.

Is April’s new beginning destined to end in failure – or will she find new friends, a new life and new love at her second chance hotel?

Fans of Jenny Colgan, Emma Davies and Debbie Johnson will love Rachel Dove!

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2020

About the author

I am a wife, mother of two boys, avid reader and writer of words. I sometimes sleep, always have eye bags and dream of retiring to a big white house in Cornwall, with 2 shaggy dogs, drinking wine on my seafront balcony whilst creating works of romantic fiction. All done with immaculate make up and floaty dresses.

In the meantime I nearly always remember to brush my hair, seldom have time to look in a mirror and write many, many to-do lists. I write fast paced sexy medical romances for Mills & Boon, and contemporary fiction and romantic comedies for HQ Digital and Boldwood Books. I always have a few books in progress, and am always jotting down new shiny ideas to torment myself with.
Rachel Dove Bursary founder - RNA 2018 - 2020 (stopped due to RNA restructure)
Writers Bureau Writer of the Year - first place 2016
Come say hello on social media! @writerdove

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - "New life starts right here." Stars.

I’m usually a great fan of Rachel’s ‘Chick Lit’ books, with The Second Chance Hotel I felt the writing and tropes stepped more into a Women’s Fiction style of book, lots of personal/relationship drama and unresolved issues, less of the light hearted story-telling and likeable characters that I am used to from this author.

I didn’t love this one, I didn’t hate it either, but its highly doubtful I’ll remember it, and I just wish it was lighter in its themes, or longer so that more depth and resolution could be offered to the characters.

My other issue is the fact that it felt to me like the author had tried to squeeze two stories into one book, (April & Cillian, then Martha & George) and due to that I don’t think either couple were given adequate page time, which left everything a little vague, lacking in depth, and jumping along at days and weeks at a time.

I struggled to like April or Cillian mainly because they spent more time arguing like teenagers and because of the lack of the aforementioned page time developing their characters, over and above the massive issues you already know they are working through, that’s all you seemed to see of them in any great quantity.

I wanted more of Martha and George’s letters, their story may have taken place in the past but I felt robbed of the fact that there was a great love story to be told there and again it was missed because of jumpy timeframes, the lack of most of the actual letters making it onto the page and the mixed division in the story telling due to the amount of POVs and tropes playing out.

Hopefully the author moves back to the lighter and more carefree storylines in the future, or splits her heavier books into series in order to give her characters the page time they and their stories deserve.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Paula | pastbookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, HQ Digital and the author for providing a review copy!

(🌟🌟🌟 out of 5 stars)


April Statham had just left her husband and moved to Shady Pines where she bought a hotel property. The property needs some fixer upper before she can be able to accommodate guest for the upcoming season but she has limited funds since she’s starting a new life.

Cillian is a single father who is broke and (could be described as) flat out miserable if it wasn’t for the angel daughter he was blessed with. His life isn’t exactly a happy one either. He crossed paths with April at the hotel in Shady Pines when Martha, the old lady in town, called him up.

They didn’t exactly had a good relationship in the beginning but it went okay somehow. This story could have been inspiring because the real lesson was how a person can move on or get back up from a huge setback and use that setback as a motivation to be better and stronger. However, i didn’t like it when the narration was about April, the lines were kind of repetitive. For instance, in the earlier chapters it was already stated that April grew up with her mother only. Then on the next few chapters, the same statement was written but para-phrased. April’s side of the story was redundant and dragging. Cillian’s story on the other hand, was intriguing and at a normal pace. You would actually feel progress when reading his chapters.

I just felt like the book was unbalanced and could have been improved if given the time. I would have loved the story if it wasn’t for April’s chapters. It’s just weird that the main character’s story is what made it somehow dragging to read, at least in my opinion.

Could still recommend if you wan’t a book about hope and life! Give this a try if you want. Happy reading!

[Susan Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story. April Statham thought she was happily married, but when she failed to get pregnant her husband Duncan’s little digs about her weight became more cruel, his absences ‘on business’ more regular, then she found out he was having an affair. Divorce followed, and her dear mother got ill and died. April felt rejected, and alone. Everything came to a head when she went to a baby shower and Duncan turned up with his mistress and announced their imminent marriage. April had found out that Shady Pines Chalet Park, in Cornwall, was up for sale, a place that she and her mother had spent a very happy summer when they ran away from her father. It took nearly every penny she had but she bought it, and basically ran away from Yorkshire without telling any of her friends or acquaintances she was going. She is at a really low point in her life.

Cillian O’Leary is a very unhappy man. He was working very hard to improve life for his family and it all went horribly wrong for him, he is no longer with his girlfriend, but has his young daughter Orla to look after. They live in a grotty little flat, and Orla is very withdrawn, But Cillian Is a wonderful father to her, although he appears rather grumpy to most other people. He really needs a decent local job that he can work around Orla’s time at nursery school, and hopefully save enough to get them a bigger and better place to live.

Martha is an artist who has lived at the Park since her husband Charlie died. She is a sad and grumpy older lady who is also hiding a secret. The three of them are the nucleus around which the story revolves. When April tries to get into her new office she manages to break the door, so Martha phones her friend Cillian to come and fix it. He is a Jack-of-all-trades, and soon has the door fixed, and has come to an agreement to work for April to get the lodges fixed up, as long as he can live on-site. At last Orla will be able to have her own bedroom, and space to play. But he doesn’t like April, except he really does.

The story evolves, and these three unhappy people gradually sort out their lives, and there are several surprises along the way. The book is. bursting with happy endings! It is a delightful read for a lazy sunny day, with a real feel-good factor. And Shady Pines Chalet Park sounds like the most perfect place for a holiday! A gentle story that packs a bit of a punch! Well worth reading.

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had seen a few negative reviews for this before I started reading so was a bit apprehensive about reading it, but I have to say - I really enjoyed the book.
Although I have children now, I struggled to fall pregnant so I felt that I could really relate to April and could understand her anger and frustration at the world.
It was nice to get to know her character, and accepting her past and then finding love with Cillian.
Cillian wasn't a hugely likely character at first but seeing as what had happened with Orla's mother it was hardly surprising.
I have never read anything by this author before, but I will be looking out for more to read after this.

[Deanna | thecomfyreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Second Chance Hotel was a really cute story about a woman who needed to leave her old life behind and start fresh! April is escaping a life that she has outgrown and doesn't want anything to do with her ex-husband and his new life. So, she packs it all up, buys a hotel, and starts a new journey.

So, I love that premise. Something about people taking charge of their lives and doing something crazy (like buying a hotel lol) just makes me happy. I have to say I did enjoy the story quite a bit. I loved how cute and cozy this romance was. My favorite part was really the hotel and seeing the changes April was making. However, this story was lacking for me in a lot of ways. Parts of the story felt like one of those games you play on your phone where you make money and upgrade a house or something. Things just happened overnight and the story felt unrealistic and also lacked substance at times.

The thing that really brought this fun story from an enjoyable 4 stars to an okay 3 stars was the weird relationship April had with Cillian. I just didn't like his character to start with. He is moody and grumpy and I felt like nothing ever made him happy. He seemed happy at times and then would have a total mood switch and it didn't make sense. So, he was my downfall in the book. I liked the romantic parts and whatnot but overall he just fell flat and annoyed me.

Overall, this is cute and fluffy. I did enjoy most of it but because I tend to be character driven I found the dislike I had for one of the main characters made it less enjoyable.

[Hannah Snell · Rating 2 out of 5]

April arrives in Cornwall after the long drive from Yorkshire with her entire life packed up into her car. Shady Pines holiday park is not only a fond memory from her past, it's also her second chance at life. It's also a second chance for handyman Cillian, who is desperately seeking a safe home for him and his young daughter. April must navigate the difficulties of running a holiday park, alongside her attraction to Cillian and managing her new neighbours and tenants.

The plot outline seemed perfectly simple - I could summarise the story really happily (as above). But what let it all down was the execution.

There were just too many things going on - April's mother has recently died, and she's mourning for her. Also she remembers Shady Pines as a safe space after her mother packed up and ran (from what?). April is also running from a bad marriage and unpleasant divorce. She has PCOS and has been unable to have children. It also means that she has intense mood swings. She's a little curvy, maybe, and hates that. Her ex-husband would comment on it too so she has low self-esteem. Also she's super clumsy. And also she put her life savings into the holiday park and is now down to her last pennies.

And that is just April.
Sadly, that level of complicated character and backstory means that so many of these important details are mentioned briefly, forgotten about and brought up again later.

There's also Martha, who is the grouchy permanent tenant of the holiday park. She's also an artist. She's mourning Charlie, her husband, who died years ago. And is also keeping something secret. She also wants to go visit the art gallery in town but doesn't quite dare.

And Cillian, and his daughter Orla, who are escaping their own bad past relationship. Cillian is also short on money, and on work, and is looking for somewhere safe to raise his young daughter.

And there are April's (separate) neighbours, Judith and Henry, who I can count the number of times that I read about on one hand, but are apparently key players by the end of the story.

The novel also starts with a letter to You from the mysterious G. And there are a couple of letters spacing up the chapters, but without any real pattern. It's like they seemed a good idea at the beginning and then were forgotten about partway through. You see how these letters are important later on, but there's no real consistency to them.

That is also part of the problem - the inconsistencies. Reading this book, which wasn't at all badly written, it often felt that it was missing a good strong proof-reader. There were times when a character said something, and then another answered after a couple of pages of inner thoughts and description. By which point you'd forgotten what the question was. Or it was stated that they had read something, but on the next page it said that they hadn't. It seemed like the author had created too many loose threads to keep track of and that meant the reading was muddled at times.

The same goes for the time frame - I think a year had passed by the end of the story? But it could also have been 6 months? And at the beginning I wasn't clear whether we were a week in or a month in at times. I'm not sure the author was either ...

My other big issue was April and Cillian's relationship. They were constantly described as moody, grumpy and hormonal (both of them). This isn't something that was every really sorted out. Instead, it just faded away, having been used an excuse for some big arguments that weren't ever really resolved. It seemed like Cillian was sharing all of his truths, whereas April was just sharing a bad attitude and blowing hot and cold and every now and again remembering to be insecure and not dealing with her own genuine issues at all. She was effectively a great big child.

And finally, the weird non-sex. I read 'boobs', 'boobies', 'thingy', 'family jewels' and 'manhood' but nothing that was actually, you know, anatomy. I also read romance for the intense feelings and, I have to say, the sex. I've read romance where the plot is utter rubbish but the sex is hot. I've read romance where the sex is clumsy or effectively redacted. Here, I couldn't actually tell that it had happened. I had to read the paragraph over twice to work out what was going on. And I think it was sex. Probably?
It wasn't just that it was 'clean' - it was just ... gone.

I know romance can be hit and miss. And I'm often more critical of it than I should be. But oh man, this was not for me. Here, the author could have taken some of the story away to spend more actually developing her characters, or split it into two satisfying couple novels instead. Also, where was the hotel?

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is for fans of it takes a village novels. April's life turned upside down and now she's bought a chalet park in Cornwall and hopes to start again. Unfortunately, she's got to deal with Martha, a cranky older woman, and Cilian, the handyman who seems to sulk a lot. Cilian has a little daughter Orla, who has quite mature thoughts for her age. Everyone will eventually work through things and life will get better. There's a number of issues which come up here and are touched on only lights (perhaps too many),. And, the title isn't accurate; we don't have chalet parks in the US (or at least not things termed that) but a chalet park clearly isn't a hotel. That said, it's a bit of an escapist read, which is a good thing! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a couple of books by Rachel Dove before, and I was drawn to this book by the cover. I also like to read about people who are getting a second chance in life.
This book was fairly easy to read, it was lighthearted,even though it touches upon difficult subjects, such as PCOS and infertility.
Although the book is well written, a few of the subjects were skimmed over, and did not go into a lot of details. I felt that certain events happened too quickly, like the various relationships. Nevertheless it is an enjoyable read, and I could picture the location and the chalet park perfectly, as it is described very well. If you want a read that is not too heavyweight, then this is a good read.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Dove is a new author for me so I was eager to read The Second Chance Hotel.

April Statham is single, thirty five and looking to start again. Welcome to Shady Pines, a chalet park on the Cornish Coast and April’s new life. Unfortunately though the park is tired and run down and in serious need of sprucing up before April can begin to think of opening. Enter handy man Cillian O’Leary. This boon features some great characters and focuses on love, relationships, friends and happiness. I read it over a couple of days and found it to be a quick and easy read and would recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, HQ Digital and the author for the chance to review.

[Natalie Daydream Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second Chance Hotel is a truly heartwarming novel that will give you all the feels. Shady Pines is the perfect setting to lose yourself in for a few hours as a reader, especially at this time of uncertainty. I loved that main character April followed in her mum's footsteps and chose Shady Pines as her place to start again after her marriage ended.

I really bought into April's story and admired her strength to move on and I found myself genuinely rooting for her happiness. All the characters, (especially Cillian and Orla) were wonderful and I was pulled into Martha's story which added a really sweet, traditionally romantic dimension to the story.

There was plenty of Dove wit, laughs as well as some poignant moments too which made the perfect balance. It's the perfect feel-good book to curl up with this summer.

[Roselyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

April leaves home after her life falls apart post divorce and buys a holiday home park with her savings which she once visited when he mum ran away from her marriage 30 years prior.

It's a good story line and has a nice romantic twist but April was hard to like and both her and Cillians strops made the characters annoying. To be fair, both characters were leaving hard relationships but their arguing with each other was annoying to read and there was a distinct lack of passion in the story.

That said, its still a good read if your looking for a romance novel.

The other smaller characters are all likeable and quirky.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only give 3 stars to this book because it was in my opinion it was very good at the beginning, I was so happy, I thought I would love this book and that I would read it in no time and then it quickly became a bit too slow paced for me and also a bit boring. Nothing very exciting happens in this book, and it's also a bit too sad and depressing. I prefer when books are a little more cheerful and happier but it's only my own opinion and maybe it was not the right time to read this book because usually I absolutely adore Rachel Dove books! They are all so brilliant! Let's hope that I will love her next book!

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in my favourite part of the world, Cornwall, the story is set in a small holiday camp that has just been bought by April following the breakup of her marriage. The camp is very run down after years of neglect so she takes on the services of handyman Cillian to help the refurbishment.
With a variety of characters from grumpy resident artist Martha to Cillian's young daughter Orla the camp gives the residents a chance to heal after their various problems. A great read to help escape from the realities of lockdown that we have at the moment.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a bit of a rough read. The plot didn't work well for me and everything seemed to happen too fast in the book. At first little Orla isn't talking to anyone then she's suddenly talking to everyone. And boy does she make some long involved sentences for a four year old.

Martha's story really deserved it's own book.
Some of the writing here seemed to me like an American author setting a book in England. Just didn't work. The plot was a good idea but was not executed well.

April buys a chalet camp, holiday lets. This not a hotel and the title seemed wrong because of that.

The main characters had no chemistry. Cillian was a dreadful character, but April wasn't great herself.

My copy was provided by NetGalley for review, all opinions are my own.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

April started running from the old and into the new as a child, when her mother spirited her away from a bad situation and they started their life together. Onward to Cornwall and the Shady Pines cottages on the Cornwall coast. But some things stuck, and April married and hoped for a family and more. But when her inability to have children dampened her relationship, and her mother got ill, everything went pear-shaped in an instant. Discovering her husband not only was having an affair, but they were expecting a child was the icing on that cake, and she bought Shady Pines, packed up her life and headed off to recapture some of the connection she once had with her mother.

Intervening years have not been kind to the property –but with one long-term resident in Martha, who is more judgmental than helpful, a local ‘handyman’ in Cillian – who worked for the former owners, and an idea of the sort of place April wanted to build- they all get stuck in. There’s a connection between she and Cillian, and his little near-speechless daughter Orla have captured her interest, even as she feels ‘awkward and inappropriate’ most of the time.

Slowly but surely, we work through April and Cillian’s issues – separately and together, and even Martha gives a bit of an olive branch with letters from her own past story. It’s the people and the chances that they offer one another acceptance, friendship, suggestions and new opportunities. Both in business and personally. April is, despite a rock-bottom level of self-esteem, someone that you want to know, and push her forward when she’s determined to run and hide. It’s only when she finds something worth staying for, or many somethings, that the story comes full circle and new hope and life abound for all.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 4 out of 5]

April is the new owner of Shady Pines - perfect holiday retreat. New business, new her, what could possibly go wrong an what are the odds of her old problems catching up with her.

If you haven't been in the position of being a woman who can't conceive and are unable to have the child you want, I think it may be difficult to comprehend just how much it influences their emotional well-being and responses to certain situations. It's easy to put April aside and label her as dramatic, highly-strung and too invested. Unfortunately it also means, especially in this case, that the people around her are unable to feel empathy, thereby making her feel as if she has failed in some way.

Running away and starting a completely new life is a scary thing to do, but it also saves her from the constant criticism she is experiencing. The worn down chalet park she decided to buy was an attempt to grab a piece of nostalgia. Apparently it comes with a grumpy old woman and an odd-jobs man with more baggage than the lost and found department at an airport.

It's a romance, which has amusing moments at times, but is overall a story about realising when one door closes another one will always open somewhere for you.

Dove very much combines the serious with the fun with this read. Her characters are dealing with the kinds of issues that can break hearts, break up relationships and sometimes bring people to the brink. It's that element of realism that gives this story something readers they can relate to, whilst simultaneously giving them some escapism.
*I received a courtesy copy*

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is packed with second chances - but without a hotel, despite the title! Actually, that reference comes from April's Mum but it had me pondering to start with as the story is largely set in a Cornish chalet park. April Statham has left behind her cheating ex-husband and her life in Yorkshire to make a fresh start as the owner of the Shady Pines Chalet Park which she has fond memories of visiting as a child. Unfortunately, it is now rather dilapidated and run down but, after a close encounter with a bat wielding resident and a hunky handyman, she's determined to make the best of her new life, but there are plenty more surprises in store for her and even a possible HEA, if only she can be brave again!

This is an engaging story of adventure, friendships, letters and romance in a seaside setting. There's more than one potential romance involved as well as a traumatised four year old, lots of hard work and plenty of new opportunities. It is a lovely story to escape into, a feel-good read to put a smile on your face ☺ It is a story of family as well as liking yourself and being ready to move on.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and enjoying doing so.

[Thelma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting it into the story, I couldn't feel the characters

I never felt a strong connection between Celian and April, there was too much drama for my liking and that was the main element that I felt that really took the strength and power of the main characters. they spend so much time arguing and that kind of diminished the feelings and emotions of love.

I was looking forward to reading the story of Celian and April I felt like there was so much potential in this story, but I never got to that point, I still feel like something was missing, like the conflict was more important in the story than the characters falling in love.

this book was not for me but that doesn't mean it is not for you, I encourage you to read it and come with your own conclusions.

I'm looking forward to reading more by Rachel Dove.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this sweet gem of a book about second chances. April, newly divorced, and floundering with her life choices, seizes an opportunity and purchases a small vacationers hotel ( chalets) off the Cornish coast. She was ready to remodel, renovate and find some solace in this special place from her childhood.
As she takes ownership, she meets Cillian, resident carpenter/ handyman and sparks fly. He, also, is dealing with a recent loss in his life.
I loved the romance threaded throughout, with characters finding hope and new life after heartbreaking losses.
There were a few British terms used that could be confusing to us in the U.S. but it did not take away from the story.
Can't wait to read Rachel Dove's next book!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I look forward to more. This book is full of second chances. April finds herself divorced and at odds, so she sells everything, packs what’s left, including her mother’s ashes, and buys a chalet park on the Cornish coast. When she arrives, the park doesn’t resemble the park where she and her mother spent happy summers, the management had let it fall into disrepair.

April enlists the help of Cillian, a local carpenter to help restore the property to its former glory. She meets Martha, who has been the only park resident for some time, and gets to know the local neighbors. Second chances abound throughout, for April and Cillian, for Martha and a past love, and for the park itself.

If you enjoy British fiction and second chances, this book is for you. Clean, no foul language or intimate scenes.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming novel, a great read in these uncertain times. Cute and relatable characters, a lovely story and wonderful writing. There isn’t anything to dislike about this book. I liked April, but Cillian and Orla held my heart the most, just so cute. It’s set in Cornwall so that’s a big win for me because it’s my joint favourite setting with Scotland, so I’m going to love a book if it’s set where I love. Just perfection, cute, romantic with lots of feels.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Audriza Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent a long time staring at the cover, which is beautifully illustrated. It's definitely eye-catching, and it works well with the title, which alludes to a second chance at life. The hero, heroine, and elderly lady are the three main characters in the book. The three of them are grieving different things in their lives, tumultuous parenthood and relationship with the mother of his child, adultery, and her husband leaving her for someone much younger because the heroine could not give birth, and the last character is in a quandary I'd rather not reveal in my review. I listened to the audiobook. The writing was good, but at times the flow was monotonous.
I teared up a few times. I would have loved a little extra if the heroine's clinical troubles had been mentioned if now not at length, then at least simply greater than a few indistinct impressions of her being hormonal. The book makes one experience for their characters and offers hope to absolutely everyone analyzing alongside giving a moderate push for anybody to begin over.

[Natasha den Dekker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Utterly charming. I definitely have a soft spot for stories about women who lose everything and hightail it somewhere to start again. Especially if said woman is in her 30s/40s. I mean I would enjoy them more if they didn't always feature a love interest but I guess whatever sells and publishers still don't want to sell the idea that women can be happy in life alone? (revolutionary concept).

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 starts

Accidentally started the audiobook (was looking for the "other" Second Chance Hotel that was recommended to me by a friend") and I can't figure out how to DNF books.

This follows two couples; April / Cillian and George / Martha. I am not sure why I had two romances to follow, but the second, (George and Martha), didn't make much sense to me and I wasn't very invested in. There just wasn't much depth and by splitting the book into two stories, the thin plot, really disappeared. It is a cute book, but I was annoyed with April and Cillian's will they, won't they, miscommunication bit. Also, the plot and "second chance hotel" only exist to set up the romances. There really isn't a whole lot going on here and I don't remember much.

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book ended up being meh for me, it was trying too hard to be funny and interesting and falling flat and ended up being very boring sadly.

I got this eARC from netgalley.

[Jayne Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely heartwarming read engaging characters. Transports you to beautiful Cornwall

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy Cornwall as a backdrop for your stories then you are going to adore the latest novel from Rachel Dove. 

April has runaway, now divorced she has put as much distance between her old life in Yorkshire and her new life at Shady Pines Chalet Park on the Cornish coast. She has not just escaped their she has bought it and ploughs her money and her life into starting again. 

Cillian O'Leary can't runaway far he has young daughter Orla to deal with and an ex partner who does not value their daughter at all. He needs to start again so when his old job as general handyman comes up again at Shady Pines he spots his chance in starting again. 

He didn't bank on the whirlwind that is April though nor permanent curmudgeonly resident Martha's reluctance to accept change. 

April and Cillian's burgeoning friendship and relationship seems doomed from the start. Not only trying to contend with April's clumsiness and lack of confidence. Cillian constantly sstomps about grunting and falls into a sulk over the smallest thing. 

But it is Orla's innocence which keeps drawing April back and makes her realise what the future may have held if she had stayed where she was. 

Martha starts to soften as she can see what settling for one life and love can do for you and when relations with April that slightly she lets her in to a secret, to one that will perhaps give her a second chance to. 

This is a lovely book to lose yourself in, perhaps not as polished as it could be, a bit clunky in parts and I found myself a bit lost with who was who. Not sure though if that was me or the writing. However, these points are easily overlooked and the joy of the story comes off the pages and a perfect holiday escape if you cannot get to one yourself. I could see myself waking up in a chalet and walking the cliffs and eating fish and chips!

[Miss Sara L Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this heart-warming novel about second chances and having hope and a chance to heal. April's mum chose Shady Pines as her escape route many years ago and now it is April's turn to escape as her marriage ends in heartbreak. Buying the holiday park and escaping from her previous life, April has no idea what she's taking on and how she will cope with the life-damaged people she meets there. However, in turning the park around she learns that lives can be mended too.
I've always loved Lizard Point and found it a place where peace and tranquility can heal troubled minds and the description of the park made it very real in my mind. The individual stories of the characters were poignant and I loved to see the characters face their past demons and move on with their lives. I particularly liked Martha and little Orla. There were moments to make you smile and even a moment when I shed a few tears thinking of my own mum. A beautiful uplifting tale that reminded me that you should never close off your heart to possibilities. Thank you so much for this lovely book.

[Sally Tyrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful uplifting read, based at a holiday park in Cornwall that April bought on a whim after her marriage ended! Turning up at the unloved, run down holiday park with a grumpy resident in place, April begins to wonder if owning a holiday park that was once special to her as a child is such a good idea! However as time passes she meets cillian a single dad to orla and as the resident grumpy lady Martha softens and becomes friendly towards her it feels like life may finally be changing for the better! Ultimately this book illustrates that everyone is entitled to a second chance of love no matter how old you are or whatever baggage/ problems you might have the course of true love may not be easy but it is well worth following your heart to find a second chance of happiness! Thoroughly enjoy this book a great distraction from covid 19!
Thank you net galley for this early read.

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars for THE SECOND CHANCE HOTEL a Sweet standalone romance novel written by Rachel Dove. I listened to the audio version voiced by Kitty Kelly. The cover art on this book caught my attention immediately - I adore it! and from it can imagine myself in one of the units closest to the sea.

MY RATING GUIDE: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED IT; 4= I really liked it a lot!; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I rarely give 5 Stars).

THE SECOND CHANCE HOTEL features the interaction of a small group of people in a coastal English village where each individual is hoping for a second chance of happiness or at least a bit of peace following difficult circumstances. SECOND CHANCE is filled with emotion and sweetness as these 5 lives intermingle - eventually discovering direction, acceptance and even love. THE SECOND CHANCE HOTEL reminded me somewhat (in tone if not content) of the movies THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL and THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (I haven’t yet read the books). I enjoyed both movies.

Following health disappointments and difficult personal issues, then dealing with her mother’s extended illness FMC/April Statham’s husband suddenly announces his desire for a divorce. Immediately following the signing of papers, her ex posts on social media his engagement to a woman younger than April by 10yrs. At 35, April suddenly finds herself motherless, childless, unmarried and all alone. Struggling with confidence and purpose and barely holding herself together, April leaves town fleeing to a rundown beach resort nestled along the Cornish coast. April sells everything she owns and purchases the old resort. It’s a place April fondly recalls from her childhood - a sanctuary her mother and herself once needed and a place of healing many years ago.

MMC/Cillian O’Leary is Lizard Point’s local handyman. He and his young pre-school daughter, Ola, are dealing with their own abandonment issues and difficulties when April moves to Lizard Point. Discovering the resort requires more than her limited DIY skills can handle, April hires Cillian to assist her in updating and repairing Shady Point chalet park for the upcoming business season.

WHAT I LIKED ~
1) The main characters are rich, well developed, and likable people. I wanted everything to work out for them. Both April and Cillian had been hurt but were attempting to work through their situations responsibly, without blaming or becoming bitter - tough to accomplish. The secondary characters (though several with minor roles) seemed real as well.
2) I could imagine the setting and see myself there - indeed I have visited such places and could see them in my mind’s eye. I could imagine living in Lizard Point and sharing the highs and lows with these characters. What a wonderful place to heal.
3) The narration was well voiced. I would purchase another audio by Kitty Kelly.
4) I love the cover art on this novel (and selected the cabin I’d want to reside. 😊

WHAT I LIKED LESS ~
As a personal preference, I prefer novels that don’t contain a lot of highs and lows - “less drama and more action” is my style. But every now and then I purchase a novel that is outside that preference (based on the “blurb,” cover art, reviews or all 3) and sometimes I am pleasantly surprised. SECOND CHANCE HOTEL did surprise me in that I DID like it, quite a bit actually. I just kept waiting for the “other shoe to drop” and the emotions and angst tend to wear me out. 😉
Other readers who prefer a full amount of emotion (the highs and lows) in their novels would most likely adore SECOND CHANCE HOTEL. (Even) I enjoyed it and I will probably listen to the audio again (less angst next time, as I now know what to expect) - THE SECOND CHANCE HOTEL just will not go on my list of “favorite” novels. But I believe it is going to be a memorable read for me.

SECOND CHANCE HOTEL was my first title written by Rachel Dove. I might not wish to read an entire series but I can see myself picking up another standalone title by Dove at some point in the future. I discovered SECOND CHANCE HOTEL as a discounted audio and am pleased with my purchased.

Readers who enjoy character driven novels, small town contemporary romance, HEAs and stories full of emotion (highs and lows) might wish to check out Rachel Dove’s SECOND CHANCE HOTEL.

READER CAUTIONS -
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on a few occasions.
VIOLENCE - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Growing attraction between the MCs is limited to hugs and kisses, ending with closed door innuendo/brief mention in the final chapter(s).

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS - discussed as background information: infidelity; infertility, hormonal & health related issues; also child abandonment & neglect issues; single-parenting.