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2nd Chance #3
Summer's Dream
Josh and Summer’s marriage is over, minus signing divorce papers. All that’s left … is meeting his daughter.
Josh has made a lot of bad choices in his life and in his career. Leaving his wife for a five-year road trip as a musician, and what he did while away, were his worst decisions ever.
Any hope of them getting back together seems impossible. Yet, when he sees Summer and remembers the sweet love they once knew, he's captivated by her all over again.
How could he have left her in the first place?
In Josh's absence, Summer has been busy keeping the family camp and retreat center operational, raising their four-year-old daughter—whom Josh knows nothing about—by herself, and doing fine on her own without a man!
Now, he's back and wants to get back together?
He professes to know God. Says he's a changed man. But he left once. Can she trust him to stay?
Should she?
Second Chance Series:
1. Winter's Past
2. April's Storm
3. Summer's Dream
4. Autumn's Break
5. Season's Flame
Josh has made a lot of bad choices in his life and in his career. Leaving his wife for a five-year road trip as a musician, and what he did while away, were his worst decisions ever.
Any hope of them getting back together seems impossible. Yet, when he sees Summer and remembers the sweet love they once knew, he's captivated by her all over again.
How could he have left her in the first place?
In Josh's absence, Summer has been busy keeping the family camp and retreat center operational, raising their four-year-old daughter—whom Josh knows nothing about—by herself, and doing fine on her own without a man!
Now, he's back and wants to get back together?
He professes to know God. Says he's a changed man. But he left once. Can she trust him to stay?
Should she?
Second Chance Series:
1. Winter's Past
2. April's Storm
3. Summer's Dream
4. Autumn's Break
5. Season's Flame
- GenresSecond Chance
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
88 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Mary E. Hanks
36 books54 followersMary’s favorite stories are inspirational tales about marriage reconciliation and the journey of grace in lifelong relationships. She's currently writing book #12 in that genre. She and Jason have been married for 40+ years. They’ve been buffeted by their share of storms but by God’s grace have stayed together--and still like each other. ;) Whenever she can, Mary likes to include her love for romance, second chances, and ocean settings in her books.
Besides writing, Mary likes to read, do artsy stuff, go on adventures with Jason, and meet her four adult kids for coffee or breakfast.
For more information, see www.maryehanks.com
Besides writing, Mary likes to read, do artsy stuff, go on adventures with Jason, and meet her four adult kids for coffee or breakfast.
For more information, see www.maryehanks.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 20, 2019
Painful Read SPOILERS!! SPOILERS!!!
I knew this was a Christian Novel and it was about a man who left his wife for five years, drank, drugged, cheated alot and even after 'finding God' 18 months before, had a new girlfriend and was asking for a divorce so he could move forward with that woman. It disgusted me. She had his child and not once in five years had he called the aunt and uncle that raised him or his wife. She cou!d never find him. She was a good girl of course and stayed true to her boss even though he had been abusive to get and cheated on her while they were still together.he walked out on her and guess who had to forgive at the end. She did. Because she couldn't handle the fact of his repeated adultery. And all the women at the marriage conference convinced her that if they could forgive their cheating, estranged spouses, so could she. They were in previous books and I read one of two of them and hated them too. So why did I read this? I thought she had done the whole cheating spouse so much maybe we wouldn't have it again. But no and even though he was supposed to confess it all to her, he tried to downplay it and I hated him. He kept the girlfriend as a back up plan just in case the wife didn't want to reconcile. Once he thought she did, he broke it off with the woman he had 'loved' so much for 18 months and went to his wife and asked for a second chance on the same day. The heroine was heartbroken and signed the divorce papers anyway and I was so glad but then she went to the conference and God told her to forgive him. Oh great. I just do t think there will be an HEA down the line. Did I mention how he hurt his little daughter when his girlfriend showed up earlier in the book and neglect with her? He was irredeemable in my eyes and all those other Godly men in this novel were too. They all had their fun and then returned to their wives because they found God. And the wives were so happy and content and convinced the heroine that she needed to forgive. I just can't even say how sad this book made me. I am upset too. I know Christian women who have been cheated on, and some forgave and some moved on but none of them ever ever forgot and not all of their marriages are not stronger. I just think at some point we need to stop simplifying the forgiveness of cheating or abandonment, of any kind, and realize that their spouses pain is real and not everybody has HEAs because they forgive. It is a big pet peeve of mine and this series just makes me so sick to my stomach. I know I chose to read it, so I shouldn't be so upset, but I keep hoping that it will help me understand and recover from my own pain, but unfortunately I just can't find it in these novels. My bad. It is written well and I finished it. Cried my heart out too. It was just the message I didn't like. It was in KU too. Definitely not safe. Cannot recommend. 😭
I knew this was a Christian Novel and it was about a man who left his wife for five years, drank, drugged, cheated alot and even after 'finding God' 18 months before, had a new girlfriend and was asking for a divorce so he could move forward with that woman. It disgusted me. She had his child and not once in five years had he called the aunt and uncle that raised him or his wife. She cou!d never find him. She was a good girl of course and stayed true to her boss even though he had been abusive to get and cheated on her while they were still together.he walked out on her and guess who had to forgive at the end. She did. Because she couldn't handle the fact of his repeated adultery. And all the women at the marriage conference convinced her that if they could forgive their cheating, estranged spouses, so could she. They were in previous books and I read one of two of them and hated them too. So why did I read this? I thought she had done the whole cheating spouse so much maybe we wouldn't have it again. But no and even though he was supposed to confess it all to her, he tried to downplay it and I hated him. He kept the girlfriend as a back up plan just in case the wife didn't want to reconcile. Once he thought she did, he broke it off with the woman he had 'loved' so much for 18 months and went to his wife and asked for a second chance on the same day. The heroine was heartbroken and signed the divorce papers anyway and I was so glad but then she went to the conference and God told her to forgive him. Oh great. I just do t think there will be an HEA down the line. Did I mention how he hurt his little daughter when his girlfriend showed up earlier in the book and neglect with her? He was irredeemable in my eyes and all those other Godly men in this novel were too. They all had their fun and then returned to their wives because they found God. And the wives were so happy and content and convinced the heroine that she needed to forgive. I just can't even say how sad this book made me. I am upset too. I know Christian women who have been cheated on, and some forgave and some moved on but none of them ever ever forgot and not all of their marriages are not stronger. I just think at some point we need to stop simplifying the forgiveness of cheating or abandonment, of any kind, and realize that their spouses pain is real and not everybody has HEAs because they forgive. It is a big pet peeve of mine and this series just makes me so sick to my stomach. I know I chose to read it, so I shouldn't be so upset, but I keep hoping that it will help me understand and recover from my own pain, but unfortunately I just can't find it in these novels. My bad. It is written well and I finished it. Cried my heart out too. It was just the message I didn't like. It was in KU too. Definitely not safe. Cannot recommend. 😭
March 10, 2020
I'm glad to see some enlightened women here !!! I know I have been very hard with some comments in books where there is cheating but I am so sick of it! I work with couples (who are also CHRISTIANS) and I live daily with issues about betrayal. The funny thing (being sarcastic here) is when I do an exercise with men who cheated their wives and ask them to visualize their women doing the same things as they did from the moment they met and they meet with their mistresses and returned to the house every time. I ask them to imagine their wives in each of these situations and then when I question: Would you be able to forgive your wife? Guess what they ALL answer? EVERY TIME, EEEEVERY TIIIIME THE ANSWER IS NOT! NOT! NOT! NOT! CHRISTIAN MEN! CHRISTIAN SHEPHERDS! So don't come here to speak in God in the midst of such a shame. GOD HAS MANY IMPORTANT THINGS TO SOLVE THAN HAVING TO KEEP LOOKING AT MEN WHO CAN NOT KEEP THE DICK INSIDE THEIR PANTS!! This is hypocrisy! These are justifications that only serve to reproduce paternalistic social standards and nothing better than using the name of God for this to continue happening !! And what makes me more outraged is to see this kind of absurd continue to leave the heads of women !!! I'll continue to make an appeal! Use the gift of writing to enlighten people's minds not to imprison into outdated concepts where women must be docile and manipulated! Stop reproducing those pathetic patterns where women must be satisfied to be treated like GARBAGE! Collaborate for a world of equality and respect! THAT'S WHAT GOD WANTS FROM US!!
June 27, 2023
“Wherever you go, walk in love. Love changes everything.”
Marriage in Trouble
Second Chance Romance
I'm so obsessed with the marriage in trouble trope, I'm willing to read a Christian romance for it. I'll take it however I can get it. Luckily, there wasn't any preaching, and if there was, it was mild or tolerable.
3.5 Stars, rounding up. Because of the last 10-15% of the book ❤️
How many times have I mentioned I'm a sucker for fabulous endings? All's well that ends well. That was the case here. Those last chapters swept me away completely. The scene were deliciously dramatic, deeply emotional and heartfelt...it was everything I wanted. I honestly didn't think it would happen so late in the game, but it did 😅
What I didn't like:
The main issue and what I found frustrating was the constant lack of transparency and communication between the H/h. They kept stalling and leaving "the talk" for another day. Ugh. I wanted them to confront their past and speak up about how they felt about it. After all, he went back home to make amends. Yet, he struggled to apologize to the people he'd hurt and betrayed: His aunt and uncle, and Summer, his estranged wife. I didn't really feel his remorse despite him continually saying (in his inner monologues) how guilty he felt. Where was the grovel? AND I wanted him to stop waffling when it came to Summer. It got to the point that I thought he'd never convince me he loved her enough, and that maybe he was just too selfish to deserve her. I was also disappointed in Summer because it felt to me that she just waited for him for 5 years. She never moved on. She came off pathetic by never taking off her wedding ring during their 5yr separation. Cue the secondhand embarrassment. She's still wearing the ring when he comes home, and he's got a girlfriend (he's only kissed). SMH. The only person who put Josh in his place and called him out was his uncle. I liked the uncle.
Just like in the previous book, there were chapters about a secondary couple (from book 1) which I skipped almost entirely, unless they involved Summer and Josh.
Despite the issues I mentioned above, I was still thinking I'd rate this 2.5 Stars, and rounding off to 3 Stars, because it really wasn't bad; it kept me reading and engaged, and I like the themes/tropes in the story. But it's in the last 10-15% where the book won me over. I was freaking crying because of how emotional it made me. The words hit me hard. I felt Summer's pain. Josh finally came through. He said all the rights things and did all the right things. He convinced me. His words, his sobbing and palpable desperation, a man on his knees...now that's my jam. I'm glad I read this and would read it again.
“I want only you . . .” he sang to her with a country twang. “You are my light and my star. Take my hand, walk with me, and I’ll never be far.”
Marriage in Trouble
Second Chance Romance
I'm so obsessed with the marriage in trouble trope, I'm willing to read a Christian romance for it. I'll take it however I can get it. Luckily, there wasn't any preaching, and if there was, it was mild or tolerable.
3.5 Stars, rounding up. Because of the last 10-15% of the book ❤️
How many times have I mentioned I'm a sucker for fabulous endings? All's well that ends well. That was the case here. Those last chapters swept me away completely. The scene were deliciously dramatic, deeply emotional and heartfelt...it was everything I wanted. I honestly didn't think it would happen so late in the game, but it did 😅
What I didn't like:
The main issue and what I found frustrating was the constant lack of transparency and communication between the H/h. They kept stalling and leaving "the talk" for another day. Ugh. I wanted them to confront their past and speak up about how they felt about it. After all, he went back home to make amends. Yet, he struggled to apologize to the people he'd hurt and betrayed: His aunt and uncle, and Summer, his estranged wife. I didn't really feel his remorse despite him continually saying (in his inner monologues) how guilty he felt. Where was the grovel? AND I wanted him to stop waffling when it came to Summer. It got to the point that I thought he'd never convince me he loved her enough, and that maybe he was just too selfish to deserve her. I was also disappointed in Summer because it felt to me that she just waited for him for 5 years. She never moved on. She came off pathetic by never taking off her wedding ring during their 5yr separation. Cue the secondhand embarrassment. She's still wearing the ring when he comes home, and he's got a girlfriend (he's only kissed). SMH. The only person who put Josh in his place and called him out was his uncle. I liked the uncle.
Just like in the previous book, there were chapters about a secondary couple (from book 1) which I skipped almost entirely, unless they involved Summer and Josh.
Despite the issues I mentioned above, I was still thinking I'd rate this 2.5 Stars, and rounding off to 3 Stars, because it really wasn't bad; it kept me reading and engaged, and I like the themes/tropes in the story. But it's in the last 10-15% where the book won me over. I was freaking crying because of how emotional it made me. The words hit me hard. I felt Summer's pain. Josh finally came through. He said all the rights things and did all the right things. He convinced me. His words, his sobbing and palpable desperation, a man on his knees...now that's my jam. I'm glad I read this and would read it again.
“I want only you . . .” he sang to her with a country twang. “You are my light and my star. Take my hand, walk with me, and I’ll never be far.”
April 25, 2025
Love the blurb not the book
March 20, 2016
Josh and Summer's story
Pretty good read about marriage reconciliation. Christian fiction. A little slow but good at the same time. Thanks for the book!
Pretty good read about marriage reconciliation. Christian fiction. A little slow but good at the same time. Thanks for the book!
January 1, 2016
Wow! This was such a beautiful, heartstrings pulling story. Joshua and Summer Day are a young, newly married couple that have struggling issues which causes them to have a big argument in which Joshua leaves, not knowing that Summer Day is pregnant with his child. Summer Day continues living at the Hart Campground, taking care of Joshua's aging aunt and uncle and the campgrounds which they have groups come out and attend summer camps. Fast forward five years Joshua comes back to make an amends with his aunt and uncle and the have Summer Day sign divorce papers since he has changed his life and has accepted God. There is Christian group that is holding a marriage seminar at the campgrounds and Joshua's aunt has encouraged both Joshua and Summer Day to attend. Will they attend, will they go through with the divorce or will they be able to salvage their marriage and become a complete family with their daughter Shua?
This was the first book by Mary that i have read and really enjoyed this book and have added a new author to my list. This book was a very good example of what can happen when we put others first before ourselves and also was a good example of salvation and forgiveness. I received a free copy from Mary in exchange of my honest review.
This was the first book by Mary that i have read and really enjoyed this book and have added a new author to my list. This book was a very good example of what can happen when we put others first before ourselves and also was a good example of salvation and forgiveness. I received a free copy from Mary in exchange of my honest review.
October 24, 2015
Wonderful story of love, forgiveness and reconciliation
What a wonderful story this is! Joshua and Summer's story will tug at your heart strings and you will find yourself so involved in these characters lives that you will be crying tears of pain and joy. I even found myself praying for them! Their daughter, Shua will also capture your heart. It was also wonderful seeing Winter and Ty as well as April and Chad from the previous books included in this story. This story of forgiveness, reconciliation and true love will lift up your heart and make it soar :) There is tender romance, country music, an adorable little girl.... Highly recommend! I received this book free for an honest review.
What a wonderful story this is! Joshua and Summer's story will tug at your heart strings and you will find yourself so involved in these characters lives that you will be crying tears of pain and joy. I even found myself praying for them! Their daughter, Shua will also capture your heart. It was also wonderful seeing Winter and Ty as well as April and Chad from the previous books included in this story. This story of forgiveness, reconciliation and true love will lift up your heart and make it soar :) There is tender romance, country music, an adorable little girl.... Highly recommend! I received this book free for an honest review.
November 12, 2015
Book 3, Summer's Dream, of the Second Chance series by Mary Hanks, is another great rid. I loved rhe story of Joshua and Summer Day.i laughed and cried with them. I loved their daughter, Shua Day. This is a story of love, faithfulness, and forgiveness. I love that the couples from the other 2 books find their way to this storyline. I was given a copy for an honest review. I highly recommend this series, and especially this book, and the author.v
March 10, 2020
🤦♀️
I love a cheating book. My least favorite is Christian based cheating books. I am obviously nothing like Jesus. Somethings don’t deserve forgiveness and in my opinion this male main character did not deserve.
I love a cheating book. My least favorite is Christian based cheating books. I am obviously nothing like Jesus. Somethings don’t deserve forgiveness and in my opinion this male main character did not deserve.
February 17, 2021
Summer's Dream
First off this is the third book in this series, but the first one I have read. It is heavily in faith and forgiveness. They had married young. He wanted to be a great musician. But drinking, drugs and wild women caused their marriage to fail. He left. Not knowing that he left her pregnant. Now he is back to get a divorce so he can move on with another woman. But what happens when he meets the one thing that could destroy his plans? Will he move on or will he take his biggest leap in faith to stay and mend his broken family?
First off this is the third book in this series, but the first one I have read. It is heavily in faith and forgiveness. They had married young. He wanted to be a great musician. But drinking, drugs and wild women caused their marriage to fail. He left. Not knowing that he left her pregnant. Now he is back to get a divorce so he can move on with another woman. But what happens when he meets the one thing that could destroy his plans? Will he move on or will he take his biggest leap in faith to stay and mend his broken family?
October 14, 2017
I've read the first three books of this series and find the author to be very skilled at taking men who are jerks and deserved to be divorced, and showing them changed through God's grace to become quite swoon-worthy. I enjoyed Summer and Josh's story.
I like revisiting Ty and Winter, and Chad and April, however I felt that too much page time was spent with Winter.
I like revisiting Ty and Winter, and Chad and April, however I felt that too much page time was spent with Winter.
August 17, 2022
A sweet story of forgiveness and reconciliation
Summer’s Dream, same as the others, is a sweet romance with a divine story of forgiveness and reconciliation. There are twists and turns that keep the story real, along words of Peace, Strength, and the Grace of God! I can’t wait to read book 4!
Summer’s Dream, same as the others, is a sweet romance with a divine story of forgiveness and reconciliation. There are twists and turns that keep the story real, along words of Peace, Strength, and the Grace of God! I can’t wait to read book 4!
September 7, 2022
I am enjoying this whole series but this one Summers Dream maybe my favorite yet. Hope there is a book that brings all these couples together to see where they all land and how they all are doing! Starting book 4 Autumns break next!
February 27, 2024
Stop using religion as a manipulative tool to make women forgive abusive and cheating men!
March 30, 2024
God if being a Christina means hating on women and forgiving unworthy cheating pigs of men then NO THANK YOU.
Not a woman author using God as an excuse for being stupid.
Not a woman author using God as an excuse for being stupid.
May 5, 2024
Message to me:- Don't attempt to read again. Sooooooo not my cup of tea.
November 24, 2015
What an amazing book, Mary Hanks gives us a heart stirring novel about second chances for a godly marriage.
I think this is a must read for Christian couples and even couples anticipating marriage.
I loved Summer and Joshua's story and I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I was honored to receive a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I think this is a must read for Christian couples and even couples anticipating marriage.
I loved Summer and Joshua's story and I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I was honored to receive a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2016
I love second-chance romances, immediately purchased this without reading the whole synopsis. The story is sweet and heartwarming. I liked that the author wove a realistic relationship between husband and wife. The reconciliation with their newfound faith feels so right. Looking forward to reading Ms. Hanks other books in this series.
August 12, 2018
Powerful
Rarely has a story resulted in anger, mortification, agony and joy within its telling. All of these emotions were real. Summer's epiphany during the final conference was incredibly powerful.
Rarely has a story resulted in anger, mortification, agony and joy within its telling. All of these emotions were real. Summer's epiphany during the final conference was incredibly powerful.
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