The Second Chance of Joshua Messer

by Rodney Strong

Joshua Messer has spent forty years chasing a what if.What if he’d acted differently on that day?What if he’d said or done something to change the outcome?

When he hesitantly agrees to a surprise request, and subsequently meets the outrageous young Ana, Joshua doesn’t appreciate that his life is about to go from quiet to crazy.  Thrust into the unfamiliar world of film-making he is forced to examine his life in a new light.

As filming progresses Joshua begins to suspect he might have a second chance to help someone in a way he couldn’t all those years ago. But the situation brings fresh what ifs. What if he screws it up again? What if history is doomed to repeat itself?

And what if he doesn’t have the courage left to try.

Buy your copy now to see if second chances really do happen.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2020

About the author

Writing is one of those things that I have always done. I vividly remember spending most of an English exam writing a complicated adventure story as the answer to an exam question. I passed the exam, either because of, or despite the answer.

I tend to write the story that comes to mind, regardless of genre.

Reviews

[Kim Loomer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joshua Messer is a very private man who has spent the last forty years by himself for the most part and every day wonders what if, about a day long ago. He gets asked to do a role in a small budget movie and because of who is asking he agrees to do so. The movie makes he question a lot of thing about his life. It is an interesting journey and a good story.

[Owen Porterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Rodney Strong. I’ve never met the man. Actually, this is the first of his books I’ve read. But I admire his gentle humor, his ability to create characters you like, and the kind way he writes of great sadness.
Mr. Strong’s writing style is deceptively simple. With what he chooses to say, and to not say, he invites the reader to wonder what has gone so wrong and could yet go wrong; to get to know the characters; to feel the sadness; to hope that this will all end well. He invites but never compels. With Mr. Strong’s light touch, it reads more like a love story than a tale of loss and regret.
This is the account of Joshua Messer, a 78-year-old man, unable to move past a great sadness that happened decades earlier and unable to forgive himself. And of Ana, a teenaged girl full of life but with a hurt she will not share. And it is a story about choices. He largely withdrew from life decades ago and is now nearly a recluse, but Joshua agrees to play the part of a grumpy old man in an indie movie, of all things (though he is a natural for the role). He doesn’t want to – he wants to stay in his home and in his routines that have kept him safe – but a friend really needs him and to refuse would be to hurt one of the few people he cares about. At the movie site, Joshua just wants to go home, back to the life he knows and can at least deal with, intends to go, plans to go, but keeps choosing to stay. And finally, he decides to take a chance, to reach out, even though he might fail (again, in his mind) and might have to feel the guilt and the emotions he was able to restrain in the safety of his home.
I suppose it’s obvious that this story will end well. That does not detract at all from the journey. Mr. Strong has written a book well worth reading.
[I was given an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased my own copy when the book came out, as I intend to read it again.]

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. What an amazing read! It is even more surprising that I felt this way when you consider this is not my normal genre. I am first and foremost a mystery, thriller, crime reader and this is nowhere near that; but once I started reading I found I couldn't put it down. The characters are fully-fleshed, three dimensional, and feel like people who inhabit my own life. They have histories, problems, and the desire to make the best of what life has thrown at them. While this story doesn't carry the "action" that I am used to in my thrillers, the emotional component present here easily makes up for it. The relationship between Joshua and Anna grabs the reader by the heart and never lets go. Mr. Strong has proven with this book that there is a depth to his writing that isn't immediately apparent in his light-hearted cozy mysteries, and I for one, am thrilled that I got to experience it. I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is a winner of the highest order!

[Jodi Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing read. Joshua Messer is effectively a hermit by choice. Then his kind of niece sends someone to ask for help. She needs him to act the part of a grumpy old man for her indie movie. For Joshua, this is a big ask as all he does is stay home and bake bread. Baking bread brings him back to the pivotal point in his life when the road forked. Ana is the other actor in this movie. The book describes a coming back to life after tragedy. It was so well written, you felt like you were there. Also, there was something so uplifting about such a tragic story. Thank you Rodney Strong for providing this book.

[reader 1085 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. A completely different storyline from author Strong. Joshua Messer is stuck in a rut, reliving a time from past. He agrees to be part of an indie movie which changes his life. While this book appears dark, at times sad and depressing, it does have its lighter moments. It's a compelling yet enjoyable read. I was given a free ARC by the author. My review is freely and honestly given

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and unusual read. Joshua is a "what if" person and decides to try something new. Enjoyable read. Worth reading, you may learn something. . I was given a free ARC by the author. My review is freely and honestly given.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I've read by this author. The characters are relatable and engaging. As someone who has 'saved emotions to deal with later' the plot was relatable, honest and thought provoking. It draws attention to the power of connection and community, and outreach with others. 5+ stars

[Glenda Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartfelt story. Read this book in 48 hours and it's one i now really really want to see on film.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me a little of A Man Called Ove and The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride. And yes, while it reminded me of those wonderful books, it is a great book on its own. I loved the way the story slowly evolved so that you learn about the behind the scenes aspects of the characters. Joshua Messer is actually receiving a second chance and as you flip through the pages, you will cry, laugh, and experience anger as you experience life through each of the characters.

The characters are well developed and you will develop strong feelings for many of them. As the story weaves through the pages, you will smell the bread baking, feel the angst of Joshua and Ana as they meet and begin to discover the other person’s hurts and loss, and discover what has brought them to this place. One of the best books I’ve read lately and I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read an advanced reader’s copy. The writing style was very different than the author’s typical lighthearted and witty cozy mysteries. But he did a fabulous job with this story and I hope he will continue to write this same type of book. It is definitely one to put on your to-read list.

Thank you to the author, Rodney Strong, for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.