Elli: A Second Chance Novel, Second Edition

Second Chance #1

by Tina DeSalvo

An impossible will, an interfering family, a distracting Mardi Gras Season, a demanding diva rental dog, a Fiery MYSTERY and a stubborn man are all standing in her way, but…

….Elli Morenelli is a Fighter and a Survivor. Will that be enough?

Elli lived through a nightmare and now is working on getting her dream Her life could have been over with her breast cancer diagnosis, but she had fought and won. Now she’s fighting for others facing the same battle but to do so she needs money. She needs it fast. Fortunately, Elli finds herself with half ownership of a gran Bayou Estate. Unfortunately, a twisted inheritance makes it impossible for her to simply sell it and save the foundation she had a role ind betraying. The man she inherited the property with is stopping her. She has a plan to change that…Dogs! It’ll provide the common ground with this man known as the Cajun Dog Whisperer so they can stop being adversaries - and giver her a chance to convince him to sell Sugar Mill Estate. But, Ben Bienvenu is not the only problem she's having to deal with - someone is trying to trying to sabotage her or worse and it's not Ben.

Ben Bienvenu wants nothing to do with the quirky woman from California who looks as out-of-place on his property as the fluffy, designer pup she carries in her outstretched hands…Who carries a dog that way?! The conditions of the even quirkier will that equally left the Sugar Mill Estate to this stranger means he doesn’t have much choice but to deal with her…if he wants to keep the property that’s been in his family for generations. He’s got to find a a way to send her home from his LA to her L-A while running his demanding dog training business, raising his energetic son, dealing with his over-exuberant Bienvenu family who has match-making on their minds, and stop the person who is now trying to hurt Elli and his beautiful home.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2014

About the author

Tina DeSalvo grew up in the suburbs of New Orleans, only minutes from the French Quarter. She moved to Cajun Country after college to take a job as a broadcast journalist. Like New Orleans had, now she gathered inspiration for what would become her wonderful fiction characters from the rich culture, unique traditions and lively events of the bayou community. Tina's Second Chance Novel Series are Contemporary stories of love, mystery, laughter and Cajun Charm.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads First-reads. This did not influence my review.

This was a true second chance story. A second chance at living life and not just existing. Discovering you have breast cancer will do that to you. Elli is now in remission and has founded a charity to help others and their families who are also battling cancer. She was dealing with the FR Group who were supposed to be the best in the business for event planners. They blindsided Elli and her group as they stole all the donations given at the fundraiser. They also stole an additional two million from the credit cards of the donors.

Elli was devastated. She was counting on this money for her Gene I.D. Foundation. She used some of her own money but it wasn't enough. She then found that she had inherited half ownership in a Louisiana plantation. Of course there was a twist. She would own half with Ben Bienvenu owning the other half. The will stipulated they could not buy the other one out. If they agreed to sell outright it could not be to a relative. This created all kinds of problems. Elli needed money to keep her foundation afloat. Ben and his son lived there and were none too welcoming. To say Ben did not like Elli was an understatement. He wanted her to go back to where she came from and leave him alone.

I cannot say more without spoilers so let me say this was a heartwarming story. You will follow Elli and Ben along their journey to find a solution . They also find themselves attracted to each other even though they don't want to. Elli is a woman with much determination and strength. She is also a source of inspiration. A warm, loving story that will leave you with a smile on your face when you finish.

[Carla Wadsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the dogs and Tante Izzy. She is an awesome character. LOVED her spunk. The Second Chance Series is a winner!!

[The Smutty Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by KittyKelly

5 out of 5 Licks

*big happy reader sigh* From the moment I picked up this book until I read the last sentence I didn't want to put this book down. It grabbed me right from the start with the heart wrenching journey through Elli's journey with breast cancer. The journey only lasts about 6 pages but it felt like I was right there with Elli. Ben hates Elli before he even meets her and after meeting him the feeling is mutual for Elli too. The journey they take through this book was fun, sad, and scary all rolled into one. Ms. DeSalvo had me laughing out loud, bursting with anger, and almost in tears more times than I can count. I managed to hold my tears at bay until I finished and then I couldn't stop crying. It almost felt cathartic to let them fall after it was over. The fight against breast cancer is certainly not an easy one and the author manages to tell a beautiful story full of hope and promise without it being sad all the time. This author has definitely been added to my buy list. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out! The best part about this book? Tina DeSalvo is donating all the proceeds to the fight against breast cancer!

[Arica Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, uplifting romance of two people who fight the connection they feel from the beginning to protect themselves and the ones they love. Dogs, family, and more bring these two together, giving them both the second chance they deserve.

[Theresa Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! Loved Elli and Ben! And the dogs!!!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's technical writing skills were very good. I loved the interaction between the two main characters. The supporting character - Tante Izzy - was a hoot!!! She is definitely a keeper. The ONE problem I had was that there were dog activities in just about every other paragraph. I would have enjoyed it more if the dog references had been less. However, the tragedies stole my heart. I will continue with this series.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Elli" is book one in the "Second Chance" series by Tina DeSalvo. Elli definitely tugged at my heart strings. Tina did a wonderful job writing this story, and you could definitely feel the emotions. Elli tries not to get attached to anyone or anything because she has been dealt a rough hand in life, so she keeps everyone at arms length. Ben and his son, Joey, broke the barrier and wiggled their way into Elli's life. Instead of becoming attached to them, she returns home and tries to do what she can to keep them from her life. My favorite scene was when Joey climbed into bed with Elli, and Ben realized maybe Elli isn't that bad of a person. I definitely had tears in my eyes reading a few other scenes, but in the end, I am glad I gave it a read. I will definitely be reading more in this series.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elli is the first novel of the debut series “A Second Chance Novel”. Nevertheless, it can be read as a standalone. So for those that fear cliffhangers, you are safe with this wonderful book!
Just like the title of the series implies, this novel is about perseveration, learning to love yourself and move forward, about giving yourself a second chance in life and treasure every step of your journey, no matter how hard it is. Elli, was a wonderful and pretty busy movie producer until her life took a 180° when she detected a strange bump in her breast, you can guess what it was. However, she had the strength and determination to fight her illness and win. Not many are able to do what she did, not because they are not willing to try but because they don’t have enough money to pay for the treatments. After her experience, she meets a wonderful woman that leaves her with a blog “Bosom Blog Buddies” and the blog becomes so meaningful to her. In the blink of an eye, she started a foundation to support all those people fighting cancer that, unfortunately, can’t pay their medical fees. I really wish I could say she got the funds on the first try and everything was pink color but if that was the case, there would be no story, no lesson learned or even a little bit of self-growth.
With the funds for her organization stolen, life gives her a little bit of hope in the form of a parcel of a sugar plantation in Louisiana. Elli just has to sell it and get enough money to support her Foundation, if only things were so easy. Enter, handsome single dad Ben Bienvenu! This man can seem kind of harsh with Elli, actually, he is quite rude towards here but he is just trying to protect his family and his territory. After learning that Elli’s aunt just got him half of the plantation and the other to an ex-Hollywood producer, he thinks the plantation and his family’s future is in risk. Nevertheless, he can’t totally deny that there are sparks between him and Elli. Would that be enough to give her a chance?

I have to admit that as soon as I found out Elli’s profession, I thought she would probably have the attitude of a brat or maybe that she would be a workaholic self-centered gal that focused on her little world. I was wrong and I am so sorry for judging. Elli was such a strong woman that endure on a short period of time, much more painful experiences than most people during their whole lifespan. I truly cried with her and felt overjoyed when she was happy, she became the kind of woman I wish I could be one day. I assure you that she will steal your hear away. Now, Ben. Well, I wanted to slap the man for taking out all his frustration on the poor gal. I mean, she has been facing trouble after trouble and could really use a break! Nevertheless, later I learned that maybe I could have been a little too hard on the man.
I truly recommend this novel for any person that loves novels about self-growth, perseverance, drama, a little bit of comedy and, of course, a pretty good taste of a wonderful romance that managed to bloom in adverse and confusing times.

4 stars
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally, when I write a review, I go through the plot without revealing too much to let you, the reader, know a little more about the book I’ve read and to let you know why I think you should read it. I’m going to veer off of that path a bit with this one and just tell you why you should read it.

I will be honest and tell you that when I received this book to read and review and read the blurb, I wasn’t thrilled. A lot of books, in my humble opinion, that deal with a main character surviving a life threatening event become, well, almost unreadable for me. But, I dove in and holy hell…… Am I glad I did. Tina DeSalvo has written a wonderful story with just the right amount of, for lack of a better word, everything. You will absolutely fall in love with EVERYONE in this story. Your heart will break for both Elli and Ben, but you will also find yourself cheering for them very early on. Elli doesn’t dwell on what has happened to her, rather she dwells on what she can do to help others to not have to go through what she has been through. That is the crux of her dilemma. Even though she’s entitled to half of the estate, and shows up with a plan, said plan goes down the tubes fast and she finds herself at a crossroads……….

Ben is hell bent on not liking Elli, and he stands his ground early on as he doesn’t want to lose his familial home that he and his son still call home. He just can’t fathom why someone would want to uproot all they’ve known, but when he finally starts figuring things out, with the help of his awesome, quirky and wonderful family, he has to decide what’s “right” for he and his son. And, yes, he decides that even though Elli is afraid to love anyone for fear of having to leave them if she gets sick again, he’s willing to risk his heart and put it all on the line.

Elli reminds everyone who reads it that life happens. The good, the bad and the ugly. Almost unbelievably, as I was reading this book, one of my best friends since 1988 was diagnosed with breast cancer, Stage 3 invasive lobular carcinoma. Talk about a shocker……….And for the first two days, I couldn’t read the book. I even thought about contacting everyone and telling them that I just couldn’t do it. But as I picked it up, I read one of the blog entries that Elli had written, and I thought who am I to be having a pity party? I don’t have this disease. My friend does. And information is power. So, I finished the book and am so glad I did. The insight in the few blog entries that we are privy to are insightful and touching, and yes, even funny at times. Please don’t get me wrong. This is in no way a sad story, but a very happy and uplifting one. Thrown together by chance, Ben and Elli sizzle together and you just can’t get enough of them. And, the fact that Ben and his family are Cajun has absolutely nothing to do with his hotness……really……not a bit……. J There is so much potential with the others in the Bienvenu family……All I can say is that I can’t wait to read about them as well. And, well done Tina DeSalvo, well done.

Copy supplied by the author

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

This is an amazing story of a woman who was living the fast pace busy life in Hollywood only to stumble and pick herself up again to live. I thoroughly enjoyed this book about perseverance, survival and love.

Three years ago Elli Morenelli was a busy movie producer, when she found a lump in her breast she barely had time to have a doctor look at it, but once he got her attention she devoted everything she had to fighting it. During her treatment she met some amazing people, one woman gifted her a blog: Bosom Blog Buddies before she died. Elli kept it up and it became a lifeline for her and many others going through her same struggles.

Now Elli is living in remission and with her good friend Abby McCord they started a foundation: The Gene I.D. Foundation, which provides financial assistance for patients unable to afford the expensive genetic test. Unfortunately during a major fund raising event the event planners took off with the money and financial information on the donors. The foundation is about to go bankrupt unless they can get some much needed money. To the rescue is Elli’s deceased aunt that left her half a plantation in Louisiana, Sugar Mill Plantation. She must sell her half to use it for the foundation; unfortunately there are some stipulations and an angry half owner to deal with.

Ben Bienvenu is the other owner, his family has own the plantation for several generations and he is not happy with what his father’s mistress did. Ben trains search and rescue dogs and wants to raise his son Joey on the property and plans to never sell. And the standoff begins as Elli moves in and disrupts the lives of the Bienvenu family.

This is the debut novel from Ms. DeSalvo and it is wonderful. The characters are engaging and dynamic, in fact he whole Bienvenu family is amazing and they add so much to the story that I laughed out loud several times when they appeared.

Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind

Copy from author for an honest review

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by Tina DeSalvo is absolutely wonderful! I have to admit that I really wasn’t sure how I would feel about reading Elli’s story because I lost my mother many years ago to breast cancer. I am so glad that I went with my gut and read this book. I laughed and I cried quite often from beginning to end, but that is also what makes it such a fantastic story. The chemistry between Elli and Ben is wonderful, and I also enjoyed the personalities of secondary characters.

Elli Morenelli has been turned her life around after winning the fight against breast cancer. She gave up her career in order to help other women fight for their lives too. The foundation she started is running low on money and Elli is determined that she will find a way to continue helping these women. She needs money, and she needs it as quickly as possible. When she finds out that she owns half of a plantation in Louisiana she knows it’s an answer to the foundation’s money problems.

Ben Bienvenu is the co-owner of the plantation and has lived there for most of his life. His home has been in the family for generations and where he plans to raise his son, and there is no way that he is going to accept that he has to share it with some woman from California. No matter what the will states he will not let her waltz in and start making decisions that he does not agree with.

Things can get a little crazy when two people are determined to have things go their own way but have a few dogs, a lot of nosy family members, and the excitement of Mardi Gras parades keep interfering in their lives. Can they come to an agreement that works for them both? Or will two people walk away with a broken heart?

I actually started reading a complimentary copy that I received from the author before it released. I still had a few chapters left when it release, but I loved this so much that I purchased a copy. I also purchased a copy to give Tina my support in helping women fight this horrible disease by donating her proceeds.

[Mignon Mykel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos to Tina for taking a life-changing diagnosis, and writing a real story about it. Elli's thoughts and feelings certainly came across as true, making her character feel real. Elli's character is a very take-charge type female. She is Hollywood producer who worries about her work far more than her health; granted, knowing she's thirty-one and her mother passed at forty from the same disease she's being checked for, allows her to push off the impending talks with her doctor.

If you can't control you body, you can at least control the phone calls.

I loved Elli's attitude. I loved her control-freak nature and I loved her spunk, sass, and livelihood. I loved watching her journey through blogging, and meeting new people through it, as well. More than that, though, I loved how she dealt with cranky Ben.

Ben doesn't have the best past when it comes to the opposite sex, so watching him treat Elli in a cool manner was frustrating -- so much so, that I wanted his character growth to happen quicker than it did.

Regardless, watching these two bicker and learn to change their ways was done in a great way. The reading was easy to follow and the topic is one that most people can relate to on some level. For a debut, Tina did a really great job; I'm curious to look into Jewell and Beau's story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advance copy of Elli to read, I more then likely would not have chosen to read this book if it had not been given to me. It is a well written book and the subject of breast cancer plays a prominent role in how the character Elli deals with her life and Ben, the person she is thrown together with by her aunt's will. Elli is in need of money and the plantation that Ben lives on and has been part of his family for generations seems to be the answer- she was willed half of it by her aunt. It is how Elli and Ben interact that makes the story come together and an enjoyable read.
I am a type of reader that if one of the characters rubs me wrong I will stop reading it and Elli definitely started out that way. By the end of the book I liked that she changed enough for me to say okay she is not so self centered. As this was the first book that I have read by this author I would more then likely try another of her books.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advance copy of Elli to read, I more then likely would not have chosen to read this book if it had not been given to me. It is a well written book and the subject of breast cancer plays a prominent role in how the character Elli deals with her life and Ben, the person she is thrown together with by her aunt's will. Elli is in need of money and the plantation that Ben lives on and has been part of his family for generations seems to be the answer- she was willed half of it by her aunt. It is how Elli and Ben interact that makes the story come together and an enjoyable read.
I am a type of reader that if one of the characters rubs me wrong I will stop reading it and Elli definitely started out that way. By the end of the book I liked that she changed enough for me to say okay she is not so self centered. As this was the first book that I have read by this author I would more then likely try another of her books.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elli has the perfect, categorized life until her doctor confirms her fear - she has breast cancer.

What she receives is support and a project, a foundation to work on supporting other women in their fight against breast cancer. This career switch appeals to her heart and mind. She's been an Academy Award winning producer and now she can use her skills for something that matters to herself and other women.

This project is in jeopardy yet she receives half a inheritance in Louisiana - part of a plantation. A possibility at saving the foundation. She has to take it.

She wanders into Ben Bienvenu's life and soon they discover their lives are worth sharing. Worth fighting for. Worth believing in each other no matter what life throws at them.

This book is about hope and love. Great read and fantastic characters add to a strong story.

[Kelli Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when the other-woman dies, leaving the non-husband's home and business half to his son and half to her niece? FIREWORKS!! She has a failing charity that needs a serious infusion of money to survive - so, Elli see no way but to sell the plantation home and the kennels. Ben wants nothing more than for Elli to go away and not try to sell not only the only home he's ever known, but his son's home and heritage. BUT, dear auntie left a clause - they can't buy each other out, and no one in either family can buy the plantation. But Elli's deceased aunt, and Ben's Tante Izzy are both at work on a love connection. Throw in some crazy pups, a HUGE family, and the threat of reoccurring Breast Cancer, you're in for a wild ride. AND, proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ben, are you sure you understand what you get with me?"
The thing is, Elli still doesn't get that she is not just a cancer survivor. There so much more to her. Ben knows it.
Of course, Ben has his own issues.
What a great story.
I really enjoyed the fun, the crazy characters (its New Orleans at mardi gras) haha
Dogs, gators, mystery, drama, crazy family and friends and laughs.
Really great developing characters thru the whole story.
You will enjoy Elli, you will learn to like Ben, you will love Joey and want to have Tante Izzy and her whole crew living in your neighborhood. hahaha
Its a really lovely love story.
All proceeds donated to the fight against breast cancer.

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about a woman who is so busy with her life but is sidelined with the diagnosis of breast cancer. Everything changes for Elli. And when she ends up with half a plantation in Lousiana, she heads there to sell it and take the proceeds to pay off debts. Unfortunately or Fortunately the other half of the plantation is owned by Ben..a wickedly handsome man who is very much against selling of the estate. This book has it all...humor and sadness..but a great message about just being alive!! I loved it!!

[Trisha Doucet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book as a gift. I agree with some of the other reviews. I don't know if I would have picked this book up myself. But, I am glad that I read it. The story was really good. I am also a breast cancer survivor. Initially, I was put off by the underlying cancer story, but, by the middle of the book, I began to recognize some of my same thoughts and concerns. So, the book ended up striking a different chord for me than it may for other readers. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would buy another book by this author.

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw that "All Book Proceeds Donated to Women in the Fight Against Breast Cancer". This would be a fun book even without the wonderful incentive to donate to the breast cancer fight. I got a chuckle and a head shake a few times out of Elli. Some of the things that happens to her has you saying to yourself I totally get it. There are a few different people who support this story and they are all easy to follow. All in all this is a well rounded story that I genuinely enjoyed. I was given this story for an honest review and this is mine.

[Julie Brengard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. Loved it and will definitely read more by this author. While it did not have as much suspense as I generally like in my romance, it kept me hooked. Parts of this book made me want to cry. But the laughter was the best! The story was well done. I fell in love with the characters! And I keep chuckling now thinking about Ben's Aunt.

I would recommend this book to my friends and family. Very well written with characters you can get a real feel for and understand.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Elli's struggles within herself and from the outside tested her strength and showed her that Cancer doesn't have to destroy your life. LIVE!!!
Ben's struggles with his past and with Elli show him that he has a second chance at life and love as well! With a host of awesome characters and a sincere heartfelt prose I would recommend this to anyone.

I very much look forward to reading more from Ms. deSalvo!

Give it a try!!

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you like an egotistical jerk as the main male character, and superficial doormat as the leading female--then this is the book for you! Boring story with a lot of filler, one-dimensional lead characters with no chemistry, flawed story details in relation to law. Got to about 60 percent but can't get through this book.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like romance novels, you will like this book. It's a sweet story set in Cajun country with colorful characters. The author - a breast cancer survivor - focuses the story on Elli, a breast cancer survivor who wants to help other women going through cancer treatment. The proceeds from the book will do just that - support women and families dealing with cancer.

[Lauren Mayet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thoroughly engrossed with Ellie and Ben’s story. I also loved that this was written by a local author. With that being said, I felt like I knew these characters and places. I felt like I was reading about my Home and about the bayou life. I found myself trying to quietly laugh while reading these words Ms. Tina DeSalvo wrote. I can’t wait to read more of this series.

[Anne Richwine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

What a great read. Congratulations Tina! Loved every minute of it. Having just finished treatment for Stage 4 breast cancer and now being cancer free, I certainly can relate to Elli's fears. Looking forward to the next book. What an accomplishment!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. DeSalvo has created a family unit out of frightened and broken folks.

Read full review in the 2014 October issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tina did such a great job with this book. She tells the story of a plantation that you can visualize in your head and laugh alot and then also gives us that has had any type of breast cancer hope to look around those curves ahead with hope and laughter. Great Job tina!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this book. I laughed and cried from the dedication to end of the book. This book gave me an insight of what the wonderful women who fight breast cancer face and how strong they really are. I can't wait to read the next book from Tina DeSalvo.

[Maria Clause · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. I very much enjoyed Tante Izzy's dialect and those bits of Cajun French that are dying out in Southeastern Louisiana. Bon Chance with the next one!