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Paradise Point #2
Chances Are
Maddy Bainbridge is thrilled about marrying Aidan O'Malley--but she wasn't prepared for the ordeal of planning a wedding. Now the O'Malley clan is about to get a big shock when Aidan's teenage daughter reveals a secret that could tear apart the entire family--and put a stop to one very special wedding.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2004
162 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Bretton
129 books597 followersBarbara Bretton is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of more than 40 books. She currently has over ten million copies in print around the world. Her works have been translated into twelve languages in over twenty countries.
Barbara has been featured in articles in The New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Romantic Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Herald News, Home News, Somerset Gazette,among others, and has been interviewed by Independent Network News Television, appeared on the Susan Stamberg Show on NPR, and been featured in an interview with Charles Osgood of WCBS, among others.
Her awards include both Reviewer's Choice and Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times; Gold and Silver certificates from Affaire de Coeur; the RWA Region 1 Golden Leaf; and several sales awards from Bookrak. Ms. Bretton was included in a recent edition of Contemporary Authors.
Barbara loves to spend as much time as possible in Maine with her husband, walking the rocky beaches and dreaming up plots for upcoming books.
Barbara has been featured in articles in The New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Romantic Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Herald News, Home News, Somerset Gazette,among others, and has been interviewed by Independent Network News Television, appeared on the Susan Stamberg Show on NPR, and been featured in an interview with Charles Osgood of WCBS, among others.
Her awards include both Reviewer's Choice and Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times; Gold and Silver certificates from Affaire de Coeur; the RWA Region 1 Golden Leaf; and several sales awards from Bookrak. Ms. Bretton was included in a recent edition of Contemporary Authors.
Barbara loves to spend as much time as possible in Maine with her husband, walking the rocky beaches and dreaming up plots for upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 20, 2010
Chances Are. Barbara Bretton. 2004. Berkley. 371 pages.
Barbara Bretton is my favorite contemporary romance author. Her books are always guaranteed to please when a realistic romance and pick-me-up is needed. Chances Are was no exception, and once again, I am disappointed in myself in letting this book sit on my shelf for years before reading it!
Chances Are is centered around a group of women in a small Jersey shore-town called Paradise Point. The women consist of Maddy, a woman about to be married; her entrepreneur mother Rose; Claire, a widow and mother of five; and Kelly, Maddy's teenage soon-to-be stepdaughter. While the town focuses attention on Maddy and her wedding, Claire stands by jealous on the sidelines at Maddy's good fortune, while responsible Kelly suspects she may be pregnant. As opposed to most romance novels, Chances Are is unique because the romantic relationships are already established for the most part, and we are entertained by how these women keep themselves together in times of turmoil. While readers are presented with tastes of romanticism, the novel is not your classic "win the man over and experience drama while doing it".
Bretton's novels are great for all types of readers because they are not stereotypical in the romance genre. Bretton's novels give enjoyment and renewed hope for love to readers that may be overweight, widowed, divorced, sloppy, down-and-out, or past their prime in life. Being a divorced, single mother myself, I can always count on Bretton to pick me up and provide me with an awesome, fun read!
Barbara Bretton is my favorite contemporary romance author. Her books are always guaranteed to please when a realistic romance and pick-me-up is needed. Chances Are was no exception, and once again, I am disappointed in myself in letting this book sit on my shelf for years before reading it!
Chances Are is centered around a group of women in a small Jersey shore-town called Paradise Point. The women consist of Maddy, a woman about to be married; her entrepreneur mother Rose; Claire, a widow and mother of five; and Kelly, Maddy's teenage soon-to-be stepdaughter. While the town focuses attention on Maddy and her wedding, Claire stands by jealous on the sidelines at Maddy's good fortune, while responsible Kelly suspects she may be pregnant. As opposed to most romance novels, Chances Are is unique because the romantic relationships are already established for the most part, and we are entertained by how these women keep themselves together in times of turmoil. While readers are presented with tastes of romanticism, the novel is not your classic "win the man over and experience drama while doing it".
Bretton's novels are great for all types of readers because they are not stereotypical in the romance genre. Bretton's novels give enjoyment and renewed hope for love to readers that may be overweight, widowed, divorced, sloppy, down-and-out, or past their prime in life. Being a divorced, single mother myself, I can always count on Bretton to pick me up and provide me with an awesome, fun read!
October 17, 2014
As I was ambivalent about the first book, I did not expect to like this one as much as I did. The great thing about this book is that it takes up into the HEA, you get to see them working out the real life snags. There are some really wonderful moments with the supporting cast that make the book sing! I was really into this book, which is unique because I generally like my romances to have new leads each time around.
We get to see the whole family dynamic and how it is changing with Maddy and Aiden's relationship. There is drama, there is angst and most of all there is love!! Alright, so it is more drama than anything, but that was what I was in the mood for today.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by LC Kane, who is great. I love her sweet even tone, it really fits the read. Great pace keeps the story moving along. I also like that she did not try to go too deep for the men. I enjoyed her energy throughout and the emotion she was able to convey. This read smoother than the first book in the series. Just watch those hissing "S"s, I had to adjust my earphones at one point. I will be looking for more of her work!
While this was a great visit again with Maddy and Aiden, I would love to see other supporting characters take the lead in the next book. I am a sucker for everybody getting their HEA!!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
We get to see the whole family dynamic and how it is changing with Maddy and Aiden's relationship. There is drama, there is angst and most of all there is love!! Alright, so it is more drama than anything, but that was what I was in the mood for today.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by LC Kane, who is great. I love her sweet even tone, it really fits the read. Great pace keeps the story moving along. I also like that she did not try to go too deep for the men. I enjoyed her energy throughout and the emotion she was able to convey. This read smoother than the first book in the series. Just watch those hissing "S"s, I had to adjust my earphones at one point. I will be looking for more of her work!
While this was a great visit again with Maddy and Aiden, I would love to see other supporting characters take the lead in the next book. I am a sucker for everybody getting their HEA!!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
June 21, 2012
This is the sequel to Barbara Bretton's book 'Shore Lights'. I suggest you read Shore Lights prior to reading 'Chances Are'.
The continuation of this story finds Maddy Bainbridge and Aiden O'Malley engaged and planning their wedding. Maddy is unsure of the 'big' wedding her mother wants for her. Meanwhile, Aiden's daughter Kelly is having life difficulties of her own and doesn't feel that she can share her troubles with anyone since she has always been the girl who has always done the right thing. She doesn't want to disappoint anyone. Aiden's sister-in-law Claire is dealing with a lot of emotions and is also given a proposal from Maddy's Mom Rose and Olivia Westmore to help run a new tea shop they plan on opening.
There are a lot of characters in this story and they all carry over from the first book. I would like to see a third book in this series to see what happens to Kelly and her Aunt Claire down the road.
The continuation of this story finds Maddy Bainbridge and Aiden O'Malley engaged and planning their wedding. Maddy is unsure of the 'big' wedding her mother wants for her. Meanwhile, Aiden's daughter Kelly is having life difficulties of her own and doesn't feel that she can share her troubles with anyone since she has always been the girl who has always done the right thing. She doesn't want to disappoint anyone. Aiden's sister-in-law Claire is dealing with a lot of emotions and is also given a proposal from Maddy's Mom Rose and Olivia Westmore to help run a new tea shop they plan on opening.
There are a lot of characters in this story and they all carry over from the first book. I would like to see a third book in this series to see what happens to Kelly and her Aunt Claire down the road.
October 26, 2014
This is the sequel to shore lights. The books picks up where Maddy and Aiden are now engaged and planning a wedding. Just like the first book the story is not just limited to these two main characters. Both sides of their family drama is front and center. One of the main issue with this book and the first in the series is that the author have too many characters and stories going on. This should not necessarily be labeled romance when the main characters are ever hardly alone for too long. I loved the story about finding love again about past pain and healing but would have prefered it limited to less characters and some of the various plots drag on for far too long. Finally I did enjoy.
January 25, 2014
Love this one just as much as the first one in the series. Terrific weaving of a number of different stories all with the theme of love, family, and mother/daughter relationships. Each character has his or her strengths as well as faults which is sometimes difficult to portray when the main character is so often put on a pedestal in books.
December 11, 2012
Bretton does female angst very well.
August 30, 2013
Love this :)
September 27, 2020
What happens when a middle-aged woman from a large Italian family decides to marry a middle-aged man from a large Irish family? Lots of drama, lots of passion, and lots of love.
I first read Shore Lights, the first book in this duology, back in 2015. I had almost (not quite) forgotten how much I enjoyed the interplay between the DiFalco and O'Malley families. Thank you, Ms. Bretton, for allowing me to meet them again.
** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **
I first read Shore Lights, the first book in this duology, back in 2015. I had almost (not quite) forgotten how much I enjoyed the interplay between the DiFalco and O'Malley families. Thank you, Ms. Bretton, for allowing me to meet them again.
** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **
May 24, 2018
This is the second book in the series. Maddie and Aiden are engaged and planning their wedding. Maddie's Mom Rose and her friend Olivia are planning to open a Tea House, Cuppa and they want Maddie and Claire to run it for them. Claire has been cold to Maddie since her and Aiden got engaged.
Many secrets are revealed throughout this story, which really focused more on Claire and Aiden's daughter than on Maddie and Aiden. It was a good family drama type book and totally kept me engaged throughout. Worth the read.
Many secrets are revealed throughout this story, which really focused more on Claire and Aiden's daughter than on Maddie and Aiden. It was a good family drama type book and totally kept me engaged throughout. Worth the read.
July 14, 2018
I enjoyed this book. The first I've read from this author. A great story and it kept my interest. I was surprised near the end in chapter 24, when she mentioned Surf City and Long Beach Island. My in-laws owned a home there and I lived there for a short while and visited often.
April 6, 2020
Chances Ate: Paradise NJ (Paradise Point NJ Book 2)
The love story of Maddy and Aidan and Kelly and Seth. A document of shore town is in Paradise Point. A teen pregnancy , a wedding and a new shop in town will love won out? Ok story.
The love story of Maddy and Aidan and Kelly and Seth. A document of shore town is in Paradise Point. A teen pregnancy , a wedding and a new shop in town will love won out? Ok story.
September 25, 2017
Life
You may think your life is just going to be as it is. Then you get blind sided and it can be so different but not always for the worst.
You may think your life is just going to be as it is. Then you get blind sided and it can be so different but not always for the worst.
June 29, 2020
Paradise Point #2 - Had It - Read It 2004
January 18, 2014
Real life romance
I love Barbara Bretton's characters they are real. They come with problems, baggage and love. Not just romance but love for each other. I adored the first book in this series and couldn't wait to read the sequel. In fact I purchased this one and reread the first book again before starting this book. Chances are did not disappoint it made me fall even more in love with the O'Malleys and the Defalcos. I can't wait to see what is in-store for Claire. I have to admit I am not an unbiased reader. I love all of Bretton's books and would recommend all of them to fans of this genre.
I love Barbara Bretton's characters they are real. They come with problems, baggage and love. Not just romance but love for each other. I adored the first book in this series and couldn't wait to read the sequel. In fact I purchased this one and reread the first book again before starting this book. Chances are did not disappoint it made me fall even more in love with the O'Malleys and the Defalcos. I can't wait to see what is in-store for Claire. I have to admit I am not an unbiased reader. I love all of Bretton's books and would recommend all of them to fans of this genre.
January 15, 2015
Women's courage and love
The very best thing about this book is that it shows how strong women can love so tenderly that, although they know it can crush them, they love anyway. Most "strong" people feel that emotions are a weakness. But these women know that allowing love to make you weak and vulnerable, only makes you stronger. I wish I had a family of strong women like this to guide me. I have spent far too many years hiding my emotions because I felt that they showed my weakness.
The very best thing about this book is that it shows how strong women can love so tenderly that, although they know it can crush them, they love anyway. Most "strong" people feel that emotions are a weakness. But these women know that allowing love to make you weak and vulnerable, only makes you stronger. I wish I had a family of strong women like this to guide me. I have spent far too many years hiding my emotions because I felt that they showed my weakness.
January 6, 2016
Love this author's style
This is the second book of Bretton's I have read, and it definitely will not be the last. She moves through the stories, going from character to character, drawing you in to each separate storyline... And leaving you wishing there was more when you get to the end of the book.
Chances Are is a beautiful love story of, not just one couple, but an entire family...or two families. :) Really loved it! I would like to read an entire book on Claire and Corin...(hint). Bretton is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine.
This is the second book of Bretton's I have read, and it definitely will not be the last. She moves through the stories, going from character to character, drawing you in to each separate storyline... And leaving you wishing there was more when you get to the end of the book.
Chances Are is a beautiful love story of, not just one couple, but an entire family...or two families. :) Really loved it! I would like to read an entire book on Claire and Corin...(hint). Bretton is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine.
April 3, 2015
I loved the first book of this series and I loved the sequel. The characters are well-developed, the dialogue is realistic and natural and the story is heartwarming and emotional. My only complaint is that there is no third book to continue the stories of these two families I've come to love. I sincerely hope that the author decides to continue the Paradise Point series. I'd be first in line to buy it.
May 24, 2014
Wonderful sequel
how great to have an opportunity to continue sharing the lives of strong women with real issues. wonderfully written love story. laughter,joy,romance heart ache with tears and awesome characters read them both you'll be so glad you did. well worth your time.
how great to have an opportunity to continue sharing the lives of strong women with real issues. wonderfully written love story. laughter,joy,romance heart ache with tears and awesome characters read them both you'll be so glad you did. well worth your time.
December 20, 2014
Great storyline
Great storyline and realistic characters that are. three-dimensional. The story is very realistic and the characters do all the crazy stuff that happens in real life.
Great storyline and realistic characters that are. three-dimensional. The story is very realistic and the characters do all the crazy stuff that happens in real life.
August 29, 2015
Chances Are by Barbara Bretton is an excellent romance novel; it is the sequel to Shore Lights. This author accomplishes the difficult task of creating strong, likable, and believable characters better than almost any other author I've read.
September 11, 2015
Second book of this two-book series. I loved it. I loved all the connections from generations past and all the crazy family currently residing in this New Jersey shore town. Tensions mount, romance blooms, hearts stutter. Real life goes on, and on, and on...thank heavens!!
September 27, 2015
I am loving this series by Barbara Bretton. You are pulled into the story and you feel as if you are a part of these people's lives. I also like the way the endings are done in that they're not cliffhangers, but you know there is more to come in the next book. Can't wait to read it!
August 31, 2016
Really not worth reading
I read the first book of this series. I found this book tedious as the author recalled the original book in this second one. I know there is a third book, but I won't get it.
I read the first book of this series. I found this book tedious as the author recalled the original book in this second one. I know there is a third book, but I won't get it.
September 16, 2016
Continuing Aiden and Maddy's story
I was not at all disappointed in the second book of the series! Just wish there were more books in the series to read. There are a lot of interesting characters in these families!
I was not at all disappointed in the second book of the series! Just wish there were more books in the series to read. There are a lot of interesting characters in these families!
March 4, 2008
not a bad story, i liked the characters. was a tad predictable, and the author did get a bit wordy.
September 5, 2009
Very good book. Maddy and Aidan are so in love but things get messy when Kelly and Seth are pregnant. Claire and Corin wait 10 years to be together.
August 8, 2010
Strong characters,had me on my toes for what would happen every step of the way.
April 3, 2016
Fabulous! A wonderful, moving story of love and family, both blood relatives and families of the heart. I've read this book many times, and I laugh and cry and love it every single time.
December 25, 2013
Not as good as book one because there was too much re-capping. But, all in all, good writing and engaging stories with happy endings. A welcome relief from books that just make me nervous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews