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Brockenridge #2
Second Chance Lane
From USA Today bestselling Australian author Nicola Marsh comes a compelling story of love, redemption and community.
When the past crashes into the future, there's more than hearts on the line.
Natasha Trigg leads a simple life in small-town Brockenridge. She works at the roadhouse, has good friends, and at the centre of her world is her daughter, Isla. She knows dumping musician Kody Lansdowne thirteen years ago by misleading him about her pregnancy was best in the long run. She drove him away so he could achieve his dreams but has always felt guilty. When a matchmaking Isla invites a surprise new neighbour to dinner, Tash and Kody come face to face once again...
Now a bona fide rockstar, Kody's in hiding to sort through the mess his life has become after a concert resulted in devastation. The last thing he needs is discovering he has a child. Especially as it means the one woman he's never been able to forget is now permanently part of his life. Pity he's so furious with her...
For Jane Jefferson, who has deliberately fooled townsfolk into believing her reputation is worse than it is for years, a second chance is something she thought she'd never get. Reconnecting with friendships she thought lost forces her to face the do past mistakes define you forever?
While navigating the troubled waters of forgiveness, friendship and love, will these three Brockenridge residents discover everyone deserves a second chance?
PRAISE FOR NICOLA
'Marsh excels at this sort of small-town romance and she delivers another engaging mix of drama, old regrets and developing relationships.' - Canberra Weekly
'A beautiful and touching story, underscored by emotional themes, Second Chance Lane is not to be missed.' - Mrs B's Book Reviews
'A satisfying read with plenty of drama and a big dollop of romance.' - The Weekly Times
'Her style is compassionate, witty and engaging with a diverse character set and a palpable love of the region she has set the story. ' - Mic Loves Books
When the past crashes into the future, there's more than hearts on the line.
Natasha Trigg leads a simple life in small-town Brockenridge. She works at the roadhouse, has good friends, and at the centre of her world is her daughter, Isla. She knows dumping musician Kody Lansdowne thirteen years ago by misleading him about her pregnancy was best in the long run. She drove him away so he could achieve his dreams but has always felt guilty. When a matchmaking Isla invites a surprise new neighbour to dinner, Tash and Kody come face to face once again...
Now a bona fide rockstar, Kody's in hiding to sort through the mess his life has become after a concert resulted in devastation. The last thing he needs is discovering he has a child. Especially as it means the one woman he's never been able to forget is now permanently part of his life. Pity he's so furious with her...
For Jane Jefferson, who has deliberately fooled townsfolk into believing her reputation is worse than it is for years, a second chance is something she thought she'd never get. Reconnecting with friendships she thought lost forces her to face the do past mistakes define you forever?
While navigating the troubled waters of forgiveness, friendship and love, will these three Brockenridge residents discover everyone deserves a second chance?
PRAISE FOR NICOLA
'Marsh excels at this sort of small-town romance and she delivers another engaging mix of drama, old regrets and developing relationships.' - Canberra Weekly
'A beautiful and touching story, underscored by emotional themes, Second Chance Lane is not to be missed.' - Mrs B's Book Reviews
'A satisfying read with plenty of drama and a big dollop of romance.' - The Weekly Times
'Her style is compassionate, witty and engaging with a diverse character set and a palpable love of the region she has set the story. ' - Mic Loves Books
Paperback
Published September 1, 2021
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About the author
Nicola Marsh
414 books1,442 followersUSA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.
She has published 86 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
She loves chatting on social media!
She has published 86 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
She loves chatting on social media!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 12, 2021
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Second Chance Lane by author Nicola Marsh is an engaging rural romance predominately about two women Tash and Jane. The story features family, friendships, community, redemption, forgiveness and a second chance at love, I couldn’t put it down!
Set in Australia, country Victoria we return to Brockenridge for the sequel to the first book Long Way Home. Second Chance Lane can easily be read as a standalone.
Natasha Trigg (Tash) and her twelve year old daughter Isla live a quiet country town life. Tash works at the local roadhouse with her closest friends. Thirteen years ago she left her nursing studies, misled and dumped her boyfriend Kody so he could follow his dreams of becoming a rock star and secretly returned to to her hometown in Brockenridge to become a single mum.
Present - Kody now a world famous rock star decides to hide out in Brockenridge at a mates shack after a recent trauma and meets his daughter Isla for the first time which in turn leads to Tash having to face her past and a long hidden secret.
Meanwhile Jane is dealing with the deliberate mistakes of her past and a cold and calculating mother. Will her past mistakes define her forever or can she reconnect with friendships she thought lost?
It’s not difficult to be swept away by this beautifully touching story, a perfect romance read.
Second Chance Lane by author Nicola Marsh is an engaging rural romance predominately about two women Tash and Jane. The story features family, friendships, community, redemption, forgiveness and a second chance at love, I couldn’t put it down!
Set in Australia, country Victoria we return to Brockenridge for the sequel to the first book Long Way Home. Second Chance Lane can easily be read as a standalone.
Natasha Trigg (Tash) and her twelve year old daughter Isla live a quiet country town life. Tash works at the local roadhouse with her closest friends. Thirteen years ago she left her nursing studies, misled and dumped her boyfriend Kody so he could follow his dreams of becoming a rock star and secretly returned to to her hometown in Brockenridge to become a single mum.
Present - Kody now a world famous rock star decides to hide out in Brockenridge at a mates shack after a recent trauma and meets his daughter Isla for the first time which in turn leads to Tash having to face her past and a long hidden secret.
Meanwhile Jane is dealing with the deliberate mistakes of her past and a cold and calculating mother. Will her past mistakes define her forever or can she reconnect with friendships she thought lost?
It’s not difficult to be swept away by this beautifully touching story, a perfect romance read.
December 4, 2020
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Second Chance Lane by Nicola Marsh. (2020).
(Brockenridge #2)
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel; published 7 October 2020**
Tash leads a simple life in small-town Brockenridge: she works at the roadhouse, has good friends and her 12 year old daughter Isla. She drove away Isla's father Kody by dumping him so he could follow his musician dreams but has always felt guilty. All of a sudden, they come face to face again when Kody is in hiding to sort through his mess of a life after a tragic concert. He is shocked to discover he has a child, especially with the woman he's never been able to forget... Meanwhile, Jane has deliberately fooled everyone into believing her reputation is worse than it is and a second chance is something she thought she'd never get. Reconnecting with friendships she thought she'd lost forces her to question if past mistakes define you forever...
This is my first novel by this author but it won't be my last. While this is technically a sequel, I read it as a standalone and it was perfectly fine. The main storyline is obviously in relation to Tash and Kody, with a clear attraction remaining between the two but also them working out how to coparent as well as Kody getting to know his daughter. The secondary storyline is in relation to Jane and her relationships with old friends, her mother and a potential new one with Mason. Forgiveness is the main theme running through, with all of the main characters needing to forgive themselves and others in order to move on. All of the main characters are really likeable even if you didn't agree with their past decisions/mistakes. Those readers who appreciate a sexy male lead character will find both Kody and Mason a treat!
If you are in the mood for a romance where you know it's going to end happily ever after for the main characters, definitely pick this one up.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Second Chance Lane by Nicola Marsh. (2020).
(Brockenridge #2)
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel; published 7 October 2020**
Tash leads a simple life in small-town Brockenridge: she works at the roadhouse, has good friends and her 12 year old daughter Isla. She drove away Isla's father Kody by dumping him so he could follow his musician dreams but has always felt guilty. All of a sudden, they come face to face again when Kody is in hiding to sort through his mess of a life after a tragic concert. He is shocked to discover he has a child, especially with the woman he's never been able to forget... Meanwhile, Jane has deliberately fooled everyone into believing her reputation is worse than it is and a second chance is something she thought she'd never get. Reconnecting with friendships she thought she'd lost forces her to question if past mistakes define you forever...
This is my first novel by this author but it won't be my last. While this is technically a sequel, I read it as a standalone and it was perfectly fine. The main storyline is obviously in relation to Tash and Kody, with a clear attraction remaining between the two but also them working out how to coparent as well as Kody getting to know his daughter. The secondary storyline is in relation to Jane and her relationships with old friends, her mother and a potential new one with Mason. Forgiveness is the main theme running through, with all of the main characters needing to forgive themselves and others in order to move on. All of the main characters are really likeable even if you didn't agree with their past decisions/mistakes. Those readers who appreciate a sexy male lead character will find both Kody and Mason a treat!
If you are in the mood for a romance where you know it's going to end happily ever after for the main characters, definitely pick this one up.
November 19, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
Second Chance Lane is the latest contemporary romance from Nicola Marsh. With themes of rekindled love, parenting, family relationships, trauma, redemption and acceptance leading the way, Second Chance Lane is another truly delightful story from an author I have come to admire very much.
Second Chance Lane is the story of the past, the future, choices, mistakes and forgiveness. Unveiling the tales of two very different women, both haunted by their pasts, we learn how they cope and change over the course of this heartwarming small town tale. Tash Trigg is a single mother to twelve year old Isla, who has settled into life in the outback town of Brockenridge. With a job at the local roadhouse and plenty of friends to call on, Tash has forged a life for herself, away from the shadow of her judgmental parents and musician ex. But alarm bells ring when Tash’s daughter Isla sets her up with a handsome new neighbour. As a result, Tash must face her past and confront long hidden secrets. While for Kody, Tash’s new neighbour, dealing with the recent trauma of a tragic accident has seen his life taken a downward turn. Kody is in no position to accept a new figure in his life, especially a daughter he has no knowledge of. Meanwhile, the other pivotal character of this tale is dealing with her past and hoping those in the town of Brokenridge can accept the amends she is trying to make in relation to previous mistakes. Can Jane restore her reputation and will the Brockenridge community let her back in to its fold? Together these souls try to overcome difficult times as they each work at restoring their own past grievances.
Nicola Marsh is an author who writes with a genuine feeling, emotion and sincerity. Second Chance Lane is the second novel I have read by this talented author. Although I have only managed to experience Marsh’s contemporary romance stories, I have a number of this author’s domestic fiction stories ordered. I can’t wait to delve into more fiction from Nicola Marsh.
I think the wonderful thing about this story is that Nicola Marsh has constructed a set of characters that appear very relatable and honest. With situations and problems that we can all connect to on some level, Second Chance Lane proved to be an easy, readable and engaging read. Nicola Marsh does not shy away from presenting the flaws and weak points of her protagonists, which allows the reader to really connect on a deeper level to the issues presented in the novel. With three core characters to contend with, Nicola Marsh has provided her audience with an involving narrative, full of emotion and drama.
With themes of parenting, relationships, second chances, difficult choices, long held secrets, trauma, pain, forgiveness and restitution following this new tale from Nicola Marsh, there is much more than just a standard romance to Second Chance Lane. Marsh tackles her core issues with a sense of understanding and raw honesty.
I loved my first visit to the quaint Australian town of Brockeridge. Yet again the folk of Brockeridge displayed their country hospitality and I felt like I was welcomed with open arms for the duration of this novel. A clear picture is developed thanks to Marsh’s prose of this small town location, which is full of engaging community members and interesting general happenings. It is hard not to get completely caught up in this township.
I admired Marsh’s approach to her romance in her previous novel, Long Way Home. I was impressed yet again by the romance slant in Second Chance Lane. With plenty of personal baggage, a past history, trust issues, secrets, trauma and shock revelations leading the way, Marsh has concocted a love story that sweep you away from everyday life.
A beautiful and touching story, underscored by emotional themes, Second Chance Lane is not to be missed if you are a fan of contemporary romance stories.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Second Chance Lane is book #119 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
Second Chance Lane is the latest contemporary romance from Nicola Marsh. With themes of rekindled love, parenting, family relationships, trauma, redemption and acceptance leading the way, Second Chance Lane is another truly delightful story from an author I have come to admire very much.
Second Chance Lane is the story of the past, the future, choices, mistakes and forgiveness. Unveiling the tales of two very different women, both haunted by their pasts, we learn how they cope and change over the course of this heartwarming small town tale. Tash Trigg is a single mother to twelve year old Isla, who has settled into life in the outback town of Brockenridge. With a job at the local roadhouse and plenty of friends to call on, Tash has forged a life for herself, away from the shadow of her judgmental parents and musician ex. But alarm bells ring when Tash’s daughter Isla sets her up with a handsome new neighbour. As a result, Tash must face her past and confront long hidden secrets. While for Kody, Tash’s new neighbour, dealing with the recent trauma of a tragic accident has seen his life taken a downward turn. Kody is in no position to accept a new figure in his life, especially a daughter he has no knowledge of. Meanwhile, the other pivotal character of this tale is dealing with her past and hoping those in the town of Brokenridge can accept the amends she is trying to make in relation to previous mistakes. Can Jane restore her reputation and will the Brockenridge community let her back in to its fold? Together these souls try to overcome difficult times as they each work at restoring their own past grievances.
Nicola Marsh is an author who writes with a genuine feeling, emotion and sincerity. Second Chance Lane is the second novel I have read by this talented author. Although I have only managed to experience Marsh’s contemporary romance stories, I have a number of this author’s domestic fiction stories ordered. I can’t wait to delve into more fiction from Nicola Marsh.
I think the wonderful thing about this story is that Nicola Marsh has constructed a set of characters that appear very relatable and honest. With situations and problems that we can all connect to on some level, Second Chance Lane proved to be an easy, readable and engaging read. Nicola Marsh does not shy away from presenting the flaws and weak points of her protagonists, which allows the reader to really connect on a deeper level to the issues presented in the novel. With three core characters to contend with, Nicola Marsh has provided her audience with an involving narrative, full of emotion and drama.
With themes of parenting, relationships, second chances, difficult choices, long held secrets, trauma, pain, forgiveness and restitution following this new tale from Nicola Marsh, there is much more than just a standard romance to Second Chance Lane. Marsh tackles her core issues with a sense of understanding and raw honesty.
I loved my first visit to the quaint Australian town of Brockeridge. Yet again the folk of Brockeridge displayed their country hospitality and I felt like I was welcomed with open arms for the duration of this novel. A clear picture is developed thanks to Marsh’s prose of this small town location, which is full of engaging community members and interesting general happenings. It is hard not to get completely caught up in this township.
I admired Marsh’s approach to her romance in her previous novel, Long Way Home. I was impressed yet again by the romance slant in Second Chance Lane. With plenty of personal baggage, a past history, trust issues, secrets, trauma and shock revelations leading the way, Marsh has concocted a love story that sweep you away from everyday life.
A beautiful and touching story, underscored by emotional themes, Second Chance Lane is not to be missed if you are a fan of contemporary romance stories.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Second Chance Lane is book #119 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
October 23, 2020
A story of mistakes, secrets and second chances in a small town.
When is it right to make a life-changing decision for another person? This is the situation that Tash finds herself in when she discovers herself pregnant by her up-and-coming successful musician boyfriend Kody. It is a decision that has consequences years down the track not only for herself but her daughter Isla and her ex Kody when their lives are thrown back together 13 years later.
Secrets and lies, once unearthed can cause a myriad of pain and problems. I felt that Isla handled the whole finding out who her dad was remarkably well, I certainly don't think many 13 year-olds would take it in their stride as she did. Kody on the other hand, whilst thrilled at finding out he has a daughter is furious at not knowing and missing out on 13 years of his daughter's life but also wracked with guilt about the fact he may well never have had his career if he had known.
Kody has come to town to hide and is dealing with his own trauma before this secret is thrown on him. This was a story of healing, of coming to terms with unexpected situations and of forgiveness, for self and for others.
I thought this was an enjoyable rural romance and I loved the characters in this novel, I must go back and read book one Long Way Home so as I can read Ruby and Connor's story. The supporting cast were really great friends to Tash and she was lucky to have had their support for the past 13 years.
It is not only Tash, Kody and Isla's story though, it is also Jane's story and hers is a sadder story. One of the popular girls in high school, she made a name for herself as selfish and nasty in many people's eyes, she has a truly horrible mother, who even after finding out why she was as she was, didn't make me like her anymore. Jane is realising that the life she has led since high school is not one conducive to happiness and she decides it's time to make some changes. At the same time, she bumps into a guy she was at odds with back in high school and they now need to work together and navigate a potential attraction. I grew to like Jane more as the story progressed as she tried to make up for the things she had done in the past.
I liked both of the story arcs in this novel they are tackle everyday issues and realities that many face and I enjoyed seeing them all grow and change and learn from past mistakes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
When is it right to make a life-changing decision for another person? This is the situation that Tash finds herself in when she discovers herself pregnant by her up-and-coming successful musician boyfriend Kody. It is a decision that has consequences years down the track not only for herself but her daughter Isla and her ex Kody when their lives are thrown back together 13 years later.
Secrets and lies, once unearthed can cause a myriad of pain and problems. I felt that Isla handled the whole finding out who her dad was remarkably well, I certainly don't think many 13 year-olds would take it in their stride as she did. Kody on the other hand, whilst thrilled at finding out he has a daughter is furious at not knowing and missing out on 13 years of his daughter's life but also wracked with guilt about the fact he may well never have had his career if he had known.
Kody has come to town to hide and is dealing with his own trauma before this secret is thrown on him. This was a story of healing, of coming to terms with unexpected situations and of forgiveness, for self and for others.
I thought this was an enjoyable rural romance and I loved the characters in this novel, I must go back and read book one Long Way Home so as I can read Ruby and Connor's story. The supporting cast were really great friends to Tash and she was lucky to have had their support for the past 13 years.
It is not only Tash, Kody and Isla's story though, it is also Jane's story and hers is a sadder story. One of the popular girls in high school, she made a name for herself as selfish and nasty in many people's eyes, she has a truly horrible mother, who even after finding out why she was as she was, didn't make me like her anymore. Jane is realising that the life she has led since high school is not one conducive to happiness and she decides it's time to make some changes. At the same time, she bumps into a guy she was at odds with back in high school and they now need to work together and navigate a potential attraction. I grew to like Jane more as the story progressed as she tried to make up for the things she had done in the past.
I liked both of the story arcs in this novel they are tackle everyday issues and realities that many face and I enjoyed seeing them all grow and change and learn from past mistakes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
October 6, 2020
I have been looking forward to catching up with the fabulous characters I made friends with in The Long Way Home who live in Brockenridge, a small country town in Victoria and Nicola Marsh did not disappoint at all, I do love that in this series we get two romances at a time, this time we get to see Tash get a second chance at love and Jane reclaim her reputation and find love. I do hope that you come to Brockenridge and get to know these lovely characters.
Natasha Trigg grew up in Brockenridge with very hard parents, she left to go to university in Melbourne to study nursing, she meets musician Kody Lansdowne it was love at first sight for the shy country girl and Kody the confident musician. When the rock band that Kody leads is offered a touring contract in LA Tash finds herself pregnant, she dumps Kody although it broke her heart and moved back home and had to find her own way with a beautiful daughter Isla, she is working as a waitress in the Watering Hole Roadhouse and doing well.
Kody left Melbourne thirteen years ago when he was dumped by the love of his life Tash and the band made the top travelling the world for years hit after hit, but when there is a tragedy Kody needs some time out and the band returns to Melbourne and Kody takes off to the country to recuperate, but his life is going to be turned upside down when he finds that he is staying next door to Tash and the daughter Isla he never knew he had, needless to say he is not happy but is prepared to work with Tash but that means realizing that he had never stopped loving her.
This is a beautiful romance with heartfelt emotions that flow so beautifully Kody and Tash are really awesome people and deserve such happiness with their daughter but there are a few hoops to jump over first but when they do that, wow what a HEA,
Jane Jefferson has been having a tough time for many years, she has done some things that she is not proud of and a lot of the town does not think that highly of her, but can she have a second chance at making friends again and finding love and respect from Mason Woodley someone who she went to school with when he returns from Paris to help his mum and open up a patisserie?
This is a story that I highly recommend, so well written with wonderful characters that are easy to make friends with I do love a small town romance, secrets are hard to cover and keep and memories last a long time. Three of Brockenridge’s well- loved residents find love and happiness and that everyone deserves a second chance even if there is a bumpy road to get to their beautiful HEA’s. I loved this story, thank you Nicola Marsh for another keeper.
My thanks to Harlequin AUS and Harper Collins AU for my copy to read.
Natasha Trigg grew up in Brockenridge with very hard parents, she left to go to university in Melbourne to study nursing, she meets musician Kody Lansdowne it was love at first sight for the shy country girl and Kody the confident musician. When the rock band that Kody leads is offered a touring contract in LA Tash finds herself pregnant, she dumps Kody although it broke her heart and moved back home and had to find her own way with a beautiful daughter Isla, she is working as a waitress in the Watering Hole Roadhouse and doing well.
Kody left Melbourne thirteen years ago when he was dumped by the love of his life Tash and the band made the top travelling the world for years hit after hit, but when there is a tragedy Kody needs some time out and the band returns to Melbourne and Kody takes off to the country to recuperate, but his life is going to be turned upside down when he finds that he is staying next door to Tash and the daughter Isla he never knew he had, needless to say he is not happy but is prepared to work with Tash but that means realizing that he had never stopped loving her.
This is a beautiful romance with heartfelt emotions that flow so beautifully Kody and Tash are really awesome people and deserve such happiness with their daughter but there are a few hoops to jump over first but when they do that, wow what a HEA,
Jane Jefferson has been having a tough time for many years, she has done some things that she is not proud of and a lot of the town does not think that highly of her, but can she have a second chance at making friends again and finding love and respect from Mason Woodley someone who she went to school with when he returns from Paris to help his mum and open up a patisserie?
This is a story that I highly recommend, so well written with wonderful characters that are easy to make friends with I do love a small town romance, secrets are hard to cover and keep and memories last a long time. Three of Brockenridge’s well- loved residents find love and happiness and that everyone deserves a second chance even if there is a bumpy road to get to their beautiful HEA’s. I loved this story, thank you Nicola Marsh for another keeper.
My thanks to Harlequin AUS and Harper Collins AU for my copy to read.
October 25, 2020
Second Chance Lane is the latest book by rural romance author Nicola Marsh. The sequel to Long Way Home was my first foray into Marsh’s books so, I was looking forward to discovering a different Australian writer. Marsh hit all the right notes as I was able to read Second Chance Lane as a standalone. I swapped the real world for the country town of Brockenridge. While I am a city chic at heart, I appreciated the sense of community that Marsh created. Told in the third person, Marsh employed a dual point of view interspersed with a third, to explore life in outback Australia. A life that includes secrets, family, fame, the past and second chances.
The storyline centred on thirty something Natasha Trigg who was born and breed in Brockenridge.
As a young woman, Natasha fell pregnant to her first love, Kody Lansdowne. The daughter of highly religious parents, Natasha brought shame upon them. So deep was their shame that the Trigg’s packed up and left their home. I could not believe that Natasha’s parents left their daughter behind to start over elsewhere. My disbelief grew when I learnt that Natasha lied to Kody and that he bought the lie so readily. Natasha’s selflessness drove Kody away, enabling him to seek fame and fortune in the music industry. Yet it also stopped Natasha from achieving her own dreams. Fast forward thirteen years and Natasha is a loving single mother to Isla and employed in the local roadhouse.
Kody was an Australian rock god. A guitarist and singer, he had the world at his feet with his sex appeal. A tragedy at a New Zealand concert brought it all to a grinding halt. Marsh and Kody kept me guessing with what the tragedy entailed. When Kody finally revealed the details, it was beyond what I had imagined. I can’t begin to fathom how a person could recover from such a tragic event. Like Natasha, Kody too was a selfless man, realising that in fairness to his band mates he needed to come to terms with the past. Taking up the offer to escape to Brockenridge to heal, the past and present collide one ordinary day. How will Natasha and Kody navigate a new landscape?
The third and final perspective was Jane Jefferson. While I enjoyed getting to know Jane, I didn’t think enough time was spent on her character. Here was a woman that I wanted to get to know more and would benefit from her own book. Jane was a flawed woman who made Natasha look like a saint. From a wealthy background, she had a difficult relationship with her mother from an impressionable age. Rebelling against everyone and everything from a young age, Jane had cemented an unsavoury reputation with the locals. Years later, Jane was ready to own up to her mistakes and start over. Will the locals forgive and forget?
Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for the opportunity to review this book.
The storyline centred on thirty something Natasha Trigg who was born and breed in Brockenridge.
As a young woman, Natasha fell pregnant to her first love, Kody Lansdowne. The daughter of highly religious parents, Natasha brought shame upon them. So deep was their shame that the Trigg’s packed up and left their home. I could not believe that Natasha’s parents left their daughter behind to start over elsewhere. My disbelief grew when I learnt that Natasha lied to Kody and that he bought the lie so readily. Natasha’s selflessness drove Kody away, enabling him to seek fame and fortune in the music industry. Yet it also stopped Natasha from achieving her own dreams. Fast forward thirteen years and Natasha is a loving single mother to Isla and employed in the local roadhouse.
Kody was an Australian rock god. A guitarist and singer, he had the world at his feet with his sex appeal. A tragedy at a New Zealand concert brought it all to a grinding halt. Marsh and Kody kept me guessing with what the tragedy entailed. When Kody finally revealed the details, it was beyond what I had imagined. I can’t begin to fathom how a person could recover from such a tragic event. Like Natasha, Kody too was a selfless man, realising that in fairness to his band mates he needed to come to terms with the past. Taking up the offer to escape to Brockenridge to heal, the past and present collide one ordinary day. How will Natasha and Kody navigate a new landscape?
The third and final perspective was Jane Jefferson. While I enjoyed getting to know Jane, I didn’t think enough time was spent on her character. Here was a woman that I wanted to get to know more and would benefit from her own book. Jane was a flawed woman who made Natasha look like a saint. From a wealthy background, she had a difficult relationship with her mother from an impressionable age. Rebelling against everyone and everything from a young age, Jane had cemented an unsavoury reputation with the locals. Years later, Jane was ready to own up to her mistakes and start over. Will the locals forgive and forget?
Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for the opportunity to review this book.
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This feel-good women's fiction novel about second chances in a small town releases Oct 7th, pre-order now.
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November 25, 2020
Absolutely loved this sequel. Well done to Nicola Marsh on a successful story.
October 5, 2020
Let’s return travel to Brockenridge in the sequel to Long Way Home.
Second Chance Lane is a tale of past mistakes, regret, friendship, honesty, forgiveness and ultimately love.
Thirteen years ago Tash harshly dumped struggling musician Kody Lansdowne by being evasive about her being pregnant.
Now Tash lives and works in Brockenridge with her daughter Isla.
She loves her work at the roadhouse and has some great friends.
Now a successful rockstar Kody is at the top of his game but when a concert ends in tragedy he goes to the small town to recuperate.
Isla plays matchmaker when she bumps into Kody on a walk, thinking her mum needs to get a life and the handsome next door neighbour could be perfect.
Little does she know that the past to about to enter the present.
Jane has been deliberately misleading the town folk just to aggravate her mother.
But now the deception is too much and she now has an opportunity to reconnect with friends and maybe find a new love.
Can she forget the past to be happy in the future?
Three locals will be tested and discover that sometimes you do get a second chance.
A rural small town romance that spoils the reader with a main romantic thread as well as a secondary one.
On the road to happy ever after there’s always the lefts and rights that the characters take before reaching the end, hey isn’t that what makes an intriguing read, nothing is ever perfect and Nicola pulls you into the drama.
Warmly written and with relatable characters this touching and heartfelt tale will have you applauding for more.
Hopefully we will all get to revisit the close knit community as I think there’s many more stories to be told.
So get lost and loved up in this book of outback passion and tenderness.
Second Chance Lane is a tale of past mistakes, regret, friendship, honesty, forgiveness and ultimately love.
Thirteen years ago Tash harshly dumped struggling musician Kody Lansdowne by being evasive about her being pregnant.
Now Tash lives and works in Brockenridge with her daughter Isla.
She loves her work at the roadhouse and has some great friends.
Now a successful rockstar Kody is at the top of his game but when a concert ends in tragedy he goes to the small town to recuperate.
Isla plays matchmaker when she bumps into Kody on a walk, thinking her mum needs to get a life and the handsome next door neighbour could be perfect.
Little does she know that the past to about to enter the present.
Jane has been deliberately misleading the town folk just to aggravate her mother.
But now the deception is too much and she now has an opportunity to reconnect with friends and maybe find a new love.
Can she forget the past to be happy in the future?
Three locals will be tested and discover that sometimes you do get a second chance.
A rural small town romance that spoils the reader with a main romantic thread as well as a secondary one.
On the road to happy ever after there’s always the lefts and rights that the characters take before reaching the end, hey isn’t that what makes an intriguing read, nothing is ever perfect and Nicola pulls you into the drama.
Warmly written and with relatable characters this touching and heartfelt tale will have you applauding for more.
Hopefully we will all get to revisit the close knit community as I think there’s many more stories to be told.
So get lost and loved up in this book of outback passion and tenderness.
July 30, 2020
Second Chance Lane is a book filled with realistic characters that face all the heartache, challenges of daily life, joys and fun that we all do. That said, there is something special about this book - something that makes you want to linger in the pages and find out more about what makes these people tick.
From the small town setting to the unfolding of second chances, this very relatable story will have you cheering for a happy ending and holding your breath when it seems like that may not happen.
Nicola Marsh is a newish author to me and I'm quite happy I found her work. She writes in such a variety of genres that there is something for everyone and they are all done well. If you haven't "met" Ms. Marsh through her work yet, remedy that today and pick up Second Chance Lane. You will feel like you've been transported to a small Australian town where family and friends become one and the same, providing a shoulder to lean on where necessary, and being equally willing to pop a bottle of champagne in celebration of happy times.
Do yourself a favor and check out this author and Second Chance Lane today. You'll be happy you did.
From the small town setting to the unfolding of second chances, this very relatable story will have you cheering for a happy ending and holding your breath when it seems like that may not happen.
Nicola Marsh is a newish author to me and I'm quite happy I found her work. She writes in such a variety of genres that there is something for everyone and they are all done well. If you haven't "met" Ms. Marsh through her work yet, remedy that today and pick up Second Chance Lane. You will feel like you've been transported to a small Australian town where family and friends become one and the same, providing a shoulder to lean on where necessary, and being equally willing to pop a bottle of champagne in celebration of happy times.
Do yourself a favor and check out this author and Second Chance Lane today. You'll be happy you did.
September 27, 2020
This was a great romance with just the right amount of humor, forgiveness, and honesty.
Second Chance Lane is actually two different stories intermingled in the same town. While both Tash and Jane have very different pasts and experiences, they both want a second chance to redo things from their pasts. Living with regrets and questioning past decisions is not the way to move forward with a wonderful future. Both woman learn to let go of past mistakes and embrace what life is offering them right now so they can each find their happily ever after.
I really liked this story and look forward to more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Second Chance Lane is actually two different stories intermingled in the same town. While both Tash and Jane have very different pasts and experiences, they both want a second chance to redo things from their pasts. Living with regrets and questioning past decisions is not the way to move forward with a wonderful future. Both woman learn to let go of past mistakes and embrace what life is offering them right now so they can each find their happily ever after.
I really liked this story and look forward to more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
dnf
November 28, 2020DNF.
Didn’t like either the hero or heroine. Didn’t make it to half way so no rating.
Didn’t like either the hero or heroine. Didn’t make it to half way so no rating.
February 27, 2023
In the follow up of my first Nicola Marsh novel, we return to the Victorian town of Brockenridge, where we meet three residents all chasing the same thing: a second chance.
At the forefront, we have the very complicated relationship between Roadhouse waitress Tash and rockstar Kody. Thirteen years previously, they were a young couple very much in love, with Tash studying nursing and Kody's band on the verge of stardom. When Tash unexpectedly fell pregnant, she made one hell of a selfless decision: she gave her boyfriend up.
Cue to the present. Tash is now a single mother to one extraordinary tween, Isla. Despite having a poor relationship with her parents, and more or less giving up her nursing dream, Tash is content with the life she's created for themselves. But, that's about to have one major shake-up, when Kody re-enters her life!!
Kody and his band Hard Rock Place are well known names in the music industry. Still, when a concert in Wellington goes awry, poor Kody is left depressed. Accepting the offer to use his mates holiday home in Brockenridge for a much deserved break, Kody is shocked to discover his ex flame is, in fact, his next door neighbour. Enter a whole heap of angst and flirtation as he discovers about and bonds with his daughter, learns to forgive Tash and co-parent Isla and also try to fight his way back to the best.
Meanwhile, we get acquainted with Jane. Now, this one is quite sweet underneath all the brashness. Since leaving school a decade ago, Jane forgo the trend of most of her class leaving the small town for brighter futures. Instead, she remained in town, hoping for acceptance from her vindictive mother, and also forming a bad reputation amongst others. After a serious wake up call, Jane is ready to re-invent herself and right some wrongs. Finding herself working with ex-classmate Mason, who's now a successful patissier places her on the right path to achieve these desires. Jane's tale is a nice little side story.
Look up cruel in the dictionary, and you'll find photos of Tash's parents and Jane's mum. I can't get over how callous they are about their child, especially deeming that they are dead to them!! Thank goodness both Tash and Jane have learnt their lesson by cutting the toxity out of their lives!
Second Chance Lane was a wonderful feel good sequel to Long Way Home!! Psst... I actually preferred this one.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
At the forefront, we have the very complicated relationship between Roadhouse waitress Tash and rockstar Kody. Thirteen years previously, they were a young couple very much in love, with Tash studying nursing and Kody's band on the verge of stardom. When Tash unexpectedly fell pregnant, she made one hell of a selfless decision: she gave her boyfriend up.
Cue to the present. Tash is now a single mother to one extraordinary tween, Isla. Despite having a poor relationship with her parents, and more or less giving up her nursing dream, Tash is content with the life she's created for themselves. But, that's about to have one major shake-up, when Kody re-enters her life!!
Kody and his band Hard Rock Place are well known names in the music industry. Still, when a concert in Wellington goes awry, poor Kody is left depressed. Accepting the offer to use his mates holiday home in Brockenridge for a much deserved break, Kody is shocked to discover his ex flame is, in fact, his next door neighbour. Enter a whole heap of angst and flirtation as he discovers about and bonds with his daughter, learns to forgive Tash and co-parent Isla and also try to fight his way back to the best.
Meanwhile, we get acquainted with Jane. Now, this one is quite sweet underneath all the brashness. Since leaving school a decade ago, Jane forgo the trend of most of her class leaving the small town for brighter futures. Instead, she remained in town, hoping for acceptance from her vindictive mother, and also forming a bad reputation amongst others. After a serious wake up call, Jane is ready to re-invent herself and right some wrongs. Finding herself working with ex-classmate Mason, who's now a successful patissier places her on the right path to achieve these desires. Jane's tale is a nice little side story.
Look up cruel in the dictionary, and you'll find photos of Tash's parents and Jane's mum. I can't get over how callous they are about their child, especially deeming that they are dead to them!! Thank goodness both Tash and Jane have learnt their lesson by cutting the toxity out of their lives!
Second Chance Lane was a wonderful feel good sequel to Long Way Home!! Psst... I actually preferred this one.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
July 28, 2020
Second Chance Lane is my second read by author Nicola Marsh and a very different read to the one I read before.
Tash is living her simple life as a single mother to young Teen Isla, in her small backwater village of a hometown. No one knows the details of the father of her child, Isla included, and she plans on keeping it that way.
Until he rocks up at the house next door. Kody Lansdowne is Australia's Rock Golden Boy. From humble beginnings, he, and his rich band have conquered the world, these past thirteen years, but nothing can prepare him for the news that he is a father. To a teenager.
Jane is fed up of her reputation as the village homewrecker. After years of putting on aa facade, her resolve crumbles, as. she finds it harder to cope with the way she is viewed by the locals, and her mother doesn't help matters either. Then up rocks Morgan. Nerd from school who she had no time, for, but he's not so much of a nerd now.
Second Chance Lane is a wonderfully written story, a Rural Second Chance Romance (or two of them in one book!) I enjoyed reading the story and loved the twists and turns. taken to get two couples so obviously right for each other, to realise, and get it on!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tash is living her simple life as a single mother to young Teen Isla, in her small backwater village of a hometown. No one knows the details of the father of her child, Isla included, and she plans on keeping it that way.
Until he rocks up at the house next door. Kody Lansdowne is Australia's Rock Golden Boy. From humble beginnings, he, and his rich band have conquered the world, these past thirteen years, but nothing can prepare him for the news that he is a father. To a teenager.
Jane is fed up of her reputation as the village homewrecker. After years of putting on aa facade, her resolve crumbles, as. she finds it harder to cope with the way she is viewed by the locals, and her mother doesn't help matters either. Then up rocks Morgan. Nerd from school who she had no time, for, but he's not so much of a nerd now.
Second Chance Lane is a wonderfully written story, a Rural Second Chance Romance (or two of them in one book!) I enjoyed reading the story and loved the twists and turns. taken to get two couples so obviously right for each other, to realise, and get it on!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2021
Second Chance Lane is book two of the Brockenridge series by Nicola Marsh. Natasha Trigg lives in the small town of Brockenridge with her daughter Isla and works at the local roadhouse. Natasha Trigg never thought she would see Isla father again. However, Kody Lansdowne ended up in Brockenridge recuperating. The readers of Second Chance Lane will continue to follow Kody and Natasha to find out what happens.
Second Chance Lane is the first book I have read by Nicola Marsh. I will differently read another book by Nicola Marsh. I engaged with Second Chance Lane from the first page, and I had trouble putting the book down. I enjoy the way Nicola Marsh intertwines two plots throughout this book. I love Nicola Marsh's portrayal of her characters and how they interact throughout this book. Second Chance Lane is well written and researched by Nicola Marsh. I like the way Nicola Marsh described the settings of Second Chance Lane that I can imagine living in a small rural village.
The readers of Second Chance Lane will understand the consequences of parents who disown their children when they need their parents the most. Also, the readers of Second Chance Lane will learn about the implications of an incident at a musical event.
I recommend this book.
Second Chance Lane is the first book I have read by Nicola Marsh. I will differently read another book by Nicola Marsh. I engaged with Second Chance Lane from the first page, and I had trouble putting the book down. I enjoy the way Nicola Marsh intertwines two plots throughout this book. I love Nicola Marsh's portrayal of her characters and how they interact throughout this book. Second Chance Lane is well written and researched by Nicola Marsh. I like the way Nicola Marsh described the settings of Second Chance Lane that I can imagine living in a small rural village.
The readers of Second Chance Lane will understand the consequences of parents who disown their children when they need their parents the most. Also, the readers of Second Chance Lane will learn about the implications of an incident at a musical event.
I recommend this book.
September 9, 2020
‘Second Chance Lane,’ written by Aussie author Nicola Marsh, is the second book in the Brockenridge series and one I thoroughly enjoyed. This small-town romance series is unique as each book contains a second mini romance tale embedded in the master plot. The hero and heroine, Kody and Tash, are the leading couple, but you'll also get introduced to Jane and her love interest Mason.
What's not to love about a 2-in-1 romance novel.
This rural romance begins with Tash fleeing from Kody’s life without telling him that she is pregnant. Usually, I can't stand this trope, but somehow Nicola justified the reasoning enough to make me look past Tash’s decision. Even though I don't necessarily agree with Tash keeping a secret of that magnitude, I still felt compassion towards her. I developed a respect and understanding of just how difficult the decision must have been for her to make and how she more than likely felt in that difficult moment in time.
Kody’s reaction to learning the truth was written realistically. There's nothing worse than a character glossing over such a monumental event and carrying on like nothing happened.
But his daughter Isla’s reaction was surprising. I guess I expected her to be more dramatic and show a bit more anger towards her mum for keeping her away from her dad for all those years.
I have to applaud the steamy scenes between Kody and Tash. They contained the right about of heat for the situation, setting, and genre.
The only character I found hard to connect with was Jane, but after learning more about her past and watching her soften towards Mason, I started warming up to her.
Hopefully, there will be more installments of the Brockenridge series because I've fallen in love with the small-town and the close-knit community.
Thank you, Netgalley, Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non-Fiction, YA) & MIRA for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What's not to love about a 2-in-1 romance novel.
This rural romance begins with Tash fleeing from Kody’s life without telling him that she is pregnant. Usually, I can't stand this trope, but somehow Nicola justified the reasoning enough to make me look past Tash’s decision. Even though I don't necessarily agree with Tash keeping a secret of that magnitude, I still felt compassion towards her. I developed a respect and understanding of just how difficult the decision must have been for her to make and how she more than likely felt in that difficult moment in time.
Kody’s reaction to learning the truth was written realistically. There's nothing worse than a character glossing over such a monumental event and carrying on like nothing happened.
But his daughter Isla’s reaction was surprising. I guess I expected her to be more dramatic and show a bit more anger towards her mum for keeping her away from her dad for all those years.
I have to applaud the steamy scenes between Kody and Tash. They contained the right about of heat for the situation, setting, and genre.
The only character I found hard to connect with was Jane, but after learning more about her past and watching her soften towards Mason, I started warming up to her.
Hopefully, there will be more installments of the Brockenridge series because I've fallen in love with the small-town and the close-knit community.
Thank you, Netgalley, Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non-Fiction, YA) & MIRA for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 2, 2020
Typical, Yet Not. This was a solid genre piece with a few nice wrinkles. If you like romance novels generally, you're going to like this one. If you don't, you may still actually like this one specifically because of the wrinkles. Without going into spoiler territory, the drama here just seems far more realistic than some others of the genre. You've got the mother with a secret. The haunted rock star. The rambunctious and inquisitve 12 yr old. But you've also got a second romance in this particular tale - a feature so rare as to be seemingly unique in all of my reading. Normally you get a secondary character blatantly introduced to continue the series in the next book. Here, this secondary character gets their own full story-within-the-story. This story-within-the-story serves to fill out the town and its wide cast even more fully, even as the main story does a good job in and of itself with this. Ultimately this *is* a romance novel and hits pretty well everything one expects - including on-screen (though not erotica-level explicit) sex. So if you are a reader that can't handle such a scene (and there are less than a handful of them here, basically enough to fulfill the genre requirement and little else) or you can't handle the occasional "curse" word (again, not prevalent, yet present), you may want to skip this due to your own hangups. For the rest of us, this was an excellent read. Very much recommended.
October 9, 2020
Very much a story of second chances, Second Chance Lane brings readers back to the tiny northern Victorian town of Brockenridge. I’m a sucker for small town romances and I love rural Victoria so the setting was an immediate winner for me.
The central story is the rekindling of a romance between Tash and Kody, who discover they’re next door neighbours. He’s retreated to his friend’s house in Brockenridge following a tragic and fatal accident while he was performing in Wellington New Zealand and the last thing he expects is to discover he has a twelve year old daughter.
This is an emotional story with plenty of angst thrown in as well but there are lighter moments too, often provided by Tash and Kody’s daughter Isla. It’s also a story of healing for both Kody and Tash. These two clearly complete each other and I loved the way that their special bond shone through even when they were at odds.
A secondary story involving Jane, who’s got a reputation as a spoiled rich bitch, provides added interest. I thought author Nicola Marsh showed Jane’s insecurities, particularly through her sweet tooth. No wonder hunky patissier Mason Woodley was such a great match for her.
With plenty going on in this story I found myself zipping through the book. It’s an easy and enjoyable read and a story I’d happily read again.
July 28, 2020
There is so much to like about this book. The characters are faced with realistic issues, such as betrayal and regret, yet the author is able to portray the journey toward a second chance with heart. I highly recommend this book.
December 16, 2020
I loved this second novel in Nicola Marsh’s rural fiction series. This time it’s Tasha’s story who is a single mum working at Ruby’s roadhouse who we met in the first book of the Brokenridge series Long Way Home. Imagine her shock and surprise to find that the father of her 13 yo daughter has moved into the house next door. She hasn’t seen him since she walked away over 13 years ago and he is now a famous rock star who doesn’t know he has a daughter.
This story also features Jane who was the mean girl in Ruby & Tash’s life who had it all - looks, money, influence, but she has fallen a long way and needs to find her way back. When a handsome patisserie chef arrives in town she is talked into designing a store for him, could love bloom here too?
I really am loving Nicolas rural stories, she sets the scene for a great story with good storylines and interesting and believeable characters. Bring on book #3!
This story also features Jane who was the mean girl in Ruby & Tash’s life who had it all - looks, money, influence, but she has fallen a long way and needs to find her way back. When a handsome patisserie chef arrives in town she is talked into designing a store for him, could love bloom here too?
I really am loving Nicolas rural stories, she sets the scene for a great story with good storylines and interesting and believeable characters. Bring on book #3!
December 7, 2020
loved this book such a great follow up to long way home well written can wait to read more by this author
April 2, 2021
Thirteen years ago Tash Trigg was studying to become a nurse in Melbourne, and met Kody Lansdowne an up-and-coming rockstar and front man for the band, Rock Hard Place. Just as Kody gets his big break overseas Tash finds out she is pregnant. She tells Kody she is going to have an abortion and breaks up with Kody. So, he goes to America and she moves back home to Brockenridge to have her baby. Her family disown her and move away, so Tash is a single mother to Isla, and she works at The Watering Hole, which is a popular diner in the town.
Today, Isla is out walking and runs into this man who is staying at his mates house next door. Isla starts talking to the man, says he must meet her mum and should come over for a meal. Isla goes home to tell her mother about the man and that his name is Kody. Tash is surprised that the man's name is Kody and goes to meet him only to find that it is Isla's father.
Things get tricky from here as Tash now has to reveal that the two are father and daughter.
A fantastic read with really great characters in the country town Brockenridge!
Today, Isla is out walking and runs into this man who is staying at his mates house next door. Isla starts talking to the man, says he must meet her mum and should come over for a meal. Isla goes home to tell her mother about the man and that his name is Kody. Tash is surprised that the man's name is Kody and goes to meet him only to find that it is Isla's father.
Things get tricky from here as Tash now has to reveal that the two are father and daughter.
A fantastic read with really great characters in the country town Brockenridge!
February 27, 2021
Second Chance Lane - Nicola Marsh
I am in awe! Nicola Marsh has a way of drawing me in straight away. I did not want to put this one down from the very beginning. From the first page, I was hooked.
The story follows Tash and Jane, alternating between their lives. Tash is a kind-hearted single mum who deceived Kody, her boyfriend 13 years ago about her pregnancy. As a result, Kody followed his dreams and became the rock star he hoped to be. When he arrives in Tash's town of Brokenridge, Tash realises she must tell him about his daughter, Isla. The mother-daughter dynamic changes and the father-daughter relationship develops beautifully. Kody and Tash's relationship has challenges that they must face to move forward. I loved reading about them and their connection. They banter and have fun amongst dealing with the biggest changes of their lives.
Jane's story is a heartfelt one. She has struggled due to her upbringing and the loss of her father. Her relationship with her mother is distant and she is lonely. When Mason enters her life again she makes some personal discoveries and learns to be the best person she can be.
I love the characters of Brokenridge. Their town is closeknit and I loved reading about the characters who I had been introduced to in Long Way Home.
Nicola's style is fun, humorous, heartfelt and leaves the reader wanting more! I can't wait for her next book. This is a 5 star read for me and I highly recommend Second Chance Lane.
Thank you @harlequinaus
For sending me a copy of Second Chance Lane.
I am in awe! Nicola Marsh has a way of drawing me in straight away. I did not want to put this one down from the very beginning. From the first page, I was hooked.
The story follows Tash and Jane, alternating between their lives. Tash is a kind-hearted single mum who deceived Kody, her boyfriend 13 years ago about her pregnancy. As a result, Kody followed his dreams and became the rock star he hoped to be. When he arrives in Tash's town of Brokenridge, Tash realises she must tell him about his daughter, Isla. The mother-daughter dynamic changes and the father-daughter relationship develops beautifully. Kody and Tash's relationship has challenges that they must face to move forward. I loved reading about them and their connection. They banter and have fun amongst dealing with the biggest changes of their lives.
Jane's story is a heartfelt one. She has struggled due to her upbringing and the loss of her father. Her relationship with her mother is distant and she is lonely. When Mason enters her life again she makes some personal discoveries and learns to be the best person she can be.
I love the characters of Brokenridge. Their town is closeknit and I loved reading about the characters who I had been introduced to in Long Way Home.
Nicola's style is fun, humorous, heartfelt and leaves the reader wanting more! I can't wait for her next book. This is a 5 star read for me and I highly recommend Second Chance Lane.
Thank you @harlequinaus
For sending me a copy of Second Chance Lane.
March 2, 2021
Loved it!!!! Loved being back in Brockenridge again. Life has been busy so it took a while to get through this but certainly not because of the story which was super good. Had me turning page after page. Thanks for the lovely follow up NM 😘
March 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was good to see what had happened to the characters from “Long Way Home” and learn a little more about Tash. I just found that the book was a little rushed in the end. Loved the setting of the storyline around Echuca.
August 1, 2021
When l brought this book l didn't realise it was the second book , l started reading and thought l no these characters wow l got caught up in the story found it hard to put it down looking forward to the next book .
August 27, 2021
I loved this book. The author is amazing. I highly recommend her books.
October 16, 2020
“Second Chance Lane” is intended as a light rural romance and it delivers on that fairly well. However, the attempts to add some depth to the novel were uneven and left me slightly uncomfortable.
Tash Trigg lives in small town Brockenridge. She supports herself and her twelve year old daughter, Isla, as a waitress. She’s built herself a supportive community of friends, but has had to let go of her dream to be a nurse. Still, she loves Isla and is largely happy with her life.
Then one day she knocks on the door of her new next door neighbour and finds herself face to face with the love of her life: Kody Landsdowne. Rich, successful, and internationally famous – and also Isla’s father. Kody didn’t know Tash had their baby, so he’s less than prepared for a twelve year old daughter.
This basic scenario is not original, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be told again in an entertaining and lively way. Marsh does that, also telling a convincing story of love rekindled. She also weaves in the story of others in Brockenridge, including that of Jane, Jane’s mother, and Mason, the man who returns to Brockenridge just as she starts trying to refocus her life.
On a surface reading, this is a charming, if not particularly original romance. But there’s a subtle misogyny underlying some of it that made me uncomfortable. Tash signs a blatantly unfair custody agreement without legal advice. She does so although Kody doesn’t even have a home for their daughter to live in. Although there is a huge financial disparity between a waitress and a millionaire star, and Tash has completely financially supported their daughter for 13 years, at no point are financial arrangements even raised. These are the actions of a love struck girl, not an adult woman protecting her child. Kody is not being asked to take even basic responsibility; it’s just assumed that because he’s a biological father he gets what he wants with no reciprocal requirements. And that doesn’t make him look like a good guy either.
Yes, I know that this is intended as a light romance, and these are serious, gritty issues. But that sort of subtext gets internalised and leads to bad things in the real world. More to the point, it rather undermined Tash’s image as a good mother. Similarly, although I know it wasn’t the focus of the novel, the smoothness with which Kody slips into a parenting (and co-parent) role does not quite ring true.
There were smaller things that niggled at me. For example, several times Kody decides it’s time to let go of the resentment he feels towards Tash for not telling him about Isla. Which is fair enough; that sort of resolution might not come easy or be implemented the first time you make it. However, it was annoying that every time it was presented as a new thought, not as something he was still working on.
I did appreciate that Marsh made clear that Kody accessed professional mental health support to address his trauma around a workplace accident. Although the novel didn’t dwell on this in any detail, it was realistic that a new romance couldn’t magically solve that problem.
The characterisation was a little uneven. We’re repeatedly told that Tash is a great Mum, but I felt that many of her actions weren’t consistent with that. Kody is presented as a great guy, but there’s an underlying selfishness to many of his actions that isn’t addressed. For a twelve year old, Isla’s reaction to meeting her dad, and finding out he’s famous, is remarkably subdued and conveniently mature.
So “Second Chance Lane” essentially failed for me in some of its’ dramatic aspects. They didn’t ring true, and they undermined some important characterisations.
However, if you read this purely as a romance and ignore the sub text, it’s an easy and pleasant read. The sense of place is strong, and if you don’t think about it too hard, the characters are appealing. It’s well written; Marsh has an easy style that makes it highly readable.
A lot of readers will simply focus on the romance, and enjoy this a great deal. It delivers exactly what that kind of reader would expect. However, some will look a little deeper, and those readers may not be able to pass it off as quite as innocuous.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
Tash Trigg lives in small town Brockenridge. She supports herself and her twelve year old daughter, Isla, as a waitress. She’s built herself a supportive community of friends, but has had to let go of her dream to be a nurse. Still, she loves Isla and is largely happy with her life.
Then one day she knocks on the door of her new next door neighbour and finds herself face to face with the love of her life: Kody Landsdowne. Rich, successful, and internationally famous – and also Isla’s father. Kody didn’t know Tash had their baby, so he’s less than prepared for a twelve year old daughter.
This basic scenario is not original, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be told again in an entertaining and lively way. Marsh does that, also telling a convincing story of love rekindled. She also weaves in the story of others in Brockenridge, including that of Jane, Jane’s mother, and Mason, the man who returns to Brockenridge just as she starts trying to refocus her life.
On a surface reading, this is a charming, if not particularly original romance. But there’s a subtle misogyny underlying some of it that made me uncomfortable. Tash signs a blatantly unfair custody agreement without legal advice. She does so although Kody doesn’t even have a home for their daughter to live in. Although there is a huge financial disparity between a waitress and a millionaire star, and Tash has completely financially supported their daughter for 13 years, at no point are financial arrangements even raised. These are the actions of a love struck girl, not an adult woman protecting her child. Kody is not being asked to take even basic responsibility; it’s just assumed that because he’s a biological father he gets what he wants with no reciprocal requirements. And that doesn’t make him look like a good guy either.
Yes, I know that this is intended as a light romance, and these are serious, gritty issues. But that sort of subtext gets internalised and leads to bad things in the real world. More to the point, it rather undermined Tash’s image as a good mother. Similarly, although I know it wasn’t the focus of the novel, the smoothness with which Kody slips into a parenting (and co-parent) role does not quite ring true.
There were smaller things that niggled at me. For example, several times Kody decides it’s time to let go of the resentment he feels towards Tash for not telling him about Isla. Which is fair enough; that sort of resolution might not come easy or be implemented the first time you make it. However, it was annoying that every time it was presented as a new thought, not as something he was still working on.
I did appreciate that Marsh made clear that Kody accessed professional mental health support to address his trauma around a workplace accident. Although the novel didn’t dwell on this in any detail, it was realistic that a new romance couldn’t magically solve that problem.
The characterisation was a little uneven. We’re repeatedly told that Tash is a great Mum, but I felt that many of her actions weren’t consistent with that. Kody is presented as a great guy, but there’s an underlying selfishness to many of his actions that isn’t addressed. For a twelve year old, Isla’s reaction to meeting her dad, and finding out he’s famous, is remarkably subdued and conveniently mature.
So “Second Chance Lane” essentially failed for me in some of its’ dramatic aspects. They didn’t ring true, and they undermined some important characterisations.
However, if you read this purely as a romance and ignore the sub text, it’s an easy and pleasant read. The sense of place is strong, and if you don’t think about it too hard, the characters are appealing. It’s well written; Marsh has an easy style that makes it highly readable.
A lot of readers will simply focus on the romance, and enjoy this a great deal. It delivers exactly what that kind of reader would expect. However, some will look a little deeper, and those readers may not be able to pass it off as quite as innocuous.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
June 14, 2025
Ok, so if you are a regular viewer to my blog, you know that psychological thrillers, crime fiction and domestic suspense genres are the only books I tend to read, so you may be thinking, a romance review, am I on the right blog? I know its strange but, yes you most certainly are in the right place!
If there is any author that could get me to cross over on to the warm and fuzzy side, it is Nicola Marsh! I was introduced to the first book in the Brockenridge series, Long Way Home, last year and having loved it more than I thought I would, I was eagerly awaiting Second Chance Lane. I am so thrilled to say that this book has also exceeded my expectations.
Nicola Marsh takes the reader back to Brockenridge, this time for Natasha (Tash), Kody and Jane’s stories. Tash and Jane were secondary characters in Long Way Home, but you don’t need to have read this one to be able to follow along. In saying that though, you really should read it, as it is another beautiful story that you would be missing out on.
Second Chance Lane is exactly as the title states. It is about second chances, in righting the wrongs of the past, forgiveness and most importantly love. I enjoyed Tash and Kody’s story the most and was rooting for them throughout. You could really feel the pain that Tash has gone through doing what she thought was best at the time and my heart broke for Kody when he learns of his daughter’s existence.
Nicola Marsh has put her heart and soul into this book and each word has been lovingly created. The plot is fresh, the characters are strong and it shows that she cares a great deal about them which in turn has the reader feeling the same way. They are brought to life so beautifully and just jump off the page. I must admit that I was not a fan of Jane based on snippets from Long Way Home, but her development and growth over the course of this book made me warm to her and as the reader, forgive her past mistakes.
Nicola Marsh is really such a versatile author who can seamlessly switch between romance and more recently the domestic suspense genre, which is how she came up on my radar. She is such a gifted storyteller and I look forward to reading her books for a long time to come, in both genres! I think it’s fair to say that the Brockenridge series and its characters has completely captured my heart and I look forward to hopefully another book to come.
If there is any author that could get me to cross over on to the warm and fuzzy side, it is Nicola Marsh! I was introduced to the first book in the Brockenridge series, Long Way Home, last year and having loved it more than I thought I would, I was eagerly awaiting Second Chance Lane. I am so thrilled to say that this book has also exceeded my expectations.
Nicola Marsh takes the reader back to Brockenridge, this time for Natasha (Tash), Kody and Jane’s stories. Tash and Jane were secondary characters in Long Way Home, but you don’t need to have read this one to be able to follow along. In saying that though, you really should read it, as it is another beautiful story that you would be missing out on.
Second Chance Lane is exactly as the title states. It is about second chances, in righting the wrongs of the past, forgiveness and most importantly love. I enjoyed Tash and Kody’s story the most and was rooting for them throughout. You could really feel the pain that Tash has gone through doing what she thought was best at the time and my heart broke for Kody when he learns of his daughter’s existence.
Nicola Marsh has put her heart and soul into this book and each word has been lovingly created. The plot is fresh, the characters are strong and it shows that she cares a great deal about them which in turn has the reader feeling the same way. They are brought to life so beautifully and just jump off the page. I must admit that I was not a fan of Jane based on snippets from Long Way Home, but her development and growth over the course of this book made me warm to her and as the reader, forgive her past mistakes.
Nicola Marsh is really such a versatile author who can seamlessly switch between romance and more recently the domestic suspense genre, which is how she came up on my radar. She is such a gifted storyteller and I look forward to reading her books for a long time to come, in both genres! I think it’s fair to say that the Brockenridge series and its characters has completely captured my heart and I look forward to hopefully another book to come.
October 25, 2020
This is the second novel in Nicola Marsh’s Brockenridge series, centred around a rural Victorian town up in the Murray region. Both books have dealt with people who have grown up in the town, left and returned although Tash was away a much shorter time than Ruby from the first book. Tash was the daughter of very strict religious parents and it was a relief to escape to Melbourne to do a nursing degree. Tash was passionate about her chosen career but meeting Kody at a gig ended up changing everything. After a whirlwind romance, Tash found herself pregnant right on the verge of Kody and his band being offered the biggest break and so she makes the ultimate sacrifice in order for Kody to live his dream.
Now it’s 13 years later and Kody is riding the crest of a wave in his career but at their most recent gig, a terrible thing happened leaving him a mess. He’s holed up at a bandmate’s country property, trying to work through it when he realises that his next door neighbour is Tash….and her 13yo daughter. Their 13yo daughter. Kody is incensed that she kept this from him but he wants to get to know Isla and establish a relationship with her. That means also getting closer to Tash again as they negotiate this new role of co-parenting.
This was a really nice read, I ended up finishing it in one sitting in just a couple of hours. It was good to return to Brockenridge again and catch up with Ruby and Alisha and Harry and learn more about Tash and her young daughter Isla. Tash has raised Isla alone with very little in the way of assistance from anyone. She has made friends back in Brockenridge, returning when she was pregnant, hoping for support from her family despite their strict religious beliefs. When that wasn’t forthcoming, Tash got on with it alone and she’s proud of her daughter. With Kody’s shock arrival in town, Tash realises that everything is about to change – she’ll have to tell Isla the truth about her father and facilitate a relationship between them. And she’s well aware that if Kody chooses to, legally he could make things very difficult for her. And she can’t compete with Kody’s money and lifestyle.
As in the first novel, there’s a secondary story here too, with a romance component. Readers will remember Jane as Ruby’s teenage antagonist and we get a lot more of her story in this book, which helps shed light on why she was the way she was in high school and how she’s doing now. I always enjoy a good redemption story and thought Marsh did a wonderful job of bringing Jane to life and giving the reader some insight into her childhood, the reasoning for her behaviour and even as an adult. There are things that shape us that we find hard to let go of and I enjoyed the way she and Murray interacted. It took up just the right amount of page time although there were times when I thought Murray might’ve needed to let go the things that happened some 13 years ago!
Back to Kody and Tash and I thought that Kody definitely had every right to be angry at Tash for the lie she told him and the fact she denied him 13 years of getting to know his daughter, of being a parent. Even though Tash was doing what she thought was the best thing to do at the time (something Kody does later acknowledge to himself) it doesn’t change the fact that she definitely took a choice away from him, even if she was doing it to benefit him. He also got to come in and be this famous figure to Isla which gave them somewhat of an idealised relationship – it didn’t feel at all like a parent-child relationship and perhaps they might never have that. I thought it was a bit rough when he asked for all the holidays when trying to work out custody – Tash deserved ‘downtime’ with Isla as well, rather than just parenting her through all the school year and doing the harder yards only for her to be able to have holidays with Kody and spend all her “fun time” with him. I was surprised there wasn’t an attempt to negotiate this but Tash seemed too fearful of trying to counter-offer in case Kody brought in lawyers when she could ill-afford to fight legally. Even though all of this wasn’t particularly relevant in the end I think Tash felt too guilty really, to try and balance things out a bit more.
This was enjoyable and I feel as though the next Brockenridge book might already be in the works!
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Now it’s 13 years later and Kody is riding the crest of a wave in his career but at their most recent gig, a terrible thing happened leaving him a mess. He’s holed up at a bandmate’s country property, trying to work through it when he realises that his next door neighbour is Tash….and her 13yo daughter. Their 13yo daughter. Kody is incensed that she kept this from him but he wants to get to know Isla and establish a relationship with her. That means also getting closer to Tash again as they negotiate this new role of co-parenting.
This was a really nice read, I ended up finishing it in one sitting in just a couple of hours. It was good to return to Brockenridge again and catch up with Ruby and Alisha and Harry and learn more about Tash and her young daughter Isla. Tash has raised Isla alone with very little in the way of assistance from anyone. She has made friends back in Brockenridge, returning when she was pregnant, hoping for support from her family despite their strict religious beliefs. When that wasn’t forthcoming, Tash got on with it alone and she’s proud of her daughter. With Kody’s shock arrival in town, Tash realises that everything is about to change – she’ll have to tell Isla the truth about her father and facilitate a relationship between them. And she’s well aware that if Kody chooses to, legally he could make things very difficult for her. And she can’t compete with Kody’s money and lifestyle.
As in the first novel, there’s a secondary story here too, with a romance component. Readers will remember Jane as Ruby’s teenage antagonist and we get a lot more of her story in this book, which helps shed light on why she was the way she was in high school and how she’s doing now. I always enjoy a good redemption story and thought Marsh did a wonderful job of bringing Jane to life and giving the reader some insight into her childhood, the reasoning for her behaviour and even as an adult. There are things that shape us that we find hard to let go of and I enjoyed the way she and Murray interacted. It took up just the right amount of page time although there were times when I thought Murray might’ve needed to let go the things that happened some 13 years ago!
Back to Kody and Tash and I thought that Kody definitely had every right to be angry at Tash for the lie she told him and the fact she denied him 13 years of getting to know his daughter, of being a parent. Even though Tash was doing what she thought was the best thing to do at the time (something Kody does later acknowledge to himself) it doesn’t change the fact that she definitely took a choice away from him, even if she was doing it to benefit him. He also got to come in and be this famous figure to Isla which gave them somewhat of an idealised relationship – it didn’t feel at all like a parent-child relationship and perhaps they might never have that. I thought it was a bit rough when he asked for all the holidays when trying to work out custody – Tash deserved ‘downtime’ with Isla as well, rather than just parenting her through all the school year and doing the harder yards only for her to be able to have holidays with Kody and spend all her “fun time” with him. I was surprised there wasn’t an attempt to negotiate this but Tash seemed too fearful of trying to counter-offer in case Kody brought in lawyers when she could ill-afford to fight legally. Even though all of this wasn’t particularly relevant in the end I think Tash felt too guilty really, to try and balance things out a bit more.
This was enjoyable and I feel as though the next Brockenridge book might already be in the works!
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
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