Customer Reviews

Second Chance

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Second Chance is a complex story with interweaving subplots. It is about the trials and tribulations of a woman stuck in the "sandwich generation." Sara Weber has a seemingly perfect life and marriage, at least up until the time her stepdaughter moves in, bringing with her all of her problems. Sara is now faced with the reality of not only having to deal with a college-age-party-girl stepdaughter, but also with the ex-wife who epitomizes the word "bitch," and who could have garnered several Oscars for her drama queen moments. Add to that a spineless, non-confrontational husband who appeases his ex-wife to the detriment of his wife's feelings, an ever increasing senile mother, and a stepmother of her own who may have kept her from her own father, and you get one fantastic novel.

Sara's emotions run the gamut as she is condemned for her actions, whether good or bad - right or wrong. When Sara's stepdaughter moves in to go to the nearby college, Sara doesn't know whether to try to be a stepmother to the young lady or to emotionally keep her distance. She did not want to have to deal with the evil ex-wife and all of her machinations, but she wanted to get to know her husband's only child. When the stepdaughter moves in and Sara sees the father/daughter relationship (however complicated it might be), she finds herself having to deal with her own complicated memories of her own father, mother and stepmother. While all the drama of the stepdaughter/husband/ex-wife is playing out under her roof in Arizona, Sara has to deal with placing her senile mother in a nursing home back East. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, an attorney for Sara's deceased father calls Sara's sister. The attorney has information that causes a great deal of confusion, and the only person with answers is Sara's own stepmother (a woman she hasn't seen or spoken to in thirty years.) The answers Sara's stepmother possesses hold the key that opens Sara's eyes to the reality of her life. Will there be a second chance?

I liked that the novel was narrated by Sara. I actually laughed out loud at some of Sara's unspoken witty quips. It was laugh out loud funny at moments, and poignant at others. I found it very easy to relate to Sara and the mess she found herself in, even though I have never had such experiences.

Second Chance is a well-constructed story with a solid plot and excellent subplots. All of the characters were incredibly contemporary and real, and the minor characters advanced the plot very well. There are a lot of comparisons to be made of the characters' actions, and it is interesting to see how the choices that were made affected many lives. The author did a stellar job of weaving a tightly knit plot and bringing everything to a final resolution.

I was hooked from the first page, and I could not wait to see what twist and turn was coming next. Therefore, I highly recommend this book.

It took me only a few days to read Second Chance as I kept picking it up every time I had a few minutes to spare. It definitely held my attention. The characters are completely believable and the plot flows smoothly. The first third or so of the book is told with frequent flashbacks, which let the reader learn about Sara, the protagonist, with glimpses of her life so far. She narrates her life with strong emotions, laced with an occasional touch of humor to keep things from becoming melodramatic. The book is engrossing and, as another reviewer mentioned, would likely be enjoyed by anyone who is fond of watching Lifetime. (I mean that in a good way, a LOT of women like Lifetime.)

The only flaw, or the main reason I gave it four stars instead of five, was that Sara spent a great deal of the book complaining that the women around her (primarily the ex-wife and her sister) loved to create drama and feel put upon while never recognizing those same qualities in herself. This might have worked as intentional irony, but the ending left me thinking I was expected to feel a little more sympathy for Sara than I could muster. All in all though, Second Chance is a book I am happy to recommend to others.

Amanda Hamm, author of Dear Jane Letters

The painting on the cover of Joy Collins' Second Chance opens the door to a carefully crafted first novel from a new author. The storyline revolves around a woman with a second marriage she really wants to work, a husband who is complacent about the wrath of his ex-wife, and a sister who faces her own family issues. The worst thing I can say about Second Chance is that it resembles a Lifetime Movie script, but the best thing is that it does so only a little. In other words, it's clearly a woman's novel written for women, but Second Chance is more interesting, and far less predictable, with at least a modicum of appeal to men.

The story opens with the two young girls learning of their father's death, and then it flashes forward to a time period in their adult lives when each sister faces a crucial turning point in her life. The decisions they make and the reasons for them are explained in detail through decisively appropriate dialog and a few surprising actions. Joy Collins shows a depth of maturity rarely found in a writer's first novel. She takes the reader through a tightly interwoven set of circumstances, defining and delineating the psychodramas as they unfold. The show-don't-tell compositional style is never boring and the editing is as taut as the strings on a violin.

Second Chance is a compelling story, in the "I couldn't put it down" category. I totally identified with the story because I have lived a very similar experience. The emotions in the story are real, every thing about it is real!Fact and Fiction do seem to blur with this one.

I actually am a 'second wife,' so from beginning to end I could so easily identify with Sara's thoughts and emotions it actually felt like it was all happening to me - complete with tears, smiles and heart palpitations! I recently lent the book to my best friend, a woman who is a first wife (still married) with a daughter close in age to the protagonist's stepdaughter, and she said it was the best book she's read in ages. Great writing.

I rarely read novels, but was urged by a friend to read this one...and am I ever glad I did!
After the first few chapters, I couldn't put it down! I was hooked by the story; laughing at the humor; and identifying with the "second-wife" issues that Joy Collins so beautifully captured!
I recommend this book to anyone wanting an entertaining and accurate "ride" through one of life's less-than-fun events. I give it a "5-Stars"!

The author does a fine job at letting the reader in on the inner most thoughts, feelings, and wit of the story's protagonist, Sara. It's also easy to identify with Mona, the story's antagonist, and others. This is because of the author's expert character development, allowing the reader to have more than one point of view, while still "pulling for" Sara.

Second Chance is a story with which all readers can identify, even if, they've never been or only once married.

Have a first try at Second Chance.

Joy Collins's SECOND CHANCE is deeply insightful into relationships of family and friends in second marriages. It speaks to conflict and suspicion, but in the end displays the beauty of that double rainbow we call love. It is a well written and compelling read.