Second Chances [Kindle Edition]

Valerie Maarten (Author)

Book Description

Kadi Crowe has spent her entire life believing in her father's innocence, even after he's served his 20 year sentence. But when another young girl is discovered brutally murdered shortly after his release, her father is the prime suspect. She knows he's innocent, but can she prove it?

Dain McKnight waited for the day when he could finally wield his own brand of justice on the man who was convicted of murdering his sister, 20 years ealier. It will be the only justice befitting a cold-blooded killer.

Then a chance meeting with Kadi slowly begins to sow the seeds of doubt in his mind. But, is Dain's growing feelings for Kadi stronger than his hatred for her father? Or will his disdain deny any of them the hope of second chances?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Let me introduce myself... I have been writing ever since I discovered that letters made sounds and a combination of letters made words. It wasn't until recently that I decided to share my work with the public at large. It's true what people say about writers, "they don't write for fame, fortune and glory...they write for the love of writing and sharing." I'm sure most of my fellow writers know what I'm talking about. I know I'm not the only one that invested in rubbermaid storage bins to store your earlier, written work (before the laptop), just in case you decided to go public. The only thing I love more than writing, besides the obvious (God, family, life and country), is reading. As you will soon learn, I have an eclectic taste in what I read. There isn't a romance genre that I will pass up. I've recently began reading suspense and paranormal romance and have dabbled in the vampire series, once in a while. But one day, I'm going to reach in my storage bin and dust off that masterpiece I've been working on. Until then...

Product Details

• File Size: 288 KB
• Print Length: 235 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 146107486X
• Publisher: Write World Publishing (November 5, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004AYD6ZS
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #403,351 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and Emotional June 19, 2011

By Lia Fairchild

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Second Chances is a captivating story about two people whose lives were torn apart by tragedy and what happens when the two are brought together by fate. Kadi Crowe grew up in horrible foster homes when her dad was sent to prison for the murder of Dain's sister. Dain spent his life harboring resentment and planning revenge on Kadi's father. Can these two overcome an impossible situation and find happiness? Read the book and find out, because you won't be disappointed.

This author writes beautifully. She does a wonderful job of portraying emotion as well as developing likeable characters that you will instantly connect with. Second Chances is the second novel by Valerie Maarten. She also wrote Gift of Joy which I now plan on picking up.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional and Engaging November 27, 2011

By S. M. Fatta

Format:Kindle Edition

Second Chances had a common theme throughout and centered around two families. The lives of two families were forever changed overnight. We first meet Hanna while she is babysitting 7 year old Kadi. As Kadi sleeps, Hanna calls her hot tempered ex-boyfriend who broke up with her because he had already moved on. Hanna tells him she's pregnant and they agree to meet later that night. The next morning, Hanna is found dead. Kadi's father Ryan Crowe, is accused of and eventually convicted of murdering Hanna. Ryan is sentenced to 20 years in prison. Hanna's younger brother, Dain, vows to kill Ryan in 20 years when he is released from prison. The ripple effect of one incident caused many more families to suffer because one person chose to remain silent by not telling the truth.

Second Chances is told from each character's view, but mainly Dain and Kadi. As a reader, we were able to read how each character is feeling and thinking at the time. We were able to understand the purpose of their actions as they happen. As adults, Dain and Kadi end up in the same bar not knowing each other's past. It is now 20 years later and Kadi is on her way to reconnect with her dad. Dain is waiting to make his move to make his vow a reality. He's set to kill Ryan Crowe. Until he runs into Kadi. Dain is struck by Kadi's beauty and Kadi is intrigued by Dain.

I really didn't care for Dain's rage and abusive nature. If he didn't possess such anger and violent thoughts, he could be a really great guy. I personally don't associate with anyone with that type of personality, especially as a parent and wife. I wouldn't want that around my family. When Dain and Kadi were together, they both seemed to spark each other's rage and feed off of each other. At times, their relationship was tumultuous roller coaster.

Kadi plays detective to prove her father's innocence. Meanwhile, Dain is doing his own investigating. With the same passion and determination over finding out the truth, their friendship eventually turns into more. They are both investigating the same case but fail to share what they learn.

Kadi and Dain's love for one another is a strong bond. Through the maze of finding out the truth to who killed his sister Hanna, he is unable to fully give himself to Kadi. At least not until he knows the truth. He needs to know if Ryan Crowe is innocent.

Second Chances is about two families finding a second chance at life, love, family, and the future. Overall, this book was an exciting, romantic, and suspenseful read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Second Chances can change your life. May 17, 2011

By nyy13girl

Format:Kindle Edition

Dain was sure that Kadi father was the man that murdered his sister Hanna 20 years ago.. he made a promise to himself and to Ryan Crowe that he would come back if he ever got out of Jail and kill him.. Kadi has been through hell since her father was sent to prison for killing Hanna... he gets out of prison and she has to give him, herself and secon chance at life and love.

its a great story you won't be disappointed with this book.. plus the price is great too!

More About the Author

Let me introduce myself...

I have been writing ever since I discovered that letters made sounds and a combination of letters made words. It wasn't until recently that I decided to share my work with the public at large.

It's true what people say about writers, "they don't write for fame, fortune and glory...they write for the love of writing and sharing." I'm sure most of my fellow writers know what I'm talking about. I know I'm not the only one that invested in rubbermaid storage bins to store your earlier, written work (before the laptop), just in case you decided to go public.

The only thing I love more than writing, besides the obvious (God, family, life and country), is reading. As you will soon learn, I have an eclectic taste in what I read. There isn't a romance genre that I will pass up. I've recently began reading suspense and paranormal romance and have dabbled in the vampire series, once in a while.

But one day, I'm going to reach in my storage bin and dust off that masterpiece I've been working on.

Until then...