The Summer of Second Chances

Maddie Please

Jul 2017 · Sold by HarperCollins UK

About this ebook

Even when you think you’ve lost everything, hope and romance can be just around the corner . . .

It takes time to build your life. To get into a long-term (OK, a bit boring) relationship. To find a job (you don’t completely hate). Lottie might not be thrilled with the life she’s put together, but it’s the one she’s got.

So when in the course of one terrible evening, it all comes crashing down around her, Lottie has a choice: give herself over to grief at being broke, single and completely lacking in prospects.

Or, brick by brick, build herself a new life. And this time, with a little help from friends, a crumbling cottage in Devon and a handsome stranger, maybe she can make it the one she always wanted.

An irresistibly funny read about never giving up, whatever the world throws at you. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Jane Costello and Christie Barlow.

What others are saying:

'The perfect feel good summer read.’ Chrissie Manby, author of What I Did On My Holidays

“An uplifting, feel-good read that was so very easy to become immersed in... a gorgeous little book that really did feel like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day” Beyond the Book Reviews

“Check this one out for a summer read or to sit by the fire in the winter, you won't regret it.” Carla Loves to Read

“I snorted with laughter... A great read’ Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays

“A story of loss and second chances. I was pulled immediately into the plot and found myself completely lost in it.” Reader review

“It leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy once you've finished! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for inspiration, warmth and escapism” Books and me

“Wow, what a gorgeous, cute little story... it really wow-ed me, with the light – hearted writing style, interesting plot and lovable characters.” Reader review

“I finished it grinning from ear to ear... if you are in need of cheering up, picking yourself up and seeing how not to give up, try this book!” Reader review

Ratings and reviews

I did enjoy this book but it is not a memorable tale and the characters don't really stay with you either. It is a light, easy read perfect for the commute or when you need something to pass the time while soaking up the rays. Not the best start to a review - unless that is exactly what you are looking for. The character of Lottie is well drawn and you do feel like you know her - insecurities and contradictions and all. The author certainly wrote a realistic character with our leading lady but that is where realism crashes to a screeching halt. The supporting characters are more caricatures of people and never raise above the two dimensional and the plot is, well, cringy in places. You know exactly how it is going to go as soon as Lottie moves from her spacious home after the death of her partner and in to a friend's holiday cottage which just happens to make her neighbours with the estranged brother of said friend's husband. That's the other thing that annoyed me about this book. The character of Gregg - one minute he is a complete and utter boor and the next he is suddenly helpful and supportive. When living with her partner Lottie can't stomach the man but suffers him for her partner (I think he was called Ian but I can't be bothered to go back and check) and the business he could bring him, she also really likes his wife, Jess, and thinks they can become firm friends. When Lottie is cast on the scrap heap Jess does prove to be a good friend and suddenly Gregg becomes an almost wonderful man - the contradiction annoyed the heck out of me for some reason. The actual writing is paced well and although there are no surprises here or even a really believable plot I did enjoy reading it - hence 3 Stars. It was frothy and it did entertain me. The shorter length probably helped with that as well if I'm being honest.

This book os not feel good it's boring me to death. The main character has no personality and it's a struggle to keep reading to be honest

It was ok

About the author

Maddie Please was born in Dorset, brought up in Worcestershire and went to university in Cardiff.

Following a career as a dentist, Maddie now writes full time, and lives in Devon with her exceptionally handsome and supportive husband.