A Season for Second Chances

De: Jenny Bayliss

Narrado por: Ell Potter

A charmingly quirky seaside town offers a recently separated restauranteur a fresh start and possibly a new lease on love in A Season for Second Chances, by the author of The Twelve Dates of Christmas.


Annie Sharpe’s spark for life has fizzled out. Her kids are grown up, her restaurant is doing just fine on its own, and her twenty-six-year marriage has come to an unceremonious end. Untethered for the first time in her adult life, she finds a winter guardian position in a historic seaside home and decides to leave her city life behind for a brand-new beginning.

When she arrives in Willow Bay, Annie is enamored by the charming house, the invigorating sea breeze, and the town’s rich seasonal traditions. Not to mention, her neighbors receive her with open arms—that is, all except the surly nephew of the homeowner, whose grand plans for the property are at odds with her residency. As Christmas approaches, tensions and tides rise in Willow Bay, and Annie’s future seems less and less certain. But with a little can-do spirit and holiday magic, the most difficult time of her life will become…a season for second chances.

Reseñas de la Crítica

One of Buzzfeed’s Best Books of October
One of BookBub’s Best Holiday Romance Books

“[An] inspiring tale of strength, integrity, and self-respect. . . Readers will be enchanted.”—Publishers Weekly

“Bayliss’s fans and readers who enjoy laugh-out-loud rom-coms will want to spend a cozy winter evening by the fire with Annie and the residents of Willow Bay.” —Library Journal

“There's so much to love about this enchanting story. Readers will want their own seat at the cafe Annie opens and to attend every quirky holiday party the townspeople dream up. This lovely, cozy read is perfect for winter.” —BookPage (starred review)

“Enormously entertaining, this manages to be escapism of the highest order.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune

"A gorgeous, cosy winter read that will transport you to the coast on a windswept day. Full of quirky characters and a refreshingly mature leading lady, this book will restore anyone's faith that it's never too late for a second chance at love, or indeed, life." —Sophie Cousens, author of This Time Next Year and Just Haven't Met You Yet

Wonderful story of second chances.

Too many Romcoms have no story line. This has an excellent story of Annie who finds that life can really begin at 40.

Very Charming Story

I very much enjoyed this story! It was very charming! I appreciate a story about a woman rebuilding her life and how she can find herself again through finding new work, a new location, new love and new friendships. I loved the narration, made the main character even more likable! The characters in general were very likable! I liked that it went from fall to Christmas so wouldn’t have to read just in December. I have absolutely loved all the author’s Christmas stories so far!

Well Done!

This story line was honest and understandable, building character personalities as well as a group aura. The ending was very intense and brought me to tears. A book hasn’t done that for a long time—-could be the voice and inflection of the reader, too. Best I can say is, “Well Done”!

Lots of charm

It was very pleasant to spend many hours with the thoroughly nice people who populate this book.

However, the descriptions were such that I never understood what attracted Annie and John to one another. If there was chemistry between them it didn’t come off the page for me.

A small irritant on a point that was not essential to the plot is the refusal of someone who is nearly drowned, is hypothermic, and severely bruised and cut not to be examined by a physician. Ridiculous.

charmingly quirky

I honestly adored this book so much! Let me forewarn you that if you’re looking for a quick rom-com this is not the book. I do think it’s a bit longer than necessary, but it also really takes its time building up the second chance narrative, the spirited coastal town of Willow Bay and its residents, as well as a bit of romance near the end. I went into it looking for the romance, but I liked that it didn’t immediately jump into things.

Annie is dealing with the end of a 26-year marriage, one in which her husband cheated on her repeatedly. At 44 years old it’s the first time Annie is truly on her own as an adult and she’s trying to come to grips with the end of her marriage and find accommodations while her and Max (her husband) figure out the division of assets. After a few hopeless days in a hotel Annie finds a winter guardian position in a historic seaside home and decides to leave the city life behind for a brand-new beginning. That’s the main focus of the novel. Annie will be watching over a secluded beach apartment and small (closed) business over the winter months. It’s an unpaid position but the rent is free. Since Max is being a bugger with the accounts and assets Annie is due this is just the thing she needs.

The community of Willow Bay was absolutely charming. Definitely the type of community I long to be a part of. What makes this such a stand out romance is there was never miscommunication, in fact the characters were quite forthcoming which was so refreshing. I also like that Annie had her weaker moments with Max as he set to woo her back. She knew he was bad news but after 26 years things are familiar and she knew in her heart of hearts what she deserved but she still showed those moments that made it all too real.

The romance doesn’t start until around the 300-page mark, so buckle in for a long meandering yet lovely tale of a season for second chances.

If you like this, check out Float Plan by Trish Doller.

Exactly what I needed!

This story had the perfect combination of all the right ingredients for this time of year, or any other really! I loved everything about it.

A Season of Funniness

This was one funny novel. I previously read 12 Dates of Christmas so I had high expectations for this one and it did not disappoint. It was funny, engaging, passionate and down right a great rom-com.

Light, breezy read!

This book was an easy read and quite enjoyable, although a little predictable. I love a good love story and the way Annie fell in love with the Saltwater Nook!

Can’t wait for authors next book

Love Jenny’s books. Great character development. Funny. Touching romances w interesting supporting casts. Loved this holiday rom-com.

Solid enjoyment read

I really enjoyed this great read, and the narrator’s voice was kind to the ears. The only thing I did not enjoy was the sprinkling of profanity, but it wasn’t gratuitous and that probably wouldn’t bother most readers. Storyline was mildly predictable but then, so is every Hallmark movie I watch. I liked the author’s way with words, and I thoroughly enjoyed being transported to this little beach town in the winter. Would definitely recommend and may give it another listen in the future.