Second Chance Books by Carina Gaskell is the October Book of the Month for Kindle Buddies PH, and I’m excited to share my reviews as I journey through the chapters with my reading team. Here’s what I thought about the book on my four weeks of reading!
Week 1: Chapters 1 to 12
From the very beginning, we meet a protagonist willing to do whatever it takes to survive for her family, even if it means betraying friends and colleagues. The pacing of the book is brisk, especially during the interviews with members of the Second Chance Books Club. One standout moment for me was the chapter featuring Mildred. It provided a fascinating glimpse into Roger’s life as a young married man and introduced us to the brain of the SCB: Cecilia, Roger's wife.
Week 2: Chapters 13 to 25
In these chapters, the characters continue to evolve. Tom is becoming increasingly aware of his feelings for Nell, realizing that his heart is no longer with Paulina. Meanwhile, Nell remains in denial, continually pushing Tom away. Their dynamic adds an intriguing layer of tension to the story.
Week 3: Chapters 26 to 37
“You shouldn’t string someone along just because you can’t make up your mind.”This line resonated with me as we delve deeper into the story.
The beautiful stories shared by the SCB book club members are the highlights of the chapters. It’s hard not to fall for Roger—he truly is the man!
But Carina, why must you put my beloved Roger through this? Can't I just have a happy ending with no one leaving? (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞
Week 4: Chapters 38 to Epilogue
As we reach the final chapters, true feelings and intentions come to light. Carina masterfully evokes a whirlwind of emotions: happiness, sadness, and betrayal.
I’m relieved that all the characters, including Nell’s sister and her friend Daphne, find their happy endings.
Epilogue was cute. Kilig scenes are good!
Character Thoughts:
Nell: A character many Filipinos can relate to.
Roger: A truly selfless man.
Cecilia: A queen in her own right.
Tom: A lost cause in the realm of romance. But at least he was able to win Nelle.
Verdict
Overall, Second Chance Books is a light read that I could easily finish in one sitting. I appreciate following the structured reading timeline with my group. I did feel some events towards the end felt a bit rushed and some scenes unnececssary. Tom is an endearing character, while Nell embodies the qualities of a protagonist readers can look up to. This story beautifully explores themes of found family, rekindled friendships, and love.
I’m giving this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars!
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