Goodreads Blurb
Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.
Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.
As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.
Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.
As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.
You know, just as a warning: When you reach the last half, I advise you to grab a tissue or two (or three, or four, or—you know what? Just take the entire box.) Seriously. You’re going to need it. If there’s one word to describe Second Chance Summer, it’s heartbreaking.
Can I say heartbreaking again? Yes? Ok, it was completely, utterly heartbreaking. All these things were happening and you keep thinking “he’ll be okay. He won’t die. HEA right?” but I’m spoiling this now: it’s not a Happy Ever After ending no matter how much you want it to. It was just inevitable but somehow you ignore the oncoming tragedy with the romance, the friendship, and all things inbetween. But when it does happen, it strikes you completely unaware, even when you know it’s happening in the next chapter. It’s this dreaded feeling that builds up in you and when it happens…agh! A book filled with second chances, I loveloveloved it!
Second Chance Summer seemed more like an insanely descriptive diary rather than a book, and that’s a good thing. Actions seemed so real, not far-fetched. Reactions were probable and the characters reminded me of what my friends would’ve done if I had slighted them like that. Characters seemed real. I haven’t read Matson’s debut, but you can bet I will after reading Second Chance Summer!
As sad as it is, Second Chance Summer is definitely a great Summer-ends read. Not one you want to read at the beginning of summer, but definitely one that will end your summer with a bang. Seriously guys. Y’all have to read this!
Pages: 468
Ugh, this book is breaking my heart just by reading your review and seeing how clearly it broke YOUR heart! I don't know if I can read it because I'm so bad with sad books! lol
ReplyDeleteBut I love that this is a book full of second chances, it's something worth living by. Thank you for the honest review (:
I LOVE emotional reads. I've never heard of this one, so I may have to check it out. Great review!
ReplyDeleteWow awesome review! I have not heard of this one before but it really does sound like a great summer read! I don't generally read emotional books like this but this one really does sound interesting. The characters sound great! I love reading books with realistic characters. Thanks for sharing.
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Oh geez... I feel like crying just from reading your review and finding out it's not a HEA. Even though I knew it wouldn't be. I haven't read this one, but I think I might read it soon seeing as summers almost over!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. (:
I kept seeing this one on everyone's blog. I didn't realize it had a sad ending. Maybe I'll wait a few weeks until the end of summer to try it. I like that it's more of a diary than a book too.
ReplyDeleteI am out of the heartbreaking contemporary reads for a couple of weeks, I think. Especially if it requires a whole box of tissues. Knowing me, not unlikely! But when I get back on H.C's, Second Chance Summer will be on the list. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete