It’s a real pleasure today to be joining the blog tour for Second Chances by Miriam McGuirk: published as an e-book on 25th April (and, I notice, just 80p for kindle), this lovely book is also available as a paperback and in hardcover. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the author for my advance reading e-copy.
Miriam has been a part of my on-line life now for so long that I can’t remember how our paths first crossed – but she’s always been immensely supportive of my reviewing efforts (and, I know, of the efforts of many others too) and her sunny personality always brightens my timeline and my day. As I often find it so difficult to fit in every book I’d like to read, I was delighted when she chose Rachel to organise her tour for this one – I always keep a few spaces for books she comes across that might not have otherwise hit my radar – and really looking forward to a book that appealed as soon as I saw its description…
Second Chances is a touching tale that takes us on a journey from India to Kent, UK, following the intertwined lives of the residents who live on the same road.
At the heart of the story is Molly—kind-hearted, resilient, and determined to make a fresh start after her husband Rory leaves her and their son Jamie.
But when Jamie disappears on the day they were supposed to move to Kent, Molly’s new life takes an unexpected turn.
As Molly settles into her new community, she befriends her neighbours, Florence and Colonel Bryce Beckwith, who share their own stories of love, loss, and longing for second chances.
The three of them navigate their regrets and come to realise that it’s never too late to make a change.
Second Chances is a poignant, multigenerational tale of connections and community, showcasing the unbreakable human spirit and the hope that can come from taking a leap of faith.
This book opens on the day that Molly – needing a fresh start after the end of her marriage – is to move to a new home in Kent, to find that her son Jamie has left during the night and she will be making the move alone. The story then moves forward in time – Jamie, now known as Kit, fighting a hangover and needing to deliver on a promise made to a woman whose kindness has made her central to his life. But then the focus returns to the community where Molly now lives, and we meet the individuals whose lives and stories become central to the unfolding story as its seemingly disparate threads converge, become entangled, and gradually unspool. While Molly is always central to the story – and to the lives of the community she has become part of – an intriguing and very touching story of confusion unfolds, while we also get to know about the lives, past and present, of the eclectic individuals whose individual stories are brought together before a satisfying conclusion.
I will admit – and I mention this only in case you find the same – that I did struggle a little at first to settle into the story. The characters aren’t conventionally introduced, and it was initially a little difficult to engage with the multiple perspectives and to understand the various relationships. But the pieces slowly fell into place, and I became swept up in the story – and very much enjoyed the gentle meandering through the past lives of Molly, Florence, Boudie, Colonel Bryce Beckwith, Rita and Stanley while wondering how on earth the complications of the present would be resolved.
Multi-generational stories are always a personal favourite, and the author creates a cast of fascinating individuals who spring to life from the book’s pages in rich detail. I also enjoyed the story’s warmth, the strong friendships and mutual support, the gentle humour, the focus on goodness and acts of kindness, and the strong message that it’s never too late to face up to mistakes of the past and move forward into a brighter future. And the story itself, the central narrative, is an absolute delight – beautifully constructed, with twists and turns I really didn’t see coming, and with real originality to its concept. I liked the settings too – the community in Kent, the Belleview at Little Shore, and the occasional glimpses of India in some of the characters’ early lives. This was a book I think many readers would enjoy just as much as I did – and it’s certainly a read I’d recommend to others.
About the author
Born in Dublin, there has been a constant thread of writing and storytelling running through Miriam’s life. She proudly nurtures her ability to tell stories thanks to her Irish heritage.
Miriam lives in the historical town of Rye, East Sussex with her husband, Chris, spending time in her Writing Cave where only her characters join her.
When not writing, Miriam enjoys reading, cooking, sea swimming, and walking along the healing coast.
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Wonderful review, as always. “Second Chances” is warm and encouraging and a delightful read. 💯 I have to agree with you about the beginning of the book- at first I didn’t get it either- but then I realized, this was the day where everyone’s second chances would begin, so we see them waking up to a new day.
Thank you Jena – I really enjoyed your review too. And, do you know, I think you’re absolutely right about your interpretation!