Book Review: The Second Chance Year by Melissa Wiesner

About the Book:

Title: The Second Chance Year

Author: Melissa Wiesner

Page Length: 336

Publication Date: Dec. 5, 2023

Publisher: Forever

Synopsis: One disastrous year. One magical wish. One chance to change the past.

Sadie Thatcher’s life has fallen apart in spectacular fashion. In one fell swoop, she managed to lose her job, her apartment, and her boyfriend—all thanks to her big mouth. So when a fortune teller offers her one wish, Sadie jumps at the chance to redo her awful year. Deep down, she doesn’t believe magic will fix her life, but taking a leap of faith, Sadie makes her wish, opens her eyes, and . . . nothing has changed . And then, in perhaps her dumbest move yet, she kisses her brother’s best friend, Jacob.

When Sadie wakes up the next morning, she’s in her former apartment with her former boyfriend, and her former boss is expecting her at work. Checking the date, she realizes it’s January 1 . . . of last year .  As Sadie navigates her second-chance year, she begins to see the red flags she missed in her relationship and in her career. Plus, she keeps running into Jacob, and she can’t stop thinking about their kiss . . . the one he has no idea ever happened. Suddenly, Sadie begins to wonder if her only mistake was wishing for a second chance.

LINKS:   Goodreads   |    Amazon

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My Review:

Sadie lost her job, her boyfriend, and her apartment, and after being convinced to go to a New Year’s Eve party, she wishes she could repeat the year. Later, she ends up kissing her brother’s best friend, who she now lives with. But when Sadie wakes up in the morning ,she’s in her old apartment with her ex, and her old boss is calling. Sadie realizes she has gone back to the start of her terrible year and has the chance to fix her mistakes. But does she want to?

This is such a fun premise, and I always enjoy stories where the MC repeats the past or has a second chance at something and learns about themselves and what they want in their present and future. That’s exactly what happens to Sadie as she lives her do-over year. I thought this was a romance, but it really focuses more on Sadie’s growth and change as she repeats the last year of her life. I enjoyed her character. She’s authentic and outspoken, and she learns so much about herself. I think a lot of people wish they could turn back the clock and fix mistakes in their past, and Sadie gets the chance. Of course, she comes to some major realizations about herself, her work demands and the sexism she faces, her romantic relationship, and her family. She also can’t stop thinking about Jacob.

Ahhh, Jacob is the best love interest! Sadie and Jacob have a fabulous love story, though this part of the story takes a backburner to Sadie’s growth. These opposites have a slow-burning romance filled with chemistry and fun banter, and their tender moments are so special. I love how she starts to see this sweet and loyal man who has been in her life for years in a totally different light.

I really enjoyed this read! There are a few parts that I wish were fleshed out a bit more, but overall it is a fun and charming read with some great, heartfelt and introspective moments. The story also tackles some heavier issues, like workplace harassment, sexism, and toxic family relationship, but they are relatable and presented realistically. Special thanks to Forever Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

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Rating:

Favorite Parts:

• Sadie’s growth
• The time loop premise.
• Jacob!!

Tropes:

• brother’s best friend
• Groundhog Day time loop vibes
• opposites attract
• second chances