Author: Samantha Tonge
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Publication Date: May 2017
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Buy the Book: Amazon | BN
Description: Everyone deserves a second chance…don’t they?
Jenny Masters finds herself living the modern dream. Wife to a millionaire, living in a mansion and mother to Kardashian-obsessed ten-year-old April, there isn’t anything missing. Until her whole world comes crashing down, forcing Jenny and April to leave behind their glittering life and start over with nothing.
With village gossip following her wherever she goes, she finds refuge and a job in the new coffee shop in town. As the days pass Jenny fears she doesn’t have what it takes to pick herself back up and give April the life she always wanted to. But with the help of enigmatic new boss Noah, and housemate Elle, Jenny realizes it’s never too late to become the woman life really intended you to be!
My Thoughts: I love stories that are relationship driven filled with characters who are flawed and broken but manage to rise above the challenges they are facing by finding their place in a community with other flawed and broken people and begin to heal with love and friendship.
I liked Jenny but living in the lap of luxury for the past ten years clouded her perception about what is important. When she finds out about her husband’s infidelity and near bankrupt status, she and her spoiled daughter, April, find refuge in the village coffee shop owned by Noah, who appears as a shoulder to lean on and an ear willing to listen.
This story surprised me that while Jenny is navigating this new reality for her and her daughter, there are people all around her who are trying to navigate their own reality. Noah is struggling with a mysterious past and trying to make the coffee shop a success. His employee and roommate, Elle, is also trying to navigate her own path that has been challenging. I loved that Noah was willing to offer Jenny and her daughter room and board in exchange for Jenny working at the coffee shop. What initially begins as an act of mercy and compassion by Noah becomes a journey of healing for all of these people. I especially loved how Jenny’s daughter begins to see life outside of her posh friends and exclusive school and embraces the new experiences. With the exception of Jenny’s husband, I loved these characters and the bravery and determination they all demonstrate by not allowing their circumstances to keep them from growing and moving forward.
I have read a few books by this author but this one is my favorite so far. I have several waiting to be read and I’m hoping they will deliver like this one did. I felt such a strong connection to Jenny, Noah, Elle and April and had loads of empathy for each of them. This story flowed so smoothly and the pacing was excellent. None of the characters stayed mired in misery or regret which I also loved. I don’t know if the author has plans to write a follow up to this story but it would be great to visit with them again.
My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this book to readers who love women’s fiction and stories rich in character development and relationships.
Thank you to the publisher, Harper Collins UK, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
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