‘It’s never too late for second chances…‘
[ About Second Chances ]
For the first time in her life, Lydia is taking a great big leap of faith. She’s moving to a small town on the West Coast of Ireland to overhaul a large, long-abandoned residence named Chance House with her new husband.
Then tragedy strikes, and Lydia is reminded why she doesn’t take chances. Suddenly she’s facing a very different prospect: a half-finished ramshackle estate, an overgrown garden, dwindling funds, no-one to turn to – and everywhere she looks, reminders of the love she’s lost.
Starting over feels impossible. Staying put feels harder still. But when the local community rallies around her and Lydia is unexpectedly reminded of the power of new beginnings, she realises she might just owe it to herself and them to take a second chance on Chance House…
[ My Review ]
Second Chances by Roisin Meaney publishes February 5th with Hachette Ireland and is described as ‘a heart-breaking yet hopeful read about the importance of community and the power of starting over‘.
Lydia, following a heartbreaking event, has to make some life-altering decisions but choosing the right one proves to be challenging. We are all given numerous opportunities in life to take chances but sometimes our fear creates an obstacle, stopping us in our tracks. As Lydia discovers, the power of the community and her own inbuilt resilience, prove a strong combination as she negotiates some very difficult but empowering months in a small community on the west coast of Ireland.
Lydia has always lived in the city. A Dublin girl, she followed her dream of becoming a yoga instructor, with a solid client base and a great circle of friends. On a night out she crosses paths with Damien, a chef from a small seaside village on the west coast. The chemistry is instant and a weekend relationship ensues. Lydia knows that her feelings for Damien are strong and she begins to fanaticize about a life by the sea for the two of them so, when Damien actually proposes she is ecstatic. He surprises her further with a suggestion that they put in an offer on an old derelict property, Chance House. Here they could begin a new life, build a business together and start their own family someday.
Lydia was new to village but, from the beginning, the community welcomed her with open arms allowing her to dream big and to get excited about the possibility of what might be. But one ordinary day the bubble bursts when tragedy strikes, shattering Lydia’s life into smithereens. This ambitious undertaking had been Damien’s vision. He could see the bigger picture, coping with the financial investment and all the stress that this life project would carry but now, Lydia is not so sure.
As Lydia grapples with a different future she has to make choices which will not only affect herself but will also have ripple effects on the wider community. Lydia is emotionally strung out, exhausted by the life she now lives but little glimmers appear as the locals gather around offering their love and support. Lydia has always known her place in life and the routine of Dublin suited her. Now, in this new space, she is discovering that taking a chance can sometimes lead to the most extraordinary and unexpected outcome.
Second Chances is a novel of mixed emotions. There is plenty of heartache but hidden among the anguish are little sparks of hope. Choosing a different and unexpected path can have all sorts of connotations. Things don’t always go according to plan, with the stars not necessarily aligning as we would like, but if we are willing to step off the plotted path, who knows what is waiting for us around the corner.
Authenticity is what keeps Roisin Meaney fans, including myself, coming back for more. As a writer, her stories bring a sense of calm to a world that is currently in such flux. With beautiful characters and gorgeous storylines, one cannot help but feel a weight temporarily lifting as you lose yourself between the covers. Second Chances is a story about ordinary people but, in the hands of Roisin Meaney, these ordinary people become your friends. You cry their tears, you join in their laughter and you hold their hands when needed. Wholesome and full of heart, Second Chances is a bittersweet novel. It is a sincere and tender story of love in all its many guises, another warm hug of a novel from Roisin Meaney.
[Thank you Plunkett PR and Hachette Ireland for a copy of Second Chances in exchange for my honest review]
[ Bio ]
Roisin Meaney was born in Listowel, Co Kerry, She has lived in the US, Canada, Africa and Europe but is now based in Limerick, Ireland. This Number One bestselling author is a consistent presence on the Irish bestseller list and she is the author of twenty novels including Life Before Us, It’s That Time of Year and The Restaurant. She has also written books for children.
