A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss

Hi everyone!  One of my most memorable holiday reads of 2020 was Jenny Bayliss’ debut novel The Twelve Dates of Christmas. When I learned that the author had a new book coming out in time for Christmas 2021 I knew I had to read it.  A Season for Second Chances is a lovely women’s fiction novel set in a quirky seaside town in the UK.

From The Publisher:

Annie Sharpe’s spark for life has fizzled out. Her kids are grown up, her restaurant is doing just fine on its own, and her twenty-six-year marriage has come to an unceremonious end. Untethered for the first time in her adult life, Annie doesn’t know what to do with herself. But when she finds a winter guardian position in a historic seaside home, she decides to leave her city life behind for a brand new beginning.
When she arrives at Willow Bay, Annie is instantly enamoured by the charming house, the invigorating sea breeze, and the town’s rich seasonal traditions. Not to mention, her neighbors receive her with open arms–that is, all except for the surly and rugged nephew of the homeowner, who seems intent on making Annie feel unwelcome. His grand plans for the property are directly at odds with her long-term stay. As Christmas approaches, tensions and tides rise in Willow Bay, and Annie’s future is looking less and less certain. But with a little can-do spirit and holiday magic, the most difficult season of her life will become ASeason for Second Chances.

Book Review:

I appreciate books that feature a strong female protagonist and Annie Sharpe is just that.  She takes a big chance in moving to Willow Bay to become the winter guardian of a historic home, but knows this is the right decision as soon as she sees it.

I felt I really got to know Annie and found her to be likeable and relatable. She shows ingenuity and creativity throughout the book, but it is is her compassion that really stood of for me.  Her willingness to support and care for others in the community was really a highlight for me.

There are some very interesting characters in this book including Annie’s book club members who provided hilarious non-bookish discussion.  It is through this group that Annie decides  to open the house’s tea room.  Not only does she make a bit of money but she also finds a deeper connection to the community.  As the book progresses and she learns more about the community, she begins opening the tea room for several traditional celebrations.

Based on the title, I was expecting a second chance romance novel.  While Annie does find herself caught up in a romance, this is not the basis for this novel.  If you’re looking for a charming autumn and holiday story to read this season that celebrates taking chances, this is one I’m happy to recommend.

Audiobook Review:

I listened to the audiobook version of A Season for Second Chances which was narrated by Ell Potter.  I appreciated her clarity, tone and lovely accent which made this performance a joy to listen to.

What I Liked:

• The quirky, seaside setting of Willow Bay
• The strong, compassionate and likeable female protagonist
• The antics of Annie’s book club

I Recommend A Season for Second Chances to:

Those readers that enjoy Women’s Fiction featuring a strong protagonist whose re-starting life after a failed relationship.

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Add A Season for Second Chances to your Goodreads shelf

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to my local library for purchasing this audiobook.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

Sophie Valroux’s Paris Stars by Samantha Verant

Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

Thank you for reading and supporting my blog.  Have you ever visited a quirky, seaside town?  Let me know in the comments!

I hope that you have a wonderful day. ☺️