Julia’s life seemed to be falling perfectly into place. She had burgeoning jobprospects in the finance industry, an exciting life in New York City, and a wonderful fiancé,Nick Kerkley, who she was totally in love with. Nick however, while being completelydevoted to Julia, did not have the career potential or financial stability to be worthy ofsomeone like her — or at least that’s what she came to convince herself. Hesitantly, Juliaended the relationship, forcing herself to believe it would all be for the best. Little did sheknow, that one decision would lead both their lives to spiral away from each other, only to converge again.What happens to your fairytale when you let someone else wave the magic wand? Will your dreams of love andenchantment still come true, or will your ‘happily ever after’ pass by without you?Once Upon a Second Chance is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
I enjoyed Once Upon A Second Chance. It kind of reminded me of Austentatious, which I loved. It is a total contemporary, but there are glimpses of something that could be magic. When I say glimpses, I mean maybe two or three times in the book. I loved seeing a little bit of a “fairy godmother”. Once Upon A Second Chance is just such a cute love story.
Normally, I like the two main characters pretty much equally. But this book was the exception. I liked Nick way more than I liked Julia. I wanted so badly to love Julia, but she just kept doing things to sabatoge her own life. But she is just so nice and helpful to everyone that it is hard to dislike her for that. I was also disappointed that she hadn’t done more in her life career-wise. She was all set to take on the world, and then nothing. Once Upon a Second Chance was a journey for Julia, and the reason that I ended up liking her as much as I did was because she started to wisen up in the second half of the book. Plus, I think anyone would pale in comparison to Nick. I swear, the guy didn’t have a single flaw. He was a total sweetheart, smart, and just an all around good guy. He reminded me of a sad puppy when he was hurt. Who could be mean to a puppy?? Nick just totally melted my heart. I loved reading their story.
I loved how the story was laid out in Once Upon A Second Chance. They start off in present day, right before Julia is about to meet Nick again after not seeing him for 8 years. And then throughout the book you get flashbacks of moments in their relationship so you can see the progression of it and find out what happened between the two of them. I really liked this style and I thought Marian Vere transitioned seamlessly from flashback to present day. The writing was great. If you like cute, contemporary romances, and if you have a little patience with your main character, I think you will really enjoy Once Upon A Second Chance.
 |
| 3/5 gavels |
.jpg)
Nikki
I really like the concept of this book. It’s one of those reminders that some things are just meant to be. Thank you for the great review!
Jessica S.
Oooh!!! I started reading the synopsis and thought before I reached the last sentence that it had to be a retelling of Persuasion. I ADORE PERSUASION. My favorite Jane Austen story. Now I must check this out. It’s too bad that Julia wasn’t too likeable, but I’m glad Nick is! 🙂
Molli @ Once Upon a Prologue
Awww, this one sounds really sweet and fun! May have to check it out. Glad you liked Nick!
Beckey
This sounds like an fun read.. Thanks for sharing 🙂
NoraA
I love Magical Fairy tails with happy endings.. I’ll have to find a copy of the book (if it’s in dead tree format) and share it with my kids.
Alicia
I usually have a problem with self-sabotaging protagonists, but it sounds like it may work in this story, especially if there is a strong male protagonist.
kimbacaffeinate
This sounds sweet and I am glad you enjoyed it..thanks for sharing it 🙂
Sayomay
Def putting this on my TBR list! 😀
Christy LoveOfBooks
This does sound cute! I’ve been wanting to read books like this more lately.
drkngl
Oh I loved Persuasion! Can’t wait to read this one!
Mary Preston
ONCE UPON A SECOND CHANCE looks like such a wonderful book. I’m also a fan of PERSUASION & this does have a feel.
Rhonda D
I will definitely be checking this book out. Thank you I hadn’t heard about it until searching your site. 🙂