Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer – Review & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Second Chance at Happiness
Author: Greta Picklesimer
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: April 12, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

After Catherine Reed’s husband dies in a tragic logging accident, Catherine and her four-year-old daughter, Clair, move home with Clair’s mother and brother in order to accept a new position as the teacher for the town’s one-room schoolhouse. But Catherine carries a dark secret that she hasn’t even shared with her mother. Will she ever find forgiveness?

Samuel Harris has suffered his own loss, losing his wife and unborn child over a year prior. Although he is the town’s preacher, he struggles to trust God, blaming God for allowing him to be absent when his wife died. The guilt has burdened him ever since. But when his old flame Catherine Reed comes back to town, he wonders if they can find healing together.

Catherine believes that anyone who wants to learn should be allowed to learn, but she is quick to find a town divided on that issue. As she and Samuel set out to change people’s minds in a post-Civil War era, they find themselves drawn to each other over and over again. As they join together for the same cause, could they also find a second chance at happiness?

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IN MY OPINION

A Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer is a second chance romance set following the Civil War—which plays into a large part of the conflict of this story.

The author does a good job with her setting and (most of) her characters are likable. There are, of course, a couple of antagonists in there that aren’t so lovable. And I appreciated how Catherine wants change for the community and is willing to teach anyone who wants to learn.

I personally would have liked a little less repetition in some areas in exchange for some deeper character development—especially some based around little Clair. I wished the author would have given us more insight into Catherine’s emotions at leaving her daughter at home while she taught other people’s children or into Samuel’s regrets when Clair sits on his lap.

Knowing this is the author’s debut, I can give those minor missed opportunities a pass because Picklesimer does pack this story with a lot of heart, community, and faith along with a strong message of inclusion.

Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR