ABOUT THE BOOK
When exhausted single-mum Jess returns to Manchester for her twenty-year school reunion, she’s hoping for nothing more than a well-deserved break from reality. What she’s not expecting is to bump into her secret teenage crush, hot single-dad Sam, or to remember quite how much they have in common.
But they live so far apart, their kids aren’t always easy, and there are events in their shared past it’s best not to revisit. Surely the idea of a future together is just a crazy dream in their messy, adult lives?
Though when Sam invites Jess to accompany him to a mutual friend’s high-profile wedding, the years they spent apart once again melt away. What will it take for them to be together? Can they use their second chance to finally get it right?
MY REVIEW
When two friends reunite after twenty years, will they get a second chance, or will their secrets tear them apart?
Jess is a single mom trying to get through life one day at a time and travels from London to Manchester for a class reunion. When she meets her first crush, Sam, the sparks fly, but the past brings up secrets and old “friends,” creating tension and uncertainty. It seems like life has thrown her curveballs, but she handles them with grace and determination.
One thing I couldn’t shake off is my initial impression of Sam. Back in the day, he wasn’t exactly the most likable guy in the room. Fast forward two decades, though, and he’s transformed into a decent human being, albeit still surrounded by his obnoxious friends. Seriously, what’s up with James and Rob? These two are textbook narcissists, always manipulating Sam from the shadows. And, it’s sad to see how the echoes of his ex-wife’s decisions still shape his life.
I honestly didn’t understand the attraction between Jess and Sam at first because they were so different, but Jess’s growth into a strong, confident woman, paired with Sam’s patience, made me realize how perfect they could be for each other.
Overall, the story is intriguing, and the two timelines are well done. I like how the author drops little puzzle pieces along the way, giving hints from the past, but never a full view of where the story might be going. On that note, I was disappointed in the abrupt ending, which left me wanting more.
If you want a story about second chances and secrets that can connect or separate people, this one might be for you. Jess and Sam’s journey is relatable and filled with highs and lows. It reminds us that life is about taking chances, regardless of the challenges we encounter.
Thank you to Ms. Light for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
The Millingham Series
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katharine Light was born in Glasgow and lived there until her family moved to Manchester when she was ten. While in her teens, she began writing stories for her younger sister Emma. These mostly centred around a naïve heroine and a 1980s pop star (some would say the hero was modelled on John Taylor of Duran Duran).
She did a degree in psychology at University College London, and after a year travelling, worked in corporate film production for several years, before taking a break to raise her children.
For many years she wrote mainly during the holidays, around her busy work for a local church.
Her first novel Like Me, published in 2023, was shortlisted for The Selfies Book Awards 2024. Her short story My arms are empty which is based on an episode from her second novel Me Too recently won the City University competition City Writes.
She is a director of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, with responsibility for organising their conferences, gatherings and awards ceremonies.
Katharine lives in London with her husband and quite often at least one of their adult children. She loves singing, walking, painting, looking at art, and going to the theatre.
Follow Katharine on Instagram and Facebook.
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