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RV Park Romance #1
Grown-Up Second Chance
Newly divorced, she’s ready for independence, family, and adventure … until a chance meeting with her secret teenage crush threatens to derail her.
Diane O’Sullivan and her two sisters have hit the road in their 43-foot motorhome. With her ex far in the rearview mirror and only a few accounting clients left, Diane’s looking forward to exploring the country.
When Joe Kelly shows up at their RV campsite outside Yellowstone, it’s a charming coincidence. He’s humorous and happy, reminding her of the girl she was. More than once he rescues her from the dangers of the park, and the tourists who visit it.
They could easily become involved.
But wait! That’s exactly what she doesn’t want. She has plans! After dumping her dull-as-dishwater ex, she’s not ready to take on another project. And, isn’t a man always a project?
Will Joe take the hint?
Grown-Up Second Chance is a later-in-life romantic comedy. It’s the first in a series.
Mix your Cosmo or G & T, and get ready to embark on a road trip of laughter and love. Get your copy of Grown-Up Second Chance right now!
Diane O’Sullivan and her two sisters have hit the road in their 43-foot motorhome. With her ex far in the rearview mirror and only a few accounting clients left, Diane’s looking forward to exploring the country.
When Joe Kelly shows up at their RV campsite outside Yellowstone, it’s a charming coincidence. He’s humorous and happy, reminding her of the girl she was. More than once he rescues her from the dangers of the park, and the tourists who visit it.
They could easily become involved.
But wait! That’s exactly what she doesn’t want. She has plans! After dumping her dull-as-dishwater ex, she’s not ready to take on another project. And, isn’t a man always a project?
Will Joe take the hint?
Grown-Up Second Chance is a later-in-life romantic comedy. It’s the first in a series.
Mix your Cosmo or G & T, and get ready to embark on a road trip of laughter and love. Get your copy of Grown-Up Second Chance right now!
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2023
48 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Casey Dawes
105 books121 followersCasey Dawes writes non-steamy contemporary romance and inspirational women’s fiction with romantic elements.
She and her husband are traveling the US in a small trailer with the cat who owns them. When not writing or editing, she is exploring national parks, haunting independent bookstores, and lurking in spinning and yarn stores trying not to get caught fondling the fiber!
Claim your free collection of short stories! Go to her website, www.CaseyDawes.com, to discover how.
She and her husband are traveling the US in a small trailer with the cat who owns them. When not writing or editing, she is exploring national parks, haunting independent bookstores, and lurking in spinning and yarn stores trying not to get caught fondling the fiber!
Claim your free collection of short stories! Go to her website, www.CaseyDawes.com, to discover how.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 4, 2023
I received a copy from the author through Booksprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
Grown-Up Second Chance immediately caught my eye when I spotted it on Booksprout. I knew I had to read it as it sounded like such read with older characters and the RV travel. I am glad I requested it as this was such a great read. I really enjoyed reading about Diane and Joe as well as their visits to Yellowstone.
I really liked reading about Diane and her two sisters who are traveling around in their RV. Most of the book takes place around Yellowstone and I liked reading about the place and experiencing it through Diane's eyes. Both the Yellowstone setting and the RV were things I haven't read about much before and I liked the unique touch it gave to this book. And then there's the fact the characters are older and the different vibe that brings. The characters have a lot of past and history and things they struggle with it. Like Diane who now she got divorced is discovering herself again.
I liked the romance between Diane and Joe. They both have had their struggles and lives. I liked how it was a second chance romance and how they knew each other when they were younger and their meeting brings up all those feelings again. They were so good together. I liked how they interacted and how spend time together and see if they still like each other. And Joe was so nice to her and such a difference to her ex-husband who made her feel bad about herself. It made sense why Diane was a reluctant to get into another relationship as her marriage wasn't the best. I just wish her doubts and worries had gotten addressed a bit more to the end, it just felt like it suddenly wasn't an issue anymore. I liked the ending and how their romance got wrapped up and I hope we still get to more of them in future books as it felt a bit unfinished in a sense, but I think that's intentional as it's only the first book in the series.
I liked reading about Diane and seeing her figure out what she wanted now that she is divorced and finding out what she likes to do. Her passions for photography and her doubts about whether to buy a camera came across well. I felt so bad for her with how her ex-husband diminished her self worth and made her feel bad about herself and what she wanted. It was great seeing her reclaim that part of herself and figure out what she wanted. I also liked seeing her interact with her sisters. I hope they get their own books later in the series as it's clear they both have their own stories too.
To summarize: I really liked this book. The premise was great with three sisters getting an RV to travel together. This book follows Diane's point of view who just got divorced and is finding herself again and there is a second chance romance for her with Joe. The RV travel and the mostly Yellowstone focused setting made for a fun setting for the book and I enjoyed reading about it. Diane was a great main character and I thought she well written. Her struggles and dreams felt realistic. Her doubts about getting in a relationship with Joe again made sense, although I wish the resolution had addressed her doubts a bit stronger. I liked Diane and Joe together and thought they made for a great couple. I liked reading about Diane and how she was finding herself again after her divorce. Her passion for photography was clear and I liked reading about it. Her relationship with her sisters was interesting as well and it feels like both sisters have their own stories as well, hopefully they will star in future books. All in all I really enjoyed this book and definitely plan to continue the series!
Grown-Up Second Chance immediately caught my eye when I spotted it on Booksprout. I knew I had to read it as it sounded like such read with older characters and the RV travel. I am glad I requested it as this was such a great read. I really enjoyed reading about Diane and Joe as well as their visits to Yellowstone.
I really liked reading about Diane and her two sisters who are traveling around in their RV. Most of the book takes place around Yellowstone and I liked reading about the place and experiencing it through Diane's eyes. Both the Yellowstone setting and the RV were things I haven't read about much before and I liked the unique touch it gave to this book. And then there's the fact the characters are older and the different vibe that brings. The characters have a lot of past and history and things they struggle with it. Like Diane who now she got divorced is discovering herself again.
I liked the romance between Diane and Joe. They both have had their struggles and lives. I liked how it was a second chance romance and how they knew each other when they were younger and their meeting brings up all those feelings again. They were so good together. I liked how they interacted and how spend time together and see if they still like each other. And Joe was so nice to her and such a difference to her ex-husband who made her feel bad about herself. It made sense why Diane was a reluctant to get into another relationship as her marriage wasn't the best. I just wish her doubts and worries had gotten addressed a bit more to the end, it just felt like it suddenly wasn't an issue anymore. I liked the ending and how their romance got wrapped up and I hope we still get to more of them in future books as it felt a bit unfinished in a sense, but I think that's intentional as it's only the first book in the series.
I liked reading about Diane and seeing her figure out what she wanted now that she is divorced and finding out what she likes to do. Her passions for photography and her doubts about whether to buy a camera came across well. I felt so bad for her with how her ex-husband diminished her self worth and made her feel bad about herself and what she wanted. It was great seeing her reclaim that part of herself and figure out what she wanted. I also liked seeing her interact with her sisters. I hope they get their own books later in the series as it's clear they both have their own stories too.
To summarize: I really liked this book. The premise was great with three sisters getting an RV to travel together. This book follows Diane's point of view who just got divorced and is finding herself again and there is a second chance romance for her with Joe. The RV travel and the mostly Yellowstone focused setting made for a fun setting for the book and I enjoyed reading about it. Diane was a great main character and I thought she well written. Her struggles and dreams felt realistic. Her doubts about getting in a relationship with Joe again made sense, although I wish the resolution had addressed her doubts a bit stronger. I liked Diane and Joe together and thought they made for a great couple. I liked reading about Diane and how she was finding herself again after her divorce. Her passion for photography was clear and I liked reading about it. Her relationship with her sisters was interesting as well and it feels like both sisters have their own stories as well, hopefully they will star in future books. All in all I really enjoyed this book and definitely plan to continue the series!
September 14, 2023
This is an entertaining rom com with later in life sisters taking a road trip while all are starting new lives. This one focuses on Diane meeting her childhood sweetheart along the way. The author brings humor and quite a bit of soul searching. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
April 24, 2024
Bought the book at the Tucson Festival of Books, and I really liked talking with the author. I'm glad to have discovered her writing. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next two books. I am getting older and enjoy reading about people closer to my age. I love the idea of the 3 sisters traveling in the RV for a year. Like the relationship between the sisters. The setting of Yellowstone was great. Diane's history with Joe made for an interesting romance.
October 8, 2023
It’s very enjoyable to read a book like Grown Up Second Chance by Casey Dawes, involving people who’ve been around the horn, so to speak. I remember reading, a few decades ago, the demographics aspiring romance writers needed to heed in order to get their books published: main characters needed to be mid thirties, or not far from that age. Thank goodness that’s changed. I always enjoyed Miss Marple mysteries by Agatha Christie, and that famous sleuth was no spring chicken. I’ve enjoyed Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, and love books, movies, and tv series with leading characters of all ages.
My current library ebooks and audio books from various digital platforms number 15, and return dates figure prominently in my reading priority. After I had read the Kindle free sample of Grown Up Second Chance, I immediately bought that edition and continued reading it. I did stop long enough to finish Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, but after a long day of doing everything but reading, the book I most wanted to continue was Grown Up Second Chance. Once I started, I read until I couldn’t stay awake, and started it up again first thing Sunday morning, finishing it before 10am. There were so many things about the book I enjoyed.
The storyline of the book involves three early retirement age sisters, one widowed, one divorced, and one never married, embarking on a one year cross country RV trip hitting some of the major National Parks. This book is largely set in Yellowstone, one of my favorites (although favorite usually applies to whichever of the National Parks I happen to be in at the moment). The sisters have planned their daily trip itineraries as well, but no one expected to encounter a first love near a campground dumpster in Yellowstone. (Another thing I like in books is serendipity.) I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the characters of the sisters and others, the dialogue, including humorous banter, descriptions of their park explorations, underlying issues of family dynamics and life choices in later years. This is the first book I’ve read by author Casey Dawes, but I would definitely read more in a similar vein.
My current library ebooks and audio books from various digital platforms number 15, and return dates figure prominently in my reading priority. After I had read the Kindle free sample of Grown Up Second Chance, I immediately bought that edition and continued reading it. I did stop long enough to finish Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, but after a long day of doing everything but reading, the book I most wanted to continue was Grown Up Second Chance. Once I started, I read until I couldn’t stay awake, and started it up again first thing Sunday morning, finishing it before 10am. There were so many things about the book I enjoyed.
The storyline of the book involves three early retirement age sisters, one widowed, one divorced, and one never married, embarking on a one year cross country RV trip hitting some of the major National Parks. This book is largely set in Yellowstone, one of my favorites (although favorite usually applies to whichever of the National Parks I happen to be in at the moment). The sisters have planned their daily trip itineraries as well, but no one expected to encounter a first love near a campground dumpster in Yellowstone. (Another thing I like in books is serendipity.) I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the characters of the sisters and others, the dialogue, including humorous banter, descriptions of their park explorations, underlying issues of family dynamics and life choices in later years. This is the first book I’ve read by author Casey Dawes, but I would definitely read more in a similar vein.
October 30, 2023
How often have we had second chances in life. We make one decision when we are young and it affects us for a long time. We often wonder what would happen if we could have a do over. Well Casey Dawes shows us how it can be when GOD decides to bring two people together who should have been all along.
Diane and Joe grew up together and should have been an item but being young and immature they drifted apart each marring other people. One relationship good the other bad. After they both are free again they decide to take trips to Yellowstone only to meet each other once again and to have a chance at getting it right this time.
A great book and one that will warm your heart this cold winter season. Think I want to buy an RV and travel. I know Casey loves traveling and enjoy seeing the USA through her eyes as she visits different places.
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your life to share with us your stories and travels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Diane and Joe grew up together and should have been an item but being young and immature they drifted apart each marring other people. One relationship good the other bad. After they both are free again they decide to take trips to Yellowstone only to meet each other once again and to have a chance at getting it right this time.
A great book and one that will warm your heart this cold winter season. Think I want to buy an RV and travel. I know Casey loves traveling and enjoy seeing the USA through her eyes as she visits different places.
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your life to share with us your stories and travels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2023
Casey Dawes explores the intricacies of relationships within marriages, learning from past mistakes and overcoming regrets in an authentic, yet amusing style. Her characters are all retirement age and older who still have a zest for travel and adventure.
Diane, a semi-retired accountant, and her younger sisters, Kathleen and Liz, decide to explore parts of the USA in an RV for a year. Their first stop in Yellowstone is enhanced by the appearance of Joe, a childhood friend of the family and Diane’s high-school best friend. As they become re-acquainted, old and new feelings need to be examined, before they can look to the future.
Allusions to sexual intimacy (an author alert I received as a BETA reader) are discussed in a sensitive and sometimes amusing manner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Diane, a semi-retired accountant, and her younger sisters, Kathleen and Liz, decide to explore parts of the USA in an RV for a year. Their first stop in Yellowstone is enhanced by the appearance of Joe, a childhood friend of the family and Diane’s high-school best friend. As they become re-acquainted, old and new feelings need to be examined, before they can look to the future.
Allusions to sexual intimacy (an author alert I received as a BETA reader) are discussed in a sensitive and sometimes amusing manner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2023
When three sisters take off in a forty three foot motor home , look out they mean business . New divorcee Diane Sullivan the oldest leaves her ex and travels the open countryside with her sisters Kathleen and Liz. Now they’re all single. Regular golden girls. When Joe , from Diane’s distance past of four decades plus rolls into the campsite they’re on at Yellowstone , in his RV . They’re relationship was rocky at best when it fizzled out in high school so she is reluctant to reconnect….. it’s a light entertaining fun romantic comedy with great characters , lovely scenario and perfect immersive descriptions to set the scene.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2023
Wonderful later in life, second chance romance. Diane and her two sisters, Kathleen and Liz, have decided to reconnect as they travel the US in an RV now that they are all single. For Diane, she gets a surprise on their first stop when her high school best friend, Joe, ends up at the same RV park. Their friendship ended rather rocky so this becomes an opportunity to reconnect but now that they are in their 60’s, will they be willing to take a chance on love? I loved that this is a later in life romance that reminded me, anything is possible at any age, if you are willing to try. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
September 20, 2023
I love how sisters Diane, Kathleen and Liz decided to pack up and go on an RV trip, whilst I am not quiet as old as them they make me want to shrug life off and get on the road with my own RV.
Unfortunately their first stop gives them their first road block by the name of Joe and all the memories Diane has of her younger relationship with Joe and whether this is going to turn into an older and hopefully wiser second chance romance.
Get ready for sibling banter, laughs as well as great scenery and a good sprinkle of romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unfortunately their first stop gives them their first road block by the name of Joe and all the memories Diane has of her younger relationship with Joe and whether this is going to turn into an older and hopefully wiser second chance romance.
Get ready for sibling banter, laughs as well as great scenery and a good sprinkle of romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2023
This is the first book of a series. Sweet romance. Please note there is some sexual content in the book.
Diane is on a trip with her sisters. She runs into an old flame from high school. They both have been married and no longer have spouses. Is this a chance for romance the second time?
Cute characters and storyline. It was a fun read and clean except for the one unexpected sex scene. But was a good story and loved the descriptions of the areas they were visiting. Great visualizations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Diane is on a trip with her sisters. She runs into an old flame from high school. They both have been married and no longer have spouses. Is this a chance for romance the second time?
Cute characters and storyline. It was a fun read and clean except for the one unexpected sex scene. But was a good story and loved the descriptions of the areas they were visiting. Great visualizations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2023
Three sisters who are now all single again, reunite and reconnect with each other in a one year roadtrip in a motorhome. What could be better than quality time with family and seeing the U.S. Plenty of vivid locales, backstories, new and old friends, entertaining situations and great characters who feel like your friends. The romance was fun and the girls banter/sass was right on target. Well done. Can not wait to see who is next as life is not over at 60.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2023
3 mature single sisters decide to take a road trip and reconnect with life and a fresh start. This book focuses on Diane and when she comes across Joe, her childhood sweetheart, only shes just out of a divorce and not ready for a relationship but could Joe's charms work? Well written the story is about a new start later in life filled with funny moments, desires, dreams and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2023
I lived the idea of Di and her sisters going on a year long RV trip across the US. Then Di runs into Joe and everything from her teenage years Cones back to life. This story was a great story about resolving struggles, thinking through things, getting to know your first love again, and taking risks. All the details about Yellowstone was also fascinating.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2024
enjoyable read for second chance romance
Once I was finally able to read this book I really enjoyed the mix of fun, descriptive surroundings, practical first timer experiences in an RV and of course the later in life romance story. No matter what the kids may think you are never too old to fall in love. A truthful experience that most of us go through during out last stages of life well written and delivered with humor.
Once I was finally able to read this book I really enjoyed the mix of fun, descriptive surroundings, practical first timer experiences in an RV and of course the later in life romance story. No matter what the kids may think you are never too old to fall in love. A truthful experience that most of us go through during out last stages of life well written and delivered with humor.
April 29, 2025
This is a cute later in life, second chance romance. Diane and her two sisters have decided to travel the US for a year to renew their relationships to each other. At their first stop Diane is surprised to run into her high school boyfriend. Their relationship ended on bad terms long ago, but he seems interested in trying again after all these years. She is newly divorced and hesitant. This is a cute story with the rare older characters and a backdrop of beautiful locations.
September 21, 2023
This first book in a new series is a heartwarming, sweet, later in life romantic comedy. Plenty of entertainment and laughs in this realistic, entertaining read. The characters are fun and colorful with witty dialog, sass, secrets and sparks. This book was enjoyable from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2023
I've read several books written by Casey Dawes; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the first book in the RV Park Romance Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Diane, Kathleen, Liz & Joe.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in the RV Park Romance Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Diane, Kathleen, Liz & Joe.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2024
Real!
Interesting concept-- sisters going on cross country trip. Middle sister's story. Bad marriage filled with emotional abuse. She divorces husband.
Trip concurs with a trip taken by her high school boyfriend's trip. Love reoccurs.
Interesting concept-- sisters going on cross country trip. Middle sister's story. Bad marriage filled with emotional abuse. She divorces husband.
Trip concurs with a trip taken by her high school boyfriend's trip. Love reoccurs.
May 4, 2025
Good descriptive story…you felt like you were there!
Slow moving at times, especially the story of the two main characters. Ending rather abrupt but descriptions of locations were very good. Would be interested in reading a follow up of the sisters and the couple.
Slow moving at times, especially the story of the two main characters. Ending rather abrupt but descriptions of locations were very good. Would be interested in reading a follow up of the sisters and the couple.
August 18, 2025
Love the sisters together. Will definitely follow their adventures. Just a joyous sometimes thought provoking read. Also, quite lyrical in describing Yellowstone. Rather a mini-vaca. Highly recommend this upbeat second chance romance.
January 28, 2026
In depth Strong Storyline
I was transported along with the characters on their joirney. A captivating and very plausable adventure into mature relationships. I'm looking forward to the rest in the series
I was transported along with the characters on their joirney. A captivating and very plausable adventure into mature relationships. I'm looking forward to the rest in the series
November 1, 2023
What a different book to read. It invokes 3 sisters in their prime, (their 60's) who decide to take a road trip together around the States now they are all single.
You learn a little about each one and I do hope there will be books about the other two sisters. This one follows the older sister and her chance meeting in Yellowstone Park with her first love Joe.
Now I don't give spoilers so you will have to jolly well read the book to find out what happens!
However the descriptions of Yellowstone are sublime and although I've never been there I really could imagine it so clearly. We have nothing like that here in the UK but I really could see the landscape in my minds eye.
This book is written from the one perspective and there is a lot of soul searching going on, Claire is quite introspective, which makes the book quite lengthy. This will be right up some people's street and maybe not so for others.
It's beautifully written, no violence, swearing or graphic sex.
A lovely book to escape into.
You learn a little about each one and I do hope there will be books about the other two sisters. This one follows the older sister and her chance meeting in Yellowstone Park with her first love Joe.
Now I don't give spoilers so you will have to jolly well read the book to find out what happens!
However the descriptions of Yellowstone are sublime and although I've never been there I really could imagine it so clearly. We have nothing like that here in the UK but I really could see the landscape in my minds eye.
This book is written from the one perspective and there is a lot of soul searching going on, Claire is quite introspective, which makes the book quite lengthy. This will be right up some people's street and maybe not so for others.
It's beautifully written, no violence, swearing or graphic sex.
A lovely book to escape into.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews