You Can't Hurry Second Chances: A Novel

by Michelle Stimpson

"An utter delight from start to finish." –Terah Shelton Harris, author of One Summer in Savannah, for Sisters with a Side of Greens

A heartwarming small-town tale of rediscovering joy in unexpected places. Starting over isn't easy, but sometimes it's exactly what we need.

Newly divorced and determined to prove she can stand on her own, Joyce Hicks moves back to small-town Texas, leaving behind the life she has known for decades for a fresh start in her late father's home. Unfinished renovations force her to share her kitchen with her tenant, Gabriella Santos, an aspiring chef with dreams of opening a restaurant inspired by her Black and Mexican roots. What begins as an inconvenience blossoms into an unlikely friendship between the two women as they learn to navigate their shared space.

Just as her life begins to settle, Joyce's summer plans upend when her grandson, Elijah, is dropped off for an unexpected seven-week stay, dredging up all kinds of buried things from her past—including visits from her ex-husband, judgment from her daughter, and insecurities that she never quite healed from. Meanwhile, Gabriella's passion for cooking and her vibrant personality infuse the household with energy, even as she faces her own struggles with self-doubt and heartbreak. 

Together, Joyce, Gabriella, and Elijah form a patchwork family that supports each other through life's highs and lows. When an old flame, Richard, reappears in Joyce's life, she must decide whether to embrace love head-on or to slow down and wait just a little longer for her happy ending.

More Praise for Michelle Stimpson

"Stimpson delivers raw, complex characters and a delicious storyline that will stay with the reader long after the last page." — New York Times bestselling author Kim Michele Richardson for Sisters with a Side of Greens

"Full of heart, generosity, and charm." — Lucy Gilmore, author of The Lonely Hearts Book Club, for Sisters with a Side of Greens

"This is a heartwarming story of misconceptions and learning to love people for who they are, not what you expect them to be." — Booklist for Sisters with a Side of Greens

Genres: Fiction

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 5, 2026

About the author

Hello, Goodreads community! I'm Michelle Stimpson, and storytelling is my heartbeat. I've found my calling in penning heartwarming women's fiction that offers a seat at the table of family, humor, and hope. As an author, my greatest joy comes from crafting narratives that resonate with anyone seeking to find laughter and light in the pages of a good book. My tagline, 'Read. Love. Repeat.', is a promise of the emotional journey I aim to provide—engaging stories you’ll love and yearn to revisit.

Happy Reading

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stimpson.mi...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleStim...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michellestimp...

Reviews

[Ladiami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately invested in Joyce’s journey, not because it was dramatic, but because it felt real, tender, and earned. Watching her start over after divorce, returning to her late father’s home and confronting old insecurities, was both moving and quietly empowering. Her determination to rebuild her life on her own terms served as a beautiful reminder that courage doesn’t disappear with age, and that new beginnings are still possible later in life.

The relationship between Joyce and Gabriella quickly became the heart of the book for me. Gabriella brought so much warmth, hope, and life into Joyce’s world right when she needed it most. Their unlikely friendship felt organic and comforting, like something that slowly grows without either of them realizing how much they need it. Gabriella’s presence, her passion for food, and her quiet resilience added a vibrancy to the story that made the home feel alive.
I also appreciated how the story didn’t shy away from complicated family dynamics. I’ll be honest, I side eyed Joyce’s daughter from beginning to end. Her judgment and lack of grace toward Joyce made me ache for a little more understanding, especially given how hard Joyce was trying to stand on her own and heal old wounds.

There was an undeniable coziness to this book. The shared kitchen, the small town setting, the food, and the evolving relationships all wrapped together into something that felt safe and comforting, even when heavier emotions surfaced. The bond that formed between Joyce, Gabriella, and Elijah was especially touching. It truly felt like a patchwork family built on choice, care, and mutual support.

By the end, I found myself wishing the story didn’t have to stop. I wasn’t ready to let go of these characters or the world they created together. This book left me with a quiet sense of hope and the comforting belief that love, friendship, and second chances can arrive exactly when we need them most, even later in life.

Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

[Roslyn Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by Michelle Stimpson, and I’m so glad I received an advanced copy from NetGalley because this story was exactly the kind of comforting, smalltown read I needed. It’s warm, relatable, and full of those little emotional truths that sneak up on you. We follow Joyce Hicks, newly divorced and determined to prove she can stand on her own. She heads back to her small Texas hometown to stay in her late father’s house, thinking she’ll quietly rebuild her life. But of course, nothing goes as planned. The house is midrenovation, and she ends up sharing a kitchen with her tenant, Gabriella Santos, an aspiring chef with big dreams and a personality that fills every room she walks into. What starts as an inconvenience slowly turns into a really sweet, unexpected friendship. Their dynamic is one of my favorite parts of the book. Joyce is guarded and trying to find her footing again, while Gabriella brings this vibrant, hopeful energy even though she’s dealing with her own heartbreak and self‑doubt. They balance each other in such a natural way. Just when Joyce starts to settle into her new routine, her grandson Elijah shows up for an unplanned seven‑week stay. And that’s when all the buried stuff her past, her insecurities, her complicated family relationships comes rushing back. The scenes with Elijah are tender and honest, and they add a lot of emotional depth to Joyce’s journey. Meanwhile, Gabriella’s cooking, her culture, and her determination bring so much life into the house. The three of them, Joyce, Gabriella, and Elijah slowly form this patchwork little family that feels real and earned. And then there’s Richard, the old flame who reappears just when Joyce is starting to figure herself out. Their dynamic is sweet but complicated, and I loved watching Joyce wrestle with whether she’s ready to open her heart again or if she needs to take things slow and steady. The whole story is about healing, rebuilding, and letting yourself believe in joy again even when life hasn’t been gentle. A warm, uplifting read with lovable characters and a message that second chances don’t have to be rushed. I’d definitely read more from Michelle Stimpson after this.#NETGALLEY #YOUCAN'THURRYSECONDCHANCES

[AshleeInPages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy. This book tells the story of Joyce, a woman navigating life after divorce while trying to rediscover who she truly is outside of the roles she once held. As Joyce begins her journey of self-discovery, readers watch her slowly rebuild her confidence, identity, and relationships.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the story is Joyce’s unexpected friendship with her renter, Gabriella. Although Gabriella is much younger, she becomes an important influence in Joyce’s life, encouraging her to step outside of her comfort zone and rethink what her future could look like. Through Gabriella and several other new acquaintances, Joyce gradually forms genuine friendships that bring warmth and purpose back into her life.

The novel begins at a slower pace and takes some time to fully capture the reader’s attention. Joyce’s personal growth also unfolds gradually, particularly when it comes to standing up to her daughter’s disrespect. It takes a while for Joyce to find her backbone, which may feel frustrating at times but ultimately makes her development feel realistic and earned.

As the story progresses, the narrative becomes richer with moments of tension, humor, and heartfelt friendship. These elements balance the emotional weight of Joyce’s circumstances and highlight the central theme that starting over—while difficult—can lead to unexpected joy and meaningful connections.

Overall, this is a thoughtful story about resilience, personal growth, and the importance of friendship when rebuilding life after major change. It reminds readers that self-discovery doesn’t happen overnight, but sometimes the best second chances arrive exactly when we’re finally ready for them.

[Whitley Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy from NextGalley

This was a cute cozy read. This book tackled topics like starting over, self-doubt, insecurities, companionship and friendship, which all felt like relatable content. The unexpected companionship of Joyce and her tenant Gabriella, as well as the way that Joyce blossomed and came into her own after a divorce from over a 20 years marriage was a delight to see. Being able to see her navigate a life of new experiences and transitions while learning how to start over and be confident and comfortable in her new found independence have me fully invested. However, I felt the pacing of this book to be drawn out in the middle and rapidly rushed the last chapters. I would have loved to see Joyce’s romantic relationship with Richard as well as the relationship between Joyce and her daughter play out a little bit more at the end of the book. However, Overall I throughly enjoyed this book!

[Kimberly A · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW:
First of all I dont think I have finished a book in two days before. This was definitely an I dont want to put down book for me.

I will admit that I was looking a little cross eye at everyone at the beginning. But Michelle Stimpson brought it home for me. Made me want to go in my kitchen and cook up some good recipes!

I feel this book was written for me at the right time of my life. And the conclusion that Joyce came to, I did for myself and said Go Live!

My favorite quote "I knew you'd been kind of a buffer all this time, but I just realized that the person who is the buffer has to absorb all the sharp edges. And there is only but so much one person can take"

PreOrder Now! Releases May 5, 2026

[Jeannie Moran Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for this Advanced Reader Copy!

This is the story of Joyce who is starting over in her early 60s. Recently divorced, one she initiated, she navigates new friendships, opening herself up to relying on others again, and embracing community. It’s a story of love - between two women at very different stages of life who become roommates and then family - between a beloved grandson and his favorite person - and very subtly about a patient man, an old friend really, who waits for Joyce to see him differently. It was a very sweet book.

[Mary Fabrizio · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this tedious. The old adage of Show, don't Tell applies here. I could have gone for getting to know the characters better over so much detail about ovens. And why throw in two measely chapters from Gabriella's point if view? Finally, it would seem she needed a man to make her life complete after all. Sigh.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Leisa Back Porch Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come.

[SuzieQuzie7973 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Michelle Stimpson for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.

You Can't Hurry Second Chances is a cozy/comfy, sweet read. This is a book that, in my opinion, will stay with y'all for a long time. Ms. Michelle's story telling will leave you feeling that second chances can and will work out. The character development with Gabriella and Joyce was a slow burn type. They started out as unlikely friends but ended up with a meaningful friendship. The flow is easy and perfect. I love everything about this book.

I highly recommend this book to all y'all.

[Symone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC ❤️ This book was like eating a big bowl of hot chili with some fried chicken and sweet cornbread on the side. It was warm, clean, comfy, and country. At sixty, Joyce returns to her late father's home to rebuild her life after divorce. In this small town, she finds unexpected friendships, a comforting sense of belonging, and a found family that helps her heal. I can definitely see this as a movie on the Oprah Winfrey Network. It was a good read, especially for a church book club. But me personally, I just wish it had a little bit more going on.

[Jessica Brusven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet book about the endearing opportunities that can exist when someone pivots late in life. I enjoyed the main characters as well as the tertiary ones, they wove together well. It’s a quick read and there are some convenient plot points that lack depth, but overall I really enjoyed this book. It explores what it means to start over later in life and demand more after many years of settling.

[LaCricia A'ngelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s nice to read books related to characters of a certain age. This book did not disappoint.

Joyce at the age of 60 made some radical changes in her life to which not everyone agreed. I enjoyed reading how Joyce navigated her current life situations and finding her self anew. We never know how we can handle situations until they become our reality. Joyce was an inspiration for me and I believe it will be the same for not only mature readers but young readers alike.

[Ellowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written page-turner that tells the story of two women from different generations who learn to prioritize themselves after years of caring for others. I love Joyce, Elijah, and Gabriella's relationship. Their journeys were inspiring, and I truly enjoyed every moment of this book.