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Getting it Right the Second Time Around
If you had a chance to do over your biggest regret, would you take it? When Alison learns the terms of her aunt’s will require that she reverse her life and take the road she rejected six years ago, she has to determine if she can trust herself to make the right decision or if she will be pressured once again to allow someone else to choose for her.
Alison lives a comfortable, safe, life advocating for women at the domestic violence shelter where she works and being bossed around by her cat. When her dynamic Aunt Elinor decides to tie Alison’s inheritance to successfully completing law school, Alison confronts the past that led her to choose love over the law – and lose at both.
As Alison battles through law school admissions, the challenges mount both personally and professionally. Will she sacrifice her dreams again to satisfy her new love, Ryan, and her Aunt Elinor?
Alison lives a comfortable, safe, life advocating for women at the domestic violence shelter where she works and being bossed around by her cat. When her dynamic Aunt Elinor decides to tie Alison’s inheritance to successfully completing law school, Alison confronts the past that led her to choose love over the law – and lose at both.
As Alison battles through law school admissions, the challenges mount both personally and professionally. Will she sacrifice her dreams again to satisfy her new love, Ryan, and her Aunt Elinor?
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2015
1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Frank
18 books46 followersPhysician by Day...Writer by Night. My love of writing grew out of the many meaningful moments I've shared with patients - some joyful, often emotional, always special. My initial essays, appearing in medical journals and literary magazines, allowed me to work through the ups and downs of a medical life.
As an avid reader, I adore a great story. Eventually, I decided to create my own. Not a planful writer, instead my story develops as I write, so I am often as engrossed with what will happen next as if I was reading a book created by someone else. My characters are my favorite part of any story I write. Too bad I will never meet them in real life!
When I'm not stamping out disease or coaxing patients to eat their veggies and not composing the next scene, I am kept busy with my four crazy nutballs - my children and my wonderful and supportive husband.
As an avid reader, I adore a great story. Eventually, I decided to create my own. Not a planful writer, instead my story develops as I write, so I am often as engrossed with what will happen next as if I was reading a book created by someone else. My characters are my favorite part of any story I write. Too bad I will never meet them in real life!
When I'm not stamping out disease or coaxing patients to eat their veggies and not composing the next scene, I am kept busy with my four crazy nutballs - my children and my wonderful and supportive husband.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 24, 2015
If you had the chance to re-do your life would you take it ? Is there a specific point that you wish you could go back and change your decision ? Have you ever wondered what your life could have been like, if you had taken that step or made a different choice ? Alison was on the way up in the world when she was at college in law school when she fell in love with Nate. She imagined the perfect life with him, that was until she left Law school to follow his dreams and eventually the pair of them broke up and Alison dropped out of law school and started working menial jobs and volunteering at a women's shelter. Now six years later, Alison's Aunt Elinor - whom she always respected has passed away. Aunt Elinor was known for her eccentries and now her whole family has been called to New York to gather around and listen to her will reading. At the train station in New York, Alison bumps into Ryan - a random guy and the pair connect and of course go their separate ways. At the will reading, it turns out that Aunt Elinor was more wealthy than either of them realised and of course due to her eccentries , she has left them each $2 million dollars but in order to gain their inheritance - they must do as she has stated for them in her will. For Alison, she must head back to Law School where Aunt Elinor has set up a fund for her tuition etc all to be paid for and for every year she completes - $100,000 will be donated to the Women's shelter on the provision that she quits and focuses on Law School. Can Alison drop the life she has created for herself and attend Law School just to once again please and follow the rules of somebody else ? Or in the process will Alison discover and learn the real "truth and lessons" that Aunt Elinor had hoped she would as Aunt Elinor had a second letter in place for Alison depending which path she chose ?
Find out in "Getting it Right the Second Time Around" by Jennifer Frank. A Novel where we are shown that in life, to be truly happy we must grab the bull by the horns and own our decisions and they must be what we want, not what anyone else wants for us. It shows us that sometimes some of the sacrifices we make are in fact for the wrong reasons and that we are being selfish towards our own happiness in order to conform to someone else's opinions of how we are supposed to be.
Find out in "Getting it Right the Second Time Around" by Jennifer Frank. A Novel where we are shown that in life, to be truly happy we must grab the bull by the horns and own our decisions and they must be what we want, not what anyone else wants for us. It shows us that sometimes some of the sacrifices we make are in fact for the wrong reasons and that we are being selfish towards our own happiness in order to conform to someone else's opinions of how we are supposed to be.
May 11, 2015
With a strong beginning and a wonderful ending, sadly this book has way too much 'waffle' in the middle boring the reader with SO much of Alison's past. Yes, she was engaged to a man named Nick years ago but did we really need to read all the ins and outs?! There is truly no real excitement in this book, you are just reading about the somewhat mundane life of Alison (past and present) along with all the others around her. Her new found romance with Ryan is very sweet but it takes WAY too long to come about. For those who like reading every single detail of a person's daily life then you will enjoy this book. I personally think that it would have been better as a novella. It is certainly not fast paced.
Saying all that the book is well-written in that there were very few editing errors so I have to take my hat off to the author for that. The originality of the story is also great. Great Aunt Elinor has left each member of her family a rather large sum of money BUT there are strings attached. As the family gathers for the reading of the will, they are all about to get a shock. Although we read about everyone's gift, it is Alison's that this story pertains to. Six years ago, Alison thought she had it all worked out. She was going to marry her guy, have beautiful children and be a successful lawyer. Now at 28, none of that has come to fruition.
Aunt Elinor has left Alison $2 million! However in order for Alison to receive any of that money, she has to be accepted into and graduate from law school. All her fees and a living stipend will be paid by the estate which will also give $100,000 for three years to the domestic violence shelter that Alison works at. Will Alison bend to Great Aunt Elinor's desires? How about when she becomes interested in an orphanage in Ethiopia? What about her new relationship with Ryan?
As I said at the beginning this book has a GREAT beginning and a WONDERFUL ending! It is a clean read, based on Christian principles but not preachy. It is written in the first person.
I was given a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Liz
Saying all that the book is well-written in that there were very few editing errors so I have to take my hat off to the author for that. The originality of the story is also great. Great Aunt Elinor has left each member of her family a rather large sum of money BUT there are strings attached. As the family gathers for the reading of the will, they are all about to get a shock. Although we read about everyone's gift, it is Alison's that this story pertains to. Six years ago, Alison thought she had it all worked out. She was going to marry her guy, have beautiful children and be a successful lawyer. Now at 28, none of that has come to fruition.
Aunt Elinor has left Alison $2 million! However in order for Alison to receive any of that money, she has to be accepted into and graduate from law school. All her fees and a living stipend will be paid by the estate which will also give $100,000 for three years to the domestic violence shelter that Alison works at. Will Alison bend to Great Aunt Elinor's desires? How about when she becomes interested in an orphanage in Ethiopia? What about her new relationship with Ryan?
As I said at the beginning this book has a GREAT beginning and a WONDERFUL ending! It is a clean read, based on Christian principles but not preachy. It is written in the first person.
I was given a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Liz
May 18, 2015
From the first moments of the book I was drawn to Aunt Elinor. You only get to know her through the letters she leaves her family and in the memories of Alison but I adored her brassy, non-apologetic, tough love attitude. Each chapter I was met with clever quotes from her (some that I made note of for a future kick in the pants). It is easy to the see why she and Alison shared a bond that would continue to aid Alison in the challenges she faces throughout this book.
Alison...oh Alison...what a great character. A soul so full of love and care that she is serves others before herself, right down to her cat Milky Way. As much as she wanted to be a lawyer, getting involved with Hannah's House proves more rewarding that even she realizes. Against the odds of lost love and lost dream career, she makes a life for herself that she is proud of. So, I am not surprised when she doesn't jump at her Aunt Elinor's offer. She takes her time, while still serving others, to carefully weigh the options placed in front of her...including love.
Ryan...Ryan, Ryan, Ryan....A terrific love interest. Subtle but persistent, patient, hardworking, understanding, kind. He pursues in a gentle, non stalker way that I really enjoyed. It was like a slower, more realistic version of love at first sight. His appearance didn't even matter, in fact, I've forgotten those descriptions. He's the kind of guy you want to help you pick up the bag you dropped, bump into over coffee or to trip over you trying to catch a rouge disc in the park.
I liked that Alison was so invested/focused in her life (the shelter, her elderly landlord, her sick boss) that she doesn't immediately swoon over Ryan. It takes a little work on both sides and that is the refreshing part of this tale. So many times I read the leading lady so desperate for that touch that she immediately forgets everything and gets lost in the guy. Neither of them are that type of person and KUDOS to that!
Faith plays a big, though again subtle, roll in this story and I appreciated it so much. As a believer I not only connected to physical challenges that faced the characters but also to their unwavering faith. From the first moments you know where Alison stands on this and it isn't compromised. I enjoyed very much the way the author wove this spiritual relationship into the story.
Subtle, transparent consistency wins over boisterous faltering any day!
I will end any further spoilage here by saying, again, this is a truly great and uplifting read and I encourage you to add it to your reading list right away!
Alison...oh Alison...what a great character. A soul so full of love and care that she is serves others before herself, right down to her cat Milky Way. As much as she wanted to be a lawyer, getting involved with Hannah's House proves more rewarding that even she realizes. Against the odds of lost love and lost dream career, she makes a life for herself that she is proud of. So, I am not surprised when she doesn't jump at her Aunt Elinor's offer. She takes her time, while still serving others, to carefully weigh the options placed in front of her...including love.
Ryan...Ryan, Ryan, Ryan....A terrific love interest. Subtle but persistent, patient, hardworking, understanding, kind. He pursues in a gentle, non stalker way that I really enjoyed. It was like a slower, more realistic version of love at first sight. His appearance didn't even matter, in fact, I've forgotten those descriptions. He's the kind of guy you want to help you pick up the bag you dropped, bump into over coffee or to trip over you trying to catch a rouge disc in the park.
I liked that Alison was so invested/focused in her life (the shelter, her elderly landlord, her sick boss) that she doesn't immediately swoon over Ryan. It takes a little work on both sides and that is the refreshing part of this tale. So many times I read the leading lady so desperate for that touch that she immediately forgets everything and gets lost in the guy. Neither of them are that type of person and KUDOS to that!
Faith plays a big, though again subtle, roll in this story and I appreciated it so much. As a believer I not only connected to physical challenges that faced the characters but also to their unwavering faith. From the first moments you know where Alison stands on this and it isn't compromised. I enjoyed very much the way the author wove this spiritual relationship into the story.
Subtle, transparent consistency wins over boisterous faltering any day!
I will end any further spoilage here by saying, again, this is a truly great and uplifting read and I encourage you to add it to your reading list right away!
August 27, 2015
If you had a second chance to redo your life choices, would you take it?
In her debut novel, Getting It Right The Second Time Around, author Jennifer Frank weaves a compelling tale that follows twenty-eight year old Alison on a personal journey of self-discovery as her life is unexpectedly given a second chance at following her dreams. Alison is surprised when her late Aunt Elinor leaves her a two million dollar inheritance, but the inheritance has a stipulation: that Alison re-enter and graduate from law school, and fulfill her dream that she had let go of six years ago for a relationship that didn't work out.
Set in Boston, Alison's story alternates with flashbacks to the past interwoven with the present. You can't help but get drawn into this feel good story as Alison's late Aunt Elinor challenges her to change the direction of her life, and grasp the second chance at achieving the dream she had wanted not so long ago. But considering the new choices and changes doesn't come easy for Alison, she enjoys her position as an advocate for women at a domestic violence shelter, and she has a blossoming new romance with a man named Ryan. So come along for the ride as Alison embarks on a personal journey with a little prompting from heaven (Aunt Elinor) to push past her comfort zone and decide what life choices and path to follow. This is a thought provoking story that makes the reader sit back and ponder what they would do if given the opportunity of a second chance at making life choices and decisions.
Getting It Right The Second Time Around is a delightfully lighthearted and uplifting contemporary romantic / women's fiction tale that will leave a smile on your face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
In her debut novel, Getting It Right The Second Time Around, author Jennifer Frank weaves a compelling tale that follows twenty-eight year old Alison on a personal journey of self-discovery as her life is unexpectedly given a second chance at following her dreams. Alison is surprised when her late Aunt Elinor leaves her a two million dollar inheritance, but the inheritance has a stipulation: that Alison re-enter and graduate from law school, and fulfill her dream that she had let go of six years ago for a relationship that didn't work out.
Set in Boston, Alison's story alternates with flashbacks to the past interwoven with the present. You can't help but get drawn into this feel good story as Alison's late Aunt Elinor challenges her to change the direction of her life, and grasp the second chance at achieving the dream she had wanted not so long ago. But considering the new choices and changes doesn't come easy for Alison, she enjoys her position as an advocate for women at a domestic violence shelter, and she has a blossoming new romance with a man named Ryan. So come along for the ride as Alison embarks on a personal journey with a little prompting from heaven (Aunt Elinor) to push past her comfort zone and decide what life choices and path to follow. This is a thought provoking story that makes the reader sit back and ponder what they would do if given the opportunity of a second chance at making life choices and decisions.
Getting It Right The Second Time Around is a delightfully lighthearted and uplifting contemporary romantic / women's fiction tale that will leave a smile on your face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
May 30, 2015
The main character, Allison, is very likable. I felt as if I truly knew her inside and out...yet, I was not 100% sure how this would end which is what kept me reading.
In the story, Allison deviated from her original path to be a lawyer after her then boyfriend hints about having her "home" as a future wife/mother. But 2 years pass and he is just not ready to make that commitment (even though he did propose) and they part ways. This broken relationship left not only her heart shattered but also her career plans. When her Aunt Elinor passes away leaving a great sum of money for each family member,there are strings attached. Elinor will reward them for following the "wishes" she wants for them (she thinks she knows best) with cash. For Allison, she wants her to go to law school (something Elinor was not pleased Allison gave up to be with her boyfriend) and complete it before decides what to do with her life.
Allison juggles a job that she loves, co-workers she adores and bends over backwards to help, a new romance, the lure of 2 million dollars, a tugging idea to work with orphans overseas and her own heart. I knew what I HOPED Allison would do but I really did not know what she would do as throughout she made valid points for choosing the various opportunities available to her.
I enjoyed the story though I did feel it was very overly detailed in certain situations which slowed down the pacing but over all it flowed very nicely. Her encounter with her ex Nick was very brief and I almost wished it was further resolved but the development with her new love interest Ryan made up for it. There was also a nice addition of the main characters religious values that added to her decision making but did not take over the story. I would gladly read more from this author- a wonderful debut!
I was given a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In the story, Allison deviated from her original path to be a lawyer after her then boyfriend hints about having her "home" as a future wife/mother. But 2 years pass and he is just not ready to make that commitment (even though he did propose) and they part ways. This broken relationship left not only her heart shattered but also her career plans. When her Aunt Elinor passes away leaving a great sum of money for each family member,there are strings attached. Elinor will reward them for following the "wishes" she wants for them (she thinks she knows best) with cash. For Allison, she wants her to go to law school (something Elinor was not pleased Allison gave up to be with her boyfriend) and complete it before decides what to do with her life.
Allison juggles a job that she loves, co-workers she adores and bends over backwards to help, a new romance, the lure of 2 million dollars, a tugging idea to work with orphans overseas and her own heart. I knew what I HOPED Allison would do but I really did not know what she would do as throughout she made valid points for choosing the various opportunities available to her.
I enjoyed the story though I did feel it was very overly detailed in certain situations which slowed down the pacing but over all it flowed very nicely. Her encounter with her ex Nick was very brief and I almost wished it was further resolved but the development with her new love interest Ryan made up for it. There was also a nice addition of the main characters religious values that added to her decision making but did not take over the story. I would gladly read more from this author- a wonderful debut!
I was given a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 8, 2015
Aunt Elinor, surprisingly, is one of my favorite characters in this novel. Although her messages to her family during the reading of the will are the only thing that represents her, these letters strongly describes her nature. She was a strong woman you’ll love to hate and hate to love. No wonder Alison had a swell time determining her future after learning what Aunt El had bestowed on her.
Alison, the main character, must decide if she would continue what she had forsaken six years ago, in order to get her 2 million dollars, or just ignore the will and go on with her current situation. Six years prior, she was a promising law student when she decided to leave it all behind and take off with her boyfriend Nick instead. Turned out, Nick didn’t really want her to pursue her dream but instead, preferred her to stay at home to raise a family. She wasn’t happy with her decision and soon their relationship went down the drain.
Now that she was given the second chance to redo her life, Ali had a hard time making the right decision. With a new love interest threatening to make her choose between love life and career, Ali needed all the help she could get in the world to make her life worthwhile.
Jennifer Frank wrote a very compelling story. Although Aunt Elinor stole the show, Ali and Ryan (and Milky Way) were a delight to read. The decisions and sacrifices made, the people that surround them, all of which made this book a really interesting one. Thumbs up for Miss Frank!
Alison, the main character, must decide if she would continue what she had forsaken six years ago, in order to get her 2 million dollars, or just ignore the will and go on with her current situation. Six years prior, she was a promising law student when she decided to leave it all behind and take off with her boyfriend Nick instead. Turned out, Nick didn’t really want her to pursue her dream but instead, preferred her to stay at home to raise a family. She wasn’t happy with her decision and soon their relationship went down the drain.
Now that she was given the second chance to redo her life, Ali had a hard time making the right decision. With a new love interest threatening to make her choose between love life and career, Ali needed all the help she could get in the world to make her life worthwhile.
Jennifer Frank wrote a very compelling story. Although Aunt Elinor stole the show, Ali and Ryan (and Milky Way) were a delight to read. The decisions and sacrifices made, the people that surround them, all of which made this book a really interesting one. Thumbs up for Miss Frank!
August 22, 2015
Jennifer Frank is a new author to me.
I was intrigued with the premise, beginning, and ending of this story, the middle spent more time on the protagonist's life than was necessary, I was absolutely intrigued by Aunt Elinor though, she is what drove the story home for me.
Well written, crisp, easy to follow, and detailed in presentation. The characters are likable, personable and well depicted. Allison's inner dialog cracked me up at times. She just spent to much time worrying about a past relationship and what "could of been" instead of what lies ahead in the future.
The world is one of uncertainty for sure, especially for our protagonist. I get that our past relationships have an affect on us in one way or another, however, dwelling on it, only slows our initiative and drive down.
I would recommend it for those who like a clean read. It's a wonderful story.
I was gifted an e-copy of this book for review purposes only. No renumeration was invoved.
Lovetiggi's Book Reviews
I was intrigued with the premise, beginning, and ending of this story, the middle spent more time on the protagonist's life than was necessary, I was absolutely intrigued by Aunt Elinor though, she is what drove the story home for me.
Well written, crisp, easy to follow, and detailed in presentation. The characters are likable, personable and well depicted. Allison's inner dialog cracked me up at times. She just spent to much time worrying about a past relationship and what "could of been" instead of what lies ahead in the future.
The world is one of uncertainty for sure, especially for our protagonist. I get that our past relationships have an affect on us in one way or another, however, dwelling on it, only slows our initiative and drive down.
I would recommend it for those who like a clean read. It's a wonderful story.
I was gifted an e-copy of this book for review purposes only. No renumeration was invoved.
Lovetiggi's Book Reviews
August 6, 2015
This review contains no spoilers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from start to finish! There where some slow parts in the middle but they where forgotten as you immersed yourself further and further into Jennifer Frank's fantastic storyline. The entire novel flowed incredibly well and her attention to detail was perfect.
Moving from past to present in the story was beautifully written and not in the least bit confusing. The main character Allison is instantly likeable and relate-able, I never had a moment of feeling anything but warmth for her but Aunt Elinor...I wish i had an aunt like that! A strong willed character who is wise and loving at the same time.
She was easily my favorite character of the story next to the love-able love interest Ryan, who to me felt like the perfect hero to a heroine.
All in all this novel is one i will, and have, recommended to fellow 'Chick Lit' readers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from start to finish! There where some slow parts in the middle but they where forgotten as you immersed yourself further and further into Jennifer Frank's fantastic storyline. The entire novel flowed incredibly well and her attention to detail was perfect.
Moving from past to present in the story was beautifully written and not in the least bit confusing. The main character Allison is instantly likeable and relate-able, I never had a moment of feeling anything but warmth for her but Aunt Elinor...I wish i had an aunt like that! A strong willed character who is wise and loving at the same time.
She was easily my favorite character of the story next to the love-able love interest Ryan, who to me felt like the perfect hero to a heroine.
All in all this novel is one i will, and have, recommended to fellow 'Chick Lit' readers.
July 21, 2015
Getting It Right The Second Time Around by Jennifer Frank was a great book. I loved the characters in this book. I just smiled when they were reading Alison’s aunts will. I have to wonder if people actually do things like this because I think it is a great idea and something I may do when I am older. Anyway I loved everything about this book and I think it helped that I have a cat named Elinor so I instantly love her. I loved reading as Alison gets her second chance and get to re-do things. I am sitting here thinking about this book and trying to write this review I just keep thinking about how much I love aunt Elinor and how I wished she had been around more during this story. I loved this book and I can’t wait to read more stories by this author in the future.
FTC:I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
FTC:I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 30, 2015
REVIEW: GETTING IT RIGHT THE SECOND TIME by Jennifer Frank
EVERYBODY needs an Aunt Elinor! A straight-talking, straight-shooting, stubborn, obstreperous, no-holds-barred, clear-sighted, opinionated (and often right) guide/mentor/"tell it like it is" friend, someone "what you see is what you get." Unfortunately, starry-eyed Alison undervalues Aunt Elinor, and makes mistakes, gets her heart wrenched, underachieves, and generally muddled through life--until it's too late, and strong, staunch, Aunt Elinor is gone.
However, gone is not forgotten, and via her will, Aunt Elinor is still guiding and directing. Now the question remains: Will Alison heed advice this time and "get it right" or fluff life once again?
EVERYBODY needs an Aunt Elinor! A straight-talking, straight-shooting, stubborn, obstreperous, no-holds-barred, clear-sighted, opinionated (and often right) guide/mentor/"tell it like it is" friend, someone "what you see is what you get." Unfortunately, starry-eyed Alison undervalues Aunt Elinor, and makes mistakes, gets her heart wrenched, underachieves, and generally muddled through life--until it's too late, and strong, staunch, Aunt Elinor is gone.
However, gone is not forgotten, and via her will, Aunt Elinor is still guiding and directing. Now the question remains: Will Alison heed advice this time and "get it right" or fluff life once again?
June 29, 2015
Review posted first on my blog.
Getting it Right the Second Time Around is a cute story that keeps you smiling the whole way through. Allison, the main character, is a really strong and relatable character. Frank wrote this story so you can feel Allison's internal struggles, passions and choices. She has a kind, giving heart who just wants to help people and find her way through life.
I loved flashing between the past and the present, and I LOVED Aunt Elinor. What a character. After I finished reading, I went back to see if I highlighted anything from the story, and sure enough, everything I highlighted was an Aunt Elinor quote.
There were, however, a couple of annoyances that I had with this story. For one, the dialogue was at times just way too formal. When I'm talking to someone, I don't use their name in every other sentence, but Alison and her friends do, for some reason. The dialogue just doesn't read as smoothly as people talk in real life. And second, there are at times just too much detailed descriptions about things that don't matter. I don't care that your cab cost $6.50 and you pulled out a five and three ones. I want to read the story!
In spite of these minor annoyances, Getting it Right the Second Time Around is a cute, feel-good read that will make a great addition to your summer reading list.
Thank you to Jennifer Frank for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Getting it Right the Second Time Around is a cute story that keeps you smiling the whole way through. Allison, the main character, is a really strong and relatable character. Frank wrote this story so you can feel Allison's internal struggles, passions and choices. She has a kind, giving heart who just wants to help people and find her way through life.
I loved flashing between the past and the present, and I LOVED Aunt Elinor. What a character. After I finished reading, I went back to see if I highlighted anything from the story, and sure enough, everything I highlighted was an Aunt Elinor quote.
There were, however, a couple of annoyances that I had with this story. For one, the dialogue was at times just way too formal. When I'm talking to someone, I don't use their name in every other sentence, but Alison and her friends do, for some reason. The dialogue just doesn't read as smoothly as people talk in real life. And second, there are at times just too much detailed descriptions about things that don't matter. I don't care that your cab cost $6.50 and you pulled out a five and three ones. I want to read the story!
In spite of these minor annoyances, Getting it Right the Second Time Around is a cute, feel-good read that will make a great addition to your summer reading list.
Thank you to Jennifer Frank for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2015
This is a very feel good, somewhat cheesy novel about 28-year old Alison who is in transition and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She is still grieving and (over)analyzing a past relationship when her very likeable, quirky, and independent aunt dies. In her will, Aunt Elinor promises Alison a two million dollar inheritance...so long as she agrees to go back to law school (a dream Alison gave up in order to be in a relationship with a man who wanted her to stay at home and raise kids.)
The set-up of this book is pretty fantastical, but it's still creative and fun. I agree with another reviewer who said that the beginning and the end of the book were the strongest points. There was a lot of tedious blah in the middle; the book would definitely be stronger if it were edited down and moved along more quickly.
Still, overall, this was a light, quick read--good for what it is. I imagine that Christian teenagers might really enjoy reading it, as the characters aren't complicated or deep and there is definitely a religious slant to the story. Not bad for the author's first time writing a book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The set-up of this book is pretty fantastical, but it's still creative and fun. I agree with another reviewer who said that the beginning and the end of the book were the strongest points. There was a lot of tedious blah in the middle; the book would definitely be stronger if it were edited down and moved along more quickly.
Still, overall, this was a light, quick read--good for what it is. I imagine that Christian teenagers might really enjoy reading it, as the characters aren't complicated or deep and there is definitely a religious slant to the story. Not bad for the author's first time writing a book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2016
Elinor Hobbs is dead, but she leaves a curious legacy in Jennifer Frank’s Getting It Right The Second Time Around. Elinor’s pithy comments head the chapters with thought-provoking relevance. And her legacy demands that Alison reverse the decisions of her past if she wants to inherit a minor fortune. The question, of course, is whose life Alison wants to live—her own, the one her one-time boyfriend demanded, an unknown new life with a new romantic attractions, or the life this legacy seems to command from her.
Unfulfilled, unhappy except when helping others, uncertain of what she has to offer, and unwilling to see the value in herself, Alison proves to be a canny counselor, generous neighbor, and unstintingly busy young woman—too busy and too wounded to counsel herself. Friends ask if she’s asked God about her future, but God doesn’t offer pat answers in this low-key Christian tale. Instead Alison’s left to work it out.
Describing Alison’s conflicted emotions, society’s trials and tribulations, and the streets of Boston all with equal aplomb, the author may be sometimes wordy, but this story kept me eagerly reading and left me happily satisfied.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
Unfulfilled, unhappy except when helping others, uncertain of what she has to offer, and unwilling to see the value in herself, Alison proves to be a canny counselor, generous neighbor, and unstintingly busy young woman—too busy and too wounded to counsel herself. Friends ask if she’s asked God about her future, but God doesn’t offer pat answers in this low-key Christian tale. Instead Alison’s left to work it out.
Describing Alison’s conflicted emotions, society’s trials and tribulations, and the streets of Boston all with equal aplomb, the author may be sometimes wordy, but this story kept me eagerly reading and left me happily satisfied.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
April 28, 2016
This story is set in my hometown and favorite city Boston’s Back Bay, also my favorite part of the city. I liked Alison a lot as a character. The story-line was good and I thoroughly enjoyed the way that the story unfolded. I thought that the author writing about domestic violence the way that she did was very well written and respectful. I really was not sure which direction Alison would go in as a final career choice but she made a great choice in the end. I would definitely read more books from this authorThis review was originally posted on
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