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The Second First Time
Novelists Jonathan Moss and Sage Merriweather should be a perfect match. They share not only the same publisher but also a deep friendship full of mutual respect and encouragement. But when an ill-fated attempt at taking their relationship to the next level fails in spectacular fashion, it appears as though that once-treasured bond is doomed for good. One year later, however, the duo gets a chance to salvage their relationship when Jonathan invites Sage on a do-over road trip from Phoenix to Tacoma―the same trip that ended before it began the year before. Reeling from the sudden death of her estranged father, Sage finally agrees, and the two embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. As the pair moves ever closer to the truth about their feelings, both Jonathan and Sage have to decide what they really mean to each other…or risk losing it all.
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Published November 15, 2016
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About the author
Elisa Lorello
18 books212 followersElisa Lorello was born and raised on Long Island, the youngest of seven children. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and launched a career teaching rhetoric and composition. She has been teaching first-year writing to university students since 2000, but went on sabbatical in fall 2012. Elisa spent six years in North Carolina, where she split her time between teaching and writing, and returned to the northeast in October 2012.
Elisa is the author of the Kindle best-selling novels "Faking It" and "Ordinary World", "Why I Love Singlehood" (co-authored with Sarah Girrell), and "Adulation".
Some of Elisa's favorite pastimes include chocolate, reading, and walking. She is also an avid fan of Duran Duran, pop tarts, and finding the perfect shade of lipstick.
Elisa is the author of the Kindle best-selling novels "Faking It" and "Ordinary World", "Why I Love Singlehood" (co-authored with Sarah Girrell), and "Adulation".
Some of Elisa's favorite pastimes include chocolate, reading, and walking. She is also an avid fan of Duran Duran, pop tarts, and finding the perfect shade of lipstick.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 17, 2017
הבטחה לא ממומשת. על סף אכזבה.
סייג' וג'ונתן הם שני סופרים שאחרי פגישה אחת במפגש סופרים בהוצאה, הופכים לחברים לעט ולסקייפ ולמסרונים טובים מאוד. הם מתעוררים ומדברים, הם הולכים לישון ומדברים אבל אף פעם לא נפגשים. הוא גר בטקומה והיא בניו יורק.
אחרי שנה, ג'ונתן מתגרש והם חושבים שהם מאוהבים. הם מתכננים לצאת למסע שבו יחגגו את אהבתם. אבל ג'ונתן מתקפל ונוטש את סייג' 3 ימים לפני שהיא טסה אליו.
ליבה של סייג' נשבר. היא חווה שוב את הנטישה של אביה שעזב את משפחתו (אותה, את אימה שלה ואת אחותה) עבור אישה אחרת ללא הסברים ואת ניתוק הקשר מאביה שהיה חשוב לה מאוד.
11 חודשים אחרי ניתוק הקשר, סייג' מקבלת הודעה שאביה מת ואישתו שרפה את גופתו מבלי שהזמינה את הבנות לטקס האשכבה. סייג' מתקשרת לחבר היחיד שלה ג'ונתן. הוא שרואה פתח לחידוש היחסים מציע לה לצאת למסע שתוכנן לפני 11 חודשים.
סייג' אחרי התלבטויות מסכימה בתנאי שיסעו לטקס האזכרה בסקרמנטו.
המפגש בין סייג' וג'ונתן מוזר ונתקע לפרקים. סייג' שלא סלחה לג'ונתן לא מוכנה לשבור את גבול בינהם ולתת לו הזדמנות. את רוב הספר הם מבלים בניסיונות לגשר על הפער שיש בינהם וג'ונתן מנסה לשכנע את סייג' לסמוך עליו ולהאמין בו. לתת לו הזדמנות חוזרת אבל היא לא נכנעת עד מספר פרקים לפני סוף המסע.
הניסיונות האלה לא מעניינים ממש וההתחכמויות בדיאלוגים קצת ילדותיים ולא מצחיקים. חלקם אפילו מביכים. אין לדמויות המון נושאי שיחה מעבר למה שהיה בעבר ולפגיעה של סייג' ולכן הם עונים על שאלון שנועד לגרום להם להתאהב. והפלא ופלא זה בדיוק מה שקורה ב 4 ימים.
סייג' סוחבת איתה סיפור חיים של נטישה ואכזבה אבל לא ברור מה ג'ונתן סוחב חוץ מסיפור גירושיו כך שאומנם הדמות של סייג' עגולה, הדמות של ג'ונתן נשארת שטוחה כמו קיר.
הספר אפילו לא נופל לקטגוריית הרומן הרומנטי, כי אין בו רומן ואין בו רומנטיקה חוץ מרגע אחד שבו הם מסתכלים אחד לשני בעיניים. מבחינתי להסתכל אחד לשני בעיניים זו פת לחם צרה אחרי ספר שלם של תיסכולים ומירמורים מצד סייג'.
גם הקטע כאילו סייג' היא סופרת רומנים רומנטיים מופרך, היא לא נשמעת רומנטית אפילו לא בעצם אחת מגופה. היא פוחדת, היא דמות פגועה אבל היא לא רומנטית.
דווקא הסיפור עם נטישת האב לא מפותח הייטב. הקשק של סייג' עם אביה בעבר בשנים שהם כן היו בקשר לא מתואר ואין העמקה בו.
כך מבחינתי זה היה ספר פושר במיוחד. המסע שלהם לא הוביל לתוצאות של גדילה והבנה וכשזה קרה, נפילת האסימון היתה כל כך תלושה שלא ברור בכלל מה הוביל אליה והאם סייג' הפכה תקליט. גם הניסיון לסגור מעגל עם אביה לא הופך להצלחה ובקיצור תקראו אם אתם ממש חייבים.
סייג' וג'ונתן הם שני סופרים שאחרי פגישה אחת במפגש סופרים בהוצאה, הופכים לחברים לעט ולסקייפ ולמסרונים טובים מאוד. הם מתעוררים ומדברים, הם הולכים לישון ומדברים אבל אף פעם לא נפגשים. הוא גר בטקומה והיא בניו יורק.
אחרי שנה, ג'ונתן מתגרש והם חושבים שהם מאוהבים. הם מתכננים לצאת למסע שבו יחגגו את אהבתם. אבל ג'ונתן מתקפל ונוטש את סייג' 3 ימים לפני שהיא טסה אליו.
ליבה של סייג' נשבר. היא חווה שוב את הנטישה של אביה שעזב את משפחתו (אותה, את אימה שלה ואת אחותה) עבור אישה אחרת ללא הסברים ואת ניתוק הקשר מאביה שהיה חשוב לה מאוד.
11 חודשים אחרי ניתוק הקשר, סייג' מקבלת הודעה שאביה מת ואישתו שרפה את גופתו מבלי שהזמינה את הבנות לטקס האשכבה. סייג' מתקשרת לחבר היחיד שלה ג'ונתן. הוא שרואה פתח לחידוש היחסים מציע לה לצאת למסע שתוכנן לפני 11 חודשים.
סייג' אחרי התלבטויות מסכימה בתנאי שיסעו לטקס האזכרה בסקרמנטו.
המפגש בין סייג' וג'ונתן מוזר ונתקע לפרקים. סייג' שלא סלחה לג'ונתן לא מוכנה לשבור את גבול בינהם ולתת לו הזדמנות. את רוב הספר הם מבלים בניסיונות לגשר על הפער שיש בינהם וג'ונתן מנסה לשכנע את סייג' לסמוך עליו ולהאמין בו. לתת לו הזדמנות חוזרת אבל היא לא נכנעת עד מספר פרקים לפני סוף המסע.
הניסיונות האלה לא מעניינים ממש וההתחכמויות בדיאלוגים קצת ילדותיים ולא מצחיקים. חלקם אפילו מביכים. אין לדמויות המון נושאי שיחה מעבר למה שהיה בעבר ולפגיעה של סייג' ולכן הם עונים על שאלון שנועד לגרום להם להתאהב. והפלא ופלא זה בדיוק מה שקורה ב 4 ימים.
סייג' סוחבת איתה סיפור חיים של נטישה ואכזבה אבל לא ברור מה ג'ונתן סוחב חוץ מסיפור גירושיו כך שאומנם הדמות של סייג' עגולה, הדמות של ג'ונתן נשארת שטוחה כמו קיר.
הספר אפילו לא נופל לקטגוריית הרומן הרומנטי, כי אין בו רומן ואין בו רומנטיקה חוץ מרגע אחד שבו הם מסתכלים אחד לשני בעיניים. מבחינתי להסתכל אחד לשני בעיניים זו פת לחם צרה אחרי ספר שלם של תיסכולים ומירמורים מצד סייג'.
גם הקטע כאילו סייג' היא סופרת רומנים רומנטיים מופרך, היא לא נשמעת רומנטית אפילו לא בעצם אחת מגופה. היא פוחדת, היא דמות פגועה אבל היא לא רומנטית.
דווקא הסיפור עם נטישת האב לא מפותח הייטב. הקשק של סייג' עם אביה בעבר בשנים שהם כן היו בקשר לא מתואר ואין העמקה בו.
כך מבחינתי זה היה ספר פושר במיוחד. המסע שלהם לא הוביל לתוצאות של גדילה והבנה וכשזה קרה, נפילת האסימון היתה כל כך תלושה שלא ברור בכלל מה הוביל אליה והאם סייג' הפכה תקליט. גם הניסיון לסגור מעגל עם אביה לא הופך להצלחה ובקיצור תקראו אם אתם ממש חייבים.
October 28, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of "The Second First TIme" by Elisa Lorello. The characters,Jonathan and Sage are both writers and have been friends, and now decide to take a journey together to see if they can become more than friends. This journey had been planned a year before, but Jonathan cancelled it because he was not in a good place. Sage has just lost her father who had left the family when she was ten, and has so many conflicting feelings about everything. In my opinion, the author writes about issues of trust, love, self worth, family and friendship. It is a book of self discovery ,growth ,hope and faith. In addition, the author discusses what home really is and compromise. If you want to find out how the journey ends, I suggest that you read and enjoy this book.
November 21, 2016
Sage is a novelist who is friends with Johanthan moss who lives on the other side of the world,Elisa describe sage feelings and how her life was different when the most important man in her life walks out.
Jon moss marriage broke up and he was taking it out on sage and messed with her feelings, Jon and sage go on a journey to rekindle there friendship but realise they have feelings for each other and it was Much more then friendshup .
This book had me from page one and I was really interested in what happened next with them both will differently read more from this author
Jon moss marriage broke up and he was taking it out on sage and messed with her feelings, Jon and sage go on a journey to rekindle there friendship but realise they have feelings for each other and it was Much more then friendshup .
This book had me from page one and I was really interested in what happened next with them both will differently read more from this author
January 7, 2018
Well, this year’s reading ventures can only go up from here. Full disclosure, I loathe a rom-com, and this book is exactly that. Let’s just chill on the rhetorical Love-life questions, shall we?
November 28, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this story thanks to Netgalley and TBC.
This is not my normal genre but was pleasantly surprised. This tells the story of Sage and Jon - both novelists who have only met once in person but through the powers of social media have become great friends - a perfect match you may think. However after having decided to take a road trip together, things don't quite go as planned. Jon ,recently divorced, decides its not such a good idea and pulls out.
Forward one year, both are wondering what on earth went wrong and are really missing their friendship. By chance they come together to embark on another road trip, this time around hoping things work out a little better, This is a book about hope, love, feelings and emotion. Give it a read. you wont be disappointed.
This is not my normal genre but was pleasantly surprised. This tells the story of Sage and Jon - both novelists who have only met once in person but through the powers of social media have become great friends - a perfect match you may think. However after having decided to take a road trip together, things don't quite go as planned. Jon ,recently divorced, decides its not such a good idea and pulls out.
Forward one year, both are wondering what on earth went wrong and are really missing their friendship. By chance they come together to embark on another road trip, this time around hoping things work out a little better, This is a book about hope, love, feelings and emotion. Give it a read. you wont be disappointed.
November 7, 2016
The second first time by Elisa Lorello is a contemporary love story.
Novelists Jonathan Moss and Sage Merriweather should be a perfect match. They share not only the same publisher but also a deep friendship full of mutual respect and encouragement. But when an ill-fated attempt at taking their relationship to the next level fails in spectacular fashion, it appears as though that once-treasured bond is doomed for good.
This was a lovely read with lovely characters. Moving read. Lots of highs and lows. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.
Novelists Jonathan Moss and Sage Merriweather should be a perfect match. They share not only the same publisher but also a deep friendship full of mutual respect and encouragement. But when an ill-fated attempt at taking their relationship to the next level fails in spectacular fashion, it appears as though that once-treasured bond is doomed for good.
This was a lovely read with lovely characters. Moving read. Lots of highs and lows. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.
November 15, 2016
I need to start by saying that this is not my normal genre, however, I loved the writing style and the way the author described the feelings and anxieties of Sage, a woman deeply wounded when the most important man in her life walked out, seemingly without a second glance.
It's more than a love story, it is a beautifully crafted tale of two friends and an ill timed attempt to move the relationship into a happy ever after. Join them on their road trip of discovery, learning about each other and more importantly about themselves.
A lovely story about love, friendship and emotions told with a wonderful sprinkle of humour, warmth and a lot of feeling ..... Highly recommended 4 stars
It's more than a love story, it is a beautifully crafted tale of two friends and an ill timed attempt to move the relationship into a happy ever after. Join them on their road trip of discovery, learning about each other and more importantly about themselves.
A lovely story about love, friendship and emotions told with a wonderful sprinkle of humour, warmth and a lot of feeling ..... Highly recommended 4 stars
December 13, 2016
Full disclosure: I know the author and we have the same publisher. With that out of the way, I loved this story of two authors who move from attraction to friendship to love and renew their relationship over the course of a road trip. The author has a particular knack for dialogue and describing emotions and I thought the ending was perfect. A satisfying read.
November 15, 2016
Romance isn't my usual genre of books. However, this wasn't just a typical love story. Told by Sage, we see how she struggles to trust again the one person she thought wouldn't let her down. Love, loss and romance - it has it all.
October 30, 2016
The Second First Time follows Sage and Jonathan, authors who have the same publisher, but live on opposite sides of the country. In addition, they’ve only met face to face once, at a party, and yet they have become such good friends over social media and FaceTime, they’re considering taking a road trip together.
However, when Jonathan’s marriage breaks up, he ends up breaking Sage’s heart at the same time by pulling out of their trip at the last minute. Sage breaks off all contact with Jonathan, but when, a year later, she receives some terrible news, Jonathan is the one she turns to. They haven’t spoken in all that time, and yet the old familiarity is instantly there, and when Jonathan suggests taking that trip again, Sage finally agrees.
What follows is a journey of friendship, discovery and love. The Second First Time is a sweet novel, a feel-good ride through life and love and mistakes that I could definitely resonate with.
Throughout the novel, I felt like Sage was talking to me. I could imagine us sitting in a coffee shop and listening to her telling me the story of that trip she takes with Jonathan. I really liked that about this novel. It felt personal.
There are some beautifully crafted phrases, and as I was reading it, I highlighted a couple (no spoilers)
‘If a heart could smile – I mean physically morph its shape into that of the happy face – then mine just did. A soft one, without parting lips, or showing teeth. One of satisfaction, a faintly smoldering ember in an otherwise snuffed-out flame.’
‘Some guys get Ferrari’s when they hit mid-life. I got answers.’
(That last one is a particular favourite)
However, at times, Sage sounded very much younger than her mid-forties (which is what she is in this book). In fact, until that was revealed, I’d assumed someone in her mid-twenties, still trying to discover who she was. And this made me rather annoyed at times. I wanted to yell ‘for goodness sake woman, man up tell him what you think/how you feel’.
Jonathan, on the other hand, was very much the grown up in this friendship. If he was hurt, he told her (and why), if he was happy, he let it show. I felt that Elisa pandered to stereotypes that make guys say ‘I just don’t understand women’. No matter if someone has hurt you, in your mid-forties, you’re much more likely to call them out on it. But Elisa sends Jonathan so many mixed signals, I’m surprised he stuck around.
But these are minor irritations in a lovely, very easy read. And if that’s what you’re into, you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to my book club for the recommendation and a chance to read this book
However, when Jonathan’s marriage breaks up, he ends up breaking Sage’s heart at the same time by pulling out of their trip at the last minute. Sage breaks off all contact with Jonathan, but when, a year later, she receives some terrible news, Jonathan is the one she turns to. They haven’t spoken in all that time, and yet the old familiarity is instantly there, and when Jonathan suggests taking that trip again, Sage finally agrees.
What follows is a journey of friendship, discovery and love. The Second First Time is a sweet novel, a feel-good ride through life and love and mistakes that I could definitely resonate with.
Throughout the novel, I felt like Sage was talking to me. I could imagine us sitting in a coffee shop and listening to her telling me the story of that trip she takes with Jonathan. I really liked that about this novel. It felt personal.
There are some beautifully crafted phrases, and as I was reading it, I highlighted a couple (no spoilers)
‘If a heart could smile – I mean physically morph its shape into that of the happy face – then mine just did. A soft one, without parting lips, or showing teeth. One of satisfaction, a faintly smoldering ember in an otherwise snuffed-out flame.’
‘Some guys get Ferrari’s when they hit mid-life. I got answers.’
(That last one is a particular favourite)
However, at times, Sage sounded very much younger than her mid-forties (which is what she is in this book). In fact, until that was revealed, I’d assumed someone in her mid-twenties, still trying to discover who she was. And this made me rather annoyed at times. I wanted to yell ‘for goodness sake woman, man up tell him what you think/how you feel’.
Jonathan, on the other hand, was very much the grown up in this friendship. If he was hurt, he told her (and why), if he was happy, he let it show. I felt that Elisa pandered to stereotypes that make guys say ‘I just don’t understand women’. No matter if someone has hurt you, in your mid-forties, you’re much more likely to call them out on it. But Elisa sends Jonathan so many mixed signals, I’m surprised he stuck around.
But these are minor irritations in a lovely, very easy read. And if that’s what you’re into, you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to my book club for the recommendation and a chance to read this book
December 15, 2016
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jonathan and Sage are best friends who both happen to be authors and share the same publisher. After Jonathan’s marriage falls apart, they decide to take a road trip to see what could possibly happen. This doesn’t work out, the road trip does not happen and Sage ends up with a broken heart. They stop speaking and a year has gone by. This is where The Second First Time begins.
Sage���s estranged father passes away and she needs someone to talk to and she decides to call Jonathan. It is almost like nothing has happened and they begin talking again and Jonathan suggests they actually go on that road trip they planned a year ago. Sage debates this but she does decide to go. This changes everything for Sage and Jonathan and they have to decide what they really want.
The Second First Time is a journey for Sage as she comes to terms with loss on several levels: Dealing with her father leaving her, her sister and mother when she was ten years old, then his death and the loss of the closure she can never get, and losing her best friend Jonathan the year before. We experience her thoughts and are torn with her as she tries to decide what she should do and how she feels about Jonathan. Should she take a chance on love again and possibly be hurt again? More importantly, what are Jonathan’s feelings about Sage? Can they salvage the relationship they had and realize what could have been a year ago, or are the decisions that were made then permanent?
While on their road trip they learn more about each other. You can see Sage debating with herself and we can see how Jonathan feels about Sage. Sage just needs to see it herself. At times I found myself saying, “Hurry up and get together!”.
The book is like a When Harry Met Sally story: Can a man and a woman just be friends or will romance eventually happen? The Second First Time was just okay for me, but it was well written. I did not find myself really attached to the characters. The first chapter does pull you into the story. I can’t really recommend The Second First Time, but I would give Elisa Lorello another chance and read another of her books.
I received a copy of The Second First Time from NetGalley.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jonathan and Sage are best friends who both happen to be authors and share the same publisher. After Jonathan’s marriage falls apart, they decide to take a road trip to see what could possibly happen. This doesn’t work out, the road trip does not happen and Sage ends up with a broken heart. They stop speaking and a year has gone by. This is where The Second First Time begins.
Sage���s estranged father passes away and she needs someone to talk to and she decides to call Jonathan. It is almost like nothing has happened and they begin talking again and Jonathan suggests they actually go on that road trip they planned a year ago. Sage debates this but she does decide to go. This changes everything for Sage and Jonathan and they have to decide what they really want.
The Second First Time is a journey for Sage as she comes to terms with loss on several levels: Dealing with her father leaving her, her sister and mother when she was ten years old, then his death and the loss of the closure she can never get, and losing her best friend Jonathan the year before. We experience her thoughts and are torn with her as she tries to decide what she should do and how she feels about Jonathan. Should she take a chance on love again and possibly be hurt again? More importantly, what are Jonathan’s feelings about Sage? Can they salvage the relationship they had and realize what could have been a year ago, or are the decisions that were made then permanent?
While on their road trip they learn more about each other. You can see Sage debating with herself and we can see how Jonathan feels about Sage. Sage just needs to see it herself. At times I found myself saying, “Hurry up and get together!”.
The book is like a When Harry Met Sally story: Can a man and a woman just be friends or will romance eventually happen? The Second First Time was just okay for me, but it was well written. I did not find myself really attached to the characters. The first chapter does pull you into the story. I can’t really recommend The Second First Time, but I would give Elisa Lorello another chance and read another of her books.
I received a copy of The Second First Time from NetGalley.
November 14, 2016
3.5 stars
Two authors. One road trip. Sounds interesting. Sage and Jonathan share the same publisher and a friendship that built slowly over time. Although their relationship mostly long-distance, they get along nicely. They had a falling out of sorts due to extraneous factors out of their hands. The planned road trip cut short and the hurt that ensued.
When you need them most, it's the true friends that are there. Bearing unexpected news Sage leans on her friend at this time. Even after all that time their bond is there. I loved their friendship and it will play a significant role in the upcoming road trip.
I like the play on a friends to more vibe that this sweet contemporary romance takes readers on. Who knows what they will come across. A trip of finding out what they really want. Learning to open up again especially for our heroine. The dialogue stood out the most, the book was very driven by that.
We are privy to Sage's thoughts as she narrates the ongoings. Very relatable and real. At time same time, surprised to find out her age. All the time I was reading until the reveal the vibe I got was late twenties early thirties. There were insightful thoughts from her yet sometimes her reluctance towards the relationship was a bit much. For that I give major props to Jonathan and his patience. He seemed like smarter and mature person and true to himself. I began questioning if this progression how it's supposed to be for the age group.
The ending felt a bit too fast forward since most of the book danced around their relationship but still enjoyable. An epilogue or extra chapter in this case would be nice. An overall pleasant, quick and easy read, perfect for chick lit fans and road trip lovers.
** Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review **
Two authors. One road trip. Sounds interesting. Sage and Jonathan share the same publisher and a friendship that built slowly over time. Although their relationship mostly long-distance, they get along nicely. They had a falling out of sorts due to extraneous factors out of their hands. The planned road trip cut short and the hurt that ensued.
When you need them most, it's the true friends that are there. Bearing unexpected news Sage leans on her friend at this time. Even after all that time their bond is there. I loved their friendship and it will play a significant role in the upcoming road trip.
I like the play on a friends to more vibe that this sweet contemporary romance takes readers on. Who knows what they will come across. A trip of finding out what they really want. Learning to open up again especially for our heroine. The dialogue stood out the most, the book was very driven by that.
We are privy to Sage's thoughts as she narrates the ongoings. Very relatable and real. At time same time, surprised to find out her age. All the time I was reading until the reveal the vibe I got was late twenties early thirties. There were insightful thoughts from her yet sometimes her reluctance towards the relationship was a bit much. For that I give major props to Jonathan and his patience. He seemed like smarter and mature person and true to himself. I began questioning if this progression how it's supposed to be for the age group.
The ending felt a bit too fast forward since most of the book danced around their relationship but still enjoyable. An epilogue or extra chapter in this case would be nice. An overall pleasant, quick and easy read, perfect for chick lit fans and road trip lovers.
** Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review **
October 30, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this story thanks to Netgalley and TBC. I must start by saying this is a beautiful story and I loved how it was a story about two authors who both love books as much as me. I have not read anything similar to this story and I really enjoyed it especially the perfect ending. The Second First Time is beautifully written, easy to read and contains short chapters throughout. I managed to complete this book in a day I loved it. I awarded four stars as I did enjoy it but it didn't wow me away. However, it is a beautifully story which I won't forget quickly. This story will be published on the 15th of November and I'd highly recommend you go pre-order it now. Its a relatively short story (220 pages) with adventure within!!
The Second First Time is the perfect story for readers who enjoy a brilliant adventure, chick-lit and romance filled story. Enjoy, I did. Beautiful.
The Second First Time is the perfect story for readers who enjoy a brilliant adventure, chick-lit and romance filled story. Enjoy, I did. Beautiful.
November 3, 2016
I received an ARC from Netgalley and TBConFB for an honest review. Two best friends, who happen to be authors, fall in love plan their future together but then it stops.
Sage feels abandoned by the men that have been in her life: Jon and her dad, so she puts up barriers.
Circumstances change when her dad dies and Jon comes back into her life. Can they both get over the past and develop their future together or will their friendship dwindle away?
Sage feels abandoned by the men that have been in her life: Jon and her dad, so she puts up barriers.
Circumstances change when her dad dies and Jon comes back into her life. Can they both get over the past and develop their future together or will their friendship dwindle away?
November 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read romance.
October 28, 2016
4 stars ****
I was recommended this book by my book club group on Facebook. It's not a novel that usually attracts my attention, however this one did. I usually prefer my books with more action, angst, tension and drama. This was by far, tame in comparison, however I'm pleasantly surprised to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.
So the story goes that novelists Jonathon 'Jon' Moss and Sage Merriweather were supposed to take a 'love' road trip a year ago in the hopes of officially kindling a relationship as lovers/best friends. They already had the best friend thing down pat. They've only met once as friends due to Jon being married, however the marriage didn't last and Jon got divorced.
Still reeling from that divorce, Jon decided he wasn't ready to take the trip and thus crashing any hopes of a relationship with Sage.
Fast forward a year to the present day and Sage is still wondering what went wrong and missing her best friend. Then to make matters worse, she gets a phone call to say that her estranged father has died and that his memorial is on New Years Day. On a whim she rings the only person she believes will listen as only a best friend can and calls Jon. Thus setting in motion the road trip they were supposed to take a year ago.
Along the way, they reminisce and workout what they believe went wrong, Sage thinking it was her and Jon not being ready. It was mainly a journey for Sage to believe the actions of others, mainly her absent father throughout her adolescent and adult life, were not reflected on her, that it wasn't her fault her father and later, Jon, left. That each person is accountable. Finding a way to come back to Jon and Sage's love whilst trying to move on from her fathers rejection and realising they aren't one and the same.
I found this book a remarkable story of two people not so much finding love as rediscovering and remembering love. Of salvaging something they both believe was once lost.
It wasn't all reflection and what ifs though, there were some genuinely funny moments together that they shared and I found myself laughing out loud. It was feel good.
My criticisms? The detailing of scenery or feelings were just a little too much for my personal preference. I like it to be precise and to the point. However it didn't really detract from the story and was more a preference that I have and not a reflection on the authors writing.
Overall though I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I was recommended this book by my book club group on Facebook. It's not a novel that usually attracts my attention, however this one did. I usually prefer my books with more action, angst, tension and drama. This was by far, tame in comparison, however I'm pleasantly surprised to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.
So the story goes that novelists Jonathon 'Jon' Moss and Sage Merriweather were supposed to take a 'love' road trip a year ago in the hopes of officially kindling a relationship as lovers/best friends. They already had the best friend thing down pat. They've only met once as friends due to Jon being married, however the marriage didn't last and Jon got divorced.
Still reeling from that divorce, Jon decided he wasn't ready to take the trip and thus crashing any hopes of a relationship with Sage.
Fast forward a year to the present day and Sage is still wondering what went wrong and missing her best friend. Then to make matters worse, she gets a phone call to say that her estranged father has died and that his memorial is on New Years Day. On a whim she rings the only person she believes will listen as only a best friend can and calls Jon. Thus setting in motion the road trip they were supposed to take a year ago.
Along the way, they reminisce and workout what they believe went wrong, Sage thinking it was her and Jon not being ready. It was mainly a journey for Sage to believe the actions of others, mainly her absent father throughout her adolescent and adult life, were not reflected on her, that it wasn't her fault her father and later, Jon, left. That each person is accountable. Finding a way to come back to Jon and Sage's love whilst trying to move on from her fathers rejection and realising they aren't one and the same.
I found this book a remarkable story of two people not so much finding love as rediscovering and remembering love. Of salvaging something they both believe was once lost.
It wasn't all reflection and what ifs though, there were some genuinely funny moments together that they shared and I found myself laughing out loud. It was feel good.
My criticisms? The detailing of scenery or feelings were just a little too much for my personal preference. I like it to be precise and to the point. However it didn't really detract from the story and was more a preference that I have and not a reflection on the authors writing.
Overall though I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.
September 24, 2017
Finding home...
For Sage, home has always been Long Island with her mother and sister Gaia, especially after her dad divorced her mother and abandoned his daughters. So when she finds out about his death and upcoming memorial service, she calls the man who broke her heart..the man who was her best friend, the man with whom she had decided to go on a cross-country road trip a year ago...until he bailed out on her with a devastating letter.
Jon suggests they give the trip another try, their relationship another try, and also go to the memorial service together. This is the second first time for both, but can they forge a relationship, can they forge a love when one is still reeling from the hurt? And even if the trip is successful, living on separate coasts, can they find where "home" truly is?
This contemporary romance is about letting go of hurts, finding that best friends can also be in love, that sometimes less is more, and home is where the heart is. Writers Jon and Sage deepen their friendship and love on a road trip fraught with emotional potholes.
Not highly graphic, but definitely a romance similar to the kind Sage writes.
Full disclosure: I received this Kindle edition through a First Reads Goodreads giveaway, but that in no way affected this review.
For Sage, home has always been Long Island with her mother and sister Gaia, especially after her dad divorced her mother and abandoned his daughters. So when she finds out about his death and upcoming memorial service, she calls the man who broke her heart..the man who was her best friend, the man with whom she had decided to go on a cross-country road trip a year ago...until he bailed out on her with a devastating letter.
Jon suggests they give the trip another try, their relationship another try, and also go to the memorial service together. This is the second first time for both, but can they forge a relationship, can they forge a love when one is still reeling from the hurt? And even if the trip is successful, living on separate coasts, can they find where "home" truly is?
This contemporary romance is about letting go of hurts, finding that best friends can also be in love, that sometimes less is more, and home is where the heart is. Writers Jon and Sage deepen their friendship and love on a road trip fraught with emotional potholes.
Not highly graphic, but definitely a romance similar to the kind Sage writes.
Full disclosure: I received this Kindle edition through a First Reads Goodreads giveaway, but that in no way affected this review.
November 15, 2016
This book was a big surprise to me. It's a sweet story about two novelists who go on a road trip together. The characters were realistic, their relationship progressed in a way that felt natural and real (no "I love you" after 2 days here), and it was a nice to follow them along in their journey.
My only downfall is that I felt like I was reading a sequel. There were points when it felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story with no idea what else was going on. I also felt like the story ended a bit abruptly, and one more chapter or an epilogue would have gone a long way.
It was quick, easy read and is great for chick lit fans.
This book was a big surprise to me. It's a sweet story about two novelists who go on a road trip together. The characters were realistic, their relationship progressed in a way that felt natural and real (no "I love you" after 2 days here), and it was a nice to follow them along in their journey.
My only downfall is that I felt like I was reading a sequel. There were points when it felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story with no idea what else was going on. I also felt like the story ended a bit abruptly, and one more chapter or an epilogue would have gone a long way.
It was quick, easy read and is great for chick lit fans.
My only downfall is that I felt like I was reading a sequel. There were points when it felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story with no idea what else was going on. I also felt like the story ended a bit abruptly, and one more chapter or an epilogue would have gone a long way.
It was quick, easy read and is great for chick lit fans.
This book was a big surprise to me. It's a sweet story about two novelists who go on a road trip together. The characters were realistic, their relationship progressed in a way that felt natural and real (no "I love you" after 2 days here), and it was a nice to follow them along in their journey.
My only downfall is that I felt like I was reading a sequel. There were points when it felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story with no idea what else was going on. I also felt like the story ended a bit abruptly, and one more chapter or an epilogue would have gone a long way.
It was quick, easy read and is great for chick lit fans.
July 24, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I'm not going to do a synopsis of the book here, there are enough of them already. I really enjoyed the majority of the book, but for a few things. Minor, but just enough to poke at me.
I found the scenario of Jon and Sage's initial "breakup" a little hard to wrap my head around. The letter Jon sent to Sage just didn't seem right for the story to me. The gist was he wanted to love her, but he couldn't make it happen. That was after he told her he loved her. Huh? You do or you don't. Now if he had written that she was his best friend, he thought they made a mistake, and they needed time and space? I could see that.
I would have liked the author to bring them together again a little slower. A couple of weeks of texts and phone calls maybe before he suggested the road trip. We didn't need a blow by blow, just the inference.
My last point was the way the issue was "resolved" about her father. I wish that Sage could have gotten some kind of answers to her question of why. Even if it was as simple as her father never wanted children to begin with. Anything.
Now, having said all that. I enjoyed the authors writing and the character interaction. Would I read more of Elisa Lorello's work? Sure.
I'm not going to do a synopsis of the book here, there are enough of them already. I really enjoyed the majority of the book, but for a few things. Minor, but just enough to poke at me.
I found the scenario of Jon and Sage's initial "breakup" a little hard to wrap my head around. The letter Jon sent to Sage just didn't seem right for the story to me. The gist was he wanted to love her, but he couldn't make it happen. That was after he told her he loved her. Huh? You do or you don't. Now if he had written that she was his best friend, he thought they made a mistake, and they needed time and space? I could see that.
I would have liked the author to bring them together again a little slower. A couple of weeks of texts and phone calls maybe before he suggested the road trip. We didn't need a blow by blow, just the inference.
My last point was the way the issue was "resolved" about her father. I wish that Sage could have gotten some kind of answers to her question of why. Even if it was as simple as her father never wanted children to begin with. Anything.
Now, having said all that. I enjoyed the authors writing and the character interaction. Would I read more of Elisa Lorello's work? Sure.
September 18, 2017
Contemporary romance between two forty-something authors. Not a sappy love story but has a happy ending. Deals with the two main character's bumpy pasts; a divorce and learning to love/ self respect for one, and the abandonment issues from a missing father post divorce for the other. They take a road trip together. Their "second first chance." Deals with pain and love, grief and trust. I found it entertaining, understandable, and cathartic in a very rewarding sense.
I won this in a goodreads giveaway.
Happy Reading :)
I won this in a goodreads giveaway.
Happy Reading :)
June 13, 2017
I enjoyed this read about friendship and love. Having her father walk out of her life made it difficult for Sage to trust. This was made more difficult when a good friend walked away for no reason that she knew about. Giving a friendship another chance after the death of her father brought her friend back through a road trip where they learned about each other. This contemporary romance is believable and heartwarming. I won this book from the author through a giveaway hosted by the group, Bloom on Facebook.
November 2, 2016
As an avid reader, I really enjoyed reading the story of a novelist, Sage, who is close friends with a small group of other novelists, and who falls in love with one of the group –her ‘best friend’. Her feelings are returned, but the timing is all wrong. A year later due to some sad circumstances they are again in touch, and we join Sage and her best friend Jonathan on a road trip.
The characters are very plausable, as was the dialogue. High on the ‘feel good’ factor.
The characters are very plausable, as was the dialogue. High on the ‘feel good’ factor.
September 17, 2022
I absolutely loved the connection and banter of Moss and Squeaky. They were super fun to read and felt alive. Funny, charming, realistic. However, the book had too many moments of musings. I get that this is a (pun intended) journey of self-discovery, but I think the same concepts could have been covered by Sage in her actual interactions rather than long winded “if only.” I also think her fathers memorial ceremony fell quite flat. However, I did still really enjoy the book.
March 7, 2024
The characters were so unlikable for me. If they were real people, their whole personality would be correcting a trivia host about pronunciation or only speaking in obscure references in front of others and then being annoyed someone didn't understand what they meant. I didn't care if they ended up together, and quite frankly, I was shocked at how they spoke to one another while supposedly loving each other. This was a miss for me.
May 26, 2017
This was a story with a When Harry met Sally type theme. Friends make a cross country road trip wondering if there was more than friendship there. They were both authors, lived on opposite coasts, and had had a falling out the year before. The book was an easy beach type read, and I liked it a lot.
November 7, 2018
More than a love story?
After reading the book I thought about the rating. And for me two stars was it. The book is well written but the story not more than a love story. There is no real development in the characters. Language is nice though.
After reading the book I thought about the rating. And for me two stars was it. The book is well written but the story not more than a love story. There is no real development in the characters. Language is nice though.
November 12, 2022
This author is SO amazing. Her prose, her style of writing is amazing! Her plays on words, her characters, this story line was so brilliant, I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I will look for more from this author!
May 30, 2023
3 and 1/2 stars
I was back and forth about how I felt about this book, but in the end it won me over. A few of the story lines could have used a little more development, but maybe it was because I listened to it and missed some things? Over all it is a sweet story that has some realistic parts.
I was back and forth about how I felt about this book, but in the end it won me over. A few of the story lines could have used a little more development, but maybe it was because I listened to it and missed some things? Over all it is a sweet story that has some realistic parts.
January 4, 2024
Entertaining
I listened to the audio version of this one. The storyline was unique and the characters had realistic personalities. The heroine gets in her own way a few times, but I found her overreacting to be a relatable human flaw. Overall it was an entertaining rom-com.
I listened to the audio version of this one. The storyline was unique and the characters had realistic personalities. The heroine gets in her own way a few times, but I found her overreacting to be a relatable human flaw. Overall it was an entertaining rom-com.
October 22, 2016
I liked the first chapters, but i didn't feel the connection between characters, they were supposed to be"in love" . I didn't liked it like I thought I would. Thanks for the arc.
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