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Second Chances
Protective parent bonds with an attractive older teacher
Bad childhood memories start to resurface when Hannah Hall’s daughter Rosie begins school. To make matters more complicated, Hannah has been steadfastly ignoring the obvious truth that Rosie is intellectually gifted and wise beyond her years.
In the crumbling old school she meets Rosie’s new teacher Alice Spencer who has moved from the city to teach in the small coastal town of Fairlight.
Alice immediately sees Rosie’s potential and embarks on developing an educational curriculum to suit Rosie’s needs, to Hannah’s dismay.
Teacher and mother clash over what’s best for young Rosie.
Will they be able to compromise? Will Hannah finally open up to someone about her own damaged upbringing?
And will they be able to ignore the sparks that fly whenever they are in the same room?
65,000 words
Bad childhood memories start to resurface when Hannah Hall’s daughter Rosie begins school. To make matters more complicated, Hannah has been steadfastly ignoring the obvious truth that Rosie is intellectually gifted and wise beyond her years.
In the crumbling old school she meets Rosie’s new teacher Alice Spencer who has moved from the city to teach in the small coastal town of Fairlight.
Alice immediately sees Rosie’s potential and embarks on developing an educational curriculum to suit Rosie’s needs, to Hannah’s dismay.
Teacher and mother clash over what’s best for young Rosie.
Will they be able to compromise? Will Hannah finally open up to someone about her own damaged upbringing?
And will they be able to ignore the sparks that fly whenever they are in the same room?
65,000 words
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2019
191 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Radley
30 books468 followers***While I have a profile here on Goodreads, it is only to administer my books when necessary (add them, change covers etc).
I do not answer messages on here, I do not engage in groups, and I do not read the reviews.
I believe Goodreads is a place for readers and not authors and so I stay away for the most part. If you do want to contact me, please go to my website***
A.E. Radley is an entrepreneur and best-selling author living and working in England.
She describes herself as a Wife. Traveller. Tea Drinker. Biscuit Eater. Animal Lover. Master Pragmatist. Annoying Procrastinator. Theme Park Fan. Movie Buff.
When not writing or working, Radley indulges in her third passion of buying unnecessary cat accessories on a popular online store for her two ungrateful strays whom she has threatened to return for the last seven years.
I do not answer messages on here, I do not engage in groups, and I do not read the reviews.
I believe Goodreads is a place for readers and not authors and so I stay away for the most part. If you do want to contact me, please go to my website***
A.E. Radley is an entrepreneur and best-selling author living and working in England.
She describes herself as a Wife. Traveller. Tea Drinker. Biscuit Eater. Animal Lover. Master Pragmatist. Annoying Procrastinator. Theme Park Fan. Movie Buff.
When not writing or working, Radley indulges in her third passion of buying unnecessary cat accessories on a popular online store for her two ungrateful strays whom she has threatened to return for the last seven years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 10, 2021
Overprotective mother and attractive teacher.
Listening to this reminds me of how good a writer Radley can be. I haven't been able to connect with her latest two books but this one is really heartwarming. Radley's books are chaste but I could feel the chemistry and intimacy develop between our two main characters, Alice and Hannah, even without sex.
Alice is a great character. She's a wonderful teacher and her heart is in the right place and I fell for her along the way. Hannah is extremely guarded and negative because of her childhod but she's a great mother, albeit a little overprotective of her daughter, Rosie. Rosie stole the show. This adorable five year old genius is a joy and I love the connection that all three of them have together as a family.
This is the first time I've listened to a book narrated by Kim Bretton. She's really good at conveying the mood sometimes.
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Listening to this reminds me of how good a writer Radley can be. I haven't been able to connect with her latest two books but this one is really heartwarming. Radley's books are chaste but I could feel the chemistry and intimacy develop between our two main characters, Alice and Hannah, even without sex.
Alice is a great character. She's a wonderful teacher and her heart is in the right place and I fell for her along the way. Hannah is extremely guarded and negative because of her childhod but she's a great mother, albeit a little overprotective of her daughter, Rosie. Rosie stole the show. This adorable five year old genius is a joy and I love the connection that all three of them have together as a family.
This is the first time I've listened to a book narrated by Kim Bretton. She's really good at conveying the mood sometimes.
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2019
Another GEM from one of my favourite authors, A.E. Radley! "Second Chances" is a resounding MUST-READ! I couldn't put it down. I made a mistake (or maybe not depending on how one looks at it!) of starting my read whilst I was knee-deep in work bollocks. Alas, I was so engrossed in the book and the story, my day job was summarily abandoned, if only for a few hours. Oh, sod it! I was singularly focussed on Rosie, Alice and Hannah!
This story wasn't a typical age-gap romance. Not at all. And this superbly crafted and weaved story is testament to that. I've never read anything like it at all, not under the age-gap romance trope. In fact, this story transcended age. It's just a number, innit? Read it and judge for yourself. I must admit the effects of exploring and experiencing the story about a young single mother doing her absolute best to provide for her 5-year-old gifted child whilst trying to make ends meet and a very observant and eager primary school (Year 1) teacher trying to help provide the best possible ways to foster the child's astonishingly high level of intelligence way beyond her age, have made a mark in my mind. A truly marvellous story written and told with reverberating effect. One with a lasting, memorable impression that I won't ever forget!
I was gratified that Radley took the time to tell the story from Hannah and Alice's POV, respectively. This is one story that benefits a lot from having both POVs, imo. As a result, I was equally invested in both characters' well-being and able to grasp the root of their actions and decisions, an understanding of where their mindset was coming from, especially....
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
This story wasn't a typical age-gap romance. Not at all. And this superbly crafted and weaved story is testament to that. I've never read anything like it at all, not under the age-gap romance trope. In fact, this story transcended age. It's just a number, innit? Read it and judge for yourself. I must admit the effects of exploring and experiencing the story about a young single mother doing her absolute best to provide for her 5-year-old gifted child whilst trying to make ends meet and a very observant and eager primary school (Year 1) teacher trying to help provide the best possible ways to foster the child's astonishingly high level of intelligence way beyond her age, have made a mark in my mind. A truly marvellous story written and told with reverberating effect. One with a lasting, memorable impression that I won't ever forget!
I was gratified that Radley took the time to tell the story from Hannah and Alice's POV, respectively. This is one story that benefits a lot from having both POVs, imo. As a result, I was equally invested in both characters' well-being and able to grasp the root of their actions and decisions, an understanding of where their mindset was coming from, especially....
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
October 31, 2019
Excellent!
Hannah is wary and guarded and lives in a town that thrives on gossip. When she meets this gorgeous teacher, all her alarms sets off. Can Hannah let go of her past and accept love? I loved the small town setting and the entire atmosphere throughout the story. It all felt very real. The interaction between mother and daughter was playful and it made me smile. The story is well written. You can feel the love, the chemistry, the anxiety and the expectations of each of the characters. Great Second Chance Romance!
Hannah is wary and guarded and lives in a town that thrives on gossip. When she meets this gorgeous teacher, all her alarms sets off. Can Hannah let go of her past and accept love? I loved the small town setting and the entire atmosphere throughout the story. It all felt very real. The interaction between mother and daughter was playful and it made me smile. The story is well written. You can feel the love, the chemistry, the anxiety and the expectations of each of the characters. Great Second Chance Romance!
March 1, 2019
Overall a nice read
I would consider this a quick read that I honestly think would have been better if it was longer and more elaborate but alas it was not and still a nice read. The story is about single 20something year old mom Hannah Hall and her brilliant little 5 year old Rose who live in small town and meet new teacher Alice Spencer. Hannah had a terrible childhood and instead of leaving the small town had chosen to stay and worry herself endlessly...it really bordered or actually was paranoia. Anyway, her childhood clouds a lot of how she acts toward others and with her daughter. She actually annoyed me a bit when it came to Rose. I felt like she kept trying to hide how smart she was. It all works out in the end and though I feel some threads of the story were left unexplored and others rushed, the story was nice and Rose was really cute. I kept picturing a female version of that little kid from Jerry McGuire...you all know who I am talking about. Anyway, its feee on kindle and like I saidnit was a nice read.
I would consider this a quick read that I honestly think would have been better if it was longer and more elaborate but alas it was not and still a nice read. The story is about single 20something year old mom Hannah Hall and her brilliant little 5 year old Rose who live in small town and meet new teacher Alice Spencer. Hannah had a terrible childhood and instead of leaving the small town had chosen to stay and worry herself endlessly...it really bordered or actually was paranoia. Anyway, her childhood clouds a lot of how she acts toward others and with her daughter. She actually annoyed me a bit when it came to Rose. I felt like she kept trying to hide how smart she was. It all works out in the end and though I feel some threads of the story were left unexplored and others rushed, the story was nice and Rose was really cute. I kept picturing a female version of that little kid from Jerry McGuire...you all know who I am talking about. Anyway, its feee on kindle and like I saidnit was a nice read.
March 5, 2019
I always know when I get a new AE Radley Book I’m in for a treat. They make me feel so good after reading them that most of the time I’m just plain sad that they have finished.
Alice has just moved to a small town in England to start her new job as a grade one school teacher. On her first day she encounters a timid girl, Rosie who doesn’t talk in class. When she meets Rosie’s mum, Hannah, she is stunned by this woman who is not only gorgeous but unbelievably sweet and affectionate with her daughter. She knows straight away she’s attracted to this woman. They navigate their path to one another while also dealing with the possibility of small town gossips and how it could affect Rosie. But ultimately the gravity between them is too much to ignore.
Second Chances is told from both protagonists point of view which was great because it really was excellent to understand both women's internal commentary on each other. The pace of the novel was excellent (no surprise there, it’s an AE Radley book) and I felt it closed on a beautiful moment even though there was no epilogue (which you all know I love), it was enough for me to feel like these two women would make it. In my mind's eye they are currently lying in a park somewhere, Hannah staring into the sky while Hannah and Rosie read to each other…
Alice was my favourite character in the book. I stayed up all night to read this book and at 3am in the morning I realised why, I had a massive crush on Alice... it’s because she reminds me of a sexy version of Miss Honey from the book Matilda! Alas, it all became clear. The chemistry between Alice and Hannah is lovely and sweet. They make a beautiful couple and wondered if AE Radley would continue their story into small town romance series… Now that would be exciting.
Rosie and her mum, Hannah are such great characters. I kept mirroring them to my relationship with my son and how his intelligence is sometimes much superior to mine (not even kidding here… he’s got the smarts). And because of this I really connected with Hannah on the way she feels about Rosie and school. I also felt her anxieties along with her as they are the same ones I have everyday I drop my son off at day care. AE Radley needs to be commended in the way she writes children in to her books. She is able to write and understand the child and their parents in a way I have never before read in this genre.
Also, secondary character and Hannah’s boss, Adrian was awesome and I had a few chuckles when he had page time. I love a good protagonist’s best friend who actually doesn’t deter from the story but enhances it . And Adrian certainly did that.
All in all, Second Chances has landed on my favourites shelf. Honestly, this book is worth every second of your time.
5 stars
Alice has just moved to a small town in England to start her new job as a grade one school teacher. On her first day she encounters a timid girl, Rosie who doesn’t talk in class. When she meets Rosie’s mum, Hannah, she is stunned by this woman who is not only gorgeous but unbelievably sweet and affectionate with her daughter. She knows straight away she’s attracted to this woman. They navigate their path to one another while also dealing with the possibility of small town gossips and how it could affect Rosie. But ultimately the gravity between them is too much to ignore.
Second Chances is told from both protagonists point of view which was great because it really was excellent to understand both women's internal commentary on each other. The pace of the novel was excellent (no surprise there, it’s an AE Radley book) and I felt it closed on a beautiful moment even though there was no epilogue (which you all know I love), it was enough for me to feel like these two women would make it. In my mind's eye they are currently lying in a park somewhere, Hannah staring into the sky while Hannah and Rosie read to each other…
Alice was my favourite character in the book. I stayed up all night to read this book and at 3am in the morning I realised why, I had a massive crush on Alice... it’s because she reminds me of a sexy version of Miss Honey from the book Matilda! Alas, it all became clear. The chemistry between Alice and Hannah is lovely and sweet. They make a beautiful couple and wondered if AE Radley would continue their story into small town romance series… Now that would be exciting.
Rosie and her mum, Hannah are such great characters. I kept mirroring them to my relationship with my son and how his intelligence is sometimes much superior to mine (not even kidding here… he’s got the smarts). And because of this I really connected with Hannah on the way she feels about Rosie and school. I also felt her anxieties along with her as they are the same ones I have everyday I drop my son off at day care. AE Radley needs to be commended in the way she writes children in to her books. She is able to write and understand the child and their parents in a way I have never before read in this genre.
Also, secondary character and Hannah’s boss, Adrian was awesome and I had a few chuckles when he had page time. I love a good protagonist’s best friend who actually doesn’t deter from the story but enhances it . And Adrian certainly did that.
All in all, Second Chances has landed on my favourites shelf. Honestly, this book is worth every second of your time.
5 stars
March 18, 2019
Alice Spencer is an elementary school teacher that just moved to the small coastal town of Fairlight, England for a change of pace. Her work in the city left her yearning for smaller class sizes and an opportunity to make a difference in her students’ lives. Hannah Hall was born and raised in Fairlight and, despite having had a difficult childhood, never left the small town. Now she is a struggling single mother to daughter Rosie, who is a gifted child and about to start school for the first time.
The story showcases Hannah’s relationship with Rosie. Their interactions are, in my opinion, the highlight of the book. The banter between mother and daughter is adorable and well written. The same can be said between Hannah and Alice to a lesser extent. I do wish there were more insightful moments between the leads to cement their bond instead of Rosie being ever present as a catalyst for the relationship. That said, perhaps this is the most accurate way to portray a single mother relationship where the child must be present and should be the priority for both adults. That topic was well handled and depicted. Unfortunately that left fewer opportunities to develop the romance and the lack of sex scenes might disappoint some readers.
Hannah’s character is flawed but her struggles and reactions are genuine and credible. The character is always attempting to overcome her previous experiences and the feelings they evoke in order to keep Rosie from suffering the same fate. Hence, this is also a book about Hannah and the Fairlight community’s relationship. Can Alice be the person that helps Hannah finally let go of her tumultuous past?
The chapters have individual titles pertinent to their content. This was a charming detail and I found myself looking forward to reading them. Instead of acting as a spoiler, it gave me a sense of anticipation of things to come. The book cover is also well designed and visually appealing. I loved the pencil turned tree, the colors and the use of different fonts.
The story showcases Hannah’s relationship with Rosie. Their interactions are, in my opinion, the highlight of the book. The banter between mother and daughter is adorable and well written. The same can be said between Hannah and Alice to a lesser extent. I do wish there were more insightful moments between the leads to cement their bond instead of Rosie being ever present as a catalyst for the relationship. That said, perhaps this is the most accurate way to portray a single mother relationship where the child must be present and should be the priority for both adults. That topic was well handled and depicted. Unfortunately that left fewer opportunities to develop the romance and the lack of sex scenes might disappoint some readers.
Hannah’s character is flawed but her struggles and reactions are genuine and credible. The character is always attempting to overcome her previous experiences and the feelings they evoke in order to keep Rosie from suffering the same fate. Hence, this is also a book about Hannah and the Fairlight community’s relationship. Can Alice be the person that helps Hannah finally let go of her tumultuous past?
The chapters have individual titles pertinent to their content. This was a charming detail and I found myself looking forward to reading them. Instead of acting as a spoiler, it gave me a sense of anticipation of things to come. The book cover is also well designed and visually appealing. I loved the pencil turned tree, the colors and the use of different fonts.
June 17, 2025
A nice light read
February 26, 2019
This book was lovely and sweet and exactly what I needed to read. I bought it and read it in one night! Absolutely adorable and loving characters and a very real romance. This one tugs at your heartstrings in the best way. My only complaint is that I now have to wait not so patiently for the next book by A.E. Radley.
March 25, 2019
Good but not great. Or at least not as captivating as her previous novels.
March 23, 2019
In fairness, the author writes well.....it’s always just missing that punch for me and strong finish. I actually liked all the characters individually but without that punch I’m always left disappointed. I’m always wanting more. I ended this one with, ‘wait, that’s it?! Ugh!’
I’m starting to think it’s the writers style and I just need to get over it and realize it’s just not a style I enjoy.
I’m starting to think it’s the writers style and I just need to get over it and realize it’s just not a style I enjoy.
March 26, 2019
First of all I must say that I loved Rosie, what an adorable girl. Now that we make that clear, I can continue.
I wasn't expecting much from the book and I am very happy to report that it exceeded my expectations. "I would have liked it to be longer" exceeded.
Hannah is a young, single mom that thinks she has to do everything alone because she doesn't know another way. Alice is a new teacher in this small town and is full of ideas to make her school better. She's so perfect, you know she could never be real. This small town they live thrives with gossip, and Hannah being a local can't stand it, but the town it's not hostile to LGBTQ+ people and it's a safe place to raise a child, after having a rough childhood, all she wants for her kid is to have a normal experience growing up, so she stays. I understand Hannah a little, life in small towns is full of gossip and nosy people, but at the same time being such a small community makes mutual help possible in times of need.
It was a nice, easy, fun read. The romance happened really fast, but the MC's do have chemistry, and I could feel it while reading, so that's always a plus in a romance book.
I wasn't expecting much from the book and I am very happy to report that it exceeded my expectations. "I would have liked it to be longer" exceeded.
Hannah is a young, single mom that thinks she has to do everything alone because she doesn't know another way. Alice is a new teacher in this small town and is full of ideas to make her school better. She's so perfect, you know she could never be real. This small town they live thrives with gossip, and Hannah being a local can't stand it, but the town it's not hostile to LGBTQ+ people and it's a safe place to raise a child, after having a rough childhood, all she wants for her kid is to have a normal experience growing up, so she stays. I understand Hannah a little, life in small towns is full of gossip and nosy people, but at the same time being such a small community makes mutual help possible in times of need.
It was a nice, easy, fun read. The romance happened really fast, but the MC's do have chemistry, and I could feel it while reading, so that's always a plus in a romance book.
May 7, 2019
Always a safe bet to read Radley’s book - this book is no different! And like all her other books, it’s all about MCs with big age-gap and zero hot scenes, except for some kisses thrown in - we don’t need to get all hot all the time when reading lesfic right 😉 Anyhow, this was an enjoyable read for me!
April 23, 2019
Adorable child, heroine teacher, what more can you asked for? Great story.
April 20, 2019
A nice enough read. A bit too treacly sweet for this reader.
August 2, 2025
Really enjoyed this one - brought memories back of how bad school could be but that's another story. An underrated author.
Loved the Audio.
Loved the Audio.
March 6, 2019
4.5 stars.. another good read from Radley.
February 27, 2019
Another great, feel-good, funny, and sweet stand-alone romance by A. E. Radley.
February 25, 2019
When i saw this book appear at Kobo Plus i had to download it. I’m a fan of A.E. Radley books. This book didn’t disappoint. I loved Rosie from the first lines of this book, what a smart funny little girl. The love off Hannah for her very smart daughter was so present. And than Miss Spencer, Rosie new teacher, makes the little family with Hannah and Rosie compleet. I really loved this book. And kudos for teachers who care!
October 9, 2024
4.5⭐
I really enjoyed it!
My enjoyment kinda died down in the last 20%.
I just hoped for something a little different.
The book could've also been a bit longer, since everything happened so extremely fast.
I did really like the characters, especially Alice.
The writing was great and I finished the book in a day, which definitely doesn't happen often.
Excited to read more books by the author.
I really enjoyed it!
My enjoyment kinda died down in the last 20%.
I just hoped for something a little different.
The book could've also been a bit longer, since everything happened so extremely fast.
I did really like the characters, especially Alice.
The writing was great and I finished the book in a day, which definitely doesn't happen often.
Excited to read more books by the author.
September 20, 2019
A sweet story!!
May 29, 2019
Every time I get a new book by A. E. Radley I am so excited to see what wonderful story she has penned for us, and I am never disappointed – this has not changed!
However…
I don’t think I was emotionally ready for Second Chances!
This is A. E. Radley’s best book to date!
From the moment I started that very first chapter I knew I was in love with this story. The introduction of single mum Hannah Hall, and her adorable daughter Rosie was very endearing. It instantly concreated an interest in them for me, and I couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the pages held in relation to their story.
When she meets Rosie’s teacher Miss Spencer, things get interesting.
In true A. E. Radley style she slowly builds the relationship between the two women, keeping a certain level of mystery and tension about them as they work through friendship to feelings. Each moment had me racing to the next chapter. I was completely addicted and really couldn’t but the book down no matter how hard I tried.
This amazing story is packed with drama and intense moments, but holds a lot of lessons and there are several morals to be learnt too. It is a beautiful story and very humble. As you get to know them, you discover each character is likeable in their own way, even the pesky ones. It was just such a relatable book, and Hannah I definitely identify with on some levels.
I will never forget the experience I had whilst reading this book, all I felt and thought about. It was absolutely brilliant and I highly recommend this story. It is truly beautiful and one you won’t want to miss reading.
However…
I don’t think I was emotionally ready for Second Chances!
This is A. E. Radley’s best book to date!
From the moment I started that very first chapter I knew I was in love with this story. The introduction of single mum Hannah Hall, and her adorable daughter Rosie was very endearing. It instantly concreated an interest in them for me, and I couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the pages held in relation to their story.
When she meets Rosie’s teacher Miss Spencer, things get interesting.
In true A. E. Radley style she slowly builds the relationship between the two women, keeping a certain level of mystery and tension about them as they work through friendship to feelings. Each moment had me racing to the next chapter. I was completely addicted and really couldn’t but the book down no matter how hard I tried.
This amazing story is packed with drama and intense moments, but holds a lot of lessons and there are several morals to be learnt too. It is a beautiful story and very humble. As you get to know them, you discover each character is likeable in their own way, even the pesky ones. It was just such a relatable book, and Hannah I definitely identify with on some levels.
I will never forget the experience I had whilst reading this book, all I felt and thought about. It was absolutely brilliant and I highly recommend this story. It is truly beautiful and one you won’t want to miss reading.
April 13, 2021
I’ve read a handful of books by Radley and I’ve enjoyed all of them, even with certain plot issues. This book is my favorite of hers so far though.
This book centers around three people: Hannah, her daughter Rosie, and Rosie’s teacher Alice. Alice is beginning her first year of school this year and Hannah is apprehensive. After a rough childhood and bad time at school she’s worried about how her daughter is going to handle going to school. Not that Rosie’s going to be bad at school rather that she’s going to excel. Hannah is terrified of Rosie being marked as “special” or “different” from her peers. Rosie is gifted though and Alice notices. She wants to help Rosie get the most out of school but is met with force by Hannah.
I loved all the characters in this book. The main characters, the supporting characters, even Alice’s students. Rosie was a charming kid even if I do have some difficulties believing that a child like her actually exists (at one point one of the character’s mentioned the 5-year-old helping with taxes or a checkbook or something like that) and I had to stretch my disbelief of her genius. Hannah is intense but ultimately wants the absolute best for her daughter. She’s written very sympathetically which helps when she jumps to conclusions or acts rashly. Alice is a dedicated teacher and, fictional character or not, she’s what I think all teachers should be like. She wants the best for all of her kids even if it means understanding a bully or using her own time and money to make the classroom better.
One of the things I especially loved about this book was how the topic of bullying was discussed. One of Alice’s kids, as well as several people Hannah went to school with, are considered bullies. Alice’s student was regarded with pity and well-deserved anger and annoyance but wasn’t treated poorly. The teacher acknowledged that a 5-year-old isn’t a bully just to be a bully, rather something else is going on. In Hannah’s case it’s mentioned that bullies often forget their actions and victims, but the victims internalize the situation and feel everything that happened to them.
I love how the relationship between the two characters progressed, even if it was a bit rushed. It was sweet and honest. After a misunderstanding something occurred that drew the two back together and they finally had to discuss their problems. The relationship wasn’t perfectly developed (time skips or more chapters might have helped make it feel more long-term and developed) but it was sweet, and I was invested in it.
I really loved this book and I’m very glad that I chose to purchase this book as I see it being a reread.
This book centers around three people: Hannah, her daughter Rosie, and Rosie’s teacher Alice. Alice is beginning her first year of school this year and Hannah is apprehensive. After a rough childhood and bad time at school she’s worried about how her daughter is going to handle going to school. Not that Rosie’s going to be bad at school rather that she’s going to excel. Hannah is terrified of Rosie being marked as “special” or “different” from her peers. Rosie is gifted though and Alice notices. She wants to help Rosie get the most out of school but is met with force by Hannah.
I loved all the characters in this book. The main characters, the supporting characters, even Alice’s students. Rosie was a charming kid even if I do have some difficulties believing that a child like her actually exists (at one point one of the character’s mentioned the 5-year-old helping with taxes or a checkbook or something like that) and I had to stretch my disbelief of her genius. Hannah is intense but ultimately wants the absolute best for her daughter. She’s written very sympathetically which helps when she jumps to conclusions or acts rashly. Alice is a dedicated teacher and, fictional character or not, she’s what I think all teachers should be like. She wants the best for all of her kids even if it means understanding a bully or using her own time and money to make the classroom better.
One of the things I especially loved about this book was how the topic of bullying was discussed. One of Alice’s kids, as well as several people Hannah went to school with, are considered bullies. Alice’s student was regarded with pity and well-deserved anger and annoyance but wasn’t treated poorly. The teacher acknowledged that a 5-year-old isn’t a bully just to be a bully, rather something else is going on. In Hannah’s case it’s mentioned that bullies often forget their actions and victims, but the victims internalize the situation and feel everything that happened to them.
I love how the relationship between the two characters progressed, even if it was a bit rushed. It was sweet and honest. After a misunderstanding something occurred that drew the two back together and they finally had to discuss their problems. The relationship wasn’t perfectly developed (time skips or more chapters might have helped make it feel more long-term and developed) but it was sweet, and I was invested in it.
I really loved this book and I’m very glad that I chose to purchase this book as I see it being a reread.
November 21, 2019
It’s an okay build up. We get to know the characters separately before seeing the build up to them as a couple. There’s the typical overreaction/misunderstanding and drama around 60-70% in. Nice ending. Radley is an okay ending but I’m always missing the good build up, the slow burn, the sexual tension. It feels like a superficial live story. Radley never really delves deep into the romance, never has any scenes over pg13. The stories end up feeling tame. Her books never really leave me smiling and aching for more. They’re a nice break when I need some easy lesfics in between my heavier reads, but not something that ends up staying with me
January 22, 2020
2.5 stars. I’m a huge A.E. Radley fan, but I’m afraid I just didn’t like this one. There is nothing wrong with it per se, but compared to her other offerings it just doesn’t come up to her usual standards. I’m also one of the probably rare breed that does not find it fun reading about cute children. That surely didn’t help matters. I listened to the Audiobook version and found the narration very good.
April 25, 2019
Just great
This is a very well written heartening love story. I enjoyed it very much.I liked th main characters very much. The were women any of us could be.people who have problems but came together to sort it out. There were enough twists and turns to make it interesting and thought provoking.I would highly recommend this book.
This is a very well written heartening love story. I enjoyed it very much.I liked th main characters very much. The were women any of us could be.people who have problems but came together to sort it out. There were enough twists and turns to make it interesting and thought provoking.I would highly recommend this book.
July 22, 2019
Enjoyable
March 4, 2019
I wish it was longer. I liked reading about the dynamic Rosie has with both her mother, Hannah and her teacher, Miss Spencer. As mundane as everyday routines go, I'd have liked to know how their little family managed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2019
Sweet
Sweet, romantic and well written. Hannah and Alice are charismatic, two women completely different that complement perfectly. Rosie is the star, a smart, tiny girl who will steal your heart. I loved and enjoyed it a lot.
Sweet, romantic and well written. Hannah and Alice are charismatic, two women completely different that complement perfectly. Rosie is the star, a smart, tiny girl who will steal your heart. I loved and enjoyed it a lot.
February 4, 2021
This is an absolute delight to read. Likeable characters, well-written, easy flow and sweet romance.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
March 18, 2019
Hannah is a single mom of a 5 year old girl in a small English town. Her daughter, who is exceptionally bright, begins school with a new teacher, Miss Spencer (Alice), a recent arrival in the town. After each acknowledges her attraction to the other, they begin dating. But Hannah's defensiveness and low opinion of herself, and Alice's anxieties, catch up with them, particularly when it becomes clear that Rosie, the daughter, is in need of individualized instruction that might set her apart from the other children, triggering a strong fear Hannah has based on her own childhood experience of being bullied.
In this book each character, but particularly Hannah, has an arc that they must get through in order to get to a happy ending. The first half of the book is incredibly engaging. I happen to be very interested in stories about exceptionally smart children and this book reminded me a bit of the film, Little Man Tate, especially during the first half.
While I thought the book was headed for a five star review, I realized as I completed it that there were a number of unclear or less credible plot points that got in the way. First, is Hannah's brother who owns the salon where she is employed. We know nothing about him except for his ability to joke with Hannah and at times to tell her what she needs to hear. Is he gay, straight, single, married? As Hannah recounts her sad childhood experiences to Alice toward the end of the book, you can't help but wonder how her brother experienced their family and whether he was a support to her. But the author never tells us. Second, the big plot crisis that occurs about 2/3 of the way in between Hannah and Alice didn't make sense. Why wouldn't Rosie have told Hannah what Alice had arranged for her studies, especially since Rosie is depicted as a child who is quite verbose, almost to the point of having no filter?
I wish these important plot points had been better dealt with by the author. A good beta reader would have caught both. So it's 4 stars for what could have been a 5 star book.
In this book each character, but particularly Hannah, has an arc that they must get through in order to get to a happy ending. The first half of the book is incredibly engaging. I happen to be very interested in stories about exceptionally smart children and this book reminded me a bit of the film, Little Man Tate, especially during the first half.
While I thought the book was headed for a five star review, I realized as I completed it that there were a number of unclear or less credible plot points that got in the way. First, is Hannah's brother who owns the salon where she is employed. We know nothing about him except for his ability to joke with Hannah and at times to tell her what she needs to hear. Is he gay, straight, single, married? As Hannah recounts her sad childhood experiences to Alice toward the end of the book, you can't help but wonder how her brother experienced their family and whether he was a support to her. But the author never tells us. Second, the big plot crisis that occurs about 2/3 of the way in between Hannah and Alice didn't make sense. Why wouldn't Rosie have told Hannah what Alice had arranged for her studies, especially since Rosie is depicted as a child who is quite verbose, almost to the point of having no filter?
I wish these important plot points had been better dealt with by the author. A good beta reader would have caught both. So it's 4 stars for what could have been a 5 star book.
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