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Seashell Harbor #3
The Summer of Second Chances
In this heartwarming romance, summertime in a small seaside town brings one woman an unexpected second chance with the first man to melt her heart.
After spending the last few years beating cancer, author Darla Manning is ready for a fresh start—she’s already got a new teaching position in California for the fall. But first, she has some loose ends to tie up over the summer, like finishing her latest novel and selling her oceanfront home. Darla doesn’t expect her ex-husband, contractor Nick Cammareri, to top her list of unfinished business. He was only supposed to do a few quick renovation jobs around the house, not temporarily move in and stir up feelings she thought were long gone.
While Darla tries to focus on making the most of her last Seashell Harbor summer, she can’t help noticing how much Nick has changed. Her immature-but-seriously-cute high school sweetheart is now a motivated-and-seriously-sexy man who’s earning his MBA and running the family business. Plus, he seems determined to make her remember how—and why—they first fell in love. Darla believed moving on meant moving away, but could her hometown hold the key to a new beginning for her . . . with Nick?
After spending the last few years beating cancer, author Darla Manning is ready for a fresh start—she’s already got a new teaching position in California for the fall. But first, she has some loose ends to tie up over the summer, like finishing her latest novel and selling her oceanfront home. Darla doesn’t expect her ex-husband, contractor Nick Cammareri, to top her list of unfinished business. He was only supposed to do a few quick renovation jobs around the house, not temporarily move in and stir up feelings she thought were long gone.
While Darla tries to focus on making the most of her last Seashell Harbor summer, she can’t help noticing how much Nick has changed. Her immature-but-seriously-cute high school sweetheart is now a motivated-and-seriously-sexy man who’s earning his MBA and running the family business. Plus, he seems determined to make her remember how—and why—they first fell in love. Darla believed moving on meant moving away, but could her hometown hold the key to a new beginning for her . . . with Nick?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2023
29 people are currently reading
11309 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Liasson
22 books3,103 followersMiranda Liasson is a bestselling author who writes about the important relationships in women’s lives. Her heartwarming and humorous romances have won numerous accolades and have been praised by Entertainment Weekly for the way she “deals with so much of what makes life hard . . . without ever losing the warmth and heart that characterize her writing.”
A proud native of Northeast Ohio, she and her husband live in a neighborhood of old homes that serve as inspiration for her books. She is very proud of her three young adult children. And though every day she thinks about getting a dog, she fears a writer’s life may bore the poor animal to tears. When she’s not writing or enjoying books herself, she can be found biking along the old Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath trails in the beautiful Ohio MetroParks.
Miranda loves to hear from readers!
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April 4, 2023I loved writing this story about the last of three best friends who grew up together in a seaside beach town. Darla is the “tough friend,” the one who has survived cancer, who is a bestselling author, and who seems to have it all together - on the outside, that is. But success and a beachside mansion don’t bring happiness – and surviving cancer doesn’t necessarily mean that she is living her life to the fullest. And oh boy, does she have quite a summer ahead as she can’t avoid her oh-so-sexy (and now, far more mature) contractor ex as they join together to help to plan their best friends’ upcoming wedding. I hope you enjoy this last book of the 3 friends in the Seashell Harbor series. I hated saying farewell to them, but I loved their happy endings, and I hope that you will too!
July 16, 2023
Darla Manning has beaten cancer and has decided to start anew. She has obtained a teaching position in California for the fall so it's time to wrap things up in her hometown. She needs to find a buyer for her home, finish her next book, and somehow tell all the people in her life she is moving away. She gets a shock when she returns home to start handling everything and finds her ex-husband in her home. He was only suppose to do a few fixes around her home seems to have added onto that list. It also looks as if he is staying there. Darla loved Nick but the two didn't communicate well which ended in them getting divorced. She soon realizes the man she new is no longer, Nick has changed and for the better. Follow along as Darla begins to doubt up ending her life and starting over, is there still something between her and Nick or should she just move on without looking back?
May 17, 2023
I received a free copy of, The Summer of Second Chances, b y Miranda Liasson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Darla is a warrior, a cancer survivor, and an author, looking for a second chance at life and a relaxing summer. It must be so hard, after getting the all clear on cancer in your body but then always wondering and worrying if it will come back. Darla is a great character so strong and honest. I really enjoyed this book, on a sensitive subject, but one that should be talked and read about.
July 11, 2023
2.5 rounded up.
Darla Manning has officially survived cancer and is back in her home town helping her ex-husband, Nick, plan the perfect backyard beach wedding for their best friends. Nick knows he failed Darla in their marriage and is determined to remind her of their love story and show her that he will never leave her side again. Darla is hesitant as she is constantly reminded of the heartache following their divorce and also doesn’t want to burden anyone, especially Nick, with her constant follow-ups and tests that are required often while in remission. Can she find a way to give Nick a second chance and allow him to be there for her for better or worse?
Okay - I loved the beach setting and small town vibes, but I honestly had a very hard time connecting to this book otherwise. I didn’t like the characters, especially Darla, which obviously made it a struggle for me since she was the MC. I also found the writing very repetitive at times and the middle of the book seemed to drag on way longer than I think it should have. After the third time the same scenario happened, I found myself doing an eye roll and just getting frustrated, rapidly turning pages so that I could move on to my next read. While I did enjoy the ending, the story as a whole fell flat for me and I personally wouldn’t recommend 😕.
Thank you NetGalley, Forever Pub and Miranda Liasson for a #gifted ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Darla Manning has officially survived cancer and is back in her home town helping her ex-husband, Nick, plan the perfect backyard beach wedding for their best friends. Nick knows he failed Darla in their marriage and is determined to remind her of their love story and show her that he will never leave her side again. Darla is hesitant as she is constantly reminded of the heartache following their divorce and also doesn’t want to burden anyone, especially Nick, with her constant follow-ups and tests that are required often while in remission. Can she find a way to give Nick a second chance and allow him to be there for her for better or worse?
Okay - I loved the beach setting and small town vibes, but I honestly had a very hard time connecting to this book otherwise. I didn’t like the characters, especially Darla, which obviously made it a struggle for me since she was the MC. I also found the writing very repetitive at times and the middle of the book seemed to drag on way longer than I think it should have. After the third time the same scenario happened, I found myself doing an eye roll and just getting frustrated, rapidly turning pages so that I could move on to my next read. While I did enjoy the ending, the story as a whole fell flat for me and I personally wouldn’t recommend 😕.
Thank you NetGalley, Forever Pub and Miranda Liasson for a #gifted ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2023
A heartwarming story about a Darla who is a cancer survivor. I really liked Darla….she tries to be strong with all she has gone through.
Loved the journey Darla and Nick went through getting back to each other.
Getting a second chance at life is the theme of this story.
Heartwarming read for summer reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Loved the journey Darla and Nick went through getting back to each other.
Getting a second chance at life is the theme of this story.
Heartwarming read for summer reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 12, 2023
"The Summer of Second Chances" weaves together the lives of Darla, a cancer survivor struggling to find her footing, and Nick, her devoted ex-husband who never stopped loving her.
One of the book's strengths lies in its portrayal of Darla's emotional journey. Darla's battle with cancer has left her physically scarred, but it is her emotional scars that run the deepest. Although she has conquered the disease, she finds herself merely existing rather than truly living. As a result, Darla's relationship with Nick, who remains deeply in love with her, suffers under the weight of her emotional turmoil.
Nick, as the unwavering and patient ex-husband, serves as a stabilizing force throughout the narrative. His love for Darla shines through, and his determination to help her find happiness is endearing. The dynamics between Darla and Nick are well-developed, and the glimpses into their shared past add depth to their relationship.
However, despite the promising premise, the execution falls somewhat short. The pacing of the story feels uneven,. The middle section dragged and I found myself skimming. The end was wrapped up too neatly and too quickly.
"The Summer of Second Chances" presents the profound impact that illness and personal struggles can have on relationships and the power of second chances. While the book falls short in terms of pacing, it still manages to deliver moments of emotional depth and relatable experiences.
Thank you NetGalley, Forever Pub and Miranda Liasson for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
One of the book's strengths lies in its portrayal of Darla's emotional journey. Darla's battle with cancer has left her physically scarred, but it is her emotional scars that run the deepest. Although she has conquered the disease, she finds herself merely existing rather than truly living. As a result, Darla's relationship with Nick, who remains deeply in love with her, suffers under the weight of her emotional turmoil.
Nick, as the unwavering and patient ex-husband, serves as a stabilizing force throughout the narrative. His love for Darla shines through, and his determination to help her find happiness is endearing. The dynamics between Darla and Nick are well-developed, and the glimpses into their shared past add depth to their relationship.
However, despite the promising premise, the execution falls somewhat short. The pacing of the story feels uneven,. The middle section dragged and I found myself skimming. The end was wrapped up too neatly and too quickly.
"The Summer of Second Chances" presents the profound impact that illness and personal struggles can have on relationships and the power of second chances. While the book falls short in terms of pacing, it still manages to deliver moments of emotional depth and relatable experiences.
Thank you NetGalley, Forever Pub and Miranda Liasson for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 17, 2023
I’ve read the previous two books and have been waiting for the conclusion to the Seashell Harbor series. This can be read as a stand alone as there is some recapping of the two best friends romances and how they all tie together. Darla Manning returns to Seashell Harbor after a year away as a guest teacher at Stanford. She is a very successful suspense novelist and has been very driven and focused on her career. Her life long best friends are coupled up and are disappointed hearing she isn’t coming home for good. But no one is more surprised that her ex husband Nick Cammareri.
Nick is the charming, handsome flirt he has always been. But now he is more settled and secure in the construction company he runs alongside his dad. Nick and Darla were high school sweethearts who married young and they have been divorced for a decade. Besides her career Darla is also a cancer survivor and that storyline becomes a big part of the narrative.
I knew this was going to be a second chance romance as the two have been featured in the previous books. Nick isn’t my favorite type of romantic lead. He’s too hot and charming for his own good. The storyline takes place in a rushed two week period while the friends prepare for wedding of the first couple (Nick’s brother). I’d pause now and then to think all this happens in X days so far. But I went with the flow. Cleary the two still have feelings for each other and the one thing that I didn’t think gets addressed is the original reasons for the marriage to fail. There are moments things are brought up but it is all too easily dismissed as we were young or his womanizing was fine because he was trying to move forward. (It doesn’t address his dislike of her work ethic or the success it brought.) I did like the cancer storyline and thought it was important and not just filler to give drama to a fairly safe story.
Overall I am happy with the book and series although I personally wanted something more from Darla because she has been one of my favorite characters throughout the series. I did love the great grandmother ring storyline that is part of the novels. The girlfriends take turns wearing a ring and that is when they find romance. The author keeps intimacy off the page and she is good at building tension without being descriptive. I’m already a couple of books into the authors Blossom Glen series so I will be on the look out for the next adventure there.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Nick is the charming, handsome flirt he has always been. But now he is more settled and secure in the construction company he runs alongside his dad. Nick and Darla were high school sweethearts who married young and they have been divorced for a decade. Besides her career Darla is also a cancer survivor and that storyline becomes a big part of the narrative.
I knew this was going to be a second chance romance as the two have been featured in the previous books. Nick isn’t my favorite type of romantic lead. He’s too hot and charming for his own good. The storyline takes place in a rushed two week period while the friends prepare for wedding of the first couple (Nick’s brother). I’d pause now and then to think all this happens in X days so far. But I went with the flow. Cleary the two still have feelings for each other and the one thing that I didn’t think gets addressed is the original reasons for the marriage to fail. There are moments things are brought up but it is all too easily dismissed as we were young or his womanizing was fine because he was trying to move forward. (It doesn’t address his dislike of her work ethic or the success it brought.) I did like the cancer storyline and thought it was important and not just filler to give drama to a fairly safe story.
Overall I am happy with the book and series although I personally wanted something more from Darla because she has been one of my favorite characters throughout the series. I did love the great grandmother ring storyline that is part of the novels. The girlfriends take turns wearing a ring and that is when they find romance. The author keeps intimacy off the page and she is good at building tension without being descriptive. I’m already a couple of books into the authors Blossom Glen series so I will be on the look out for the next adventure there.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
March 7, 2024
After spending the last few years beating cancer, author Darla is ready for a fresh start—she’s already got a new teaching position in California for the fall. But first, she has some loose ends to tie up over the summer, like finishing her latest novel and selling her oceanfront home. Darla doesn’t expect her ex-husband, contractor Nick, to top her list of unfinished business. He was only supposed to do a few quick renovation jobs around the house, not temporarily move in and stir up feelings she thought were long gone.
A perfect beachside read, this book was wholesome, soft, and enticing.
Along with a second chance romance for Darla & Nick, this story deals with what's around them and how they deal with everything while giving each other another chance. I absolutely loved the setting of this book. The descriptions of the place were satisfying that I could absolutely imagine the scenery. And I love when books do that, especially for small towns or Harborside.
While it dealt with a heavier topic, the author made sure to put it lightly with lots of care. Definitely a summer read!
A perfect beachside read, this book was wholesome, soft, and enticing.
Along with a second chance romance for Darla & Nick, this story deals with what's around them and how they deal with everything while giving each other another chance. I absolutely loved the setting of this book. The descriptions of the place were satisfying that I could absolutely imagine the scenery. And I love when books do that, especially for small towns or Harborside.
While it dealt with a heavier topic, the author made sure to put it lightly with lots of care. Definitely a summer read!
July 13, 2023
The summer of second chances.
My miranda liasson
The perfect ending to a wonderful series.
Darla,
Has come home to sea shell harbor for her friends wedding, But a surprise is awaiting her. One she wasn't expecting. Sometimes those surprises can turn out to be more than you was inspecting..
Darla Has gotten through some tough times of her own.. And being a Author. She's had a lot going on.. But being there for her friends is her main goal. And then leaving to go home to california.. soon.
Nick,
Darla Ex Would love to have her back in his life. Willing to do whatever it takes.. But not sure how much he will have to do.. To find the right key to get darla back. Will love win in the End.
Will darla and nick have that second chance romance. Only way to find out pick up a copy of this wonderful Book. I really enjoyed it this book and the two previous books. However this one could be read as a standalone I feel.
Thank you Miranda Liasson for another wonderful story..
My miranda liasson
The perfect ending to a wonderful series.
Darla,
Has come home to sea shell harbor for her friends wedding, But a surprise is awaiting her. One she wasn't expecting. Sometimes those surprises can turn out to be more than you was inspecting..
Darla Has gotten through some tough times of her own.. And being a Author. She's had a lot going on.. But being there for her friends is her main goal. And then leaving to go home to california.. soon.
Nick,
Darla Ex Would love to have her back in his life. Willing to do whatever it takes.. But not sure how much he will have to do.. To find the right key to get darla back. Will love win in the End.
Will darla and nick have that second chance romance. Only way to find out pick up a copy of this wonderful Book. I really enjoyed it this book and the two previous books. However this one could be read as a standalone I feel.
Thank you Miranda Liasson for another wonderful story..
September 18, 2023
I like the book, but it took me a while to get into it. I think that cancer survivors should be recognized more for what they went through. This book seems to explain a bit of it helps people to understand what survivors have to go through. It is so good to hear about best friends journey through life together. I unfortunately have lost two best friends so this really hits home.
July 11, 2023
Darla Manning has returned to Seashell Harbor to help one of her BFFs to get ready for their wedding, with the help of their friends and one who is Darla’s ex-husband Nick, they band together to make it the best wedding ever. Darla has survived cancer so she can survive this summer being around Nick. He is determined to show Darla that they still love one another and he will do anything to have her back in his life. Darla since her cancer and now with another scare, has always gone it alone. She does not want to have Nick back in her life only to lose him if the outcome of her test is not what she wants to hear. She does not want him to be with her just because she has cancer. Will Darla be able to resist Nick, because yes, she still loves him or will she be brave and let him in. Can her heart take this chance on him again...
I will admit it took me a little while to get into this story. I think it was because there was so much back story between Nick and Darla and a lot going on with the friends and family. Once I got into the story, I could not put it down. I could relate so much to Darla, and how you want to do things on your own. But fight for what you want. What is not to love about a man who is fixing up your house so you can sell it and move back to California and buy her ancestors house and fix it up for her too. Nick is every girls dream guy. I loved him and how he fought to win Darla back. There are lots of moments in this book where you are going to be grabbling for the tissue box and then laugh out loud at kids and dogs and moments on the beach. This has been a wonderful series to read and I'm sad it’s the last in the series. It was full of HEA.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
I will admit it took me a little while to get into this story. I think it was because there was so much back story between Nick and Darla and a lot going on with the friends and family. Once I got into the story, I could not put it down. I could relate so much to Darla, and how you want to do things on your own. But fight for what you want. What is not to love about a man who is fixing up your house so you can sell it and move back to California and buy her ancestors house and fix it up for her too. Nick is every girls dream guy. I loved him and how he fought to win Darla back. There are lots of moments in this book where you are going to be grabbling for the tissue box and then laugh out loud at kids and dogs and moments on the beach. This has been a wonderful series to read and I'm sad it’s the last in the series. It was full of HEA.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
July 14, 2023
Miranda Liasson
The Summer of Second Chances
Darla has come home to sell her house. She also came home to her best friends wedding. She came home as an other and another surprise. More surprises keep showing up. She has gone through and she did it all alone. Darla has become an author who writes Thrillers. After fighting cancer the past few years Darla is ready for something new. Nick is a seriously sexy man. That has matured and
Nick has been working on getting a MBA. He also has been working with the family business. But when he see Darla he can't forget that he still loves! He has a second chance to remind her why they fell in love in high school.
To find out how things are going to end if
Darla can trust and open up her heart to her friends and family? Can she take down the walls and let Nick in?
Darla and Nick make a future together?
This is another fabulous story that has match the couples together perfectly.
I love Miranda's way of making the story to follow.
The Summer of Second Chances
Darla has come home to sell her house. She also came home to her best friends wedding. She came home as an other and another surprise. More surprises keep showing up. She has gone through and she did it all alone. Darla has become an author who writes Thrillers. After fighting cancer the past few years Darla is ready for something new. Nick is a seriously sexy man. That has matured and
Nick has been working on getting a MBA. He also has been working with the family business. But when he see Darla he can't forget that he still loves! He has a second chance to remind her why they fell in love in high school.
To find out how things are going to end if
Darla can trust and open up her heart to her friends and family? Can she take down the walls and let Nick in?
Darla and Nick make a future together?
This is another fabulous story that has match the couples together perfectly.
I love Miranda's way of making the story to follow.
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January 30, 2023I loved writing this story about the last of three best friends who grew up together in a seaside beach town. Darla is the “tough friend,” the one who has survived cancer, who is a bestselling author, and who seems to have it all together - on the outside, that is. But success and a beachside mansion don’t bring happiness – and surviving cancer doesn’t necessarily mean that she is living her life to the fullest. And oh boy, does she have quite a summer ahead as she can’t avoid her oh-so-sexy (and now, far more mature) contractor ex as they join together to help to plan their best friends’ upcoming wedding. I hope you enjoy this last book of the 3 friends in the Seashell Harbor series. I hated saying farewell to them, but I loved their happy endings, and I hope that you will too!
August 29, 2023
This was a touching story that brought out a whirlwind of emotions in me. This is a solid four-star read that beautifully explores themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances.
At its core, the novel follows Darla Manning, a cancer survivor who radiates resilience and strength. Her journey through illness has left a mark, not just physically but emotionally as well. The book delves into the challenges of life post-cancer, addressing the reality of continuous tests and follow-ups. The author's portrayal of Darla's journey resonates authentically, touching upon the blend of hope and trepidation that characterizes life after such a profound experience.
Darla's dynamic with her ex-husband, Nick Cammareri, forms the heart of the narrative. Forced to work together on their best friends' summer wedding, they are confronted with the past and the emotions that still linger between them. Nick's determination to show Darla that he's changed and is committed to being there for her creates a poignant layer of tension and hope. The development of their relationship is tenderly portrayed, showcasing their struggles and growth as they navigate forgiveness and trust.
The backdrop of the quaint Victorian beach town adds charm to the story, and the wedding festivities provide a wonderful setting for the characters to evolve. The progression of Darla and Nick's journey is accompanied by glimpses into their shared history, which adds depth and context to their current dynamic. This interweaving of past and present showcases the complexity of their emotions and makes their story all the more compelling.
As Darla faces a test scare and other hidden truths come to light, the tension and uncertainty kept me eagerly turning pages. The resolution felt satisfying and realistic, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and resilience.
This story reminds us of the power of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption. Darla and Nick's journey is relatable and emotionally resonant, drawing readers into their world of love, healing, and the pursuit of a brighter future. If you're a fan of stories that tug at the heartstrings and explore the complexities of human relationships, this book is well worth your time.
این یک داستان تاثیرگذار بود که طوفانی از احساسات را در من به وجود آورد. این یک کتاب چهار ستاره محکم است که به زیبایی مضامین عشق، بخشش و فرصت های دوم را بررسی می کند.
در هسته خود، این رمان به دنبال دارلا منینگ است، یک نجات یافته از سرطان که تاب آوری و قدرت را می تاباند. سفر او از طریق بیماری نه تنها از نظر جسمی بلکه از نظر احساسی نیز اثری از خود بر جای گذاشته است. این کتاب به چالشهای زندگی پس از سرطان میپردازد و به واقعیت آزمایشها و پیگیریهای مداوم میپردازد. تصویر نویسنده از سفر دارلا به طور واقعی طنین انداز است و بر آمیزه ای از امید و ترس که مشخصه زندگی پس از چنین تجربه عمیقی است، دست می زند.
پویایی دارلا با همسر سابقش، نیک کامارری، قلب روایت را تشکیل می دهد. آنها مجبور می شوند در مراسم عروسی تابستانی بهترین دوستانشان با هم همکاری کنند، آنها با گذشته و احساساتی که هنوز بین آنها وجود دارد روبرو می شوند. عزم نیک برای نشان دادن به دارلا که تغییر کرده است و متعهد است که در کنار او باشد، لایهای از تنش و امید ایجاد میکند. توسعه روابط آنها با ملایمت به تصویر کشیده می شود و مبارزات و رشد آنها را در حالی که بخشش و اعتماد را هدایت می کنند نشان می دهد.
پسزمینه شهر ساحلی ویکتوریایی جذاب به داستان میافزاید و جشن عروسی محیطی فوقالعاده برای تکامل شخصیتها فراهم میکند. پیشرفت سفر دارلا و نیک با نگاهی اجمالی به تاریخ مشترک آنها همراه است که به پویایی فعلی آنها عمق و زمینه می بخشد. این درهم آمیختگی گذشته و حال، پیچیدگی احساسات آنها را به نمایش می گذارد و داستان آنها را جذاب تر می کند.
همانطور که دارلا با ترس آزمایشی روبرو می شود و حقایق پنهان دیگری آشکار می شود، تنش و عدم اطمینان باعث شد مشتاقانه ورق بزنم. این قطعنامه رضایتبخش و واقعبینانه بود و ماهیت آسیبپذیری و انعطافپذیری انسان را به تصویر کشید.
این داستان ما را به یاد قدرت بخشش و امکان رستگاری می اندازد. سفر دارلا و نیک قابل ارتباط و از نظر احساسی طنین انداز است، و خوانندگان را به دنیای عشق، شفا، و دنبال کردن آینده ای روشن تر می کشاند. اگر از طرفداران داستان هایی هستید که ریسمان های قلب را می کشند و پیچیدگی های روابط انسانی را بررسی می کنند، این کتاب ارزش وقت گذاشتن را دارد.
July 13, 2023
The Summer of Second Chances is the final book in Miranda Liasson’s Seashell Harbor series and it is an emotional and heartfelt story of two people finding their way back to one another. It’s always difficult when two people have divorced, but have never been able to get the other person completely out of their system or their life, and for this couple it’s been ten years since their divorce and many changes in their lives.
High school sweethearts Nick and Darla married young and while Darla had goals and aspirations of doing big things with her life, Nick felt stuck in their small hometown working for his father while his big brother was out playing in the NFL. As Darla worked day and night to make her dream of becoming a published author come true, they grew apart and their relationship fell apart. Nick’s biggest regret was not fighting for their marriage and Darla when she served him with divorce papers especially after she was diagnosed with cancer and refused to let him help her through it. When Darla returns from a year teaching a college course in California, she intends to sell her house and accept the full time job she was offered there. But one of her best friends announces she is getting married in 2 weeks, her other best friend is acting a bit strange, and Nick….Nick is there remodeling her bathroom and being all kinds of wonderful.
I liked both these characters well enough but I will also admit I grew very weary of Darla’s “have to do everything on my own” attitude. There is being strong and there is being stubborn and she was the latter. I get that having cancer changes a person and their outlook on life, and it didn’t help that Darla’s mother was very anti-men and stressed to her girls they had to be strong and self sufficient and there is nothing wrong with that except when it makes you refuse help from people who love you and hurt them in the process. I felt Nick had to work and try way too hard to show Darla that he was not the same man she divorced. It was obvious in everything he did that he was settled, capable, and mostly satisfied with every part of his life. He still felt that his dad didn’t trust him enough to take over the business despite everything he’d done to make it more successful than it had ever been, and I felt that not having that acceptance and Darla not trusting him enough to carry her load really affected him more than anyone realized. The thing is he didn’t give up; he just kept showing up each and every day in both his business life and his private life and I really admired that about him.
Darla’s friendship with Hadley and Kit was one of my favorite thing about this series and Darla reaching out and making friends with a young cancer patient and helping her to not make the same mistakes she did showed me she was learning to let others share her load, I just wish we would have seen more of it.
Ms. Liasson did a wonderful job of wrapping this series up including giving readers the final piece of the puzzle about Darla’s ancestor’s home and relationship. A wonderful, thought-provoking story filled with love and compassion, The Summer of Second Chances is a not to be missed summer romance.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
High school sweethearts Nick and Darla married young and while Darla had goals and aspirations of doing big things with her life, Nick felt stuck in their small hometown working for his father while his big brother was out playing in the NFL. As Darla worked day and night to make her dream of becoming a published author come true, they grew apart and their relationship fell apart. Nick’s biggest regret was not fighting for their marriage and Darla when she served him with divorce papers especially after she was diagnosed with cancer and refused to let him help her through it. When Darla returns from a year teaching a college course in California, she intends to sell her house and accept the full time job she was offered there. But one of her best friends announces she is getting married in 2 weeks, her other best friend is acting a bit strange, and Nick….Nick is there remodeling her bathroom and being all kinds of wonderful.
I liked both these characters well enough but I will also admit I grew very weary of Darla’s “have to do everything on my own” attitude. There is being strong and there is being stubborn and she was the latter. I get that having cancer changes a person and their outlook on life, and it didn’t help that Darla’s mother was very anti-men and stressed to her girls they had to be strong and self sufficient and there is nothing wrong with that except when it makes you refuse help from people who love you and hurt them in the process. I felt Nick had to work and try way too hard to show Darla that he was not the same man she divorced. It was obvious in everything he did that he was settled, capable, and mostly satisfied with every part of his life. He still felt that his dad didn’t trust him enough to take over the business despite everything he’d done to make it more successful than it had ever been, and I felt that not having that acceptance and Darla not trusting him enough to carry her load really affected him more than anyone realized. The thing is he didn’t give up; he just kept showing up each and every day in both his business life and his private life and I really admired that about him.
Darla’s friendship with Hadley and Kit was one of my favorite thing about this series and Darla reaching out and making friends with a young cancer patient and helping her to not make the same mistakes she did showed me she was learning to let others share her load, I just wish we would have seen more of it.
Ms. Liasson did a wonderful job of wrapping this series up including giving readers the final piece of the puzzle about Darla’s ancestor’s home and relationship. A wonderful, thought-provoking story filled with love and compassion, The Summer of Second Chances is a not to be missed summer romance.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
July 8, 2023
Everyone deserves a second chance at love and life. You would think that Darla Manning would embrace the fact that she has been given a second chance at life after a cancer scare. However, Darla is a fiercely independent woman. She is a successful novelist who is driven by her career and has closed herself off to any hint of a relationship because she feels that no man should be asked to live with the mere threat of a possibility of a return of cancer. Her independence and stubbornness has caused her to erect walls around herself. She is living, but she is not truly living. She has settled. She is successful and has great friends, but something is missing in her life.
When she returns back to her home with intentions of closing the book, so to speak, on her life there, she finds that her ex-husband, Nick Cammareri, has taken up residence in her home doing wonderful renovations to the home. Nick has never gotten over the love of his life, Darla. He knows he was immature when they were married, but he has matured and made something of himself in the years since the divorce, and he is determined to win Darla's affection.
This is a poignant tale of love lost, fear of the unknown and learning to allow others in. I love the banter between the three best friends and Darla's sister. These ladies have some history together. They are together to prepare and celebrate the nuptials of Hadley and Tony (Tony is Nick's brother). The characters were such great friends and truly loved one another. This was a nostalgic novel of friendship at its finest, and a sweet second chance romance. I loved the character of Nick. He gave of himself straight from the heart. He was a man's man, but he was not afraid to show emotion and was so incredibly thoughtful. Can you say dream guy? I also felt such empathy for the character of Darla. She was a fine lady, but she had allowed the scars of her past to hinder her future happiness. This was a sweet romance written by a rich storyteller. The portions of the book about her cancer were written on a deep emotional level. which will tug on your heart strings. There was also a particularly funny moment in the book when Darla is babysitting her sister's children. It was a well placed humorous moment showing the antics of children and caused me to laugh out loud.
I could write all day about how much I loved this book. I loved it that much. You can never go wrong with a book penned by Miranda Liasson.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When she returns back to her home with intentions of closing the book, so to speak, on her life there, she finds that her ex-husband, Nick Cammareri, has taken up residence in her home doing wonderful renovations to the home. Nick has never gotten over the love of his life, Darla. He knows he was immature when they were married, but he has matured and made something of himself in the years since the divorce, and he is determined to win Darla's affection.
This is a poignant tale of love lost, fear of the unknown and learning to allow others in. I love the banter between the three best friends and Darla's sister. These ladies have some history together. They are together to prepare and celebrate the nuptials of Hadley and Tony (Tony is Nick's brother). The characters were such great friends and truly loved one another. This was a nostalgic novel of friendship at its finest, and a sweet second chance romance. I loved the character of Nick. He gave of himself straight from the heart. He was a man's man, but he was not afraid to show emotion and was so incredibly thoughtful. Can you say dream guy? I also felt such empathy for the character of Darla. She was a fine lady, but she had allowed the scars of her past to hinder her future happiness. This was a sweet romance written by a rich storyteller. The portions of the book about her cancer were written on a deep emotional level. which will tug on your heart strings. There was also a particularly funny moment in the book when Darla is babysitting her sister's children. It was a well placed humorous moment showing the antics of children and caused me to laugh out loud.
I could write all day about how much I loved this book. I loved it that much. You can never go wrong with a book penned by Miranda Liasson.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2023
Sometimes, couples who marry young go the distance. Other times, life's challenges send them in opposite directions. But occasionally, if they're lucky, they get a second chance with the one who never left their heart.
I've been waiting for this final chapter of Miranda Liasson's Seashell Harbor series since first meeting Nick and Darla in book one and it did not disappoint. I love when a couple gets a second chance to make better decisions. It's been ten years since Nick and Darla divorced. They've each moved on but as hard as they try the love that first flickered in grade school and matured in high school still simmers. They can't - really, they shouldn't - go back but Liasson gives them the chance to move forward, to create something new, something better.
Both Nick and Darla have significant emotional baggage to conquer before they can claim their second chance. The author guides them carefully through a series of emotional obstacles in their journey of growth. Nick, in particular, has evolved a great deal over the past decade. I enjoyed watching the "new and improved" man show through his actions - rather than words - how much he's matured. Darla, on the other hand, still has work to do. Her journey is one of fear, vulnerability, forgiveness, and acceptance. I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to move forward in life knowing the cancer you defeated has the ability to return at any time. There are many layers within Darla (broken family, trust issues, obsessive independence, fear) that are addressed with realistic and relatable compassion that drew me into her journey, cheering her on and feeling every emotion right alongside her.
Friendship is once again a key facet of this third Seashell Harbor book with both couples from books one and two front and center, lending support, offering unsolicited - but wise - advice, and showing, again, the importance of solid and unwavering friendship/family. While emotional topics are central to this book, rest assured you will find plenty of humor, endearing characters, poignant moments, hope, happiness, and romantic chemistry to keep it from becoming too heavy. Darla's young nieces and nephew, in particular, had me laughing out loud more than once. And, the sigh-worthy happy ending is a fitting farewell to a group of friends who captured my heart. You could enjoy The Summer of Second Chances as a standalone but I believe you'll have a much better understanding of the characters and deeper appreciation for their journeys if you read the three books in order.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.
I've been waiting for this final chapter of Miranda Liasson's Seashell Harbor series since first meeting Nick and Darla in book one and it did not disappoint. I love when a couple gets a second chance to make better decisions. It's been ten years since Nick and Darla divorced. They've each moved on but as hard as they try the love that first flickered in grade school and matured in high school still simmers. They can't - really, they shouldn't - go back but Liasson gives them the chance to move forward, to create something new, something better.
Both Nick and Darla have significant emotional baggage to conquer before they can claim their second chance. The author guides them carefully through a series of emotional obstacles in their journey of growth. Nick, in particular, has evolved a great deal over the past decade. I enjoyed watching the "new and improved" man show through his actions - rather than words - how much he's matured. Darla, on the other hand, still has work to do. Her journey is one of fear, vulnerability, forgiveness, and acceptance. I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to move forward in life knowing the cancer you defeated has the ability to return at any time. There are many layers within Darla (broken family, trust issues, obsessive independence, fear) that are addressed with realistic and relatable compassion that drew me into her journey, cheering her on and feeling every emotion right alongside her.
Friendship is once again a key facet of this third Seashell Harbor book with both couples from books one and two front and center, lending support, offering unsolicited - but wise - advice, and showing, again, the importance of solid and unwavering friendship/family. While emotional topics are central to this book, rest assured you will find plenty of humor, endearing characters, poignant moments, hope, happiness, and romantic chemistry to keep it from becoming too heavy. Darla's young nieces and nephew, in particular, had me laughing out loud more than once. And, the sigh-worthy happy ending is a fitting farewell to a group of friends who captured my heart. You could enjoy The Summer of Second Chances as a standalone but I believe you'll have a much better understanding of the characters and deeper appreciation for their journeys if you read the three books in order.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.
July 7, 2023
Darla and Nick’s story is a sweet, tender second chance at love romance. They were sweethearts who married young and divorced a few years later. In the decade since their divorce, neither have ever been able to really move on when it comes to relationships. Both still carry a torch for the other, but have never revealed those feelings to the other. In every other aspect of their lives, they have grown, matured and become successful in their professions. Their interactions have always been polite and respectful, but now Nick is determined to change things between them. He wants them to at least go back to being the good friends they used to be before they married, though he is hoping for much more. He finally feels worthy of her love and is willing to fight for it this time, instead of walking away in defeat like he did a decade ago. At the time, he felt trapped and unfulfilled when it came to his career as well as resentful for her growing success as an author. His resentment and anger only pushed her to work more and finally led to the end of their marriage. This time, he will fight for their love and a future together.
After working across the country for a year, Darla is now back in their home town. Her bout with cancer three years ago really brought home how short life can be. She has decided to finally get Nick out of heart and move on with life rather than to live life in limbo. To do that, she is going to sell her house, and take the job offered to her in California, even though it will be hard leaving her family and friends. Seeing Nick in her house doing repairs and renovations is bittersweet as is learning he wants to go back to being friends. Darla tries to keep him at a distance, but their friends conspire to help his cause by constantly throwing them together to complete tasks for a fast approaching wedding. She can see that he has changed, can even feel the return of the deep connection they once had, but an unexpected incident leads her to doubt this second chance. Will they confront their past, really communicate with each other and let go of their fears and doubts? Will they fight for their love?
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
After working across the country for a year, Darla is now back in their home town. Her bout with cancer three years ago really brought home how short life can be. She has decided to finally get Nick out of heart and move on with life rather than to live life in limbo. To do that, she is going to sell her house, and take the job offered to her in California, even though it will be hard leaving her family and friends. Seeing Nick in her house doing repairs and renovations is bittersweet as is learning he wants to go back to being friends. Darla tries to keep him at a distance, but their friends conspire to help his cause by constantly throwing them together to complete tasks for a fast approaching wedding. She can see that he has changed, can even feel the return of the deep connection they once had, but an unexpected incident leads her to doubt this second chance. Will they confront their past, really communicate with each other and let go of their fears and doubts? Will they fight for their love?
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
July 8, 2023
The Summer of Second Chances by Miranda Liasson, book three in her Seashell Harbor series is a wonderful, emotional tale for Darla and Nick; two people rediscovering each other after time apart and the new and different people they have become. The novel follows ex-spouses Darla and Nick as they navigate trying to help their friends get married in two weeks while also dealing with their complicated past and possibility of a future together.
Darla, a best-selling writer of suspense novels and cancer survivor, has just returned home from a year away in California. The last thing Darla expects to see is her ex-husband, Nick, in her home. She needs to sell the house so she can return to California for a full time teaching position and move on with her life. The last thing she needs is to have feelings for Nick surface. Her best friend is going to marry Nick’s brother in two weeks, and she and Nick are thrown together to help with the planning after all their plans fall through. Darla has a two week book deadline for a book she hasn’t written, helps with all the wedding stuff and spends a lot of time with Nick. Both Darla and Nick are struggling with their feelings. Neither stopped loving the other, and now those feelings are growing. Both Darla and Nick are no longer the same person they divorced after their tumultuous short marriage. With so much trying to keep her in Seashell Harbor, she is unsure if she can move away and make a new start.
Ms. Liasson wrote a romance with all the feels, that was sweet, emotional, electrifying, and should not be missed. This read was particularly emotional due to the complicated past between the two characters, Darla's previous battle with cancer and subsequent worry that it would return, and her helping another young cancer patient deal with her own trials with the disease. Filled with chemistry, good intentions, and a cast of secondary characters assisting Darla and Nick rediscover the love they both deserved. I highly recommend The Summer of Second Chances to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Darla, a best-selling writer of suspense novels and cancer survivor, has just returned home from a year away in California. The last thing Darla expects to see is her ex-husband, Nick, in her home. She needs to sell the house so she can return to California for a full time teaching position and move on with her life. The last thing she needs is to have feelings for Nick surface. Her best friend is going to marry Nick’s brother in two weeks, and she and Nick are thrown together to help with the planning after all their plans fall through. Darla has a two week book deadline for a book she hasn’t written, helps with all the wedding stuff and spends a lot of time with Nick. Both Darla and Nick are struggling with their feelings. Neither stopped loving the other, and now those feelings are growing. Both Darla and Nick are no longer the same person they divorced after their tumultuous short marriage. With so much trying to keep her in Seashell Harbor, she is unsure if she can move away and make a new start.
Ms. Liasson wrote a romance with all the feels, that was sweet, emotional, electrifying, and should not be missed. This read was particularly emotional due to the complicated past between the two characters, Darla's previous battle with cancer and subsequent worry that it would return, and her helping another young cancer patient deal with her own trials with the disease. Filled with chemistry, good intentions, and a cast of secondary characters assisting Darla and Nick rediscover the love they both deserved. I highly recommend The Summer of Second Chances to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 12, 2023
Let's start off this review with some love for the cover art. I just love this cover. It is telling me to move to the beach and I'm not a water baby.
Since we've known who this story was going to be about and we've meet them and have a bit of their story from the prior books there is no surprise that we are going to have a couple fall in love, again. The title kind of gave it away.
Even though we already have a clue about where the story is going, we don't mind because we already love the characters. Darla is a fighter. She has survived cancer and come out the other end with a pretty good life. Her only really big issue right now is trying to get away from an ex-husband that she's really in love with still but won't admit it. Even to herself.
I really like Darla, but I worried that the story was going to be about her over and over explaining how she's leaving. And yes you have some of that but you also get to watch these two fall in love all over again.
I'm glad that Nick has grown and finally become a man that Darla could love and want to be with. You get peeks of his love and maturity when you hear about him being there for Darla even though they are no longer together. We all need to time to grow and become the person we should be.
This is a good story and I really enjoyed their love. It's the perfect ending for them. The story is full of all the emotions you want in your romance. Yes this can be read as a standalone, but I will say I feel that the story would be better for the bits you get from the prior books. Plus you'll love these friends.
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ARC received for an honest review
July 13, 2023
The Summer of Second Chances is the third book in the Seashell Harbor series by Miranda Liasson, but it can definitely be read as a standalone if you haven't read the previous books.
Darla Manning has returned to Seashell Harbor after a year away guest teaching in California. She's also a successful suspense novelist who is working on her next book, but she's struggling with this one more than she ever has before. Her focus and drive the past decade has been on her career and when she tells her friends and family that her homecoming isn't for good like they thought, they are beyond surprised, that includes her ex-husband, Nick.
Nick Cammareri runs the family construction company along side his father for the time being. He's trying to get his Dad to retire and then he'll take it over for good, but he's not sure his Dad is ever going to be ready for that. Nick was never the one that wanted his marriage to Darla to end, so when she shows back up in town, and he knows he's going to be around her given all that's going on with their friend group, he's determined to figure out if things might not be as over between them as she once thought.
Besides the fact that her career drove a wedge between them, Darla also dealt with a cancer diagnosis after their marriage broke up. While she is in remission, she deals with the reality of her illness every day and how it could come back or there could be other complications. Could she ever saddle Nick with that regardless of how much they love one another?
I enjoy these types of stories because there is such a realistic base to them. The storyline focusing on Darla's illness, how she deals with her fears, the way she interacts with others who are facing the same illness, and also those in her family/friend group is what happens in real life and I think it's so important to shine a light on those things. This was a very well written book and it kept me engaged and entertained while also sharing important messages.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Darla Manning has returned to Seashell Harbor after a year away guest teaching in California. She's also a successful suspense novelist who is working on her next book, but she's struggling with this one more than she ever has before. Her focus and drive the past decade has been on her career and when she tells her friends and family that her homecoming isn't for good like they thought, they are beyond surprised, that includes her ex-husband, Nick.
Nick Cammareri runs the family construction company along side his father for the time being. He's trying to get his Dad to retire and then he'll take it over for good, but he's not sure his Dad is ever going to be ready for that. Nick was never the one that wanted his marriage to Darla to end, so when she shows back up in town, and he knows he's going to be around her given all that's going on with their friend group, he's determined to figure out if things might not be as over between them as she once thought.
Besides the fact that her career drove a wedge between them, Darla also dealt with a cancer diagnosis after their marriage broke up. While she is in remission, she deals with the reality of her illness every day and how it could come back or there could be other complications. Could she ever saddle Nick with that regardless of how much they love one another?
I enjoy these types of stories because there is such a realistic base to them. The storyline focusing on Darla's illness, how she deals with her fears, the way she interacts with others who are facing the same illness, and also those in her family/friend group is what happens in real life and I think it's so important to shine a light on those things. This was a very well written book and it kept me engaged and entertained while also sharing important messages.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
May 24, 2023
This is the last book in the Seashell Harbor trilogy. I have not read the first two novels, but I felt this one does well as a stand-alone reading.
Darla and Nick married young, but their combined immaturity and conflicting goals lead to the dissolution of their marriage. Subsequently, Darla became a successful novelist and Nick evolved into a well-respected contractor, revamping his father’s business, and moving it into a solid financial standing. Darla’s success was tempered by her diagnosis of Hodgkin’s disease, requiring a rigorous course of radiation and chemotherapy.
The story unfolds over a two-week period as Darla returns to Seashell Harbor from a year-long stint as a teacher on the west coast to attend a wedding and sell her home. Having been offered a permanent teaching position at the university, she is prepared to move on with her life. Only three problems stand in the way: an unfinished manuscript with a looming deadline; the specter of a recurrence of cancer; and her unresolved feelings for Nick. As the two reconnect, Darla struggles with the possibility of giving their relationship a second chance at happiness.
Per the author’s note, she consulted with friends who are cancer survivors. This is reflected in the compassionate and realistic approach to Darla’s fears and the ripple effect such a diagnosis has on friends and family. Darla is determined to move past being identified by her diagnosis to the point where she rebuffs all support from others. It was interesting to follow Darla’s journey back to trusting in herself and Nick.
I found the all the characters engaging, likeable and believable. This was an entertaining, and at times, thought-provoking read.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Darla and Nick married young, but their combined immaturity and conflicting goals lead to the dissolution of their marriage. Subsequently, Darla became a successful novelist and Nick evolved into a well-respected contractor, revamping his father’s business, and moving it into a solid financial standing. Darla’s success was tempered by her diagnosis of Hodgkin’s disease, requiring a rigorous course of radiation and chemotherapy.
The story unfolds over a two-week period as Darla returns to Seashell Harbor from a year-long stint as a teacher on the west coast to attend a wedding and sell her home. Having been offered a permanent teaching position at the university, she is prepared to move on with her life. Only three problems stand in the way: an unfinished manuscript with a looming deadline; the specter of a recurrence of cancer; and her unresolved feelings for Nick. As the two reconnect, Darla struggles with the possibility of giving their relationship a second chance at happiness.
Per the author’s note, she consulted with friends who are cancer survivors. This is reflected in the compassionate and realistic approach to Darla’s fears and the ripple effect such a diagnosis has on friends and family. Darla is determined to move past being identified by her diagnosis to the point where she rebuffs all support from others. It was interesting to follow Darla’s journey back to trusting in herself and Nick.
I found the all the characters engaging, likeable and believable. This was an entertaining, and at times, thought-provoking read.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
June 16, 2023
We are back in Seashell Harbor with another touching, at times heartbreaking story, in this wonderful series.
Darla Manning, a native of the town and a famous author, has overcome great obstacles, the greatest, beating cancer. She left for a year and now is back in town to close that chapter of her life before returning to California to teach.
Being in town she plans to finish her latest thriller and sell her home. Whom she never expected to see was her ex-husband, Nick Cammareri, who usually only restores old homes but is determined to make Darla’s place a beautiful home . He’s never stopped loving her, even if 10 years have gone by since the divorce . Even when she refused to see him during her cancer treatments.
Nick is no longer the young immature man who, at one time, resented working for his father. Nowadays, he’s a well respected contractor and businessman, one about to finish his MBA. All this making Darla see him with different eyes.
But she’s determined not to get close to anyone . The reason, her fear of getting the cancer again. A fear that has stopped her from truly embracing life .
As these two spend time together, will Darla realize that love is not only worth a second chance but also worth the risk? That life is to be lived at it’s fullest, especially with the one that loves your strength and independence?
This latest book brings the end to a sweet series that will be remember for a long time.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Forever. The opinions are solely my own.
Darla Manning, a native of the town and a famous author, has overcome great obstacles, the greatest, beating cancer. She left for a year and now is back in town to close that chapter of her life before returning to California to teach.
Being in town she plans to finish her latest thriller and sell her home. Whom she never expected to see was her ex-husband, Nick Cammareri, who usually only restores old homes but is determined to make Darla’s place a beautiful home . He’s never stopped loving her, even if 10 years have gone by since the divorce . Even when she refused to see him during her cancer treatments.
Nick is no longer the young immature man who, at one time, resented working for his father. Nowadays, he’s a well respected contractor and businessman, one about to finish his MBA. All this making Darla see him with different eyes.
But she’s determined not to get close to anyone . The reason, her fear of getting the cancer again. A fear that has stopped her from truly embracing life .
As these two spend time together, will Darla realize that love is not only worth a second chance but also worth the risk? That life is to be lived at it’s fullest, especially with the one that loves your strength and independence?
This latest book brings the end to a sweet series that will be remember for a long time.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Forever. The opinions are solely my own.
July 13, 2023
The Summer of Second Chances is the third book in Miranda Liasson’s Seashell Harbor series. In this edition author Darla Manning is the focus of the story. Darla has just returned from a stint as guest professor at Berkeley with goals of selling her beachfront home and returning to take on a full time teaching position. In this time home, Darla will reconnect with family and friends as well as follow through on her regular check ups as a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. This is a trying trip for Darla. Not only will she part with her sister and mom and her best friends since childhood, but she will also be severing ties to her ex husband, Nick Cammareri.
Having fallen and married young, immaturity rather than lack of feelings caused their breakup. And it seems Nick has been doing all he can think of to make up for his part of it, including renovations to her home and buying and working to restore the home that had belonged to her several greats grandmother.
In the course of this visit, one of her best friends, Hadley Wells, will be tying the knot with Tony Cammareri, Darla’s former brother-in-law, drawing Darla and Nick together to plan and carry out the festivities. Plus, there is a young college age girl dealing with lymphoma that Darla befriends all while dealing with the wedding, an impossible deadline, and unfinished business.
This is such a well written, nuanced study of the human spirit. Ms. Liasson’s description of dealing with these health concerns is spot on and the characters are so precisely drawn. I very much enjoyed this book and do recommend it!
Having fallen and married young, immaturity rather than lack of feelings caused their breakup. And it seems Nick has been doing all he can think of to make up for his part of it, including renovations to her home and buying and working to restore the home that had belonged to her several greats grandmother.
In the course of this visit, one of her best friends, Hadley Wells, will be tying the knot with Tony Cammareri, Darla’s former brother-in-law, drawing Darla and Nick together to plan and carry out the festivities. Plus, there is a young college age girl dealing with lymphoma that Darla befriends all while dealing with the wedding, an impossible deadline, and unfinished business.
This is such a well written, nuanced study of the human spirit. Ms. Liasson’s description of dealing with these health concerns is spot on and the characters are so precisely drawn. I very much enjoyed this book and do recommend it!
October 6, 2023
Darla is an author who has been spending the last few years beating cancer and ready to start new. With the opportunity of teaching in California far from her hometown before she goes she's got a couple of things to do like finishing the novel she started, helping her best friend with the wedding, and getting her home ready to sell. Nick is her ex-husband who seemingly keeps popping up helping when needed for the few renovation jobs at she keeps me to help with and it appears that the old flame never really died and they're different people now. But she's got a timeline on the book on her teaching job and just seeing where life is going post cancer and decisions need to made soon.
I really enjoyed this book it was pretty heartwarming. Darla had so much support around her and yet she seemed to close herself from everyone when it came to the cancer and now wanting to go off to her teaching job. She had so much decision to make when it came to the book that she was so unsure of now and wanting to be there for her friends and family. Then there was the bit of trauma to deal with when it came to reliving her past trying to help other cancer patients on their way to recovery. Then there was ever present Nick who keeps popping in and out whether or not she likes it help him when needed and just being there and while it is clear that he has changed and grown up since they were last together is it enough for her to want to stay? There was just so much going on and I really enjoying reading this book.
I really enjoyed this book it was pretty heartwarming. Darla had so much support around her and yet she seemed to close herself from everyone when it came to the cancer and now wanting to go off to her teaching job. She had so much decision to make when it came to the book that she was so unsure of now and wanting to be there for her friends and family. Then there was the bit of trauma to deal with when it came to reliving her past trying to help other cancer patients on their way to recovery. Then there was ever present Nick who keeps popping in and out whether or not she likes it help him when needed and just being there and while it is clear that he has changed and grown up since they were last together is it enough for her to want to stay? There was just so much going on and I really enjoying reading this book.
July 9, 2023
The Summer of Second Chances
Miranda Liasson
July 11, 2023
Darla Manning decided it was time to leave California for a while and head back to Seashell, New Jersey. After almost a decade she planned to upgrade and sell her beautiful beachfront home. She had divorced her true love, Nick Cammareri and pursued her writing career. She has become an author of several suspense novels. She also survived a terrible bout with cancer. She knew there was no chance of staying away from Nick as he runs a remodeling company there in the harbor. Darla had no thoughts that he would be the first person she would run into when she unlocked the door to the spacious cottage, let alone be greeted by a loud “woof’ from his dog, Boss.
The Summer of Second Chances will be published by Forever Books of Hachette Book Group on July 11, 2023. I was delighted to be asked to read and review Liasson’s latest novel via NetGalley. This is the third book in the Seashell Harbor series. It is an excellent story expanding the lives of her characters, their family and friends who reside in the Harbor. It was a joy to read with humor and romance. The series is a pleasant trio of books that gives us a look at the close friendship between Kit, Darla and Hadley; the besties who have been the featured companions throughout the series. This is one to enjoy.
Miranda Liasson
July 11, 2023
Darla Manning decided it was time to leave California for a while and head back to Seashell, New Jersey. After almost a decade she planned to upgrade and sell her beautiful beachfront home. She had divorced her true love, Nick Cammareri and pursued her writing career. She has become an author of several suspense novels. She also survived a terrible bout with cancer. She knew there was no chance of staying away from Nick as he runs a remodeling company there in the harbor. Darla had no thoughts that he would be the first person she would run into when she unlocked the door to the spacious cottage, let alone be greeted by a loud “woof’ from his dog, Boss.
The Summer of Second Chances will be published by Forever Books of Hachette Book Group on July 11, 2023. I was delighted to be asked to read and review Liasson’s latest novel via NetGalley. This is the third book in the Seashell Harbor series. It is an excellent story expanding the lives of her characters, their family and friends who reside in the Harbor. It was a joy to read with humor and romance. The series is a pleasant trio of books that gives us a look at the close friendship between Kit, Darla and Hadley; the besties who have been the featured companions throughout the series. This is one to enjoy.
July 11, 2023
Darla, an accomplished author and cancer survivor is heading back to Seashell Harbor to tie up a few loose ends. She has just finished a teaching assignment and has accepted a permanent position in California, so she needs to sell her house, and finish a novel she is having a hard time completing. The beach will hopefully give her clarity and inspiration. She is also looking forward to seeing her two best friends. What Darla does not expect when she opens the door to her house is her ex-husband Nick. He was supposed to do a few renovations, not move in. While Darla tries to keep her focus on what she needs to do, it gets tougher and tougher with Nick being there at every turn. She starts to doubt their divorce all those years ago, and her friends are determined to remind her at every turn just how wonderful he is. Darla needs a fresh start, but maybe it is not back in California.
I thoroughly enjoyed this last novel in the Seashell Harbor series by Miranda Liasson. Darla and Nick’s story is one not to miss. It is sweet, tender and fun. I also loved catching up with the previous characters from the first two books. Thank you so much Forever Publishing for my advanced copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily. If you are looking for a small town series, this is one you want to add to your list.
I thoroughly enjoyed this last novel in the Seashell Harbor series by Miranda Liasson. Darla and Nick’s story is one not to miss. It is sweet, tender and fun. I also loved catching up with the previous characters from the first two books. Thank you so much Forever Publishing for my advanced copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily. If you are looking for a small town series, this is one you want to add to your list.
July 15, 2023
Miranda Liasson, the Author of “The Summer of Second Chances,” has written a heartfelt and emotional novel. I love how the author discusses the importance of friendship, family, forgiveness, second chances, hope, and love. The author vividly describes the small oceanfront community, Seashell Harbor, and its colorful characters. The characters are described as complex and complicated. Although they have flaws, they are likable and relatable.
Darla Manning is quite the trooper after handling treatment for Cancer for the last few years. Darla is a writer and a teacher. Although Darla has the chance at a full-time teaching position in California for the fall, she is ambivalent as she has memories of the small town, Seashell Harbor, she is visiting for the summer. Seashell Harbor is the town where Darla’s best friends live, as well as her ex-husband.
Ten years later, Nick, Darla’s ex-husband, seems more mature and considerate. He is finishing his MBA and is a contractor in the family business. Nick has been doing projects around her house, and both seem to be attracted to one another. Darla is a workaholic and worries that she will continue to stay healthy. Darla also is compassionate and helps other people. What will Darla decide to do?
I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel to others.
Darla Manning is quite the trooper after handling treatment for Cancer for the last few years. Darla is a writer and a teacher. Although Darla has the chance at a full-time teaching position in California for the fall, she is ambivalent as she has memories of the small town, Seashell Harbor, she is visiting for the summer. Seashell Harbor is the town where Darla’s best friends live, as well as her ex-husband.
Ten years later, Nick, Darla’s ex-husband, seems more mature and considerate. He is finishing his MBA and is a contractor in the family business. Nick has been doing projects around her house, and both seem to be attracted to one another. Darla is a workaholic and worries that she will continue to stay healthy. Darla also is compassionate and helps other people. What will Darla decide to do?
I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel to others.
June 10, 2023
Miranda Liasson's The Summer of Second Chances is another excellent entry from this author. The novel follows ex-spouses Darla and Nick as they navigate trying to help their friends get married in two weeks while also dealing with their complicated past and possibility of a future together.
This is the seventh book I have read by Liasson and her writing gets better and better with each book I read. I loved the chemistry between Darla and Nick. This read was particularly emotional due to the complicated past between the two characters, Darla's previous battle with cancer and subsequent worry that it would return, and her helping another young cancer patient deal with her own trials with the disease.
I'm sad to say goodbye to this series, but it ended so perfectly. Each character was so well written and I felt immersed in this novel from the moment I started until the moment I finished. I felt every emotion under the sun while I read it and I am still thinking about it days later. I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially readers of women's fiction and romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the seventh book I have read by Liasson and her writing gets better and better with each book I read. I loved the chemistry between Darla and Nick. This read was particularly emotional due to the complicated past between the two characters, Darla's previous battle with cancer and subsequent worry that it would return, and her helping another young cancer patient deal with her own trials with the disease.
I'm sad to say goodbye to this series, but it ended so perfectly. Each character was so well written and I felt immersed in this novel from the moment I started until the moment I finished. I felt every emotion under the sun while I read it and I am still thinking about it days later. I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially readers of women's fiction and romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2023
Phenomenal clean second chance romance!
I just finished the best high passion, low steam romance that I have read in a while. I was reading and crying at work on my break. Most embarrassing! After reading the other books in this series, I must say that I am very sorry to say goodbye to Seashell Harbor, New Jersey.
Darla Manning is coming home after teaching in California for a year. As she plans on returning, she must sell her house and tie up other loose ends. Problem is she is trying to out run her attraction to her Ex-Husband, Nick Cammareri and cancer. One may be possible to avoid but the other not so much. Nick has never stopped loving Darla. This book is all about finding out that their love never died; it just changed a wee bit as they matured. Also nice to see a good romance with a couple in their 30’s.
There were so many wonderful moments like the cake tasting, the locked bathroom door, the unique boxes, meeting Boss, celebrating Teddy’s poop and many more. From the time I started reading I was rooting for Nick and Darla. If you like beautifully written, passionate second chance, small town romance, you really must read this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through NetGalley. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!
I just finished the best high passion, low steam romance that I have read in a while. I was reading and crying at work on my break. Most embarrassing! After reading the other books in this series, I must say that I am very sorry to say goodbye to Seashell Harbor, New Jersey.
Darla Manning is coming home after teaching in California for a year. As she plans on returning, she must sell her house and tie up other loose ends. Problem is she is trying to out run her attraction to her Ex-Husband, Nick Cammareri and cancer. One may be possible to avoid but the other not so much. Nick has never stopped loving Darla. This book is all about finding out that their love never died; it just changed a wee bit as they matured. Also nice to see a good romance with a couple in their 30’s.
There were so many wonderful moments like the cake tasting, the locked bathroom door, the unique boxes, meeting Boss, celebrating Teddy’s poop and many more. From the time I started reading I was rooting for Nick and Darla. If you like beautifully written, passionate second chance, small town romance, you really must read this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through NetGalley. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!
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