Second Chance Kisses (Echo Ridge Anthologies)

by Rachelle J Christensen, Janette Rallison, and Lucy McConnell

[phyllish]

The overall rating is based on the highest rated book in the anthology

A Brand New Second Chance by Lucy McConnell - 5 stars

Tags: Advertising, Ages 25 - 35, Architect, Carpenter, Contemporary, Homecoming, New York City, New York State, Parade, Small Town

From the first sentence of this story, I had a smile on my face.  This is my favorite Lucy McConnell book that I have read.  Carter was so perfect, always seeming to know exactly what to do.  Abigail (I did wonder that no one used the nickname Abby for her), was broken and insecure after having her life fall apart though she was obviously popular in high school (former Homecoming Queen).  The sweet way she honored and loved her parents was great.  The writing of the story was perfect and engaging throughout and the pace was perfect.  There were a few things I thought might end up happening, but the fact they didn't did not detract from the story.

A Perfect Fit by Janette Rallison - 5 stars

Tags:  Ages 25 - 35, Artist, Blind Date, Contemporary, Homecoming, New York City, New York State, Parade,  Small Town

Yes, this story was truly laugh out loud funny.  Through most of the story.  Wyatt couldn't have been more of a character than he was.  Cocky, sweet, clever.  Anthony was annoyingly, well, annoying.  And JoJo was oblivious.  It was fun having Garrett and Lacey in this story - they were in the last Echo Ridge anthology in the story My Fair Lacey.

Almost Home by Heather Tullis - 4 stars

Tags: Advertising, Ages 25 - 35, Architect,  Contemporary, Elder Care, Homecoming, New York City, New York State, Parade, Second Chances, Single Parent, Small Town, Widow/Widower

This story was more serious than the previous ones, which is consistent with the types of stories that Heather Tullis writes.  It was a good story with an interesting plot and believable characters.  Haley's sweet care of her Gran, and the way she was willing to leave her high-powered job to work at a diner showed the kind of person she was.  The drama with her family was well done, and hinted at who might be in the next Echo Ridge story.

I did have a little problem believing that Haley pined after Damon for 15 years after having only known him for 6 months in High School.   And that Damon was still enamored with her after that same amount of time, despite having been deeply in love with the woman he had married and had a daughter with right out of college (had to be that timing according to Maggie's age) and who had only died a year prior.  I understand that he could have fallen in love with her quickly, but it felt like they had both been waiting for each other all that time.  There were also a few inconsistencies in the time sequences, but I think it is just the way my brain works that I noticed them.

Change of Plans by Cami Checketts - 3 1/2 stars

Tags: Ages 25 - 35, Contemporary, Department Store, Lacrosse, New York City, New York State, Small Town

While the story was sweet overall, I think it would have been better told just from Kaitlyn's perspective to preserve the mystery of how it would come out.  There was also a disturbing scene when Kait and Axel visited a "friend" from his lacrosse team.  I would like to unread that part of the story.

Coming Home to Love by Rachelle J. Christensen - 4 1/2 stars

Tags: Ages 25 - 35, Carpenter, Contemporary, Flower Shop, Forgiveness, Homecoming, New York State, Prodigal Son, Second Chances, Single Parent, Small Town

This story was a sweet romance with a bit of suspense when Laney's creepy ex-husband shows up.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads