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A review by lara_ayrolla
The Second Time Around by Mary Beesley
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Before anything, I would like to thank Mary Beesley, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I tried as best as I could to not include any spoilers. However, I did describe a few scenes from the book and wrote things in a way that might give away the main plot point.
Overall, this was a beautiful book with a lot to reflect on. It had its flaws and could use some improvement, but was pleasant and interesting to read.
The romance was healthy and nice. I started the book wanting Claire to choose the other male love interest because to me that would've been perfect but after her opinion was settled I accepted her choice and the book ended up teaching me a lesson.
The fact that she chose the not "ideal" relationship only made for a more interesting dynamic and made room for more drama. The drama itself didn't really happen the way I expected but it still made for some funny moments that had me almost screaming. Turns out the other love interest was at a different point in his life and didn't really want Claire or worked well with her, he liked the idea of being with her instead. The actual couple was a great fit for each other, with personalities that worked well together and similar interests in life.
Positives:
This book had me seeing abstract painting in a whole new light. I'm not too into it and was never able to understand how someone could make a living off of it, since it is just paint randomly sitting on a canvas. But I guess that's the whole point of it, you have to be talented enough to make it stand out and captivate the viewer without screaming the truth with clear pictures. It's difficult to convey emotions through colors and shapes. Or maybe it's not that deep and I just enjoyed seeing it through a different perspective. Either way, it was fun.
I like that the female main character is a 40 year old widow, mother of three, and grandmother. I also love how appropriate the romance ages are, even with the gaps. It's a breath of fresh air. It was quite interesting as well to see in practice how society tends to think it's natural a relationship between a woman 10 years younger than a male love interest but has a way harder time picturing the possibility of a 10 years younger man instead.
Claire and Tommy's relationship was adorable and really helped shine her nurturing, fun, and kind personality.
Banks grief for Helen and his journey towards accepting and dealing with it was great to read about. I wish it had been even more flashed out if possible because it had me almost crying at some points.
Negatives:
In the beginning of the book, I didn't like the "everything's different now" vibes. Claire wants to be better for this kid she just met than she was for her own kids. Also the two men want her from the get-go as if she was this special precious thing unlike any other. But it does get better as the book goes on.
I had access to an uncorrected proof, so it might be changed for the final published version, but I wish the layout for text messages was more defined, making it easier to read and understand where the narration ended and started again. It was a little messy.
I didn't like that the younger man is described as sexy and beautiful while the older man is described as someone who let go of himself a little bit and doesn't look as fresh. It wouldn't hurt to make him fit and just as attractive.
I wish both of the love interests had had their chance with the girl. To me, love triangles like this are a thousand times more satisfying when the person in the center has a small crush on both people and slowly discovers who they truly want.
As much as the trip to Hawaii helped pushing the plot forward, I don't like abrupt changes of scenery in a book unless it has a direct explanation by the plot, is cohesive, and has more meaning to the story.
I think the ending could have been a little longer, to make time for a little family drama. Everyone seemed to be to understanding of the romance way too quickly, when I feel like there would've realistic been some reluctance by the other male love interest and by Claire's oldest daughter Mona. However, I have to admit that the short confrontations worked well with the time that they were given.
I tried as best as I could to not include any spoilers. However, I did describe a few scenes from the book and wrote things in a way that might give away the main plot point.
Overall, this was a beautiful book with a lot to reflect on. It had its flaws and could use some improvement, but was pleasant and interesting to read.
The romance was healthy and nice. I started the book wanting Claire to choose the other male love interest because to me that would've been perfect but after her opinion was settled I accepted her choice and the book ended up teaching me a lesson.
The fact that she chose the not "ideal" relationship only made for a more interesting dynamic and made room for more drama. The drama itself didn't really happen the way I expected but it still made for some funny moments that had me almost screaming. Turns out the other love interest was at a different point in his life and didn't really want Claire or worked well with her, he liked the idea of being with her instead. The actual couple was a great fit for each other, with personalities that worked well together and similar interests in life.
Positives:
This book had me seeing abstract painting in a whole new light. I'm not too into it and was never able to understand how someone could make a living off of it, since it is just paint randomly sitting on a canvas. But I guess that's the whole point of it, you have to be talented enough to make it stand out and captivate the viewer without screaming the truth with clear pictures. It's difficult to convey emotions through colors and shapes. Or maybe it's not that deep and I just enjoyed seeing it through a different perspective. Either way, it was fun.
I like that the female main character is a 40 year old widow, mother of three, and grandmother. I also love how appropriate the romance ages are, even with the gaps. It's a breath of fresh air. It was quite interesting as well to see in practice how society tends to think it's natural a relationship between a woman 10 years younger than a male love interest but has a way harder time picturing the possibility of a 10 years younger man instead.
Claire and Tommy's relationship was adorable and really helped shine her nurturing, fun, and kind personality.
Banks grief for Helen and his journey towards accepting and dealing with it was great to read about. I wish it had been even more flashed out if possible because it had me almost crying at some points.
Negatives:
In the beginning of the book, I didn't like the "everything's different now" vibes. Claire wants to be better for this kid she just met than she was for her own kids. Also the two men want her from the get-go as if she was this special precious thing unlike any other. But it does get better as the book goes on.
I had access to an uncorrected proof, so it might be changed for the final published version, but I wish the layout for text messages was more defined, making it easier to read and understand where the narration ended and started again. It was a little messy.
I didn't like that the younger man is described as sexy and beautiful while the older man is described as someone who let go of himself a little bit and doesn't look as fresh. It wouldn't hurt to make him fit and just as attractive.
I wish both of the love interests had had their chance with the girl. To me, love triangles like this are a thousand times more satisfying when the person in the center has a small crush on both people and slowly discovers who they truly want.
As much as the trip to Hawaii helped pushing the plot forward, I don't like abrupt changes of scenery in a book unless it has a direct explanation by the plot, is cohesive, and has more meaning to the story.
I think the ending could have been a little longer, to make time for a little family drama. Everyone seemed to be to understanding of the romance way too quickly, when I feel like there would've realistic been some reluctance by the other male love interest and by Claire's oldest daughter Mona. However, I have to admit that the short confrontations worked well with the time that they were given.