A Season for Second Chances was the first book I have read by Jenny Bayliss and I really enjoyed 
it. Her descriptions give the reader a wonderful picture of a beautiful small coastal town. The book was all from Annie’s perspective so that limited the story since it was only her thoughts. Still, the book was well written, had a wonderful storyline, and the pacing was perfect.
After twenty-six years, Annie Sharpe’s marriage has come to an end. She had known Max, her husband, had been cheating on her for years but catching him in the act in her restaurant one night was enough. She had only stayed with him over the years because it was easier and for their children. Her kids were all grown now, and her restaurant is doing fine so she has nothing to tie her down in Leaming on the Lye. She realizes she has isolated herself over the years because she spent all her time being a mother, working as a chef, and growing her business, the Pomegranate Seed. She has no friends and no idea what to do with herself now.
Finding the ad for the position of a winter guardian in beautiful Willow Bay was fate since Mari, the owner of Saltwater Nook was going to quit posting since she had no one else responded to her ad. Once Annie sees Saltwater Nook, she knows what path she wants to take for her future. She falls in love with the quaint small town and its residents. She finds herself opening up Mari’s teahouse and starting up a business. Unfortunately, her stay there is limited because Mari’s nephew, John, wants to sell the house so Mari can afford her health care. Annie wants to buy the house, but her bid is going up against a construction company that is offering a lot of money for the location. She hopes to win but she knows John needs to choose the best offer for Mari.
This was a wonderful holiday romance with warm holiday cheer and family traditions. I love how Annie became part of the community and kept all the traditions that took place at Saltwater Nook for several generations. She had such a giving spirit and was so easy to like. Starting the book club lead her to some great friendships and fun times. I was so glad Annie stuck to her decision and was not tempted to return to Max. The love between her and John was slow-burning but they built a strong friendship along the way. This is a book that will make you want to bury yourself under a blanket and read by the fire with some hot chocolate.
Book Info:
Publication: October 19, 2021 | G.P. Putnam’s Sons |
Annie Sharpe’s spark for life has fizzled out. Her kids are grown up, her restaurant is doing just fine on its own, and her twenty-six-year marriage has come to an unceremonious end. Untethered for the first time in her adult life, she finds a winter guardian position in a historic seaside home and decides to leave her city life behind for a brand-new beginning.
When she arrives in Willow Bay, Annie is enamored by the charming house, the invigorating sea breeze, and the town’s rich seasonal traditions. Not to mention, her neighbors receive her with open arms–that is, all except the surly nephew of the homeowner, whose grand plans for the property are at odds with her residency. As Christmas approaches, tensions and tides rise in Willow Bay, and Annie’s future seems less and less certain. But with a little can-do spirit and holiday magic, the most difficult time of her life will become…a season for second chances.
