As the novella series continues with Second Chances 101, we find ourselves with Francie, the owner of the box from the last novella, Lost and Found. Her son is off to college and so is she. She has lived for years being put down by her late husband and she has to work hard at believing in herself. Alex also has an ex-wife that constantly makes him question himself and never feels good enough. If two people were ever more right for each other, then it is these two. I enjoyed this one, however, I think it would have benefited from a longer story-line. I felt like a lot of it was a bit rushed and would have liked to see more of Alex and Francie together to see them really fall in love. I just wanted more! Still, it is a sweet story about believing in yourself and giving yourself the right to start over. Present Day - Boone, North CarolinaSecond Chances 101 is about Francesca "Francie" Davis, a widow who is going through empty nest syndrome when her only son goes away to college. Francie decides to finally do something for herself so she signs up for college and begins working as an administrative assistant for Professors Alex Diederik and Kevin Eldred. The two Professors are like night and day. One loves his job and is very caring and giving, while the other is a real sleaze ball.Professor Alex Diederik gave up on love after he went through a very rough marriage with his wife Victoria who was always throwing cutting remarks at him and demeaning him and his work. He has spent several years trying to repair his relationship with his teenage daughter, Samantha, who he was separated from after his divorce but things don't seem to be going too smoothly. Francie and Sam soon become fast friends, unbeknown to Alex, and both Alex and Francie are faced with their growing attraction. Professor Eldred's sleazy side is also revealed. Alex was first introduced at the end of book four, Lost and Found, when he was on a flight back home after a business trip (hence, the ripple effect). After his introduction I was looking forward to reading more about his story and his relationship with his daughter. I loved this story. I loved that Francie grew and preserved her own food to get her through the winter because money was so tight. Canning and preserving is something you usually read about in historical books but it wasn't in any way out of place in this contemporary romance. Alex loved teaching and the way his ex-wife demeaned him so severely was appalling but he bounced back with an amazing relationship with his daughter and a whirlwind romance with Francie. Which had just the right amount intensity befitting a clean read. I think the story flowed so well and I loved the unintentional secrecy surrounding Francie and Sam's friendship. I think my favorite character was Francie. She was so resourceful and strong and brave. After years of spousal abuse, raising her son alone and scraping to make ends meet she went back to college for a degree. The entire Ripple Effects Romance Series has been very fun and entertaining and Second Chances 101 only made it more so. I'm anxious to read the final book and continue the journey. Highly recommended to lovers of clean contemporary romance!Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone. I received no monetary compensation for this review.
What do You think about Second Chances 101 (2000)?
Proof that after divorce or being a widow you can find a romance. Sweet, cute and fast read.
—shaine
