A charming, uplifting novel about love, loss, and finding your way in the world, perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and The Keeper of Lost Things. Emily can’t remember the last time she left the house. Or spoke to anyone besides her grandmother, beloved children’s author Catriona Robinson. After Catriona’s death, Emily is at a complete loss . . . until she gets an … Emily is at a complete loss . . . until she gets an unexpected letter from the woman she loved most.
Catriona has revealed there might be one last, lost unpublished manuscript in her wildly popular book series. And she’s left a secret diary and trail of clues that only Emily can follow. From London to Paris to Verona, Emily traces her grandmother’s past, finding out more about her family — and herself — than she ever imagined possible. Hopeful and adventurous, The Book of Second Chances celebrates books and bookstores, the power of imagination, and having the courage to shape our own destinies.
The Book of Second Chances
by Katherine Slee
This book felt so magical to me reading this with all the symbolism as the book and Slee celebrates books, bookstores and power of imagination in dealing with love, loss and family. Emily has suffered the loss of her parents in a tragic car accident and now with her grandmother gone, she is just so grief stricken and unable to move on. Her incredible grandmother Catriona has set up a will where Emily has to fulfill specific tasks to inherit the house. So it’s either be homeless or set out on this forced adventure. The story was sweet and completely uplifting where it takes our main character Emily into a journey not only of of self – discovery but also through London to Paris and to Italy.
This definitely was an escape read for me. The writing was easy to read, immersive, and had me in all sorts of tearful and happy emotions. This is a wonderful story and a well written novel I highly recommend.
I want to start off by saying I won this book in goodreads giveaway. I really enjoyed this book. It reminds me of the relationship I have with my grandmother. And the thought of losing her hurts. But I loved this story. And how the grandma after her passing took her granddaughter out of Element to look for clues. Highly recommend this book.
I enjoyed this debut novel. The premise being that Emily was following the clues into her grandmother’s past in order to discover herself reminded of the Mama Mia films including the ABBA references. The illustrations and factoids were reminiscent of Mary Alice Monroe’s The Beach House.
I am interested in reading further works by this author to see how she too finds herself and grows as an author.
The Book of Second Chances by Katherine Slee
Emily’s grandmother, Catriona, a famous writer, passes away and sends Emily on a quest all over the world. In so doing, she is trying to show Emily her past and discover herself along the way. Emily has led a sheltered life with her grandmother since her parent’s death. But that is all about to change.
As Emily travels the world based on the cryptic clues left by her grandmother, she discovers who her grandmother was as a person in her youth. She also learns to spread her wings and embrace the possibilities that life has to offer.
This book is well written with lots of poignant thoughts along the way. When I read, I tend to write down phrases that stick out to me. I wrote a lot with this book. That says something. This is an uplifting story of love and courage to seek out the truth and find your way. Pick up this book, you won’t be disappointed!!
This is a story about grief and reminded me of The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. It is well written with a charming way to get the message across. There was enough whimsical, mystery and intrigue to keep the story from bogging down and becoming depressing.
Nostalgic, optimistic, and heartwarming!
The Book of Second Chances is a sweet, uplifting tale that takes you into the life of the lonely, grief-stricken Emily as she reluctantly embarks on a journey stipulated by her late grandmother’s wishes that takes her from London to Paris to Italy where she learns of a life she never knew existed, and in turn, discovers her true self, finds contentment, and learns to take chances.
The prose is light and smooth. The characters are hesitant, wary, and vulnerable. And the plot is a touching, compelling tale about life, love, family, friendship, self-discovery, happiness, independence, confidence, birds, books, and heartbreak.
Overall, The Book of Second Chances is a lovely, absorbing, emotive read by Slee that reminds us to always surround ourselves with those we love and live every day to the fullest.