Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella
Book Description: Thirty seven year old Francie Davis, a recent widow and empty nester, gets to attend college at last. She’s sure her luck has changed when she also lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition, as administrative assistant to a history professor. When her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie worries she will never be good enough. For Professor Alex Diederik, life is going downhill fast. Not only is his bitter ex-wife trying to poison their only daughter against him, but now his one place of solace—his work environment—is being complicated by his attractive new administrative assistant. She drives home his feelings of failure as a husband and father, and Alex wonders if hiring her was the right thing to do. Francie will have to put aside her hurt and insecurities or risk her dreams, while Alex must look outside himself if he’s to mend the breach with his daughter. And, perhaps, find someone who can help heal his pain.
My thoughts: It was wonderful to read an addition to the Ripple Effect Romance series that dealt with two adults approaching middle age. It's a nice change of pace to show that "older" folks can fall in love and have a chance at happiness.
Francie is a widow. Her marriage was not a happy. Her son is headed for Harvard and she decides to go back to school. It's her time to learn and grow. She doesn't have a lot of money, so she takes a job as an Administrative Assistant for two of the History Professors. The first day does not leave a good impression, it's a very discouraging day. But Francie continues on and finds that there is more to one of the Professors than a gruff exterior.
Ales is the History Professor and dealing with the burden of a troubled daughter and a vindictive ex-wife. Have a sweet and attractive Administrative Assistant was not part of his plan.
I loved the relationships formed in this book. Francie proves to be a positive force for both Alex and his daughter, Sam. Her sweet nature pulls people in and she is able to help them work out problems and see a light in their situation.
This book is quick, it's a novella. I thought that Donna K. Weaver did a great job with character development and the plot in the shortened story. It would have made a great full length novel, but that is not the plan in this series. I really felt a connection to Francie. She is an amazing character.
This book can stand alone, but it is fun to read the full series in order, just to see the ripple effect that is part of the plan for the series.
*
Read an Exerpt
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“Are you for real?”
“I’m not sure what you mean,” Francie said, trying not to be offended. She was used to being complimented on her cooking. Even Greg hadn't been able to find anything wrong with that.
The girl pointed at the sandwich Francie had pulled from the plastic wrapping. “You’re really bringing food from home?”
“I don’t have money for eating out.” Francie hated the flush she could feel creeping up her neck.
“What, you spend all your money on your clothes?”
Francie glanced down at the suit she had bought for her first day. It was only the second time she had worn it. She decided to address the girl's remark the same way she had when Rafe used to get snarky with her.
“I like you.” Francie picked up half of the sandwich. “You remind me of when I was young and rude. What’s your name?” She took a bite of her lunch.
The girl blinked but then giggled. “All right. I deserved that.” She reached out her hand in a very formal gesture. “You can call me Rose.”
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Author Donna K. Weaver
Donna K. Weaver has always loved reading and creating stories, thus she’s been ever entertained. An avid cruiser, she’s sailed the Pacific five times. Wife-mother-grandmother-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd.Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/26/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Man, I really need to read all of these. They all sound so stinking cute!
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