Second Chance Summer - Morgan Matson
Book Synopsis: Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains. Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve. As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.
Not everyone gets a second chance in life, but for Taylor Edwards and her family, this summer is all about second chances, and letting go of the past, while at the same time trying to say goodbye.
I'm more than a little bit biased, I've loved all of Katie Finn/Morgan Matson's novels, they are the perfect summer accessory to carry around (just don't bring a copy to the beach). Unless you like your books with a side of sand everywhere. On the Audible app, I got a trial membership and the first book that I thought of downloading for free was Second Chance Summer. What I didn't realize at the time was that, I hate listening to audio-books, they just ruin the book in my opinion, especially if the narrator doesn't have a nice sounding voice.
The characters came alive in this book, and it was my favorite book of 2016 until I read How It Feels To Fly.
It made me wonder if Morgan/Katie is going to only write and publish books about summer, not that I'm complaining or anything, it would be interesting though if she branched out to other seasons.
Everyone has lost something, and although this book is fictional, it explores the themes of life and death and how different people cope with loss. It's hard to grieve, but it's okay to admit you need a little support during the tough times in life.
Rating: ★★★★★