Book Shelf: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

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.

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Review:

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson is a sweet, endearing and emotional story about second chances, the power of family and the hope that comes from making things right in the midst of the hardest of circumstances. 

Seventeen year old Taylor Edwards has a history of running. Whenever things get hard, her flight response kicks in. Five years ago this saw her run away from her very first love, but when her father receives some devastating news, her parents decide it’s time to spend one last summer at the lake house they used to frequent all those years before. As Taylor spends the next few months getting to know her family like never before, she not only has the chance to re-connect and make amends with old friends, but has a second chance with the boy who stole her heart all those summers ago…..

Having adored Morgan Matson’s Amy & Rogers Epic Detour, I’m not so sure what led me to leave this book on my shelf for so long. I really enjoy Morgan Matson’s style of writing and her storytelling abilities. Second Chance Summer is a heart-warming and emotional story that is nicely explored and features love, romance, family and friendship---all kind of goodness I really love. It does have its sad and bittersweet moments, especially when it reaches its inevitable end, but Matson supports this with some really sweet and heart-warming moments too.     

Though it’s taken me until now to read this book, I’m actually glad I waited until this point in my life. I experienced the loss of my grandfather this year and my experience was very similar to that of the main character in Second Chance Summer. I have to commend Morgan Matson for her realistic portrayal of Taylor’s father and what he went through. It’s an experience all too real, and made this book all the more beautiful to read. 

Matson writes a worthy main lead with Taylor in this book, who really is just a normal teenager who makes mistakes and bad choices. Taylor is at a point in her life where she’s learning who she is, and I think Matson reflects this well. Taylor can be forgiven for her fears and for making mistakes—everyone does at some point, especially when she redeems herself as the novel progresses.   

Supporting Taylor is a lovely cast of characters that give the story life and feeling. Taylor’s family, including her brother Warren and younger sister Gelsey get to know each other throughout the course of the book, and Matson throws some wonderful personalities into the mix during this story. Taylor’s first love Henry returns, as does her former best friend Lucy, Taylor and her family adopt a dog who provides comfort to her father, and the community around the lake house all bring colour to the story with different moments.

Featuring a heart-warming storyline and emotional moments, Second Chance Summer is a fun and fresh summer read and will appeal to fans of Simone Elkeles, Katie McGarry and those who love well told and meaningful contemporary romance!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster (Thank you guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: For those who love Simone Elkeles, Katie McGarry and Stephanie Perkins.
Cover: Fun and fresh and very colorful.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a standalone novel but I can't wait to read more by Morgan Matson