Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

How did I get the book?  I bought it.

Genre: Contemporary

First Impression: Been waiting for you.

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.

200words (or less) review: I really enjoyed Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, it was actually one of the first books I reviewed on this blog, so as soon as I saw Second Chance Summer I bought it.

Much of what made Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour so great is still there, the writing, a host of interesting characters and a protagonist that grows throughout the book. There is humour, romance and family tragedy. Something each member of Taylor’s family deals with in their own way.

For me Second Chance Summer didn’t manage to match the expectations I had. It’s a good book but I didn’t really care about Taylor, which is unexpected given the story of this book. After Detour I thought this would be outstanding but it’s just good. Maybe I set the bar a little too high.

Morgan Matson’s writing definitely hasn’t lost its sparkle but if you’ve read Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour it’s really hard not to compare the two and for me Amy & Roger wins.

Recommend it?

Yes