Quick take
With her life in free fall, a young woman wishes for a redo year...and wakes to find to her surprise the wish granted.
Good to know
Social issues
Family drama
Female friendships
Magical
Synopsis
Sadie Thatcher’s life has fallen apart in spectacular fashion. In one fell swoop, she managed to lose her job, her apartment, and her boyfriend—all thanks to her big mouth. So when a fortune teller offers her one wish, Sadie jumps at the chance to redo her awful year. Deep down, she doesn’t believe magic will fix her life, but taking a leap of faith, Sadie makes her wish, opens her eyes, and . . . nothing has changed. And then, in perhaps her dumbest move yet, she kisses her brother’s best friend, Jacob.
When Sadie wakes up the next morning, she’s in her former apartment with her former boyfriend, and her former boss is expecting her at work. Checking the date, she realizes it’s January 1 . . . of last year. As Sadie navigates her second-chance year, she begins to see the red flags she missed in her relationship and in her career. Plus, she keeps running into Jacob, and she can’t stop thinking about their kiss . . . the one he has no idea ever happened. Suddenly, Sadie begins to wonder if her only mistake was wishing for a second chance.
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Why I love it
Lauren Kung Jessen
Author, Lunar Love
If you had the chance to redo a Very Bad Year of your life, would you take it? The Second Chance Year explores this question through the lens of self-rediscovery, hope, and love.
On New Year’s Eve after a disastrous year that Sadie attributes to being too outspoken, she wishes nothing more than to do it all over again. When a fortune teller grants her this wish, Sadie wakes up the next morning on January 1st—of last year!—in her former apartment with her ex-boyfriend and still employed as a pastry chef. The most complicated part about going back in time? Sadie having kissed her brother’s best friend, Jacob, on New Year’s Eve, but him not remembering any of it. Now, Sadie can’t stop thinking about the kiss. Or the sweet and considerate Jacob, who she’s starting to see through new eyes.
As Sadie lives her second-chance year, she’s confronted with the truth about her relationships, her career, and herself. This time around, everything hits different. What results is an empowering, feel-good journey filled with endearing characters, lovable found family, delicious desserts, and a swoon-worthy, slow-burn romance—all sprinkled with a dash of magic.
The Second Chance Year beautifully captures how sometimes we need another look at what it is we really want in our lives and who we really want to be. This book made my heart burst like New Year’s Eve fireworks. I just know it’ll do the same to yours!
Member ratings (2,633)
Jennifer D.
Brunswick, MD
I loved this book! The first lines sucked me in and didn’t let up. I loved that Sadie learned so much about herself and her wants in her do over year. I wanted to hang out in the cafe. And JACOB❤️❤️❤️
Dana M.
Kerrville, TX
Didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Spoiler……….. with books like this usually they get to go back to the way it originally was I like how she had to find happiness with the choice she made! ❤️
Kikky G.
Plano, TX
🩵🩵🩵🩵 All about second chances! We think if we are given a second chance things will be different, but things happen for a reason, and different isn’t always what we wanted. Cute read, great s
R T.
Brookline, MA
I have always wondered how different my life might be if I’d made different choices. Would things be better, worse, or the same? Sadie’s second chance year explores that & does not disappoint! Loved❤️
Ashlee M.
Spruce Grove , AB
I really enjoyed this book & the important topics that were covered. Sadie’s second chance year really goes to show that do-over’s aren’t everything we imagine could be and that thingshappenforareason