Second Chances: Marsha Casper Cook

Second Chances: Marsha Casper Cook

Relationships are fragile and are not only with someone you hope to spend your life with but with family members too. Parents and their children have distinct roles in each other’s lives and spouses or potential spouses’ others. The core of this novel focuses on two major characters, Gracie and Leo but first we meet Sam and Francine her parents who are about to embark on different roads that will take them in opposite directions and getting what the title states Second Chances. But how will that affect Gracie and Juliana and the rest of the family?
Leo and Gracie do a podcast and enjoy their banter and the phone call-ins of their listeners talking about love and relationships both good and bad. They even talk about themselves, holiday plans and hopefully give positive and constructive advice to their callers. It’s All About Love: that’s the names of the podcast but the entire novel deals with distinct stages of love in all the lives of the characters.

Sam and Francine are no longer a pair, and he must break it to his daughters but how? Leo and Gracie are perfect together but when will they both realize it? Gracie and Juliana both have secrets from the past as Gracie’s shows up out of nowhere and the lies he told come front and center and Gracie proves  you don’t want to mess with this girl. The past needs to stay there and the present has potential if you just look at it. Gracie learns more about a secret that Juliana relates and then her views about Nicholas was he the right choice as he does have a wandering eye but her father gave him the top position in his publishing company why?
Lies, betrayals, pasts, secrets and the hope of second chances as Sam breaks the news about him and Francine and the reactions of both girls were startling. Lilly is his hope for the future, and you won’t believe her connection to Leo. Leo and Gracie finish their podcast and what he does will endear you to him forever. He is so kind, funny and spontaneous but then a phone call takes away the perfect date you might say as Lilly calls because Sam might have had a heart attack. The hospital visit would enlighten each one to Sam’s viewpoints as they are led into his room one at a time. How will they react to Lilly? She is kind and the moment you meet her you realize Sam is now blessed. Gracie asks the doctor that question about her father’s chances, but this is Sam Worthington, and he gets mega treatment, and his room is better than a suite in a five-star hotel. Every scene projects the theme of love within this novel as the reader gets to understand the title Second Chances from the perspective of each individual character. Some embrace it, others will question it after a while but which ones or one will succeed, and will anyone realize that this chance might need to be rethought?

Leo reflects on the death of his grandmother and the fact that he missed being allowed to ride in the ambulance and say goodbye. Juliana reflects before coming to the hospital a secret that could change the course of her life, her marriage to Nicholas and the complexion of how she sees the outcome. Gracie deals with her ex in a straightforward way not allowing him to sway her to take him back and the final line: he is someone the lied to me is perfect.

Lies, betrayals, hope, family loyalties and the chance to smile when you think of that one special person are at the heart of this romantic novel with many lessons that each character will learn and hopefully carry forward.

Samuel talks to his family in the hospital and explains his relationship with Lilly and the fact that he’s getting divorced. A mother who was and acted independent of her marriage and family and in time of crisis demanded the unthinkable from Sam. That issue remains to be seen as Sam has yet to deal with it head on. But Juliana and Gracie have come to terms with Lilly in their father’s life, Gracie confronts Nicholas but is he lying or a good actor as she now wants to fight for his position will Sam see she’s ready. Leo faces off with his feelings and anger at not knowing about Lilly and Sam nor realizing how Sam thinks of him as a son.

The final podcast is heartbreaking and yet heartwarming as The Caller professes his feelings and Leo takes the lead.

Second chances are precious and need to be cherished and protected as author Marsha Casper Cook takes us deep inside each relationship which is precious and unique to the pair. Love comes once but the loss of someone takes away the hope for another chance when you think you might never match it again. The letter read by a listener will bring tears to your eyes and warmth in your heart as the power of love just might out win and second chances cherished . Whose will last? Will hidden secrets come out? Will lies unfold and will love to win out? Find out when you read the third installment of the Worthington Legacy. 

There’s a song that people sang long ago: What the world needs now is love sweet love and some kindness too. Find out what’s next: It’s all about the Wedding! Real life situations with a closely knit family.

Fran Lewis just reviews