What I'm Reading: The Season of Second Chances

I just finished a fine novel by author Diane Meier – The Season of Second Chances - and I have to say, I was charmed by this book. It offers many appealing facets: a college town, an old house, a great supporting cast of characters and a protagonist, Joy Harkness, who finds herself experiencing an emotional growth spurt in her late-40s.

Joy Harkness takes a position in the English department at Amherst, leaving behind the college politics of Columbia University and the stark anonymity of New York City. Her journey to Massachusetts is not only a geographical change, but a change within, as this guarded woman finds herself taking leaps of faith that she never thought possible.

At times I was frustrated with Joy’s choice in love interests, not finding them very believable for this academic. But, by the end, I was a believer and saw how necessary it was for her to make these connections, and how they helped her grow into a more accepting, open person.

This novel also is about a love affair with a house. It takes hard work, patience, determination, and perhaps a little dose of insanity, to tackle something that can make or break you, like an old Victorian. As someone who has considered purchasing an older home, the maintenance simply scared me off. So, I was fascinated by Joy’s determination to make what was once a white elephant, her home. As Joy evolves, so does the house; a passage for both entities.

Alas, I don’t want to give too much away of this delightful book, so I encourage you to read it yourself. Meier’s writing draws you in and keeps you captivated until the last page.

For more information, visit: http://www.dianemeier.com/index.php

A special thanks to Leah Paulos for sending me an advance copy of the novel for review. I’m a voracious reader and I’m always on the look-out for the next great read. Thanks for sharing such a jewel with me.
Image courtesy of www.dianemeier.com