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Second Chances #1

Second Chances

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Sometimes second chances aren’t quite what you expect.

Every Christmas Eve, Carter Reed sits in a bar and regrets the decision he made ten years earlier that tore the love of his life from him. Mackenzie Monroe was his everything, but he left her behind to follow his dreams.

Now those dreams all revolve around her. The one who got away.

Or so he thinks.

A not-so-chance encounter with a mysterious stranger sends Carter on a mystical journey to fix the mistakes of the past. But he quickly finds out making things right isn’t as simple as making a different choice. And if he doesn't find the key to Kenzie's heart, he could lose her all over again.

Second Chances is a story about a man who gets a peek at what his life could be, if only he’d walked a different path. In the tradition of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol, it’s a heartwarming romance sprinkled with a touch of magic that’s sure to become a holiday favorite.

234 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2017

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About the author

T.M. Franklin

32 books485 followers
T.M. Franklin writes stories of adventure, romance, & a little magic. A former TV news producer, she decided making stuff up was more fun than reporting the facts. Her first published novel, MORE, was born during National Novel Writing month, a challenge to write a novel in thirty days. MORE was well-received, being selected as a finalist in the 2013 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Awards, as well as winning the Suspense/Thriller division of the Blogger Book Fair Reader's Choice Awards. She's since written four additional novels and several best-selling short stories...and there's always more on the way.

Connect with T.M. Franklin

Web site: http://www.TMFranklin.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TMFranklinAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TM_Franklin
Email: TMFranklinAuthor@gmail.com

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5 stars
71 (55%)
4 stars
36 (28%)
3 stars
19 (14%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
1,117 reviews20 followers
April 3, 2018
When the story opens, successful journalist, Carter, is perched on a barstool, nursing a drink while contemplating a past failure. He does the same thing every Christmas season. Has for ten years (which seemed a bit too long to me but its fiction, right?)! Its his one huge regret in life, letting the love of his life, McKenzie (Kenzie, for short), get away. He's tried everything to get over her and move on, even taking a job as a foreign correspondent and leaving the country. He's traveled the world over yet every year at Christmas time he's in the same place doing the same thing.

Only this year something is different. After meeting a mysterious woman named Tess and an equally mysterious man named Henry, Carter is given a second chance. He goes to bed in a hotel but wakes up on a couch at his sister's place. Lydia is now married to Noah and surprise, surprise, Carter learns he and Kenzie are married and have two children. A son, Brady, and a daughter, Peyton, whom he meets when he goes home.

Evidently things are rather rocky between Carter and Kenzie. Not only did he have too much to drink and missed Christmas with his kids, but Kenzie is to the point she wants a divorce. Its up to Carter to prove to her he's still the man of her dreams and that he's changing his ways.

At first, Carter regrets accepting the jingle bell from Henry that can apparently grant him three wishes. Married life, and all the responsibilities that go with it, are more than he bargained for and he's like a fish out of water. Once he adjusts, however, and spends time with his family, he falls in love with all of them. He's tempted, when faced with a troubling situation, to ring the bell and bring Henry running, but when he looks for it, the bell isn't where he put it. Then his son confesses he found the bell and rang it and met Henry. He tells Carter about Henry's massive wings and the fact he's an angel. Brady promises Carter he won't tell anyone and returns the bell to his dad. When a tragedy occurs, Carter's forced to make a decision that could cost him everything or gain him the world.

This was a very good second chance story. The ending had me in tears. And what better time to set it than the holiday season, a time for magic and miracles anyway. Although Carter started out as rather a sad sack, he managed to redeem himself and did get his happily ever after in the end. Kenzie was a real sweetheart. It was easy to see why Carter loved her. This was a very entertaining story, one I'm glad I had the opportunity to read.
Profile Image for Denise.
Author 1 book7 followers
November 2, 2017
Carter Reed is a well-respected journalist who has seen every amazing thing this world has to offer. But faced with the chance to see Mackenzie Monroe again, his world has ground to a halt. Kenzie isn’t just the one who got away—she’s the one he threw away ten years ago, a regret he revisits every Christmas Eve in the bar of his choice.

But this year, Carter has a chance, a legitimate chance to see her again, and he cannot wait. Only, he does wait, downing liquid courage at a New York City bar instead of heading to the swanky hotel nearby where Kenzie’s event is being held. And as he steeps in guilt, fear, and his ever-present regret, she walks in.

No, not Kenzie, but a pretty stranger named Tess whose interest in Carter shifts from casual to determined once she learns of his broken past with Kenzie. A sucker for a happy ending, Tess offers to go to the party with Carter for moral support. And once Carter gets there, he starts to believe he can actually do it—he can walk up to Kenzie, pull her aside, pour out his heart, and hopefully begin the process of getting her back.

But his attempt to do so doesn’t go as planned, and after he flees the party with scarcely a goodbye to Tess, his night barely improves. He interrupts a man being attacked near the bar where his evening started, and the grateful victim buys Carter a drink. But their strange conversation provides little of the comfort Carter needs, and he goes to sleep that night frustrated, angry, and with no clue about what he should do next.

But when Carter awakens the next morning, he discovers that something has already been done for him. And what he does next could change everything.

“Second Chances” is a certainly a story about starting over, but it is more so about love, forgiveness, and the joy of an unexpected blessing. Carter’s journey is unique and engaging, and the man himself is likeable, relatable, and totally root-for-able. “Second Chances” may be T.M. Franklin’s first Christmas-themed story, but it reads like a classic you already love. In truth, Franklin could write a grocery list and turn it into magic, but “Second Chances” is a heartwarming romance that you will want to put at the top of your Holiday Wish List.
Profile Image for Theresa.
873 reviews13 followers
October 30, 2017
Everyone deserves a second chance...

Warm and loving holiday story about second chances, sparked by angels or imagination and the question 'what if you could get a do over on your biggest regret'... The setting starts off in New York City on Christmas Eve and then heading to a small town in Washington state. From suits to flannel, single to married with children, what regret would you change? And now a bit about the story...

Carter Reed is a well known newsman who's traveled the world to get his story, even with bullets flying. Now he's back to take a regular nighttime news post on the network. There's just one regret, Kenzie. Instead of asking her to marry him, he said goodbye and left their hometown for his big city internship. Ten years later they are both successful, but he is extremely lonely. Now the only question is can he handle a do over?

Favorite passages:
- “I didn’t know grownups got time outs,”
- But someone told me recently that second chances aren’t about fixing mistakes as much as learning from them.
Profile Image for Mary.
113 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2017
Cute, holiday book to get you in the spirit!
Profile Image for Markie.
162 reviews19 followers
October 28, 2017
If you need a heartfelt, feel-good Romance novel that is quick read, look no further! I absolutely loved this story, and if really does take you on a rollar coaster of emotions. A perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day.
Profile Image for Josephine.
113 reviews
October 28, 2017
I'm the person who's always thinking "what if" . This was such a great read. Well written. Reminds me a little of the movie Family Man" You should definite;y put it on your to read list.
28 reviews
October 20, 2017
A captivating story of “what if?”. Relatable in some aspects and magical in others, but it all ties together and gets wrapped in a perfect Christmas bow. This is one book that should not be left off your wish list.
Profile Image for Jolanda Gelissen.
396 reviews11 followers
November 2, 2017
If you’re in the mood for a sweet second chance romance with a touch of the supernatural, this is the book for you. Even more so if you’d like to get into the Christmas spirit early this year!

Carter Reed spends Christmas Eve feeling sorry for himself in some bar in New York City, thinking about the woman he let slip away ten years before. A quirky young lady strikes up a conversation and persuades him to make an appearance at a party. In particular, a party where one Mackenzie Monroe, successful author, is the guest of honor.

Carter can’t handle seeing the love of his life, Kenzie, with another man, though, and quickly leaves the venue. Due to a series of apparent coincidences, he drops into his hotel room bed seriously inebriated, only to wake up in an unfamiliar room.

As it turns out, Carter has been given a chance to see what life could be like had he made a different choice ten years ago. At first he is thrilled at getting to be with Kenzie again. Things are not as easy as they may seem, though, and Carter has his work cut out for him.

I liked how this wasn’t a walk in the park; Carter doesn’t get his happily ever after handed to him. He has to learn how to fill his new role, and only has limited sources to help him. This makes for an honest read, with some laughs here and there at some of the misunderstandings that happen. He also learns to take responsibility for his mistakes and to try and set them right. I like the growth shown in Carter throughout this story.

Kenzie is a strong woman who has been hurt by Carter��s behavior, though he doesn’t know exactly what his alternate self did to get to this point. She longs to give him another chance, but makes him work for it, which I applaud.

The ending of the book is lovely and will leave you hopeful. A wonderful book to read during the coming cold winter nights, or gift someone special over the holidays.
Profile Image for Sri.
169 reviews23 followers
November 2, 2017
I loved loved loved the cover of this book. The beautiful couple in their christmas garb with that jingle bell. I actually really liked the headers of chapter name and that image of a jingle bell at the end of each chapter. It was really aesthetically pleasing.

Good things: I LOVED the concept/main plot of the book. The way that redemption arc was shown was just beautiful. I loved how this guy was put in that situation where he could make things right even though initially it felt like everything he did, he was doing it wrong. I like that he learnt from his mistakes and that it showed the reality of a ten year old marriage/relationship where life is not rainbows and sunshines. Relationships take work and effort everyday and they suffer when you take them for granted or assume that problems will solve themselves eventually because they have in the past. Its easy to be placid about not working towards a relationship because no one wants to put the effort but thats what ends marriages. I really liked the way they showed love between the two protagonists in the small things around the house. A date night is romantic, yes. But so is finding your partner asleep while reading and making the effort to bookmark the book before putting your partner to a sleeping position. The author has easily shown that every small gesture counts. And that was beautiful to read.

Not so good things: Not a fan of the end. It felt unrealistic that one single meeting in a hotel lobby could lead to them flying home together. It felt too far fetched. I would've preferred her to meet him when she is back from the book tour simply to have had time away from him and to have gotten to know him all over again even if it was long-distance. It just feels like that would've been a more informed decision than "fly with me." But nevertheless, I really enjoyed this beautiful holiday romance.

This book gets a 4.3 rating from me.

All my love,
sri

P.S.: I volunteered to recieve an ARC of this book from the author and am freely giving my review about it.
Profile Image for Jess Brown.
Author 4 books38 followers
November 2, 2017
This story delivers exactly what it promises. Carter is a man with regrets. He bolted from his commitment to the love of his life, and subsequently can’t help watching her become a successful author. He’s too scared of rejection to approach her and ask her to take him back.

There’s a really cute twist to this story that brought a grin to my face. I’m not going to give it away, but this is the perfect story for cuddling up, with a warm Christmas fire in the hearth and a mug of hot chocolate in hand. It will particularly appeal to fans of It’s a Wonderful Life. 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Lisa Stinson.
1,158 reviews16 followers
December 14, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the plot and the entire "It's a Wonderful Life" aspect of the story. It's amazing how wondering what changing one small detail in your past can completely affect how your future will go. Carter just figured that if he and Kenzie had gotten engaged that Christmas Eve 10 years ago, the their lives would have been perfect. But true love and happiness is something that has to be continually worked at and it isn't just a given. Fantastic book.
337 reviews39 followers
November 5, 2017
So sweet

This was an awesome read. I love books where people find their way back to each other. The It's a Wonderful Life feel to this books was so special. This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last.
Profile Image for Chele.
637 reviews
November 26, 2017
I love this story, and recommend it to everyone.
It's about listening with your heart as well as you ears and it's sometimes about learning from your mistakes rather than trying to fix them,
5 stars!!!!!
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
April 25, 2018
This touching rendition of It's a Wonderful Life truly is a wonderful heartwarming read. After seeing the woman he turned away Carter has the chance to see like never before and make some real hard life choices. Funny and emotional as he works thru his own issues in the chance to make his dreams come true while facing the fallout from the choices he has made. This family was so real and touchable with real life issues and real life expectations. Great read with characters I loved.
Profile Image for Tamara.
135 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2017
Beautiful second chance story just in time for the holiday season. This story was unique and well written and I fell in love with all the characters. This book will go on my list of holiday reads each year.
2,227 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2018
Ebook

They parted as he went away to give her a chance at success. But 10 years later he’s still pinning for what could have been. An angel gives him a chance to see what would have been if he stayed.
Profile Image for Martyk.
290 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2017
Just a sweet "what if" story. It was a fast read and I really enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Angie.
539 reviews6 followers
November 6, 2017
My first holiday read of the season and it was flat out amazing.
Oh what a story! The characters are easy to love and are so relatable. I couldn’t put this book down. If I had only one bad thing to say, it would be that I wanted more. More of everything in this book.
When life gives you a second chance at love, at life at anything you want, would you take it? Take that chance? The big leap?
Kenzie and Carters story gives you a glimpse at past, present and something in between.
Carter and Kenzie are reunited in a way after a 10 year split. When Carter couldn’t commit to Kenzie. He just wasn’t ready to that that leap. Unfortunately for Kenzie, that ment moving along without Carter.
When Kenzie comes to town for a book signing, Carter has to decide if he is ready to make a leap of faith and see her again.
This story has so many angles to it. It’s a fun, sweet book that makes you think. Be careful what you wish for. It just may come true.
I truly enjoyed it.
5/5 Stars
A
T&A Book Blog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sheila Samuelson .
1,071 reviews17 followers
August 15, 2022
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Did i just read a Christmas Book in August?! Why yes i did. Why?! well i didnt have any other Romance for this month so i thought why not read the ebook just to mark it off my TBR List.

This was my first time reading a book/series by Tami so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i loved it so much. It reminded me of a Retelling as well as much like a Hallmark Channel, GAC Family and Lifetime Christmas Movie which i think is why i enjoyed this one so much!!

The Characters were very interesting and enjoyable to read about. Carter, Mckenzie and the other female character were my favorites i could really relate to some of them.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in NYC at Christmas time.

Overall a Phenomenal Book 1 in this Romance Series!! Can't wait to read more by Tami in the future!!
Profile Image for Caro.
1,003 reviews
November 4, 2017
Well, this was super lovely.

We have here the ultimate do-over. I love second chance romances, and boy does this deliver.

Here are Carter and Mackenzie. Things got totally screwed up at some point in the past, and now he gets a second chance from a magical source. I loved these two, and I loved how Carter had to work for his HEA, is never easy and it’s not just only about a miss opportunity in the past. It’s an everyday struggle, but so much worth it.

This was a perfect read for this upcoming holiday season, a heartwarming read. :-)

*Thank you to Enchanted Publications for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Dee.
25 reviews
November 21, 2019
If you love Hallmark Channel movies you'll love this story.

Take It's A Wonderful Life, flip it upside down then inside out, add in A Christmas Carol and you have the adventures of Carter Reed. I felt bad for him at first, then I thought he was beyond all hope and eventually, he wised up.
He carried a torch for his one and only true love, Mackenzie Monroe, for 10 years. One snowy Christmas Eve they are in the same city so he goes to see her but chickens out. He goes back to his hotel room and passes out. Or does he? Was it real? Was it a dream? You'll have to read it and decide for yourself.
802 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2019
Such a delightful read of Second Chances that will put you into the beauty of the Christmas Season. Great characters all around - the principle H & h, their children and their families, not to mention the "unidentified angels"! The plot is very familiar, being like "Family Man", but this book does have some striking differences that make it a "Favorite Holiday Read" story. A very clean, sweet, holiday romance that will leave you smiling with the special HEA. Read the book this holiday season for warm, fuzzy feelings! I would also suggest the new addition of "Visions of Sugarplums" to add to the delight of the season.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
29 reviews15 followers
December 5, 2017
New version of an old tale

Oh how I love a holiday romance! I was drawn to this story because of my love for It's A Wonderful Life. It's a modern day story of second chances. Carter had me wanting things to go his way from the beginning! Kenzie was the love of his life that he left behind for a career he thought he wanted. But sometimes you regret choices you make and sometimes you don't get the chance to change them. Carter gets to see what life could have been. Will he and Kenzie get a happy ending? Will it be too late? Don't have regrets - read this story!!
Profile Image for ToniAnn.
542 reviews13 followers
November 6, 2017
Sometimes all you need is a second chance to prove you will do whatever it takes. Carter loved Kenize. Heck, he is still in love with her. When he gets a second chance with her, he realizes his life is turned upside down. He lives the life they would have had if he didn't choose to go to New York. They may have lost 10 years together, but maybe it was for the best. Now, both Carter and Kenize get the chance to prove to the world, they can make it!
Profile Image for Coral Mitchell.
3,098 reviews
November 10, 2017
Carter has a chance to know what his life would be if he was honest with the love of his life, Kenzie. Carter has much to learn about himself and what a true partnership and romance with another person entails. A relationship is work and compromises. The ending was great and the epilogue brought everything together! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews95 followers
December 29, 2018
Beautiful

Carter & Kenzie had been in love forever but went their separate ways ten years earlier. Now both are in NY city. She there for her new book, he back before his next assignment. It's Christmas Eve and it's time for a reality check and a chance for a second chance at true love.
159 reviews
December 13, 2020
Still good

I read this when it was FanFiction and loved it. Actually I love all of Tami’s stories.
One star missing because a big error——Carter spent New Years Eve by himself, eating Chinese and watching the ball drop. Then the next chapter he spent New Year’s Eve with his family.
Profile Image for M Lo.
26 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2021
Great short story...

I was a bit nervous reading this book, but I was so glad I continued.

I went through many emotions throughout the story, never knowing what would happen. Then when something did, I wished I that something to comfort me. I loved the story and can't wait to read the sequel.
51 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2021
One choice, one change

Love the reference to “Its a wonderful life”; my favourite movie. Here Carter has a chance to change one thing and he picks his childhood girlfriend Kenzie. This is a short story about getting a second chance. As Henry asked Carter, “ If you could fix one mistake in your past, what would it be.” Truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all.
1,333 reviews8 followers
February 9, 2021
I like the references to “It’s a Wonderful Life”; it’s my favourite Christmas movie. Carter has a chance to fix one mistake in his past and he decides that he wants to be with Kenzie his high school sweetheart. This was a wonderful story about a man trying to make things right. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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