Official Review: Getting It Right the Second Time Around

Momlovesbooks · Post by **Momlovesbooks** » 19 Jul 2016, 11:21

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Getting It Right the Second Time Around" by Jennifer Frank.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Have you ever wanted a do-over in life? Getting It Right the Second Time Around, Jennifer Frank's debut novel, addresses just such an issue. Alison Henning is an independent, twenty-eight year old with a meaningful job and close friends and family. However, she has no plans for her future.

Several years earlier, she was engaged and had an acceptance letter to Boston University Law School. However, life threw her a curve ball and her plans suddenly changed. Now, Alison is coasting through life as an assistant director at a domestic violence shelter. She loves her job, but feels like her life is going nowhere. That is, until her rich Aunt Elinor dies and leaves her an ultimatum that forces her to rethink her life. Should she go back to law school or follow her heart with a new direction and a new romantic relationship? Is she destined to make the same mistakes she did in the past?

This was a fun, uplifting, inspiring novel. It is about the struggle and determination to follow your own path in life. The book has a unique, well-written plot. It flows smoothly from beginning to end. The author was also very detailed when describing settings and characters. She made the streets of Boston come alive and I felt like I really knew the main character, Alison. The author went into great depth exploring the protagonist's feelings and thoughts. Alison had humorous moments of inner-dialogue that I found amusing. At times, some of the descriptions were wordy, but overall, only added to the appeal of this novel.

I loved Aunt Elinor's quotes at the beginning of the chapters. She was such a spunky, opinionated, straight-shooter. One of my favorite quotes was "You want to know the secret of my success? It's serendipity - that odd mixture of hope and opportunity. Some of my greatest challenges became my greatest successes. It also helps that I have a great pair of legs and looked good in a skirt." It seemed she was still dispensing advice from beyond the grave. I would love for the author to write a prequel focusing on Aunt Elinor's life. I think everyone should have an "Aunt Elinor" to give them advice in life. I could relate to Alison with her worries and uncertainties. The book's theme about not letting others control your life is an inspiring message. I also found it humorous that the author threw in a final chapter from the cat's point of view. This was quite funny to me, being an animal lover.

This is a wonderful story with a message that can reach out to many. Based on the above opinions, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in a fun, clean book with faith-based elements. I look forward to reading other books by this author.

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Getting It Right the Second Time Around
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Kourtney Bradley · Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 23 Jul 2016, 09:45

It's nice to see a "clean" novel in the romance genre for once. Nice review!

signed · Post by **signed** » 26 Jul 2016, 10:43

Thanks for the review!

gali · Post by **gali** » 26 Jul 2016, 10:48

Sounds like a cute book. I like it when an author explores the protagonist's feelings and thoughts. Thank you for the great review.

Congratulations to the author for getting a good review and being Book of the Day!

Clintmich · Post by **Clintmich** » 26 Jul 2016, 10:58

I love this story. It helps individuals to understand that there will always be a second chance to do something again, and do it perfectly this time round. Amazing work.

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 26 Jul 2016, 11:06

Great review! I love when an author can write a clean book. Sometimes those are hard to come by these days. Sounds like a great read! Aunt Elinor sounds like a trip!

Rachaelamb1 · Post by **Rachaelamb1** » 26 Jul 2016, 11:12

I enjoyed the sample and reading your review certainly makes me want to read further. I would love to see the chapter from the cat's perspective.

purplepeepleeater · Post by **purplepeepleeater** » 26 Jul 2016, 11:22

Sounds like a wonderful read, thank you for the great review!!!

L_Therese · Post by **L_Therese** » 26 Jul 2016, 11:29

Great review! I love hearing about a romance novel that is clean and funny without drifting into cheesy and fake. Elinor really sounds like a great character even though she's only active through memory and legacy.

jungkookblog · Post by **jungkookblog** » 26 Jul 2016, 12:18

Very intriguing romance book. Sounds like a really great romance novel. Thank you for sharing.

chocomeiske · Post by **chocomeiske** » 26 Jul 2016, 12:29

Great review. Fun and uplifting always makes for a good read.

Leaping_Bear · Post by **Leaping_Bear** » 26 Jul 2016, 12:43

Thanks for giving us a clean romance!

Post by **Annelore Trujillo** » 26 Jul 2016, 13:11

Great review. I really like that you pointed out that this is a clean romance novel. That is very helpful when looking for a good book to read. I'm excited to read this book.

CataclysmicKnight · Post by **CataclysmicKnight** » 26 Jul 2016, 13:41

Okay, so clean romance, interesting concept, faith-inspired elements and a chapter from the cat's point of view? I'm sold! Definitely sounds worthy of book of the day today! And fantastic review, you really sold me on it!