Erika’s POV: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Title: Second Chance Summer

Author: Morgan Matson

Series: Standalone

Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Realistic Fiction

Format: Published May 7th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Source: Own copy; bought in Fully Booked

“A thousand moments that I had just taken for granted- mostly because I had assumed that there would be a thousand more.”

The Summary:

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.

My Thoughts:

“Just because you’d left something behind didn’t mean that it had gone anywhere.”

This is my very first Morgan Matson book and let me tell you she didn’t disappoint! This book is just so beautifully written. It touched my heart. I’m very vocal that I’m not a cryer but this book did it for me. It made me freaking cry!! Many many tears… I’m now a fan and I want to read all her books!!!

“You said you didn’t want to waste your time on people who aren’t going to matter,” I said, and he nodded. “But how do you know they’re not going to matter? Unless you give it a shot?”

This is a story of a girl who never faces her problems head on. Let me tell you Taylor, that is not reality! I tried to understand Taylor’s character but it annoyed me how she always runs away! I didn’t like it at all. Especially what she did to Lucy and Henry. I’m not a happy camper. I got really mad at her when I read it! Why did you do that Taylor?! It’s not like a problem free relationship exists!

Okay, so she comes back to their lake house and we meet Henry. Henry is just this cutie patootie guy who likes the forest and also bakes. He is absolutely gorgeous!! And even though Taylor pulled the running away trick, he was still there for her! Their love story is just adorable. You’ll love him guys.

“And I’ve realized that the Beatles got it wrong. Love isn’t all we need—love is all there is.”

When things started to get serious with them, she runs away AGAIN! I think I need to go to Taylor and glue her shoes to the floor. With me saying, “There is nooooo way I’m making you run away again! Wear your big girl panties and face your problems!”

Let’s talk about her Dad who broke my very fragile heart. Gosh. All the things he said to Taylor. My heart just sank and I couldn’t breath while reading it! I was like I will not cry. I will not cry. But noooo, my tear ducts just had to go and betray me. Warning to all: be ready with tissues… it will get ugly!

I love how this book doesn’t only focus on Henry and Taylor’s relationship but also on Taylor and her family. The way her family’s bond was restored. The way she was able to fix herself. It will make you appreciate every second you have with your loved ones. Don’t waste it cause time is something you can never get back!

“Daddy,” I whispered, feeling my own breath hitch in my throat. “I love you.”
Just when I was sure he was asleep, the one corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. “I knew that,” he murmured. “Always knew that.”

I’m a firm believer of second chances. I believe that everyone deserves a second chance and this book just showed that! I loved it.

“You can always find your way out, no matter how lost you are.”

Happy reading!!