Love's Second Chance (edition 2013)

Title: Love’s Second Chance
Author: Mike Lynch
Pages: 310
Year: 2013
Publisher: Ellechor Publishing House
This is a story of second chances, starting over or getting a fresh start. Ever wish you could do that? Maybe you have done that and can relate to that part of the storyline. Set in a small town named Fair Haven, this is a contemporary romance. The two main characters are Dana Rogers, a pastor’s assistant and Evan Johnson, a real estate agent. They both attend New Covenant Christian Church, which is also where Dana works.
The story progresses slowly with no real action until about halfway through the book. After that, the plot definitely takes an upturn and the pages started turning faster. Evan and Dana investigate a mysterious fire to find out the identity of an arsonist. Evan disappears on his own trail of evidence and isn’t heard from for a couple of days. Meanwhile Dana and her best friend, Roberta, try to drum up support from the townspeople and community businesses to invest in a rebuilding project. Dana keeps asking questions on her own and thinks she might know who the guilty person is.
During a time of waiting for a reversal of fortune, the church is in desperate need of members as well as spiritual renewal. I really liked how an emphasis was placed on recruiting people with the love of God and the eternal value of that, not the temporal focus of what recruits can do for the church. Some of the characters show the love of Christ in their everyday actions, living their lives for Him. While some in positions of church leadership falter or fail completely in obeying and serving God first and self-interest second. I think this is something we can all take to heart and contemplate.
There were some good one-liners and witty comebacks spoken by Dana, but I thought Evan fell flat somewhat. The story also seemed choppy, and their romance seemed stiff and stilted. She makes a snappy comment and either Evan doesn’t react or he gets angry. Then, out of the blue Evan declares his love for Dana toward the end of the book. There were also typos, which were bothersome, but good editing can fix. The idea of the story was a good one, but the execution was just okay.
My rating is 3.5 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

Love's Second Chance is just that, but a whole lot more.
Dana Rogers is now living in Fairhaven, thanks to her dear friend. She had been working in NYC in brokerage firm, and trying to get on with her life. Dana had been very much in love and engaged to be married, when her Fiancé died. She is now guarding her heart, and does not want to let anyone very close, she never wants the pain of loosing a love one again.
She is now working and enjoying her job at New Covenant Christian Church. We travel along with her as she goes about her job as the Pastor Assistant, and meet some very interesting and loveable people.
Enter Ethan Johnson, a very successful real estate agent. He has had his eye on Dana, but he is also guarding his heart, having be hurt.
When things start to go South at the church, everyone becomes concerned. What is going to happen to the Pillar Church in their Community? Attendance has been steadily dropping, and Dana is trying to help Pastor Terry all she can. She is there when he is down, and having trouble with his sermons. Dana is now trying her hardest to get people to recognize that they need New Covenant, but as Pastor said, sometimes when people turn their backs on God it takes a disaster to turn them around.
When sparks start to happen between Dana and Ethan, will either be able to give of themselves. Also when some shady real estate happens start to appear, is Ethan involved? What is it going to take to bring these people around, or will they loose their Rock?
This is a really great and fast read, once started you won't be able to put it down.

I received this book through Reader's Favorite Reviewers Program, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )