Her Second Chance Christmas By: Isabella Bruno


 "As Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."  Proverbs 27:17

As a young girl growing up, my parents did not always monitor the books I read.  I read through the children's section (or so I thought fairly quickly) and being an only child with older parents I was forced to grow up sooner than most.  So sadly, I read a lot of harlequin romance novels (especially the ones with babies).   As an adult, it thrilled me to see that harlequin has a series of love inspired books, and I have read many of them over the years.  These short little romance novels (great for having in the car as waiting to pick up kids, or at a time you just want a quick read) have impacted me and my faith journey so much.  Many of them have so many biblical truths sprinkled throughout, making them well worth your read.  Isabella Bruno does not disappoint in Her Second Chance Christmas.  Her cozy little Christmas romances shows that it is never too late to come home, and forgiveness and restoration of relationships are always possible.

This season, many of the Christmas books I have read, have had a lot to do with the mother/daughter relationship and the impact of that relationship on us throughout our lives.  I have been so blessed to have 3 beautiful daughter, and a bonus daughter in my sweet daughter-in-law, and in this middle age season of life, this book and the others have really gave me pause to think.  I have looked back over my own relationship with my mother, and realize that she might have had some things in her past affecting her parenting.  I know that I have, and I am so thankful for a sovereign God who has been working in and through our lives and the precious blood of His son that covers all my sins and faults.  Through the lense of scripture, these books have taught me the importance of forgiving my own mother, and the importance of my story and legacy to share with my own children.  I will always remember the line from Eric Neider's song Faithful, "Even when I'm not, your're faithful."  As my old pastor used to say, "If it's repeated, it's important."  God has been speaking to me, and these books have helped me in ways that I can not even describe.  If you find yourself in this season,  or wanting hope that God can heal all relationships,  I would strongly recommend this book, The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury, Ten Christmases Without You by Jenny Hale,  Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery,  and I'll be Home for Christmas by Jenny Bayliss.  

In Her Second Chance Christmas Penelope (Penny) Shay returns to her childhood home of Cedar Ridge.  She left home when she was a young teenager after the death of her mom.  She left her brother, high school boyfriend Matthew Banks, her beloved nanna, and many other friends.  Struggling with her faith, she is now faced with a health crisis of her own and the break-up of her boyfriend.  She returns home to help her brother with his new bakery and to sort out her own life.  When her best friend returns home as well (thanks to an initiative by the town mayor to welcome residents back who are willing to start their own business) she is forced to face some truths about her own life, her faith, and her health.  She learns the importance of faith, family in community in this sensitively written Christmas romance, showing readers that coming home is possible (in more ways than one).  This story touches on forgiveness, family, grief, and healing.  

As Simba wholeheartedly gives this book four paws, I would recommend cozying up in your favorite Christmas pajamas, a blanket, hot cocoa, and some gingerbread cookies.  I was definitely touched by Penny's story and reminded of the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, and His sovereign plan for my life.  Happy Reading!!

This book is now available at Amazon and on Amazon Kindle for purchase.  I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC to read and review.

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