In the lead up to Christmas, I really wanted to read some festive reads and having read and loved Jenny Bayliss’ previous book, Twelve Dates of Christmas, I wanted to make sure my festive reading included her new novel, The Winter of Second Chances.

Annie Sharpe has it all – an acclaimed restaurant she owns with her handsome husband Max, and two gorgeous grown-up sons. But after one indiscretion too many, she leaves behind the only life she’s ever known.

In search of a fresh start, Annie takes up a position as a caretaker of Saltwater Nook, a creaky but charming beach house on Kent’s beautiful, wild coastline. The village community is an eccentric but tight knit bunch, and Annie is swept up in a whirlwind of their traditional festive celebrations, from pumpkin carving to bonfires on the beach. It soon feels like home – she even reopens the long-dormant seafront café.

The only thorns in her side are John, the owner’s rugged but totally unreasonable nephew who has his own agenda for the house, and a persistent Max, intent on winning her back. Saltwater Nook has been the perfect escape, but Annie can’t run from her problems forever. Will she give her first love a second chance? Or step into the promise of a new life?

I found that this easy read gave me everything I wanted/needed from a cheesy, festive read. I found the characters quite simple but comforting to read and the actual story didn’t really require much thinking from me, I was simply just allowed to jump in the book and be whisked away to Saltwater Nook.

I think my favourite part of the book was the book club meetings that brought all the ladies of the small town together and they read so many great classics and it was interesting reading (and laughing at) the different discussion points.

I also loved John Granger (the love interest) and how he compared to Annie’s ex husband Max who was a real piece of work. I loved that John and Annie would read books together and text each other their thoughts whilst they were away from each other.

Even though the narrator, Annie, is the main character in the story, I also really enjoyed all the subplots and the supporting characters - from the strong, no-shit OAP Maeve to Alfred the homeless man who just needed someone to trust. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and it reminded me how lovely the build up to the end of the year is with all our celebrations including Halloween, Bonfire Night and the whole month of December really. It made me want to visit a little seaside place like Saltwater Nook - to go and have one of Annie’s perfectly made coffees and cakes and a delicious pub lunch in The Captain’s Bounty. Thinking back to the title, I think Annie’s winter of second chances was more about her re-establishing her life after years of unhappiness!

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