We all need a second-chance every now and again (or a third or fourth!). I think that is why second-chance romances are such a favorite story line. It’s so rewarding to see a relationship that didn’t work out the first time be redeemed and the characters finally get their happily ever after!
My latest book, Longing for Lily, is the first second-chance romance I’ve written. The groundwork for Josh and Lily’s relationship was laid nearly six books ago, though!
It was so rewarding to finally give them their happily ever after. At times, this book required more of me than I was prepared to give. The topics covered were difficult and took energy to write that I didn’t have while struggling with morning sickness. I even pushed back the release of this book once to make sure I had time to make it the story it needed to be.
![Longing for Lily: A Christian Second-Chance Romance (Bloom Sisters Book 5) by [Tara Grace Ericson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51by45xoXrL.jpg)
A rift twelve years in the making, and a second chance to do it right.
Lily Bloom is confident, capable, and better off alone. She experienced true love once, and she thinks she’ll never find it again. Instead, she throws her energy into building her event business at Storybook Barn, helping others take the dive into happily ever after.
Josh Elliot is the life of the party, with a successful photography business and wonderful friends. But there is something missing. He never had a doubt about the woman God made for him, but he failed her twelve years ago. Forever isn’t in the cards for them, but since she started hosting weddings at Bloom’s Farm, he is tortured with the unobtainable love of his life nearly every weekend.
Lily’s wedding venue and Josh’s photography business bring their worlds colliding once again, bringing old wounds to the surface and forcing the question: is what happened twelve years ago going to keep them apart forever? Or can God rescue the pieces of the love they once shared?
Longing for Lily is available now.
Do you love second chances as much as I do? Here is my list of must-read second chance romances you definitely need to check out!
Elizabeth Maddrey has a second chance romance you won’t want to miss, especially if you love older main characters. So You Want a Second Chance kicks off her new series and is currently only available as a pre-order bonus for the Love’s Treasure Boxset (which you’ll want to get anyway!) So You Want a Second Chance is the heart-warming story of a stressed-out workaholic billionaire who finds himself on the operating table of “the one who got away.” I read it in one sitting just to see this seasoned couple get their happy ending.
![Hometown Billionaire: A Christian Small-town Romance (Sweet Home Billionaires Book 2) by [Hannah Jo Abbott]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EdiuuYX0L.jpg)
Speaking of billionaires getting a second chance, Hannah Jo Abbott’s Hometown Billionaire is a sweet, small-town romance where Pete returns home for a funeral and runs into his high-school sweetheart. The sparks are still there, but so are the hard feelings for his leaving town all those years ago.
If billionaires aren’t your thing, how about a couple cowboys? Give Me Another Chance, Cowboy by Valerie Comer has three of my favorite things: A strong cowboy, a single dad, and a second-chance. *sigh* I love all the Cavanaugh Brothers, but Travis might be my favorite. Dakota and Travis will always be connected because of their son, but a second chance for these co-parents is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Remembering the Cowboy by Mandi Blake is an awesome second-chance romance. I love that it is combined with an amnesia storyline! Watching Camille and Noah overcome the past when Camille doesn’t even remember it? It’s a great twist on a classic storyline.
If you are looking to escape the cold weather, Tropical Kiss or Miss by Liwen Ho might be the perfect second-chance for you. These characters are married but estranged and Olivia’s solo beach vacation comes with a big surprise — her husband trying to win her back!
I’m a sucker for small towns, and Falling for You by Becky Wade is one of my favorite small-town second chance stories. Willow Bradford avoids her ex-boyfriend, retired NFL star Corbin Stewart at all costs. But when a young girl convinces them both to help her solve a decades-old missing persons case, they can’t say no.
![Not Until Forever: A Christian Romance (Hope Springs Book 1) by [Valerie M. Bodden]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41v3V901DHL.jpg)
Last on the list is Not Until Forever by Valerie Bodden. Sophie chose her career five years ago, and Spencer put his family before her. When Sophie is back in town, they find a second-chance for love, but also for friendships and faith. It’s a heart-warming, emotional story of falling in love all over again.
Okay, readers! It’s your turn. Do you love second chances? Why or why not? What amazing second-chance romances did I miss? I’ll be sending a signed paperback copy of Longing for Lily to one random commenter (US only, international ebook).
Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living.
The first book I thought of when I read your question was Falling For You by Becky Wade. But you’ve already mentioned that one. I do enjoy reading second-chance romance because you want to give everyone a second chance. Thank you for this post!
One of my favourite second chance romances is Berry on Top, one of Valerie Comer’s Farm Fresh stories.
There are many others, of course, but hey, it’s late in the day and my brain shuts down after 9.00 pm!!
I didn’t realize it until I read this post but, yes, second chance romance is a favorite trope of mine! I love that the characters already have a background with each other.
I do like second chance romances! Liz Isaacson has a really good one, too, Second Chance Ranch, the first book in her series, River Ranch.
I love second chance romances!!
I truly enjoy second chance romance
I Love second chance romance because everyone deserves second chances I think this is one of many of my favorite troupes! Blessings and have a great day!
I’m so glad you loved Give Me Another Chance, Cowboy! I adore ALLLLL the second chance romances, maybe because God gives us chance after chance after chance to fall in love with Him.
Yes! I love the journey of the characters finding forgiveness and embracing the future together! Thanks for commenting.
I haven’t read that one by Valerie, but I will check it out!
It does make it a fun twist on a typical “boy meets girl, boy falls in love” story when they have a history — often a complicated one!
That’s a good one! Thanks Trudy!
Yay! I hope you found a couple new ones to read in this post!
Me too! I hope you found a few good ones to add to your to-be-read pile on this list :)
Where would we be without second chances? It’s one of my favorites also. Thanks for commenting!
One of my favorites is “Loves Fresh Start” by Jeanine Lauren. It’s refreshing to see that even older couples can find love again after they lose their first love.
Yes! I think you’ve struck the heart of it — we get thousands of chances to get it right (and still never do!), but God is faithful. I’m a sucker for second chances too. It was fun to finally write one of my own!
Love second chance romances, especially with the older set. Sweet!
There is something rewarding about seeing characters find each other after years (maybe decades!) apart! Thanks for commenting!
Second chances are so sweet. I really enjoyed Jess Mastorakos’ book, Away from You. This one was a second chance book. I also loved Longing for Lily! It was amazing!
Second chance romances are one of my favorites! I enjoy the process of the relationship! Thanks for this chance!
I enjoy second chance romances for the same reason as you: seeing a past relationship finally work out and get their happily ever after. With CF, I love that the second time around, they’ve learned more about communicating (better) their problems, as well as making God a center part of their relationship.
Thanks for the recommendations! There are a couple that got my attention :) and one I’m listening to and enjoying/loving right now is “For the Love of Joy” by Janet W. Ferguson
I enjoy a good second chance romance. Depends on how well it is written. First, I read all genres book just to try them out and get a feel for the author. I love seeing what the plot twists and turns are. Falling in love is easy it’s getting the other person to feel the same way. Sometimes the second time around is better.
Second chance Romance recommendations are: Return: A Small-Town Second Chance Romance (Belle Ridge, Texas Series Book 2) by Andrea Rousse, Her Unexpected Second Chance by Laura Ann and Remember Honor: A Second Chance Military Romance (Healing Hearts) by Ginny Sterling. Also, other recommendation I have is Choices, Complex, Beyond Repair by Rose Fresquez Eron Outsiders Series 3 book series.
I would love to read and review this book in print format.
Hope I Win
I love second chances as much as you do! Falling for You is a great read!
Janet W. Ferguson’s stories are great too <3 and so many more!!!!
I love second chances because it reminds us there is always hope and things can change.
Secound chance romance has always been my favoriate troupe to read
I haven’t read that! Thanks for sharing.
I love Jess’s books also! Thank you for the kind words about Longing for Lily! <3
Thanks for stopping by!
Great point! We definitely get to see the growth of the characters. I’ll check out the book you suggested, too!
Thanks for sharing these recommendations! I haven’t read any of them yet! Good luck :)
Seems like it is definitely a popular storyline!
Yes! It’s never too late!
I hope you found some good ones in the list above!
So many good books in this post! I love a good second chance romance, now I have a few more to add to my TBR list:)
Outside of this list, I’d say Bethany Turner’s Wooing Cadie McCaffrey is a great read! It’s not a traditional second chance romance, but it definitely has that feel!
I love second-chance stories, too! One of my favorites is by my friend, Patty H. Scott, called “Love’s Second Chance.”
Second chances as one of my all time favorites in romances and other genres but most of all in families even more than romance.
Second chance can be good. There are reasons when they don’t work but most seem to work well. It is also a theme that can be used for more mature aged books. I know of people who both married and their partner died and have found their first love through different circumstances. Even a person who’s spouse has passed away having a second chance of love with someone (That happened to a friend of mine who is now very happy)
I enjoy reading second-chance romances to hear the back story of the couple from the first time they were together & how they grow as individuals/overcome what separated them in the past. Liwen Ho’s book “Tropical Kiss or Miss” was a great read!
second chance is one of my favorite tropes.
I do like second chance romance because of the whole having to get past the past so there can be a future with someone even better.
Yes, I enjoy them, it’s wonderful when a couple can put aside the past and move forward together. So much easier said than done which creates great opportunities for a writer. Thanks for the post.
I enjoy the second chance for love trope, because it usually shows how the characters evolved and how you aren’t the same person you were all those years ago, yet in some ways you are the same.
I enjoy second chance romances too! I think it’s because it gives hope that relationships can be repaired even after being apart for so long.
Second chance stories are my favorite. There is something about people learning from their mistakes and making the relationship work this time around.
I have that on my bookshelf, but I haven’t read it yet! Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks for the recommendation!
I love that. Thanks for commenting!
A real life romance! I agree, it’s a trope that works really well for older main characters.
The history is definitely a fun part of the story!
Mine too! Thanks for reading!
I agree. Moving beyond the hurts of the past can be difficult, and it’s fun to watch the characters grow.
Definitely easier said than done! Thanks for reading and commenting!
It is interesting to see how authors handle that “same but different” character arc!
It’s never too late! :D
I’m so glad you like them, too. I hope you found a couple to add to your list!
I love reading second chance romances, they are my favorite, I think everyone deserves a second chance . Have a great rest of the week and stay safe. Thank you for the chance.
I love second chance romances. I think they help instill hope in people! I have always felt this way but I think we need hope more every year that passes. I have read many of these and plan to keep doing so!
I have read and enjoyed many second-chance romances. Thinking back over recent reads, a LOT of the Chapel Cove stories are second chances.
Thanks for commenting, Alicia!
We can all use more hope, for sure!
That’s a great point! Definitely should be added to the list.
If I had to pick a favorite second chance other than yours, I would say Falling for You by Becky Wade which I know was on your list as well. Thanks for the chance to win a signed copy of Longing for Lily.
My absolute favorite theme in a book is second chance romance or reunion romance! There’s always a reason why a relationship didn’t work out and I like learning that reason & watching the couple work through the past to forge a new future. Sometimes it was because they were too young, but now that they are older, they can look past the inexperiences of youth to find common ground, take responsibility for what went wrong, and find love with each other again. Sometimes it was a misunderstanding that blew up to be too big to overcome & years later they realize what happened and can work through the misunderstanding in a new light. Sometimes it can be outer influences that tore them apart…ie: family, friends, just the wrong timing, etc.
There are so many reasons why a relationship didn’t work out and I just love to watch a couple try again years later. :-)
I must love second chance stories because every single book you mentioned is either on my to-read list or I’ve already read it! Can’t wait to read Lily’s story!
Yes. The Lord forgives us all our sins. We need to live our lives with forgiveness and second changes.
I love second chance romances. They sound so hopeful and the characters are older and wiser!