Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North: Review

It is not always easy to find a book about married romance. Struggles and second chances is what marriage is about many times as the years go by. This story is a special look at marriage from the wife’s point of view mostly. Deep and totally unique. Check out my review below.

Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North
Publisher: ‎ St. Martin’s Griffin (June 25, 2024)
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250910127

Synopsis:
Liz Lewis has tried everything to be what people want. But she’s always been labeled different from everyone else in the boisterous world of wilderness expeditions―that is, if anyone notices her at all. Her marriage to popular adventure guide Tobin Renner-Lewis is a sinkhole of toxic positivity where she’s the only one saying no. In a mountain resort town built around excitement, introverted Liz gets…spreadsheets.

When she gets mistaken for a server at her own thirtieth birthday party and her last line of communication with Tobin finally snaps, Liz vows to stop playing a minor character in her own life. The (incredibly well-researched and scientific) plan? A crash course in confidence…via improv comedy class.

The catch? She’s terrible at it, and the only person willing to practice with her is a certain extroverted wilderness guide who seems dead set on saving their marriage one bonkers improv scenario at a time. But as Liz and Tobin get closer (…again), she’s forced to confront all the reasons they didn’t work the first time, along with her growing suspicion that there might be more to her social awkwardness than anyone realized. Liz has just eight weeks to learn improv’s most important lesson―”yes, and”―or she’ll have to choose between the love she always wanted and the dreams that got away.

Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North Review

I have to admit that it took me a bit to get into this book. But once I did, it took off for me.

I can relate to many parts of Liz. Unseen, unheard, dismissed in many ways. You end up feeling that way in many areas of your life. One thing she is passionate about is work. So diving into something so far out of her comfort zone felt like something she had to do.

There are several areas in this story that I hated. Blowing up her marriage and all the issues surrounding that was hard for me to read. But when her hubby kept trying and being overly supportive to help her with her dreams and goals, it was then that I had hope for the ending.

North wrote all of the characters in such a way you had times of love and time of hate. Supporting characters are so important for the story and the growing reconnection between Liz and Tobin gives a rollercoaster of emotions. The 3rd act sucks the life out of you! The ending restores you.

Rules for Second Chances is full of second chances and a strong love that gives you hope to overcome and heal. Liz is not my favorite person at times and Tobin is so underrated! Overall, the story is awesome, diving into tough subjects and overcoming obstacles.

4.5 Stars!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.