Absolutely Charming

The Second Chance Cinema by Thea Weiss is an absolutely delightful contemporary book about love, memories and second chances. I read the book in just one sitting and am sad that it has ended.

The plotline is unique and extremely well executed. It is a bout looking into the past at edited highlights, sharing memories with your present partner, and being honest with each other. Lives cannot be built on lies. Where there is truth, lives will prosper.

Family is important. “My family didn’t have a lot of money, but… they knew how to make things special.” Family and the bonds of love which they share are beautiful to witness. There is a family whose foundation is love. Another character has lost her way, building her life on wealth and connections.

We see how a family is fractured following a tragic loss. Each family member has retreated into their own grief bubble. The grief journey never goes away. “People always say the grief fades, but I find it just evolves.”

Guilt goes hand in hand with grief. “I just can’t shake the guilt from all the tiny decisions that led to what happened.” Guilt is a part of grief with nowhere to go. It is destructive. A character needs to forgive herself for actions that were not her fault. “You need to give yourself permission to move on.” Moving on does not mean forgetting, but it is part of life.

We see that objects ‘speak’ to us. They connect us to our memories and to those who have gone before.

The leading couple were wonderfully drawn. As the reader sees romance blossoming and lives opening up, it is delightful. Their verbal exchanges were very charming.

The Second Chance Cinema was an absolutely wonderful book. It will make your heart smile and fill your heart with love.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON