Review: Emotional and Engaging
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 27, 2011
Second Chances had a common theme throughout and centered around two families.  The lives of two families were forever changed overnight.  We first meet Hanna while she is babysitting 7 year old Kadi.  As Kadi sleeps, Hanna calls her hot tempered ex-boyfriend who broke up with her because he had already moved on.  Hanna tells him she's pregnant and they agree to meet later that night.  The next morning, Hanna is found dead.  Kadi's father Ryan Crowe, is accused of and eventually convicted of murdering Hanna.  Ryan is sentenced to 20 years in prison.  Hanna's younger brother, Dain, vows to kill Ryan in 20 years when he is released from prison.  The ripple effect of one incident caused many more families to suffer because one person chose to remain silent by not telling the truth.Second Chances is told from each character's view, but mainly Dain and Kadi.  As a reader, we were able to read how each character is feeling and thinking at the time.  We were able to understand the purpose of their actions as they happen.  As adults, Dain and Kadi end up in the same bar not knowing each other's past.  It is now 20 years later and Kadi is on her way to reconnect with her dad.  Dain is waiting to make his move to make his vow a reality.  He's set to kill Ryan Crowe.  Until he runs into Kadi.  Dain is struck by Kadi's beauty and Kadi is intrigued by Dain.I really didn't care for Dain's rage and abusive nature.  If he didn't possess such anger and violent thoughts, he could be a really great guy.  I personally don't associate with anyone with that type of personality, especially as a parent and wife.  I wouldn't want that around my family.  When Dain and Kadi were together, they both seemed to spark each other's rage and feed off of each other.  At times, their relationship was tumultuous roller coaster.Kadi plays detective to prove her father's innocence.  Meanwhile, Dain is doing his own investigating.  With the same passion and determination over finding out the truth, their friendship eventually turns into more.  They are both investigating the same case but fail to share what they learn.Kadi and Dain's love for one another is a strong bond.  Through the maze of finding out the truth to who killed his sister Hanna, he is unable to fully give himself to Kadi.  At least not until he knows the truth.  He needs to know if Ryan Crowe is innocent.Second Chances is about two families finding a second chance at life, love, family, and the future.  Overall, this book was an exciting, romantic, and suspenseful read.