This is definitely an easy-read chick-flick type book. If you’re looking for something that’s not too difficult to get out you out of a slump, look no further. Somewhat predictable but an overall sweet story.

First, I loved the cover of this novel, so much so that I grabbed it to review! This endearing little book about family reconnections had delightful sprinkles of food. That story is of two sisters, one Julia who has a high-powered broadcasting job, and the other Ginny who is a world-class chef. It is a story of their family’s redemption, but not without a few irksome moments. Julia gets herself into some hot water when she follows her gut during an on air broadcast, which as a reader I often found myself frustrated that she didn’t address and defend herself on a timeline I expected. I kept turning pages wanting her to be brave.

Julia’s snafu is what brings her across the country in search of familial redemption. Enter her sister Ginny, who was equally frustrating to me as a reader. She’s very stubborn, and incredibly critical of those around her. I enjoyed the storyline, and there were no unpredictable moments within the story. As a reader I wish that Julia would’ve fought stronger for herself, as a female character, no matter the outcome, and I wished that Ginny would’ve been more accepting and understanding of others’ differences. If you are a foodie, or know someone who is, then you will enjoy this book. I give the story three stars out of five.

I'm not sure about you, but I've failed a LOT of things the first time. And sometimes you don't get a second chance! When we've all got a limited time on this Earth - you kinda want to get most of it right - the first time!

The Second Chance Supper Club was chock full of possible do-overs and second chances and packed with ALL the emotions! But I think my most favorite part was the trio of women that carried this story. All three in different, tough situations but all three were also strong and pretty awesome... they just needed a bit of a second chance. A do-over. A change. Or a fresh start.

Julia and Ginny, estranged sisters, come together after years of not speaking when Julia shows up on Ginny's doorstep asking for help. Ginny, a bit bitter of the past, realizes that she might need to suck it up and put her big girl panties on, cause, well, she kinda needs help, too. Rounding out this trio is Ginny's daughter Olive, who is just starting her life, but a bit resentful of her mother holding her back.

I felt like these ladies could be my friends. I wanted to help them, to hug them, and I rooted for them all to figure out their differences and work together to achieve their individual goals. But will the pain of the past and grudges of the present tear them even farther apart?

Really fun read for me. There's not worse than spending your life doing "have-tos" when we should all be doing our "want-tos" I LOVE a good comeback story and this one is heartwarming, funny, and totally relatable!

And make sure you've got plenty of snacks when you dive into this one cause all the delicious food descriptions will make you super hungry!!

3.5-4 stars. It’s a good book. It is about two sisters, Ginny and Julia. Their parents have died and Ginny , being the oldest, moved back to Arizona from New York to clean up their estate. Ginny ends up staying in Arizona while Julia is in New York pursuing her broadcasting career. The sisters lose touch for about three years until Julia hits a hiccup with her job and runs across country to her sister. So while it is a good story, at times it seemed to me, that maybe I was reading the author’s story or something because it seemed a little “preachy” or drawn out or something. It is a good book but I don’t know these sisters and it seems I don’t really care. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.

PLEASE LET THERE BE A SEQUEL!!!

Not only are the three characters just on the cusp of taking off onto their own adventures, there just still seems to be a hint of unfinished business between Olive and her Dad, Julia and Shane. and Ginny and the restaurant.

Well written with thoughtful characters this has potential to be a terrific series... I cant wait for more!

It goes without saying that this book is about second chances, primarily for sisters Julia and Ginny Frank whose relationship since their parents' death has fragmented to such an extent that they've barely spoken in three years.

Ginny returns to Arizona to sort out the family's affairs, none of which is straightforward and all of which is time-consuming. Her business as successful, award-winning chef in New York is put on the back-burner as she deals with the aftermath of both her grief and the bureaucracy of death. When her sister Julia cannot even take a day off from her media career, resentment builds up for Ginny and it's hard for her to see past what she sees as her sister's lack of respect and responsibility.

Ginny decides to stay in Arizona, uprooting her daughter Olive too. Theirs is a fraught relationship as Olive frequently - too often for Ginny - turns to her father (separated from Ginny) for support. Still a foodie at heart, Ginny opens up their home to an underground dining club, "employing" Olive as a server/hostess/table arranger/floral designer - all in return for bed and board. The problem is exacerbated by Ginny's increasing debts and a tendency to bury her head in the sand.

Julia, meanwhile, is co-anchor for a large network's breakfast show, enjoying all the trappings of New York life with its hustle and bustle. Engaged to James, she leads a fast-paced life, rushing from place to place in order to further her career. But when the network's bosses show some dissatisfaction with her performance, she throws caution to the wind and makes an on-air accusation against the mayor for which she has no real evidence. Yep, it all backfires and she is put on temporary leave while the network tries to calm things down.

Unsure what to do next, she turns up - uninvited - at Ginny's door. While they initially bristle around each other, neither wanting to be the one to raise the matter of their fallout, over time the tension thaws and the sisters begin to open up to each other. Olive, too, responds to the change in atmosphere that Aunt Julia brings to the home. Together, the trio work towards making the supper club a success, even though there are many more issues at stake.

As the story develops, they come to recognise and understand the difficulties they've both faced, and come to appreciate the power of family as they finally learn to get along again. Both Ginny and Julia are strong, opinionated women with different goals, but it is their sisterly bond that brings them together to rebuild their relationships with each other, and with Olive too.

It was a joy to read this story, not only for the very believable and honest characters but also for the scrumptious food offerings and the stunning Arizona sunsets, the flower and food markets, the fascinating guests at the supper club, and ultimately for the message that second chances don't always come along, but when they do, they are to be grabbed with both hands.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. My thanks to them and the author for a most enjoyable reading experience.

A delectable tale blended with all the ingredients you need for a perfect heartwarming read.
•A generous dose of heart.
• A sizable dollop of conflict.
• A heaping spoonful of misunderstanding.
• A liberal sprinkling of drama.
• A peppering of romance.

A delightful mixture of food, family, and fun! The story of two sisters Julia and Ginny Who not only find their way back to each other, but also rediscover themselves. A second chance at sisterhood, a second chance at love, and a second chance at life. A tale not only about the bond between sisters, but also the bond between mother and daughter. An engaging story about forgiveness, understanding, and discovery.

The story jumps back and forth between the perspectives of Julia and Ginny. I really like this because we really got to know both characters and understand where they were coming from. I would have however really loved getting Olive’s perspective as well. Olive was Ginny’s daughter and I found the tension and relationship between these two the most compelling part of the story. I think this is more so because I have a daughter the same age and I do not have a sister, so I was more connected to the mother daughter relationship then the sister sister relationship. Both sisters frustrated me at times, they both tended to be a bit selfish and I never quite got a clear picture as to why there was such a rift between them. They both had a lot of growing up to do, sometimes I had to stop and remember that they were in their late 30s early 40s. I loved how the story ended, I was so happy for all of them especially Olive. A feel good story that will make you smile and crave a good meal!

This book in three emojis: 🍽 💐 🎙

Such a beautifully written book about second chances, forgiveness and sisterhood. I love books that are based around food, especially when it brings people together.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Well I always love a novel that has a bit of family drama, so when you combine that with descriptions of food, and cooking, you know I’m going to love it!

This delightful book had all of that and more, with themes of friendship and family, forgiveness and hope, and yes to the romance!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars!

*thank you to suzyapprovedbooktours and getredpr and publisher for this free copy to review. All opinions are my own

A feel good novel! I was rooting for both sisters all the way! This story just made me feel warm and cozy the entire read! A glorious celebration of new beginnings, sisterhood and the power of good food!

Julia is a high flying media star, a presenter on a morning news programme, engaged to a wealthy financier - her life is 'perfect'.

Ginny is the chef at an illegal 'supper club' that she runs from her house in the depths of Arizona.

Ginny and Julia are sisters, but they haven't really been close since the death of their parents in an accident a few years ago. Then Julia, feeling threatened in an increasingly competitive work environment, oversteps during an interview and finds herself banished. Needing to escape the cut throat media driven life she lives, Julia takes off and finds herself at her sisters door in Arizona.

Over the next few weeks the sisters relationship is tumultuous and this is not helped by the arrival of a journalist determined to 'out' Ginny's Supper Club and tell the world where Julia is hiding.....a really lovely easy read that made me very grateful for the close relationship that I have with my sister.

A heartwarming story of sisterhood, second chances and savoring the healing power of food, which I think truly brings people together. A delicious story that will leave you feeling satisfied.

THE SECOND CHANCE SUPPER CLUB by Nicole Meier

I honestly feel bad about this review. I usually love all the Lake Union books but this one was just not one that I found enjoyable. It had good parts no doubt and I finished it but it took way longer than it should have. It was a disappointment for me. I’m in the minority about that I know but I have to be honest.

While the story had some good parts I didn’t like any of the characters. To me Olive was just a spoiled young lady who needed to be brought down to earth and appreciate all the sacrifices her mother has made for her. On the other hand Ginny, Olive’s mother, was a bit irresponsible in that she kept spending money she didn’t have in the hopes of making more. If you can’t pay your bills you can’t run a business. Then there is Ginny’s sister Julia. Julia did the unthinkable with her job as a reporter. I just didn’t find that believable at all. She was suppose to be very good at her job and have great potential but she blasts an official on the air. That was just not professional at all and if she was as good as it this story says she would not have done that.

I didn’t like any of the characters in this book. To me none were likable at all. They were whinny, self centered, spoiled and I just didn’t like them. I mean Julia is going to give up a job she’s worked hard for? I don’t believe that would happen.

They do all come together in the end and everyone has a big happy ever after but from start to finish this book did not hold my interest at all. It was boring to me and I’m very sorry about that. It just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #LakeUnion and #NicoleMeier for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I recommend this to anyone that does not expect any real action or edge of your seat thrills. If you like a story about selfish siblings and one’s daughter then it’s for you. And you may love it. Many have. It was just me I’m sure.

I give this 3 stars and that is because I finished it.

The Second Chance Supper Club by Nicole Meier was a book I would recommend for others to read. If you love a book about sisters rekindling their relationship...then this was that book. The relationship between the sisters was intriguing. Also, it's a book about finding yourself, again, most of us can relate to a moment in our lives where we felt lost and needed time to reset. There were moments I thought it was slow and some things that weren't fully given a closure for me, but it's a solid read and I would recommend to friends.

This is a wonderfully written emotional captivating read about two sisters reunited and learning to re build their relationship. I loved the author's depiction of the sisters both so different yet bound together by their family ties.
The setting of the desert , the strained relationship and the emotions here are well portrayed and kept me turning the page to the end.

I highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to review this wonderful book. My review opinion is my own.

[Julia’s career as a daytime television host self-destructs, but is it her fault entirely? With a “lacquered and sneering” co-anchor, a team of male executives breathing down her neck, and a younger, prettier anchor (in a tight-fitting dress, no less) waiting in the wings, who wouldn’t feel pressured to take an on-air risk?

Her sister Ginny, meanwhile, is in Arizona, lingering over farmstand produce, pinching her pennies, and wondering where in the world her daughter – the sole waitress for that evening’s supper club – is.]

******************************************

We won’t lie. We snatched up The Second Chance Supper Club (SCSC) for its foodie cover and some much-desired culinary prose. Because who doesn’t love a good food read?

Luckily – at least this time – our eyes didn’t entirely lead us astray. In the case of SCSC, you really can judge a book by its cover. This aptly named food-lover’s tale of two sisters is warm and readable, as the cover suggests. And the sumptuous descriptions are at times enticing enough to lick right off the page.

Yet, while the story centers on Julia and Ginny, estranged sisters who reconnect when – unbeknownst to either of them – both their careers are on the line, it doesn’t shy away from issues such as ageism, sexism, and single motherhood. Rather, the plot advances precisely because Meier chooses to anchor her story at the very heart of these relevant issues.

SCSC opens slowly and, to be honest, a little weakly. But the writing improves as we eventually learn of broadcast journalist Julia’s desperate struggle to stay relevant when a “younger model” turns up and threatens her job. Fearing she’ll be replaced because – as a woman in her late thirties – she’s just not “current” anymore, Julia makes a reckless on-air move.

Suspended for her unprofessionalism, she retreats to rural Arizona and the home of her sister Ginny, turning up on Ginny’s doorstep just in time to tie on an apron, pick up a tray, and rescue her server-less head chef big sis at that evening’s supper club.

The women are reunited in time to help one another find “second chances” with their careers and their personal lives. Of course, it doesn’t all unfold smoothly at first. They argue and blame, but eventually — well, you know how it goes from there…

But we like this book because Meier offers readers a bit more than a conventional story about two sisters, their struggles, and their happy endings. And she doesn’t rely on romance to pull it off. In the characters Julia and Ginny, Meier paints a picture familiar to many women. Phrases like younger model hint at the objectification and pressure Julia experiences as a television anchor in her late thirties.

Eldest sibling Ginny must sacrifice her career and relationship to shoulder the burden of managing her family’s estate when their parents are killed, yet that’s not the only reason she left New York. Like many talented artists (in this case, culinary), she was tired of answering to a thankless boss and wanted the freedom to start her own restaurant.

As a single mother to Olive, Ginny is also a co-parent, as it were, with Olive’s laissez-faire father, who’s provided virtually no financial support yet has long been cherished by rebellious twenty-one-year-old Olive as the ‘fun’ parent, the artist and creator, the one who actually ‘gets’ her. Another story thread many readers will recognize.

Because Meier takes on such themes, this title would make an excellent book club pick. Sure, readers will quibble over the writing (we did). But they can also savor the foodie fare and dig deep into the timely and important issues simmering behind the scenes in Ginny’s kitchen at the Second Chance Supper Club.

Disclosure: NetGalley provided us an advance copy of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are our own.

I must say there was a quiet triumph about this novel.the victory of family that hangs together to prove blood is thicker. Olive,Julia,Ginny, each making their way and and surviving scandal and heartache . For Julia she’s running an underground dinner house and through no fault of her own succeeds to attract an influential food blogger whose review helps this character establish a place of her own at last. Olive is the daughter enchanted by a father who dances to his own drummer well past his bad boy prime. It takes a lot for this daughter to see her father as human and flawed.Last we have Ginny running to her sister in Arizona trying to make sense of her fall from grace through the ill timed response of the mayors supposed illegal activities. I liked the back and forth of the story revealing each characters take on story movement and providing insight into each section as it unfolded.

I liked this book. I liked the descriptions of the food and of the house in Arizona. I felt as if I was almost there, living alongside Ginny, Julia and Olive. It felt like home and the food made me feel very hungry! I loved the descriptions of the food markets and flower sellers. But best of all was the way in which the fractured relationship between the two sisters (Ginny and Julia) came to be healed.
Julia is a rising star in television news in New York until she makes a mistake and suggests the NYC mayor is corrupt. Ginny used to be a successful chef in the city too but she moved back to the desert when their parents were killed unexpectedly in a road accident.
Julia carried on with her career and left Ginny to sort everything out. Julia didn't appreciate just how much her older sister had sacrificed and she lost sight of the importance of family.
Ginny, in debt, and scared that her underground dining experience in her own home, Mesquite, could be exposed is at constant loggerheads with her daughter Olive who has to help her, for hardly any money, in the home 'restaurant'. Ginny's stress is palpable.
When Julia is asked to take 4 weeks leave from GBN because of the disgrace she is in, she decides to visit Ginny and Olive in Arizona, not knowing what type of reception to expect.
The story looks at both women's perspectives of the same events until things start to improve and the three women become a unit. A fiance is ditched along the way and a new love interest appears but the real beauty of this book is the happiness and joy both Ginny and Julia experience as they reconnect and support one another.
The ending was all roses around the door. I wouldn't have expected anything else. Perhaps a bit predictable and a bit too 'neat' but hey, there's enough gloom and doom in the real world, not to put in a happy ending here and there! For sisters everywhere, appreciate one another!

I found this book hard to get into. I loved the idea of the book and generally, love "second chance" stories. Especially when they follow families/sisters. This book moved very slowly and the characters never really felt like people. I was sorely disappointed.

Nicole Meier, author of The Second Chance Supper Club, has written an intriguing, emotional and captivating novel.

This is a delightful told story of the fragile bonds between mothers, daughters, and estranged sisters. Set in the picturesque Arizona desert, I really admired the way Nicole Meier vividly describes the characters, landscape and food. Sisters Ginny and Julia must cope with betrayal and loss whilst working together at a secret supper club along with Ginny's daughter, Olive. The covert club, complete with its unique, rich blend of eclectic guests, charm and delectable meals, is the perfect backdrop for the three of them to begin to reconnect and find acceptance and forgiveness. A lovely read and highly recommended.


I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.