Cover Image: Second Chance Summer

Second Chance Summer

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Member Reviews

Lily Harper is a successful entrepreneur, running a web-based shop for hand made products from small creators.

She’s always working and has driven herself into the ground following an unfortunate off-mic discussion that was umm, on-mic, after she appeared on a tv show.

After a fainting episode, her doctor brother in law tells her in no uncertain terms that she needs to take a break.

Lily’s PA arranges a last minute stay at a new island retreat in the Scillies and off Lily goes, somewhat reluctantly, to have a rest and recharge.

This is a very enjoyable story, in a lovely new location for Ashley, and I found myself checking the Scilly Isles out for holidays. It sounds fabulous (if rather daunting from Edinburgh!).

Lily meets Sam, the owner of the island, Stark, and soon realises that the retreat isn’t quite finished… and she really can’t see herself wanting to stay for more than 5 minutes, although the fog and terrible weather put paid to her turning round and going straight back to London.

Her enforced stay does change her mind though, even leading to her spending some on the beach…

And then a near death experience gives her a whole new perspective!

Great story about family, relationships, community and a lot more besides.

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A fabulous book once again from Phillipa. Reading this on a cold winter’s day it made me long for going back to the Isles of Scilly. A good mix of characters especially Lily and Sam, both have their own reasons for retreating into themselves, they both need to move forward to heal. A fabulous heartwarming read.

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What a great escape Phillipa takes us on with her latest novel, I feel like I've been to the Isles of Scilly. A masterclass in description of the scenery, together with a plot which never slows down, you have to read this book.

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This was another excellent read from Phillipa. The location of the Scilly isles was truly wonderful - it made me want to visit. Sam's new venture sounded just the place to relax and enjoy the environment away from a very busy life. A story I just couldn't put down. Heartwarming and full of love and friendship.

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When Lily, the CEO of Lily loves collapses at her desk, he PA persuades her to take a much needed break. Ritchie books her into Stark Retreat on the island of Stark in the Scilly Isles. But Stark Retreat isn't really open and ready for clients yet, also Lily is the only guest. When the owner of the retreat is late arriving to pick her up from the Heliport it is not an auspicious start.
Will is get better? Lots of twists and turns along the way but perfect escapism.

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Really enjoyed this. I think it's so interesting how many novels we have now that deal with questions of isolation and grief, reflecting where we are at this point in pandemic recovery - and all the ways they find to do that without mentioning Covid.

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Lily has a busy life running her company Lily Loves, she also hasn’t gotten over the loss of her sister Cara.

Lily loves her company and has put her heart and soul into it which means she doesn’t have time or the energy for anything else, so when Lily faints she realises with the help of her pa and brother in law she needs to look after herself more and take some time out

So Richie Lily’s pa book her on a retreat on the island of Scilly, what Lily doesn’t realise is that the retreat isn’t up and running and that she is the only visitor, when she meets Sam the owner there is no lost between the two of them and Lily can’t wait to leave.

This is a lovely story with Lily realising there is more to life than work and that she needs to look after herself and the people that are close to her. A really feel good story with some great characters.

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Lilly the owner of Lily loves website that sells hand made gifts is on the verge of a meltdown.
After her sister died tragiclaly in a car accident she has worked non stop until she collapses at work and is told she needs a break.
Her P A books her 2 weeks break in a new resort on the scilly isles.
She gets there only to find it half built and shes the only guest no phone signal or internet.
But there is hunky resort owner Sam.
really enjoyed this book and could not put it down hope there will be more to follow of this story

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Oh I loved this book. Set in the Scilly Isles, the characters were so lovable, the tension between Lily and Sam was building and I think a lot of people will be visiting Scilly after reading this!
The story of Lily, a semi famous business woman with some emotional baggage and in desperate need of a break, and Sam, a guy building a retreat with some emotional baggage of his own and a niece in his care.
The descriptive surroundings provides the retreat experience required for a new start for both of them. I didn’t want the book to end and I’m considering a move down to Scilly!

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Lily is a very driven woman, burying her grief over her sisters death by working obsessively but something has to give. When that’s Lily herself her PA, Richie, books her into a spa for two weeks on the Scilly Isles.

A really lovely story, set in what sounds to be a beautiful area with interesting characters and such easy reading. With this sort of genre you know you’ll get a happy ending but it’s the way that you get to that ending that makes an excellent read. I really enjoyed it. Recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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An enjoyable lighthearted romance, with the Isles of Scilly taking centre stage.
Following the death of her sister, Lily throws herself into setting up her business Lily Loves and leaves little time for herself and family. Her PA has been concerned about Lily and arranges a short break for her at a retreat on the Isles of Scilly. At first Lily hates the place, but soon the magic of the Isles and the Retreat owner Sam weave their spells.
Gorgeous descriptions of the Scilly Isles, interesting likeable characters and a gentle romantic tale, all add to make a charming read.

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Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. One of my favourite authors and this did not disappoint. Great storyline and great characters. Loved it.

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A rather sweet love story, which started off with dislike between two people, Lilly and Sam, whose lives were worlds apart. Set mostly in the Scilly isles, with its breathtaking views and relaxed lifestyle, the story draws you in to this idealistic world. What’s not to like, with charming characters and a neat storyline, ending in happiness and romance as two people so well suited embark on a new and rewarding future.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Random House, Cornerstone for this e-APC.

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I have become a big fan of Philipa's books so was thrilled when I was accepted to read this one by her publishers. The main character Lily is a workaholic who is grieving for her sister and is heading for a burnout. Her assistant books her a short holiday away at a retreat where she meets Sam, the owner. This was beautifully written and the Island was described so well that it made me want to book a holiday there too 😀 if you need a book to read over the summer, this is it!

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As stated in the name, this is such a summer read obviously thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers I felt like I was on a beach or on a yacht or the closest body of water possible this was so cute and sunny and i loved every aspect

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A story of unexpected romance with the beautiful backdrop of the Scilly Islands. A work obsessed grieving young woman is forced into taking a much needed break in an incomplete island retreat. As she becomes involved in helping the owner complete his dream, romance blossoms.

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A romance based on the Scilly Isles.
Lily runs her own craft business and is feeling run down, so her assistant books her a holiday in the Scilly Isles to a resort that has just opened by Sam or so she thinks till she gets there and it is work in progress and she dislikes it instantly but can`t get off the island for a few days in which her and Sam start to bond.
A good romance with the island being very descriptive, wild and stunning.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

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I adored this book. So summery, with a gorgeous setting and likeable characters. I adored following Lily and Sam’s journey. No negatives to say. I’ll be recommending it to everyone.

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I loved this book. A highly unlikely scenario but well described characters and scenery almost made me feel I was there and knew the individuals. A bonus was the love story built into the story. A good read.

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What a wonderful read, I devoured this one, didn’t want to put it down. I so want to visit the Isles of Scilly after reading this. I loved the main characters, both of them had fragile hearts. Enjoy

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