On Second Thought: A Novel
Jan 2017 · HQN Books
4.5star
12 reviewsreport
Ebook
358
Pages
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About this ebook
New York Times–Bestselling Author: “Emotional depth is seared into every page along with wry banter, bringing readers to tears and smiles.” —Library Journal (starred review)
Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate, after eleven years together during which she nursed him through cancer, is being blindsided by a breakup that he chronicles in a blog . . . which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley moves in with her older half sister, Kate, who’s struggling with a sudden loss of her own in upstate New York.
Kate’s always been the poised, self-assured sister, but becoming a newlywed—and a widow—in the space of four months overwhelms her. Though the sisters were never close, she starts to confide in Ainsley, especially when she learns her late husband was keeping a secret from her.
Despite the murky blended-family dynamic that’s always separated them, Ainsley’s and Kate’s heartaches will bind their summer together as they come to terms with the inevitable imperfection of relationships and family—and the possibility of one day finding love again . . . .
“Higgins’s page-turner highlights both the complexity of family relationships and the intense power of love.” —Publishers Weekly
“A captivating read about two sisters dealing with love, loss and new beginnings. What sets this book apart is how one event changes both women’s lives. Kate is refreshingly frank in her inner monologue, and Ainsley is charmingly self-aware and wry.” —RT Book Reviews, 5 stars (Top Pick)
“Higgins’ complex, witty characters will seem like close friends, and readers will savor each and every page . . . [Higgins is a] women’s-fiction star.” —Booklist (starred review)
Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate, after eleven years together during which she nursed him through cancer, is being blindsided by a breakup that he chronicles in a blog . . . which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley moves in with her older half sister, Kate, who’s struggling with a sudden loss of her own in upstate New York.
Kate’s always been the poised, self-assured sister, but becoming a newlywed—and a widow—in the space of four months overwhelms her. Though the sisters were never close, she starts to confide in Ainsley, especially when she learns her late husband was keeping a secret from her.
Despite the murky blended-family dynamic that’s always separated them, Ainsley’s and Kate’s heartaches will bind their summer together as they come to terms with the inevitable imperfection of relationships and family—and the possibility of one day finding love again . . . .
“Higgins’s page-turner highlights both the complexity of family relationships and the intense power of love.” —Publishers Weekly
“A captivating read about two sisters dealing with love, loss and new beginnings. What sets this book apart is how one event changes both women’s lives. Kate is refreshingly frank in her inner monologue, and Ainsley is charmingly self-aware and wry.” —RT Book Reviews, 5 stars (Top Pick)
“Higgins’ complex, witty characters will seem like close friends, and readers will savor each and every page . . . [Higgins is a] women’s-fiction star.” —Booklist (starred review)
Ratings and reviews
4.5
12 reviews
Eileen Aberman-Wells
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March 28, 2017
On Second Thought is pure Kristan Higgins. This story is of two sisters who deal with loss and love made me laugh and cry. In many ways it made me think about the relationship I had with my younger sister. We were six years apart and sort of close as children but became best friends as adults. The two sisters in the story, Kate and Ainsley, were there for each other as they dealt with loss, pain, grief, new loves, and unexpected events. Ms. Higgins wrote a story that reflects family dynamics which many readers can relate to. I highly recommend On Second Thought to all readers. I have read every book Kristan Higgins has written and love how she draws the reader into the story. She is a talented writer and story teller, able to bring humor, tears, and sexy into her stories and make it realistic. Higgins makes me laugh and cry when I read her books and that’s a good thing. I am sad whenever I finish one of her stories as I have to wait a while for her next book and see what magic and genius she creates.
Joy Bartlett
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June 21, 2018
Engaging storyline, quick paced and very satisfying read.
Kelly Reisacher
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July 3, 2024
I loved this book!
About the author
Kristan Higgins is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA TODAY bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than twenty languages. She has received dozens of awards and accolades, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, The New York Journal of Books and Kirkus.
Kristan lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, two atypically affectionate children, a neurotic rescue mutt and an occasionally friendly cat.
Kristan lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, two atypically affectionate children, a neurotic rescue mutt and an occasionally friendly cat.
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