The Year of Second Chances
A Novel
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- $30.99
Publisher Description
A feel-good journey of possibility, second chances, and falling in love again…with life. Perfect for fans of P.S. I Love You!
"A lively, witty ride with a strong cast of supporting characters. Avery tackles the topic of grief in a way that manages to feel lighthearted and profound at the same time." —Meg Mitchell Moore, bestselling author of Summer Stage
Robin Lindstrom spent her first year as a young widow cocooned in the safe haven of the Minnesota farmhouse she’d once shared with Gabe, the love of her life—the man she thought she’d be with ’til the end. But her world is turned upside down when she receives an email informing her that her late husband has enrolled her in a dating app. The subscription lasts 12 months; use it!, Gabe’s message-from-the-grave reads. I don’t like the thought of you being alone. If you won’t do it for yourself, do it as a favor to me. Please.
How could Gabe, of all people, be asking her to venture out into the murky waters of 21st century online dating? As her underemployed brother, Theo, points out, it’s “only” for a year, and it’s basically Gabe's last request.
And so, Robin tentatively takes steps to put herself out into the world once more, even if it means awkward outings at bowling alleys, club-hopping with DJs, and stammering conversations at dinner. Along the way, she’s surprised to find herself meeting new people, trying new things…and even getting to know a new version of herself. Because everyone deserves a second chance at love—and loving life.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
YA author Avery's adult debut (after The Memory Book) explores grief with humor and warmth as 33-year-old widow Robin Lindstrom does her best to honor her husband by moving on. After a year spent wallowing in horror movies and her Sisters in Grief support group, Robin receives an email from her late husband, Gabe, on the anniversary of his death from cancer, saying he's signed her up for a dating app. Family and friends convince her to respect Gabe's "last wish" and so begins the "Widow Humiliation Show," in which Robin learns she's far from the only one with emotional baggage. As she endures some disastrous dates with the help of dating app aficionado and Gabe's best friend, Levi, who also received a posthumous email asking him to help, Robin soon learns that moving on isn't just dating. She must address the fractures in her own family, experience her grief head-on, and find a way to move forward. Levi's advice to "say yes" leads to community theater, running, ice fishing, and new relationships as Robin figures out who she is without Gabe. The concept is fresh and the voice full of heart. Fans of Annabel Monaghan should take note.
