kindlereads's review against another edition
3.0
I did not love this addition. There was too many plots, too many characters. Plus I do not like Vanny.
gasoline_allie's review against another edition
2.0
Of the Virgin River novels I have read so far, this was definitely my least favorite. The timing of Vanessa and Paul’s relationship was bizarre to me: 7 months after the death of her husband, 5 months after the birth of her child? It was too fast. The characters’ rationalizations—that they had known each other forever, that Paul had “seen Vanessa first” (before her late husband), that Vanessa’s husband was deployed for so long that she started the process of getting over him before he even died—well, they left a bad taste in my mouth.
The only thing that kept this from being a 1 star book for me were the subplots involving characters I’ve already grown to like from previous books. In a way, though, even this is a strike against this book. If Paul and Vanessa’s story was stronger, the time spent with Jack & Mel, Preacher & Paige, Tom, Rick, Joe, and even the General would have been intrusive. Instead, it felt like a relief.
The only thing that kept this from being a 1 star book for me were the subplots involving characters I’ve already grown to like from previous books. In a way, though, even this is a strike against this book. If Paul and Vanessa’s story was stronger, the time spent with Jack & Mel, Preacher & Paige, Tom, Rick, Joe, and even the General would have been intrusive. Instead, it felt like a relief.
mooncricketjp's review against another edition
4.0
Here I was thinking this book wasn’t going to get to me like the others. Oh boy was I wrong!
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
4 STARS
Paul Haggerty has been in love with Vanni before his best friend, Matt fell in love with her. He has stayed in the background being loyal to Matt and would do anything for either of them...like be there for Vanni when she goes into labour and wants him to be his birth buddy. All the emotion made Paul run home to Grant's Pass where he sleeps with a woman he doesn't love. Vanni's mother-in-law takes it as her duty to set Vanni up with a cute single doctor, Cameron. Cameron could be the one IF Paul hadn't already stolen her heart. Neither makes a move and things continually set them apart. Will Paul finally get his Vanni?
Nikki, Vanni's best friend's relationship has fallen apart as she wants more than he can ever give her. As she watches Vanni fall in love she wonders if there is a man for her...Joe, a former marine, looks at Nikki and wonders what kind of man would ever leave her.
A new resident has come into town, Muriel St. Claire - a famous older actress and catches Walt's eye. Preacher and Paige finally have the baby they tried so hard to conceive.
I am glad to finally get down to Paul and Vanni's story and have been routing for them since they first made their appearance in VR. You could feel Nikki's heartbreak with her jerk of ex-boyfriend. Harrumph. But seriously, everyone need a shake in this novel to get going. I felt like Jack and wanted to get in there and get them paired up. Thanks for another page-turner, Robyn Carr!
Paul Haggerty has been in love with Vanni before his best friend, Matt fell in love with her. He has stayed in the background being loyal to Matt and would do anything for either of them...like be there for Vanni when she goes into labour and wants him to be his birth buddy. All the emotion made Paul run home to Grant's Pass where he sleeps with a woman he doesn't love. Vanni's mother-in-law takes it as her duty to set Vanni up with a cute single doctor, Cameron. Cameron could be the one IF Paul hadn't already stolen her heart. Neither makes a move and things continually set them apart. Will Paul finally get his Vanni?
Nikki, Vanni's best friend's relationship has fallen apart as she wants more than he can ever give her. As she watches Vanni fall in love she wonders if there is a man for her...Joe, a former marine, looks at Nikki and wonders what kind of man would ever leave her.
A new resident has come into town, Muriel St. Claire - a famous older actress and catches Walt's eye. Preacher and Paige finally have the baby they tried so hard to conceive.
I am glad to finally get down to Paul and Vanni's story and have been routing for them since they first made their appearance in VR. You could feel Nikki's heartbreak with her jerk of ex-boyfriend. Harrumph. But seriously, everyone need a shake in this novel to get going. I felt like Jack and wanted to get in there and get them paired up. Thanks for another page-turner, Robyn Carr!
bookreader02's review against another edition
4.0
"Second Chance Pass" didn't quite capture my heart like the other books in the Virgin River series. While it did have its fair share of intense moments that kept me engaged, I found myself yearning for more depth and emotional resonance. The plot unfolded at a steady pace, but certain character developments felt rushed and lacked the nuance I've come to expect from the series. Nevertheless, the author's writing style remained captivating, and I appreciated the glimpses of the familiar small-town charm that made me fall in love with Virgin River. Overall, while it may not be my personal favorite, "Second Chance Pass" still offers a decent dose of drama and suspense for fans of the series.
kellyofcali's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I liked this book a little less than the first four, but still had fun losing myself in the romance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy and Grief
laurenjodi's review against another edition
2.0
Second Chance Pass
2 Stars
After the events surrounding Vanni and Paul in the previous book, I was eager to read their story. Unfortunately, their romance does not live up to expectations.
To begin with, the writing style is problematic with too much telling and not enough showing. Much of the first half of the book is a summary of past events and poorly described plot points.
As for Paul and Vanni's characters, both leave much to be desired. Vannie changes from a loving and caring friend into a self-absorbed and ungrateful shrew while Paul becomes a weak-willed pushover. Neither of their actions put them in a positive light as Paul, and Vannie
The story also includes several additional plot lines including updates on Jack and Mel, Paige and Preachers as well as two secondary romances. The first between Vanni's father and a former film star, and the second between Vanni's best friend and Paul's buddy. Both have potential, but lack sufficient development.
Overall, not one of the better additions to the series. Hoping Shelby's story will get Virgin River back on track.
2 Stars
After the events surrounding Vanni and Paul in the previous book, I was eager to read their story. Unfortunately, their romance does not live up to expectations.
To begin with, the writing style is problematic with too much telling and not enough showing. Much of the first half of the book is a summary of past events and poorly described plot points.
As for Paul and Vanni's characters, both leave much to be desired. Vannie changes from a loving and caring friend into a self-absorbed and ungrateful shrew while Paul becomes a weak-willed pushover. Neither of their actions put them in a positive light as Paul
Spoiler
apparently impregnates another woman while pining for VanniSpoiler
becomes involved with another man out of anger with Paul.The story also includes several additional plot lines including updates on Jack and Mel, Paige and Preachers as well as two secondary romances. The first between Vanni's father and a former film star, and the second between Vanni's best friend and Paul's buddy. Both have potential, but lack sufficient development.
Overall, not one of the better additions to the series. Hoping Shelby's story will get Virgin River back on track.