I am sure that this piqued my interest because of the storyline about adoption although it ended up being the weakest part of the book for me. I am adopted myself, so I grab those books when I can.
The author is a gifted writer; her prose and character development are excellent. She was able to conjure up emotions in the reader, to the extent that I seriously wanted to hurt a couple of the characters on her behalf.
I think, however, she had a perspective about adoption that she needed to convey which, at times, took precedence over the story. I realize and temper this with the idea that her experience with adoption isn't necessarily mine and her truth is her truth. That said, this is a work of fiction and not a memoir (though, at times, it felt like a memoir, which is not necessarily a bad thing). There were a couple of times in the book where the author lapsed into a little lecture informing the reader of her perspective about adoption and like with most good works of literature, things should be shown instead of told. I also think that the main character had a complicated relationship with her adoptive parents that changed as she got older and her circumstances changed. The author touched upon the relationship between her own adoption trauma and her husband's emotional problems but the difficulty I had was his problems were so deep seated that I think it minimized that relationships. In other words, while her issues were there, his were so big that I think anyone would have had issues even without the trauma she had so that it was hard to see the relationship, if that makes sense.
However, the book was engaging and I would certainly read other works by this author in the future.

Second Choices written by June Wright was so <b>heart breaking, powerful, real, pure, honest, raw, beautiful, and heart touching. This is only a novella and it had me sobbing the entire time, from the very first page all the way until the very last page. Second Choices is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to make choices that lead to personal growth and the fulfillment of our deepest desires. June Wright's writing style made it seem like I was right there through ever memory, every mistake, and every heart break. If you're looking for a book that will pull on your heart strings, makes you reflect on your own life choices, and leaves you with a sense of hope, then Second Choices is the book for you. This novella shredded my heart to pieces multiple times in a row. This book deals with heavy topics such as adoption. Adoption should NOT be taken lightly, it's such a big life changing decision. Despite those heavy topics, this novella also shines light on love, hope, and resilience. I can't express the love and heart break this book brought me, it was extremely sad. It's so sad I have to say this, and I can't believe I have to say this, Second Choices is based on true events, if you do decide to read this book, PLEASE be RESPECTFUL. Second Choices is the type of book that everyone needs to read.

TRIGGER WARNINGS
-Adoption👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
-Miscarriage💔
-Verbal Abuse and Control👿
-Eating Disorders😞
-Suicide😭

"Have you ever been so lonely that you wondered why you were even alive?"

"Mom and dad, we should send Elise to the moon because she's an alien. She doesn't even look like us because she's adopted."

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOOK BUZZ FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!

Elise is an adoptee who has always felt like a second choice. One day on her seventh birthday, Elise heard her mom and grandma talking about Elise being adopted because her mom had a miscarriage. Elise's brother Michael would verbally abuse her along with psychically abusing her. When Michael slammed Elise into a wall and she bruised her arm severally, Elise had to go to the doctor, but she wouldn't tell anyone what really happened. No one in this family ever told anyone they loved each other, love was never used in this household. When Elise and Michael got their report cards from school, Elise's mom and dad would be all lovey dovey with Michael, but when Elise questioned why she was never congratulated, her dad would always ask her why she has to make a big deal out of everything. In my opinion, it felt like Elise just wanted to be loved and to be seen, but this family could never do that for her which truly broke my heart. When Elise fell in love and married Evan, she believed she was finally someone's first choice. Elise longed for a place to feel loved, validated, and most importantly, fit in. If you are feeling lost or unloved, please don't hesitate to reach out. You are so important and loved and deserve to feel happy in whatever form that may come for you.

But even Evan had demons of his own. Demons that were so powerful they threatened to destroy Elise and they nearly did when she finally had the courage to stand up to them. Elise was a mother of one, with a second baby on the way, planning her wedding with Evan, but Elise caught Evan having an affair with her one and only best friend from her childhood. Elise told Evan to break off his affair, but he never did and Elise finally had the courage to break things off. Shortly after, Elise decided to take her son and go for a drive, when she returned home, Evan had committed suicide in his car by carbon monoxide. Elise found Evan too late and the paramedics arrived too late. The tragic aftermath of Evan's suicide left Elise in a state of shock, burdened by the weight of her guilt. Years later, a second choice might provide Elise with the happiness and the sense of belonging she had yearned for all her life. Elise decides to confront her fears and shed the critical voices in her head and choose to be happy despite the pain others have inflicted on her forever. My heart just broke for Elise too many times. I adored Evan at the very beginning, but once he cheated and started abusing Elise verbally, I lost all respect for him. Elise, girl, I love you so much. You are so strong and deserve the world forever.

I loved this book. I was given a whole new perspective on adoption. domestic violence and forgiveness. Thank you June Wright for writing from this perspective. Excited to see what comes next.

Delving into the subject of adoption this story shows how much your own doubts can shape your life and affect how you deal with others. An engaging read that has you thinking about mental health and how families can be affected so much by it.

Second Choices
by June Wright
This was a very good book on mental illness and family dynamics. Sad, and so real in the way things change, I will recommend this one.

A deeply moving novel that explores the complexities of love, guilt, and the quest for belonging. The story follows Elise, an adoptee who thought she had found her first choice in love with Evan, only to confront the demons that threatened to tear them apart. Wright's storytelling is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, as she skillfully navigates the emotional journey of a woman burdened by guilt and searching for happiness. Second Choices is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to make choices that lead to personal growth and the fulfillment of our deepest desires.

This book is like a mirror reflecting the struggles we all face in our quest for love, acceptance, and belonging. Elise's journey is a heartbreaking yet hopeful reminder that second choices can sometimes lead to the happiness we've always yearned for. Wright's storytelling is so relatable; it's like she's sharing the intimate details of our own lives. If you're looking for a story that tugs at your heartstrings, makes you reflect on your own choices, and leaves you with a sense of hope, Second Choices is the perfect read. Trust me; you won't be able to put it down.

This book captured my attention right away. I loved how Wright crafted the characters and wrote about the family dynamics so clearly. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars. Memorable read!