The House Of Second Chances by Lauren Westwood is a compelling contemporary novel that consumed me from the start.
The action is set is in present day and also dipping into 1952 via notes and letters. Everything comes alive due to the comprehensive descriptions from the author.
An old house, crumbling and decrepit takes centre stage. It needs someone to lovingly restore it, and not a local developer to tear it down. Can anyone rescue it from the developer’s clutches?
Within the walls lie secrets. The past echoes all around. Hearts that have hardened need awakening to new possibilities.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. A young estate agent’s passion for literature and the stories of old houses, was enthusiastic and infectious.
I thoroughly enjoyed The House Of Second Chances, reading it in just two sittings. Times gone by echo off the old walls as the house cries out to be awakened.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Note to readers, this was previously published as Finding Home.

I have been completely surprised and blown away by this story, it drew me in right from the very beginning and kept me truly captivated throughout.

The story was very well written, and the characters were all such a delight, getting to know them especially the main character of Amy. Her life got trodden on but she didn’t let that stop her, she just started a fresh and went from there. I loved her dedication and continued positivity re wanting to save historical crumbling mansion known as Rosemont Hall and then taking it one step further by focusing on solving a mystery that comes to light within Rosemont Hall. It was full on entertaining and highly enjoyable. I also loved the ending, seeing it all come to a fruitful conclusion.

I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books by this author Lauren.

The I liked the premise of this book and enjoyed the opening and how it set up the story. The more k read, the more Amy’s character irritated me, but I enjoyed the mystery element enough to keep reading.

This was a lovely dual timeline but, I did find the main character too silly and too trusting. At times I wanted to scream at her and other times I just let the book draw me in. When she allowed the prospective buyers to open the flat door with a credit card alarm bells rung in my head but. It all turned out ok for everyone. A happy ending which I loved. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

In this fun and charming historical mystery novel, readers join Amy Wood as she makes a new start as an estate agent in Bath after her happy and perfect life turned upside down. Taking on the challenge of selling the decrepit Georgian Rosemont Hall and wanting an owner to restore it, not tear it down, Amy has no idea what stories and secrets are in her future since restoration is not the profitable option, and the heirs and property developers (as well as her boss) are making things difficult. Uncovering the secrets of the house and its last owners, however, might just give Amy -- and some other people -- their own happy ending. With a fascinating premise and a complicated, relatable protagonist, readers will love following along on her journey to get back on her feet and restore and preserve Rosemont Hall. The historical mystery elements add another layer to the house’s story (as it is another character in its own right) and to the novel itself, and readers will enjoy this element. With its great protagonist and fascinating setting working together to create this historical mystery, readers will love Westwood’s new novel and the many stories it brings to light.

Stella, thirty-one, lives with her mother and in a rut. Working constantly, with all the dating apps deleted. After being fired from her graphic design job she came to work along her mother for Pretty Little Kitty which provides personalized handmade underwear.
Her mother suggests she go to the love hotel, an exclusive all-inclusive luxury resort near Marbella, Spain, where unlucky women go there to find the man of their dreams. They hire the best matchmaking experts to help anyone who wants to meet someone special. It’s supposed to be magical. ‘
Max, along with Colton, works at Olibella, a natural skin care company. His routine find him working till midnight most days, his only hobby is going to the gym, at work. Colton and his wife sign him up to the love hotel and when the email came confirming they find a match he has no option.
They both arrived at the hotel only to find that their perfect match is not a stranger. with no refunds, they are stuck with one another.
This hilarious rom-com is perfect for readers who enjoy the genre.

After a disastrous breakup with her boyfriend, Amy returns to her parents bungalow and with her self esteem at a low ebb she takes on a minor role at a local estate agent. Once there she is given the task of finding someone who would be interested in buying a seriously neglected property. With emotions running high, Amy discovers an affinity with the neglected Rosemont Hall and is determined to do her best for this crumbling estate. The house very soon becomes another character in the story and I loved watching Rosemont Hall come alive in the imagination especially as Amy encounters lots of problems and hidden secrets along the way.

The story flows beautifully, Amy is a lovely character and grows both in confidence and self esteem as the story progresses and the author describes everything in such detail that I could well imagine the dusty rooms and the allure of the mysterious painting of the young woman whose identity is gradually revealed.

The House of Second Chances was everything I wanted in a story, a crumbling gothic mansion, a feisty heroine and a cast of characters who each bring their own dynamic to this lovely story.

Previously Published as Finding Home.

A easy to read book. Pleasant story and overall pleasant read. A good choice for holiday or weekend read.

This is a historical fiction read based on a mystery format . This book is based around Amy Wood who is an estate agent . She takes on a job to sell Rosemont Hall, an old mansion full of secrets . This is full of mystery and intrigue but also full of humour. This book is a nice read and I enjoyed it

After discovering her bf is cheating and losing her job Amy is forced to move back in with her parents. Her mother helps her to get a temporary job at a real estate agency. When a call comes in for an Old Country estate in desperate need of repair she falls in love. Sadly they want to sell it to be developed into golf courts. Amy works hard to save it and as she does she learns about it's colorful past. This estate reminds her of her beloved stories like pride and prejudice and she has a hard time accepting its fate. Amy discovers there is a mystery surrounding the fire 🔥 the house had in the 1950s and she vows to solve it. Can she save the house before it's to late. She also finds an intense attraction for a certain American.
Are second chances at a happy ending possible?
It was a cute cozy romance 💕

Really enjoyed this book - this had the perfect mix of history and modern life. Amy is such an amazing character and her passion shines though the book.
Full of real life but also perfect escapism.
I look forward to reading more by this author.

amy finds her boyfriend with another woman, she leaves to take a job as a real estate agent, she falls in love Rosemont hall and tries to find a way to save it.

Loved the story of Amy and Rosemount Hall. It felt stunning to delve into the mysteries of the house and be truly intrigued. Truly enjoyable and atmospheric read.

3.5 stars
This started well but then I felt that the first part of the book concentrated too much on the present years rather than in the past (1952). When this changed and the reader got to know more about what had happened in the past, then I enjoyed it much more. Amy Wood is one of the main characters and she has an obsession about a house that she is tasked with selling. I did have mixed feelings about Amy, she did seem to jump into situations without thinking things through. There is a mystery linked to the past and this is slowly revealed. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book has a way of drawing you in.

When Amy sees her boyfriend with another woman at a house showing, she is devastated. But when she moves back home and begins a new job selling houses, she feels miserable.

But Rosemont Hall allows her to feel alive again. If only she could afford to buy it.

Amy finds herself a secret whim to find out about this Hall. But she doesn’t know what will happen to it either way.

This books allows you to imagine what the Hall looked like and how saving it and restoring it would mean to people who believe in houses being important.

Amy leaves her current life to redo a Georgian mansion. She begins to find secrets from the previous owners. The mystery and story will grab you. This is a contemporary story.

When Amy Wood goes to view a possible apartment, she is asked to wait as the previous viewers were taking their time and possibly were going to make an offer. Her world is shattered when the love of her life, Simon and his ‘girlfriend’, are the couple viewing the apartment.
Amy moves back home with her parents after losing her job and Simon; in desperation she takes a job at the local real estate agents Tetherington Bowen-Knowles, a far cry from her former position as an English teacher.
As she has been doing viewings due to lack of anyone else wanting to do them, she is sent to Rosemont Hall, an English Heritage House built in 1765 but now a fast crumbling Estate which is to be sold as a Deceased Estate.
Amy immediately falls in love with the dilapidated house with a burnt out East Wing, refusing to accept that it will be sold and more than likely, to a company that wants to develop the land as a Golf Course.
As Amy tries valiantly to find a buyer to save a house she has fallen in love with, she also begins to wonder what secrets the house is holding.
Lauren Westwood, has skilfully woven a story of unrequited love into a rich and enjoyable narrative which spans generations. The House of Second Chances is an engrossing and enjoyably intricate work of Historic Fiction with a wide appeal.
The basis of the story, Rosemont Hall’s sad fate, is all too common as many of the once beautiful Heritage Houses fall into disrepair, due to high Death Duties and the cost of restoration and renovation.
Thankfully many have been saved to once again be able to tell their stories down through the generations.

This is an enchanting, fairy tale like novel. Amy leads a depressing and boring life back at her parent’s house after losing her job and her boyfriend. She loves to read the great English classics so working as a real-estate agent after teaching is not her dream job but she is captivated by the crumbling Rosemont Hall with its many secrets. Who is the beautiful girl in the pink dress in a painting on the landing, for example? What is the story behind the mysterious love letters she finds?

Unfortunately, the house needs a lot of money to save it and the heirs aren’t interested. Soon it will be turned into a golf couse if Amy doesn’t do something quickly. How can she single-handledly come up with a way to save this stunning piece of England’s heritage and deal with her feelings for the handsome Jack Faraday as well?

One reviewer pointed out that this was far-fetched but I found that part of its charm! It’s a sweet, escapist romance but quite moving. You can’t help cheering the resilient Amy on as she keeps going despite all the odds! I also started worrying about these beautiful English houses. So many are in the same position as Rosemont Hall.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

The House of Second Chances is an absolute delight, it has a captivating plot, well-developed characters, and a very emotional journey.

The story follows Amy Wood, whose life takes a dramatic turn when she loses her job as an English Literature teacher and her long-time boyfriend in quick succession. Heartbroken and unemployed, Amy moves back to her parents' home in Bath. She soon finds herself working as an Estate Agent, a job she never imagined for herself. Her new role leads her to Rosemont Hall, a crumbling Georgian mansion with a rich history and many secrets.

Amy's connection to Rosemont Hall is immediate and profound. She believes that houses can have a special bond with people, and she feels a strong urge to find the perfect owner who will restore the mansion to its former glory. However, her journey is fraught with challenges, including unscrupulous developers who want to demolish the house and build a golf course in its place.

As Amy delves deeper into the history of Rosemont Hall, she uncovers intriguing secrets about its past owners. The mystery surrounding a portrait in the hall adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Amy's determination to save the mansion and her personal growth throughout the book are truly inspiring.

Westwood's writing is engaging and filled with warmth. The way she weaves classic literature references into the narrative adds depth to Amy's character and makes the story even more enjoyable. The book is a perfect blend of romance, mystery, and personal growth, making it a must-read for fans of feel-good fiction.

Overall, The House of Second Chances is a heart warming and uplifting tale about finding new beginnings and the power of perseverance.

I lovely story of moving on and second chances.
This story brought together the past and the present in a really nice way, using the house to bring everyone together.
The characters grow on you as the story progresses, as does the house and its history.
Maybe a little slow in places but all in all a nicely rounded story.
3.5 stars