Let me start by saying, 'Second Chance' isn't your typical light-hearted chick lit. If you're expecting fluffy romance and predictable happy endings, this might surprise you. The book tackles some heavy themes like grief, alcoholism, and infertility - but Jane Green handles them with her signature relatable touch.

What really stood out to me was the friend group dynamic. As someone who's had the same tight-knit circle since college, I found the portrayal of lifelong friendships navigating loss incredibly authentic. The way these characters lean on each other (and sometimes fail each other) felt so real it gave me chills.

The pacing deserves special mention - that last third? Absolute page-turner! Though I'll admit the ending did feel a bit rushed, like Green was racing against a deadline. And while most characters were well-developed, Marcus remained frustratingly opaque - I kept wanting to peel back more layers of his personality.

One critique: The constant shifts in perspective and tense threw me off sometimes. Just as I'd get invested in one character's storyline, we'd abruptly switch to another. That said, when it worked (like with Holly's domestic drama versus Saffron's glamorous actress life), these contrasts created an interesting tapestry of modern relationships.

Is this Green's best work? Probably not - 'Babyville' fans might miss her earlier sparkle. But it shows impressive range as an author willing to explore darker themes while keeping that addictive readability we love. Perfect for when you want substance with your beach read.