Title: The Second Time Around
Subtitle: A Love Story
Author: Webster Russell & Dee Coffeen
Publisher: Aspire Publishing Hub LLC
ISBN: 979-8-89681-118-1
Pages: 58
Genre: Non-Fiction
Reviewer: Christa Hill
Pacific Book Review
This book was a quick read and a delightful story. The Second Time Around tells the story of how the book’s authors met after losing loved ones. Each chapter of the book is devoted to the perspective of either Dee or Russ as they recount their perspective of falling in love with the other through phone calls, emails, and creative date ideas from Russ. Each introduces themselves in the first two chapters giving the reader a little bit of context about how they were feeling and who they were before they decided to give online dating a shot.
At first glance Russ and Dee don’t seem like a match. Dee is sophisticated, not looking for love, and heartbroken from the loss of her third spouse. Russ is a romantic cowboy with a passion for family. But as the two start getting to know each other, Dee realizes that Russ is a true gentleman with as deep a need for companionship as she has.
Throughout the book there are a few minor errors such as dropped articles and switches between 1st and 3rd person pronouns. The occasional dropped article didn’t detract from the story in any major way, however the shift in pronouns towards the latter three chapters made it a bit difficult to distinguish who was feeling what for whom.
Overall, The Second Time Around brought up important questions about marriage, loss, health, and putting yourself out there in your golden years. It provoked deep contemplation about what, we as children, might want for our parents as they grow and what would you do if you found yourself without your love unexpectedly. Dee’s story is particularly complicated as she found herself living an isolated life while moving through her days with her beloved husband, Tom. It was deeply moving and interesting to learn what the authors have planned for their future together and how they support each other as they grow older.
In The Second Time Around, Webster Russell and Dee Coffeen share a tender and inspiring true story of love rediscovered later in life. Set against the backdrop of personal transformation and unexpected connection, this story reminds us that healing and companionship can blossom even after heartbreak. A testament to second chances, this book is a moving celebration of hope and the enduring power of love. A beautiful reminder that love is always possible especially when we least expect it. The Second Time Around is a recommended read for anyone who believes in second chances.
