This novel was very heart warming. Prudence Child’s was once a famous pianist but quit after she felt her grandmother was pushing her into fame. Prudence’s girls leave for college and she is suddenly alone. Her husband travels and she is looking for new meaning in life. Her ex husband decides to black mail her. She must win this contest or risk losing everything. The dueling piano contest makes the contestants realize it is never too late to start a new ending. This book will make a fun book club discussion.

Thank you to NetGalley for this free copy in exchange for an honest review. I simply adored this book! It was so cute and original. And funny! There are several laugh out loud parts. Each of the characters is so interesting and the author does such a great job describing everyone. I highly recommend this book.

This was a very interesting read. I enjoyed watching the progression of both Prudence and Alexei as they prepared for the competition. It was fun to see them both grapple with who they were as performers.

I struggled a bit with the style of how the story was told. It was a bit too literary. And I didn’t really love the little insights that were thrown in about other small side characters. But perhaps some of my feelings were more about my mood when reading rather than the book itself.

Overall it was enjoyable (3.5)

A story or exploitations and blackmail and I was here for all of it. The plot was creative and I enjoyed going on this journey with the protagonist and the ending was really enjoyable. I highly recommend.

I started this book with zero expectations beyond “a mother struggling with her new stage in life duels in a piano contest against a man in his twenties.” I ended this book with a swell of love for the entire cast of characters and a sense of contentment I rarely get finishing a book. Hoffman’s debut novel is beautifully written, with a quickly-paced, multiple-POV story that has you flying to the ending. The main characters, Prudence and Alexei, are both compelling and complex. The side characters are individually charming, with half of them rooting for Prudence and Alexei, and the other half plotting elaborate schemes to ruin the main characters’ lives. The story centers on the pianists’ musical talents, and the writing makes the music come to life as you read.
Over, this was a fun romp through middle-age blasé and mid-twenties paralysis. It’s definitely going to be in my top 10 for 2023 books! For a more detailed review (with spoilers), check out my blog!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Second Ending is just a straight up FEEL GOOD book. I am going to be recommending this go on everyone's summer reading list because it goes down so smoothly and there is so much to enjoy.

I must admit that I almost dnf’d this book 25% of the way in, but I had been moved by the author’s opening portrayal of grief and wanted to see how the book played out. Authors who can move me so viscerally with their words command my attention. I’m so glad I continued reading.

This story is about Prudence, a wealthy empty nester, who had been a child piano prodigy. It details her adventures and misadventures and the people and things that shaped her life. Now that her children are out of the house, she once again finds the music within.

It leads her to a dueling piano television show. The admission of a secret, blackmailing ex husband. The introduction of a jealous, bullying adversary. And insight into her sweet marriage- seriously, #couplegoals.

The story was dry for me a bit in the middle, but there is humor sprinkled throughout- the author’s wit is fantastic. Even more are the moments of wisdom, such as, “Immortality, she realizes, was in all of us, in some form or another. Because each of us lives on in the people we connect with, whether through music, or love, or a shared dream.” Or “How many people, Prudence wondered, lose sight of a dream because of one careless comment from a stranger.”

This was a slow, but rich read for me. I’d like to read more from this author! 4 stars. Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

I just read my favorite book of the month!! This cute, sweet, little gem was such a treat! Don't let this cartoon cover distract you from life's truths shared within!

We follow two piano stars, Prudence and Alexei Petrov. One is a complete child prodigy who was pushed to the point of exploitation and playing the piano became more of a chore than a joy, she now never plays. The other is a famous, young, Russian pianist that NEEDS his piano performance to remain stellar in order for him to continue residency in the United States.

Their stories slowly unravel in such a beautiful way. I found myself rooting for all by one of the characters (IYKYK) and loved the character development displayed of each person to differing levels based on their involvement in the story.

The book was clever, sharp, sweet, endearing, motivating, fun, exciting, sad, full of longing, the list goes on! It got to the point where I dreamed about buying a new piano and it's actively in the works!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advance e-copy of this book.

4.5 stars! I absolutely loved this heartwarming, feel good book. Wow! Quirky but incredible characters, great storytelling and such a fun premise. I loved Prudence’s unique and interesting voice.

I’m a music mom, so reading about Prudence and Alexei as young pianists pushed so hard by their overbearing (and sometimes evil) guardians was heartbreaking but also explained so much about who they were as adult musicians.

The description of the music was wonderful, especially the various reactions of the people listening (Carl had a sudden urge to call his children, Roy had a yearning for his mothers banana bread, etc). It really highlighted how music can impact hearts.

There were some laugh out loud moments, and the pacing was great. Something was always happening.

I was totally surprised and positively delighted by this gem of a book!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Funny and quirky! I could definitely see this becoming a film. I loved Prudence’s unique voice. I do not think so many POV’s were neccessary, but it certainly did add to the story.

Such a fun and thoughtful book!!

What I loved:

1. It is a strong debut novel and I hope we will be reading a lot more from Michelle Hoffman.
2. It is lovely story about dreams and not giving up on them - no matter who you are, what time of your life you are in or your station in life!
3. The characters are quirky, likeable and for me were relatable in some of their life struggles!

What I wished was different:
1. The plot did feel a little contrived at times.

My thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.

Prudence is 48 and Alexei is 22 and neither were allowed a real childhood. Prudence was a pianist, a child prodigy who was pushed by a domineering grandmother and eventually Prudence walks away from it all. Alexei is in a similar position being pushed by an overbearing mother. Is it too late for each to follow their dreams. Heartwarming and inspirational, this book encourages you to follow your dreams.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced copy of this book.

This book was a delight! I knew next to nothing about pianos and concert pianists and how it all works. I was blown away by the detail in this book. The author gave a lot of information and made it understandable.

I hope Netflix (or someone) options this as a movie. I could totally see it as a drama-comedy.

All of the characters were all so quirky. I loved how it all came together.

Love that this is being released at the start of when most start getting into “summer mode”, after a long Memorial Day weekend but this book is made for the beach or poolside. Quirky and fun with enough heart to get you thinking - sprinkled with a little mystery and colorful characters. This is a getaway-book which I love now and then. Pick this one up for a fun summer read - you’ll enjoy it. Thanks to Random House Ballantine for the copy!

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Publication: May 30, 2023

I believe that this book is geared towards a different age group than me. I think that older people/parents may enjoy this book more than I did. I found this book hard to relate to but also very tedious to read. I got "Where'd Ya Go Bernadette" vibes but what made that an easier read was the different media throughout the book. Overall, I struggled and ended up deciding that this book wasn't for me.

I very much enjoyed this novel. Perhaps not the most well written or literary, but it was an interesting story and kept my attention.

This was a story full of hope, love, and second chances. I really enjoyed the entire cast or characters. While it did introduce A LOT of side characters, I felt like it was pretty easy to keep track of who was who. They were all so quirky and fun.

The book was light and fun, but deep and meaningful at the same time. Overall, happy with it!

Prudence Childs has had quite the life. Her story is intriguing, with all that she has been through. When she and Alexei Petrov are dueling, they realize it is never too late to write a new ending. I cheered and was surprised afterward to read what a three-year-old accomplished.
As I was reading, I kept thinking of all that she overcame, the choices she had to make, and the woman she became. It was inspiring to me.
I received an ARC from Ballantine Books through NetGalley.

One of the best books I’ve read this year . The story is enchanting, and I didn't want it to end. This book was graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review .

Eccentric endearing

The Second Ending was a book I wanted to love. I enjoyed getting to know the main character, Prudence, as a flawed but endearing person. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the book. But I struggled to finish this book. To me, the pace of the book felt off. I did not feel like I learned enough about any of the characters to connect with them.

However, I seem to be in the minority opinion as many others are raving about this book. If you enjoy eccentric characters, this is a book for you.

Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC is exchange for my honest feedback.