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The Second Chance

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About this listen

A hilarious, emotional and thought-provoking book club read for fans of David Nicholls and Cecelia Ahern.

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Nell has always known the date she's going to die.

After a psychic predicted her death date twenty years ago, she has lived life accepting she would never see forty – embracing adventure and travelling the world, choosing fun over commitment and laying down roots.

So, when the fateful day comes, Nell feels ready. She sends five excruciatingly honest confessions to her sister, parents and past loves, knowing she won’t be around to face the consequences. Then, with her heart laid bare, all that's left to do is check into a glamorous hotel and wait for the inevitable…

But when Nell unexpectedly wakes up the next morning broke, single and very much alive, she must figure out exactly how to seize this second chance at life. And then it also hits her:

What on earth happens now that everyone knows how she really feels?

This is the perfect book club read for fans of David Nicholls, Holly Smale and Beth O’Leary, asking what it is that makes for a life well lived.

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‘A thought-provoking, funny, delight of a book, I couldn't put it down!’ SOPHIE COUSENS

©2024 Charlotte Butterfield (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers
Contemporary Family Life Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Women's Fiction Feel-Good Funny Heartfelt Witty

Critic reviews

'A wonderfully original concept that makes a well written and entertaining novel.' KATIE FFORDE

‘A thought-provoking, funny, delight of a book, I couldn't put it down!’ SOPHIE COUSENS

‘Gloriously life-affirming! I loved discovering what Nell did next!’ HEIDI SWAIN

'Moving, page-turning and snort-laugh funny. I fell for Nell completely. So assured and well-observed.' BECKY HUNTER

‘Charlotte Butterfield has done it again! I think she's the funniest writer I've ever come across. When I'm not laughing out loud, I'm crying. A triumph.’ DEBBIE JOHNSON

Hilarious, smart and moving – had me hooked. Filled with sparkling characters and thought-provoking moments, it's an uplifting, heartwarming triumph.’ HOLLY MILLER

Hilarious, life-affirming and such a clever concept – I can't stop talking about it! Everyone should “be more Nell” and this story will stay with me.’ JESSICA RYN

'A hilarious read-in-a-day pocket of joy!' EMMA COOPER

‘I couldn’t put it down! Zippy, confident and heartwarming… a delightful, thought-provoking read.’ NIAMH HARGAN

Well written, witty, and a plot that is utterly genius! What a fun place Nell’s world is! Absolutely riveting.’ HELGA JENSEN

‘I loved this story of Nell who really is the heroine of her own life, Nora Ephron-style. JULIE MA

'An absolute joy. Warm, funny and absorbing, I loved every page.' EMILY CRITCHLEY

'The perfect page turner' NORIE CLARKE

'Terrifically funny, deeply joyous and thought provoking. I didn't want it to end!' JENNI BAYLISS

‘A fabulous read to make you grab life by the horns!’ PRIMA

All stars
Most relevant
This was exactly the feel-good listen I needed. Charlotte Butterfield delivers an, emotionally resonant story that balances humour with heart

The premise is one that is based on the thought that if you knew the date when you will die, would you live your life differently? Nell’s journey begins by facing the day she believes she’ll die, only to wake up with a second chance, the ensuing tale is both hilarious and thought-provoking. Her confessions spark a cascade of consequences that are messy, honest, and deeply human.

Katy Federman’s narration is pitch-perfect. She brings Nell’s vulnerability and sass to life, capturing every emotional beat with warmth and nuance. I laughed, reflected, and found myself genuinely rooting for Nell as she navigated the fallout of her brutally honest letters.

If you enjoy stories that explore life’s big questions with a light touch and lovable characters, this one’s a gem. Highly recommended!

Uplifting, witty and beautifully narrated

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I loved this book - from the first pages Nell draws you into the story and makes you want to follow her story . The characters beautifully intertwine as the story develops and unfolds. Couldn’t put it down !

What a brilliant book!

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Loved this book although not really my usual thing and I guess that I’m not really the demographic, not that that matters. Loved the characters and easy to invest my time with them although I can’t remember the last time I loathed a character in a book as much as I loathed Greg every time he appeared. I suppose that shows just how much I enjoyed the story 😃

How can I dislike a character in a book so much 😂

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What a fab book! Great characters and never a dull moment for Nell!! Makes you think too about your own life and the endless possibilities. Great narration and finished the book within a day. Highly recommend

Fantastic!

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Enjoyable but far fetched having a double date in one night but overall very enjoyable

Second chance

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