Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne
Product details
Web ID: 12621964This book warmed my heart
amazing, the humor, the turtles, and the sincerity in all of the characters really warms my heart, this was a light and thoroughly written book, highly recommended
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Rom Com with Standout Supporting Characters
This was my first Sally Thorne book and even more than the opposites-attract romance trope, I enjoyed the antics of the retirement villa residents and staff that simultaneously cheer Ruthie on while giving her a hard time in a caring way, as she is surrounded by people who want the best for her. I recommend for a lighthearted read where the protagonist is an old soul, while still having big dreams she wants to pursue. What set this story apart from other rom coms was the endearing cast of retirement villa residents that added a dose of humor to the story.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Slow Moving But Endearing
What would you do if you were given a second chance to make a good first impression? A book sprinkled with re-dos, Second First Impressions follows the story of Ruthie and Teddy, two people whose initial encounter should have all but been forgotten (especially by Ruthie!) Ruthie and Teddy couldn't be any more different if they were born on separate planets. Ruthie is 24 going on 94, to a point that Teddy mistook her as a person going to a costume party because she was a dead ringer for an old lady! See what happens when you try to be a good Samaritan and help someone in need! Having made one heck of a first impression, Ruthie didn't expect to cross paths with the stranger she, now regretfully, bailed out at the gas station until he walked into her office at Providence Retirement Villa, with the owner! Quick to learn Teddy is Jerry's son and taking precaution because the new owner has a tendency to tear down and redo his investments, Ruthie jumps after ever opportunity to make Jerry happy - even providing the empty apartment next to her to his son and giving him a job. Jokes on Teddy though, while Ruthie seems to be accommodating, she knows the truth about the Parloni sisters. They have run off every male assistant they ever had! With the comfort of payback, Ruthie is sure Teddy won't last long and she will finally have him out of her hair and out of her life. Her plan backfires as Teddy turns on the charm and charisma, burrowing deeper into her life than she ever intended. While the story encompassed the personal journal of each character as the interacted with Teddy and Ruthie - the takeaway from Second First Impressions is the importance of giving second chances. Through each story, we find that the characters get a redo. I also felt like the story built a strong foundation on concept of perception. We take our initial encounter with a person or a situation and create our viewpoint without another glance. The one thing I didn’t like about this book was that it was incredibly slow. I do enjoy the build up of a slow burn romance but this one was just too slow for me. There were many times I was bored and just genuinely wanted to know where the story was going. Once I understood that is was a multi-plot effect, following the second chances of each character - whether career, family, love - it made more sense but I did feel like there were moments where the story was forced forward unnaturally. While this book does try to be a little bit steamy, those parts are a little convoluted and disorganized, taking the reader out of the moment because you can’t figure out if she is sharing the experience as a recapped afterthought or during the moment. I will say there are several laugh out loud moments, for that reason - you are compelled to stick with the story to see where it goes. Last but not least, I did enjoy the process of redemption that each character was able to experience through their second chance - it made for a wonderful ending to the story.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A super fun book
I don't remember the last time I giggled so much over a book. The dialogues are hilarious, and the Perloni sisters are super cute!
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Live, laugh, love - that's this book!
I definitely found a new comfort read. This was my first experience with Sally Thorne and I absolutely adored SECOND FIRST IMPRESSIONS. I truly think one of my favorite aspects of a book is when I can connect on a personal level with character, which is how I felt about Ruthie Midona. From her anxiety, OCD and quirks to her taste in men, I felt like I was reading about myself. I adored it! Loves: •unabashed writing of anxiety and OCD in a lead character - and it was done well! •gorgeous, tall, tattooed, long-haired man - honestly my mind kept switching between Adam Driver and Tom Hiddleston depending on the scene and both visuals made me very happy! •eccentric, busybody, rich elderly fashionistas - I’m determined to end up like The Parlonis; I will settle for nothing less than their lavishness and my own boy! Grievance: •the book cover. Did the designer even read the book?? It is cute and catches your eye, but Teddy - ugh, that is not him. Where are his tattoos and long hair?? Cover grievance aside, I highly recommend this one. I laughed. I cried. I smiled so much. You know the saying, “live, laugh, love” that describes this book perfectly. Content Warnings: religious gaslighting, mental illnesses, death Follow me on instagram: @niftyreads
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Swoony perfection
As with Sally's other books, this one took me a bit to get into. But I am oh so glad I took the time. Ruthie and Teddy, while not your typical romance characters, captured my heart. Somehow the author takes characterization to the nth degree, doesn't skimp on details that make them messy and real and redeemable. It took me two weeks to read this book, because I simply didn't want it to end. I never want to simply read this author's books... I want to immerse myself in them and stay with the characters 4eva. This one was no exception. Hopefully there will be a movie!
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
So cute!
I bought this book on a whim, and I'm so glad I did! I only recently jumped into the genre of romantic comedies, and now I understand why Sally Thorne is a must-read. This latest book of hers chronicles a young woman who, for the past 6 years, has lived on the grounds of and worked in a retirement community and is currently training a temp. The temp is also trying to get out heroine to get a dating life. Then, an unknown contractor buys the company and deposits his son to stay in the villa (and coincidentally, right next door to said young woman) to clean up his act. While the three of them work at the retirement home and set up dates, friendships and loves evolve. SO SO SO CUTE!
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
I love this book
I took this book out at my local library and I devoured every bit of it. The characters are interesting and easy to root for and the plot is uplifting. This is a heartwarming read for the nerd or the sappy romantic in anyone.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com