In the Land of Second Chances

Rating:
Summary: Quirky, fun, and thought-provoking
Review: "In the Land of Second Chances" is a charming story that kindly and lovingly deals with incredibly difficult and painful issues.

Calvin Millet is living the existance of Job. Facing the cruel and inevitable death of his only child to a nameless disease, he is angry, discouraged, bewildered, and hopeless. Enter the mysterious stranger, who during the course of the book sells Calvin some hope and then disappears into the proverbial sunset. Narrated by Wilma Porter, owner of the Come Again Bed and Breakfast and set in a small Nebraska town full of quirky, caring neighbors, "In the Land of Second Chances" is entertaining, provocative, and a good old-fashioned fun read. Have a couple of hankies handy and be prepared to laugh out loud. And, in the end, be prepared to think.

This is a wonderful book for anyone and everyone to read, but will have special meaning for those facing life's inexplicable and often unfair hardships.

Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed it but...
Review: "In the Land of Second Chances" is a very readable novel with an unusual story line and interesting characters. Vernon Moore is a unique, mysterious character who brings hope to the people of Ebb, Nebraska. How he does this is the whole thrust of the book. My problem is that although Vernon has loads of sound, uplifting philosophy, his religion, if you could call it that, is too much like "new age" mumbo-jumbo, including reincarnation (although the author never uses that word). I believe the Bible, and Vernon's ideas don't remotely agree with what I read in the Bible. There's just a bit too much touchy-feely in Vernon's philosophy for me.

It's a good read, however, and I wouldn't be surprised to see ITLOSC become a best-seller on some charts.


Rating:
Summary: A delightfully moving story
Review: I opened this book and found myself smiling from the very first page. As the mysterious traveling salesman, Vernon, began to weave his spell around the residents of this little town, I found myself saying, "Yes!" right out loud. It's nice to see this warm spirituality, reminiscent of my own personal beliefs, being shared in a book that enlightens without ever taking itself too seriously. This book spoke to my soul.




Rating:
Summary: Truly delightful...not what you might think
Review: I read a review of this book, picked it up from the local library, and proceeded to read it from cover to cover. Just who is this character Vernon Moore? And what does one make about the Paradoxes of the Benevolent God?" This is a book that will make you think about, or reconsider, concepts such as "perspective," "uncertainty," and "reasoning." I do not know the author but I am impressed by his uncanny ability to weave complex topics throughout a novel in such and effortless fashion. I hope to see more from him in the future. I both cried and laughed when reading this book. I don't write all that many reviews, but this book impacted me. I guarantee that reading this book will be a pleasure, and it will make you think about things that maybe you have forgotten about, or just take for granted. It is, as mentioned by another reviewer, food for the soul. It is a quick read, but keeps you thinking and guessing. I highly recommend it. Read it and see what you think...you might just "buy some hope" along the way...

Rating:
Summary: 'A Great Read!
Review: In a world of mixed messages and bad news, 'Second Chances' is a breath of fresh air.
Most books of hope ask us to set our brains and experience aside. Simply "have faith," they say.
But, bad things still happen to good people. And, good things happen to bad people.
George Shaffner has created a world in Ebb, Nebraska, peopled with both types, just as the real world is a vastly complex amalgamation of both. But, in Ebb, Nebraska, we meet Vernon Moore; and, HOW our world NEEDS a Vernon Moore! Shaffner's characters are as down home as your next door neighbors. You'll laugh aloud with them, cry with them, and, as you close the last page, you will, like the inhabitants of Ebb, be filled with hope. Not the hope of fairy tales, but a reasoned hope that will touch both your mind and your heart.

Rating:
Summary: Great Feel Good Read
Review: It's a delightful story delivered in an easy read style. The characters and setting are vividly depicted in the mind's eye...amazing given the efficient writing style of the author. I even found myself chuckling out loud. I suspect this will be a big Christmas hit with families and individuals who cherish the human spirit.

Although they represent two different genres, for me, this book was as easy and compelling to read as DaVinci Code was...and, I don't prescribe to either book's philosophical/religious messages.

Rating:
Summary: This book moved me.
Review: Once in a great while a particular piece of fiction comes along that is both profound and accessible, a catalyst for thought and an enjoyable read. These are the books that one likes to have taking up valuable real estate on one's bookshelf. These are the books that one likes to give as gifts to friends and neighbors. This book is one such.

Other reviews have already addressed the general plot outlines, so no need for reiteration of that. The story zips right along and I found the small town atmosphere and the personalities of the characters to be well-rounded and appealing.

Some will carp that the religious or philosophical views espoused don't agree with their own. Last time I checked, reading and thinking about views that might be divergent from one's own wasn't either illegal, immoral or fattening. And it might expand one's personal horizons, to boot.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful -- Touches your heart !
Review: This book was a wonderful change of pace from other books that I have read. Considering that I am not an avid reader, I was amazed that I sat down and read this book in one sitting. I found that this book was very easy to read and very thought provoking. The author touches on so many emotions, through his characters, that you can't help but be touched by the daunting issues that they have to overcome within themselves and with each other. With the help of a traveling salesman, they are able to face their fears and desires with faith and hope. This book will touch your heart while making you really think about the complexities of life.
If you have ever found yourself in a place where you need a little hope, if you just want another look at life, or if you just want a feel good book, then you will find this one very appealing!

Rating:
Summary: Charming, Uplifting, Easy Read
Review: This is a delightful story. I am sending this book to several friends and relatives who have had some unexplainable, life changing events. This book is comfort food for the soul.

Rating:
Summary: Uplifting without a phoney grin...and a great read!
Review: What a little gem. I will admit I'm a sucker for a text that lifts the spirits and makes me feel good about the world. That said, Shaffner goes several steps beyond "mere" heart-warming. I've recently read "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" and enjoyed it, but for me, it paled in comparison.

I was swimming in details of the many rich characters and relationships in the middle-American town for the first several chapters. Then the writing [...]into that "can't put it down" vortex. I love the sensation that my life is getting in the way of finishing a book and "The Land of Second Chances" delivered just that dilemma. Delicious!

There is some significant philosophy artfully tucked away in this text. I was deeply engaged by the story, but also struck by the gentle touch used to deliver some spiritual reckoning. Using logic and odds calculations to address age-old spiritual and philosophical issues is at a minimum unique. For me, it is also quite compelling. The story waltzes you through such explorations with empirically powered, odds assessments - backed up with "even if it's a toss-up, why choose a frown?".

Shaffner gives us all something to smile about! I hope to see more from him.