This was a very traditional romance. Which means it was exactly what It was supposed to be. I’m not a great reviewer of Romance novels. I prefer ones that are a little more realistic and not so whirlwind…but that is me. This book was very traditional, and as a result I didn’t enjoy it as much. But I am not the target audience. This book follows the romance formula to a T. The setting was sweet, I liked the town of Twilight, although it did take me about to not transpose Charlaine Harris’s Twilight into this story….very different towns. I like the characters they were likable and had some depth to them. Jana’s back story helped, I found her character growth a little too fast, but that stems from being an abuse survivor and knowing it doesn’t turn around overnight. But I also accept it falls perfectly in line with a traditional romance genre book. This was a solid read for romance enthusiasts. If you are a little more realist, it is still good but maybe not an out of the park hit.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

Can I give more than 5 stars?!

While this is a part of a series and prior couples make multiple appearances, you don't have to read them to fully understand this story.

I needed tissues right at the beginning. The author tore my heart out and stomped all over it. Ms. Wilde is a favorite author of mine as she does evoke such emotion from me. There were some really great and thought provoking scenes. I so adored this book. I was glued to my e-reader and hated for it to come to an end. The scenes were well crafted and the plot flowed so smoothly that I was turning pages faster and faster to see how things were going to turn out.

Jana was raised in the foster care system since she was a very young child. While Joel lost his mother at a young age. Also Joel had other family around him to support and care for him. These two all total opposites of each other but boy the sparks sure fly around them!

I want to move to Twilight, Texas. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!

So many Christmas songs pop into your mind while reading this delightfully fanciful story about miracles, traditions and love. Of course it begins with a rather broad stretch of the imagination. Baby left in church manger scene in the middle of a snowstorm. Lori Wilde immediately captures your heart when you witness a very young girl giving up her baby son. Life has beaten her down but there’s no doubt of her love for the infant. And her awareness that she is unprepared. Leaving Gabriel in the manger crib is an act of desperation. But fate and luck are in play.

Two amazing, wonderful people are there to take possession of the baby boy. Willing to keep him safe until the young mother steps up to reclaim him. If she reclaims him and that is remains a gnawing doubt.

Christmas is a very busy time for folks in Twilight. For Joel and Jana it means many extra hours of work and volunteer projects. Yet for some reason they are ready and willing to take responsibility for the care of baby Gabriel. The attachment is almost immediate. Joel already knows he loves children as he is very close to his niece and nephew. All part of being part of a large warm family. Jana on the other hand is diving in headfirst into an unfamiliar role, that of a member of a family albeit temporary one.

Joel and Jana are not a couple. They work together, Joel is Jana’s boss. They are thrown together at township functions since Twilight is such a small town. Jana is by design a free spirit. Her years in the foster system have made developing relationships impossible. Joel on the other hand has been brought up in a loving close family. Jana is just beginning to warm up to the rather invasive life of living in a small town not to mention Joel’s family. Taking care of this baby is going to put these two into an awkward position to say the least. Or will it.

The town of Twilight has been noticing the close friendship of these terrific caring people. Secretly there has been a growing interest in the possibility of something more than friends between Joel and Jana. Never a better time than the holiday season. But there is the matter of trust. Jana has not spent her life where trust is expected. Certainly longed for but elusive all the same. Joel has his hands full trying to get past Jana’s self-imposed wall. Twilight is betting on Joel. So will you.

I have read a few of the Twilight, Tx series but hadn’t read one in awhile, and it certainly was fun to revisit it. A Christmas romance, this starts with Jana and Joel finding a newborn baby in a Nativity cradle on a very cold night, and decide, that although just friends, they would keep him for 10 days to see if the mother would return. Both Jana and Joel have feelings for each other, but have kept those feelings under wraps for quite a long time. Mostly, this is due to Jana, who has settled in Twilight after a e. Joel knows he loves her and is waiting for her to come to the same realization. The way this story weaved a hard won romance, and the reader is able to watch Jana’s growth, along with the Christmas season made for a great small town romance. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I am so glad I read it.

I am questioning myself why this is the first book I've read by this author and why I've just been introduced to the Twilight, Texas series.
This book is an emotional overload and I LOVED it!
I have a lot of catching up to do as this is the twelfth book in the series and I want to read them all.
If you haven't read an author before I believe reading a Christmas book by them is a great way to try them out as I believe author's make their Christmas books a little more special.
We start out at Christmastime in Twilight,Texas. It's a beautiful time,cold,twinkling lights,everyone in a festive mood. Care takers of the living manger, friends Joel and Jana make a shocking discovery in the manger. A days old baby with a note from his mother saying she'll return when she's able to.
As we get to know Joel and Jana we discover some baggage Jana has that's she's kept hidden all her life. As the couple take care of the baby jointly they make discoveries not only about each other but about themselves and how letting go and learning to trust can be accomplished.
Who is the mother of the baby though and why has she abandoned her baby? Will she return to claim her baby? This is an emotional book with the responsibility of the baby along with Joel having such a profound effect on Jana, bringing to the surface memories she thought she had tucked away for good. If you read no other Christmas books this year I suggest you read this one!

Pub Date 26 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
#SecondChanceChristmas #NetGalley.

Back to Twilight at Christmas.

Jana and Joel find a baby in the manger right before Christmas. The prologue was good, setting up how the baby got there.
The two friends, opposites and co-workers take in the abandoned baby.
Its all very sweet, Jana and Joel both have some trauma, and Joel already has a girlfriend.
They start out already liking each other, throw in the baby and its a presto, insta-family.


4.5

We’re back in Twilight, TX with Jana & Joel’s story, it took them awhile but they finally got their HEA!! Jana & Joel got closer & moved from friends to lovers after taking in a baby that was left in the manger with a note asking them to watch him till the mother got on her feet. It was an emotional, heartwarming, heartbreaking journey but Jana was finally able to let down her guard & completely trust Joel. This series set in the wonderful town of Twilight is always amazing, entertaining & this book is no exception. I highly recommend this book & series!! I received an arc from Netgalley & the publisher for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, as I have others in the series. While you’re introduced to characters from other books, it’s not necessary to have read any of the previous stories…it’s a stand-alone.
I really liked Jana and Joel quite a lot. They were an interesting combination of opposites attract and friends to lovers and very easy to root for. I was less thrilled with some of the secondary characters, especially Joel’s sister. She seemed very two-faced where Jana was concerned…”loved” her, but thought he should stay away. Much was made about how “different” Jana was, but they were then very sweet to her.
I think this was supposed to be a sweet romance in the style of a Hallmark movie, but the underlying themes in both finding the baby and in Jana’s past were heavier than those syrupy sweet stories. It was a contrast I’m not sure melded very well. I myself liked the darker theme more so than the small town togetherness…which surprised me because I love small town books.
I’m sure many others will enjoy this latest Twilight Texas Christmas book.

This is exactly the type of story I look forward to reading as we get closer to the holidays. I can’t resist a good friends to lovers, boss/employee romance and Lori Wilde never fails to deliver with her storytelling.

Joel and Jana were such a fun couple to watch fall in love, or should I say to watch discover that they were in love? Combine their romance with an abandoned baby and the town’s people of Twilight, Texas jumping in to help and this is everything you could want in a Christmas romance.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review

*I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion*

Lori Wilde is amazing! She has this awesome way of telling Christmas themed romance stories. Second Chance Christmas is the 12th book in her Twilight, Texas series. I love that each book can be read as a standalone!

From the very first paragraph, Lori was able to hook me and reel me in. How can you put down a book with that kind of opening? It's not possible.

The story is a friends to lovers romance and unexpected baby and just so well done! The roller-coaster that we are put on is great. The characters are relatable, and makes me feel like I actually know them. Twilight is a small town where everybody knows everybody. I wish I lived in a place like this!

Second Chance Christmas is an amazing read. Lori Wilde has done a wonderful job again. I highly recommend this read and anything else from Lori Wilde.

It’s time to escape to Twilight, Texas. Christmas trees are being decorated, twinkling lights are everywhere and Christmas carols are being sung everywhere you go. Best friends Joel and Jana are bringing to life the living Nativity. But then they find a baby in the manger with a note, their entire Christmas season is is nothing like they expected. Joel and Janna take care of the baby and are really hoping the baby’s mother will come back by New Year’s. The feeling’s they have been hiding from each other and not wanting to admit to themselves, begin to surface. Is it the spirit of the season, the miracle of finding the baby, or is it the magic of Twilight?

Thank you Lori Wilde for such a warm and festive story. This story made me want to pour the hot cocoa, light a fire and curl up with a blanket. This is an unputdownable read needs to be at the top of your Christmas must read pile. Second Chance Christmas is a wonderful, festive and enjoyable story. I loved this absolute heartwarming must read.

This is the time of year when I start to get into Christmas novels all the time. And I am always up for reading a Lori Wilde book. Second Chance Christmas is part of the long running Twilight, Texas series, and although many of the previous books' characters are mentioned, its not essential to have read all of the series before this one. The book definitely has that small town, large cast of characters feel that is great. For me personally, there were many very heavy topics mentioned and part of the plot that were sort of thrown in and not fully fleshed out, and not enough cheesy Christmas cheer to counter-balance it. This would be a great book if you like to have some difficult topics discussed in your books and light on the Christmas cheese.

Second Chance Christmas is the 12th book in Lori Wilde's Twilight, Texas series. I have quite a number of books in this series already; however, this is the first one I've read. I know you're just shocked! This was a great introduction to the series for me. This romance stands totally alone, though characters from previous novels appear. Not only was this a great friends-to-lovers story, but the premise was perfect for Christmas!

Christmas is coming to Twilight, Texas, which seems to be in the running for the friendliest town in Texas.. Celebrations are quite the thing here, and Christmas is their biggest and brightest. Jana Gerard and Joel MacGregor have been friends for years, and Jana even works part-time for Joel. While closing up the living Nativity for the night, they make quite the discover: a real baby in the manger! There's a note written on the diaper by the child's mother, stating she will return for little Gabriel by New Year's. Totally taken with the little guy, they get permission to take care of the child together in the hopes that mother actually returns. They soon fall in love with the baby, which also makes Jana and Joel deal with their real feelings for each other...

This is one of the sweetest Christmas romances I've ever read. Not only are Jana and Joel great characters, but Twilight, Texas seems to be a character in its own right. Jana had a horrible life after being abandoned by her mother when she was 3, but she has made a great life for herself in this town. After the horror of her early life, one can understand her trust issues and the need for independence. She couldn't stand the thought of Gabriel being put in Child Protective Services while they waited for the child's mother to return, as she was in CPS as a kid. Jana has had her life's story written all over her body with tattoos. Joel was a totally different person from Jana. He grew up in a loving home, though he lost his beloved mother as a child, plus his father was lost to alcohol for years after her death but eventually sobered up. The family was basically raised by oldest sister Flynn, and all the siblings are incredibly close. Joel was extremely tall and handsome, a great doggy daddy and to be honest, rather goofy in an endearing way. Total opposites, but we all know opposites attract, at least in romance novels! Plus living in the almost magical town on Twilight helped bring them together. When they connected physically it was extremely steamy, but also humorous. The supporting characters were all fun, though their meddling could be a bit overwhelming. This is just the story to get you in the spirit of Christmas!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I received this book from NetGalley/publishers.
I always love her books, she is one of my favorite authors! I loved the characters covers and the title.
was very appreciative to have the opportunity to review.

SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS – Lori Wilde
A Twilight, Texas Novel
Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-295323-0
October 26, 2022
Contemporary Romance

Twilight, Texas – Present Day

Christmas is just around the corner and best friends Jana Gerard and Joel MacGregor are clearing up the town’s Christmas display after a night of festivity. Jana suddenly hears the soft sounds of crying. A baby? She goes to pick up the doll in the manger when she realizes that there is a real baby in there. How did it get there? Where is his mother? Instead of calling the police and child protective services, Jana and Joel decide to take the baby in. A note left with the baby’s things indicates that his name is Gabriel and that the mother promises to come back and pick him up on New Year’s Day. Because Joel’s house is bigger, they decide that Jana will temporarily move in with him to help care for the infant. As they spend time together, feelings of more than friendship begin to develop. Will the baby bring them together to help them find love with each other?

Jana’s life growing up hasn’t been easy after she was abandoned by her mother and ended up in foster homes. As such, she has trust issues—which include not giving her heart to any man. Joel has always been that good-natured friend that she’s hung around with after she moved to Twilight a few years ago. He’s easy going, fun to talk to, and seems to always attract the ladies. At first, Jana believes that Joel still has a current girlfriend, so she doesn’t expect any “romantic” overtures from him. But she soon learns that he’s free and single, which changes how she starts to look at him. Joel is a hunk—and he can easily charm most women into his bed, Jana included. But once their baby caring duties are over, will they pursue these feelings that have developed between them?

In SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS, an infant brings together two friends to find love on the eve of Christmas. Because Jana was raised in foster care, she doesn’t want to see the baby sent there. She and Joel believe the mother that she will be back, so they will take care of Gabriel until she returns. Of course, they enlist the help of their family and friends in Twilight. Needless to say, it takes a village to raise a child! The close confines of Joel’s house make for some comfy times for Jana and Joel. They are almost like a real couple! The coziness leads to the realization they are attracted to each other, but will it change their friendship if they act upon those feelings? It doesn’t help that their family and friends are pushing them together. Can’t Jana and Joel see that they are made for each other?

SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS is that emotional, feel-good romance that will leave you feeling warm and toasty while reading. Jana has had a tough life, yet she has managed to rise above it and make a new life in Twilight. Joel is part of an old family in town, and someone who will do just about anything to help others. They’ve had a great friendship, but now it’s time to take it to another level—falling in love. Will everyone end up with a happily-ever-after, including Gabriel and his mother? Find out by picking up a copy of SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS today.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Will also appear on the Romance Reviews Today website: http://romrevtoday.com/

Second Chance Christmas is emotional overload. Wilde captures your attention with a blow to the heart and an endearing wake up call to the soul. Jana and Joel are the icing on the cake of an all consuming tale of love, sacrifice and hope that will have you reaching for the tissues.

Twilight, Texas, is a book world I fell in love with years ago. This gifted storyteller has a way of creating a fictional small town that's quirky and interesting yet warm and inviting. It had been a while since I spent any time there, so I was excited to dive into this one. Add in the Christmas setting and fresh premise and I was halfway in love before I opened the cover.

Joel and Jana may be employer and employee, but they've both volunteered to watch the town's live nativity and take the animals back to the barn at the end of the night. There may also be some interest on one or both of their parts, but Jana is a mess of tough complications.

Before they can get the animals back to their homes they find a real, live human baby in the manger. With nothing more than a note asking they look after him, Joel and Jana work together to care for little Gabriel. Jana grew up in the system, so she'll do anything to keep this innocent baby out of foster care. She'll gladly spare anyone the experiences she had, especially an innocent baby.

Of course, this is Twilight, Texas, so something like this doesn’t happen in the small community without most everyone in town getting involved. And as they work together on behalf of Gabriel, Jana and Joel grow closer to each other, but it's not an easy road. Jana’s upbringing influences most everything in her life, and Joel has some serious challenges in getting Jana to lower her walls.

This talented lady knows just how to weave a story that draws the reader in, making her part of everything that happens from beginning to end. Settle in and gird your heart, but prepare to have these authentic, vulnerable characters make themselves at home in it. Sweet, compelling and full of feels, this wonderful heartwarming story will fill you with joy and remind you of the very best parts of the Christmas season.

A heartwarming story of two best friends who find an infant in a manger and it up ends their lives. I warmed up to Joe immediately, I was a little slower to take to Jana, until I learned her backstory. A big secret is harbored and it explains a lot about her. I love the busybodies in the town, although personally it would drive me crazy. If you’re looking for a feel good holiday romance that has good vibes and messages, check this one out.

Such a delightful read! The story line is a roller coaster of emotion as long buried feelings and secrets come to light. The characters have intense interactions as they navigate their fears and doubts. With the help of one tiny infant and a little Twilight Christmas magic, two hearts find their forever. Highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.

A sweet and steamy friends-to-lovers Christmas story that leave you feeling warm and fuzzy!

Jana moved to Twilight 7 years ago after living on the streets as a troubled teen. While she’s overcome a lot at the age of 26, an unexpected event leads her to face her past head on. Otherwise, she might lose the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

Joel has been friends with Jana for two years when she came to work for him part time on his boat. He’s very close to his family and struggles to understand how to make Jana sees what he does. As he and Jana take in a week old baby that was left in the Twilight manager, he has to find a way to show her how he’s felt the past 2 years without scaring her off.

This is the 12th book in the Twilight, Texas series but can be read as a stand alone. I love the quaint town of Twilight and the sense of community it has. Joel and Jana are opposites that work well together and I’m glad they got a chance to explore their feelings.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for an advanced copy!