3.75 stars
This entertaining tale is about music, but also families, obsession and the gift of talent.

Starting with the ending: Two very different brilliant pianists meet on a reality TV show, sort of like Top Chef for musicians. Both need to win the million dollar prize, but it's not primarily about the money.

Their two back stories are both quirky. A young Russian man, stage managed by his mother - He is a machine, oiled by tutors, masseuses, chefs, and technical advisors. He is technically perfect.

His competitor is older and had a career as a child prodigy, browbeat by a manipulative and cruel grandmother. She has the spark of emotional genius but walked away from her career and hasn't played for years.

Their lives collide, and the tale is told with humor and compassion. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to Ballantine Books for this ARC. I was very surprised at how much I liked this book. At first I thought Prudence would be a character I did not like but as the story went on she grew on me. Her story as a child prodigy was so interesting and sad but the love for her husband was so sweet. Alexei was so stuffy but when he came into his true self he was lots of fun. Truly enjoyed this book.

Prudence Childs was compared to Mozart as a young child prodigy piano player. Pushed by her overly demanding grandmother, she decides as a teen who is old enough to run away from home.
As the story continues, we are lead to learning about Prudence in her adult life. At 48, Prudence has been married and raised 2 daughters. She also writes jingles for advertising. Although Prudence prospers from her work, she is very unhappy, especially now that her daughters are away at school. When she finds out about a dueling pianos show with the host Alexi Petrov she decides to put her skills to the test
Alexi Petrov who is a very talented Russian pianist is also going through some personal crises. He comes to find out that he has been manipulated by his parents. At the age of 21, he decides he’s had enough. He will put all of his energy into trying to be the winner of the contest he and Prudence will be rivals in.
What ensues is a page turning plot/journey that leads both characters to some enlightening facts. I enjoyed everything about this book. It was just the right length and was very entertaining. There are many facets to this story that keep it extremely interesting, humorous at times, and characters that make you feel invested in their story. I gave this book 5 stars. This author hits the nail right on its head.

Prudence a famous kindergartner, she taught herself to play piano and she went on talk shows. When she grew older, she realized that she was only having to do these things because of her grandmother. Her grandmother was mean to her and one day she ran away. She had to take a job writing commercials. After many years, she takes her knowledge of the keys and decided to compete on a dueling piano show. During this time, her ex husband tries to blackmail her over a secret that she has kept for many years. She meets a gentleman, Alexei, who she begins to fancy. Does the couple get together and play beautiful music together?

Expected publication May 30, 2023



Do you ever read a book and you like it but you cringe at all the incorrect information in it? Nearly all the information regarding HOAs is wrong, wrong, wrong causing a lot of frustration on my part as a reader. I am well versed in HOA as I use to be a property manager. You can't be hired or paid to be on the Board of Directors. You have to be a member of the HOA and elected into the position. As the president you also can't make a lot of decisions on your own. Majority of decisions are made by the board via a vote in a public meeting. Board Members can't just make up things such as fines as they have legally binding documents to follow ... but I digress. Let's get started on the major storyline.

Prudence Child is a former child prodigy. She was/is a pianist. Alexei Petrov is a piano virtuoso. They each are dealing with their own pressures in life and when given the opportunity they both decide to partake in a TV show that puts them competing against one another for a cash prize. They both need to win the prize because not winning would leave their lives in shatters.

Hoffman tells an engaging story that is stirs emotions inside. Be prepared to feel angry, sad and joyful as the story unravels and you learn about each character, their background stories and why they need to win the contest.



* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This debut novel is compulsively readable, funny and 100% human. Just the thing we all need these days.

This was an enjoyable story. There were some intriguing moments that kept interest charged. On the other hand, it was so full of music minutiae that truly weighed done the story. Who cares about what model piano each character was playing--Steinway would have sufficed (at most) so the model was details actually became annoying. The book would have flowed better without going on and on about each piece of music and the nuances of each note. If professional pianists are the target audience--spot on. If the general population is the target audience, this should have been scaled back, no pun intended. I have some musical background and found the minutiae tedious so I can imagine it would grind on someone without any. There were frustrating moments when Prudence and Alexei went through a few too many 'Yes, I Can/No, I Can't' and 'I will do it/ I won't do it' moments. That said, the book was still enjoyable. Prudence will give you some chuckles with her off the cuff antics. Technically, I think it is 3.5 stars but I am giving it 4; rounding up rather than down as I enjoy the humor in the story.

On its surface, this is a book about two competitors in a televised piano playing competition. Below that surface, this is a book about how a person's circumstances impact their life in a million myriad ways; about how simply having a talent isn't enough to change a life without adequate love, support and encouragement; about the deep pleasure of doing something not because it will win you fame and fortune, but because it makes your soul feel complete.

This book is a gem.

I truly enjoyed The Second Ending. This book was super heavy on the plot, and skimmed over a few details I would’ve liked about the characters - the revelations each character had went QUICK - but the plot was very satisfying for music experts and novices alike. I think it’s important to present how different people process emotions in music and this was exactly that for me. Really enjoyable read!

Prudence lives a happy life with a husband who adores her and enough money to live well. As a child she had been a piano prodigy with an unhappy childhood. She stopped performing, got married and had children. When the last of her children goes off to college she feels lost and lonely. Her husband buys her the piano that she used to play on, hoping this will help her enjoy life again. The book includes an ex-husband that unexpectedly pops up and someone else looking for revenge for a past slight. Finding the need to raise money quickly, Prudence has no choice but to play the piano again. This was a fun book. A little beyond the boundaries of believability but the people were so interesting to me that I was ok with that. This book gets a five star rating from me along with a strong recommendation to read it. Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the privilege of receiving a digital ARC. This opinion is my own, in my own words.

A very enjoyable palate cleansing novel that weaves talent, drive, dreams and second chances.
We meet Prudence who once was a child piano prodigy. Alexie is a piano phenom bit of a different sort- one who is pushed by parents along the way. The pair are matched on a reality tv show about drilling pianists and the lead up to that is most of the story.
I really enjoyed this book and even though I wished there were some avenues that were explored a bit more it felt like just a fun ride you’re not really supposed to question. Prudence was a great character and the side characters were fun too. Her ex husband was a tool, the HOA president is a sad wannabe and her faithful husband a steady presence. This will be a good one for summer and I’m sure it will be fun on audio too especially if there is some piano involved!

The Second Ending is a multi-dimensional POV story involving a child prodigy, a destined dancer, and one with success instilled in him at birth, competing with themselves in this debut novel.

At first, it took me awhile to get into the novel as Prudence came off as pretentious with her jewelry, esteemed husband, and then we get a look beyond the first few glints of glamor and realize not all of 'this' exists on the inside. I began to relate to Prudence. As someone who had a similar upbringing to more than one character in this book, it was gutteral and sharp at moments.

Prudence is the crowned jewel, in the book and in many of the main characters POV moving forward, and the advice, lessons, and brassiness she offers shines brightly. Prudence unfurls numerous emotions, decisions, and impacts on decisions.

I adore this book and the triumphant self-work of the MCs. If you are feeling lost, no matter what the age, it's never too late for a second beginning or a second ending. I can't wait for a hard copy or to meet the author one day.

Thank you Netgalley & Ballantine Books for this ARC.

(I can say so much more, but I will take away all the magic. That is yours to unlock.)

Delightful! A combination of humor and drama, second chances and hope, with a wide range of characters that I thought would detract me from enjoying the book. I was wrong.

Thank you, Random House & NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.