I just read my favorite book of the month!! This cute, sweet, little gem was such a treat! Don't let this cartoon cover distract you from life's truths shared within!

We follow two piano stars, Prudence and Alexei Petrov. One is a complete child prodigy who was pushed to the point of exploitation and playing the piano became more of a chore than a joy, she now never plays. The other is a famous, young, Russian pianist that NEEDS his piano performance to remain stellar in order for him to continue residency in the United States.

Their stories slowly unravel in such a beautiful way. I found myself rooting for all by one of the characters (IYKYK) and loved the character development displayed of each person to differing levels based on their involvement in the story.

The book was clever, sharp, sweet, endearing, motivating, fun, exciting, sad, full of longing, the list goes on! It got to the point where I dreamed about buying a new piano and it's actively in the works!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advance e-copy of this book.

4.5 stars! I absolutely loved this heartwarming, feel good book. Wow! Quirky but incredible characters, great storytelling and such a fun premise. I loved Prudence’s unique and interesting voice.

I’m a music mom, so reading about Prudence and Alexei as young pianists pushed so hard by their overbearing (and sometimes evil) guardians was heartbreaking but also explained so much about who they were as adult musicians.

The description of the music was wonderful, especially the various reactions of the people listening (Carl had a sudden urge to call his children, Roy had a yearning for his mothers banana bread, etc). It really highlighted how music can impact hearts.

There were some laugh out loud moments, and the pacing was great. Something was always happening.

I was totally surprised and positively delighted by this gem of a book!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Funny and quirky! I could definitely see this becoming a film. I loved Prudence’s unique voice. I do not think so many POV’s were neccessary, but it certainly did add to the story.

Such a fun and thoughtful book!!

What I loved:

1. It is a strong debut novel and I hope we will be reading a lot more from Michelle Hoffman.
2. It is lovely story about dreams and not giving up on them - no matter who you are, what time of your life you are in or your station in life!
3. The characters are quirky, likeable and for me were relatable in some of their life struggles!

What I wished was different:
1. The plot did feel a little contrived at times.

My thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.

Prudence is 48 and Alexei is 22 and neither were allowed a real childhood. Prudence was a pianist, a child prodigy who was pushed by a domineering grandmother and eventually Prudence walks away from it all. Alexei is in a similar position being pushed by an overbearing mother. Is it too late for each to follow their dreams. Heartwarming and inspirational, this book encourages you to follow your dreams.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced copy of this book.

This book was a delight! I knew next to nothing about pianos and concert pianists and how it all works. I was blown away by the detail in this book. The author gave a lot of information and made it understandable.

I hope Netflix (or someone) options this as a movie. I could totally see it as a drama-comedy.

All of the characters were all so quirky. I loved how it all came together.

Love that this is being released at the start of when most start getting into “summer mode”, after a long Memorial Day weekend but this book is made for the beach or poolside. Quirky and fun with enough heart to get you thinking - sprinkled with a little mystery and colorful characters. This is a getaway-book which I love now and then. Pick this one up for a fun summer read - you’ll enjoy it. Thanks to Random House Ballantine for the copy!

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Publication: May 30, 2023

I believe that this book is geared towards a different age group than me. I think that older people/parents may enjoy this book more than I did. I found this book hard to relate to but also very tedious to read. I got "Where'd Ya Go Bernadette" vibes but what made that an easier read was the different media throughout the book. Overall, I struggled and ended up deciding that this book wasn't for me.

I very much enjoyed this novel. Perhaps not the most well written or literary, but it was an interesting story and kept my attention.

This was a story full of hope, love, and second chances. I really enjoyed the entire cast or characters. While it did introduce A LOT of side characters, I felt like it was pretty easy to keep track of who was who. They were all so quirky and fun.

The book was light and fun, but deep and meaningful at the same time. Overall, happy with it!

Prudence Childs has had quite the life. Her story is intriguing, with all that she has been through. When she and Alexei Petrov are dueling, they realize it is never too late to write a new ending. I cheered and was surprised afterward to read what a three-year-old accomplished.
As I was reading, I kept thinking of all that she overcame, the choices she had to make, and the woman she became. It was inspiring to me.
I received an ARC from Ballantine Books through NetGalley.

One of the best books I’ve read this year . The story is enchanting, and I didn't want it to end. This book was graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review .

Eccentric endearing

The Second Ending was a book I wanted to love. I enjoyed getting to know the main character, Prudence, as a flawed but endearing person. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the book. But I struggled to finish this book. To me, the pace of the book felt off. I did not feel like I learned enough about any of the characters to connect with them.

However, I seem to be in the minority opinion as many others are raving about this book. If you enjoy eccentric characters, this is a book for you.

Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC is exchange for my honest feedback.

5 stars

Well, like her characters who come out with incredibly strong first endings, Hoffman is going to have to work tirelessly to generate a repeat in the next book, which you can bet I'll be clamoring for as soon as I see a hint of it. This is an incredible debut and one of my favorite books of the year (which, honestly, has in just these first few months, been FILLED with fantastic books, so this is really saying something).

The cover of this novel truly made me think, "So, Finlay Donovan is playing piano now...?!" and had me assuming I was cracking a cozy here, and that is not at all what's happening in this book, but Prudence, the m.c. of this memorable work, could definitely give Finlay a run for her money in the trouble finding department. Prudence is a child prodigy, a piano player with so much talent that she played internationally and in high profile gigs throughout her young life. Much of this charge is fronted by two opposing forces: her fabulous early piano teacher and her outrageous, semi-monstrous grandmother. The impacts these women have on Prudence last, and they come through in the most riveting ways, all the way up to the present day, as Prudence edges up on 50 and a potential opportunity to, well, construct a second ending.

Like any great piece of music, this isn't a one-note piece. Prudence carries the novel, but it's really the seamless movement between Prudence, her immediate family (added props to the eight-pound Mrs. Wintour), Alexei (a world-renowned pianist turned Hollywood star), and a couple of other characters who are utterly nefarious for fascinating reasons. For me, this was so well paced that I changed plans to read this nearly straight through over a day and a half. These characters, their connections, and their motivations make for an unputdownable read. The thematic ties and resolutions are also - across the board - extremely satisfying.

In case this isn't clear enough, I loved this book. I can't wait to read more from this author, and I hope this book gets more of the buzz that it deserves. I'm ready for the encore!

Cute and uplifting! This was a fun book about two pianists rediscovering their passion for music. It was full of funny moments, positivity, and uplifting messages. The characters were likeable and complex. I particularly liked the depiction of enduring love and partnership between Prudence and her husband. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to add light into their day. This would also be a great read for somebody going through a breakup, as a relationship is not the central plot point.

I only got about quarter through this book and put it down. It’s a slow read and it didn’t hold my attention. I might pick it up at another time to try again.

This story is a lot more than meets the eye. The cute cover implies a light-hearted story, maybe a mystery, about a quirky FMC. The main character is for sure quirky, but this story is told in a more cerebral way than you might imagine.

Former child star Prudence Childs is now nearing 50 and her life hasn't turned out the way she imagined. The piano star realized that her talent was being exploited by those closest to her, and she gave up her musical career. She lives a comfortable, if creatively stifled life with her husband, two college-aged daughters who barely tolerate her, and her beloved dog. Prudence ends up performing publicly for the first time in decades on a popular reality TV competition show where Russian piano phenom Alexei Petrov challenges newcomers every week. What could get Prudence out of her comfortable bubble? A blast from the past in the form of a blackmailing ex. Can Prudence get over her difficult past and win the prize money?


The story does move along quickly, and we get to a good resolution in a time frame that makes sense. But the story that could be told in a zippy way was told in a more long-winded way. It wasn't bad, it was just the style of the storytelling. So while I enjoyed the story, I think some readers will not.

This was an interesting look at what happens to life after stardom, especially with child stars. Reading along with adult Prudence as she revisits some of her memories and experience from her performing past was interesting, and lent empathy to adult Prudence and why she is the way she is.


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Prudence was a child prodigy. She played the piano at age three, but her talent was exploited by her grandmother. Years after escaping that life, she finds herself in a talent competition, trying to escape her past secrets and a Russian competitor who she is drawn to.

Cute and heartwarming, this is a great poolside read.

I worried that this would end up being another overly quirky novel in the vein of Where Did You Go Bernadette? But boy was I wrong. I didn’t want this book to end. The author manages so many characters so well. Nothing ever seems muddled or forced about the multiple perspectives. The writing flows like crystal clear water.

The story itself is lovely and touching. Lessons are learned, friends made, relationships changed and saved. Nothing incredibly dark or disturbing here. I loved reading about the piano playing and different perspectives of Prudence and Alexi.

Honestly I cannot recommend this book enough.

The Second Ending Review

The Second Ending is a comical tale that unravels twisted events, misunderstandings, and the eventual discovery of realities we tend to overlook.

Storytelling

When I dive into a story, my attention is immediately captured by the narrative style and the author's perspective. It has a significant impact on how I experience the story. In The Second Ending, the narrator is all-knowing, which isn't usually my cup of tea, but Michelle Hoffman's use of this point of view was nothing short of brilliant. It brought a whole new level of humor and momentum to the book, which I had never encountered before.

Characters

Prudence Childs is a fascinating and imaginative woman who possesses profound emotions. Though her outward appearance might lead one to think otherwise, she is benevolent and warm-hearted. Her emotional depth often leads to dramatic outbursts, which only serves to enhance her already colorful persona. As a mother and someone who experiences self-doubt, she is easy to identify with.

Alexei Petrov's character embodies the quintessential obedient son, but his transformation is relatable and captivates any creative mind. His early inability to rebel, coupled with a lifetime of micromanagement by his mother, serves as a poignant reminder of the pitfalls of authoritarian parenting.

In The Second Ending, there are many supporting characters, all with unique backgrounds and motivations. What's great is that they aren't just there for show, but rather they add depth and richness to the storyline. Of all the secondary characters, my absolute favorite is Pierre Millet. He's like a beacon of light, helping Prudence see the way and believe in herself. I've been fortunate enough to have some wise advisors in my life who share similar qualities to him.

Conflict & Theme

The Second Ending brims with conflicts unlike any other, but Michelle Hoffman has managed to infuse it with a playful touch despite the grave outcomes. What makes this novel stand out is the internal tug-of-war that each character experiences. Their individual battles propel the plot forward in remarkable ways, making for an enthralling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Throughout the book, the author delves into the characters' innermost insecurities, which drive them to make impulsive choices. These self-doubts are often rooted in external influences, such as the opinions of influential figures in their lives, which have shaped their self-image. As I read, I couldn't help but appreciate the author's creativity in exploring this recurring theme.

The book truly showcases the characters' self-discovery journey, culminating in their personal realizations.

Noteworthy Elements

As I delved into The Second Ending, a delightful surprise awaited me. The author's hidden talent for tickling the ivories was revealed through the enchanting depiction of Prudence's musical prowess. The subtle nods to notes and Classical pieces were a delightful touch that resonated with my love for this genre of music. This added dimension elevated my reading experience and left a lasting impression.

Overall Reading Enjoyment

The Second Ending is an intriguing and heartwarming tale that has left me with a powerful realization - my own perception of self holds more weight than anyone else's opinion. This book is a must-read that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions - from laughter to tears to moments of exasperation and hopefulness. I wholeheartedly urge you to dive into the world of The Second Ending and experience its creative magic for yourself.

Favorite Quotes

“Everyone thinks their dreams are silly. That’s why so few go after them.” Prudence

“Immortality, she realized, 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 lover or a shared dream.”

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Blog, Twitter, IG and Goodreads Post is published May 3, 2023
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