This book was a really great read and a wonderful switch up from most books out right now. There are so many layers in this book but never too overwhelming. The POV feels as if we get a special window into the lives of these incredible characters. We are not right there with them, but we see all they are going through.

With Prudence, this story depicts a woman who lived THE life. She was famous at a really young age, but then felt the impacts of blazing too hot too fast. Here she is playing music for the first time in a long time and learning to love it again. I feel that many middle-aged readers will resonate with this character. No she may not play at the White House again, but that doesn't mean she isn't great. She still is talented, impressive, and is now playing piano simply because she loves it.

Alexei Petrov also has it all, but also nothing. His life is piano. I loved the way Hoffman parallels Alexei and Prudence's battle's with themselves and their relationship with this thing that has been their whole livelihood. I found myself completely split on who I wanted to win the competition.

Even with these two storylines there's other storylines happening at the same time that all form a nice bow at the end. I really loved this book and it is readable for nearly any audience.

It took me a while to feel invested in The Second Ending. I could not engage with Prudence despite her interesting story. That said, I really loved the ending so I am glad I stuck with it! This book is definitely more of a slow-paced, character-driven story. Though it wasn't my favorite, I would still recommend it!

Having recently finished “The Second Ending” by Michelle Hoffman, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine Books!

Although the synopsis grabbed me, it was slow warming up to these characters in crisis. I sympathized with the pressures of their youth, but struggled to believe or understand their adult behavior and choices.

I did highlight and search YouTube for some of the classical music mentioned, and that was a nice diversion when I wanted to set the story aside. Learning and listening to something new, entertained me as I anticipated the finale of The Second Ending.

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“Because each of us lives on in the people we connect with, whether through music, or love, or a shared dream.”

***ARC provided by NetGalley***

A book about second chances, and it comes full circle.

I enjoyed this one!

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were all very quirky and relatable. I wanted to have a soundtrack as I read it so that I could hear all of the songs they were playing!

Grab this one for your beach bag summer reading. This one was such a gem and was all the things. Quirky lovable characters, heartwarming feel good story, well written, charming, whimsy. I absolutely loved reading about Prudence Childs and her second chance. Once a child prodigy pianist she began to feel exploited and quit playing. Now in her in 40's she gets a second chance to show the world her talent by competing in a popular tv dueling piano show against the Russian internet sensation Alexei. As they prepare to face off on the stage we get a look at what led them to this moment and their chance to prove it's never too late to write a second ending.

If you like pianos and reality tv this for you. This book has a bunch of POVs within different ages and has something for everyone. It’s an interesting plot that keeps you wondering how it will end.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy to honestly review.

The Second Ending follows Prudence Childs, a now almost-50 former child piano prodigy and Alexei Petrov, a young up and coming master pianist. Alexi is set to host a show called Alexi's Dueling Pianos where he competes against other pianists. Prudence is set to be his first opponent, but she hasn't played the piano in years due to some traumatic events in her past.

This story was good from the start. You know when you start reading an new book and just immediately know you're going to like it? This one was that for me. The characters were charming and the story was happy and heartwarming. Who doesn't like second chances.

Its a quick read, so a good one to pick up if you're looking for a heartwarming story about just really good characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books for the advanced copy for review! I really enjoyed this one.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the book drew me in but once I started reading it, I just couldn’t get into it at all.
I wish the author, publisher and all those promoting the book much success and connections with the right readers.

This hovers between 3.5 and 4 for me. The story is interesting and I really liked reading about the psychological effects of extreme pressure put onto children to pursue adult careers at a young age. There were some parts that felt farcical to me, especially at the end, which kept things lighthearted but occasionally went over the top. And I didn't love the way everything was tied up neatly... the tone was a bit too sentimental for my taste. But it was hopeful and kind, and there's a lot to be said for that, too.

I went into this book without knowing anything about it, and it turned out to be really delightful. Prudence was a child prodigy who became famous (and wealthy) after writing a super-successful jingle. After her daughters leave home, she has a breakdown, questioning her purpose in life. Enter: Alexei Petrov, an internet sensation with a piano competition game show. What follows is entertaining and uplifting. I found the storyline with the HOA president to veer on the silly side but I really enjoyed this one.

Prudence Childs was a piano prodigy who was bullied by her grandmother. She gives up piano and becomes a well to do housewife with a solid marriage and a lovely home. Now forty-eight both her daughters are off at college and she is being blackmailed. She agrees to enter the Alexei Petrov Dueling Pianos tv show and compete against the host for $1M. Alexei, twenty years younger than Prudence, started in Russia, was educated in Paris and now is a tv host in LA. He too has been bullied but by his parents. He needs to win the prize because his parents have spent all of his earning. The author creates likable characters, some good villains, and an original story. Though the ending was somewhat abrupt, I really enjoyed the story. I liked the descriptions of the musical choices and how each pianist approached the competition. I thank Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Prudence is a washed up child prodigy pianist. Well if you can call writing some of America's most successful & iconic jingles a wash up anyway. After her youngest child has left the nest Prudence isn't sure what is next for her. After some surprise news from a secret ex-husband Prudence finds herself in a series of circumstances that lead her to competing on a dueling piano reality TV show against Alexei, a technically flawless pianist. What ensues along this journey is delightful, sad, thought-provoking, frustrating, and fun. You can't help but cheer for these quirky & flawed characters.

Second Ending is a story of childhood dreams (realized and unrealized), second chances, and following your heart no matter your age. If you have any childhood connections to music I think you will find this story quite nostalgic. I highly recommend listening to some of the mentioned music as you read.

Thank you to the author, the publisher & Netgalley for the ARC.

Brava! Well written, suspenseful, really good story of a pianist who makes the right decisions, especially at the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the Advanced Readers Copy of The Second Ending by Michelle Hoffman

A delightful story about two pianists at different points in their career who will face off in a million dollar competition on a reality show. Prudence, a former child prodigy, walked away from her career in her teens to write jingles and raise a family but still has an incredible ability to touch listeners of her music. Alexei is the young host of the reality show, pushed into his career by his overbearing mother. Both approach the competition from different perspectives but learn a lot about themselves in the process. The book is full of flaws characters who are entertaining in their own. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this and can't wait to pass it along.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was quirky and a breath of fresh air! There are many points of view and even the "bad" characters are not truly loathed. Prudence was a child prodigy who was abused both emotionally and physically by her grandmother. After an early whirlwind career, she falls out of the spotlight to just live a normal life as wife and mother. Her current life, however, as a middle-aged woman is missing something. Prudence was such an interesting character, and I loved her devoted husband, Stewart! Even as secrets and past revelations come to light, he is still standing by her. Then we have Alexei another musical genius who while talented has to work at it. He has another fascinating storyline and I enjoyed how the two characters are thrown together and while technically "enemies" they understand each other and have a connection.

The premise was clever and while everything ended a little too smoothly, I enjoyed the execution. Truly a fun read!

Although this started out a slow burner for me after I got into it more it picked up the pace and did not disappoint. I love a second chance happy story and thats exactly what Michelle delivered with The Second Ending. I highly recommend reading this book if you get the chance or opportunity to do so.

Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. While this books was a slow starter for me, after I got into it more, I found it to be hilarious and heart warming. I am
Always a sucker for second chance storylines and this didn’t disappoint. I look forward to reading Michelle Hoffman’s next book.

A delightfully funny novel about two piano prodigys that also digs deep into childhood trauma, anxiety, and self-esteem. This book is so hopeful, and each character plays an important part, not only in the plot, but in everyone's redemption. I loved it!