The Second Ending is just as much about second beginnings, and I loved it! Prudence Childs was a world famous pianist by the time she was in kindergarten. Mis-managed and exploited, Prudence found herself writing jingles as a young adult and then withdrawing completely to become a wife and mother. Alexei Petrov is an internet sensation and star of a new reality show where he faces off in a weekly piano duel. Alexei has his own demons that haunt him from childhood. As luck would have it, the two are destined to cross paths.

There is a mystery element to this novel as well as good character development. I really enjoyed this quick read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine books for an advanced e-copy of this book.

The story of a childhood piano prodigy getting a second chance at fame on her own terms when she competes on a TV show. Some characters were annoying, and some were charming. Cute story.

Hoffman's novel is about facing dark realities, entering uncharted territory, leaning on music as a solace, and welcoming new beginnings. The Second Ending was fun and full of heart.

Prudence Childs was a prodigy. She taught herself to play the piano as a toddler, became famous, played at the White House, and appeared on television. She inspired a generation to take up the piano.

Then she realized her grandmother was exploiting her and she broke from both her family and her fame. She fell into a career writing jingles--creatively unsatisfying but it paid the bills.

Decades later, Prudence's dark past threatens to upend her peaceful, if uneventful, adult life.

One thing leads to another and she agrees to participate in a popular televised dueling piano competition--against Alexei Petrov, a young Russian pianist who has flawless technique. But Alexei's parents have always pushed him so ruthlessly, he never made friends or developed a life outside of music.

When the two face off, they each have something to prove--to their families, their exes, those who have doubted them--and to themselves.

There are a number of appealingly zany hijinks here as well as a surprising amount of heart. The Second Ending is about self-discovery, facing dark truths, taking a terrifying leap out of the safety of what is known, and opening the door to a boundless, uncharted future. I really enjoyed this.

I received a prepublication edition of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Ballantine Books.

You might also like the books on my Greedy Reading List Six Rockin' Stories about Bands and Music.

🎵 THE SECOND ENDING - Michelle Hoffman 🎶

𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵.

⭐️ | 4.5/5
📖 | 336 pages
📆 | released 5/30/23 (TODAY!)
📨 | publisher: Ballantine Books (PRH)

I adored this book! I really connected with our main character Prudence, that woman’s got a fierceness not to be reckoned with. She is very relatable in many layers and throughout the story we continue to peel those layers back.

There were a LOT of piano and music references but this certainly did not distract from the main plot points. Give the first few chapters some leeway to introduce you to our characters, there are several background stories that need to get flushed out in order to create the scene.

Yes you can love BOTH Prudence AND Alexei even if you are rooting for one more than the other to win!🥇 This book is more of a fictional comedy and life lessons than any other genre. There are some works of tragedy and sadness, as well as very mild romance, but overall a witty and sweet ride.

This book has very poetic and fluid writing which made for a quick and fun read. This was Hoffman’s debut novel which is exciting - I’m looking forward to reading more of her work!

Thank you to @penguinrandomhouse, #ballantinebooks and @michelle.hoffman_ for my advanced review copy!

The Second Ending hits all the right notes!

Two piano prodigies are struggling with their lives. Alexei has a hit prime time show, Alexei Petrov's Dueling Piano Wars, but his life is regimented and holds no joy. He lost the woman he loves because of his controlling mother, and he has never had the freedom to do anything but play classical music. Prudence spent her childhood playing music at concert halls, the White House and other famous venues, and being berated by her stage-mom grandmother. She ultimately rebelled, married her boyfriend Bobby, and began writing commercial jingles. Their marriage doesn't last, but her fortune does. She remarries, and her new husband Stuart and she raise two lovely girls who know very little about their mom's famous past.

When Alexei's show reaches out to Prudence to compete against him in a piano duel, she has to do it because her ex-husband Bobby is blackmailing her. Her first jingle was actually written by her old piano teacher, and she can't be convicted of fraud and lose all they have. Alexei feels he has to do it to keep his parents happy - they guilt trip him about supporting the family so they aren't sent back to Russia. They both need to win, and they both need to believe in themselves again.

This story has two compelling main characters, and great secondary characters, from old rivals to new mentors. The writing is enjoyable and the pace of the book is quick without seeming rushed. I loved how the story went back and forth between these two great pianists with similar stories and worries. You know they will be great friends when they meet, but you spend the novel wondering who will win.

I highly recommend this entertaining novel! Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.

Michelle Hoffman has written a terrific novel in “Second Ending”! She is intimately acquainted with all facets of being a musician, and her portrayal of stage parents is impeccable.
Brava, Michelle!

Poor writing, no real story line and a complete lack of character development make this book an absolute dud.

4 1/2 stars

I adored this book. Prudence Childs was a character that really stole my heart. She had truly been so manipulated and mentally/physically abused as a young child that she didn't necessarily realize it was happening. Then to have that abuse connect itself to something that she loved (ie., playing the piano) to the point that she turned away from it for a good part of her life. It was such a shame. Seeing how she grows and comes to realize different things about herself as she is getting older and starting to look around and doubting what she sees. Prudence wants to protect her legacy and family and find a way to move forward in life with happiness and fulfillment.

Then we also meet up with Alexei Petrov who is a talented young pianist currently hosting a television reality show that centers around pianists and such. The network he works for comes up with the bright idea to have Alexei face off in a "battle" with someone who can challenge him and push him to work harder. To sweeten the pot, the person that Alexei competes with will be after the prize money that he'll also be competing for. This money can make a huge difference in both Prudence and Alexei's lives. Meanwhile, those two are both extremely talented - - Prudence is a prodigy and Alexei is a disciplined performer that has trained for it. Even though they have different approaches, their talents sound similar.

In addition, there are a few people trying to undermine and/or blackmail Prudence. This plot line blends into the overall story to add depth and power to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Prudence, now 48, was a child piano prodigy, who has the opportunity to participate in a television piano dual with the host of the show, Alexy., a handsome young Russian pianist. Through a series of strange incidents and some odd secondary characters, the two pianists meet and help each other get on with their lives. It is a touching, quirky, funny and endearing story.

The Second Ending by Michelle Hoffman

Published: May 30, 2023
Ballantine Books
Pages: 337
Genre: Women’s Humorous Fiction
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Michelle Hoffman is an award-winning writer and former arts and entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic. She began formal piano lessons at the age of five. She lives in Arizona with her husband, two spoiled Shih Tzus, and a very large piano.

“I want a second ending!”

Prudence is wallowing, as she is known to be a tad dramatic. Stuart is looking for more and a change. Bobby wants what he feels he is owned. Alexei wants to feel and believe in something.

This was a story within a story that all comes to a head, then scatters. The humor was fun, the characters were charming, and the plot was interesting.

I liked Prudence. She had a flair for dramatics and a talent that couldn’t be denied. Alexei was also an interesting character. I enjoyed his story arc.

This was a decent read. The plot was engaging and moved along smoothly. I liked that it focused on being who you are meant to be and owning it.

DNF at 10%. Not interested in the storyline or characters at all. I love music and used to plan piano and violin, so I really thought I would like this. Thanks anyway for the ARC.

This book was really fun to read and enjoyable, even though it did include some difficult subject matter at times. The way the book was written was light and fun. I'm impressed this was the author's first book, it was very well written. There may have been a couple of minor plot holes, but they served to make the book more enjoyable so it was ok. It kind of reminded me of "Where'd you go Bernadette" or the Finlay Donovan series.Every time the book started to get too serious, there would be another fun moment. Perfect for lovers of music and fiction, and those former child musicians who wonder if they'd stuck with it, could they have been great.

I am not always a fan of multiple POV books, but it worked in this case. The book introduces us to a series of characters connected to our leading lady, Prudence Childs. Hitting her 50s and having all her children leave home has sent Prudence into a midlife crisis. One which leads her to take up playing the piano again. Causing chaos everywhere she goes, Prudence is on a quest to see if she can have a second chance at her dream. The Second Ending has jumped to the top of my favorite 2023 book pile, and I could not recommend it enough. I read this book in one sitting and was left wanting more of this fun world. Michelle Hoffman's debut novel was so much fun and I can't wait to read more of her stories. I give this book a solid 5/5 stars.


I voluntarily read an advanced copy of The Second Ending by Michelle Hoffman. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC.

I am going to stick with giving this book a neutral 3 stars even though I DNF. I feel that is more about me than the book or author. I wanted to engage, love it and finish. I do believe this is a lovely book and from what I read the writing seems very good. I enjoy backstories for character development and multiple points of view which this provided. That being said I just could not get engaged each time I attempted to read it. I started it over no less than 3 times. I guess it’s a little too wholesome for my reading tastes. I needed a little pick-me-up, some drama, some smut, maybe some enemies to lovers forbidden romance. This seemed wholesome and pure and lovely and ultimately I am that in real life 😉 but I am not that reader.

Many thanks to Netgalley, and Random House Publishing for the advanced reader copy of this novel. Best wishes to Author Michelle Hoffman. Review posted to Netgalley, goodreads.

Prudence, now a happily married empty nester, was once a child prodigy. She played piano around the globe before transitioning into profitable jingle writing. Through a comedy of errors, she finds herself needing money and agrees to compete in a dueling piano TV show.

Alexi, the handsome host of the competition and a piano virtuoso himself, will be her competition. Don’t let the setup (or the cutesy cover) fool you; this isn’t a RomCom. It’s a story about quirky pianists.

The story alternates between Prudence’s and Alexi’s perspectives. He tries to get out from under his parents’ thumb while she tries to get out of her own way. There are misunderstandings, hijinx, an HOA president with a chip on her shoulder, and even a little blackmail.

It was a quirky story with quirky characters and a unique plot.

Thanks, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for the Digital Review Copy.

This one is cute and fun. Prudence is a former child piano prodigy who is all grown up now and on a reality dueling piano show up against Alexei, another piano star.
Along the way, Prudence has to deal with Tamara, the head of her HOA, who is out to take Prudence down an octave. (Hehe, pun intended)

The characters in this were interesting. I enjoyed the story and the conflict. done. It was a refreshing and hopeful read.

Pick this up if you’re looking for a nice palate cleanser

I would like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Look for it now in your local and online bookstores and libraries.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I feel like I’ve been in a reading rut for a little while. The last few books I’ve read have been underwhelming. I think this book is going to fix me, though. It’s about a former piano prodigy who left music behind to escape her abusive grandmother. Decades later, she’s an empty-nester whose ex-husband is blackmailing her. In order to pay him off, she agrees to compete in a dueling pianos reality show.

I thought this book was hilarious. Prudence, our protagonist, is a little bit on the stuffy side, but her dry sense of humor is delightful. I loved her character. The other characters are great, too, even the ones you don’t like. I thought this was a great debut novel, and I’m looking forward to reading more from Michelle Hoffman.

3-3.5 stars

Honestly, if this wasn't a Netgalley read I probably would have sat it aside. The first 30% or so really didn't do anything for me. Too many characters with their own POV's, past and present, and I couldn't tell how they fit in or where it was going which kept me from engaging with the story.

Then there was Prudence, herself. My first impression of her was not good. She seemed a little crazy, very introverted, and just overall NOT super likable. In hindsight, I think we were meant to see that she was having a bit of a midlife crisis and she was trying to figure out who she was now that a stage in her life had ended. She had unfinished business but she didn't know that.

It wasn't until the last half of the story where things started to click and Prudence didn't seem like a menace and actually became a semi enjoyable character. Alexei's storyline felt stiff to me, as stiff as his character, perhaps. I can appreciate that he had growth, but he just seemed untouchable the whole way through. It was overall an "okay" read and I appreciate the message that was conveyed but it was dimmed a little by how hard it was to get into the story initially.

The story of dueling pianists! One a child prodigy that gave up on her talents and the other is a Russian wunderkind that is pushed by his parents to always do more while they spend all of his money. The two come head to head on a television show where the winner is voted on by the audience. This story is more than that - it’s a story of self discovery. It’s a tale that reminds all of us to look for what we find most important in ourselves and not dwell upon what others think to be important. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this early read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Michelle Hoffman - 5 stars!

Prudence and her husband just dropped their youngest child off at college and Prudence is having a crisis. She was a child piano prodigy, pushed abusively by her grandmother to be the best. After a failed first marriage, she began writing commercial jingles and found much success. She gets an offer to be on a piano duel reality show, but the attention it brings to her also brings her ex-husband to her door, demanding money over a discovered secret. Her show rival, Alexei, is classically perfect but his upbringing has left him without friends or any kind of life away from the piano. The show is the chance for each to prove something.

This was such a light, fun book yet one filled with an important message - it's never too late for dreams. While Prudence comes across a bit snarky because she has no filter, I found myself rooting for both of these characters equally. I loved how each chapter was a different song title and the love of music resonated throughout. But mostly music for the love of music - something that can't be taught. The ending was perfection! Can't wait to read more from this author!