Second Time Charmed
Author: Maggie Blake
Series: Rendezvous at Midlife, #2
Publication date: August 28th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Sometimes a second chance is all we need.
When Margot Whitley receives devastating news, she keeps it a secret from everyone, determined to maintain her newfound commitment to herself and her career. Having to overcome obstacles as an independent businesswoman, and not wanting to bother anyone else, she feels she can handle it on her own. However, when Margot’s daughter, Callie, and best friend, Susie, sense that something is off and become determined to uncover what Margot is concealing, her secret unravels.
Vaughn Jameson, the love of Margot’s life, currently touring with his rock band, also sensing a change in Margot, decides to head to Los Angeles and check on her between concerts. From the moment Vaughn shows up on that fateful day at Margot’s, a story full of sacrifice, loyalty, and newfound destiny unfolds.
In life, we encounter unexpected twists and turns, surprising opportunities, and occasionally, second chances.
Can also be read as a standalone.
an excerpt
“As the last bites of dessert disappeared from their plates, Vaughn leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping out an almost imperceptible beat on the tablecloth.
“I really like this playlist,” Margot said. “It’s soothing. You’ll have to share it with me.”
“Want me to grab my guitar and play it for you?” he offered.
“I knew you played some,” she said, “but wow, you know all of these songs? Impressive.”
Vaughn laughed. “How impressed would you be if I told you these are all mine?” his eyebrows wiggled.
Wait, you… you play these? This is you playing?” she pointed to the Bluetooth speaker sitting on the other side of the table.
“Yes. This is me playing, and I wrote them all too,” he replied.
“Vaughn! These are incredible!” She sat back in her chair and took a deep breath. “You are full of surprises.”
“You also. We make a good team.” He turned serious. “I mean it, Margot, we make a good team.”
Margot’s breath caught in her throat, her chest tightening with emotion. She looked down at her hands, fiddling with the napkin in her lap.
“Okay out with it. Any more surprises? Like, do you play the bagpipes or harmonica?” she laughed.
“Bagpipes, no. Harmonica, yes,” he answered. “Also, the piano, base, saxophone, among a few others.” Vaughn laughed at the astonished look on her face. “My mom was a music teacher,” he conceded. “She believed that music is the window to the soul.”
“You are incredible. Why drums?” she asked.
“Honestly, I love it, but the decision was made for me because it was the only ‘real’ gig I could get that paid any money.”
“Good for you. Look at you now, all famous and stuff,” she said.
“Drummers are rarely ‘famous.’” he laughed. “But I am doing what I love and making a decent living at it.”
“That’s the dream, isn’t it?” she asked.
“Yeah, you take the dream however it comes. It’s not always the way you envisioned,” he said, but his voice was laced with melancholy. “Margot, I just want you to know that no matter what happens, I’ll be here. The bands covered and I have a good savings.”
Margot couldn’t help but think of all the trials life had thrown at her. Still, Vaughn’s words whispered in her mind, Yeah, you take the dream however it comes. It’s not always the way you envisioned.”
about the author
Maggie Blake, proud owner of a top-rated property management company in the greater Baton Rouge area, immerses herself in the vibrant Louisiana lifestyle. Having been brought up in the charming city of Rochester, New York, she now resides in the heart of Louisiana with her two precious rescue dogs. Maggie has always harbored a burning desire to write a book, a passion that remained unfulfilled until 2016 when at the Atlanta airport she met a man and it sparked her creative side.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, she decided to start the journey of getting her books published. Maggie makes a mean New York-style pizza, enjoys reading, watching movies, and relaxing at home with her spouse—the very man from the airport!
Her debut novel Rendezvous at Midlife is book one in a series, with the additional three books releasing in rapid succession.
a giveaway
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