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Second Chances #1
Never Again Good-bye
Normally, Wes Grayson would have been attracted to the striking woman with the camera. But this woman has clearly been stalking Amy, his adoptive daughter and the center of his life. And a threat to Amy is a threat to Wes. Laney Fields has no desire to threaten anyone, just a longing to see the child she’d brought into the world six years ago and then been forced to release for adoption. But when she learns that Amy’s adoptive mother has died, Laney becomes determined to play a part in her daughter’s life. Between a man and woman torn by past losses, present fears, and the paradox of their growing fascination for each other, stands one small child. She could be the object of distrust that will drive them apart or the agent of faith in God that can bring them together.
226 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
564 people are currently reading
1651 people want to read
About the author
Terri Blackstock
92 books5,664 followersTerri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has had over thirty years of success as a novelist.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
April 3, 2024
3.5⭐️
When a widower notices a suspicious woman watching his daughter play at the playground, he calls the cops-only to find out the woman is his daughter’s biological mother….how is he supposed to deal with this on the heels of losing his wife to illness a year ago.
——
You can tell this was written in the early 00’s when Christian fiction was very formulaic. There are a lot of critiques I could give it, but over all, I was interested enough to see how it all played out.
When a widower notices a suspicious woman watching his daughter play at the playground, he calls the cops-only to find out the woman is his daughter’s biological mother….how is he supposed to deal with this on the heels of losing his wife to illness a year ago.
——
You can tell this was written in the early 00’s when Christian fiction was very formulaic. There are a lot of critiques I could give it, but over all, I was interested enough to see how it all played out.
January 31, 2018
This was different to the suspense books I have read from Terri Blackstock, but it was still a good book.
I really liked seeing how Laney and Wes grew through dealing with their hurts and fears and the emotional healing they received. I loved the theme of not going ahead of God but allowing Him to work and waiting on His timing, as well as that He works around our mistakes and uses it for His ultimate plan and purpose. The way Laney handled Amy was evident of an emotional strong women due to her past - not any 25 year old will handle those situations with patience and grace.
How important communication is was also evident in this book.
There is some talk about sex before marriage, physical feelings and the honeymoon night which might not make this book suitable for younger readers, but nothing "steaming" which made me feel uncomfortable.
I really liked seeing how Laney and Wes grew through dealing with their hurts and fears and the emotional healing they received. I loved the theme of not going ahead of God but allowing Him to work and waiting on His timing, as well as that He works around our mistakes and uses it for His ultimate plan and purpose. The way Laney handled Amy was evident of an emotional strong women due to her past - not any 25 year old will handle those situations with patience and grace.
How important communication is was also evident in this book.
There is some talk about sex before marriage, physical feelings and the honeymoon night which might not make this book suitable for younger readers, but nothing "steaming" which made me feel uncomfortable.
April 5, 2015
Oh the melodrama!!! This was painful. If real people made these kinds of decisions in real life, they should find themselves lying on a leather couch next to someone saying, "Uh-huh. Uh-huh. How do you feel about that?"
One review that I read used the word "PREPOSTEROUS" to describe this book. I would like to add an "Amen Sister," to that.
The female MC was so selfish, manipulative, and stalker-ish. I wanted to step in and shake her. She didn't care about anyone. She only wanted what she wanted and used her money to get it. She is her father's daughter. This book should have landed on the top of my DNF pile.
One review that I read used the word "PREPOSTEROUS" to describe this book. I would like to add an "Amen Sister," to that.
The female MC was so selfish, manipulative, and stalker-ish. I wanted to step in and shake her. She didn't care about anyone. She only wanted what she wanted and used her money to get it. She is her father's daughter. This book should have landed on the top of my DNF pile.
January 19, 2020
I ordered this online and didn’t realize it wasn’t more suspense. Instead, it’s a contemporary romance written in the 1990s. It’s got a feel-good slant to it—you know in chapter one who’s going to fall in love and in chapter two how/why—but aside from being predictable, it’s a very sweet and endearing story. It was a very quick read for me and I couldn’t put it down until the end. Being interested in adoption, I’m always happy when it shows up in fiction, and this story raises some what-if questions in the realm of adopt vs. birth and the rights that each should/could/might have.
February 27, 2008
Perhaps this just isn't the genre for me? I found the main female character to be manipulating, totally selfish, and dense.
September 16, 2014
I found this book to be utterly preposterous. The entire timeline is absolutely absurd. Over the course of 3 or 4 months, the main female character goes from child stalker to suing for custody to forcing the guy into marrying her to getting pregnant and living happily ever after. She was extremely immature, even childish and insecure. The whole family needed therapy. The only reason I stuck with the book is because I started listening to it on a road trip and by the time I got done road tripping, I was more than halfway through. I will be sure to stick only with the suspense novels from now on. Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2018
Laney Fields fell in love with the wrong man in her teens and ended up carrying his baby which she later had to give up for adoption.when she found out her daughters adopted mother had passed away she tracks down her daughter and comes face to face with her daughters adopted father.can love grow from a sham?from a past filled with pain and grief?from emotional blackmail and so on?an interesting read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2015
At first I did not like Lainey's character. I didn't understand how she could be gone from her child for 7 years and then just come back and expect for everything to be okay. I lovedddd Wes's character, he would do anything for his daughter. The only thing I didn't like is the fact that he would compromise his values for her as well. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one.
August 2, 2018
Loved it!
I read this book several years ago and for whatever reason decided to read it again. It was even better this time. I don't think I have ever read a Terri Blackstock book I didn't like. Now, I want to read the whole series.
I read this book several years ago and for whatever reason decided to read it again. It was even better this time. I don't think I have ever read a Terri Blackstock book I didn't like. Now, I want to read the whole series.
October 13, 2022
I totally enjoyed this book! I would definitely recommend it as a good, quick read.
October 16, 2019
Wes was struggling with the loss of his wife and trying to make a life with his sweet adopted daughter, Amy, when things came crashing down around him.
A woman taking pictures of his daughter in a park turns out to be a true threat, someone who could disrupt his life with Amy and possibly take her away.
Laney just wanted to see the child her father made her give up for adoption when she was still a teenager. She really only hoped for some visitation. But when things backfired twice, the future for a relationship with the child she longed for was beyond strained.
Never Again Good-bye was very different from the suspense and mystery books of this author's I’ve read. This one dealt with heart matters that are difficult to read and difficult to bear. But as the reader continues, there are amazing healing moments and three loves that cure broken hearts. The love of a child, the love of a spouse, and the love a God who makes all things matter.
I had a hard time believing a judge could/would grant shared custody to a woman who gave her baby up to be adopted by another couple seven years ago. It was a sealed adoption and it defies logic, but when an author writes it in, you know it's for a reason. How it turned out was satisfying, so I can’t make an issue of it.
Loved how faith in a Savior came to pass through a child. It enhanced the relationships beautifully.
Good book with a sweet romance.
A woman taking pictures of his daughter in a park turns out to be a true threat, someone who could disrupt his life with Amy and possibly take her away.
Laney just wanted to see the child her father made her give up for adoption when she was still a teenager. She really only hoped for some visitation. But when things backfired twice, the future for a relationship with the child she longed for was beyond strained.
Never Again Good-bye was very different from the suspense and mystery books of this author's I’ve read. This one dealt with heart matters that are difficult to read and difficult to bear. But as the reader continues, there are amazing healing moments and three loves that cure broken hearts. The love of a child, the love of a spouse, and the love a God who makes all things matter.
I had a hard time believing a judge could/would grant shared custody to a woman who gave her baby up to be adopted by another couple seven years ago. It was a sealed adoption and it defies logic, but when an author writes it in, you know it's for a reason. How it turned out was satisfying, so I can’t make an issue of it.
Loved how faith in a Savior came to pass through a child. It enhanced the relationships beautifully.
Good book with a sweet romance.
August 11, 2012
Maybe I should've known better, but I didn't realize this was a romance novel when I picked it up. I generally really like Terri Blackstock's work for her thrillers, but this was definitely not one of her best books I've read. It is the first book in her "Second Chances" series, and based on this book, I don't think I'll read any others. Back to the thrillers!
October 29, 2019
I normally love Terri’s books but this was definitely off the mark for me. I kept hoping to start caring about Laney but throughout the book I remained irritated. I didn’t like her and spent the book hoping something would happen to her or to change my feelings towards her. Her personality never redeemed itself in my opinion so even the ending didn’t seem peaceful.
March 23, 2025
4.5⭐️ Really liked this.
January 27, 2024
I haven’t read a book like this in a while, and it made me feel so happy like I was literally giggling and laughing the whole time and the fact that it incorporates God just makes it 1000 times better
March 13, 2022
I struggled to finish this book. Laine was not likeable to me. She was selfish, entitled, pushed for things and then constantly felt sorry for herself because things weren't following her time table. I usually like this author's books but this one was boring 😴
December 10, 2022
DNF, actually more like could not finish. Laney was impossible to like, she was selfish, short sighted and emotionaly stunted. I was rooting against her for the 10 chapters I could stomach.
Wes' about face was ridiculous. There is nothing to make this book readable.
Save yourself!
Wes' about face was ridiculous. There is nothing to make this book readable.
Save yourself!
February 14, 2022
DNFed about 70 pages in.
April 2, 2018
Laney Fields wants to see the daughter she gave up seven years ago to
Adoptive parents Wes Grayson and his wife who has since died of cancer.
Now that Laney knows that Patricia is dead she wants to get to know her
daughter and seeks partial custody. The book is well written and is a fast
read. It is enjoyable but different from her books on crime as this deals
with second chances and forgiveness.
Adoptive parents Wes Grayson and his wife who has since died of cancer.
Now that Laney knows that Patricia is dead she wants to get to know her
daughter and seeks partial custody. The book is well written and is a fast
read. It is enjoyable but different from her books on crime as this deals
with second chances and forgiveness.
July 1, 2024
I did this book as an audio book and was so blessed to hear how the author was directed to do this book as a part of the second chance series. Great story and truly a Christian romance that was very appropriate. I look forward to reading or listen to more of the second chance series.
June 16, 2017
Not the best Blackstock book I've ever read but still entertaining.
Read
May 10, 2021Excellent story
A book of tragedies and redemption! Thoroughly enjoyed the book . I would recommend it to a friend. Get out the Kleenex box.
A book of tragedies and redemption! Thoroughly enjoyed the book . I would recommend it to a friend. Get out the Kleenex box.
August 7, 2021
Loving Terri Blackstock's books! Highly recommend reading them!
February 6, 2024
Another Christian themed romance between a mourning dad and a woman who finds the daughter she was forced to give up for adoption. When the bio mom tries to gain access to his daughter’s life, a lot of things end up needing to change quick. This is a story of second chances & love that is forged in hard times.
January 28, 2017
Such an amazing book
July 28, 2013
When we hurt we tend to hurt others, sometimes not intentionally but out of our own pain.
With his wife gone home to glory, Wes Grayson is left to care for his seven year old daughter, balance his business and keep a roof over their heads. A task that isn’t easy when you look at the bills mounting.
Laney Fields has located her daughter she was forced to give up at birth and wants nothing more than to make sure she is well taken care of. But what she finds is unexpected and the revelation has her rethinking her plans to walk away. Growing up in a single parent home with a distant dad, leaves Laney concerned and rethinking her plan.
She makes Wes an offer that could be the answer to his prayers, but also it leaves him conflicted. As a Christian the last thing Wes wants is to make God angry.
These flawed characters come together in spite of their past hurts and pains for the greater good, if it's enough to keep them together, I'm not telling you will have to read the book.
Blackstock took some tough issues like adoption, teen age pregnancy, loneliness, emotionally rejected children, believers and non believers and crafted a fantastic tale of where divine intervention is the main thing.
Missy
Readers Paradise
5 book marks
With his wife gone home to glory, Wes Grayson is left to care for his seven year old daughter, balance his business and keep a roof over their heads. A task that isn’t easy when you look at the bills mounting.
Laney Fields has located her daughter she was forced to give up at birth and wants nothing more than to make sure she is well taken care of. But what she finds is unexpected and the revelation has her rethinking her plans to walk away. Growing up in a single parent home with a distant dad, leaves Laney concerned and rethinking her plan.
She makes Wes an offer that could be the answer to his prayers, but also it leaves him conflicted. As a Christian the last thing Wes wants is to make God angry.
These flawed characters come together in spite of their past hurts and pains for the greater good, if it's enough to keep them together, I'm not telling you will have to read the book.
Blackstock took some tough issues like adoption, teen age pregnancy, loneliness, emotionally rejected children, believers and non believers and crafted a fantastic tale of where divine intervention is the main thing.
Missy
Readers Paradise
5 book marks
November 18, 2012
The main characters' struggles in this story really pull you into their pain. Obviously, since I love romance a happy ending is imperative and this read does not disappoint. Terri Blackstock develops real characters, some Christian and some not yet spiritually mature bringing them together to tell a tale that has you feeling their pain and rejoicing in their happiness throughout.
January 11, 2023
This is not typical Blackstock work. I wanted to like the Dad but he let me down with his outrageous choices and lack of fight. I hated the lead female character. Don't let this be your first Blackstock book and if you're a fan, just skip this one.
June 20, 2019
I so enjoyed Terri Blackstock's "If I Run" series but this book not very much. I did not like Laney's character at all. Selfish and entitled.
August 9, 2024
I love Terri Blackstock’s writing. I always think it’s incredible how she can delve into so many different lives/lifestyles and careers and cover them believably.
I turned this book on audible to listen while I couldn’t read this week. I groaned over the narrators voice. So I wasn’t off to a great start. Much like this book… it flounders around characters that are never developed. The child’s character vacillates between sounding 3 and sounding 18. The main female character had no substance, no redeeming qualities. In fact, why isn’t there a backstory on her so that we could get to know her (him, any one of the characters)? All we know is she had a rich dad, a baby at 18. Moved to Houston. Then back. Did she work? Did she accomplish ANYTHING with her life? No friends or family at all, except a dead father. Btw, note I always told my children, beware of the person with no friends. There’s a reason. They will either smother you (figuratively) or truths will come out about their personality and character you won’t like.
I accidentally skipped forward at one point and thought the man’s character was dying near the end. I went back to my previous location in the book thinking at least if that was coming there would be substance.
Even the Christian aspects to the storyline were absurd. No knowledge or relationship with Christ whatsoever in her entire life and yet one day the child (was she 17 by now?!) gives her a 5 second “come to Jesus” talk and boom! She’s a Christian! So much so before she tells her HUSBAND this life altering news, they call the pastor who comes with a house call and a decision to baptize Sunday? Then the husband finds out?!
He keeps an 8x10 photo wife that died ON THE NIGHTSTAND in their bedroom for 4 months of marriage?!?! But still wants the daughter to believe their marriage is legit (is the daughter 2 at this point in the story, because otherwise…).
And his sister! Doesn’t know wife whatshername but spills the guts in one phone call about the house in foreclosure? Then 3 days later sews this stranger a sexy black lace negligee?
If this was the first Terri Blackstock book I’d ever read, it would be my last. So disappointing.
I turned this book on audible to listen while I couldn’t read this week. I groaned over the narrators voice. So I wasn’t off to a great start. Much like this book… it flounders around characters that are never developed. The child’s character vacillates between sounding 3 and sounding 18. The main female character had no substance, no redeeming qualities. In fact, why isn’t there a backstory on her so that we could get to know her (him, any one of the characters)? All we know is she had a rich dad, a baby at 18. Moved to Houston. Then back. Did she work? Did she accomplish ANYTHING with her life? No friends or family at all, except a dead father. Btw, note I always told my children, beware of the person with no friends. There’s a reason. They will either smother you (figuratively) or truths will come out about their personality and character you won’t like.
I accidentally skipped forward at one point and thought the man’s character was dying near the end. I went back to my previous location in the book thinking at least if that was coming there would be substance.
Even the Christian aspects to the storyline were absurd. No knowledge or relationship with Christ whatsoever in her entire life and yet one day the child (was she 17 by now?!) gives her a 5 second “come to Jesus” talk and boom! She’s a Christian! So much so before she tells her HUSBAND this life altering news, they call the pastor who comes with a house call and a decision to baptize Sunday? Then the husband finds out?!
He keeps an 8x10 photo wife that died ON THE NIGHTSTAND in their bedroom for 4 months of marriage?!?! But still wants the daughter to believe their marriage is legit (is the daughter 2 at this point in the story, because otherwise…).
And his sister! Doesn’t know wife whatshername but spills the guts in one phone call about the house in foreclosure? Then 3 days later sews this stranger a sexy black lace negligee?
If this was the first Terri Blackstock book I’d ever read, it would be my last. So disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews