Maggsie NcNaughton's Second Chance @perkinsfran1

About Maggsie NcNaughton's Second Chance

The first step was learning to read, but if she really wants to turn her life around, Maggsie is going to have to trust other people – and that might just be the hardest lesson she’s ever faced . . .

Small and dyslexic, with a short fuse, bad teeth, a prison record and something to prove, Marguerite McNaughton – Maggsie – doesn't need anybody or anything, thank you very much. She's more than capable of looking after herself.

She’s also about to discover that everyone needs someone, sometimes. 
Even her.

The thing about trusting others, though, is that not everyone is trustworthy...

It starts when a fellow inmate gives Maggsie reading lessons. Then she's offered a job in London as a kitchen assistant, together with supported accommodation and a colleague who seems determined to befriend Maggsie, no matter what.

At first, Maggsie is convinced nothing will change. 

Especially her.

But maybe this time can be different? Maybe Maggsie can be different – if she can just put her previous mistakes behind her and her trust in the right people.

My review of Magsie NcNaughton's Second Chance

Oh my! I absolutely loved Maggsie's story and I just know that she will stay with me for a very long time.

This book is just so full of warmth and hope and humour and the fact that there are good people in this world. It's a book that reaffirms that everyone deserves a second chance and that we all have something to give to the world.

Maggsie had a troubled upbringing and didn't get the best start in life. She is also dyslexic and this has stopped her from achieving many things in life. She has low self esteem and believes that she is not worthy of anything better. But, when in jail one of the inmates is kind to her and gives her a glimmer of hope. On release Maggsie moves to London to a shared home with other women who are ex offenders and she gets her second chance at living life. She has a caring, yet young social worker, who has her best interest at heart, plus a job in the kitchen of an exclusive Scandinavian company. Her new life is there for the taking, but will Maggsie take it? Does she feel that she deserves this second chance? 

This is such an uplifting book with a central female character that you just can't help but warm too. She's funny, honest, but ultimately she is such a caring and good person and you just want her to realise this truth.

This book did make me laugh, as Maggsie does find herself in some very interesting situations. She is just so very likeable, as are many of the other characters. I especially loved Maggsie 's interactions with TJ, a polish man who works with Maggsie in the kitchen. Their interactions were such a treat to read.

Maggsie  McNaughton's Second Chance is a riveting read as we follow Maggsie on her journey of self discovery. We read snippets of her past that explain why she became the person she is today. It's a funny book, Maggsie is very funny. It is also incredibly poignant and uplifting. A truly remarkable book with unforgettable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky, funny, life affirming and heart-warming read.

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.

Maggsie  McNaughton's Second Chance is published by Mantle on 27 June.