Rules for Second chances by Maggie North

Published on June 24. 2024

352 pages

I read the paperback version

Back Cover

Liz Lewis has tried everything to be what people want. But she’s always been labeled different from everyone else in the boisterous world of wilderness expeditions―that is, if anyone notices her at all. Her marriage to popular adventure guide Tobin Renner-Lewis is a sinkhole of toxic positivity where she’s the only one saying no. In a mountain resort town built around excitement, introverted Liz gets…spreadsheets.

When she gets mistaken for a server at her own thirtieth birthday party and her last line of communication with Tobin finally snaps, Liz vows to stop playing a minor character in her own life. The (incredibly well-researched and scientific) plan? A crash course in confidence…via improv comedy class.

The catch? She’s terrible at it, and the only person willing to practice with her is a certain extroverted wilderness guide who seems dead set on saving their marriage one bonkers improv scenario at a time. But as Liz and Tobin get closer (...again), she’s forced to confront all the reasons they didn’t work the first time, along with her growing suspicion that there might be more to her social awkwardness than anyone realized. Liz has just eight weeks to learn improv’s most important lesson―"yes, and"―or she’ll have to choose between the love she always wanted and the dreams that got away.

My review

I loved the fact that Liz tried to discover herself outside her family and proved she could get a promotion at work. I am an introvert like her, so I could relate to her in the way she acted around people. She let her family pull her down and treat her like she was a child although she is a grown adult and she struggled speaking in public. I think many people can connect to these situations.

I love that Tobin is patient with her and gives her another perspective outside her family. He’s even helping her on her journey while she’s trying to find herself. We don’t know much about him, but he is my type of book boyfriend.

It’s the first novel I read from this author and I was curious to discover if I would like it. I had to choose between this one and the Ripple Effect and the subject of this one talked to me so I couldn’t not buy it. I even wanted to read it before 2026 to start the New Year and think about what touched me in this story and I don’t regret it.

Excerpts  

This time will be different. I tell myself, sliding into my black flats. I’m thirty,ugh;it’s past time I sorted out my socializing phobias. Besides, I’m interesting. I have topics of conversation picked out. How hard can it be to hold a glass of champagne and my something sparkling? (p.2)

This is my birthday, This is my party. This is my life. And I’m playing a supporting role. If I can’t get noticed here, at my own party, what chance do I have anywhere else? How can I expect to win the pitch competition and get that promotion I’ve always been passed over for because nobody promotes dull, unlikeable Liz Lewis?  (p.9)

I can’t be this hurting, lonely, half a person I’ve become. I can’t be the puzzle piece that looks like the right shape for his but has to be pounded into place by force. (p21)

“Leaders are born, not made. Naturally dynamic, supportive, positive. They’re idea machines. The life of the office party. On the golf course Saturdays, networking. They’re not spreadsheet type. Not that there’s any shame in that.” (p.32)

In relationships, self-editing soothes your fear of being judged by people you love, whose rejections hurt more than anyone else’s. The price: silencing your creativity and giving up your chance to be loved for who you truly are. (p.82)

“I’m lonely. Tobe. When I talk and you don’t answer, I feel like I’m the only one there.” (p.120)

Improv and partnership demand the courage to share ideas and the flexibility to let them go. Don’t ignore what is happening in favor the idea you wanted to happen. (p.204)

“I love being by your side, Tobin. But I felt like…sometimes you had to hold my head about water, socially. You couldn’t even go to the bathroom, or I’d sink. And I want to be able to swim on my own.” (p.220)