Second Time's a Charm
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"Wonderful and magical, fun and funny."―Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop
"A ridiculously fun ride."―A.T. Qureshi, USA Today...
"Wonderful and magical, fun and funny."―Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop
"A ridiculously fun ride."―A.T. Qureshi, USA Today bestselling author of The Baby Dragon Cafe
Three years ago, Reece McCarthen solved her problems the best way she could think of: running as far as possible. Abandoned by her childhood sweetheart, she left her gossiping small town, heartbreak, and emotionally distant father in the past. Now, she's happy if not just a bit bored running a magical flower shop with her best friend. Until she receives notice that she’s inherited her father's sanctuary for magical creatures.
Reece heads back to her cozy, magical town of Honey Brooke that unfortunately still hasn’t gotten over that one teeny, tiny fire incident when she was a teenager. What should've been a calm, quiet homecoming turns into chaos incarnate when Reece comes face-to-face with the reason she left in the first place: Laken Augustus. Her ex-boyfriend who seems to have grown up to also be a part-time assassin.
It's one tragedy after another, from dodging fire-spitting chickens and a poisonous porcupine to bolting after a runaway raccoon and realizing Laken is the only person who knows how to run a magical sanctuary. Not only did her father leave her with a whole slew of problems, but poachers are lurking in the shadows. Now Reece finds herself knee-deep in feathers, mud, and an inconceivable amount of debt. To save the sanctuary, she will have to work side-by-side with Laken.
"A delightful read that will add a definite sparkle to your bookshelf!"―India Holton, USA Today bestselling author of The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love
"Had me hooked from the very first."―Emily Krempholtz, USA Today bestselling author of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore
Published By Grand Central Publishing
Format Paperback
Number Of Pages 568
Publication Date 04/21/2026
ISBN 9781538783405
Dimensions 5.25 inches x 8 inches
"The instant the fire-spitting chickens entered the scene, this book had my heart! Wonderful and magical, fun and funny, Second Time's a Charm is an irresistible second-chance romance starring a magical sanctuary like no other!"—Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop
"Magical and fun, this second chance fantasy romance by debut author Taylor Epperson is a delightful read that will add a definite sparkle to your bookshelf! Ideal for fans of Erin Sterling, who are sure to love its grumpy x sunshine enchantments."—India Holton, USA Today bestselling author of The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love
"Equal parts delightful and riotous, Second Time's a Charm is a ridiculously fun ride. Like a wizard concocting the perfect potion, Epperson melds together a charming small town, magical chaos, hilarious banter, and an irresistible romance to create the perfect cozy escape with this utterly original debut."—Aamna Qureshi, USA Today bestselling author of The Baby Dragon Cafe
"Second Time’s a Charm is equal parts swoony and silly, warmhearted and whimsical, with a cast and community that will have you ready to pack your bags and move to Honey Brooke. With its pocket-sized dragons, fire-breathing chickens, and sweet romance, I didn’t need a second time to charm me—Taylor Epperson’s debut had me hooked from the very first."—Emily Krempholtz, USA Today bestselling author of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore
"Second Time's a Charm is a surefire cure for anyone battling a reading slump—I was completely charmed by this cozy, funny, and enchantingly chaotic love story that's as full of heart as it is hilarity."—Rachael Herron, USA Today bestselling author of The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland
“Second Time’s a Charm is ideal for fans of whimsical romance and cozy magic. Starring rekindled friendships, a close-knit community, and flying books, this fantastical world made me want to live in Honey Brooke. Second Time’s a Charm is rife with mythical creatures and is a charming mix of small-town magic and sweet second chances. (And whatever you do, don’t upset the flaming chickens!)”—Lindsay Lovise, author of Just a Little Wicked
"This is by far one of my favorite reads of all time!!! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be avoiding the fire-breathing chickens! Enjoy your stay at McCarthen's Sanctuary for Magical Creatures, you're in for a wild ride!!!"—Grace Morrow, author of We Become Darkness
"Epperson's debut is the definition of cozy magical romance with just the slight right amount of steam. Second Time's a Charm is a damn delight to read."—Audrey Goldberg Ruoff, author of Hopelessly Teavoted
"The story's strengths lie in the charming descriptions of magical creatures and Reece's eventual connection with her charges, as well as her eventual reconnection with her town... perfect for readers looking for cozy fantasy romance."—Library Journal
“This is a fun, magical novel, with cute animals who can be a pain in the ass. Watching Reese and Laken reconnect is heartwarming, and you root for them to be together.”—Red Carpet Crash