On Second Thought

On Second Thought
Kristan Higgins

Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is being blindsided by a breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her older half sister, Kate, who’s struggling with a sudden loss of her own.Kate’s always been the poised, self-assured sister, but becoming a newlywed—and a widow—in the space of four months overwhelms her. Though the sisters were never close, she starts to confide in Ainsley, especially when she learns her late husband was keeping a secret from her.Despite the murky blended-family dynamic that’s always separated them, Ainsley's and Kate’s heartaches bind their summer together when they come to terms with the inevitable imperfection of relationships and family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.

From the New York Times bestselling author of If You Only Knew comes an irresistible look at the affection and the acrimony that binds families together

Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is being blindsided by a breakup he chronicles in a blog...which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her older half sister, Kate, who’s struggling with a sudden loss of her own.

Kate’s always been the poised, self-assured sister, but becoming a newlywed—and a widow—in the space of four months overwhelms her. Though the sisters were never close, she starts to confide in Ainsley, especially when she learns her late husband was keeping a secret from her.

Despite the murky blended-family dynamic that’s always separated them, Ainsley’s and Kate’s heartaches bind their summer together when they come to terms with the inevitable imperfection of relationships and family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.

Praise for On Second Thought (#ulink_73a3564e-72c9-59a4-8e1f-0f9dac158f44)

“Emotional depth is seared into every page along with wry banter, bringing readers to tears and smiles. Another hit for Higgins.”

—Library Journal, starred review

Praise for If You Only Knew

“[An] emotionally compelling story [and] perceptive study of love, marriage, sisterhood, and loyalty. A powerful, emotionally textured winner.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“The kind of book I enjoy the most—sparkling characters, fast-moving plot and laugh-out-loud dialogue. A winner!”

— New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips

“Poignant, funny and richly entertaining.”

—NPR

“This emotional journey is filled with drama, laughter and tears and squeezes the heart. It should be on every bedside table in the country!”

—#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr

“Oh, what a satisfying and delicious read! I admired the writing, the wit, the keen eye at work here. Thank you, Kristan Higgins.”

—Elinor Lipman

“Higgins’ tender, heartfelt If You Only Knew bridges the gap between romance and women’s fiction.”

—BookPage

“Hilarious... Kristan Higgins is spot on with her dialogue and characters. A fantastic story.”

—Fresh Fiction

On Second Thought

Kristan Higgins

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

KRISTAN HIGGINS is a New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including her acclaimed Blue Heron series. Along with her heroic and tolerant firefighter husband and two snarky and entertaining children, Kristan lives in her hometown in Connecticut.

www.KristanHiggins.com (http://www.KristanHiggins.com)

This book is dedicated to Hannah Elizabeth Kristan, who is one of the best people I know in all the wide world—funny, kind, brave and brilliant. So proud to be your cousin, sweetheart!

Contents

Cover (#ud5ed4861-0f3a-56f3-b50c-7157ea8a1b9c)

Back Cover Text (#uc6988e5e-ece1-5343-941a-9a336a5e20ed)

Praise (#ulink_b0497ec0-72ae-5578-9e3c-ab1ff95ad0c8)

Title Page (#u98f06420-edcf-5d36-a171-42fd45a2fde4)

About the Author (#u16c665a4-b34d-5791-a1ba-cf8ea3fb7ff5)

Dedication (#u694a8c39-c56f-502a-b1f7-d70a626950b9)

Chapter One (#ulink_7363122b-4999-596d-a8b2-dd9c76b0a174)

Chapter Two (#ulink_d225c7d2-4d94-5f09-b320-427f05be9320)

Chapter Three (#ulink_88456eb2-aed1-5df4-879a-e08c606a320f)

Chapter Four (#ulink_0fe16e9c-a4de-5836-a861-a2e5db765b83)

Chapter Five (#ulink_60c7ea3d-a7ba-556e-bd83-8bccf9e14df1)

Chapter Six (#ulink_1a6fdd1c-14f5-5f98-bb9d-329c4a067ed2)

Chapter Seven (#ulink_824cfb67-ed28-558f-85b0-132161d7ce6a)

Chapter Eight (#ulink_c7e0b8a3-c25d-59b3-9adc-c1426fdc5af1)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)