Review - Second Chance Family by Barbara Hannay

Second Chance Family by Barbara Hannay is a heartwarming and uplifting story set in the picturesque Tablelands of Far North Queensland. When Callie Madden—a grieving widow and single mother of three—is suddenly left half of a rural property called Hawkridge, her already complicated life is thrown into even more uncertainty.

To add to the shock, the other half of the inheritance has gone to Ben Galbraith, a Scotsman who helped the previous owner in his final years. Neither Callie nor Ben expected this arrangement—and with a condition that the property can’t be sold for twelve months, they’re stuck with each other for the foreseeable future.

I was hooked from the very first chapter. Callie is a beautifully relatable character—strong, compassionate, and trying her best to keep her family together while navigating her own grief. I really felt for her and admired her quiet determination and warmth.

When Ben arrives on the scene, you can sense the direction their relationship will take, but it’s the gentle unfolding of that journey—with its emotional twists, challenges, and healing moments—that keeps you turning the pages.

Barbara Hannay’s writing brings the countryside setting to life with its rolling hills, peaceful atmosphere, and that lovely sense of escape we all crave. The story is emotionally layered but ultimately comforting—a book that feels like a warm hug.

Second Chance Family is a truly enjoyable and heartfelt read with a very satisfying ending. A perfect pick for anyone who loves stories of fresh starts, resilience and unexpected connections.