You Can't Hurry Second Chances

“An utter delight from start to finish.” –Terah Shelton Harris, author of One Summer in Savannah, for Sisters with a Side of Greens

A heartwarming small-town tale of rediscovering joy in unexpected places. Starting over isn’t easy, but sometimes it’s exactly what we need.

Newly divorced and determined to prove she can stand on her own, Joyce Hicks moves back to small-town Texas, leaving behind the life she has known for decades for a fresh start in her late father’s home. Unfinished renovations force her to share her kitchen with her tenant, Gabriella Santos, an aspiring chef with dreams of opening a restaurant inspired by her Black and Mexican roots. What begins as an inconvenience blossoms into an unlikely friendship between the two women as they learn to navigate their shared space.

Just as her life begins to settle, Joyce’s summer plans upend when her grandson, Elijah, is dropped off for an unexpected seven-week stay, dredging up all kinds of buried things from her past—including visits from her ex-husband, judgment from her daughter, and insecurities that she never quite healed from. Meanwhile, Gabriella’s passion for cooking and her vibrant personality infuse the household with energy, even as she faces her own struggles with self-doubt and heartbreak.

Together, Joyce, Gabriella, and Elijah form a patchwork family that supports each other through life’s highs and lows. When an old flame, Richard, reappears in Joyce’s life, she must decide whether to embrace love head-on or to slow down and wait just a little longer for her happy ending.

More Praise for Michelle Stimpson

“Stimpson delivers raw, complex characters and a delicious storyline that will stay with the reader long after the last page.” — New York Times bestselling author Kim Michele Richardson for Sisters with a Side of Greens

“Full of heart, generosity, and charm.” — Lucy Gilmore, author of The Lonely Hearts Book Club, for Sisters with a Side of Greens

“This is a heartwarming story of misconceptions and learning to love people for who they are, not what you expect them to be.” — Booklist for Sisters with a Side of Greens

Author Biography

Michelle Stimpson’s journey from journaling during a family crisis to becoming a bestselling author is a story of resilience and inspiration. With over fifty books to her name, including beloved titles like Boaz Brown and the award-winning Mama B series, Michelle’s unique storytelling style captivates readers worldwide. She’s not only an accomplished author but also a dedicated educator, holding a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Michelle is passionate about helping others achieve their dreams. When she’s not writing or coaching, you might find her dancing with her granddaughter or indulging in red velvet cake. Discover more about Michelle’s literary world at www.MichelleStimpson.com.