I had the pleasure to meet local Rye author Miriam McGuirk, whose highly anticipated novel Second Chances was released on Tuesday, April 25, published by The Publishing Circle, with Linda Stirling at the helm.
Second Chances is a touching tale that takes us on a journey from India to Kent, following the intertwined lives of the residents who live on the same road.
At the heart of the story is Molly — kind-hearted, resilient, and determined to make a fresh start after her husband Rory leaves her and their son Jamie. But when Jamie disappears on the day they were supposed to move to Kent, Molly’s new life takes an unexpected turn.
As Molly settles into her new community, she befriends her neighbours, Florence and Colonel Bryce Beckwith, who share their own stories of love, loss, and longing for second chances. The three of them navigate their regrets and come to realise that it’s never too late to make a change.
Second Chances is a poignant, multi-generational tale of connections and community, showcasing the unbreakable human spirit and the hope that can come from taking a leap of faith.
Born in Dublin, Miriam proudly nurtures her ability to tell stories thanks to her Irish heritage and her life has had a constant thread of writing and storytelling running through it. Thrice published, Waterstones have stocked her previous titles.
A survivor, with a warm personality that reaches out, shares, and draws people in, she has found her niche, living her dream – inspired to write and speak with a lot of heart and passion.
Miriam’s extended career as a storyteller, commentator, and blogger has led to successful and inspiring public speaking engagements. With her Irish humour and her zest for life, she shares with passion her stories and experiences. A natural commentator, she relishes the chance to speak with audiences once again following the release of Second Chances.
Miriam says: “By turning my life around, I reignited my love and passion for writing. I grabbed my second chance and became a published author and storyteller. Reading opens windows to a world of learning, sharing, growing, and perhaps changing.”
Miriam has also been a guest on BBC radio shows and digital radio channels in the UK and the US. She lives in creative and historical Rye, East Sussex with her husband, Chris, spending time in her writing cave where only her characters join her. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, yoga, sea swimming, and walking by the healing coastal waters of Pett Level, Broomhill, the nature reserve and St Leonards. The sea is her happy place.
Here is a sneak peak from the first chapter of Second Chances:
“Racing up the stairs two steps at a time, she pushed open the door to Jamie’s bedroom. His bed lay bare. She turned and snapped open the double wardrobe doors. Cleared out. Not even a pair of muddy trainers or an old, frayed t-shirt littered the floor of the wardrobe. She ran back down the stairs and out into the garden.”
Second Chances is available online in its usual formats including large print, paperback, and e-book. You can order your Amazon copy here.
Follow Miriam on www.miriammcguirk.com
Facebook Page – Miriam McGuirkAuthor
Image Credits: Miriam McGuirk .
Huge thanks and appreciation for this feature on Second Chances – my newly released novel.
Miriam