A Second Chance by Asher Frend is a gripping Christian novel. Mikaila and Kaitlyn's parents are no longer together. Since their father somehow abandoned them and because of their mother's illness, bipolar disorder, and her unwillingness to follow the doctor's orders, both sisters experience a rough patch. Luckily, Mikaila has a wonderful best friend, Chara, who always has her back. However, one morning, Mikaila has an awful dream about Chara, and in the dream, Mikaila pleads for Chara's life and makes a promise to God. Mikaila soon finds out that her dream was real and that Chara received a second chance at life. Now Mikaila has a time frame to bring Chara closer to God and save her. However, in the meantime, their friendship suffers tremendously because of someone obsessed with control, who starts spreading lies and forces Mikaila to lose trust in her best friend. Will their friendship survive even though things push them farther apart?

A Second Chance by Asher Frend is a must-read novel that beautifully captures the essence of love for others, faith, hope, sacrifice, and trusting in God's plan for His people. It's an authentic, touching, empowering Christian story featuring relatable, imperfect characters who face real-life challenges that test their faith and relationships and who show the emotional complexity of growing up and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Imbued with righteous lessons, this coming-of-age story of second chances, friendship, family, heartbreak, loss, manipulative behavior, justice, truth, broken homes, and the gift of prophecy will definitely appeal to Christian readers of all ages. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Asher Frend's A Second Chance follows three teenage girls on their own spiritual journeys. Mikaila and Chara have been best friends since they were kids. Alongside Mikaila's sister Kaitlyn, they attend Oak Haven High School and have a deep affection for each other. While Mikaila is devoted to her faith, Chara has a more skeptical outlook toward religion. However, after a divine vision, Mikaila realizes that she must find a way to steer Chara toward God's path. When Mikaila's old friend Asa starts a relationship with Chara, she isn't too pleased. But Chara discovers Asa's treachery, only to see him manipulate Mikaila for his own selfish desires. As a shocking tragedy unfolds, Chara and Kaitlyn must fight for justice on behalf of Mikaila.

A Second Chance is a poignant tale about friendship, faith, and family. At its core, it's a coming-of-age story that beautifully illustrates the importance of faith and hope. Although the narrative has its share of heartache, you end up finishing the book with a smile on your face. Asher Frend's character work is phenomenal in this book. Each character feels not only distinct but also undergoes their own spiritual journey of growth, keeping you immersed in their story arcs. All three major characters, Mikaila, Chara, and Kaitlyn, have different relationship dynamics with each other. Even the secondary characters are interesting. Asa is an antagonist you love to see answer for his sins. I think the ending suited the story perfectly, and I immensely enjoyed it. Overall, readers of coming-of-age tales will love this book.