The Second Best Time

The Charlie Series, Book 3

By: Lisa April Smith

Narrated by: Amy Landon

The title for The Second Best Time comes from a Chinese proverb: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." And it suits a story of three people at a crossroads in their lives: Jack Caine (aka Jack Morgan), former lothario and sometime con man, now the owner of a successful gallery in the UK; his daughter Charlie (Charlotte) Morgan Francesco, 32 and an art consultant; and new to the series, Kat (Kathleen O'Connor Shironsky), a 24-year-old street-smart, unemployed bookkeeper.

Dying of cancer and worried about his immortal soul, that rascal Jack confesses his long list of sins to the Reverend Nigel. The stunned but sympathetic clergyman convinces Jack that his most heinous sin was perpetrated on his daughters, who believe that he committed suicide. Both men agree that seeing their father suddenly reappear, only to die a painful death shortly after, would cause additional harm.

Filled with guilt and remorse, Jack swears to see to it that his beloved daughters are content, safe, and protected, but anonymously. Typical of Jack, the plan he hatches is as convoluted and ingenious as it is entertaining. Seated on a park bench, struggling to find the courage to face social condemnation by leaving a miserable marriage to a husband with multiple sclerosis, Charlie meets Kat, whose boss was just arrested by the FBI for tax evasion. But losing her job is the least of Kat's problems. Savings account emptied, three months behind on the rent, her husband has mysteriously disappeared. The mismatched pair join forces to overcome adversity and fight crime with brains, grit, and humor. And yes, along the way, some attractive gentlemen help provide the sizzle.

©2016 Lisa April Smith (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

eh, not as good as the first two

spoilers....
i really enjoyed the first two books, but this one seemed to lack....something. can't exactly put my finger on it, but it wasn't as enjoyable as the first two.
maybe it was all the added poetry (used a filler maybe? maybe the author had a deadline to get it done, and just didnt really want to write a conclusion?)
it seemed the first books were building up to find out the dad was alive, then Charlie didn't. or that the mom and dad were going to see each other alive, but didnt. kind of let down.

Seems incomplete.

Too many story lines with week plots. The dialog is uninspiring. Don’t waste your time

OUTSTANDING

another fabulous story. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure, mystery, intrigue, love stories, everything involved in the art world and personal triumphs.

This series is amazing

I have loved this author and her 3 book series. The characters are well thought out. The story flows ans builds up. The description of the art and periods are outstanding. I can only hope there are more books in this series!

The end....

Great story. Lots of mystique for the characters. Narration is good. wish there were more.

I am hooked.

I have listened to 12 and 3 and have really enjoyed them. interesting, historical, sensual, and intriguing.

Interesting Story

The story line is interesting and keeps the listener engaged. All the books in this series are entertaining. It is well written.

♡♡♡♡♡

I loved this series!!! Is there any chance there will be more books added? Based on the ending, there sure could be a whole new series, starting where this one ends. I'm going to listen to the entire series again as soon as I post my review ❤️

Thrilling story

Enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the book. Intriguing ending that may lead to another book.

Unfinished

The storyline was good but the author left too many plots dangling. I’m all for using your imagination but the gaps in content shouldn’t be the size of the Grand Canyon.