We often envision romance with a happily ever after, but what about when that joyous resolution comes not once but twice? My new novel, "Pick-Up," delves into this very question. Out on Dec. 3 from Gallery Books, it follows two divorced Brooklyn parents as they navigate the chaos of school drop-off and pick-up, ultimately finding a tropical escape on a private Caribbean island. This theme of second shots at happiness is not unique to my work; it's very much in the zeitgeist.

Rediscover Love with Second Chances in These Romantic Tales

"Pick-Up" by Nora Dahlia

Sasha Rubinstein is in a slump, and her douchey ex isn't making things better. Meanwhile, the annoyingly adorable dad at school, Ethan, keeps getting in her way. But when a life-changing job lands them on an exclusive private island together, they must set aside their sniping and stay professional. However, with tension mounting and temptation in the air with every tropical breeze, their relationship takes an unexpected turn.There's a sense of chaos and uncertainty as they try to navigate their new circumstances. Sasha realizes that maybe there's more to Ethan than she initially thought. And Ethan, for his part, starts to see a different side of Sasha. This story is a testament to how even in the midst of chaos, love can find a way.

"Summer Romance" by Annabel Monaghan

Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose life is in shambles. After the loss of her mother and the betrayal of her husband leaving her with three kids, she's hesitant to open herself up to dating again. But when her dog pees on a handsome stranger at the park and she suddenly finds herself open to the idea, her summer romance takes an unexpected turn.She discovers that moving on is not as easy as she thought. There are complications and emotions she never expected to face. Her newfound romance challenges her in ways she never thought possible, making her question everything she thought she knew about love and herself.

"You Are Here" by David Nicholls

Michael is adrift after his wife's departure, desperately trying to avoid his empty house. Marnie is stuck in her London flat, hiding from the memories of her rotten ex-husband. But when a persistent mutual friend and some unpredictable weather bring them together on a 10-day hike, they both find themselves in a state of misery.As they trudge through the wilderness together, they begin to open up to each other. Michael realizes that he's not alone in his pain, and Marnie starts to see that there might be a glimmer of hope for a better future. Their journey together is a slow but powerful awakening to the possibility of love again.

"The Wedding People" by Alison Espach

Phoebe Stone arrives in Newport, R.I. for a solo trip she once dreamed of taking with her husband. But instead, she finds herself in the middle of a stranger's wedding celebration and becomes the bride's confidante. This unexpected turn of events changes her story in ways she never could have imagined.She starts to question her own beliefs about love and marriage. The wedding brings out a side of her that she didn't know existed. And as she spends more time with the bride and the other guests, she begins to see that there are different paths to happiness.

"Never Say Never" by Danielle Steel

In this literary legend's upcoming book, Oona Kelly Webster is planning a 25th wedding anniversary trip to a small village in France when her husband confesses that he is leaving her for a younger man. Devastated, she decides to take the trip solo and then loses her job. But in this lowest point of her life, she finds answers and love in the most unlikely of places.She discovers a strength within herself that she never knew existed. The journey of self-discovery and the search for love becomes a powerful story of resilience and hope.

"The Idea Of You" by Robinne Lee

Divorced Los Angeles art gallery owner Solène Marchand takes her daughter to meet her favorite boy band and ends up falling for one of the members. What starts as a fling turns into a full-fledged romance, forcing her to decide what she's willing to risk for happiness and love.She faces the challenges of a May-December romance and the judgments of others. But Solène is determined to follow her heart and find true happiness. This story is a celebration of the power of love to overcome all obstacles.

"Come As You Are" by Jess K. Hardy

Ashley Cooke has lost her father and is now fighting to keep her family's ski hill from her cheating ex-husband. She takes a chance and hires men from a sober living home as the season's staff, including recovering addict and ex-grunge rocker Matthew Madigan. As she spends more time with him, she finds herself falling hard.The struggle between her past and her present is palpable. She has to confront her fears and insecurities while also dealing with the complications of her ex-husband. But Matthew becomes a source of strength and hope for her.

"It's Getting Hot In Here" by Jane Costello

Successful London TV exec Lisa Darling is a twice-divorced mother of two dealing with PTA politics, perimenopause, and her best friend's cancer treatments. A new American coworker enters her life and both irritates and flusters her. But as she spends more time with him, she begins to wonder if he's the answer to her problems.The heat between them is both physical and emotional. She has to navigate her complicated life while also trying to figure out her feelings for this new person. This story is a relatable look at the challenges of finding love in the midst of chaos.

"A Duke Worth Falling For" by Sarah Maclean

Celebrity photographer Lilah Rose needs a place to hide from her career and life troubles. She escapes to a quiet corner of the English countryside on a sheep farm and meets stern, sexy, divorced farmer Max. Little does she know that he is secretly a duke.As they spend time together, she starts to see a different side of him. And he begins to envision a future with her. But the truth about his identity creates a whole new set of challenges for them. This story is a charming tale of love and discovery.

"Divorce Towers" by Ellen Meister

Single and jobless, Addison Torres jumps at the chance to escape New York for a concierge job in California. But Beekman Towers, a.k.a. "Divorce Towers," is a hotbed of drama and single people. Addison's vow of celibacy and her aversion to love quickly fall by the wayside.She discovers that sometimes, you have to let go of your past and embrace new possibilities. The people she meets in "Divorce Towers" challenge her beliefs and open her eyes to a different way of life.

"Yours Truly" by Abby Jimenez

Dr. Briana Ortiz's divorce is about to be finalized, and she has other problems to deal with, like her brother needing a kidney and a coveted promotion going to a difficult doctor. But when he sends her a surprising letter and they start an epistolary relationship, things take an unexpected turn.They begin to build a connection through their letters, and then it leads to lunch dates in her "sob closet." As they spend more time together, she has to decide if she can give in to her feelings and take a chance on love.