Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances by Kimberly Behre Kenna

Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances by Kimberly Behre Kenna
Publisher:  Willow River Press
Format Read:  Paperback
Number of pages:   142 pages
Publishing:  March 3rd, 2026
Source: Books Forward

Opening Lines:  "My name is Lola.  I am a thief."

Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances is the third book in the Brave Girl series, following Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm and Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade.  (With links to my previous reviews).

After being caught swiping a pair of bobble head dolls, thirteen-year-old Lola is sent to live with her Uncle Milo in his dilapidated mansion along the Connecticut River.  Milo has always been eccentric, his home contains forty-seven unique doors, each with its own intricate, hand carved puzzle lock.  But since the death of his wife, Hedy, he has become reclusive, withdrawn from the world entirely.  

Lola arrives hoping to continue her collection of "perfect pairs," a tradition that began when her grandad gave her and her twin sister, who later died in an accident, their first matching sets.  She has only three pairs left to complete her baker's dozen, and she's convinced that finishing the collection will bring her the good luck she desperately needs. Especially if she wants to avoid being sent to the Bad Girls Boarding School.

Lola is a sweet, determined character who feels deep guilt and responsibility for her sister's death.  Her desire to complete her collection becomes a way to prove she can still be "good."  Uncle Milo, meanwhile, is lost in his grief and sadness, having shared both a life and business with Hedy.   His mysterious home gives Lola room to explore, and her curiosity eventually leads her to his study, where a holographic projection delivers a message from her late aunt.  Lola is inspired to recreate the Zen garden Hedy had dreamed of building, a project meant to honor nature and restore balance.  

The book weaves in lovely details such as the art of Oshibana,  pressing flowers and leaves to create a picture from nature.  And even references the real Castle Gillette in the resources list.  I found myself wishing the book had included a bit more about it but was encouraged to research it online. 

Overall, Kimberly Behre Kenna continues to bring a warm, distinctive voice to her characters.  Small touches like a reverie rock, and a conductor statue, made Lola a rememberable character to me.  The story offers gentle reminders about inner strength and that there is "music to be made," making it a wonderful choice for readers who enjoy a touch of magical realism and uplifting themes about honoring our memories, healing from grief, mending relationships and protecting nature.