The Chance - A Review

At the age of 15, Ellie Tucker's life is forever changed when her parents' marriage falls apart and her father moves her from Savannah, Georgia to San Diego, California. The night before she leaves, her best friend, Nolan Cook, convinces her that they should write letters to each other, bury the box, and open them together 11 years later. Their reasoning is at least this way they will have one chance to find each other again if they some how don't stay in touch. Eleven years go by, and Ellie is a single mom struggling to make ends meet while Nolan is playing basketball professionally. Neither has forgotten the promise they made at the age of 15. Will they meet up again?

Let me just say that this is very similar to the classic Karen Kingsbury books I've loved for years (When Joy Came to Stay, Oceans Apart, and On Every Side). While I did enjoy the story, I didn't relate to it the way that I did to some of her other books. This book didn't grip me the way that some of her previous titles did. Truthfully, I felt very indifferent about the book. Here is what I liked about it. I loved the message of forgiveness. Karen has always been able to create flawed characters who recognize that they are sinners and seek forgiveness. I loved how Ellie struggled. I loved her daughter (she was actually my favorite character). What I didn't like is this. Nolan was too perfect. It didn't appear that he had any flaws and his life was just too perfect. I can admire the fact that he stayed strong in his faith, but he didn't seem "real". Not with his faith, that obviously came across as genuine, but the depth of his character felt off. After the Bailey Flannigan Series and the final book in the Baxter drama, Coming Home, I was almost ready to stop reading Karen's books. My friend suggested I request this one via NetGalley, and I'm glad I did. I've been able to give Karen another chance at restoring my trust in her as an author. This book was my giving her another chance. It may not make my read again list, but it was good.

I received the Kindle version of this book from Howard Books via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is due out March 5, 2013.

Recommended to fans of Karen Kingsbury's classic books, Christian fiction, contemporary fiction

Rating - 3 stars, though it's really more of 3.5