The Chance: A Novel by Karen Kingsbury

The Chance: A Novel by Karen Kingsbury. Howard Books, 2013. 352p. (9781341647034)

Last fall I read my first ever Karen Kingsbury novel. How could I not? The Bridge centered around a bookshop. Little did I know when I requested to review this book that it was ever so slightly tied to the other book.

Goodreads Summary:

In The Chance, New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury delves deeply into a theme that resonates with us all: It’s never too late for those willing to take a chance.

Years ago, the day before Ellie moved from Georgia to California, she and her best friend Nolan sat beneath the Spanish moss of an ancient oak tree where they wrote letters to each other, and sealed them in a rusty old metal box. The plan was to return eleven years later and read them. But now, as that date arrives, much has changed. Ellie, bereft of the faith she grew up with, is a single mom living in a tired apartment trying to make ends meet. Sometimes she watches television to catch a glimpse of her old friend —Nolan, now an NBA star, whose terrible personal tragedies fueled his faith and athletic drive in equal measure. But Nolan also suffers from a transcendent loneliness that nothing has ever eased.

My Review:

While not exactly a short book, I still managed to read it in two sittings last night. (Watched part of Enchanted in between with my roommate.) When I was halfway through I was surprised that I still had just as much left to read since it seemed like the story shouldn’t take that long to wrap up. Yet despite that, the first part didn’t feel rushed and the second half didn’t feel too drawn out.

It only felt drawn out while waiting with a character for something to finally happen and since his wait was a long one, it’s perfectly acceptable that our wait is as well.

At times parts of the story seemed unbelievable and unlikely to really happen, but the way the author wrote the characters made the actions and decisions more plausible. Though Nolan is a bit too good to be true.

Sin is ugly and can cause a huge mess. And it doesn’t only affect the sinner, but also those around the individual. The Tucker family is a perfect example of this. And they are also a great example of Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV) and of Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” (NIV)

A clean romance with a few kisses. The story does include out of wedlock children but those scenes are not included and the children are cherished.

All in all, The Chance is a well told tale of a family that has to learn how to forgive, trust and love again. Several times it almost made me cry and it certainly made me smile several times.  

Go read it! Findit at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks.com

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission. 

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