Chances

by Freya North

The stunning new summer besteller from Freya North. Vita’s nursing a broken heart. Oliver’s heart belongs to the past. They should be perfect for each other. But will they chance it? Vita's gift shop would do better if she ran it as a business, not as somewhere to daydream. But she's not one to tell herself off: she leaves that to Tim, her ex. Active and outdoorsy Oliver runs his tree-surgery business as calmly as his home – but his love life is intensely private. When Vita and Oliver’s paths cross at a pear tree, there’s a chance of something blossoming. As spring turns into summer, both Vita and Oliver are given choices and chances. But will they take them – or walk away?

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance

377 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Freya North is the author of many bestselling novels which have been translated into numerous languages. She was born in London but lives in rural Hertfordshire, where she writes from a stable in her back garden. A passionate reader since childhood, Freya was originally inspired by Mary Wesley, Rose Tremain and Barbara Trapido: fiction with strong and original characters. To hear about events, competitions and what she’s writing, join her on Facebook, Twitter and her website.

Reviews

[Rea Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just finished the new book by Freya North. I have read books by Freya North before and I have enjoyed them but they have never really stuck in my mind and so it is not an author I usually keep my eye open for. Her recent book which she has released is called Chances. With the front cover of this book though it is hard to just walk by. If you are looking for a real summer looking book this one is going to grab you.

Plot
Vita is heartbroken after she leaves her cheating partner Tim. Things would be much easier for Vita if she could just walk away and never see Tim again but there is a problem, they are joint partners at That Shop. Vita spends her days working in That Shop and is usually found with her nose in a book. Vita soon starts to wonder if she will ever manage to settle down and have children and would it be better to just give Tim another chance as she is not getting any younger.
Oliver has lost the love of his life DeeDee. He works as a Arboricultural Consultant ( or as Vita puts it a Tree Man!) Oliver is left to look after his son Jonty. Oliver is hesitant to start dating again as he is unsure how his son will feel about it and will he find anyone to love the way he loved his wife.
Vita and Oliver’s paths cross when a pear tree in Vita’s garden is causing problems and Oliver is called into help but things do not get off to a great start between them! Will they both take a chance and be happy or is it easier to stick with what you know?

My Opinion
Vita is our main character in this book and I found I enjoyed her character pretty much from the start. She seemed quite familiar which gave a girl next door feel to her. Freya has a wonderful way of writing which lets us as the reader really feel what Vita is feeling and you just hope that this caring woman can find her way to the happiness she deserves.
Oliver has to be one of my favourite male characters I have read in a long time. I usually find when I read these kinds of books that the character of the females are brought to us in great detail and yet the male characters are only skimmed across, this is not the case in Chances, Oliver’s character is warm and loving if a little fragile as anyone would be after loosing their partner and left alone to look after a teenage son. The way Freya North worte about his grieving and his needs felt so true to form I actually found it quite touching to read which made me like Oliver even more.
After the meeting between the two I did have a feeling that I knew how the book was going to end but this did not ruin the book in any way for me as it was great watching both Vita and Oliver’s journey. I was surprised how indepth the detail of the trees were Freya North had obviously been doing her homework here!

I loved that the book started off slowly while we got to know our characters and then the remainder of the book stayed at an even pace. The ending was finished nicely it did not feel rushed but yet it gave us all the answers we need without leaving us on a cliff hanger.
I enjoyed this book on a whole but I have got one little niggle. Vita’s character was warm, quirky, gentle and is often in a dreamworld which is why I liked her character so much, but she did swear which just didn’t seem to fit her character, I just couldn’t imagine her swearing! That is the only thing that I can say I didn’t like about the book.

I loved this book and would defiantly recommend it for anyone looking for a nice summertime read. The front cover defiantly gave the book justice in my opinion. Before reading this book I would have walked over Freya North books but after reading this book I will defiantly be keeping my eyes peeled for any future books released by her.
Also on my blog http://reabookreview.blogspot.com/

[Fuka-chan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too boring. I can't see any interesting plot or anything that made me keeps going. I had to literally push myself to still continuing this but i just can't. Please dear god no more love-syrupy kind of books.

[Maryam · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5*

[Ulrika C: · Rating 3 out of 5]

“His version of 'real' love isn't sufficient for me, I don't think anyone should settle for so little. It wasn't love - not in the true sense. On my part, it was neediness, insecurity, dependence, habit - desperate to feel loved by a man who was often ambivalent towards me. ” - Vita about the love her ex-boyfriend Tim could give.

3⭐️. Vita is in the process of moving into a cottage on her own after her ex-boyfriend Tim cheated on her with Suzie. However, Vita cannot yet completely cut Tim out of her life as the two of them own the business That shop together and Vita cannot afford to buy him out of the store.

Oliver lost his wife, Danielle also nicknamed Dee Dee, in a car accident years ago. Luckily he has his son and his tree business.

Thanks to a pear tree in Vita's garden, Vita and Oliver meet each other. Are they able to move on from their respective past and give love another chance?

[Tasneem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, not one of her bests. I guess because I didn't cry as much. I did lov Vita and Oliver though and Jonty was a darling. I hope that if I ever have a child that he will be just as loving as Jonty. I think the beauty of North's books are that her men and women are real. They have real issues, real problems and real emotional moments of feeling insecure, unsure, uncomfortable, but then can also experience the glories of real love, the normal kind of normal doings and happenings.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book i've pre ordered ready for delivery on publication day, straight to my kindle.. I've read all of Freya's books and like Katie FForde's books they are really great and so easy to get into.

Well it arrived and i enjoyed every single page of this brilliant book. It had me laughing out loud and i mean proper belly laughs, in some parts. Cringling in others, quite sad in some, but thats what made Chances.
A really brilliant read that i'd most certainly recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've LOVED reading this. Freya North writes with such warmth, truth and tenderness and although I have loved all her books, I have to say that this is my favourite to date! I have been silently urging on Oliver and Vita, the main characters, in their quest for love, feeling their disappointment and confusion and practically crying at their happinness and joy.
It's fun, feisty, a little sad, has a healthy quota of sex, hopeful and happy. A truly fabulous feel-good-book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was torn between giving this 2 stars and 3. It is a light fluffy chick lit book and therefore is a pleasant read. However it did feel like it dragged a bit and could have been trimmed in length. Very predictable- woman just separated from her unpleasant boyfriend but still has to deal with him as she co-owns a shop with him, widower with a son comes to her rescue with an infestation of wasps. A few misunderstandings and fireworks later they get together.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Freya North, and I have since bought pillow talk to read later.

[Yen Lian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasant and quick read.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect pulpy page turner for a wet wintery weekend.

[Suad Shamma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised this book isn't getting the positive reviews that I believe it deserves. I've read so many more unrealistic and cheesy and dramatic novels that weren't even that well-written that got better reviews, which explains why I gave this one a 5-star rating. It was refreshing compared to the drivel I've read lately - mostly by the likes of Jill Mansell, who has been disappointing me a lot with the last few books I've read for her.

Freya North on the other hand, was able to take a story that is very relevant to each and every person, that is very realistic, and spun it into this wonderfully romantic tale of second chances and true love. I related to it because I've been through it, the heartbreak, the break up, the process of obsessing over your ex and then slowly getting over him/her, and I think every one has been through an experience similar to the ones in the book.

Vita is a character who exists in every female, and even though people might have thought she was irritating because of her obsession with her ex Tim, I think it was realistic and exactly how it should have been like. I loved how she met Oliver, coming off as this crazy lady asking him to chop off a tree, and I love their interactions and how he approached her. Once their romance was underway, it was written in a way that gave you butterflies, and that's always a nice feeling when reading a chick-lit.

The character development is also a journey in and of itself. The way Vita slowly stops obsessing with her past, how she realizes she's finally over Tim, because of Oliver. How she stops keeping an eye out for him, or noticing when he's around, or when she gets a text message how her first thought is Oliver rather than Tim...those are all things I relate to as you move on and discover new feelings for a person.

I will say, it did get a little dramatic at the end with her obsession over Oliver's dead wife, despite the fact that he was ready to move on. But that didn't last for very long, and so did not bother me.

Overall, a well-written romantic novel that showcases true love and the ability to give love a second chance and find it again.

[Atlanta Whitlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book I could already tell that this was going to be such a deep, well thought out story, I fell in love with Vita as you can see that even though her relationship with Tim has ended, Tim doesn't exactly treat her very well and that fact that she's willing to just sit there each day and take it amazes me. Vita knows that since their relationship ended that they both need to move on, but with them both being business partners for 'That Shop' it's not exactly that easy for her. When they broke up due to Tim cheating on her Vita was honestly heartbroken as the love of her life took her love for granted.

For a while now Vita has been wondering whether she will ever be able to find the right guy for her and settle down, however little does she know that her luck is about to change. One day in Vita's garden at home her beloved pear tree seems to be causing problems for her so when she calls out a tree surgeon her path crosses the most striking guy Oliver even though they both don't get off to the greatest of starts. However over the course of a few weeks, things seem to be improving for both of them.

Vita still has to deal with Tim everyday but when Tim tries to win her back, things seem to get a bit complicated for them. Will Vita give Tim that chance that he's after or will she send him away. Will Vita get closer to Oliver in hopes of settling down, but will she ever be able to compete with the memories of Oliver's late wife.

Honestly you will be drawn into this story from the start, Vita is such a loving person that everyone just gets along with, but honestly the amount of crap that she puts up with from Tim shows that she is such a strong person. As I was reading through the book I honestly hoped that Vita would get that happy ending that she was after. Freya has such a beautiful way with words. Take a chance and give this book a chance, you never know until you read it.

[Leilanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, Chick-lit, Fiction, Pain, Friendship, Independence

The book is about a 33-year-old woman named Vita and a 46-year-old man named Oliver. A year after separating, Vita is learning to become independent after breaking up with her boyfriend of six years. Three years after his wife dies, Oliver is learning how to cope and be a parent to his teenage son, Jonty.

The characters were very likeable. I couldn't relate to them too much because I haven't gone through the exact situations that they have. However, I do feel like other people would be able to relate to them. Although, I do have similar characteristics with Vita and everyone goes through breakups at some point so I somewhat understand what she's going through.

I did not enjoy the POV in this book. It had a third-person POV. However, everyone's thoughts were thrown all over the place that it seemed like a first-person POV that kept getting switched back and forth. I was confused at times about whose thoughts I was reading or who was speaking.

The story was very enjoyable. Other than trying to figure whose thoughts I was reading, it pretty much made sense. It would flow back and forth between Vita's story and Oliver's story. It was nice to learn both their backgrounds before they met. I love that they met because of a pear tree. The book and their story pretty much revolves around different trees. My favorite part was their first date, when they walked through the gardens at Wynfordbury Hall. It was all very romantic.

The ending was cute. It ended the way I expected and I'm happy because of it. There was a small twist at the end about a smaller character you see throughout book. It's not a shocking plot twist, although it's a little sad, but it should make you smile.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of Freya North's books and this one lives up to expectations. It has all the ingredients of a fun read but, as always, also lives in my mind once the book is finished. To me, it's indicative of the quality of Freya's characters that they stay with me to think about even years after first reading their stories.

Vita and Oliver, the heroine and hero of this tale, are those kinds of characters, with their quirky habits, love for friends and family, and great love for each other. What else could we ask? But we are also given tragedy and additional characters to spice the book up. My favourites are Vita's best friends, Michelle (Mushroom) and Candy, who are there for her with hilarious and also loving advice and support. Add to this, the people in Oliver's life, his wonderful son, Jonty, and the young workers in his business and the never to be forgotten Mad Old Lady. All of these characters live on the pages.

Dont miss this book, and if you like it, and haven't read others of her books, start from the first and just keep reading. As someone else said, both she and the wonderful Katie Fforde are treasures to read, so if you like Katie and Jill Mansell, here is another author with heart and a lot of fun.

[Beth Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually a fan of Freya North, but found this one a hard read. Didn’t find myself being hooked and wanting to read on... Not helped by a very unlikeable main character. A very average 3 stars at best.

[Anna La · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel I picked this book up at a good time. It's a brilliant, feel good, summer read. I really enjoyed reading about these lovely characters.

Vita, the main character is an all round nice person. She deserves all the happiness. Oliver was so interesting, his knowledge about trees was fascinating. He also seemed like a kind man and a fantastic father. I love Oliver's son Jonty so much. He's a bit awkward and so cute. I like how accepting he is. Oliver and Jonty had such a strong father and son relationship.

There were many touching moments in this book. Especially when DeeDee was mentioned and also Elsie at the end. Elsie's small part in this story really reminded me of this woman I knew. (Not the kleptomania bit :), but the part where Vita saved a present for Elsie, but she would never receive it). The epilogue was quite perfect.

The setting of this book sounded so wonderful. The writing style was easy to get along with, I read this book quite fast (for me anyway). Also, this book did have quite a few more sexy scenes than any other chick-lit books I've read before haha. I'm looking forward to reading more of Freya North's books!

[Preet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chances by Freya North is a nice book. It's about two people Vita and Oliver who have given a second chance at love. Do they take it? Vita is 33 and has just gotten out of a 6 year relationship in which she had her heart, trust, and self confidence shattered. Oliver lost the woman he loved to a roadside accident three years ago and isn't quite ready to move on emotionally, despite the fact he's found a way to give himself release physically, even if he does despise himself afterwards.. He's 46. What brings them together is a pear tree in Vita's back yard.

I loved how this story progressed tentatively. You learn more about Vita and Tim, her ex, and what went wrong. You also get an equal glimpse into Oliver and Jonty's life. Even Suzie, Tim's current amour is also included and given a fair amount of air time. Jonty is the very grounded 14 year old son of Oliver and the late DeeDee. All in all this book is written very well, and is one of the best I've read by Freya North. This book should be a 3.5/5, but since we can't give half stars, it'll just have to be.

[Barbara Elsborg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like Freya North. IShe has a very unique style of writing that is immediately identifiable. This book wasn't one of my favorites but overall, I still liked it. I liked the character Vita more than Oliver. His habit of calling her Missy annoyed me as did the use of darling for his son! I wasn't sure that we needed the details of that early sexual encounter either- though since I write erotica - I'm one to talk. The book had a leisurely pace that made it perfect to read in bed. I liked the way Ms North handled Vita's ex. He was an interesting character I'd like to have seen more of. I liked the details on the the shop and the tree. I wasn't keen on the tense swapping in the same paragraph. A few times I thought the change was something an editor had missed.I didn't feel there was much plot to the story but the characters carried the tale. Overall this was a gentle, sometimes amusing read, with thoughtful characterizations.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really mixed feelings about this one, the first book by Freya North I've read. On the one hand, it's a nicely written love story with appealing characters and an engaging tale about a young widower and an endearing heroine finding love. I liked the setting - That Shop - and the fact that Vita's a reader and spends much of her time behind the counter working her way through a pile of books. But what I really didn't like - and I am conscious I'm going to sound like someone's maiden aunt here - was the liberal use of the "f" word, as an expletive and a description of the act, and the explicit conversations among friends about sex. Maybe this is how friends in their thirties talk, but I really didn't like it. The outcome was pretty obvious throughout, and chick lit often is that way: apart from the language that really jarred with me, this was otherwise a fairly light enjoyable + fluffy beachy read. Not an author I'll be searching out again though.

[Bronwyn Rykiert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vita and Tim have been separated awhile but still own a business together "That Shop". Vita has taken a long time to move on from Tim because she misses what they had - or does she. Vita lives in Pear Tree Cottage, a lovely name, but she is not very happy this summer as her garden is invaded by parrakeets and wasps. After being stung she calls someone to cut down her tree and along comes Oliver, whose wife Dee Dee died 3 years earlier and he is still coming to grips with his single life. With the help of his son Jonty he is starting to move on with his life and when he sees Vita's tree he says it is too good to cut down and she should learn to get along with it for this season.

After a few ups and downs, mainly relating to how Vita feels about Dee Dee's presence in Oliver's life and how Oliver displays Dee Dee at his home, they become a couple and then it is Tim's turn to miss out.

I found it easy to listen too and a good book story.

[MegMog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as it was a quick and easy read and the plot was lovely.

However, there were a few things that annoyed me. Some parts just didn’t seem realistic. For example:

•Vita runs to Oliver’s work which is two miles away in the height of summer while looking like a tent because of the way she is wearing her cagoule. This doesn’t seem to be something you would normally do.

•The whole thing with Lord Seddon just seemed a bit strange to me. First of all, Vita demands she be let into Wynfordbury Hall outside of opening hours. Then she gets Lord Seddon to take her home. But it was just the way she shouted for him to come back to take her to Oliver’s. She didn’t even know this Lord Seddon so that just didn’t seem quite realistic to me.

This is just my opinion, though and I expect many readers didn’t see these points as unrealistic.

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love it but I also didn't dislike this book. It was my first time reading this author. The writing is different than what I am used to reading. Mainly, the structure of the chapters is different from books I typically read. Also, the transition between characters' thoughts, actions, and words were hard to follow at times. I did enjoy the plot but it was quite a slow build up to the main romance. Once Oliver and Vita met, the book was more enjoyable but it's a bit of a drag to get to that point in the story. It's not a typical love triangle so that was refreshing to read. However, I probably won't read it again.

[Sall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good storyline although it was predictable from the very beginning that Oliver and Vita would end up together. The only thing that let the book down is that the sex is at best mediocre. It feels as though it's written by a very young teenager whose anxious and unsure about talking about sex, in fact had the sex been between Jonty and a girl it would have been perfect instead it was between two mature adults who in my opinion would have less awkwardness in the terms used.

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I am purely a crime/thriller reader and don’t ever do romance etc, however in my book subscription box there is monthly reading prompts and one of them was a romance book.

I actually surprised myself and A) had this on my book shelf and b) I actually enjoyed it! The main character was very easy to relate to and funny. Her ex was the character to dislike and it was wrote in a way that made it easy. Found myself reading late into the night and struggling to put it down.

[Louise Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant! This is a heart warming story of two people left heartbroken who find love in unexpected places. It is wonderfully written as the character's emotions come to life in the book and through heartbreak and vulnerability it can turn to strength and love in unexpected places.

A must read for anyone who has had their heartbroken recently.

[Noorah Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most favorite books. Simplicity is the key in this book. The plot is really good and there aren't any flaws that I found with this book. I loved Vita's home and shop, they were described really well. The character development is great and the story takes its time to develop which I like.
Catch my other reviews at https://www.instagram.com/noorreadsbo...

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed the book admired the character vita, don't think I could still work with my ex. I don't her letting the old lady continue with the shop lifting. loved the character Oliver and felt sorry for him, and glad he found happyness.

[Kelly Simpson]

An addictive read that will make you smile, sigh and cheer as the story proves love can be found in the most unexpected places.

[Mrs Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

read most of Freya Norths books! Enjoyed them all including this one.