One Chance in a Million

California Chances #1

by Cathy Marie Hake

Having endured a grueling voyage from the British Islands, Mariam arrives at the Chance brothers' ranch expecting to help her sister care for two children and six men. But Miriam is shocked to learn that her sister has died and her two nieces have been neglected. When the Chance brothers order Miriam to take the next ship back to her home, she digs in her heels. Her place is with her nieces - even if that reduces her chances of marriage to about one in a million. As the months pass, though, will Miriam come to believe that maybe one Chance is all she needs? Fall in love with this inspiring love story and our entire collection of Christian romance novels from Heartsong Presents!

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical, Historical Fiction, Christian Romance, Historical Romance

170 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

As a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now "grown up," she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos - one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.

Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.

Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."

In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this the first time several years ago and have read it again today!! Still a great book!! Cathy Marie Hake has a fun, witty writing style that combines smoothly with solid historical Christian fiction principles. Fancy Lady meets six cowboy brothers and circumstances cause her to move in with them?!? Yeah, makes for a great romantic adventure!! LOL!! Following the other five brothers along their romantic journeys and then the daughters of the next generation in California Brides is definitely worth the read. Enjoy!!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book A lot like 7 Brides for 7 Brothers only better! No Singing! LOL! Miriam is not only beautiful on the outside, she has beautiful Faith and Personality! She small of stature and large on back bone! Gideon is the perfect "romance" novel male lead, but with a bigger heart and faith. A good Christian historical romance. If you like Romance without the sex page after page, this is a good book for you!

[Max Pink · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

I haven't read this is ages. It's nice to see the beginning of the Chance brothers arc. Daniel is the hero in what will probably be my favorite of the series, but he is a MENACE in this book. So mean to Miriam! On a related note, the brother back and forth was absolutely some of my favorite stuff in this book. And little Polly and Ginny Mae were so cute!

Gideon and Miriam's relationship development was very sweet. I think that family drama overshadowed the relationship a bit, but I still enjoyed it.

These books have a real pastoral feel. The ranch life seems very calming, which is absolute propogandistic nonsense but I ate it up.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a quote in this book I just loved.
Miriam is talking to Gideon.

"The islands are a testament to God's imagination.
Your land is a show of His majesty.
Being there was like .....holding a fistful of jewels.
Here is like .... kneeling in God's presence."

I can so relate. Moving from Bermuda to Western Canada, she described exactly what I have always felt inside but had no words for.

[Nataliegh Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character receives word that her sister is sick so she travels to go see her. When she arrives in the small country town she finds out that her sister is no longer living and she has her niece/nephew there with their father and other relatives. One of the Uncles named Chance takes a liking into her and over time they slowly fall in love with one another!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" story. It is very predictable but fun.
Some good life lessons intertwined among the pages.
I did think that the ending was rushed and didn't flow like it could have.

Most likely 3 1/2 stars.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. I'm looking forward to reading more of the Chance brothers stories.

[Katie Merkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful Christian romance that shows how when we follow God’s plan for our life, putting his will before our own, he gives us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4 and Matthew 6:33).

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet little romance

[Amanda Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great hallmark movie type book :) light and feel good

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every minute. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Charity Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet and full of heart. I loved the characters and can’t wait to continue to follow them in the next books.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical book that is a very speedy read - perfect for when you want to have a book you can read in one sitting. The story reminded me quite a bit of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (one of my favorite old movies) in a few different ways: 1) Miriam was a great cook - like Milly, 2) When Miriam arrived at the Chance brothers' ranch, the place was filthy and as soon as she was able, she started to clean it up, and 3) There was a scene where there was a cabin raising with a competition (but minus the feuding) - like the barn raising scene in the movie.

After reading One Chance In A Million, I found out it is part of a series of six books, but thankfully it is the first! All six of the books have been combined into two 3-in-1 books, the first is California Chances and the second is Kentucky Chances. I hope to be able to get these books soon, so I can read more about the Chance brothers! I would recommend One Chance In A Million to fans of good clean historical fiction.

[Gmc · Rating 4 out of 5]

"One Chance in a Million" by Cathy Marie Hake
Gideon's story. Miriam sails across the ocean to see her sister Hannah who is married to Daniel Chance. When she arrives she finds that her sister has died and her two little nieces are being raised by these men. Daniel is unhappy with her being there because she looks so much like Hannah. Gideon wants to send her back. Miriam is determined to stay.

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in the series, and definitely my favourite one!

[Abigail Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Digital book loaned from work.

[Lynette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. I liked it. Miriam and the Chance brothers are all great characters, but it was pretty predictable.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it.

[Beth Fender · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was just starting to care about the characters when it seemed as if the author came upon a deadline and wrapped everything up a bit too neatly.