A Journey by Chance

The Other Way Home #1

by Sally John

Popular fiction author Sally John’s first series The Other Way Home (more than 65,000 copies sold) comes to life with a fresh, new cover for a new audience of readers.

In A Journey by Chance, the first book of the series, Dr. Gina Philips heads from Southern California to the tiny Midwest town of Valley Oaks for her cousin’s wedding. Her plan to heal from a failed relationship and escape from a lost job is interrupted by the persistent attention of a local, Brady, and the quirkiness of small town America.

But just when Gina thinks she has the town figured out, a secret is revealed that will forever change her family and her relationship to the mysterious Brady.

This novel of romance and healing turns first impressions on end as Gina finds inspiration in the faith of others and joy in her own growing relationship with the Lord.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Fiction

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2002

About the author

Sally John is the best-selling author of twenty novels, including the Side Roads series, the Safe Harbor series (coauthored with Gary Smalley), The Other Way Home series, The Beach House series, and In a Heartbeat series. A three-time finalist for the Christy Award, Sally writes contemporary stories that offer hope to readers in their own relational and faith journeys. She enjoys teaching writing workshops and spending time with her husband, adult children, and grandchildren. An Illinois native, Sally and her husband, Tim, live in southern California. Visit her Web site at www.sally-john.com.

Reviews

[Librosconkylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t usually meander into Christian fiction,but this caught my eye in a Little Free Library. Loved the characters and overall the story was very cute, yet found some parts to be predictable. Glad I read and want to continue in the series:)

[Viktoriya Shostak · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most Hart warming book Ive read I couldnt put it down. It was Like reading a complete fairytale. this book teaches you that God has to take the wheel of the car, but for for him to start stearing your life you have to press the gas padel. That was one one of the most amazing meaning from the book. I think everyone can take alot from this book. Because in this crazy world we have froget what true love really means, and how much we need to listen to our loved once. Then we wil find everything we need. We first have to find God and then Peace that he afforce. GOd bless to those who are reading this book. Hope you like it. ANd thank you TO Sally John for the amazing book...

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually really liked this one because the characters were believable. Many authors try to pull off the unique-quirky-small-town-America vibe yet they try too hard and go over the top. This was not the case in this novel. Brady was especially endearing with his corny jokes. Definitely interested in reading the rest of the series!

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sally John's books and was excited to come across this series on Hoopla. I love that while there is a focal relationship.. a romance.. there are others that tie in to it. Yes, this book is about a man and woman falling in love, but it is also about another woman coming to terms with her past, a husband and wife acknowledging the issues in their marriage that they have been ignoring... it's about preconceived notions, letting hurts and fears hold us hostage, apathy and complacency, and more. Beautifully written. Authentic. And yes at times with a touch of the fairy tale that most women enjoy reading.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the books in this series out of order, reading the last one first. By comparison I was a bit disappointed in this one. This one revolves around a wedding in Valley Oaks, a small town south of Chicago. Gina arrives to help with her cousin's wedding with her life a bit of a wreck. A local, Brad Olafsson, enters the picture with some knowledge about the family that Gina doesn't have. From there the wedding plans proceed and the relationships develop and some rekindle. An interesting book. The ending is sweet.

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sat on my shelf waiting to be read for many years. I am glad I finally picked it up to read! I love everything about it. A big city girl goes to a small town for a family wedding. There she encounters her mom's secret past and meets up with someone who will change her life. Romance, forgiveness, faith, healing and new beginnings. Who knew there would be elephants involved in this story as well. I highly recommend!

[Holly Gibbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Summer Read

This was not a deep read, but it was entertaining. If you need an easy read this is a good book.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, faith-filled love story.

[Allie McGary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christian fiction

Very interesting story. Gina and Brady interacting with one another, the history behind her mother:s past all made for great reading.

[Olivia walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had my interest in the beginning of the book. Midway I started to loose interest, characters became very whiny.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic Christian novel. I didn’t want to put it down and stayed up way later at night to read than I should have.I have been on a winning streak with my book choices.

[downingP · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want a predictable feel good book, this is the book for you.

[Sondra K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book.

[Amanda]

Did not finish. Did not hold my attention to go past page 40.

[Maggie Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good Christian read! I liked that it followed both a daughter and mother’s point of view and showed God working through their lives throughout the book.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

[Rissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This is the only series that I’ve read by John and while simple in its story lines and writing, A Journey by Chance is, nevertheless touching. Oddly enough I did have a really difficult time getting into the story. Setting it in a rural Midwest town lends some charm although it also inevitably leads to a slower pace, clichéd sayings and out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-small-town pleasures (like enjoying the great outdoors). For example, Gina is aghast at the simplicity the residents of Valley Oaks go about their day. Where is the Starbucks? Or a restaurant that serves a decent meal? Add in the nuisance that nearly everyone knows everyone else’s business and Gina’s perception of the town isn’t kind. When she arrives, she is not a Christian and it’s the stay in Valley Oaks that ultimately not only changes her heart, but how she sees life.

Her journey towards Christianity is a heartfelt change, and the author effortlessly weaves humor and some beautiful convictions into the story. The characters aren’t all that complicated, but the trials they go through to become better people are realistic and therefore I was able to relate to them. Gina feels unworthy to be considered an equal to Brady, even as a new Christian because of her past – one she felt overwhelmed with guilt for. Similarly, although he is a Christian surrounded by a wonderful support system through family and friends who has deep-rooted beliefs, Brady discovers he has a lot to learn through Gina’s friendship. His past has a few skeletons – some of which he doesn’t share with Gina when he should as their friendship blossoms. By knowing her, he is able to open his heart again and although he experiences frustration at her guilt, he also cares so much for her, he steps back and lets her pursue her dream. Also woven into the mix is a subplot involving Gina’s parents who are also re-examining their marriage (the trials) and love for one another (or lack thereof). It too is approached with touching and caring sentiments.

A Journey by Chance is a story of four people looking into their hearts and examining what is most important in life. The results are special and unfold in a typical romantic-comedy dash to reunite the couple – and involving a police car, too! If you want to know how that plays out – check out the book. ;)

Originally published on Copyright © 2011-2014 • Dreaming Under the Same Moon

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being Single and participating in Weddings can be hard things but what's worse is when the wedding takes place in a smalltown where everybody knows everyone and their business. A town that the main character Gina has nicknamed Podunk - due to the fact there's nothing much here. When Gina's mother was 18, tragedy struck causing her to run away from the small town of Valley Oaks and start a new life in California. Being a small town , people gossip and talk and now thirty five years later, the truth of what happened to Gina's mum that caused her to leave and never really look back is about to be blown wide into the open. The past year for Gina has been a nightmare filled with injuries , job losses , legal cases and heartbreak in relationships. Can the journey to Valley Oaks be what she needs to find and discover herself again ? The boost of confidence she needs to be able to move on with her life ? Gina's mother Maggie aka Margaret has been living in what she now sees as a loveless marriage , has Margaret and Reece drifted to far apart ? Will the Journey home for Maggie be the factor she needs for her and Reece to give their marriage another go ?
A Journey by Chance is a novel that shows readers that when we all get lost, sometimes the place we really need to go in order to find our true selves is our homes - our childhood homes and in order to move forward we must be able to move from the past.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought as I was reading that I had read this book before but more through Margaret's eyes. I do believe God directs me to books to read and I think this is one of them. Get so much out of the story that makes you think of your own life n reflect. I'm not sure that I have read any books like Brady in the story had written. (there is a book called "Messiah" which is a modern version of Jesus walk). Hadn't read a story of a vet zoo keeper before so that's a first. Families can have secrets n lies they pass on to the next generation but they need to be checked out for truth n perspective. Which Gina n Brady worked through in this story. There are 3 more books to follow up.

[Nancy Pickard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a reread for me. It was a very predictable enemy to lovers romance with a past storyline that involved the parents of the main characters and that created the tension. I was annoyed by the disdain Gina and her father had for Valley Oaks. It was very demeaning and elitist. The side story of Gina's parents was fine. The struggles a couple can experience after 30 years of marriage and growing apart were realistic and how it was dealt with was well handled. Overall, not a memorable story, but a fine Christian romance.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book overall, but didn't love it. I especially enjoyed that the main character is 28, just like me! The themes of unconditional love, and also the importance of showing love and care in relationships were well done and good reminders.

Overall I liked the book, but didn't love it. I especially enjoyed the large print from the large print edition (cover didn't look like the one pictured here. The girl on my cover was super pretty, with eyes like mine, truth be told).

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book to read. It confirmed my already strong faith that God is in control. Not just with the big stuff but also with the small everyday mundane simple things. He cares about us and everything we do. It was encouraging to read about how The main characters of Brady and Gina, even though fictional, reinforced this.

[Etha Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm ready to read another by Sally John

I enjoyed the entire book. Wonderful character development of real people and relationships with practical application to abundant living. The kept me invested to the end.

[Allan67 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that I read to Diana. We can't do much anymore after her stroke, so I read to her to spend time together. Diana has always loved to have someone to read to her - and I like to do just that.

[Lisa]

The Other Way Home series / book one

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet romance. A bit strong on the Christian rhetoric, but otherwise, wonderful characters and a fun easy read.

[Mamajil]

Great beach read!!!

[Kellie Trujillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good old fashioned Christian book.. I recommend it. It didn't push the Christian theme too far.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! Parts of it kind of dragged on a little bit because there is more than one story going on but I figured out that each part made sense once I got to the last 1/4th of the story.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good. A little too much drama for me but has a nice message about letting God be in control.