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A Place to Call Home #3
At Home in Last Chance (A Place to Call Home Book #3): A Novel
What happens when the life you're running from won't let go of your heart?
Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going--out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over.
Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don't even trust themselves?
With emotional depth and characters who leap off the page and into your heart, Cathleen Armstrong invites you to return once more to the dusty and delightful town of Last Chance.
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. She is the author of Welcome to Last Chance, winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction, and One More Last Chance.
Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going--out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over.
Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don't even trust themselves?
With emotional depth and characters who leap off the page and into your heart, Cathleen Armstrong invites you to return once more to the dusty and delightful town of Last Chance.
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. She is the author of Welcome to Last Chance, winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction, and One More Last Chance.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2015
130 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
January 26, 2015
4.5
I've been thinking on how to write this review for a little while. As I thought it out in my mind, it kept straying into a "preach it sister" post. I've had books hit close to home before, but this one hit the nail on the head in a whole other area and all of these thoughts just kept running through my head. So, I will try not to chase the bunny trail on this review...if I do, I apologize in advance.
Kaitlyn and Steven, they are both very different people, but share a common problem. One I can relate with. They are the youngest of their families. They have lived in the shadow of their older and better siblings....at least that is how it feels by the people who constantly talk about them around them.
They have been hurt by the snide and snippy remarks that have been hurled at them. The standards that their elder siblings set were high and when they didn't reach the mark, the decided to go the opposite way, they ran toward the trouble maker side. If they couldn't meet one expectation, they better try for the other. And, that is such a real battle as a young child. Goodness, it is real. Cathleen Armstrong captured this hurt so well and through the story, I kept thinking how hard it is the be the littlest. Everyone you know thinks of you as the baby and that you're no where near being mature enough. There isn't a lot expected from them because they are the youngest and when they have a good idea or thought, it is over looked.
This was a story that touched on something that really is not seen a lot...at least for me, and I enjoyed how Steven and Kaitlyn set out to prove everyone wrong and not in a revengeful way, but to show their maturity. Both were a bit lost from previous choices, but they know those actions aren't who they really are. They carry baggage and it haunts them, but they want to prove they are better then who people think they are. And they have to learn to have faith and learn trust and it was a very touching story.
At Home In Last Chance also is one that shows how decisions can affect people. Olivia, Kaitlyn's daughter has a lot to over come, but she has grown tremendously since the previous book, One More Last Chance. She is a smart and spunky little girl, but she was hurt badly and she has a lot to over come, but she has people who love her and the support she gets is wonderful.
There is a sweet romance to this story, but because these characters have learned, they take their time and it isn't a flash bang romance. It is sweet and it starts out as a friendship. I really enjoyed that part of the story immensely.
There was just one small thing that kind of caught my attention. It felt like the story ended a little soon. I guess since I was enjoying it a bit and was hoping for more.
This was a wonderful story and it had many elements to it. Plus, we also got to see and visit with characters from the previous books in the series. And Gran/Miss. Elizabeth is still a wonderful central figure to the story. Last Chance wouldn't be the same without her love for those around her.
Thank you to the Revell Reads Blog Tour, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted @ http://wordsfromabookaholic.blogspot....
I've been thinking on how to write this review for a little while. As I thought it out in my mind, it kept straying into a "preach it sister" post. I've had books hit close to home before, but this one hit the nail on the head in a whole other area and all of these thoughts just kept running through my head. So, I will try not to chase the bunny trail on this review...if I do, I apologize in advance.
Kaitlyn and Steven, they are both very different people, but share a common problem. One I can relate with. They are the youngest of their families. They have lived in the shadow of their older and better siblings....at least that is how it feels by the people who constantly talk about them around them.
They have been hurt by the snide and snippy remarks that have been hurled at them. The standards that their elder siblings set were high and when they didn't reach the mark, the decided to go the opposite way, they ran toward the trouble maker side. If they couldn't meet one expectation, they better try for the other. And, that is such a real battle as a young child. Goodness, it is real. Cathleen Armstrong captured this hurt so well and through the story, I kept thinking how hard it is the be the littlest. Everyone you know thinks of you as the baby and that you're no where near being mature enough. There isn't a lot expected from them because they are the youngest and when they have a good idea or thought, it is over looked.
This was a story that touched on something that really is not seen a lot...at least for me, and I enjoyed how Steven and Kaitlyn set out to prove everyone wrong and not in a revengeful way, but to show their maturity. Both were a bit lost from previous choices, but they know those actions aren't who they really are. They carry baggage and it haunts them, but they want to prove they are better then who people think they are. And they have to learn to have faith and learn trust and it was a very touching story.
At Home In Last Chance also is one that shows how decisions can affect people. Olivia, Kaitlyn's daughter has a lot to over come, but she has grown tremendously since the previous book, One More Last Chance. She is a smart and spunky little girl, but she was hurt badly and she has a lot to over come, but she has people who love her and the support she gets is wonderful.
There is a sweet romance to this story, but because these characters have learned, they take their time and it isn't a flash bang romance. It is sweet and it starts out as a friendship. I really enjoyed that part of the story immensely.
There was just one small thing that kind of caught my attention. It felt like the story ended a little soon. I guess since I was enjoying it a bit and was hoping for more.
This was a wonderful story and it had many elements to it. Plus, we also got to see and visit with characters from the previous books in the series. And Gran/Miss. Elizabeth is still a wonderful central figure to the story. Last Chance wouldn't be the same without her love for those around her.
Thank you to the Revell Reads Blog Tour, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted @ http://wordsfromabookaholic.blogspot....
August 10, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
I haven’t read either of Cathleen Armstrong’s A Place to Call Home novels, but I really enjoyed At Home in Last Chance (which can easily be read as a standalone, though previous main character makes appearances). Set in the small town of Last Chance, New Mexico, this novel details the experiences of Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden over a few months. These two characters have many similarities, both being the youngest in their families, as well as the expected screw-up. Though both developed a tendency to run away from their problems in the past, Kaitlyn and Steven decide the time has finally come to grow, mature and settle down. It is never easy to change when everyone remembers the past, but Kaitlyn and Steven handle their challenges admirably and with many humorous moments added in for good measure. Overall, At Home in Last Chance is a great, quick read about second chances and starting over and I would recommend it to fans of contemporary fiction, especially those who have read the previous novels in the series.
Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of At Home in Last Chance and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
I haven’t read either of Cathleen Armstrong’s A Place to Call Home novels, but I really enjoyed At Home in Last Chance (which can easily be read as a standalone, though previous main character makes appearances). Set in the small town of Last Chance, New Mexico, this novel details the experiences of Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden over a few months. These two characters have many similarities, both being the youngest in their families, as well as the expected screw-up. Though both developed a tendency to run away from their problems in the past, Kaitlyn and Steven decide the time has finally come to grow, mature and settle down. It is never easy to change when everyone remembers the past, but Kaitlyn and Steven handle their challenges admirably and with many humorous moments added in for good measure. Overall, At Home in Last Chance is a great, quick read about second chances and starting over and I would recommend it to fans of contemporary fiction, especially those who have read the previous novels in the series.
Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of At Home in Last Chance and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 31, 2021
Well this was a nice sweet cozy read. I loved the small town and close family vibe through out. I liked the way that the relationship formed and developed over time. Nothing seemed rushed and you got to grow with the characters. Kaitlyn and Steven were so cute together and then you had the other characters and their lives too. I liked the way you had Elizabeth and how she seemed to be everyone's grandma. the fact that after a rough start Kaitlyn managed to get to where she was, was nice to read too.
October 16, 2019
I was skeptical about the idea of liking this story because the Kaitlyn and Steven I’d met in the previous books were not the most likable people. Imagine my surprise when their story actually became my favorite one of the series so far. Full review is at my website - lorainenunley(DOT)com
I received this book in a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are my own.
I received this book in a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are my own.
April 16, 2023
This was an okay read. Kaitlyn is back and trying to raise the daughter she left behind. I get that she has a lot to prove but I hated the way everyone was treating her. She meets Steven and he has his own issues. Yet again everyone was treating him poorly. Thankfully, in the end everything works out for them and they get their happy ending.
February 6, 2017
A touching story that celebrates the miracle of second chances...and third and fourth and fifth....
The third book in the A Place to Call Home series delivers the same caliber of story as the first two. I just love the way this author deals with gnarly circumstances that stretch both a character and a reader. I'd met Kaitlyn in One More Last Chance and I wasn't impressed. In fact, I might just have started this read with a mighty big chip on my shoulder because it's kind of hard to relate to a woman who would ditch her daughter for half a year! But I wasn't bargaining on Armstrong working her magic -- weaving a story of loss and heartache and those all important second chances. And in the process convicting me of grace and forgiveness and accepting people for who they are now, not what they used to be.
The third book in the A Place to Call Home series delivers the same caliber of story as the first two. I just love the way this author deals with gnarly circumstances that stretch both a character and a reader. I'd met Kaitlyn in One More Last Chance and I wasn't impressed. In fact, I might just have started this read with a mighty big chip on my shoulder because it's kind of hard to relate to a woman who would ditch her daughter for half a year! But I wasn't bargaining on Armstrong working her magic -- weaving a story of loss and heartache and those all important second chances. And in the process convicting me of grace and forgiveness and accepting people for who they are now, not what they used to be.
March 2, 2015
As with the other Last Chance novels, the town is a character all its own, and the side characters live and breathe, full of quirks and strengths and foibles. A story full of depth and truth. Please don’t miss it!
January 2, 2016
I actually liked that Kaitlyn and Steven were a lot alike. The outsiders, the untrustworthy, the screw-ups. That made their story and the changes in their lives so much sweeter. Livvy certainly had attitude and some times she was a little much. And Speed Bump was a cute part of the story.
May 26, 2017
A lovely novel about second chances and about loving the people as they are NOW.
This is a novel from the A Place to Call Home series, but can be read as a standalone book.
Kaitlyn Reed and Stephen Braden are both the black sheeps of their families.
Kaitlyn, whose parents are great business people, but lacking in offering her a simple parental love - and as a results she rebels against all of their life order. Cut to a teenage pregnancy, bad partner choices and finally leaving with a wrong guy and letting her wee daughter in the care of her brother. But Kaitlyn is now back and working hard to change. The public opinion about her might be formed - but no one despises herself so much as her. Still, this time she wants to stay out of love for her daughter Olivia and brother Chris. But it is so hard...
Steven is a ladies´man, all smiles and charm. But under the smiles there is a weight of yet another public opinion - the irresponsible one, the one who left and let his brother to postpone his own life in taking care of their father´s old bar. The one whose opinion nobody asks for.
Everybody warns Steven to stay out of Kaitlyn´s life. But she is so unique and beautiful - and such a good person and mom (even if nobody seems to notice). Kaitlyn herself knows her man choices are wrong, so she is not willing to open this time.
But Steven sees her for herself and more, respects her the way she is now.
Yay for the warm and human touch! The charm of this book is that I totally understand why Kaitlyn and Steven are the way they are. Honestly, if I was a niece of uncle Joe Jr. and aunt Nancy Jo, I would rebel as well! (They are not bad people, don´t get me wrong, but too much self-righteous and old-fashioned in their thinking to be really warm and caring about the others´ hearts).
Kaitlyn and Steven did mistakes (and some of them pretty bad at that), but they try to change. And as much as I love them to work on themselves (and to gain more self-respect and self-love during the process), I also love to see the mistakes the others do called out - the mistakes of having old, unchanged opinions, the mistakes of not seeing the process, the mistakes of heart not open enough to give more respect. A nice wake-up call for me, too!
I like the people of Last Chance a lot. Ms Armstrong writes them not as a perfect people, but as a quirky, flawed and real crowd -and the more quirky, the more lovable.
Gran Elizabeth is just fabulous - she is the one to live in the present and see them that way. And she has so loving heart! But she is not afraid to set one straight, if she feels the need - and still with such a love, that the subject of her gentle scolding just reflects on themselves without getting angry. What a gift to have such a person in one´s life!
And the food and the nature! I would love to visit Last Chance - but then maybe I would not want to leave :)
In all honesty I would go for 4.5 stars, if there was such a possibility, as Kaitlyn and Steven fell into love a bit quicklier that I would expect them to.
But stars or not, this is a book I recommend!
This is a novel from the A Place to Call Home series, but can be read as a standalone book.
Kaitlyn Reed and Stephen Braden are both the black sheeps of their families.
Kaitlyn, whose parents are great business people, but lacking in offering her a simple parental love - and as a results she rebels against all of their life order. Cut to a teenage pregnancy, bad partner choices and finally leaving with a wrong guy and letting her wee daughter in the care of her brother. But Kaitlyn is now back and working hard to change. The public opinion about her might be formed - but no one despises herself so much as her. Still, this time she wants to stay out of love for her daughter Olivia and brother Chris. But it is so hard...
Steven is a ladies´man, all smiles and charm. But under the smiles there is a weight of yet another public opinion - the irresponsible one, the one who left and let his brother to postpone his own life in taking care of their father´s old bar. The one whose opinion nobody asks for.
Everybody warns Steven to stay out of Kaitlyn´s life. But she is so unique and beautiful - and such a good person and mom (even if nobody seems to notice). Kaitlyn herself knows her man choices are wrong, so she is not willing to open this time.
But Steven sees her for herself and more, respects her the way she is now.
Yay for the warm and human touch! The charm of this book is that I totally understand why Kaitlyn and Steven are the way they are. Honestly, if I was a niece of uncle Joe Jr. and aunt Nancy Jo, I would rebel as well! (They are not bad people, don´t get me wrong, but too much self-righteous and old-fashioned in their thinking to be really warm and caring about the others´ hearts).
Kaitlyn and Steven did mistakes (and some of them pretty bad at that), but they try to change. And as much as I love them to work on themselves (and to gain more self-respect and self-love during the process), I also love to see the mistakes the others do called out - the mistakes of having old, unchanged opinions, the mistakes of not seeing the process, the mistakes of heart not open enough to give more respect. A nice wake-up call for me, too!
I like the people of Last Chance a lot. Ms Armstrong writes them not as a perfect people, but as a quirky, flawed and real crowd -and the more quirky, the more lovable.
Gran Elizabeth is just fabulous - she is the one to live in the present and see them that way. And she has so loving heart! But she is not afraid to set one straight, if she feels the need - and still with such a love, that the subject of her gentle scolding just reflects on themselves without getting angry. What a gift to have such a person in one´s life!
And the food and the nature! I would love to visit Last Chance - but then maybe I would not want to leave :)
In all honesty I would go for 4.5 stars, if there was such a possibility, as Kaitlyn and Steven fell into love a bit quicklier that I would expect them to.
But stars or not, this is a book I recommend!
January 3, 2019
I have mixed feelings on this. I liked it, I think even more than the previous book One More Last Chance, but ultimately I wasn't wowed. I did read this in almost one sitting, really quickly, so obviously it did engross me and interest me.
Kaitlyn is in the last place she thought she would be: Last Chance. After abandoning her daughter to her brother and going off, Kaitlyn is back and trying to right her wrongs. But that is not going to be as easy as she hopes. She isn't sure how to be a mother, she hates working at the diner, and everyone seems to be waiting for her to screw up again. I liked Kaitlyn. She's done making excuses, but it's still hard for her to adjust. She still has issues with her temper, and listening to people, but she's trying to be better. Kaitlyn does grow and change over the course of the book. While she doesn't completely change who she is, she does grow into a more mature version of herself. She becomes a better mother, and sister, and stops trying to compare herself to everyone else, and just be herself.
Steven is also back in Last Chance. He's been getting by in life thanks to his good looks and charming nature, but that's not enough anymore. He helps his aunt and uncle on their ranch, but he can't help but be attracted to Kaitlyn, even as prickly as she is. I liked Steven as well, as he had a good guy hiding underneath, even if he didn't like to show it much. But he realized he had to grow up and mature, and so he did.
The romance wasn't instant, which was nice. In fact, Steven couldn't figure out why his charms weren't working on Kaitlyn, which was humorous. I love how Olivia, Kaitlyn's daughter, was such a big part of the story. Of course, our favorite characters in the series are back, including Chris and Sarah and Miss Elizabeth.
All in all, this was a good story of redemption and forgiveness--even for yourself--and had a great message. The romance was sweet without being overbearing. The characters were likable and fleshed out. This was a pretty good, quick read.
I received a copy from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads
Kaitlyn is in the last place she thought she would be: Last Chance. After abandoning her daughter to her brother and going off, Kaitlyn is back and trying to right her wrongs. But that is not going to be as easy as she hopes. She isn't sure how to be a mother, she hates working at the diner, and everyone seems to be waiting for her to screw up again. I liked Kaitlyn. She's done making excuses, but it's still hard for her to adjust. She still has issues with her temper, and listening to people, but she's trying to be better. Kaitlyn does grow and change over the course of the book. While she doesn't completely change who she is, she does grow into a more mature version of herself. She becomes a better mother, and sister, and stops trying to compare herself to everyone else, and just be herself.
Steven is also back in Last Chance. He's been getting by in life thanks to his good looks and charming nature, but that's not enough anymore. He helps his aunt and uncle on their ranch, but he can't help but be attracted to Kaitlyn, even as prickly as she is. I liked Steven as well, as he had a good guy hiding underneath, even if he didn't like to show it much. But he realized he had to grow up and mature, and so he did.
The romance wasn't instant, which was nice. In fact, Steven couldn't figure out why his charms weren't working on Kaitlyn, which was humorous. I love how Olivia, Kaitlyn's daughter, was such a big part of the story. Of course, our favorite characters in the series are back, including Chris and Sarah and Miss Elizabeth.
All in all, this was a good story of redemption and forgiveness--even for yourself--and had a great message. The romance was sweet without being overbearing. The characters were likable and fleshed out. This was a pretty good, quick read.
I received a copy from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads
April 12, 2025
Last Chance at Love
This is one of the final books in the series of the small town, Last Chance, New Mexico. All our friends have come back to help Miss Elizabeth recover from her broken leg, get Chase and Sarah married and get Kaitlyn started in her new business and her new love. She and Livvy are starting a whole new life along with Steven. Anyone would love this story, especially those who love happy endings. Young and old both will love this book. If you haven't read the first two get them and then this one. Meet the people of Last Chance, there are some wonderful people here.
This is one of the final books in the series of the small town, Last Chance, New Mexico. All our friends have come back to help Miss Elizabeth recover from her broken leg, get Chase and Sarah married and get Kaitlyn started in her new business and her new love. She and Livvy are starting a whole new life along with Steven. Anyone would love this story, especially those who love happy endings. Young and old both will love this book. If you haven't read the first two get them and then this one. Meet the people of Last Chance, there are some wonderful people here.
August 11, 2017
OK, but not as good as the first two in the series. I would have liked a little review of the previous book especially the second one. There was a lot of references to book two and as such this is not a stand alone book. There were several times when I was trying to remember what happened and a recap would have helped. I also figured out the bar would be Kaitlyn's salon long before any one thought of it.
July 1, 2019
Great story
I wasn't too sure of these characters when they appeared in the previous books. But I loved to see them mature and grow into their own. Am looking forward to the next book
I wasn't too sure of these characters when they appeared in the previous books. But I loved to see them mature and grow into their own. Am looking forward to the next book
March 14, 2020
Disclaimer: I did not read the previous books in this series, and never read Cathleen Armstrong before. So, At first I thought oh it's a romance, though realized it has a bit more than that. It's a touching story that celebrates the miracle of second chance.
January 21, 2018
It was as good as the first two books!!
May 8, 2019
Amazing!
Loved every one of these books. With it continued on with a fourth book as well. I can imagine what would happen.
Loved every one of these books. With it continued on with a fourth book as well. I can imagine what would happen.
May 27, 2019
Awesome stories
Easy to ready easy to get In to hard to put down . Can’t wait to read more of her work
Easy to ready easy to get In to hard to put down . Can’t wait to read more of her work
December 17, 2019
I should probably remember to check if romances are Christian, seeing as I'm an atheist. But really -- do Christians live like this? Because damn.
January 20, 2020
Learning
Life is hard. It is so hard when you have always been the screw up. It is so hard when every time you want to just run away again. Time to face life.
Life is hard. It is so hard when you have always been the screw up. It is so hard when every time you want to just run away again. Time to face life.
Read
June 6, 2020It was a good read. Some decisions are really hard to live down and this book
shows how much one person can help in a rebuilding process.
shows how much one person can help in a rebuilding process.
February 22, 2021
Great read
Chose this book for the series. Great read with it continued with knowing about events with other books in series
Chose this book for the series. Great read with it continued with knowing about events with other books in series
March 3, 2021
I like the Last Chance books. The characters are well developed and the book kept my interest. I have already bought Book 4 and will start reading it shortly.
December 7, 2021
It has a lot of hope
Both Steven and Kaitlin had been labeled and set aside. We got to see the "black sheep" from a different perspective.
Both Steven and Kaitlin had been labeled and set aside. We got to see the "black sheep" from a different perspective.
January 15, 2022
Wonderful Series
Remarkable ending to a wonderful series. If you enjoy a good clean story with a lot of moral values,this will work well for you
Remarkable ending to a wonderful series. If you enjoy a good clean story with a lot of moral values,this will work well for you
June 9, 2022
I read this book before taking off on a vacation and it was pleasant 'fluff' for a summer read and now I have to think hard about what the book was about? Sweet, summer fluff!
November 12, 2024
Amd now we're on to reading alphabetically through the Christian fiction section.
First was better but I do love the concept
First was better but I do love the concept
October 13, 2017
Great read
Easy read full of love, hope and promise of redemption. Would recommend this book. All of the Last Chance series are great reads.
Easy read full of love, hope and promise of redemption. Would recommend this book. All of the Last Chance series are great reads.
May 11, 2022
A story about forgiveness, family and starting over. Smooth and enjoyable writing, as is Armstrong's style. On to book four in the series!
July 29, 2015
SPARROW'S THOUGHTS:
// Cathleen Armstrong's writing style is well-rounded and full of spunk. She takes on a vibrant youthful approach, and I have to admit that I appreciated this aspect of her writing so very much, because while I don't read contemporary novels all that often, her choice of words really energized the prose, and this is what actually kept me reading
// There were times however, when I wondered if this narrative was actually geared towards a more younger audience; even so, it works for every group of readers
// In short At Home in Last Chance is a tale that paints the conflicts and strife that painful divorce situations, prejudices, family dynamics, and child abandonment can evoke. It is also a story about the perseverance in redeeming ones self-esteem, and further highlights the different emotional themes surrounding these delicate subjects. It was carried earnestly through sensitive and vulnerable characters that were believable
// Living in a small town myself, I can state that the narrative's portrayal of small town living is a very realistic one which only added to the plot's effectiveness
// The romance in this prose is very thin; in that, it has no real spark to it. So if you're looking for romantic story line to make that fuzzy heart flutter, this may not be the one to go for
// At Home in Last Chance reminded me that while we often fear change, no matter how difficult it may be, it is possible to embrace it and at times, even necessary for our own well being
WHAT I LIKED:
(+) Unlike most of the contemporary novels that I have read, At Home in Last Chance had an authentic appeal to it and a real heartrending feel too, but the highlight for me was in the solidly and well-crafted characters. They were vibrant and believable; more particularly, their ordeals and internal conflicts, and how they aimed to find resolve in them
(+) It is Kaitlyn Reed however, who proves to be the real gem in this narrative. If anything, I often found myself expressing complete admiration towards her humble and meek composure in spite of the buried animosity that the townsfolk in Last Chance held against her, and despite how weighty the consequences of her choices were. Not once did Kaitlyn show signs of resentment or malice. Instead, she accepted the repercussions and regret that stemmed from having done something beyond reparation
(+) All the supporting characters were authentic and interlaced wonderfully with Kaitlyn's story. Gran however: the all-tender, all-knowing grande dame who holds everything and everyone together, was by far my favorite ♥
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKED:
(-) Given the premise, I'm left wondering if At Home in Last Chance is actually the last book in its series, because while many issues were addressed, they essentially go unresolved. Thus leaving the reader with a lot to be desired
(-) I found the pacing of the narrative to be a bit sluggish, but with the added essential tension between each character's internal conflicts, it sufficed to keep me interested
(-) My main quibble with this book is that I found it to be a trifle long and too ordinary at times; this in turn, made the overall narrative feel much like a soap opera
Personal Rating:
Plot | 6/10
Characters | 8/10
Setting/Mood | 6/10
Moral Value | 9/10
Cover Art | 5/10
Overall | 7/10
Originally posted @ Sparrow's Reading Corner
November 29, 2015
There is something so very life-like and down-to-earth about the people of Last Chance. They’re the kind of people you can’t help liking, in spite of their little idiosyncrasies and imperfections, and I think that is a large part of what made this novel so engaging for me. The lack of melodrama was also refreshing, as was the predominance of showing rather than telling. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!
This is the third book in the ‘Last Chance’ series and although it is technically a stand-alone novel much of the background for both Steven’s and Kaitlyn’s stories is found in books one and two of this series respectively.
Neither Steven nor Kaitlyn have rosy pasts and both have shown a tendency to run rather than to face up to life’s responsibilities. Steven grew up in Last Chance and has returned to his uncle and aunt’s ranch to fill in time before goes to the Law Enforcement Academy in the spring (and to decide what to do with the now derelict bar he inherited from his late father). He has a reputation as a charmer, so it comes as something of a surprise when Kaitlyn remains indifferent to his attempts at getting to know her better. But, as everyone in Last Chance knows, she’s got enough on her plate trying to mend bridges with her seven year old daughter Olivia. Perhaps his well-meaning relatives are right when they suggest Steven is not the kind of guy she needs in her life. Still, it does kind of take a man down a peg or two to hear them say it...
Becoming a single mother at the age of seventeen wasn’t part of Kaitlyn’s plan, and running off after leaving Olivia with her brother Chris wasn’t her smartest moment either. She thought she was doing the best thing for Olivia by signing her guardianship over to Chris, but now she’s back in Last Chance determined to make better choices in her life and be the mother Olivia deserves, and if that means sticking it out waitressing at her brother’s diner and ignoring a good-looking guy who’s a little too confident of his own charm then so be it.
One of the most refreshing things about this novel was that both Steven and Kaitlyn acknowledged the mistakes they had made in the past without wallowing in self-pity or self-flagellations. Rather than dwelling on the past, they are determined to move forward in a more positive direction. There was also a delightful lack of romance clichés in this novel. Yes, Steven is immediately attracted to Kaitlyn, but this attraction is not expressed frequently or in clichés, and his attempts at flirting with her are met with withering indifference. It isn’t until Kaitlyn begins to see a more genuine side to Steven emerging that she takes steps to develop a friendship with him. In the end, their relationship develops out of an emotional connection rather than a physical attraction, and those are always the most satisfying romances for me.
There was one unusual thing about this book in that there was no ‘oh-no-what’s-going-to-happen’ climax towards the end. Oddly enough, I didn’t feel its absence while I was reading the book; it only occurred to me when I started writing this review. I think the reason this novel still worked (for me, anyway) was the subtle tension that built all the way through the novel that was less to do with ‘Will they get together?’ than ‘Will they finally find the peace they are looking for and stop running?’ As the novel nears the end you begin to see all the pieces falling into place; that God has indeed been making something beautiful out of the mess they had made. But it is not until the final scene that you really think, “Yes! They’ve made it.” And on that point, I have to say the final scene in the novel was perfect for the characters and the journey they have been on. I felt like I could release a breath I hadn’t even known I was holding.
This could well become one of my favourite feel-good reads. I’ll definitely be visiting Last Chance again in the future.
This is the third book in the ‘Last Chance’ series and although it is technically a stand-alone novel much of the background for both Steven’s and Kaitlyn’s stories is found in books one and two of this series respectively.
Neither Steven nor Kaitlyn have rosy pasts and both have shown a tendency to run rather than to face up to life’s responsibilities. Steven grew up in Last Chance and has returned to his uncle and aunt’s ranch to fill in time before goes to the Law Enforcement Academy in the spring (and to decide what to do with the now derelict bar he inherited from his late father). He has a reputation as a charmer, so it comes as something of a surprise when Kaitlyn remains indifferent to his attempts at getting to know her better. But, as everyone in Last Chance knows, she’s got enough on her plate trying to mend bridges with her seven year old daughter Olivia. Perhaps his well-meaning relatives are right when they suggest Steven is not the kind of guy she needs in her life. Still, it does kind of take a man down a peg or two to hear them say it...
Becoming a single mother at the age of seventeen wasn’t part of Kaitlyn’s plan, and running off after leaving Olivia with her brother Chris wasn’t her smartest moment either. She thought she was doing the best thing for Olivia by signing her guardianship over to Chris, but now she’s back in Last Chance determined to make better choices in her life and be the mother Olivia deserves, and if that means sticking it out waitressing at her brother’s diner and ignoring a good-looking guy who’s a little too confident of his own charm then so be it.
One of the most refreshing things about this novel was that both Steven and Kaitlyn acknowledged the mistakes they had made in the past without wallowing in self-pity or self-flagellations. Rather than dwelling on the past, they are determined to move forward in a more positive direction. There was also a delightful lack of romance clichés in this novel. Yes, Steven is immediately attracted to Kaitlyn, but this attraction is not expressed frequently or in clichés, and his attempts at flirting with her are met with withering indifference. It isn’t until Kaitlyn begins to see a more genuine side to Steven emerging that she takes steps to develop a friendship with him. In the end, their relationship develops out of an emotional connection rather than a physical attraction, and those are always the most satisfying romances for me.
There was one unusual thing about this book in that there was no ‘oh-no-what’s-going-to-happen’ climax towards the end. Oddly enough, I didn’t feel its absence while I was reading the book; it only occurred to me when I started writing this review. I think the reason this novel still worked (for me, anyway) was the subtle tension that built all the way through the novel that was less to do with ‘Will they get together?’ than ‘Will they finally find the peace they are looking for and stop running?’ As the novel nears the end you begin to see all the pieces falling into place; that God has indeed been making something beautiful out of the mess they had made. But it is not until the final scene that you really think, “Yes! They’ve made it.” And on that point, I have to say the final scene in the novel was perfect for the characters and the journey they have been on. I felt like I could release a breath I hadn’t even known I was holding.
This could well become one of my favourite feel-good reads. I’ll definitely be visiting Last Chance again in the future.
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