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Providence: Once Upon a Second Chance
More than twenty years ago a drunk driver shattered Jack Clayton’s family . Angry, confused and as naïve as any college freshman, he trades his small Midwestern town for another, only to find that it too is too small to contain his dreams. Or is it? Now an instrumental part of the Campus Missions Office and a New York Times Bestselling author, he makes his home in that very college town, where the past and “the one that got away” relentlessly haunt him and the future becomes increasingly uncertain thanks to a big city reporter with a malicious agenda. Will he have to walk away from the ministry that he spent decades building? Or can he find a way to confront the rumors and set the record straight? In a race against the clock, Jack throws caution to the wind and finds that even he may deserve a second chance.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
61 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Chris Coppernoll
4 books52 followersChris Coppernoll is the founder of Soul2Soul Ministries International. His interviews on faith with personalities such as Amy Grant, Max Lucado, and Michael W. Smith are heard in 600 outlets in twenty countries. He is the author of six books including his novels Providence, A Beautiful Fall, and Screen Play. He is married to novelist, Christa Parrish, and lives in upstate New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 9, 2013
How Christian fiction ought to be. I loved this romance written by a man (gotta love that perspective). One of my favorite features in the book was how Coppernoll used lyrics from music of the 80s as opening lines to his chapters and as a playlist for the story.
Even though he borrowed lines from song writers to augment his story, there were so many of his own lines that just sang to me. Here are some of the lines I highlighted throughout the book.
FAV0RITE LINES:
We’d gotten used to the steps of three dancers when Dad left, but with only the two of us left, we didn’t know how to move. We lost the rhythm.
My life had been dipped in liquid uncertainty, and I’d come up dripping with it.
Yet here I was, a forty-year-old man who’d learned to take the love he had for one woman and break it into a thousand pieces to give away to the poor.
She entered my life unannounced, but over the next few years, she would overturn every stone I was.
By then it seemed late, the way long days get heavy around 10:00 p.m.
I watched Marianne from the other side of the white-linen tablecloth, our plates full of unfamiliar foods. Our conversation full of unfamiliar words.
Maybe we both had to be pulled for twenty years through a too-narrow passage to shape our hearts into the people we were now.
He was shaking off my words, letting them fall into the crazy bin.
This was where I wanted to be forever, wrapped around Jenny, wrapped around hope.
Even though he borrowed lines from song writers to augment his story, there were so many of his own lines that just sang to me. Here are some of the lines I highlighted throughout the book.
FAV0RITE LINES:
We’d gotten used to the steps of three dancers when Dad left, but with only the two of us left, we didn’t know how to move. We lost the rhythm.
My life had been dipped in liquid uncertainty, and I’d come up dripping with it.
Yet here I was, a forty-year-old man who’d learned to take the love he had for one woman and break it into a thousand pieces to give away to the poor.
She entered my life unannounced, but over the next few years, she would overturn every stone I was.
By then it seemed late, the way long days get heavy around 10:00 p.m.
I watched Marianne from the other side of the white-linen tablecloth, our plates full of unfamiliar foods. Our conversation full of unfamiliar words.
Maybe we both had to be pulled for twenty years through a too-narrow passage to shape our hearts into the people we were now.
He was shaking off my words, letting them fall into the crazy bin.
This was where I wanted to be forever, wrapped around Jenny, wrapped around hope.
June 12, 2013
Jack Clayton is the 40-year-old author of a book about philanthropy. Best-seller status has taken him by surprise and now his publisher wants him to write his memoir but Jack hates the thought of digging up all the baggage from his past and dusting off the skeletons.
Reading how he coped with life as a reluctant celebrity was interesting. When he's offered freebies from restaurant meals to tailored clothes, told how he's made a positive difference in many lives and crowned Time Magazine's Man of the Year, I didn't think he had much to complain about. Then it got into the rougher aspects, such as paparazzi trailing him with malicious intentions. A realistic view of stardom is presented, as even Arthur, Jack's publisher, knows full well that the hype surrounding a celebrity may subside very quickly, hence his haste for them to get the memoir on the shelves asap.
What I really loved about the story was the page-turning factor. Every second chapter contained a flashback as Jack remembered snippets of past mistakes, bringing back all his smothered pain. The story switches back and forth from when he's 40, to the mid '80s when he was almost 20. Both stages of his life were fascinating and left off at crucial parts in the plot. Whenever the threads were interrupted to change to the other, I grew more anxious to find out how they could possibly be drawn together. Some of the young man Jack's attitudes were poles apart from the more mature worldview of his older self.
Being a young teen in the 80s myself, I remember many of the good old song lyrics at chapter beginnings. It's amusing to think that the 1980s comprises the 'historical' part of this novel. The ending is well worth waiting for, really sweet and satisfying. I hardly dared hope it would work out that way, except for the book's subtitle, "Once upon a second chance."
Finally, as an Aussie, I thought it funny that I started reading this book in the Christmas holidays during a blistering heatwave, and much of the story's action seems to happen in the iciest, most freezing North American winter I could imagine.
Reading how he coped with life as a reluctant celebrity was interesting. When he's offered freebies from restaurant meals to tailored clothes, told how he's made a positive difference in many lives and crowned Time Magazine's Man of the Year, I didn't think he had much to complain about. Then it got into the rougher aspects, such as paparazzi trailing him with malicious intentions. A realistic view of stardom is presented, as even Arthur, Jack's publisher, knows full well that the hype surrounding a celebrity may subside very quickly, hence his haste for them to get the memoir on the shelves asap.
What I really loved about the story was the page-turning factor. Every second chapter contained a flashback as Jack remembered snippets of past mistakes, bringing back all his smothered pain. The story switches back and forth from when he's 40, to the mid '80s when he was almost 20. Both stages of his life were fascinating and left off at crucial parts in the plot. Whenever the threads were interrupted to change to the other, I grew more anxious to find out how they could possibly be drawn together. Some of the young man Jack's attitudes were poles apart from the more mature worldview of his older self.
Being a young teen in the 80s myself, I remember many of the good old song lyrics at chapter beginnings. It's amusing to think that the 1980s comprises the 'historical' part of this novel. The ending is well worth waiting for, really sweet and satisfying. I hardly dared hope it would work out that way, except for the book's subtitle, "Once upon a second chance."
Finally, as an Aussie, I thought it funny that I started reading this book in the Christmas holidays during a blistering heatwave, and much of the story's action seems to happen in the iciest, most freezing North American winter I could imagine.
December 30, 2012
More than twenty years ago a drunk driver shattered Jack Clayton’s family. Angry, confused and as naïve as any college freshman, he trades his small Midwestern town for another, only to find that it too is too small to contain his dreams. Or is it? Now an instrumental part of the Campus Missions Office and a New York Times Bestselling author, he makes his home in that very college town, where the past and “the one that got away” relentlessly haunt him and the future becomes increasingly uncertain thanks to a big city reporter with a malicious agenda. He is an author who doesn't give interviews, but has to write a book about his own life--which forces him to look deep inside his past.
Will he have to walk away from the ministry that he spent decades building? Or can he find a way to confront the rumors and set the record straight? In a race against the clock, Jack throws caution to the wind and finds that even he may deserve a second chance.
Providence--not just the name of a town. What is God's will for Jack's life? How does God use a person? He gave up the love of a lifetime because he wasn't ready to settle down. He thinks about her his whole life, but finally dedicates his life to God and God uses him mightily. What happens when he meets her again? A love story in multiple realms--God's love for his people, love of a man and woman, love for humankind...
Will he have to walk away from the ministry that he spent decades building? Or can he find a way to confront the rumors and set the record straight? In a race against the clock, Jack throws caution to the wind and finds that even he may deserve a second chance.
Providence--not just the name of a town. What is God's will for Jack's life? How does God use a person? He gave up the love of a lifetime because he wasn't ready to settle down. He thinks about her his whole life, but finally dedicates his life to God and God uses him mightily. What happens when he meets her again? A love story in multiple realms--God's love for his people, love of a man and woman, love for humankind...
January 18, 2013
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I downloaded it on a whim when it was discounted and left it only Kindke queue for a few weeks before starting it when I couldn't sleep one night. I knew very little about the story line but was drawn in quickly. It was a fast read, and gave me reason to ponder my own reaction to the circumstances of the characters, which is something I enjoy in books. I also enjoyed the reading about the characters' faith, as well as their spiritual struggles and successes :).
March 1, 2013
Though wary of much "Christian" fiction out there, Chris Coppernoll hits it out of the park with this one. He writes a heartfelt book about love, loss, forgiveness, and moving on with life—God giving second chances and working all things together for good. Chris's characters are believable and down to earth. I'm glad I picked this up—it was downright intriguing.
October 7, 2013
Love the format of the past versus present and how it all comes together at the perfect moment. The storyline is not as predictable as many are. The adventures main character, Jack, goes through are not your usual main Christian character experiences. Love the book, couldn't put it down!!
December 29, 2012
READ this book!
January 3, 2013
Loved it. This book would make an awesome movie!
October 6, 2014
First chapter was hard going, but I hung in there and was greatly pleased that I did! Great story of finding forgiveness when you least expect it.
June 23, 2015
Providence" was a very pleasant surprise. A bittersweet tale of lost love and a search for significance.
November 3, 2015
What a story of maturing, Grace and providence.
August 25, 2017
Good book about love, hitting rock bottom, finding God and turning your life around to do his work. To in turn be glorified by him.
April 25, 2018
Such a wonderful read! A page turner from the beginning. I really enjoyed this book.
November 3, 2024
No foul language. No crudeness. This is an author I would certainly read again!
At times, I didn’t like Jack Clayton. He made mistakes in life, as we all have, and he held on to those mistakes with all he had. I wanted to smack his young, college self. I wanted to shake his woe-is-me adult self, and I wanted to hug the man he finally became.
“Do something about today. It’s the only day we truly have. And if you’ll make this day matter for the things Christ taught us, you’ll be doing what He wants you to do and living with purpose. You won’t have regrets, especially when you learn to love others more than anything else…except for the love you have for God…Pour out everything you can to others” (262).
At times, I didn’t like Jack Clayton. He made mistakes in life, as we all have, and he held on to those mistakes with all he had. I wanted to smack his young, college self. I wanted to shake his woe-is-me adult self, and I wanted to hug the man he finally became.
“Do something about today. It’s the only day we truly have. And if you’ll make this day matter for the things Christ taught us, you’ll be doing what He wants you to do and living with purpose. You won’t have regrets, especially when you learn to love others more than anything else…except for the love you have for God…Pour out everything you can to others” (262).
December 27, 2013
Jack Clayton is a devout Christian, who has spent most of his adult life working to help the poor. He collected the stories of the people who blessed his life, published those stories, and finds himself on a best-seller list with a bossy publishing agent who demands a personal memoir... A memoir Jack doesn't actually want to write because of a misspent youth in which he hurt a lot of people.
I had trouble with the book. The writing was straightforward and easy to follow, but in the beginning Jack felt a bit bland. His character develops a bit more, after he's agreed to write his memoir and his character starts to become more flushed out. But then I feel like the story was wrongly titled, Once Upon a Second Chance...I felt like it could also have been named, Self Flagellation for People Who Blame Themselves for Everything.
Jack starts his memoir as he's graduating high school, leaving for Providence College with his best friend Mitchell. He thinks about what a jerk he was to his mother; after his parents divorce and the loss of his sister Ruthie, he and his mom didn't have much of a relationship. Someone should have told him, its okay to hate your parents, most teenagers do...Also relationships are always double sided. His mother could have reached out before he was on his way out the door; they're both responsible for that animosity.
Shortly after arriving at school, he and Mitchell meet Erin and Jenny. Mitchell and Erin are very much in love. Jack becomes besotted with Jenny; she's beautiful and she knows what she wants. The problem is, Jenny is also clingy and naive. She wants Jack to be the man she's always wanted... Not the eighteen year old from a broken home that he actually is. He blames himself for the eventual failure of the relationship; I blame Jenny. She's almost as selfish as he is--Because she knows what she wants, it never occurs to her that he might want different things.
Then the horrible ordeal with Mitchell. It sounds like survivor's guilt more than actual fault; sure getting into a car with a drug dealer is never a great idea, but they were supposed to be going to a party. Neither Jack nor Mitchell knew where they were actually going. If we have to blame someone, why not Brian? Why not the guy with the gun?
And then the God stuff. Okay, it's Christian Lit, I understand there is going to be a lot of God talk. My problem is with some of the views promoted. First with Jenny wanting Jack to be a certain way and then with Mitchell post-conversion carrying on in her absence: Basically, If you don't believe in the Lord and God's Divine Plan you're a loser and should convert immediately to save face. Then take Jack-Now who has found God and compare him to Jack-Then and I think it is unbelievable how many mishaps Jack takes credit for versus how many blessings he attributes to God. Either God's got the Plans or he doesn't, right? So either God intended for all the bad to happen and it isn't all on your shoulders... or if the bad is your fault than the good things must have something to do with you too.
The Christian viewpoints that were expressed really well were: help the needy and the power of forgiveness. And it's a shame they were only touched on, instead of embraced, because I'd rather have read that story. The story of how he helped people and how he learned to forgive himself for bad choices. Taking time off from helping people to write a memoir and rediscover himself, didn't do much for me.
I'm rating this as a 3, but I think this would probably be a 4 or 5 for the right person. I'm just not religious enough.
I had trouble with the book. The writing was straightforward and easy to follow, but in the beginning Jack felt a bit bland. His character develops a bit more, after he's agreed to write his memoir and his character starts to become more flushed out. But then I feel like the story was wrongly titled, Once Upon a Second Chance...I felt like it could also have been named, Self Flagellation for People Who Blame Themselves for Everything.
Jack starts his memoir as he's graduating high school, leaving for Providence College with his best friend Mitchell. He thinks about what a jerk he was to his mother; after his parents divorce and the loss of his sister Ruthie, he and his mom didn't have much of a relationship. Someone should have told him, its okay to hate your parents, most teenagers do...Also relationships are always double sided. His mother could have reached out before he was on his way out the door; they're both responsible for that animosity.
Shortly after arriving at school, he and Mitchell meet Erin and Jenny. Mitchell and Erin are very much in love. Jack becomes besotted with Jenny; she's beautiful and she knows what she wants. The problem is, Jenny is also clingy and naive. She wants Jack to be the man she's always wanted... Not the eighteen year old from a broken home that he actually is. He blames himself for the eventual failure of the relationship; I blame Jenny. She's almost as selfish as he is--Because she knows what she wants, it never occurs to her that he might want different things.
Then the horrible ordeal with Mitchell. It sounds like survivor's guilt more than actual fault; sure getting into a car with a drug dealer is never a great idea, but they were supposed to be going to a party. Neither Jack nor Mitchell knew where they were actually going. If we have to blame someone, why not Brian? Why not the guy with the gun?
And then the God stuff. Okay, it's Christian Lit, I understand there is going to be a lot of God talk. My problem is with some of the views promoted. First with Jenny wanting Jack to be a certain way and then with Mitchell post-conversion carrying on in her absence: Basically, If you don't believe in the Lord and God's Divine Plan you're a loser and should convert immediately to save face. Then take Jack-Now who has found God and compare him to Jack-Then and I think it is unbelievable how many mishaps Jack takes credit for versus how many blessings he attributes to God. Either God's got the Plans or he doesn't, right? So either God intended for all the bad to happen and it isn't all on your shoulders... or if the bad is your fault than the good things must have something to do with you too.
The Christian viewpoints that were expressed really well were: help the needy and the power of forgiveness. And it's a shame they were only touched on, instead of embraced, because I'd rather have read that story. The story of how he helped people and how he learned to forgive himself for bad choices. Taking time off from helping people to write a memoir and rediscover himself, didn't do much for me.
I'm rating this as a 3, but I think this would probably be a 4 or 5 for the right person. I'm just not religious enough.
July 9, 2015
Jack Clayton Campus Missions office staff member couldn’t believe his name was associated with a scandal! How did this happen? Why did people want to know so much about him and his past? He didn’t ask to be famous. He just wrote the stories of the poor in Norwood. Why couldn’t they accept the fact that he didn’t do interviews?
The simple life that’s all he ever wanted, a waitress shows him her Time magazine; she wants him to sign it. He takes a look, he’s on the front cover – Person of the Year? Him? There must be some mistake all he did was write “Laborers of the Orchard” a non-fiction book that sold 18 million copies. Now Arthur his publisher wants him to write his Memoirs; he says this is the thing to do. Arthur is already pre-selling it and it’s not even written. Jack felt torn. Digging up the past was not what he wanted to do but he sensed that the Lord had other plans. The Lord’s ways are not our ways Jack was finding that out.
Jack Clayton tries to explain this to Arthur when he says “Are there issues in your personal life, things you find particularly challenging that you scarcely have strength to face privately? Things you might speak about with a counselor or a clergy man? Now picture working through your issues in front of the whole world, surrounded by journalists and cameramen. I don’t want to go there, do you?”
A dilemma unveiling the past; things Jack had done out of youthful immaturity, things he would rather forget than announce them to the whole world! Yet Jack felt this nudging from the Lord to dig and tell. He knew that God would forgive him for what he had done. But can he forgive himself ?
Then an encouraging word in the middle of Jack’s storm. “Do something about today. It’s the only day we truly have. And if you’ll make this day matter for the things Christ taught us you’ll be doing what He wants you do and live with purpose. You won’t have regrets”. Now that was something Jack could hang on to as he faced writing of his Memoirs, the media and Arthur his publisher.
I was encouraged by the many inspiring messages Chris has throughout this book. I also liked how Chris portrays his characters in the story. They are believable and honest. You will love Providence the town and this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
The simple life that’s all he ever wanted, a waitress shows him her Time magazine; she wants him to sign it. He takes a look, he’s on the front cover – Person of the Year? Him? There must be some mistake all he did was write “Laborers of the Orchard” a non-fiction book that sold 18 million copies. Now Arthur his publisher wants him to write his Memoirs; he says this is the thing to do. Arthur is already pre-selling it and it’s not even written. Jack felt torn. Digging up the past was not what he wanted to do but he sensed that the Lord had other plans. The Lord’s ways are not our ways Jack was finding that out.
Jack Clayton tries to explain this to Arthur when he says “Are there issues in your personal life, things you find particularly challenging that you scarcely have strength to face privately? Things you might speak about with a counselor or a clergy man? Now picture working through your issues in front of the whole world, surrounded by journalists and cameramen. I don’t want to go there, do you?”
A dilemma unveiling the past; things Jack had done out of youthful immaturity, things he would rather forget than announce them to the whole world! Yet Jack felt this nudging from the Lord to dig and tell. He knew that God would forgive him for what he had done. But can he forgive himself ?
Then an encouraging word in the middle of Jack’s storm. “Do something about today. It’s the only day we truly have. And if you’ll make this day matter for the things Christ taught us you’ll be doing what He wants you do and live with purpose. You won’t have regrets”. Now that was something Jack could hang on to as he faced writing of his Memoirs, the media and Arthur his publisher.
I was encouraged by the many inspiring messages Chris has throughout this book. I also liked how Chris portrays his characters in the story. They are believable and honest. You will love Providence the town and this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
July 29, 2013
Chris Coppernoll is a very good writer and I liked his Jack Clayton character right away. However, I almost didn’t finish this book because I couldn’t buy into the main premise that a book about some Indiana college mission would sell over 18 million copies and impress the editors of Time magazine as well. It seemed so far-fetched that it took me out of the book. But then I looked at all the good reviews here and decided to go back and finish it. Still, I had a few problems with the story.
For instance, I’m nitpicking here because Coppernoll has all the tools to be a great writer. I thought he set us up for some big dark secrets that made Jack so press shy. When he finally relents and lets his story be told, it was a let down. How did he transform from Average Joe into humble pastor with a golden pen able to captivate millions of America with his tales from the front? That part was left out, I think. Or did I nod off and miss it?
Still, I'm giving it four stars because there was a lot to like in it.
For instance, I’m nitpicking here because Coppernoll has all the tools to be a great writer. I thought he set us up for some big dark secrets that made Jack so press shy. When he finally relents and lets his story be told, it was a let down. How did he transform from Average Joe into humble pastor with a golden pen able to captivate millions of America with his tales from the front? That part was left out, I think. Or did I nod off and miss it?
Still, I'm giving it four stars because there was a lot to like in it.
September 17, 2008
When Chris Coppernoll added me as a friend and brought his book to my attention, I had to admit I was nervous to read it. What if I thought it was lame? Do I be brutally honest in my review? Or do I write a fluffy review? Well, lucky for me I don't have to worry about it, because I genuinely did love it! This was such a wonderful story about forgiveness. It was so heartbreaking, yet full of plenty of hope and love. The book is heavily laced with religious and spiritual ideas and lessons, which I loved. This is one of the few books I've read that made me feel as though I had learned something important. It is also chuck full of fun little 80s pop-culture references and song quotes, which made me smile. They really took me back and unearthed some of my own childhood memories.
This is a book I would really like to read again in the distant future. I feel like I could've pulled so much more out of it had I been able to read it without life's distractions interrupting me every 5 minutes. This is the perfect book to read in a quiet, serene atmosphere, so that you could have time to pause and reflect. A very enjoyable story. Thanks for sharing it with the world, Chris. I can't wait to get ahold of A Beautiful Fall.
This is a book I would really like to read again in the distant future. I feel like I could've pulled so much more out of it had I been able to read it without life's distractions interrupting me every 5 minutes. This is the perfect book to read in a quiet, serene atmosphere, so that you could have time to pause and reflect. A very enjoyable story. Thanks for sharing it with the world, Chris. I can't wait to get ahold of A Beautiful Fall.
March 14, 2014
Dealing with concepts of self discovery, compassion, forgiveness, and love, this book takes the reader in a journey spanning 20 years of the main character's life. The author presents the past and present paralleled in a flowing style. Each chapter is begun with a line of a song, lyrics that typified the generation of the 80s. While the book has a Christian message undergirding the theme, it is neither presented as a quick fix to the problem or poorly written. The story concerns a man who has struggled to find his place in life and has used his resources to create positive change in a poverty stricken community through education and other agencies. After the story ends, the names and contact information for several legitimate groups are given so that the reader can explore ways to become an agent of societal change through education, health, and support of the underprivileged. Altogether, the book is interesting and worth the time spent reading so I recommend it.
March 4, 2011
This haunting story of a man who must deal with his past moves slowly but packs a powerful punch. Jack has become famous for the book he wrote about his ministry--but the demands of his publisher for him to write another book have him less than thrilled. This is because the new book has him looking at a subject he has avoided for many years--the painful events of his past and his part in pushing away those that loved him. Despite Jack's efforts to stop it, it seems God wants him to deal with his past, so he is soon contacting old friends and writing about events that are painful to him. Along the way he learnes some very powerful lessons about God's providence.[return]This introspective novel was memorable for the inner struggles of the main character and the unresolved romantic relationship that the reader hopes ends happily. Great read for a time when you want to savor a story.
July 31, 2013
When I picked this book off amazon, I didn't expect it to be this massive an influence.
Right off the bat, I was intrigued and stayed intrigued for the next few hours till I finished it.
Jack Clayton is fresh off his latest best selling novel, when his publisher pushes him for another one; his memoir.
He is hesitant to write it as it will mean digging up past memories, but providence places him on that path. As situations begin stacking themselves one by one, drawing him towards dealing w/ the past and healing old wounds while nursing a lost love, Jack begins to see things differently.
Written in two eras, this was one awesome read, to say the least. Highly recommended if you love yourself some good old fashioned love story laced w/ redemption.
Right off the bat, I was intrigued and stayed intrigued for the next few hours till I finished it.
Jack Clayton is fresh off his latest best selling novel, when his publisher pushes him for another one; his memoir.
He is hesitant to write it as it will mean digging up past memories, but providence places him on that path. As situations begin stacking themselves one by one, drawing him towards dealing w/ the past and healing old wounds while nursing a lost love, Jack begins to see things differently.
Written in two eras, this was one awesome read, to say the least. Highly recommended if you love yourself some good old fashioned love story laced w/ redemption.
January 2, 2012
If this book were ever made into a movie, it would have an awesome 80s soundtrack. As it is, it's a richly textured romance about Jack, a simple man who's thrust into the spotlight after he writes a bestselling book about his mission work in the inner city. He returns to the college town where he abandoned his one true love and finds a devious reporter out to smear his name. The characters, especially Jack and Jenny, have real depth and you find yourself wishing you could spend more time with them. The cynical reporter is a bit of a stock character, though, but the gently romantic plot moves you just the same.
September 26, 2008
This is a wonderful story. Even though I am a minister's daughter, it is the first Christian literature I have ever picked up. Jack, the main character, was very easy to like and to relate to. His story is a heart-warming one filled with important messages and lessons learned. This is one of those novels when you miss the main characters once you have finished the book. I've been thinking about Jack and Jenny all day.... Thanks for a great book Chris!
August 16, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. Many wonderful life lessons can be taken away from this book. Forgiveness is one of the best and most powerful gifts that you can give to yourself and to others. Even though most of us make bad choices, our God can take these circumstances and use them to lead us to some amazing life experiences. I enjoyed the many layers of the characters in this book. Very intriguing that this story was told from the male point of view.
January 17, 2012
This story is about a middle aged man named Jack. It flips back and forth between the present and the past of his life. It is his story on how he became the man he is now. I really enjoyed the story (and it is a Christian based one), how he finds he was broken and found his faith, then followed God's plan even though he didn't want to and was unsure of how it would turn out. He was obedient to God's wishes.
It was a good read. one that left you wanting to read more.
It was a good read. one that left you wanting to read more.
March 28, 2015
Jack Clayton is a NYT best selling author and part of a ministry that reaches out to the poor in Providence, IN. When his publisher pushes him to write a memoir, Jack hesitates. Writing a memoir will mean visiting his past and things he has tried to forget. As Jack begins the work, the memories come flooding back and while there are no do-overs, there are second chances and opportunities for forgiveness.
May 2, 2022
When I first started reading this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. The more I read, the more it grew on me. I love the song lyrics at the beginning of each chapter. Jack seemed like a good man after he found the Lord. Jenny, Erin and Mitch were likeable characters. However, this big romance between Jenny and Jack was very one-sided (obviously), and I just didn’t see it as this great love affair. But it was still a good and interesting story.
August 10, 2013
This book was awesome; so unexpected, so surreal but down to earth at the same time. It's an ordinary guy's life story about how life becomes so complicated, then in God's time falls into place in the end in a sweet simple way. It's about grace, redemption, forgiveness and love. Read this book...you will be so glad you did!
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May 29, 2015I really liked this book. very clean, very interesting. main character is writing his biography, and we get to follow along. I liked the style of toggling back and forth through time, though, twice I got lost. I would love to do a book club review on this book. there is so much to talk about, and think about afterwards.
February 10, 2017
This is Chris' first novel, and what a great job he has done. This story is all about second chances. Usually you find this type of book written from a female perspective, so it's great to get a guy's point of view.
It was really hard to put down; just wanted to find out what was in Jack's story and where it would lead.
It was really hard to put down; just wanted to find out what was in Jack's story and where it would lead.
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