Love's Chance

by Emily E.K. Murdoch

Do you believe in second chances?

Katherine Morrison’s elopement at 16 ended badly – and there’s only one occupation for a fallen woman in 1841. Too ashamed to return to her family and too destitute to avoid the work that shames her, she puts her faith in the Lord that he will save her from her own mistakes. But when a customer collapses before her work is done, she has a chance of returning back to the life that she wanted.

But that life is gone. Her sister Elizabeth has moved on, and Thomas Bryant has his own agenda. He’s fallen for the delicate yet fierce woman who seems to have a past that even he cannot untangle. When a chance letter reveals the location of Katherine’s sister at Thomas’ family orchard, they cannot help but grasp at the opportunity to find their families again.

Could the chances that continue to come their way be more than just coincidence?

And can either of them find any happiness in the lives that they have chosen?

This is the second in the Sweet Grove Beginnings series that explores just how the town of Sweet Grove was planted. You can read the first book, 'Love's Journey', to discover how Thomas Bryant's older brother is desperately trying to keep Sweet Grove alive.

Genres: Historical Romance

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2017

About the author

Emily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.

Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.

You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com

Reviews

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prodigal son and daughter on their way back home, to Eden... Beautiful story about the brother and sister of the main characters of part 1 of this series. I really liked to read about the long lost sister and brother.
I received a copy and chose to review it.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love's Chance by Emily Murdoch is a Christian historical romance. It has the themes of new beginnings, prodigals returning, families and forgiveness.
We may wander from God but "there is no measurement of lostness." God longs to welcome each and every one of us home again, no matter how far off we have wandered.
God watches over us. He walks alongside us through whatever we face. "Though she placed her faith in the Lord, why would He save her from her own mistakes?" We grow in times of trouble and hopefully learn from our mistakes and draw closer to God.
Family ties bind. No matter how many miles or years separate us, there is a joyful reunion when we meet again.
A sweet story that blossoms as it unfolds.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Sera Hissam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Sweet grove beginning series . If the first book is sweet,pure romance,this is more of a second chance ,redemption ,tainted kinda romance . Kitty who fled years ago due to her trusting the wrong man, finds herself in a difficult position , being a lone woman , she has no choice but to sell herself in order to earn a living . Thomas, who has wronged his family by being a thief, was seeking temporary escape when he finds his life dwindling down to nowhere . He seeks out a brothel in which he met Kitty , him being another one of his customer . Drained out, he collapse literally right in front of her . Having no clue of his identity , she searched his belongings until she found a letter from his brother, Jonathan Bryant . There,she saw that the letter mentioned a certain Miss Elizabeth Morrison . Shocked to see her sister’s name and knowing her current location , she seeks help from Thomas,wanting to go to Sweet Grove to meet her sister . Thomas was undecided due to his tainted past and after some deliberation he suggested that they wed , wanting to to return to his childhood place as a respectable man with a wife .But can Thomas ever look past Kitty being a prostitute ? And will Kitty ever trust a thief ? You’ll need to read to find out . This is actually a good read for me and i enjoyed it immensely . Same as i did with Love’s Chance . However, i was wondering , how can Kitty escape Madam Nancy so easily without much drama going on ? Besides that, i think everything flowed well , i just missed and want some more of Elizabeth & Jonathan 🙂

[Teri Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story of forgiveness and love.
Katherine's past tugged at my heartstrings. I wanted to hug her and tell her that all would be right. Thank goodness for Thomas. Both he and Katherine needed to make peace with their past and decided a marriage of convenience might be the answer to their problems. I enjoyed how their relationship strengthened and their feelings grew for each other.
The ending was so sweet that it brought tears to my eyes.
I look forward to reading the next book in this delightful series.
I received an ARC of this book. The choice to read and review it was all mine.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love’s Chance by Emily Murdoch is a continuation of the first book in the series, Love’s Journey, but you do not need to read Love’s Journey first to enjoy this one. At the end of Love’s Journey I wanted to know what happened with Elizabeth's sister, Katherine. Well I found out in Love’s Chance. Love's Chance is Katherine's story. I loved the story and this second book in the series was much improved over the first. The characters were developed, the story flowed and kept my attention. I did receive a Beta copy, but voluntarily read and gave my honest, fair review.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people with pasts which they feel are unforgivable find each other. Katherine/Kitty finally seizes an opportunity to find happiness, although not in the way she planned. I liked her desire for a better life while making the best of her current situation. Thomas took a chance with Kitty in hopes of acceptance back into his family. This book is fully of chances/coincidences that make one wonder if there is a plan already set out for us. I enjoyed this story and will read more in this series.

I received a copy of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Transforming Power
This was a really good story, one in which their love transforms each of them into better people. It includes reconciliation, as well. It is well written, and draws you into the story from the beginning, and holds you until the end! I received an early copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest review of the book; then realized I wanted to purchase it, to read later!

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding Family of Sweet Grove has more than a few skeletons to rattle. But faith-based redemption is key. Set during the time of Texas independence, members of a scattered family find their way back to the family apple orchard and fulfilling lives. This is the second in the series I have read and fits very nicely with the first but if this is where you are starting you have a complete story here. A short, sweet novella, with a charming cast of characters and a compelling plot.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review . Like the first book, Love's Journey, this book keeps you reading until the end. A wonderful story about redemption and God's love and forgiveness. I liked meeting Katherine and Thomas and hearing their stories and what happened to them. Loved the way things happened to help them get home. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes clean romances.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of two people who have become disconnected from their respective families. They meet, by chance, and from there, due to a certain coincidence, their story begins. This is an engaging story of Thomas and Kitty, their journey to find their families and what they discover about themselves and each other. There are still questions to be answered about the other siblings.
I have voluntarily reviewed a copy.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these Kindle Worlds! It's so exciting to read different authors all set in the same place and I love that this one includes different times. Ms. Murdoch stays true to First Street Church while imagining that in an earlier time. Love the characters too. Katherine and Thomas are very different but make a wonderful couple if they can get out of their own way. Lovely story!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Leona Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the best historical romance stories you will ever read!

I have read most of the First Street Church Kindle World stories and except for the main stories by Melissa Storm, the Swet Grove Beginnings storues are by far my favorite. I love historical romance and these stories combine my love of historical romance and the wonderful town of Sweet Grove, Texas! I look forward to more stories from the Kindle World and Ms. Murdoch!

[Maria-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy for free.
Emily Murdock has a talent for describing feelings and situations in life. How easy it is after a wrong decision at a young age to end up in a bad predicament. Just think in today's world. How many young girls end up in prostitution after running away from home to follow the person they think is in love with them. The book is in a different time period. 1841. A time less forgiving then today.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much, I read it in one afternoon. Kitty and Thomas are both running from their past and hoping that together they can make everything right. An engaging, well thought out book with drama, suspense and romance, and of coarse a happily ever after. I look forward to reading more books in this series, and will gladly recommend them to family and friends. I received a free copy of this book and happily and voluntarily choose to leave a review.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

My heart went out to both of these characters but especially Katherine. Was there meeting coincidence or divine intervention? What about their connection? I like how the portrayed Katherine as a strong woman but knew how to accept help. There is forgiveness, reconciliation, overcoming one's past, and looking to the Lord. Can't wait to read the younger sister's book.

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was a very sweet short story of how love can change two people who thought their was nothing left for them, but find that they can love and care for someone other than themselves. Enjoyed. I was given a copy as a gift from the author. I am providing an honest review without obligation.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series continues in 1841 with the story of Katherine Morrison and Thomas Bryant. Sister to Elizabeth, and brother to Jonathan from the first novella. (This can be read as a stand-alone story) Where we found out, mainly what had happened to Katherine since she disapppeared from her Grand-parents home.
Another sweet enjoyable story. A quick read.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love reading this series! Emily Murdoch has written another engaging story about a 'lady of the night' and a thief bringing them together so that they slowly learn why they turned to their respective professions while they fall in love.
Cleverly written so that as a reader one is captivated. I loved this story and am extremely happy to recommend it.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take one prostitute and one thief and add a marriage/arrangement after three days and a walk into Sweet Grove and what do you get? Could it possibly be happily ever after?
Put your baggage behind you and move on to better things. It can happen.

[Jennifer Hevern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had all the feels, and I felt everyone. I found myself laughing and just as quickly tearing up. This sweet, beautiful story of redemption, love and being reunited is a must read.

[Barbara Murrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story about mistakes, misfortunes, chances, second chances, and coming home. And love. Always love. I will definitely be following this series through to its conclusion.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love's Chance by Emily Murdoch isa journey of love, smooth flowing and easy to read.
Storyline kept me guessing until the end. ARC Mr free Opinion. Thanks

[Cindylou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Chance

There comes a time in life when you have to let go of the old heavy past and open your arms to a bright new future.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining


Love's Chance by Emily Murdoch isa journey of love, smooth flowing and easy to read.
Storyline kept me guessing until the end. ARC Mr free Opinion. Thanks

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty has been through a lot in the past few years. She ran away from home and ended up destitute in Nacogdoches, Texas with only one way to support herself. One night Thomas comes to her room and passes out on the floor. Kitty is caring for him and finds a letter from his brother mentioning her sister and the town of Sweet Grove, Texas. When Thomas awakens, Kitty asks him to take her to Sweet Grove to her sister. Thomas agrees but only if they marry- for convenience only. So, they are married and begin the journey to Sweet Grove. Can Kitty overcome her life in Nacogdoches and trust Thomas? Can Thomas return to his family in Sweet Grove and make up for his mistakes? Will their marriage of convenience ever become a real marriage?
This is a very sweet story about overcoming adversity. Good people sometimes have to do things they wouldn’t normally do in order to survive. Good people also make mistakes. This story is about how these people move on from their past to a bright future. There is good character development for a novella. I have read previous books in this series so I was familiar with the characters to begin with since they were mentioned in other books. The plot is interesting and has a good pace- no super slow spots or gaps in the timeframe. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Donna Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story from beginning to the end. Great character development that goes well with the story line. A delightful quick read.