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Chances Are...
It took a 15-second play to bring his career to a halt for the season. It only took one second for her to bring his heart to a stop. A bone shattering hit sidelines Antoni Cahill from his top spot as the Scranton Sparrows top-rated kicker, but he is dealt a crushing blow with the news of his grandfather’s passing. To keep his grandmother happy Tony helps her relocate to her childhood town of Chance, VA. His growing suspicion of her true physical health causes him to seek out a nurse/companion for her while he’s away. The woman standing on their doorstep may be exactly what the doctor ordered for his grandmother, but she takes his breath away. For Meagan Rowe, Sweet Grove has been a place of refuge after the death of her twin brother. For years her decision to become a nurse practitioner was the only one that made sense, both to her heart and the financial preservation of her family. Her budding career and most recent client brings her face-to-face with the extremely handsome yet adorably awkward football star. It could be a match made in heaven if she wasn’t forced to keep his grandmother’s true health a secret or if his foundation hadn’t failed to help her family in their most desperate time of need. ***Formerly 'Love's Bittersweet Beginning' but with extended alternate ending***
- GenresContemporary
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2018
105 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Traci Wooden-Carlisle
18 books636 followersTraci Wooden-Carlisle began writing poetry and short stories as soon as she was able to form words on paper. She used that as a way of creating worlds, as well as, to communicate with God. A native of Los Angeles, California, she grew up attending United Methodist Church under the leadership of a pastor whose heart was for youth. Once she finished college she found herself at a loss. She felt caught in the transition between childhood and adulthood. She surrounded herself with saints and volunteered her services as a graphic artist. Through the early-morning prayer, all night Friday prayer and 3-day shut-ins she started on her journey toward her most desired gift, an intimate relationship with God.
Today, Mrs. Wooden-Carlisle lives in San Diego with her husband, Mr. Carlisle. She teaches fitness classes, runs a jewelry and craft business, and is currently writing the next installment in her Christian-fiction series.
Today, Mrs. Wooden-Carlisle lives in San Diego with her husband, Mr. Carlisle. She teaches fitness classes, runs a jewelry and craft business, and is currently writing the next installment in her Christian-fiction series.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 21, 2021
Ohh, boy did I get behind on reviews again... Okay, so I'm not going to remember every detail of all these titles, but I refuse to fall into the trap I did last year and just give up on reviewing them at all! So even if I don't remember details, I'll do my best to capture impressions and general thoughts. My apologies...life went a little nuts over the last month or so. (:
So...the main characters were very sweet, and I liked them, but I didn't really feel like I connected with them the way I wanted to. I loved Tony's care for his grandmother and the way that her friendship with Meagan developed. I also liked her not-so-subtle hints at matchmaking. Grandmas for the win! XD And the details of Meagan's backstory, particularly her relationship with her brother, really tugged at my heartstrings. I would have liked to get more of the details around Tony's football career, since that was one of the main things that interested me about the story, but it seemed to be mostly relegated to the back burner.
And now...explaining what I didn't like so much is going to be difficult. Here's the thing--I don't need or necessarily like a lot of character/relationship drama in stories. I would much rather see people work out their issues in an honest, open way than hide secrets and nurse grudges and get wrapped up in misunderstandings. And yet...when there's nothing really happening *outside* the relationship, and everything's being nicely handled *inside* it--I don't know. It's not that I wanted them to have huge arguments or breakups or anything like that. I didn't! And I appreciated the way they worked through the things that did come up so much. But...I just didn't ever really doubt that things were going to work out or fear that something was going to come between them. Even the major thing that Tony was so scared of at the end--it was like, if this is going to be an issue, then she's not the girl I thought she was. It's hard to explain because if this were a real-life relationship, it would have been fabulous! But there just wasn't that much in the story to hook me and keep me reading because I needed to know what happened.
Anyway, yeah. Very sweet characters, but (and this may be the only time you hear this complaint from me) just not enough drama (or danger or threat or whatever you want to call it) to pull me along.
2.5 stars
Content--a few kisses (not descriptive); mentions of terminal illness and death; mentions of a car accident and serious injuries; talk of "a special place in hell" for those who cheat grieving families; a nickname gives the impression that a girl has a male roommate (she doesn't), which is disapproved of but not expressly condemned; talk of a girl walking in on her parents being "affectionate" and being uncomfortable (no details)
So...the main characters were very sweet, and I liked them, but I didn't really feel like I connected with them the way I wanted to. I loved Tony's care for his grandmother and the way that her friendship with Meagan developed. I also liked her not-so-subtle hints at matchmaking. Grandmas for the win! XD And the details of Meagan's backstory, particularly her relationship with her brother, really tugged at my heartstrings. I would have liked to get more of the details around Tony's football career, since that was one of the main things that interested me about the story, but it seemed to be mostly relegated to the back burner.
And now...explaining what I didn't like so much is going to be difficult. Here's the thing--I don't need or necessarily like a lot of character/relationship drama in stories. I would much rather see people work out their issues in an honest, open way than hide secrets and nurse grudges and get wrapped up in misunderstandings. And yet...when there's nothing really happening *outside* the relationship, and everything's being nicely handled *inside* it--I don't know. It's not that I wanted them to have huge arguments or breakups or anything like that. I didn't! And I appreciated the way they worked through the things that did come up so much. But...I just didn't ever really doubt that things were going to work out or fear that something was going to come between them. Even the major thing that Tony was so scared of at the end--it was like, if this is going to be an issue, then she's not the girl I thought she was. It's hard to explain because if this were a real-life relationship, it would have been fabulous! But there just wasn't that much in the story to hook me and keep me reading because I needed to know what happened.
Anyway, yeah. Very sweet characters, but (and this may be the only time you hear this complaint from me) just not enough drama (or danger or threat or whatever you want to call it) to pull me along.
2.5 stars
Content--a few kisses (not descriptive); mentions of terminal illness and death; mentions of a car accident and serious injuries; talk of "a special place in hell" for those who cheat grieving families; a nickname gives the impression that a girl has a male roommate (she doesn't), which is disapproved of but not expressly condemned; talk of a girl walking in on her parents being "affectionate" and being uncomfortable (no details)
October 19, 2018
Traci Wooden-Carlisle has an incredible way with words. Following are two examples:
Her mother had just packed all of her bags and sent her on a guilt trip.
“If I reacted to every emotion your grandfather evoked in me I would be serving a life sentence for accidentally killing him while trying to knock some sense into him.”
I like her writing style; it’s a pleasure to read. Chances Are is a Christian romance in which the faith just flows naturally as part of the story. I love the openness of Tony and Meaghan with each other. They are great characters. The plot moves along at a good pace, and there is a sweet HEA. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this amazing romance.
Her mother had just packed all of her bags and sent her on a guilt trip.
“If I reacted to every emotion your grandfather evoked in me I would be serving a life sentence for accidentally killing him while trying to knock some sense into him.”
I like her writing style; it’s a pleasure to read. Chances Are is a Christian romance in which the faith just flows naturally as part of the story. I love the openness of Tony and Meaghan with each other. They are great characters. The plot moves along at a good pace, and there is a sweet HEA. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this amazing romance.
November 7, 2018
Great read! I look forward to reading book 2.
November 23, 2018
In this God inspired love story, Tony a football kicker meets nurse Megan from two different worlds but they fall in love despite all the twist and turns.
A must read
A must read
August 7, 2024
When Tony Cahill gets sided lined with an injury he really didn't think that his life would change when his grandmother called telling him the news that his grandfather passed away. He grants her wish of moving back to her home town and then he finds a nurse / companion for her because he has a bad feeling about her health. In walks Meagan a nurse who is the healing balm for his grandmother but even more for him. Meagan is the balm that everyone needs but her sadness is not hard to miss after loosing her twin. Will grandma bring these two together and will they be able to figure everything out between grandma's health and and the secret of his foundation failing her family when they needed it the most.
Meagan and Tony are such a sweet pair, Tony is a rough and tumble football player who you would think of being arrogant and self important but he totally isn't. He is a sweet guy who cares deeply for his family and honestly it seems like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Meagan is a sweet woman who is working hard to help out her family and she loves her job but like Tony it seems like she has a burden that she is carrying around with her that does make her a little sad. When they are together they are sweet almost too sweet sometimes. Grandma is such a card she knows what is up with them. Pietra her best friend and room mate is like the best friend we all need and also the sound of reason when both of them get in their heads.
This is a sweet clean read and it is a good read, the characters are well written but did come a little flat a few times maybe they were just too sweet. The author could of given them a little bit of angst in the story to give them a little bit of depth and maybe let them have a little time apart then come back together and fall in love deeper . Over all I truly liked this book and can't wait to see what happens in book 2. so if you want a sweet clean read this will be one for the beach or pool . Check it out.
Meagan and Tony are such a sweet pair, Tony is a rough and tumble football player who you would think of being arrogant and self important but he totally isn't. He is a sweet guy who cares deeply for his family and honestly it seems like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Meagan is a sweet woman who is working hard to help out her family and she loves her job but like Tony it seems like she has a burden that she is carrying around with her that does make her a little sad. When they are together they are sweet almost too sweet sometimes. Grandma is such a card she knows what is up with them. Pietra her best friend and room mate is like the best friend we all need and also the sound of reason when both of them get in their heads.
This is a sweet clean read and it is a good read, the characters are well written but did come a little flat a few times maybe they were just too sweet. The author could of given them a little bit of angst in the story to give them a little bit of depth and maybe let them have a little time apart then come back together and fall in love deeper . Over all I truly liked this book and can't wait to see what happens in book 2. so if you want a sweet clean read this will be one for the beach or pool . Check it out.
October 23, 2021
This was a really cute and enjoyable, clean read.
Meagan and Tony really seemed like the perfect match for each other.
Meagan had a bit of sass to her that kept Tony on his toes She also didn't let him get away with trying to treat her like he might've seen or heard his other teammates treating the women that come along with his career. Both of them were also confident and comfortable in their faith that they never wavered when it came to asking for help in a direction their life might have taken or when both lost someone important to them.
But for as cute as I thought this book was and as enjoyable as the characters were, when it comes to clean contemporary romances...heck any kind of romance, I want to see a little angst. I've read some really good clean religious romance books that really sucked me in and since this type of genre isn't really my first pick I really need something to peak my interest. From the synopsis I really hoped that maybe the grandmothers health being hidden from Tony might've been blown more out of proportion to give that angst, fire, "betrayal" I was looking for, but it was so wrapped up in a bow within a couple pages.
Meagan and Tony really seemed like the perfect match for each other.
Meagan had a bit of sass to her that kept Tony on his toes She also didn't let him get away with trying to treat her like he might've seen or heard his other teammates treating the women that come along with his career. Both of them were also confident and comfortable in their faith that they never wavered when it came to asking for help in a direction their life might have taken or when both lost someone important to them.
But for as cute as I thought this book was and as enjoyable as the characters were, when it comes to clean contemporary romances...heck any kind of romance, I want to see a little angst. I've read some really good clean religious romance books that really sucked me in and since this type of genre isn't really my first pick I really need something to peak my interest. From the synopsis I really hoped that maybe the grandmothers health being hidden from Tony might've been blown more out of proportion to give that angst, fire, "betrayal" I was looking for, but it was so wrapped up in a bow within a couple pages.
October 9, 2020
Great Story!
I loved this story. It had had me gripped from the beginning, a real page-turner!
Tony was sweet, I loved his interaction with Meagan, and there were some real funny parts in this story that had me laughing out loud! There were also some touching ones that made me cry.
Tony is a football star hunk who is also responsible for a charity foundation and has just lost his grandfather who was more like a father to him and due to his loss decides to spend more time with his grandmother. There, he meets his grandmother’s nurse Meagan. There is an instant attraction between them, but what further develops is, Meagan has had a loss too and is working hard to help her parents with their debt, due to the medical expenses after her brother passed away. The further twist to the story Tony is, Meagan’s family had applied to his foundation nine years before and received no funding, leaving them struggling financially for years. What was going on? I won’t spoil it for you. But I highly recommend this one!
I loved this story. It had had me gripped from the beginning, a real page-turner!
Tony was sweet, I loved his interaction with Meagan, and there were some real funny parts in this story that had me laughing out loud! There were also some touching ones that made me cry.
Tony is a football star hunk who is also responsible for a charity foundation and has just lost his grandfather who was more like a father to him and due to his loss decides to spend more time with his grandmother. There, he meets his grandmother’s nurse Meagan. There is an instant attraction between them, but what further develops is, Meagan has had a loss too and is working hard to help her parents with their debt, due to the medical expenses after her brother passed away. The further twist to the story Tony is, Meagan’s family had applied to his foundation nine years before and received no funding, leaving them struggling financially for years. What was going on? I won’t spoil it for you. But I highly recommend this one!
July 8, 2023
Unlikely Pair of Lovebirds
Meaghan, the tired and hardworking nurse accidentally takes the NFL players legs right from underneath him. One look at her, and he drools, and prob forgot his name. Instantly he’s smitten. She is the home health nurse for his ailing grandmother that recently moved back to her old hometown. Ms. Olivia is the only relative that Tony Cahill has and he will do anything for her wellness and happiness. While Meaghan doesn’t want to remain on this case bec of a promised by the Agency, when she tries to resign she learns Mr. Cahill wants her to always be his grandmother ‘s nurse practitioner. Meaghan will just have to deal with the situation and continue working with Ms. Olivia. The couple didn’t experience too much drama, prob bec Meaghan is a cut to the chase kinda girl. Tony can trust his heart to this nurse! The are both Christians, neither wants to play games, and they are a couple that will be able to work thru any challenges that are presented.
Meaghan, the tired and hardworking nurse accidentally takes the NFL players legs right from underneath him. One look at her, and he drools, and prob forgot his name. Instantly he’s smitten. She is the home health nurse for his ailing grandmother that recently moved back to her old hometown. Ms. Olivia is the only relative that Tony Cahill has and he will do anything for her wellness and happiness. While Meaghan doesn’t want to remain on this case bec of a promised by the Agency, when she tries to resign she learns Mr. Cahill wants her to always be his grandmother ‘s nurse practitioner. Meaghan will just have to deal with the situation and continue working with Ms. Olivia. The couple didn’t experience too much drama, prob bec Meaghan is a cut to the chase kinda girl. Tony can trust his heart to this nurse! The are both Christians, neither wants to play games, and they are a couple that will be able to work thru any challenges that are presented.
September 28, 2018
Chance is always the best thing when it becomes true!!!
This is my first time reading this author and besides the not enough romance, over the moon Prince Charming scenarios and Alpha Male part, it was a nice read.
Tony and Meagan were the perfect individuals to fall in love. Throw in the small town atmosphere and the god beliefs made a story worth reading because the hope and understanding of how good and great God is at all time is push enough to praise this author.
Unfortunately these stories are not very well marketable specially when it's an interracial story. Hope you continue because it was by far the best clean Christian romance that I have read this year.
This is my first time reading this author and besides the not enough romance, over the moon Prince Charming scenarios and Alpha Male part, it was a nice read.
Tony and Meagan were the perfect individuals to fall in love. Throw in the small town atmosphere and the god beliefs made a story worth reading because the hope and understanding of how good and great God is at all time is push enough to praise this author.
Unfortunately these stories are not very well marketable specially when it's an interracial story. Hope you continue because it was by far the best clean Christian romance that I have read this year.
October 30, 2021
"I read the blurb and wasn't sure if this was going to be a story for me, specifically the Chri*tian part. Don't get me wrong, don't about the reli*ious part it was more... is it going to be as my usual reads? Of course, the answer is no. I didn't dislike the story, it was different more about never give up and second chances. The part of hope was very hopeful and sweet. On a more romantic side it was again sweet and cute. There's no need to point out that of course there wasn't detailed scenes. It was different, yes, not gonna lie about that but ended up being a good story. I'm looking forward to the next book. From the little scene I read it seems promising."
May 3, 2019
No spoilers, just strong recommendation.
I received a free copy of this book as a giveaway of clean romances and am so happy that I did. The characters are interesting and believable, although I’m sure many would disagree. Those of us blessed to have a relationship with the Lord are not surprised by honesty or integrity. I enjoyed the determined, driven Meagan and her reliance on God. Didn’t matter that much of the plot was predictable because it was the journey that was engrossing. Recommend this delightful romance.
I received a free copy of this book as a giveaway of clean romances and am so happy that I did. The characters are interesting and believable, although I’m sure many would disagree. Those of us blessed to have a relationship with the Lord are not surprised by honesty or integrity. I enjoyed the determined, driven Meagan and her reliance on God. Didn’t matter that much of the plot was predictable because it was the journey that was engrossing. Recommend this delightful romance.
August 7, 2024
This is a Christian romance where faith and hope are as much of the storyline as the character are. The flow of the storyline is perfectly done. The story is about loss, secrets, trust, friendship and family. The author keeps the reader enthralled and actively interested in how they deal with adversity. Tony and Megan are perfect for each other even though the come from different backgrounds. As secrets are revealed will they be able to work through them. The slow burn of their relationship was fun to read. I totally enjoyed these characters and the way they handled their problems.
October 12, 2018
I am so glad I received this as a gift so I could leave my honest opinion. This book is a wonderful read. It has the perfect mix of storytelling that makes the reader feel like a participant in the story. The Christian Values are so welcoming especially when surrounded by professional athlete scandals these days. I was surprised at parts of the ending..but I’m not going to spoil it for you.
January 16, 2021
Inspirational!
A feel good story with witty characters. I was gratified to know that I am not the only one that sometimes gets anger with God when I am disappointed by an outcome in my life. I later come to the conclusion that I am the problem not God. The story inspired and encouraged my desire to pray more for myself and others. A good read.
A feel good story with witty characters. I was gratified to know that I am not the only one that sometimes gets anger with God when I am disappointed by an outcome in my life. I later come to the conclusion that I am the problem not God. The story inspired and encouraged my desire to pray more for myself and others. A good read.
October 24, 2021
Chances are if you put your faith in God good things will come your way. Tony and Meaghan's faith are center stage in this enjoyable romance. I loved each of their back stories especially the love and support of family. I am hoping the sequel dives further into their feelings. The little banter between them was cute and funny. A sweet, inspirational love story that I highly recommend.
March 8, 2025
Meagan and Tony meet at his grandmother’s place — he’s an American football player; she looks after people. They get to know each other and discover they are both on the same wavelength.
Meagan already knows Tony’s Nana; Tony meets Meagan’s parents for a deep, meaningful talk…
All’s well that ends well. A sweet, short afternoon read.
Meagan already knows Tony’s Nana; Tony meets Meagan’s parents for a deep, meaningful talk…
All’s well that ends well. A sweet, short afternoon read.
July 23, 2019
Christian romance
Squeaky clean romance. Very sweet, and interesting. I loved the characters, and storyline. The editing needed help. It was distracting. I would have given 4 stars if that was taken care of.
Squeaky clean romance. Very sweet, and interesting. I loved the characters, and storyline. The editing needed help. It was distracting. I would have given 4 stars if that was taken care of.
October 9, 2019
Sweet romance
I am a sucker for sweet romances. These sporty ones are such a pleasure to read, especially with all the bad reviews in the real world of nfl. Thanks for a really good read.
Got this book in a mass giveaway. Delighted with its content.
I am a sucker for sweet romances. These sporty ones are such a pleasure to read, especially with all the bad reviews in the real world of nfl. Thanks for a really good read.
Got this book in a mass giveaway. Delighted with its content.
January 2, 2021
Excellent Story
This is the first book I have read from this author, and I really enjoyed it. The characters and story line really drew me in. I had trouble putting it down. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is the first book I have read from this author, and I really enjoyed it. The characters and story line really drew me in. I had trouble putting it down. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 5, 2021
This was a very nice and sweet clean romance, hadn´t read anything contemporary in a long time and this one was a great surprise. The couple was cute, their relationship and faith strong and the book has some funny moments. I recommend it
September 17, 2023
A nice surprise!
I didn't know what to expect from this book but I was pleasantly surprise a great story and believable characters. The storyline drew me in and I was pulled in to read more. Definitely a worthwhile read and I also recommend.
I didn't know what to expect from this book but I was pleasantly surprise a great story and believable characters. The storyline drew me in and I was pulled in to read more. Definitely a worthwhile read and I also recommend.
October 14, 2018
☺☺☺☺
A nice romance, sweet and clean with a strong thread of faith. A different plot and engaging characters make for a nice read.
A nice romance, sweet and clean with a strong thread of faith. A different plot and engaging characters make for a nice read.
October 15, 2020
Never apologize for loving.
I’ve really enjoyed this sweet story!
“Proverbs 4:23 said Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
I’ve really enjoyed this sweet story!
“Proverbs 4:23 said Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
December 10, 2020
Loved It
Compassion, forgiveness. This book showed how to exercise that no matter what the situation. Definitely recommend this book. Enjoyed it
Compassion, forgiveness. This book showed how to exercise that no matter what the situation. Definitely recommend this book. Enjoyed it
August 10, 2024
This was a good storyline and it helped me a bit with my faith. Love that it was a wholesome book. I understand the anger at things especially ones you can't change. I have been mad at God alot these past few years. Today I will release that anger.
August 12, 2024
Tony is sidelined by an injury but is upset when he learns of his grandpa's death. Going back home to be with his grandma, he meets Meagan her doctor. Meagan is shocked when she meets the handsome Tony at her client's house. Will they get a chance to pursue a great love together?
August 13, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was well written and while it included religion as a main part to the love story of Meagan and Toni, it still was written to where I could enjoy it.
January 26, 2021
Ok read
This was an enjoyable read, if you can overlook formatting and grammatical errors. The story had a slow start and a less than speedy tempo but I did like the characters. There were a lot of quotation marks left out making some conversations hard to follow, but I think the storyline, although not fast, was sweet. It’s likely I’ll read the sequel.
This was an enjoyable read, if you can overlook formatting and grammatical errors. The story had a slow start and a less than speedy tempo but I did like the characters. There were a lot of quotation marks left out making some conversations hard to follow, but I think the storyline, although not fast, was sweet. It’s likely I’ll read the sequel.
Read
October 14, 2018Changes Are was very Good Christian novel. It was engaging at
times, but sometimes paragraphs were repetitive.
I loved the fact that the characters displayed the respect that is almost
lost in our society today. The novel was well written and very informative; yet,
I felt that some portions were wordy and repetitive. I loved the characters and
plot. I am waiting on the second book.
times, but sometimes paragraphs were repetitive.
I loved the fact that the characters displayed the respect that is almost
lost in our society today. The novel was well written and very informative; yet,
I felt that some portions were wordy and repetitive. I loved the characters and
plot. I am waiting on the second book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews