The Chance of a Lifetime

by Grace Livingston Hill

This is the chance of a lifetime! thought Alan wistfully as he gazed at his professor's letter offering him a place in the archaeological expedition to Egypt. But with his father seriously ill from an automobile accident and the whole worry of the hardware store on Alan's young shoulders, he couldn't take it. And Sherry's family thought that her chance had come with the invitation to visit her rich uncle in New York, for they did not suspect the rudeness and sophistication which she would meet there. But Sherry proves her worth and her courage to her uncle and both she and Alan find their chances where they had not expected them, and happiness beyond their brightest dreams...

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Christian Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1931

About the author

also wrote under the pseudonym Marcia MacDonald
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz

A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.

niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden

Reviews

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is a 'chance of a lifetime'? Each character needs to find that answer for themselves in this beautiful tale of intertwined lives and the blossoming of faith. For one giving up a fabulous trip means that another gains that opportunity. It means ministry blossoming and faith growing. And love being found in unexpected places.

I love books that make me think about my own life the way this one did. I love that every day is a 'chance of a lifetime' if you think about it in the right way.

I love this book very much and am so glad I finally read it for the first time!

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay read, even if the storylines felt somewhat scattered. It written in 1931 and set in a small town and also in New York City. I always like peeking into the past through classic stories. This one has a Christian theme, but it’s fairly light on evangelizing as per Livingston’s scale.

[Emily D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet little story. At first I thought it would center on Al, but after a dramatic beginning for him, it ended up being all about Sherrill. I thought the portion of the book where she’s deciding whether or not to go to New York, and the attending gifts and demonstrations of gratitude was a prior drawn out and overblown. I liked when she made her own nice clothes, using her talents as a seamstress and recycling her ancestor’s clothing. I also liked her experiences in New York and the overall sweet romantic story.

[Deblin5pagmail.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choosing as God directs

Sweet story. Young adults making faith inspired choices and encouraging others. Loving friends and family supporting the main characters. Living for God and surprised by the blessings he provides.

[Judi Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chances are Right Here

Sometimes our chances for what is God's best for us are Right under our nose all along. A sweet romance with some wonderful 30's fashions as one of the stars.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

good light read with wholesome content

[Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dolores vero est voluptatem et quia. Deserunt aut dolor et quia. Dicta qui nemo. Voluptatem deserunt voluptate.

[Patti Pierce]

Great book.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed some mind candy, and found this book by one of my favorite authors, a book I'd never read - yeah!

As it turned out, I did enjoy reading it. I loved the idea that our "chances of a lifetime" are really tools God uses to bless us and others. That was the beauty of the book.

Weird though, the cover info didn't exactly match what was in the story...

[Kim Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book

It's a book that is sweet and full of strong Christian thoughts. The characters are straight good or bad. It's not deep, but it's a good rest for your mind.

[Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

noooope.

[P. Upshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOD'S plans

GOD'S plans are always best for us, but we must continue to pray for our faith to be strong enough to get us in the place we need to be to follow him.

[Anna Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this one. What is the "chance of a lifetime"? Could it be something as small as the decision to make the most of an everyday life? That is the question GLH attempts to answer in this book. I loved how a quiet, small town life was played up to be something to be desired and something worth living for - as opposed to a lot of the typical view of success only coming from big adventures or the like. I might re-read this one, but it was definitely worth reading once, at least.

[Vicky Sulenski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance of a lifetime

Aren’t we always looking for that chance? Well this is a better way of looking at and for your chance. Looking to make a difference using love and self control to improve your space of influence. This story is impressive in showing how God hides chances in coincidences. What can God mean having you in this place, look around with a prayerful heart and eyes filled with the love of God. Results could surprise you.

[Carolyn Baloga · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is no such thing as the chance of a lifetime, Alan. . . .every opportunity is the great chance, and the only thing is to find out where God is leading."

Best quote of the book!

For being written in 1931, many of the struggles and trials these young people went through were SO applicable to this day and age. It was very relatable. :)

And inspirational too. . . I want to look for every opportunity, to see God's leading in it. Excellent story and life application!

[Ekuse Esson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful book by Grace Livingston Hill, thoughtful and lovely.

I love reading books by Grace Livingston Hill, such a timeless author. Her books always provide insight into human nature, and elevate the nobility of spirit in mankind.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story. Not one of her best but sweet and enjoyable. Felt stilted.

[Lea Berryreadinbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not her best, but still a few sweet lines that shows GLH truly felt what it meant to follow God through suffering.

[Carol & Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

[Anna Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not GLH's finest.

It's about Alan, who has "the chance of a lifetime" to go to Egypt on an archeological dig. But it turns out the *REAL* chance of a lifetime is giving that chance up, in order to lift up someone who 1) is his enemy, 2) needs a friend, and 3) needs the Lord. Thing is... I don't understand why Alan would recommend his enemy for the job. It makes no sense - it's not like the other guy was super smart or kind or anything.

It's also about Sherrill, whose uncle has invited her to come to NYC and spend the winter taking in museums, concerts, and getting a cultural education. The trip is a "chance of a lifetime". The caveat is that her spoiled brat of a cousin and harpy aunt were going to treat her like garbage and talk down to her the entire time. However, she goes. And it turns out the chance of a lifetime is actually to bring her uncle back to his spiritual roots, when he is laid low.

The trip is practically a week long - VERY anti-climatic, considering the preparation for it (weeks and weeks of sewing, saving, etc.) - before Sherrill calls it done and goes home.

And it's obvious that Alan and Sherrill are together, but even when they *GET* together... it feels anti-climatic, the way GLH kind of just has them fall into things. The flowers, the train ride... those were wonderful, but she seems to cheat with everything, in this one.

Not my favorite.

[Ann Whitaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story line switched so suddenly and didn't complete the whole story, seemed to focus on a party.

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story.