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Brides of Lehigh Canal #1
Kelly's Chance
Life for Kelly McGregor is a daily drudge of driving her overbearing father’s mules along Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Canal. She dreams of one day owning an art gallery where her own drawings and paintings are on display. But these dreams don’t include marriage. . .not after seeing what her father has done to her mother. How then can Mike Cooper, a general store owner, make her realize he is different than her father and wants to support her artistic talent? Will Kelly learn that dreams can walk hand in hand with a love created by God?
218 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
93 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
215 books2,329 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
November 15, 2014
Kelly's Chance by Wanda E Brunstetter was a free book given to me for my honest opinion. Ms. Brunstetter writes her books with a religious or Godly tone. A lot of her books have been about the Amish. This book comes from the historical fiction genre. It's very well written. Her character depiction is excellent.. This book starts with Kelly, an aspiring artist, walking the mules along the Lehigh Canal. The mules pull the boat along the canal, picking up coal at one end and delivering it at Wasting. Kelly's 17 going on 18, and her dad has a very bad temper, can be belligerent, and has never paid her for her work. Her sister Sarah ran away and got married because her father was so harsh to their mom and themselves. One day her dad Amos stops at the general store to buy her new boots. When Mike Cooper, proprietor of Cooper's General Store sees Kelly, he thinks she's the answer to his prayers. He tries to get her to talk. She tells him she sketches. They make an agreement where he will sell her sketches for a 10% commission. Discover how Mike tries to court Kelly. What happened when she finds her sister in a mill during the winter stayover in Wasting.
November 13, 2020
I won this, so 'yay' for that.
Honestly though, I didn't really enjoy it all that much though... Sorry! but it was sorta boring...
EDIT: Re-read it. Here's the skinny on why I didn't think much of this book:
The author did the whole "told, not shown" bit. I was TOLD Kelly and Mike liked each other. I was TOLD that her dad was mean and didn't think much of her painting. I was TOLD of the 'annoyingness' of that other girl. I wasn't SHOWN anything. There was not enough description, I think. Fleshing out how or why or who did what. That is what is missing, in my opinion.
Honestly though, I didn't really enjoy it all that much though... Sorry! but it was sorta boring...
EDIT: Re-read it. Here's the skinny on why I didn't think much of this book:
The author did the whole "told, not shown" bit. I was TOLD Kelly and Mike liked each other. I was TOLD that her dad was mean and didn't think much of her painting. I was TOLD of the 'annoyingness' of that other girl. I wasn't SHOWN anything. There was not enough description, I think. Fleshing out how or why or who did what. That is what is missing, in my opinion.
June 11, 2010
I didn't find this to be Wanda Brunstetters normal books about the Amish life as I expected it to be..... but, enjoyed the history lesson of being a mule driver for the canal boats on the LeHigh Canal, Pennyslvania of the 1890's.
The book was small I knew the story would be a pretty fast one to burn through. Of course in reading Wanda's books there is always a Christian theme which for some is a drawback, for me at times, it gives me things to think about...
Kelly is pretty upset at her Father's treatment of her and her sister and seems to think all men who she may marry would treat her the same so has no interest in being married. She dreams of being an artist with her own gallery and finds a way to showcase her charcoal drawing through the general store of a local young hunky store owner who is taken with her. Of course you figure out where the story is going pretty soon, but the historical interest of how they did things manuually back in the day lends some additional interest to the story, I enjoyed it.
The book was small I knew the story would be a pretty fast one to burn through. Of course in reading Wanda's books there is always a Christian theme which for some is a drawback, for me at times, it gives me things to think about...
Kelly is pretty upset at her Father's treatment of her and her sister and seems to think all men who she may marry would treat her the same so has no interest in being married. She dreams of being an artist with her own gallery and finds a way to showcase her charcoal drawing through the general store of a local young hunky store owner who is taken with her. Of course you figure out where the story is going pretty soon, but the historical interest of how they did things manuually back in the day lends some additional interest to the story, I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2018
“Kelly’s Chance” is the first book in the Brides of Lehigh Canal series. This was a really great book. I wasn’t sure what to expect from it, but I really enjoyed it. Both Kelly and Mike were great characters. I loved reading about each of their lives. It was also really interesting to read about life on a canal boat.
January 26, 2010
This book was very slow and predictable. The reading level would be for a 7th or 8th grader, took me a day to read. Did not like any of the characters. Description of Lehigh Canal was good.
November 23, 2020
2.5 stars.
It stuck out from the first chapter that this book has been written in a very chintzy "aww shucks" style that was very purposefully crafted to evoke a certain type of sentimentality. It felt like calculated pandering more than just a preferred style with a specific appeal, but maybe someone who wants to be pandered to in this way would not notice or maybe prefer that their desires were being catered to.
Once I accepted that, this is a fairly formulaic chaste romance, and it was actually pretty easy to be carried along by the story. It cleared the admittedly low bar I had set for it. I can see why this book and the ones like it would be very appealing to a certain subset of reader.
It stuck out from the first chapter that this book has been written in a very chintzy "aww shucks" style that was very purposefully crafted to evoke a certain type of sentimentality. It felt like calculated pandering more than just a preferred style with a specific appeal, but maybe someone who wants to be pandered to in this way would not notice or maybe prefer that their desires were being catered to.
Once I accepted that, this is a fairly formulaic chaste romance, and it was actually pretty easy to be carried along by the story. It cleared the admittedly low bar I had set for it. I can see why this book and the ones like it would be very appealing to a certain subset of reader.
September 4, 2020
What a fun story! Really enjoyed the characters of Kelly and Mike!
March 5, 2025
This was such a sweet story. I loved the Christian values and the wholesomeness of the book. This is what I’m looking for when I ask for Christian romance. This book could easily be read in one day but I took my time and read it in two. Looking forward to the rest of the series
August 15, 2011
Wanda E. Brunstetter is a very popular author in the Christian market, particularly when it comes to Amish and historical fiction, but I'm afraid I just don't see the appeal. This is the third book of hers that I've read and I must be missing something because I simply find her plots predictable and her characters one-dimensional. I feel like I'm being cruel, but there was very little that pulled me into this story and made me want to keep reading. I enjoyed learning about the canal and Kelly's painting, particularly the details of how she made her own watercolours. A few reviewers have commented that the canal descriptions were a bit confusing, and I suppose that if you weren't familiar with canals then they may be. I grew up very close to a town which still has canal boats on it today, and the good old British children's TV show "Rosie and Jim" also proved to be very educational on this subject, so I may not be your average reader. That said, aside from the inclusion of Kelly's hobby and occupation as mule-driver, there was very little that I felt was truly original about this book. Yes, I enjoy traditional romances, but this one felt rather flat.
There were a few occasions where I really felt I was starting to care about Kelly and Mike, but their conflicts never rang true. Kelly finally decided to let go of her preconceived ideas about men and marriage, but this was all very sudden at the end of the book, and it was never explained why she let go of them. Mike conveniently forgot why Kelly was hurt by her father, causing a Big Misunderstanding and argument between them, which was then cleared up about ten pages later. Their slow moving romance seemed to culminate in a big explosion about twenty pages before the end of the book, and then everyone ever so conveniently got over their problems and lived happily ever after. It just seemed rather unbelievable. Not to mention that Kelly's distrust of men and marriage was never really explained, just vaguely related to her issues with her father. Yes, we are told that she doesn't want to marry someone just to get away from her father - but where's the shame in marrying someone for love, and happening to get away from her father at the same time? And while for the majority of the book Kelly insists that she wants to earn money so she can leave the canal boat, about two-thirds into the book she suddenly changes and says that she wants to use the money to open an art gallery. This seems to come completely out of nowhere, and seems a bit unrealistic for the time. And the epilogue was just ridiculously perfect, especially with Betsy and Kelly finally getting along and her father starting to turn to Christ. It felt unnecessary to try to wrap up every conflict in the book. Oh, and not to forget the very unrealistic references to the Bible and God. I do enjoy the inclusion of everyday Christian values in my books, but nobody goes around quoting scripture, down to the verse and chapter, the way that these characters did. It all felt very forced, even to an avid reader of Christian fiction, almost as if the author was including verses in order to make the book more Christian.
I really did try to like this book, and while I enjoyed some of the historical details and the occasional cute snippets of Kelly and Mike's relationship, I can't say that I'll be able to remember much about this book in the days to come. I'll probably pass this on to my pastor's thirteen year old daughter, but I don't think I'll be recommending it to any of my friends. 5/10
There were a few occasions where I really felt I was starting to care about Kelly and Mike, but their conflicts never rang true. Kelly finally decided to let go of her preconceived ideas about men and marriage, but this was all very sudden at the end of the book, and it was never explained why she let go of them. Mike conveniently forgot why Kelly was hurt by her father, causing a Big Misunderstanding and argument between them, which was then cleared up about ten pages later. Their slow moving romance seemed to culminate in a big explosion about twenty pages before the end of the book, and then everyone ever so conveniently got over their problems and lived happily ever after. It just seemed rather unbelievable. Not to mention that Kelly's distrust of men and marriage was never really explained, just vaguely related to her issues with her father. Yes, we are told that she doesn't want to marry someone just to get away from her father - but where's the shame in marrying someone for love, and happening to get away from her father at the same time? And while for the majority of the book Kelly insists that she wants to earn money so she can leave the canal boat, about two-thirds into the book she suddenly changes and says that she wants to use the money to open an art gallery. This seems to come completely out of nowhere, and seems a bit unrealistic for the time. And the epilogue was just ridiculously perfect, especially with Betsy and Kelly finally getting along and her father starting to turn to Christ. It felt unnecessary to try to wrap up every conflict in the book. Oh, and not to forget the very unrealistic references to the Bible and God. I do enjoy the inclusion of everyday Christian values in my books, but nobody goes around quoting scripture, down to the verse and chapter, the way that these characters did. It all felt very forced, even to an avid reader of Christian fiction, almost as if the author was including verses in order to make the book more Christian.
I really did try to like this book, and while I enjoyed some of the historical details and the occasional cute snippets of Kelly and Mike's relationship, I can't say that I'll be able to remember much about this book in the days to come. I'll probably pass this on to my pastor's thirteen year old daughter, but I don't think I'll be recommending it to any of my friends. 5/10
January 30, 2010
Although the story line was interesting, I was disappointed in the character development in this book. I guess I had expected more from an author as well known as Wanda Brunstetter. The heroine went too fast from "man/marriage hating" to "yes, I will marry you". The book is not bad -- it just didn't have the depth I like.
January 27, 2010
I won this book on good reads. What can I say? It was ok. So very predictable on the outcome. Reading level is for a much younger reader. i will recommend it for my 9th grade daughter. Feels like a made for tv movie for the Christian network channel. I read this in 3 hours.
April 15, 2016
I really liked this book. It is a very interesting story, the author made Kelly to be a very strong young woman who puts her strength into everything that she does. The rest of the series is just as good as the first one.
September 3, 2023
I love books that tell stories of the Amish, so I was excited to start this series. But I’m thinking about not reading the next two books. This was not an Amish story. This was simply a story set in the 1800’s, which according to the cover, didn’t seem like the 1800’s with the main character, Kelly, having flawless skin, make-up, and beautiful hair. Maybe this cover was supposed to be what Kelly looked like at the end of the story? Because most of the story took place with Kelly working as a mule driver for the Leigh Navigation System. She had to walk the mules on the towpath, while her parents were in a boat carrying loads of coal for delivery or going back on the canal to pick up more coal. She had to work in all kinds of weather except for winter, when the canal would probably be frozen over. It was tiring, monotonous, and hard work. Not to mention she had no help since her sister had run away and gotten married. Her father was always in a bad mood, and Kelly constantly complained about not getting paid for the work she did, since she had a dream of owning an art gallery. Not for nothing, but they’re your parents. They don’t have to pay you.
Along the canal, the family stopped at a general store where Mike Cooper was the owner. He wanted a wife and family, so when he sees how grown up Kelly has gotten since the last time he saw her, he’s immediately attracted to her and soon in love. They start a friendship with Mike putting her drawings up for sale in his store.
You can guess what happens with these two, but I have to add one more thing. It was so nice when Mike sent Kelly a gift of art supplies for her birthday. Kelly couldn’t write him a short thank you note for his generosity?! She was much too interested in drawing more paintings so Mike could sell
them in his store. I hope Mike and Kelly’s children have better manners and are more appreciative. I mean, this is the 1800’s - 1900’s!
Along the canal, the family stopped at a general store where Mike Cooper was the owner. He wanted a wife and family, so when he sees how grown up Kelly has gotten since the last time he saw her, he’s immediately attracted to her and soon in love. They start a friendship with Mike putting her drawings up for sale in his store.
You can guess what happens with these two, but I have to add one more thing. It was so nice when Mike sent Kelly a gift of art supplies for her birthday. Kelly couldn’t write him a short thank you note for his generosity?! She was much too interested in drawing more paintings so Mike could sell
them in his store. I hope Mike and Kelly’s children have better manners and are more appreciative. I mean, this is the 1800’s - 1900’s!
May 17, 2020
Kelly hasn't had much of a life outside of leading her fathers boat mules. Day after day she follows the path guiding the mules that pull the boat that helps provide her families income, with only the 2 mules and her thoughts for company. She used to have her sister Sarah until she ran off with the lock tenders son and marrying him. Kelly swears to herself she will never get married. She doesn't want a loveless marriage like she sees in her parents, and she doesn't want to abandon her parents like her sister did. Now she just has to convince the local store keeper of that. Every time she goes into the store lately he seems to follow her and has taken a special interest in her art work, but its obvious the pastor's daughter is the better choice for him. She just has to keep her distance and eventually he'll realize that too. Now if only the boat would keep going past the store and not seem to have a reason to stop every time they go by.
I had read the second book in the series before I read this one, not noticing this was part of the series so none of this book was really a surprise since I already what happened next. It was still a good read though
I had read the second book in the series before I read this one, not noticing this was part of the series so none of this book was really a surprise since I already what happened next. It was still a good read though
December 27, 2021
Kelly's life seems to be going nowhere. It appears she will never be able to break from the monotony of leading her fathers mules along the Lehigh Canal, pulling her fathers boat. The big question is, "Can anything change the direction of her life and allow her a future?" A man enters her life but with her distrust in men, what good can come from that? You'll just have to read the book.
March 6, 2024
A great inspirational romance! Kelly loves to draw but she works for free for her Father on the towpath leading their mules who tow their boat on the Lehigh Canal. She dreams of owning her own gallery one day. Mike is a store owner and prays that God helps him find a wife! Will Mike fall in love with Kelly and convince her to marry him?
May 6, 2017
Kelly's Chance
I really enjoyed the change in the type of book this was. It was still clean and romantic, but wasn't about the usual amish. I do love amish books, but it was a nice change.
I really enjoyed the change in the type of book this was. It was still clean and romantic, but wasn't about the usual amish. I do love amish books, but it was a nice change.
September 12, 2017
Doesn't disappoint!
Kelly was a strong lady to deal with her overbearing father and the mules for the canal boat. Mike owns a general store and wants to know Kelly better. What a fascinating story. I do recommend this book.
Kelly was a strong lady to deal with her overbearing father and the mules for the canal boat. Mike owns a general store and wants to know Kelly better. What a fascinating story. I do recommend this book.
June 23, 2020
This was a very easy read...a basic love story with little substance. I enjoyed it although I prefer well documented historical novels that give us a better insight into the period of time. However, it was a pleasant story & I did learn a bit about life on a canal boat.
February 1, 2022
I loved this book!! Great story!! Loved Kelly!! Loved mike!! Loved Sarah!! Didn’t like Kelly’s father at first I’m glad they he did the right thing!! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!! Love this author’s books!!
April 1, 2022
I was surprised at content of this book as Wanda E Brunstetter usually writes about the Amish. It was a nice change about a girl helping her Dad pull boatloads of coal to city to sell. She doesnt like the work and her Dad does not pay her. She dreams of the day she can get away from it all.
September 21, 2022
What did I actually just read. It was sooooo shallow. Like there was nothing remotely surprising about it. It actually upset me. I'm suprised Wanda Brunstetter wrote this lol. I'm not even willing to give the other books in the series a try. Honestly suprised I finished it.
May 22, 2023
Kelly’s life was hard. Driving mules along a canal. An overbearing father. She loves to draw and hope to sell her work and have a gallery someday. Storekeeper Mike just might be her ticket to happiness.
August 19, 2023
This book was loaned to me - it’s a trilogy and I’ve just finished part one about Kelly. The story is pleasant enough but very simple. It felt like it was written by a child. There is no intrigue, no surprises or worries, just a simple story with a happy ending.
June 8, 2024
Kelly seemed awfully juvenile to me and not at all ready to get married or have children...and I don't really know why Mike thought she would be a good wife and mother when she showed no characteristics of that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2025
This was such an endearing & sweet read. I enjoy books by Wanda, and this one was no exception. I want to try to read the rest in this series, and I know I will read others too. This is a true escape story, and you don't have to worry about any explicit content for sure.
March 25, 2018
It was a sweet quick read
January 11, 2019
Another Great Book 1 of a Series by Wanda!! I love that its set by a canal in 1891.
I'm glad this book ended the way I hoped it would for Kelly :)
I'm glad this book ended the way I hoped it would for Kelly :)
April 2, 2019
Really good
October 20, 2019
This is not a review— just a note to myself the week my world stopped ... then permanently tilted. (For mom — ride home)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews