At Home in Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

Kaitlyn Reed does not enjoy being stuck in Last Chance, her desire to leave the small town only tampered by her young daughter, whom she has no wish to leave ever again. But working for her brother at the local diner and listening to the remarks of the townspeople grows weary, and she dreams of becoming something more than a waitress with a sketchy past. Steven Braden endures similar stares and whispers in the small town for his reputation as a womanizer and his lack of direction. Drawn together by their irresponsible pasts, Kaityln and Steven learn lessons of forgiveness and trust in their mutual desire to start fresh.

Having read the other books in this series, At Home in Last Chance has probably the most endearing characters, both of which recognize their realistic flaws and desire to move beyond past hurts. Their stories encourage the reader to cheer for their success. However, the plot, like the first two books, is still too simplistic and clichéd for the novel to contain much depth. The story has an overall pleasant theme and the connections of characters to the first two novels are notable, but it is not truly a book that one would have difficulty putting down. An average contemporary novel, this book is recommended for those who enjoy stories of small town folk and happy endings.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

Sarah Cooley moves home to Last Chance, New Mexico, after college to teach at the local elementary school and be closer to her family.  She likes the small town because of its predictability and resistance to change.  After struggling with a relationship in which her boyfriend wanted to adjust everything about her, Sarah is ready for the lazy and almost boring pace of Last Chance.  But Chris Reed, the new owner of the diner in town, wants nothing more than to shake things up in Sarah’s small town.  He desires to put Last Chance as a destination spot on the map and thinks a transformation is just what is needed to draw people to his restaurant.  When his niece comes for an extended visit, however, he discovers that change may be where he least expects it.  As he finds himself spending more time with Sarah, he encourages her to realize that change must be just the thing needed for both of them.

One More Last Chance is a light read, the pages breezing by with stories of traditions and transformations.  The characters are mostly likable and simplistic; although Sarah seems judgmental, arrogant, and rude at first, she somewhat redeems herself with her love for her students and teaching.  Chris is gentle and patient in his care for his niece and becomes a good friend to Sarah.  The novel is short and would have been a better read if there had been more descriptions of the scenes to help the reader more fully envision all that Last Chance had to offer.  Many of the dialogues and events in the book feel rushed and hurried, which makes it a little hard to connect with the characters.  However, the overall themes and plot of the novel are enjoyable and it is recommended for those looking for a contemporary, easy read.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review.