Review of "One More Last Chance"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: In the second novel of "A Place to Call Home" series, readers will re-visit the small town of  Last Chance, New Mexico.  Although "One More Last Chance" is a stand-alone novel, Cathleen Armstrong introduces two new main characters while also highlighting colorful supporting characters that are well-known to readers of "Welcome to Last Chance."

While Sarah Cooley is a Last Chance native who is returning to town to find stability and comfort after breaking up with her boyfriend,  Chris Reed is a newcomer who threatens her familiar routine.  Both Sarah and Chris face challenges in their personal lives, but they are drawn together by one troubled and vulnerable little girl, Olivia. As a reader, I was interested in Sarah's story and her struggles as she tried to find the path to her future, but I was most compelled by Chris and Olivia's story. As Chris's niece and Sarah's student, Olivia is a character that pulls at the reader's heartstrings.   Armstrong conveys Olivia's interactions with Carlos and Juanita at the diner and Sarah's grandma, Elizabeth in way that brings each character to life.   The most touching moments are those between Chris, Olivia, and her mom, Kaitlyn.  Chris's level of commitment to Olivia and his sister Kaitlyn conveys his love and strength of character.   These actions do not go unnoticed by Sarah and other town members, and they will endear readers to him as well.

"One More Last Chance" moves along at a pace that is true to life.   While it has a climatic moment and a fitting conclusion,  the winds of change will keep blowing through Last Chance.  There are hints that Kaitlyn, Olivia's mom, may be searching for another chance as well. I am interested in reading Kaitlyn's story in the Cathleen Armstrong's next installment of "A Place Called Home" series.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Revell through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Summary from Revell: Some things never change . . . and some things change you forever.

Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason--because it doesn't change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, he's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance--just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.