Last Chance

Kentucky Chances #1

by Cathy Marie Hake

A young widow, Lovejoy Spencer has experienced the worst that marriage can offer. Now she is determined to make sure her younger sister and two friends are not about to make the same mistake when they travel across the country, intent on marrying three brothers. Daniel Chance is a surly widower lost in grief over his wife's death years earlier. Even if he were interested in her, Lovejoy knows their friendship could have no future because she must return to Salt Lick Holler where the people depend on her training in medicinal herbs. Will Lovejoy turn from the promise of a new life and return to the safety of her past? Or will this last chance for love lead her to a future she had never dreamt possible? Fall in love with this inspiring love story and our entire collection of Christian romance novels from Heartsong Presents!

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical, Historical Fiction, Westerns, Adult

176 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

About the author

As a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now "grown up," she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos - one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.

Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.

Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."

In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.

Reviews

[Miss Novel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had just finished the first three stories made into a novella and immediately searched online, hoping against hope there would be a story about Daniel's second chance at love. Definitely not disappointed! This book was sweet, although a little rushed. Lovejoy is a very interesting and positive character, perfect for Daniel and his sometimes grouchy mood. However, he makes a wonderful father and it was so nice to see happiness start to dawn in on his grieving soul. Also great to see him turn back to God and trust in Him for his needs.
If you're looking for a clean and Christ-centred short novel would recommend one hundred percent!

[Max Pink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read this book since middle school, but I recall it being the CMH I reread the most. Like it was THEE Christian romance for young me. And it absolutely earned that moniker.

Lovejoy Spencer is one of my favorite romance heroines of all time. The unflappable optimism, the way her healing profession weaves through the story and her life philosophy, her resolve. She's just great. And this whole book is really about her being loved and celebrated for being great.

Daniel is a classic grumpy widower. Think Captain Von Trapp but as a rancher. He adores his kids and is a softie under all that stiffness. I loved seeing him unpack all of the grief of his former wife's death and how that lead him to spiritual renewal. And then, when he goes for Lovejoy, it is great.

Also, I must give props to the length. Nailing everything it needed to in 170 pages. CATEGORY, PEOPLE! It is where it's at!

Seriously, if historical Christian romance is remotely interesting to you, check out this book.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Daniel is an inconsistent character and Lovejoy is simply too perfect. Lois and Eunice are annoying and it’s difficult to remember which Chance brother is which and who is married to whom. The author spends too much time on a hillbilly accent and not enough on creating an engaging setting. The story is predictable and overly sappy.

The book I have contains the next two volumes in the trilogy, but I’m not sure I can stomach them.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. A character speaking in her own Kentuckian vernacular pleases my senses. A story of love & loss, family & friends, life & loss of life. Overall, faith guides these lovable characters.

[Charity Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the previous three novellas on audio, but the last three are not on audio, so I found a copy of Brides of Chance at the library that contains all 6 in the series. I’m glad I did, because I really loved Daniel and Lovejoy’s story.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Darling. Lovejoy will be added to my list of favourite fiction characters.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every story in the Chance Brothers series but this one tugged at my heart. What a wonderful story. Now on to the next book in the series.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love reading about the Chance men and their women.

[Gmc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Chance - Heartsong Presents, No 648 by Cathy Marie Hake

A young widow, Lovejoy Spencer has experienced the worst that marriage can offer. Now she is determined to make sure her younger sister and two friends are not about to make the same mistake when they travel across the country, intent on marrying three brothers.

Daniel Chance is a surly widower lost in grief over his wife's death years earlier. Even if he were interested in her, Lovejoy knows their friendship could have no future because she must return to Salt Lick Holler where the people depend on her training in medicinal herbs.

Will Lovejoy turn from the promise of a new life and return to the safety of her past? Or will this last chance for love lead her to a future she had never dreamt possible?

[Danica is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting and one that I enjoyed reading. Cathy Marie Hake always weaves an interesting story. For christian romantic fiction lovers this book won't disappoint.

Lovejoy is the type of character that makes you want to be a better person. She is inspiring, but also realistic.

An enjoyable read.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly think this is my favorite of the Chance brothers stories. I just adore Lovejoy!! And after all the pain Daniel has suffered and the horrible grief he's endured during the first three books its so beautiful to see him begin to heal and open up to people again!! Also, I love the whole MacPherson clan and their adorable little wives!! Sweet, sweet love story!!

[Nellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, clean, and romantic. I really enjoyed this book. Fun story, and lovable characters. I thought the very ending was very rushed. Too quick to change her entire outlook on everything. But the rest of the story was great.

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quaint. Found it hard to identify with heroine with her mountain ways.

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the Chance brothers and their family. I'll be sad to leave them at the end of the series.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. I laughed and cried in different places. One criticism is that the two year spoke in grown up complete sentences. Most two year old don't speak like adults.