The Chance

A Novel

By: Karen Kingsbury

Narrated by: January LaVoy

Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

From number-one New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury comes a heartwarming story about childhood friends, broken lives, and a long ago promise that just might offer the hope of love for today.

Dubbed the "Queen of Christian Fiction" by Time magazine, number-one New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Karen Kingsbury is arguably America's favorite inspirational novelist with a dozen best sellers to her credit. In The Chance, she delves deeply into a theme that resonates with us all: It's never too late for those willing to take a chance.

Years ago, the day before Ellie moved from Georgia to California, she and her best friend, Nolan, sat beneath the Spanish moss of an ancient oak tree where they wrote letters to each other, and sealed them in a rusty old metal box. The plan was to return 11 years later and read them. But now, as that date arrives, much has changed. Ellie, bereft of the faith she grew up with, is a single mom living in a tired apartment trying to make ends meet. Sometimes she watches television to catch a glimpse of her old friend - Nolan, now an NBA star, whose terrible personal tragedies fueled his faith and athletic drive in equal measure. But Nolan also suffers from a transcendent loneliness that nothing has ever eased.

In their separate lives, as Ellie and Nolan move toward the possibility of a reunion at the oak tree, Kingsbury weaves a tale of heart-wrenching loss, the power of faith, and the wounds that only love can heal.

©2013 Karen Kingsbury (P)2013 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Such a great story of redemption!

Karen Kingsbury has a way of writing that communicates deep truths from God’s heart! Loved the book!

Sweet story

Such a sweet story. I love how the story weaves God’s love and redemption through heartbreak. I absolutely love Karen Kingsbury!

One of my favorites!

Love this storyline. Fell in love with all the characters. Love the message throughout the book.

Deeply emotional, well worth listening to again!!!

What did you love best about The Chance?

This was a beautifully crafted book based on the miracle of restoration. In the weakest moments, God showed Himself strong on the characters behalf. Deeply emotional and well worth listening to again and again!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nolan was my favorite character due to his strong moral conviction and his determination to follow through with the vision God planted in his heart as a child.

What does January LaVoy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

January did a great job with her narration, however, I wish she could have given the male characters their own distinct voice. I sometimes felt as she narrated the males, that they all sounded the same. I will say that she has a rather pleasant voice. She gives life to the story as her voice isn't monotone. Overall she did a fantastic job!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

A MOMENT? There were several moments, and some moments that ran into the next moment. As stated above, this is a highly emotional book that really engages the reader to feel beyond themselves. You get attached to the characters and you go through all the various emotions they experience throughout the story. Karen is gifted in making her stories true to life.

Any additional comments?

This is my favorite Karen Kingsbury novel thus far. I would recommend it to any book lover, no matter their preferred genre! If it were possible to rate it above 5 stars, this girl would be doing it! :)

Fantastic

I have through enjoyed everyone of Karen Kingsbury's books and this one was no digger end. I love how she brings Christian values and morals into her stories with preaching. Karen would you write more stories about seniors following in love and their challenges.

Simply Amazing

One word to describe this book, AMAZING!! A story of Gods unending faithfulness and love towards us, and a story of the power of forgiveness.

So well done!!

This is by far one of the most moving, well written novels that I have ever read. I cannot wait to start reading another of Karen Kingsbury’s books. I felt like I could perfectly visualize every scene. Well done!!

KK I feel closer to God when I read your books.

I've read about 30 of KKs books. I feel closer to God when I read your books.

Love it

Beautiful writing! I absolutely loved this book and recommend it. I love Karen Kingsbury and her writing!

The Story

Loved this story it kept me riveting! Enjoyed this whole story. Real love does last when God is your center - all things are possible.