Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for this reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.

I appreciate the effort it takes to write a book. The creation of characters, the plotting of a storyline and developing it, etc. I know it feels like there is a "but" coming...there is, kind of. Why is the same basic story being recycled a million times over with just some slight tweaks to try and make it unique? I say that and realize that even though the same story is floating around out there in a million different books and TV shows they still keep publishing/producing them and I'm still reading/watching them so...*shrug*

Teddi Lerner walked out of her best friend's funeral six years ago and has never been back to Chance, Ohio. But her best friend's daughter, Shayna, has asked Aunt Tee to return to Chance for her dad's wedding. Teddi is reluctant to go back to a town where so many painful memories await but she promised Shay she would come. Arriving back in town, to attend the wedding of her best friend's husband is fraught with anxiety, grief, and a strong desire to walk away once again. But it is clear Shayna needs Aunt Tee right now so Teddi stays and works through her feelings. Maybe Teddi will also get a second chance?

Ugh. It's so punny! This was a predictable, familiar read. It wasn't bad, at all, but it wasn't a book that I will remember or think about later this year. I read it while rocking a newborn and it was the perfect kind of read for that activity.

Thanks you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. What a great and emotional read. I didn't want this one to end. It's an honest look at grief, family and friendship. What happens when you have to return to the small town you left behind years ago after the death of your best friend. Will people understand the choice you made or just focus on the fact that you left. This is what faces Teddi after she returns to Chance, Ohio after many years away. Can she mend fences with those she left behind? Will she find her own true happiness?
This was an engaging read for me from start to finish.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I was attracted to this book originally by the cover. It was a light, easy, and predictable read.

Left to Chance is a heartfelt novel about loss and love, and what it really means to come home. Readers quickly empathize with the heartbreak of Teddi Lerner as she returns to her hometown and revisits the heartache she ran from so many years ago, yet never give up hope that she can find herself and what she is truly looking for. The interpersonal dynamics and inner monologue of Teddi are realistic, allowing readers to fully understand what she is going through. Beautifully written and true to self, Left to Chance is a lovely novel for readers to embrace.

St. Martin's Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Left to Chance. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Teddi Lerner did not have any plans to return to her hometown, but could not resist after being asked by her deceased best friend's daughter. Shay has her own motivations for asking Teddi to photograph her father's wedding, as the 12 year old has been having trouble moving past her mother's death. When Teddi's reintroduction to family and friends does not go smoothly, will the hurt feelings from her abrupt departure in the past cloud her present? Between reconnecting with friends Cameron and Josie, as well as avoiding the past that she had with Beck, Teddi has her hands full. Will she finally be able to sort out her feelings and set herself off on the right path for the future?

Left to Chance was an average read for me, as there was something that made it a little too nondescript to be memorable. The author also did not dig deep enough into the past relationships, especially in regards to Shay's expectations of her family's future. The characters in the book did not really leap off the pages and many of them seemed to have the only purpose of moving the plot forward. In a genre full of novels with more impact, I would be hesitant to recommend Left to Chance to other readers.

I attempted reading this book but the content regarding eating disorders was a very harsh trigger for me and I had to DNF. I guess I just wish I had known that was such a huge part of the story before trying to read!

Teddi Lerner left her hometown six years ago and has never been back. Now her best friend's daughter, Shayna, has asked Teddi to come back to Chance, Ohio to photograph her father's wedding. Teddi can't say no to Shay, but photographing her best friend's husband is right up there with the worst possible idea ever. But she is going to do it. Because Shay asked. Six years ago when Teddi left Chance, she did so on the day of her best friend's funeral. In fact, she left during the funeral, causing all sorts of problems with the family and friends that her best friend left behind. Chance is not the same community she left all those years ago, but she is not the same Teddi who left all those years ago, either. Now Teddi is a successful wedding photographer and returning to Chance terrifies her, not just because of the past she will be forced to face, but also because she has to deal with her past before she can deal with her future.
Left to Chance is a "coming home" story that meets all of the requirements. Hasty exit, newfound success, hot boss, hotter ex-flame, and even hotter neighbor boy turned into man. Don't forget the deceased best friend and her angsty tween daughter. I liked Teddi, but sometimes I struggled with her issues. I wanted to tell her to just get over it. Especially her aversion to the cemetery. I was furious at the way she dismissed Miles and his requests about her relationship with Shay, but I also hated the way he kept her in the dark for too long over Shay's issues. I guess it all just added to the drama of the story, but it was frustrating at times. I did like both Beck (the hot ex-flame) and Cameron (the hot neighbor boy). I stuck with the book because I wanted to see who she ended up with and if she ended up moving back to Chance. - CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS
- Bottom line - Left to Chance is one of those "coming home" stories for anybody that has left "home." You will be able to find yourself relating to the changes you always find when you "go home." And you will also be able to relate to the people who stayed in your hometown all these years. While not a holiday book, it is easy for Left to Chance to stir those kinds of memories, as that is when most of us actually return home.
Details:
- Left to Chance by Amy Sue Nathan
On Facebook
Pages: 288
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: 11/21/2017
Buy it Here!

Really enjoyed this story and would recommend to all.

I loved this book from start to finish. It holds your attention and is well written. I always love to read books set in small towns also. It’s just a good emotional and happy at the same time read.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

This book was wonderful! I love a small-town setting and drama and this book did not disappoint!

Teddi comes back home to Chance, OH after 6 years. After leaving without saying good-bye she is not sure how she will be received by the community.

I really enjoyed how this book never became boring and the small twists throughout the story. Will definetely read this author again.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to read and review this title before it was archived.

Life is about making an impact, not making an income
—Kevin Kruse

Most of us will never be rich and famous but that doesn’t diminish our worth. We’re all had people in our lives that made a positive impact. And that is one of the heartwarming themes in this month’s selection of women’s fiction books. One of the most genuine gifts you can give is your time and your caring as these books show. While not holiday stories they're the perfect introduction to the holiday season.



The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg

(Amazon | Barnes & Noble)


An emotionally powerful novel about three people who each lose the one they love most, only to find second chances where they least expect them

For the past six months, Arthur Moses’s days have looked the same: He tends to his rose garden and to Gordon, his cat, then rides the bus to the cemetery to visit his beloved late wife for lunch. The last thing Arthur would imagine is for one unlikely encounter to utterly transform his life.

Eighteen-year-old Maddy Harris is an introspective girl who visits the cemetery to escape the other kids at school. One afternoon she joins Arthur—a gesture that begins a surprising friendship between two lonely souls. Moved by Arthur’s kindness and devotion, Maddy gives him the nickname “Truluv.” As Arthur’s neighbor Lucille moves into their orbit, the unlikely trio band together and, through heartache and hardships, help one another rediscover their own potential to start anew.

Wonderfully written and full of profound observations about life, The Story of Arthur Truluv is a beautiful and moving novel of compassion in the face of loss, of the small acts that turn friends into family, and of the possibilities to achieve happiness at any age.

Strengths: Multi-generational characters; Beautiful theme of chosen family; Uplifting ending
Measure of Love: Dash
Mood: Poignant and lighthearted
Why You Should Read this: What a truly wonderful story. The little bit of magical realism is a nice touch, but the heart of the story is the about lonely people coming together and forming a family. Heartwarming and touching.

Little Broken Things by Nicole Baart

(Amazon | Barnes & Noble)


An engrossing and suspenseful novel for fans of Liane Moriarty and Amy Hatvany about an affluent suburban family whose carefully constructed facade starts to come apart with the unexpected arrival of an endangered young girl.


I have something for you. When Quinn Cruz receives that cryptic text message from her older sister Nora, she doesn’t think much of it. They haven’t seen each other in nearly a year and thanks to Nora’s fierce aloofness, their relationship consists mostly of infrequent phone calls and an occasional email or text. But when a haunted Nora shows up at the lake near Quinn's house just hours later, a chain reaction is set into motion that will change both of their lives forever.

Nora’s “something” is more shocking than Quinn could have ever imagined: a little girl, cowering, wide-eyed, and tight-lipped. Nora hands her over to Quinn with instructions to keep her safe, and not to utter a word about the child to anyone, especially not their buttoned-up mother who seems determined to pretend everything is perfect. But before Quinn can ask even one of the million questions swirling around her head, Nora disappears, and Quinn finds herself the unlikely caretaker of a girl introduced simply as Lucy.

While Quinn struggles to honor her sister’s desperate request and care for the lost, scared Lucy, she fears that Nora may have gotten involved in something way over her head—something that will threaten them all. But Quinn’s worries are nothing compared to the firestorm that Nora is facing. It’s a matter of life and death, of family and freedom, and ultimately, about the lengths a woman will go to protect the ones she loves.

Strengths: Great balance between mystery and interpersonal relationships; Intriguing characters: Uplifting ending
Measure of Love: Dash
Mood: Poignant and lighthearted
Why You Should Read this: Perfect for readers who want a more intense story!


Left to Chance by Amy Sue Nathan
Left to Chance by Amy Sue Nathan


Left to Chance by Amy Sue Nathan

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No one knows why Teddi Lerner left her hometown, but everyone knows why she’s back.

Twelve-year-old Shayna— talented, persistent, and adorable—persuaded “Aunt Tee” to return to Chance, Ohio, to photograph her father’s wedding. Even though it's been six years since Shay's mother, Celia, died, Teddi can hardly bear the thought of her best friend's husband marrying someone else. But Teddi’s bond with Shay is stronger than the hurt.

Teddi knows it’s time to face the consequences of her hasty retreat from family, friends, and, her old flame, but when she looks through her viewfinder, nothing in her small town looks the same. That’s when she truly sees the hurt she's caused and—maybe—how to fix it.

After the man she once loved accuses Teddi of forgetting Celia, Teddi finally admits why she ran away, and the guilt she’s carried with her. As Teddi relinquishes the distance that kept her safe, she’ll discover surprising truths about the people she left behind, and herself. And she'll finally see what she overlooked all along.

Strengths: Exploration of complex feelings of grief; Unique situations; Uplifting ending
Measure of Love: Dash
Mood: Poignant
Why You Should Read this: Insightful look at how a daughter, brother, husband and best friend grieve the death of their love one.

Perennials by Julie Cantrell

(Amazon | Barnes & Noble)


Eva Sutherland—known to all as Lovey—grew up safe and secure in Oxford, Mississippi, surrounded by a rich literary history and her mother’s stunning flower gardens. But a shed fire, and the injuries it caused, changed everything. Her older sister, Bitsy, blamed Lovey for the irreparable damage. Bitsy became the homecoming queen and the perfect Southern belle who could do no wrong. All the while, Lovey served as the family scapegoat, always bearing the brunt when Bitsy threw blame her way.

At eighteen, suffocating in her sister’s shadow, Lovey turned down a marriage proposal and fled to Arizona. Free from Bitsy’s vicious lies, she became a successful advertising executive and a weekend yoga instructor, carving a satisfying life for herself. But at forty-five, Lovey is feeling more alone than ever and questioning the choices that led her here.

When her father calls insisting she come home three weeks early for her parents’ 50th anniversary, Lovey is at her wits’ end. She’s about to close the biggest contract of her career, and there’s a lot on the line. But despite the risks, her father’s words, “Family First,” draw her back to the red-dirt roads of Mississippi.

Lovey is drawn in to a secret project—a memory garden her father has planned as an anniversary surprise. As she helps create this sacred space, Lovey begins to rediscover her roots, learning how to live perennially in spite of life’s many trials and tragedies.


Years ago, Lovey chose to leave her family and the South far behind. But now that she’s returned, she’s realizing things at home were not always what they seemed.

Strengths: Exploration of sister bond; gratifying spirituality, uplifting ending Measure of Love: Teaspoon
Mood:Poignant
Why You Should Read this: Wonderful resolution of sibling conflicts, second chance at love, and letting go of old hurts.

A Hundred Small Lessons by Ashley Hay

(Amazon | Barnes & Noble)


From the author of the highly acclaimed The Railwayman’s Wife, called a “literary and literate gem” by Psychology Today, comes an emotionally resonant and profound new novel of two families, interconnected through the house that bears witness to their lives.

When Elsie Gormley leaves the Brisbane house in which she has lived for more than sixty years, Lucy Kiss and her family move in, eager to establish their new life. As they settle in, Lucy and her husband Ben struggle to navigate their transformation from adventurous lovers to new parents, taking comfort in memories of their vibrant past as they begin to unearth who their future selves might be. But the house has secrets of its own, and the rooms seem to share recollections of Elsie’s life with Lucy.

In her nearby nursing home, Elsie traces the span of her life—the moments she can’t bear to let go and the places to which she dreams of returning. Her beloved former house is at the heart of her memories of marriage, motherhood, love, and death, and the boundary between present and past becomes increasingly porous for both her and Lucy.

Over the course of one hot Brisbane summer, two families’ stories intersect in sudden and unexpected ways. Through the richly intertwined narratives of two ordinary, extraordinary women, Ashley Hay uses her “lyrical prose, poetic dialogue, and stunning imagery” (RT magazine) to weave an intricate, bighearted story of what it is to be human.

Strengths: Great juxtaposition of beginnings and endings; Realistic exploration of family dynamics; Uplifting ending
Measure of Love: Dash
Mood: Poignant
Why You Should Read this: Insightful, authentic look at family.


Scarlettleigh, blogger

Left to Chance by Amy Sue Nathan is a quick and touching read about friendship lost and lessons learned in dealing with the aftermath of such a devastating experience. Even though I felt a lot of sympathy for Teddi (the main character), I never connected with her or felt much toward her. I do feel the author did a good job of expressing Teddi's grief, but found her to be selfish and somewhat annoying. I did not dislike the story, but felt I could take it or leave it without caring either way.

Teddi Learner returns to Chance, Ohio after six years to photograph her best friend's husband's wedding. Miles is the groom and he's getting remarried after his first wife, Celia, passed. Teddi is returning as a promise to Miles and Celia's twelve-year old daughter, Shayna. Now that Teddi has returned, she sees everything that has changed and who she missed.

There were many things about this book that grabbed me right away and there were things that left me hanging. The synopsis intrigued me because I love the forbidden romance and the mystery of why a girl left her old town to find a new life. It was like a Lifetime series and I was very interested. 

The characters were awesome. I absolutely adored Teddi and Shay. Shay was probably one of my favorite characters I've read. As someone who is extremely close to her mother, Shay's character resonated with me in a sense of how I would be if I lost her. I could feel the connection and the heartbreak through Shay. Teddi had a lot of great moments too. Her dialogue was probably my favorite thing about this book. 

One of my favorite narratives are the "small town" stories. I think the author did a phenomenal job when giving the reader a feel of just how small the town was. There were characters introduced like the childhood best friend and other family members. I felt like I was in the small town of Chance and I was meeting these individuals through the eyes of Teddi. 

There were times that this book slowed down for me. I had to push through because I knew it would pick back up. I had to put it down sometimes, and do something else before picking it back up because it just got boring. However, when pushing through, it got much better and I had a good time reading this one. I am very interested in giving another book by Amy Sue Nathan a try.

I really like the character development in this story. Teddi leaves her hometown after her best friend passes away and never looks back. When her friends daughter asks her to come back, to photograph the re-marriage of her best friends husband she comes back to a chilly reception. She has to make amends to a lot of people who don't know the real reason for her leaving.

A lot of life changes and local color in the other characters in this story. It ended unlike I thought it would but was happy with it in the end.

3.5 Stars.* (rounded up)

Teddi hightailed it out of Chance 6 years ago. She left in the middle of her best friend Celia’s funeral and gave no explanation. Since then she has never looked back. In her mind, she didn’t have a choice. Now, she is asked to return by twelve-year-old Shay who has always considered Teddi her “Aunt Tee.” Teddi is a famous wedding photographer and Shay wants her to photograph her dad, Mile’s wedding. Mile’s first wife, was Teddi’s best friend: the one and only Celia. The idea of returning fills Teddi with dread, seeing Miles, seeing Beck, Celia’s brother and Teddi’s former boyfriend, who she abandoned without a word. Not to mention, returning to the place filled with reminders of Celia, her soul sister. Chance and those she left behind is something she has never wanted to face, yet now, she has no choice, for Celia’s daughter has called her home and it’s not the reason she thinks.

As we all know, there are consequences for every action that we take and this is something that Teddi learns very quickly upon her return to Chance. Those she left behind give her lots to think about upon her return to her hometown, things she would have preferred to keep buried, yet what Teddi discovers is that sometimes she too, has to take a chance, on life, friendship and love as well.

I found “Left to Chance” to be an endearing, quick, easy read. It was a book about friendship, love, loss and letting go. I admit that it left me wanting however, as the ending wasn’t what I was hoping for - but perhaps that’s just me. It was ok and I think many readers would be happy with it, but I was hoping it would go another way. I would however recommend it and would definitely read Amy Sue Nathan’s other novels.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Amy Sue Nathan for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 12.13.17.

A beautiful story about how one person's escape can be another's downfall. This shows how the consequences of one's actions can impact many and how the return to undo them may be the best thing for everyone.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Stories about best friends really hit my sweet bookish spot. Stories when one best friend has passed on and the other is trying to figure out life without her bestie- even more!



What I liked:

The cover. I love wedding dresses. I love covers like this. Simple and yet so complex.

The town of Chance. First, great name for a town. Second- current day Chance is a great town, days gone by Chance- well I can see why Teddi wanted to leave.

Teddi figuring out life. Chance is not an all or nothing- you can love parts of it, love some of the people and still be able to leave and come back. Roots and wings, baby.



What I didn’t love:

Listen, Teddi leaving her best friend’s funeral was a tough pill for some (many) to swallow. And yes, on the surface it seems very selfish. But it wasn’t as selfish as it appeared. And while I understood that some people would not want to welcome her back with open arms immediately- it did seem that some held on to grudges a bit too long. Teddi was not perfect and she made mistakes. And some anger and hurt feelings was to be expected because the whole “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me” philosophy.

However, I did want to pinch Teddi when she was trying to act a bit too maternal about Shay. You can’t pop back in and expect everyone to share absolutely everything that has been going on in that girl’s life. Some things you have to show you are in the long haul for.



Bottom line: I read this book in a day- it was quick and easy reading with a town and characters that I could really enjoy!



*This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*

**Left To Chance is a November #FuturisticFriday selection from Traveling With T.**

Okay, the idea of coming back to photograph my dead best friends husband's second wedding is completely disturbing.

But Teddi has come back at her goddaughters request, wanting to support her through the wedding. Although it doesn't seem like much support is needed. Shayna is obviously happy and loved by her soon to be step mother.

Teddi had beat a hasty retreat from her hometown, and isn't excited about being back. However, she is a little surprised to find out that not all the people she left behind are happy to have her back, even for a visit.

The good was the variety of characters, all realistically drawn, the bad was there was a bit of melancholy that at times felt a little forced, but not in a bad way. It's hard to talk abut losing your best friends, watching kids grow up or missed opportunity for love without become a little emotional.

Current Goodreads Rating 4.14

This is the second book I've read by Amy Sue Nathan and I really like the way she develops her characters and their relationships with each other. The way she created memories for Teddi and Celia reminded me of the memoir We Hope You Like This Song: An Overly Honest Story about Friendship, Death, and Mix Tapes. This goes to show how real the friendship felt. And it made me even more thankful for my own best friend. I even became misty-eyed a few times.

Amy's attention to detail made it really easy to visualize characters and settings. I could even feel the summer heat. I liked all the Jewish references to rituals and food. Amy kept me guessing as to what was going to happen for Teddi and Shay, as there were a lot of secrets being kept. Teddi had a few romantic options and I wondered who she would be with by the end. My only minor complaint is that the ending felt a bit rushed, but I like where the story went.

Take a "chance" on this novel if you want a heartfelt story about friendship and possibility.

Teddi: Lake Bell
Shay: Kendall Yeaman
Beck: Chad Michael Murray
Miles: John Krasinski
Cameron: Neal Bledsoe
Josie: Danneel Ackles
Violet: Bethany Joy Lenz