Teddi returns home to the small town in Ohio as the photographer for the second wedding of her best friend Celia's husband. Teddi fled once Celia died, keeping contact with Celia's daughter, Shayna, now a troubled teenager. Returning home opens up some old wounds, forcing Teddi to re-evaluate her future. A quick read that was enjoyable.

I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book through NetGalley (thank you!). This was a lighthearted read that touched on an important issue--that of bullying. I feel this could have been built upon in a greater way. Personally, I did not feel that I really connected with the characters. The author did surprise me with a twist toward the end of the book, but I was disappointed by the way the story turned out.

This was a sweet love story. The character of Shayna was particularly well drawn out.

I loved this novel. From the very first page I was completely transported to a small town in Ohio and filled with life long memories. Amy Sue Nathan has quite a knack for dropping a reader into the life of a character. I cried for the loss of a mother and friend and cheered at the thoughts of second chances

youll read this quickly but want to keep reading to stay in the world a little longer

Left to Chance
Amy Sue Nathan
Available: November 21, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley.com for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have adored Amy Sue Nathan’s past books, but this one….is just okay. Once I realized Teddi was girl a lot more things made sense but the book was more all in Teddi’s head as opposed to things actually occuring in either the past or present. I didn’t even know there was a possibility about romance and love until almost the last chapter of the book and even then I thought the love interest was someone else; it was that disjointed.

What I loved: Having just lost my Jewish mother in law a few months ago, it was touching to read about the Jewish traditions regarding headstones, flowers, and the beautiful phrase that is associated with the grave site. Perhaps some more flashbacks of Teddi actually having those stone experiences instead of just briefly mentioning them would have enhanced the book even more.

What I didn’t love: The passive voice of the entire story was a good start but the story mood didn’t change once Teddi began living life again and was accepted back into the fold in Chance. There was so much potential for an amazing story of a woman grieving over the loss of her best friend but it just wasn’t there.

What I learned: No one reads the books at book club.

Overall Grade: C+

A very enjoyable read. They say you can never go back. Tess left her hometown after the death of her best friend. No one knows why she left so abruptly. She has come back to photograph the wedding of her deceased friends husbands remarriage. She has lots of emotions to deal with as she interacts with past friends and her "niece "' the daughter of her deceased friend. Thanks to Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this poignant book.

This was a long and twisted way to tell this story, I did enjoy the characters but wondered at times if maybe this was a series and I missed the first ones. After finishing the book I don't think I missed any. It was all wrapped up in time.

Left to Chance was a good book. It's set in a small town where most of the people know each other. The main character, Teddi, had rather an odd way of handling being back "home" after 6 years away. Yes, she left after her best friend, almost sister, died and claims it was because her friend asked her to, knowing that she needed to spread her wings to find her passion in life. That's fine and even understandable, but what wasn't was Teddi returning and thinking that everyone was going to confide in her (about Shay and the "mean girls") and treat her like no time had passed.

There was a lot going on in this book besides just the wedding and it was more than enough to hold my interest. I just found some of the characters a little flat and the way they suddenly "turn around" in their feelings for Teddi somewhat contrived.

Overall I did enjoy Left to Chance and I have read other books by Amy Sue Nathan that were as good or better. If you like family drama, small towns and books about finding oneself, you will probably enjoy this.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an e-ARC of this novel.

Mini Review!
Left to Chance- Amy Sue Nathan
Thank you @netgalley .
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*interesting storyline
*likeable characters *heartwrenching moments
*complete with sarcasm and humor infused at the perfect spots
*the ending gave closure to both Teddi and myself
❤️
Overall an enjoyable read that kept me entertained and I didn't want to put it down!

#recommendedread #fourstars #arc #amysuenathan #tallpoppywriters #bloomreads #netgalleyreview #smalltownbigdreams

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is an incredible story and so relatable. Teddi left Chance, Ohio after her best friend died. Six years later she has returned, but it is not the warm welcome she was hoping for. Every character was interesting and I felt like I was reading about neighbors and friends. They seem so realistic. What broke my heart. She is struggling with the loss of her mother and being a girl growing up. I was completely engrossed in this story the whole time. Very well done.

When I read the synopsis for Left to Chance, I wasn't sure if it would end up being an emotional read, an uplifting read or a romance novel. The truth is that it's all three! Amy Sue Nathan has yet again written a novel that has wow'ed me. I felt the characters emotions from the beginning which immediately hooked me. The storyline was well-paced and I loved the perfectly timed twists and turns. Amy Sue Nathan has a magical way of grabbing your attention at the same time she grabs your heart and Left to Chance is a fantastic example of that. This 4.5 star read would make the perfect book club selection! I am so excited excited for my friends to read it so I can discuss this multifaceted novel with them!!