"Welcome To Last Chance" is the debut novel for author Cathleen Armstrong. This is to be the first book in her new series, A Place To Call Home. Can I just go ahead and share with you that I cannot wait to see what book 2 holds! This was one of the sweetest and most gentle reads I have had the pleasure of reading this year.
Who doesn't need a second chance? Yes, this is the premise for this novel, but it holds such sweet life lessons. The main character is running fast. She is leaving and on her way to a new life. But what she wasn't ready for was a town of accepting and loving people. She really didn't even know how to react to their kindness. Sound crazy? I believe this is reality for many and for character Lainie Davis, this is her life.
One particular part that I enjoyed was the moment Lainie realized a red light appeared on her dash. Oh, it would flash and then she would hit the dash in hopes of it disappearing. It would, but then soon reappear. How many times does God give us these warnings and we try to ignore them in hopes that nothing is really wrong? We see these warnings and being ignored for so long, the time comes when we the car we are driving slows to a stop and we are left wondering what to do. But how many times is He urging us to pull over for rest? This is Lainie as she makes it to a small town called Lasts Chance. Praise Jesus, we have a God of second chances. When we least expect it He shows up with something that is about to change our lives for the better.
The thing is, Lainie doesn't believe she's worth it. Fear is in her review mirror and ahead is a life she feels undeserving of. What she finds is a new hope. She has freedom before her like she has never known before.
The characters of this novel were believable. They were rich with personality and sweet with grace. Friends, I'm excited to see what is to come next for Cathleen Armstrong. If this first novel is any indication of what's to come, I believe this series will be one that is a blessing for all who read it. Yes, this is one to check out!!
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. After she and Ed raised three children, she returned to college and earned a BA in English. Welcome to Last Chance won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction.
This novel was a gift from Revell for sharing my review with you.
