Award winning writer, Karen Kingsbury, released her latest novel in March 2013 titled The Chance. It is another fantastic story that sweeps you in from the first chapter and keeps you rooting for the characters right through to the final pages. Kingsbury is known as an inspirational novelist and her style of writing incorporates God’s messages and reminds us of what is truly important in our lives.
The storyline begins by introducing two main characters and their backgrounds. Ellie is a 15 year old girl whose family life is anything but stable and Nolan is her best friend and a star high school basketball player. Almost immediately you develop a connection with both of them that continues to grow with each chapter.
Ellie’s family is broken apart and they decide to relocate from Georgia to California. Prior to the move, she meets Nolan under an old oak tree and they agree to write letters to one another. Rather than exchanging them, they decide to seal the letters in a box and pledge to return eleven years later to read them.
As the story continues, each character must maneuver through several twists and turns down the rocky path of life. During the many trials and tribulations, their faith in God is repeatedly tested. When 11 years have passed, the reader wonders if they will in fact meet and read the letters, and if so does true love prevail?
The character of Ellie seems to always be fighting to stay above water while Nolan finds strength through his relationship with God. Having complete trust in God is to know that whatever comes our way, we will not be shaken.
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. —Psalms 62:1-2 KJV
We are also reminded of another life lesson as we read this novel. Sometimes our expectations of others are so high that they are unable to meet them. And when this occurs, we, as humans, react by being critical and judgmental. The Bible states:
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. —Luke 6:37 KJV
This book is a joy to read. And, a word of advice, you may want to keep a box of Kleenex close by. If you enjoy this novel, be on the lookout for Kingsbury’s new book, Fifteen Minutes, which will be released in October 2013.