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Karen Kingsbury
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The Chance: A Novel Kindle Edition

by Karen Kingsbury (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,154 ratings
Editors' pick Best Romance
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Someone Like You comes a heartwarming story about childhood friends, broken lives, and an age-old promise, proving it’s never too late for love.

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 and wrote letters to each other, sealing them in a rusty old metal box. The plan was to return eleven years later and read them in 2013, the year Nolan’s time traveling books say all the mysteries of the world will be understood.

Now, as that date approaches, much has changed. Ellie, bereft of the faith she grew up with, is a single mom living in a tired apartment and trying to make ends meet. Nolan, now an NBA star, has dealt with terrible personal tragedies that fueled his faith and athletic drive in equal measure. Ever since his father and coach succumbed to a heart attack, Nolan has suffered from a transcendent loneliness. Drowning in an ocean of grief, he often thinks about Ellie and the innocence of their childhood days together.

As Ellie and Nolan move toward the possibility of a reunion at the oak tree, Molly and Ryan, the central characters from author Karen Kingsbury’s previous novel The Bridge, return in their own ongoing story. Written by the “Queen of Christian Fiction” (Time) with eloquence and grace, The Chance is a beautiful tale of heart-wrenching loss, the power of faith, and the wounds that only love can heal.
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  1. Print length
    354 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Howard Books
  4. Publication date
    March 5, 2013
  5. File size
    4.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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  1. The start of sin and destruction, discouragement and darkness, always happened with a single thought.
    Highlighted by 544 Kindle readers
  2. As long as he was breathing, God’s greatest task for him was not yet finished.
    Highlighted by 239 Kindle readers
  3. “It’s never too late with truth. It stands outside time.”
    Highlighted by 221 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Kingsbury knows how to get down to business; readers start worrying from the opening sentence about 15-year-old Ellie Tucker and her family: "Her mom didn't come home for dinner, the third time that week." Family troubles prompt Ellie's abrupt move from Georgia to California, but before that happens she and her best friend Nolan write letters to one another that they bury and agree to unearth in 11 years. During that time, Ellie and Nolan naturally change, their paths diverging; he becomes an NBA star, she a single mother. Reckoning with loss and forgiveness for bad choices are required for healing. Kingsbury's themes are familiar, and her writing has benefited from a change of publisher. The action clips along, and readers root for the main characters. The fan-fic element of her writing remains— there's not only an NBA star but another celebrity affecting the action. But the author pours a fervent message about love and reconciliation into a novel that makes the lesson of hope go down much more easily than it would via sermon. ― Publishers Weekly

"Another weeper from Christian-fiction diva Kingsbury, this time featuring a prayerful NBA star and his long-lost first love." ― Kirkus Reviews

"At age 15, Ellie finds her world turned upside down when her parents separate and her father moves them from Georgia to California. A devastated Ellie and her best friend, Nolan, write letters to each other and bury them beneath an oak tree. The two agree that in 11 years, no matter what surprises life brings, they will return and dig up the letters together. VERDICT Reminiscent of Nicholas Spark's The Notebook and Richard Paul Evan's The Walk, Kingsbury's (Coming Home) latest novel offers her characters forgiveness and love without an expiration date. Her many fans, and readers who like to escape their daily cares with a gentle Christian romance with elements of women's fiction, will enjoy the reappearances of Molly and Ryan, familiar characters from The Bridge, as well as a likable cast of fresh protagonists." ― Library Journal

"In The Chance, Kingsbury (The Bridge, 2012) delivers another excellent novel filled with heart, adventure, and second chances. . . . Kingsbury is one of the most dependable names in inspirational fiction, and The Chance may be her best yet. She infuses such real emotion into her characters, readers will find themselves in tears multiple times throughout the novel. A beautiful balance of human fragility and the power of God’s grace makes this is a must-read." ― Booklist

About the Author

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Karen recently opened her own film company called Kingsbury Productions. The company’s first theatrical movie, Someone Like You, is considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year. For more information visit SomeoneLikeYou.movie. Also, the first three seasons of Karen’s Baxter Family books are now an original series called The Baxters on Prime Video. Karen and her husband, Donald, live in Tennessee near their children and grandchildren.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008J2B6V8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Howard Books; Reprint edition (March 5, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 5, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 354 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,154 ratings

About the author

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Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury

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Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty-nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4,154 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They appreciate the uplifting message and heartwarming story about forgiveness and love. The writing style is described as captivating and well-crafted. Readers praise the faith-filled message and portrayal of God's grace. The characters are described as relatable and well-developed, evoking genuine emotions. Overall, customers find the book moving and inspiring.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ReadabilityStory qualityUplifting messageWriting styleGodnessCharacter developmentTearsPredictable content
670 customers mention "Readability"659 positive11 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it an encouraging and heartfelt read that speaks to their faith journey with God. The story is believable and heartwarming. Readers appreciate the faith-inspired themes and moral lessons in the book.

"This was one of the best books. with the addition of The Bridge, I have had the privilege to read...." Read more

"I love everything about this book, Well written just amazing!!!!! How God brings a broken family together again and lost friends!!!!" Read more

"...Very emotional read. Another of Karen Kingsbury's excellent, faith inspired reads." Read more

"...She loved the story, and was able to enjoy reading it so much more because of the large print. I'm going to look for other works by this author." Read more

269 customers mention "Story quality"252 positive17 negative

Customers enjoyed the story's quality. They found it amazing and wonderful, portraying God's love and forgiveness. The story was described as a sweet journey showing God as romantic. Readers appreciated the romance themes and how well the story flowed.

"...I'm so glad I kept reading. In the last few chapters, I learned so much about forgiveness and God's awesome mercy and grace...." Read more

"I bought this book for my Mom, as a gift. She loved the story, and was able to enjoy reading it so much more because of the large print...." Read more

"...What a story of forgiveness, healing and doing one's best for God...." Read more

"...A story of young love between two teenagers who are torn apart by family conflicts and lose contact for years, yet desperately longing to find each..." Read more

225 customers mention "Uplifting message"225 positive0 negative

Customers find the book uplifting and inspiring. They appreciate the author's message of hope, faith, and love. The book is described as heartfelt, lighthearted, and well-written.

"...Redemption, love, forgiveness are what we all could learn. An. Inspiring novel with many truths." Read more

"I couldn't put the book down and read it in a day and a half. Very emotional read. Another of Karen Kingsbury's excellent, faith inspired reads." Read more

"...This book contained so many life lessons - truly life changing fiction! Way to go Karen Kingsbury!..." Read more

"Honestly should’ve checked good reads first but it was very interesting, just not a big fan of marriage affairs" Read more

202 customers mention "Writing style"196 positive6 negative

Customers praise the writing style as captivating, well-written, and masterful. They describe the book as a good introduction to the author for those unfamiliar with her many series. Readers also mention that the stories are inspiring and thought-provoking.

"I love everything about this book, Well written just amazing!!!!! How God brings a broken family together again and lost friends!!!!" Read more

"...This book contained so many life lessons - truly life changing fiction! Way to go Karen Kingsbury!..." Read more

"...And a powerful tribute to the truth of Romans 8:28 — God’s promise to work out all things together for our good and for His glory...." Read more

"...Flowed beautifully. Showed the reality of God's love, mercy and grace compared to condemning religious rules. A must read for all Christians." Read more

113 customers mention "Godness"107 positive6 negative

Customers find the book uplifting and inspiring. They appreciate the message of faith, love, and grace from God. The story reminds them that God can work through difficult situations and heal broken hearts. Readers feel God's presence and love throughout the book.

"...The book reveals the Lord is real and works in our broken lives as well as normal circumstances. It may not be in our timing, but in His...." Read more

"...last few chapters, I learned so much about forgiveness and God's awesome mercy and grace...." Read more

"...the spirit as I was reading the book especially towards the end God is so faithful and is a God of restoration. He is so good we don’t deserve him😭..." Read more

"A very special book ,God is all over this book!! Love love it ! Please keep writing books like this!..." Read more

82 customers mention "Character development"78 positive4 negative

Customers find the characters captivating and realistic. They appreciate the author's weaving of God into their lives and how faith helps them through difficult times. The descriptions of people are so vivid that readers feel their emotions. Overall, customers find the book inspiring.

"...Kingsbury is sympathetic to all characters...." Read more

"...The message in the book is clear and the characters are wonderful...." Read more

"Great story line and character development with a line of suspense throughout to keep the reader moving on. Impeccable writing...." Read more

"...I couldn't wait to see how it ended. The characters were so realistic that their struggles made me cry out loud...." Read more

26 customers mention "Tears"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartfelt and moving. They say the stories are realistic, with real struggles and heartache.

"I love this book so much! This book made me cry and that has never happened to me reading a book before...." Read more

"this is such an amazing book. i cried so much reading it. the author did an amazing job tugging at all my heart strings!..." Read more

"...The characters were so realistic that their struggles made me cry out loud. I empathized with their struggles with life, love and faith...." Read more

"...I shed many tears through this book; some were happy tears and some SO sad I could hardly catch my breath...." Read more

35 customers mention "Predictable content"15 positive20 negative

Customers have mixed views on the book's content. Some find it powerful, awesome, and a fast read. Others feel it's predictable with repetitive elements and lacks surprises. However, some readers appreciate the unlikely events that tie the story together.

"A good, uplifting Christian read but highly predictable. I knew what would happen from the very beginning. Still, enjoying enough to read." Read more

"...The Chance provided a welcome contrast." Read more

"...I pre-order them. This one was too trite, to predictable, way too neat and tidy...." Read more

"The Chance was pretty good but was similar to other Kingsbury books. Too many famous people. I wish Karen would get back to the real world...." Read more

Wonderful novel!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful novel!!!
I love everything about this book, Well written just amazing!!!!! How God brings a broken family together again and lost friends!!!!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Gloria Thompson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Truth lie inside this book.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was one of the best books. with the addition of The Bridge, I have had the privilege to read. The book reveals the Lord is real and works in our broken lives as well as normal circumstances. It may not be in our timing, but in His. Redemption, love, forgiveness are what we all could learn. An. Inspiring novel with many truths.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Nathali Medrano
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful novel!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I love everything about this book, Well written just amazing!!!!! How God brings a broken family together again and lost friends!!!!
    Customer image
    Nathali Medrano
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Wonderful novel!!!

    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2025
    I love everything about this book, Well written just amazing!!!!! How God brings a broken family together again and lost friends!!!!
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  • Lois
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Karen Kingsbury Fans
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I couldn't put the book down and read it in a day and a half. Very emotional read. Another of Karen Kingsbury's excellent, faith inspired reads.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • linda roberts
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Chance a book that dredged up so many emotions within me.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I can't believe I am crying now . when I was about mid way this book I was so angry. I must confess my anger was with Karen Kingsbury. I was thinking it to be impossible to search for someone for eleven years and not find them and while I'm not feeling anger, I still think it could have been sooner but then I don't know how the book would have come to the perfect ending that it came to. I'm so glad I kept reading. In the last few chapters, I learned so much about forgiveness and God's awesome mercy and grace. I also now understand more about "out of the mouths of children". Even thru my inpatients, I enjoyed this book!!🌺
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Jodie Bednar
    5.0 out of 5 stars My Mom Loved It
    Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book for my Mom, as a gift. She loved the story, and was able to enjoy reading it so much more because of the large print. I'm going to look for other works by this author.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • judyscott
    5.0 out of 5 stars Karen Kingsbury at her best
    Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I have been a KK fan since I read her first book and I think I have read all of them, usually pre-ordering her books. Many times I have bought both a paperback and one for my kindle. However,sadly, I was very disappointed with the Bailey Flannigan series and I hate to say, not overly impressed with The Bridge. That being said; I did not order The Chance until I had read some reviews. After reading the reviews, I ordered it on my kindle, and Wow! I will probably buy the paperback,too.

    Let me just say that with this book, the Karen Kingsbury I have grown to love and appreciate is back with a bang. I think this book is one of her best, if not the best!

    One really gets to know the characters. They are so well developed that I felt everything they were feeling. I laughed, I cried and I felt their loneliness and heartbreak, their joy and the presence of God all over this book!

    What a story of forgiveness, healing and doing one's best for God. There were so many lines that grabbed me:"Forgiving people makes us free" and "hurting people hurt people", "where much is given, much is expected". This book contained so many life lessons - truly life changing fiction! Way to go Karen Kingsbury!

    If you're a fan, get this one for sure. If you have never read a KK book, this is a must read. Get your copy quick. You won't be disappointed.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed this book
    2 people found this helpful
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  • chichi
    5.0 out of 5 stars ten out of ten
    Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I felt the spirit as I was reading the book especially towards the end God is so faithful and is a God of restoration. He is so good we don’t deserve him😭
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Deborah Miller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Karen Kingsbury definitely has a way of writing that makes you feel closer to God. Definitely a well written page turner
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  • Crystelle Ackermann
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just loves her books.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    She is a fenomimal writer and l love the strong christian storyline in her books. God is good, kind and loving and she shows it over and over in all her stories. Forgiveness set you free and this is what this book is about.
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  • K. Edwards
    2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed
    Reviewed in Australia on December 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    It’s been a while since I’ve read any of the author’s books. This book was disappointing. It was an easy read, with a predictable plot. Nothing that would grab the reader. I kept reading hoping it would pick up pace, or have a little more depth. But it kind of flat-lined the whole way through.
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  • 日米民主文庫
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Chance
    Reviewed in Japan on June 11, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    若かりし頃の恋が遠回りをしながら・・・・青春時代のラブストーリーが最後は「・・・」。英語も平易で読みやすく「ハラハラどきどき」しながら最後まで読み進めました。読後感いい小説です。是非、一読してください。
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in India on February 7, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Fantastic
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