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A Place to Call Home #1
Welcome to Last Chance
The red warning light on her car dashboard drove Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico. But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it's her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life for Lainie's comfort--especially since she's on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.
Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?
Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
1139 people are currently reading
5530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews
January 27, 2015
As I read this novel, I kept thinking, "This would make an ideal Hallmark Channel movie". It seems to have all the right elements: girl with a past comes to small town, meets quirky characters who accept her for who she is, finds a good guy... but all the while you know her past is going to catch up with her at some point. Welcome to Last Chance was a nice summer read for me. I did feel the ending was abrupt, but I think there are more coming in the series, so perhaps the author is going to wrap up some of the loose ends in future books. Also, the girl on the cover looks like a teenager, and the protagonist is referred to as older than twenty-five. Had me confused a little at times as I kept picturing her as a teenager. Still, I enjoyed the book.
August 23, 2016
Although in some ways this story was slow moving, it was in the way of taking a slow and leisurely walk. You keep walking and enjoying the scenery. The characters in the story were well developed and they were a nice mix of normal with some quirks. It was nice to see the friendly side of humanity developed nicely in a couple of heartwarming characters, especially Elizabeth. I think the romance between the H/h needed to be developed more before the story ended. Although this was very much a Christian based story, it didn't feel preachy.
August 16, 2013
Title: WELCOME TO LAST CHANCE
Author: Cathleen Armstrong
Publisher: Revell
August 2013
ISBN: 978-0800722463
Genre: Contemporary romance
The red warning light on her car dashboard drove Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico. But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it's her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life for Lainie's comfort--especially since she's on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.
Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?
WELCOME TO LAST CHANCE is Ms. Armstrong’s debut novel and the first in the A Place to Call Home series. It is very well written, but there is no “wow factor.” Nothing that makes you want to keep reading. Lainie is angry. Kicked out when she was fourteen, a hard life, lots of bad choices, she’s running from an abusive drug dealing boyfriend, with a backpack full of drugs. When her car breaks down in front of a bar in last chance, we’re introduced to our hero. A bartender. Okay, as a very conservative Christian my brows shot up. Then when she asked for a beer, I double checked to make sure this was published by Revell.
Okay, there are a lot of good church ladies (some not so good) that are prepared to love the sin right out of a person, so this turned out to be a good read. I learned a lot from the waitress with a rebellious son who responded with love and a firm hand. What a woman.
And Ray. Well, I would’ve liked to have gotten deeper into his character, but what I read, what I saw, I liked. I will read more by Ms. Armstrong. 4 stars. $13.99. 288 pages
Author: Cathleen Armstrong
Publisher: Revell
August 2013
ISBN: 978-0800722463
Genre: Contemporary romance
The red warning light on her car dashboard drove Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico. But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it's her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life for Lainie's comfort--especially since she's on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.
Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?
WELCOME TO LAST CHANCE is Ms. Armstrong’s debut novel and the first in the A Place to Call Home series. It is very well written, but there is no “wow factor.” Nothing that makes you want to keep reading. Lainie is angry. Kicked out when she was fourteen, a hard life, lots of bad choices, she’s running from an abusive drug dealing boyfriend, with a backpack full of drugs. When her car breaks down in front of a bar in last chance, we’re introduced to our hero. A bartender. Okay, as a very conservative Christian my brows shot up. Then when she asked for a beer, I double checked to make sure this was published by Revell.
Okay, there are a lot of good church ladies (some not so good) that are prepared to love the sin right out of a person, so this turned out to be a good read. I learned a lot from the waitress with a rebellious son who responded with love and a firm hand. What a woman.
And Ray. Well, I would’ve liked to have gotten deeper into his character, but what I read, what I saw, I liked. I will read more by Ms. Armstrong. 4 stars. $13.99. 288 pages
May 14, 2020
Wow. I really regret having this book on my kindle for years and never reading it. This was a really cute read. A story about a woman who is lost and running not only physically, but spiritually. Lanie ends up in this small backwater city of Last Chance, New Mexico where she is greeted by a group of people that are all different, but embrace her no matter what. It was really incredible to see her grow in this community of people and to learn more about the people around her. However, not everything is always sunshine when her past seems to be catching up with her.
All in all a really good read and I can't wait to read more from this series.
All in all a really good read and I can't wait to read more from this series.
May 26, 2025
Wow! Wow! Wow! This book left me with so many emotions and completely speechless!!
First of all, I loved the small town atmosphere! I always love reading books about small towns!
Second, I loved the fact that every character was developed so well! They all had unique personalities and quirks and I could picture them right away!
Definitely five stars and I would highly recommend to girls 13+
I did feel like Lainie's romance was moving a bit fast at first but that was my only issue.
First of all, I loved the small town atmosphere! I always love reading books about small towns!
Second, I loved the fact that every character was developed so well! They all had unique personalities and quirks and I could picture them right away!
Definitely five stars and I would highly recommend to girls 13+
I did feel like Lainie's romance was moving a bit fast at first but that was my only issue.
May 16, 2017
This was a nice read. It was about a women who was running away from her terrible life. She gets stranded in a small town. While staying here she learns to be loved and comes to make many new friends. Of course she falls in love. It was a very nice town and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Since they all take place in Last Chance.
November 4, 2013
This book totally sucked me in at the beginning. It's well-written and engaging, and I needed to know what happened next. Here's the catch: I keep forgetting that I never really end up liking women's fiction books. There is never enough action and adventure for me. Every time some little shadow is mentioned, I'm waiting eagerly for something awful to jump out of the shadow! LOL!
But this book is good. The characters are all interesting and believable and - even though it's Christian fiction - they all have their little (or big) faults that make them feel like real people you know. And that is the strength of women's fiction - to draw you into relationships with characters who are like people you know, and to make you care about what happens to them. This book does that very well!
If I weren't waiting for an explosion or a gun battle or some other ridiculous, wonderful piece of action/thriller type of thing to happen, I would've easily given this book 4 stars. But that's just me. :) If you like women's fiction already, I think you'll really like this book. (I REALLY wanted to eat at the diner! All the food sounded so good! LOL!)
But this book is good. The characters are all interesting and believable and - even though it's Christian fiction - they all have their little (or big) faults that make them feel like real people you know. And that is the strength of women's fiction - to draw you into relationships with characters who are like people you know, and to make you care about what happens to them. This book does that very well!
If I weren't waiting for an explosion or a gun battle or some other ridiculous, wonderful piece of action/thriller type of thing to happen, I would've easily given this book 4 stars. But that's just me. :) If you like women's fiction already, I think you'll really like this book. (I REALLY wanted to eat at the diner! All the food sounded so good! LOL!)
August 19, 2015
I thought this book was great until the end. You had the feeling her ex was going to find her but did not know when and it kept building up to it. But, then he found her and that part of the story after all of that build up was nothing and it basically helped tie everything up and end the story in a neat little package...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2013
Fairly predictable, and with some uneven spots (Like when Lainie goes to Juarez, that was just odd) but overall, a solid, entertaining read.
May 27, 2019
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
5/1/2015-
“Stopped at pg. 95. Wasn't connecting with the characters or the plot plus not a fan of the parts that came across lusting at times.”
*Main Content-
Lainie's ex-boyfriend was a drug dealer & many mentions of drugs; Ray works at a bar & many mentions of drinking & alcohol (Lainie doesn't drink though); Minor cussing (crummy, dang, sheesh, shoot, shut up, stupid).
Two barely-above-not-detailed, two semi-detailed kisses, and a detailed kiss; Touches & Embraces (semi-detailed); Hand holding; Noticing (bordering on lustful); A man says he's "human" and wants to be alone with Lainie; A man tries to touch Lainie and Fayette; A hint that Lainie's mother's boyfriend touched her; Lainie wears "tiny clothes" to church; a 'tramp'.
5/1/2015-
“Stopped at pg. 95. Wasn't connecting with the characters or the plot plus not a fan of the parts that came across lusting at times.”
*Main Content-
Lainie's ex-boyfriend was a drug dealer & many mentions of drugs; Ray works at a bar & many mentions of drinking & alcohol (Lainie doesn't drink though); Minor cussing (crummy, dang, sheesh, shoot, shut up, stupid).
Two barely-above-not-detailed, two semi-detailed kisses, and a detailed kiss; Touches & Embraces (semi-detailed); Hand holding; Noticing (bordering on lustful); A man says he's "human" and wants to be alone with Lainie; A man tries to touch Lainie and Fayette; A hint that Lainie's mother's boyfriend touched her; Lainie wears "tiny clothes" to church; a 'tramp'.
October 21, 2015
Better than average for this genre: contemporary Christian romance. The protagonist is a headstrong, paranoid runner, who has reason to run. Over and over she sabotages her cover and well as her chances for happiness—just like a lot of us. Sometimes here friends help (with the sabotage)—just like ours. She resists help, tries to hide things that could hurt her, makes bad choices. Yeap, yeap, and yeap.
Well written. See? There are authors out there who understand how to write and plot. Mostly believable small town somewhere in Arizona or New Mexico (I’m bettin’ the latter), though few towns this small would have two-car police departments. Mostly believable citizens with only a few caricatures. Think: Mitford with cowboy boots.
Stands right up to several issues Christian authors normally shy from and is a better story for it.
A good read.
Well written. See? There are authors out there who understand how to write and plot. Mostly believable small town somewhere in Arizona or New Mexico (I’m bettin’ the latter), though few towns this small would have two-car police departments. Mostly believable citizens with only a few caricatures. Think: Mitford with cowboy boots.
Stands right up to several issues Christian authors normally shy from and is a better story for it.
A good read.
August 5, 2015
Well you never know what you'll get when you pick up a book
I really liked how our heroine was strong and how she seemed to realize that community was stronger. The love shown by Elizabeth just showed me who I want to be, before I reach 86 years young. She's the kind of person whose lo e of Jesus shines right out of them and attracts you like ants to a summer picnic. Laurie made some big mistakes but pulled through. So glad to have read it.
I really liked how our heroine was strong and how she seemed to realize that community was stronger. The love shown by Elizabeth just showed me who I want to be, before I reach 86 years young. She's the kind of person whose lo e of Jesus shines right out of them and attracts you like ants to a summer picnic. Laurie made some big mistakes but pulled through. So glad to have read it.
January 30, 2020
Lainie is leaving her deadend life. She’s over the longtime going nowhere life with her boyfriend. When her car breaks down at the ramp to Last Chance she doesn’t know it’s really her new chance. The people welcome her into the the town and eventually their lives and hearts.
I loved the way my feelings about Lainie changed as I read the book because I didn’t like her much at all at the start.
It’s a great book about second chances and forgiveness.
I read this in paperback format from my library and then found in my kindle orders from 2015 that I purchased. Well I guess I really wanted to read it but got lost on my to be reads on my kindle app.
I loved the way my feelings about Lainie changed as I read the book because I didn’t like her much at all at the start.
It’s a great book about second chances and forgiveness.
I read this in paperback format from my library and then found in my kindle orders from 2015 that I purchased. Well I guess I really wanted to read it but got lost on my to be reads on my kindle app.
November 14, 2018
Good book
Good book. I enjoyed it. I liked the characters and the basis of faith in the story. I felt some of the details could have been elaborated on (Nick and the ending) but overall, I liked it.
Good book. I enjoyed it. I liked the characters and the basis of faith in the story. I felt some of the details could have been elaborated on (Nick and the ending) but overall, I liked it.
August 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Lainie is running away from her drug dealing boyfriend, unaware that she has drugs in her backpack. Her car breaks down in a small town called Last Chance. She only plans on staying until her car is fixed. Then she meets Ray. Good story after that point.
August 22, 2013
What goes on in a small town? Plenty! Lainie Davis was about to find out that dark desolate night her crippled used Mustang rolled to a dead stop in Last Chance, New Mexico, abruptly ending her escape from life in Palm Springs to El Paso where she would be safe with her friend Lindsay…at least for awhile. Her phone was also dead and the only light was in the High Lonesome Saloon across the parking lot where her car had given up the ghost. Was this a dead end to her running as far as possible from the threatening dangerous ex-boyfriend, Nick?
The bartender Ray wasn’t too warm toward frazzled Lainie when she dragged into the bar to ask for answers about what to do next. The town’s only motel was closed while the owner was attending a mayor’s convention. She would need to wait until morning to contact the only mechanic in town. While in the bar, the town drunk Les tried to “be friendly” with her and Ray squelched that, telling Les to go sit in the truck and wait for him to take him home after he closed the bar. Lainie appeared brazen when she asked if Ray had an empty spot for her. In desperate resolve she slept in her car.
Lainie began to experience the kindness offered to strangers when she entered the Dip ‘n’ Dine café across the street from the High Lonesome Saloon the next morning. Fayette, the owner, recognized immediately that Lainie was in desperate straits and offered her a shower, breakfast and even called Elizabeth to ask if Lainie could stay with her while the car was being fixed. That arranged, Lainie was uncomfortable over Elizabeth’s insistence that members of her household attend church. However she trudged on to meet this unusual woman with momentary promise of rescue.
After showering, Lainie found something hidden in her backpack that sickened her and filled her with fear. The package she found was evidently put there by Nick. During her time in the café, she was able to contact her friend Lindsay and heard frightening news that Nick had called Lindsay looking for her. Never before had Lainie had so many people, strangers at that be so concerned for her well being. In a way it caused her to feel like running “like the wind.” She noticed a police car pulling up to the café and wasn’t sure what to do by then, so she slapped a ten dollar bill on the counter and headed for the door when Fayette called out that she had change coming.
And indeed, Lainie had many changes coming! Last Chance was certainly a town where everybody – all 743 - knows your name….and your business. Cathleen Armstrong wrote her characters well with defining qualities about each one. Everyone has a personality that’s either strong, weak or somewhere in between. It was an engrossing read, so much so that it kept me from getting my needed rest at night. Having been born and raised in a small town, I could identify with those things considered normal or unusual that happens in Everytown, USA.
Ms Armstrong writes strongly with color and conveys vividly the beauty of the country around Last Chance; romance with caution between the characters; the true Christian nature of the Last Chance residents; and problems in single parenting a self-indulgent child. Lainie wasn’t familiar with Christian principles and values, but surprised herself when she sought to know more about God….and particularly when she began singing in the church choir. Cathleen Armstrong left a few conclusions unwrapped and hopefully this fine author will give another chance at a sequel to Lainie’s last chance.
“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
I received this book through the Revell Book Blogger's Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
The bartender Ray wasn’t too warm toward frazzled Lainie when she dragged into the bar to ask for answers about what to do next. The town’s only motel was closed while the owner was attending a mayor’s convention. She would need to wait until morning to contact the only mechanic in town. While in the bar, the town drunk Les tried to “be friendly” with her and Ray squelched that, telling Les to go sit in the truck and wait for him to take him home after he closed the bar. Lainie appeared brazen when she asked if Ray had an empty spot for her. In desperate resolve she slept in her car.
Lainie began to experience the kindness offered to strangers when she entered the Dip ‘n’ Dine café across the street from the High Lonesome Saloon the next morning. Fayette, the owner, recognized immediately that Lainie was in desperate straits and offered her a shower, breakfast and even called Elizabeth to ask if Lainie could stay with her while the car was being fixed. That arranged, Lainie was uncomfortable over Elizabeth’s insistence that members of her household attend church. However she trudged on to meet this unusual woman with momentary promise of rescue.
After showering, Lainie found something hidden in her backpack that sickened her and filled her with fear. The package she found was evidently put there by Nick. During her time in the café, she was able to contact her friend Lindsay and heard frightening news that Nick had called Lindsay looking for her. Never before had Lainie had so many people, strangers at that be so concerned for her well being. In a way it caused her to feel like running “like the wind.” She noticed a police car pulling up to the café and wasn’t sure what to do by then, so she slapped a ten dollar bill on the counter and headed for the door when Fayette called out that she had change coming.
And indeed, Lainie had many changes coming! Last Chance was certainly a town where everybody – all 743 - knows your name….and your business. Cathleen Armstrong wrote her characters well with defining qualities about each one. Everyone has a personality that’s either strong, weak or somewhere in between. It was an engrossing read, so much so that it kept me from getting my needed rest at night. Having been born and raised in a small town, I could identify with those things considered normal or unusual that happens in Everytown, USA.
Ms Armstrong writes strongly with color and conveys vividly the beauty of the country around Last Chance; romance with caution between the characters; the true Christian nature of the Last Chance residents; and problems in single parenting a self-indulgent child. Lainie wasn’t familiar with Christian principles and values, but surprised herself when she sought to know more about God….and particularly when she began singing in the church choir. Cathleen Armstrong left a few conclusions unwrapped and hopefully this fine author will give another chance at a sequel to Lainie’s last chance.
“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
I received this book through the Revell Book Blogger's Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 15, 2013
Welcome to Last Chance
For a debute novel this book is impressingly well written. Last Chance people were filled with love and understanding which created a great cushion for a poor lost soul like Lianie's. I love that about the community. Her background and current run from Nick was a great twist. What bugged was Ray's behavior at the beginning.
He treats her like a tramp when he firstmeets her and she was dressed conservative then, their next meeting she blows up and he totally thinks she is a crazy person, the following meeting he offers to pay her ticket to anywhere just to get rid of her split personality.., next day is sunday and our dear Lianie is dressing like a true tramp and goes to church and boom Ray is asking her on a date!! Thats just wrong and upset down, and to top it off at the date after some rich kissing she is trying to pull him in bed and after he refuses she calls herself a tramp and he gets all protective of her reputation. I would have had a better respect for him and their relationship if he was keeping it as friendship at the beginning not blow all the guns and then slow down.
But besides those first chapters the book went smooth and nice. I liked the change in Lianie and all the other excitement in the town.
I appreciate Author's courage to take a really bad girl and turn her into a christian not any author risks to start their story this low and aim so high.. I look forward to more books by this author.
Enjoy reading it dear readers, besides the little spoiler in the beginning the book is great!
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from Revel Publishing, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
For a debute novel this book is impressingly well written. Last Chance people were filled with love and understanding which created a great cushion for a poor lost soul like Lianie's. I love that about the community. Her background and current run from Nick was a great twist. What bugged was Ray's behavior at the beginning.
He treats her like a tramp when he firstmeets her and she was dressed conservative then, their next meeting she blows up and he totally thinks she is a crazy person, the following meeting he offers to pay her ticket to anywhere just to get rid of her split personality.., next day is sunday and our dear Lianie is dressing like a true tramp and goes to church and boom Ray is asking her on a date!! Thats just wrong and upset down, and to top it off at the date after some rich kissing she is trying to pull him in bed and after he refuses she calls herself a tramp and he gets all protective of her reputation. I would have had a better respect for him and their relationship if he was keeping it as friendship at the beginning not blow all the guns and then slow down.
But besides those first chapters the book went smooth and nice. I liked the change in Lianie and all the other excitement in the town.
I appreciate Author's courage to take a really bad girl and turn her into a christian not any author risks to start their story this low and aim so high.. I look forward to more books by this author.
Enjoy reading it dear readers, besides the little spoiler in the beginning the book is great!
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from Revel Publishing, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 25, 2013
I really liked the way this book started out, with Lainie dragging into Last Chance in a car that dies in the first parking lot in town. For the first few days, she doesn't know whether she is having good luck or bad luck with the things that are happening. Before she can blink, though, she has a place to stay and a job - just no car.
She has been on her own for so long that she doesn't recognize it when someone cares about her and is not just ordering her around. She has had her fill of being ordered around, but because of situations in her past, can't quite feel comfortable anywhere. She is afraid that her ex is going to come looking for her, and she can't let him find her.
I loved Lainie. When she discovered that she was in a situation that she didn't like - rather than staying to try to change her boyfriend - she packed up and left. Something I think not a lot of young girls would do. Especially ones that didn't have anywhere else they could call home. When she arrived in Last Chance, she was cautious, but she was not afraid of work. She was a good person who had just not had a perfect life.
Like the people of Last Chance, this book was warm and welcoming and presented the gospel in a very laid back way. For them it was just a fact of life - something they lived every day. They did not need to rub your face in it. Now don't get me wrong - Last Chance had some characters that weren't living the life they should, and even had some Christians whose heart was in the right place even if what came out of their mouths sometimes wasn't.
I thought it was a very strong debut novel and will happily read whatever Cathleen Armstrong comes out with next.
She has been on her own for so long that she doesn't recognize it when someone cares about her and is not just ordering her around. She has had her fill of being ordered around, but because of situations in her past, can't quite feel comfortable anywhere. She is afraid that her ex is going to come looking for her, and she can't let him find her.
I loved Lainie. When she discovered that she was in a situation that she didn't like - rather than staying to try to change her boyfriend - she packed up and left. Something I think not a lot of young girls would do. Especially ones that didn't have anywhere else they could call home. When she arrived in Last Chance, she was cautious, but she was not afraid of work. She was a good person who had just not had a perfect life.
Like the people of Last Chance, this book was warm and welcoming and presented the gospel in a very laid back way. For them it was just a fact of life - something they lived every day. They did not need to rub your face in it. Now don't get me wrong - Last Chance had some characters that weren't living the life they should, and even had some Christians whose heart was in the right place even if what came out of their mouths sometimes wasn't.
I thought it was a very strong debut novel and will happily read whatever Cathleen Armstrong comes out with next.
March 22, 2015
This is a small-town story with a familiar theme. Lainie has left her drug-dealing boyfriend and is en route to a ‘new start in life’ when her car breaks down in Last Chance. She ends up staying there and building relationships (including a romantic interest). The story is told entirely from her point of view.
Writing small-town characters is difficult (I know because I’ve got one WIP set in a small town!). It’s hard to not make them stereotypical or cookie-cutter. And that was a challenge here, as well. There are quite a few characters, which makes it even harder. I think the author succeeded in part.
There was a lot of observation and inferred emotion. The problem with that is it lacks emotional punch. Some would call it “telling instead of showing” which is another hard thing to do. The biggest problem with this is that I never really connected with Lainie emotionally (although I liked her just fine). And I really don’t know much about who Ray is (just what he’s perceived as through Lainie’s eyes) even now that I’m done reading. I had a few issues with the romance (Lainie was there for almost a year and she and Ray weren’t really any closer than they were at three months), and a few things that just didn’t make sense (especially related to the drugs in Lainie’s backpack).
The story line and plot were well done. Lots of inferences to Lainie’s past life to keep us wondering if it was going to intrude on her new life. The gradual change she goes through as she’s befriended by the small-town characters. The pivotal event with her friend’s son. And the climax when past and present collide.
Writing small-town characters is difficult (I know because I’ve got one WIP set in a small town!). It’s hard to not make them stereotypical or cookie-cutter. And that was a challenge here, as well. There are quite a few characters, which makes it even harder. I think the author succeeded in part.
There was a lot of observation and inferred emotion. The problem with that is it lacks emotional punch. Some would call it “telling instead of showing” which is another hard thing to do. The biggest problem with this is that I never really connected with Lainie emotionally (although I liked her just fine). And I really don’t know much about who Ray is (just what he’s perceived as through Lainie’s eyes) even now that I’m done reading. I had a few issues with the romance (Lainie was there for almost a year and she and Ray weren’t really any closer than they were at three months), and a few things that just didn’t make sense (especially related to the drugs in Lainie’s backpack).
The story line and plot were well done. Lots of inferences to Lainie’s past life to keep us wondering if it was going to intrude on her new life. The gradual change she goes through as she’s befriended by the small-town characters. The pivotal event with her friend’s son. And the climax when past and present collide.
August 18, 2013
I really enjoyed this well-written story about Lainie Davis, a young woman on the run and looking for a new life. Her old car dies in Last Chance, New Mexico, a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. Taken in by the local townspeople, she's given a job and place to live, but she can't understand why these people are being so nice to her. She's always had to depend on herself and knows she can't become too attached to anyone. When she becomes interested in a local guy, she wonders if she'll be able to make herself leave or if her past will catch up with her.
There are some wonderful characters in this story that draw you in and make you care about each one of them and this little town. They are also flawed and genuine. I loved the progression of Lainie being drawn into these people's lives and starting to care despite herself. I also liked how she becomes part of the church family and sees these people living out their faith, which is something she's not familiar with at all. I enjoyed the romance, though the start of it felt a little abrupt to me. This is a wonderful beginning to the series and I look forward to the next one. This is Cathleen Armstrong's debut novel and has already won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction! You should definitely check this out!
I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.
There are some wonderful characters in this story that draw you in and make you care about each one of them and this little town. They are also flawed and genuine. I loved the progression of Lainie being drawn into these people's lives and starting to care despite herself. I also liked how she becomes part of the church family and sees these people living out their faith, which is something she's not familiar with at all. I enjoyed the romance, though the start of it felt a little abrupt to me. This is a wonderful beginning to the series and I look forward to the next one. This is Cathleen Armstrong's debut novel and has already won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction! You should definitely check this out!
I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2013
When Lainie Davis's car breaks down in the small town of Last Chance, New Mexico, all she wants to do is find a way to get out of this small town where the people's hearts are huge and they truly care. Lainie has never experienced the love that the small community shows her. She's a bit unnerved by it to be truthful. Yet the longer she remains in Last Chance, she begins to think that maybe she has been given a second chance.
This is the debut book by Cathleen Armstrong and I found it to be a very quick read. I found myself feeling for Lainie when her car broke down. Having had my own car coast into the repair shop before, I understood what she went through. I loved how she had to come to a point where she could not only accept the love of the people of the town, but also had to surrender to God. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
I received the paperback for free from Revell books for the purpose of reviewing. I later bought the Kindle edition.
Recommended to fans of contemporary fiction, Irene Hannon's contemporary romances, Susan May Warren, Katie Ganshert
Available in August 2013 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Rating - 4 stars
This is the debut book by Cathleen Armstrong and I found it to be a very quick read. I found myself feeling for Lainie when her car broke down. Having had my own car coast into the repair shop before, I understood what she went through. I loved how she had to come to a point where she could not only accept the love of the people of the town, but also had to surrender to God. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
I received the paperback for free from Revell books for the purpose of reviewing. I later bought the Kindle edition.
Recommended to fans of contemporary fiction, Irene Hannon's contemporary romances, Susan May Warren, Katie Ganshert
Available in August 2013 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Rating - 4 stars
September 3, 2016
I really found this book amazing in its own way. Mostly people would say the intro is a bit slow. But honestly, for me... I DO NOT UNDERSTAND A THING. For the first 20 pages or so, I was wondering what the food is actually happening. Was Lainie try to kidnap someone or talking to herself? It seemed like she was under stress but why do I doubt about it? Damn, what am I reading right now?
Phew, that was taking a lot of moment to fathom the whole situation. Eventually, I'm on the right path. So, the story was about Lainie who was currently running away from her drug-addicted boyfriend. Somehow, she was in Last Chance. Luck? No luck do not have anything to do with our life. God has planned the best for us. That was what Elizabeth, Ray's grandma (Ray is Lainie's new boyfriend) has said. They were pretty religious and so that's how Lainie transform into better person, in religion perspective. Going back to church, doing good deeds.
It was all about life. How will you cope with your problems, stress, and surrounding. It has really a lot of words I haven't seen before and makes me realize how I should read more to level up my english. Wish me luck!
Phew, that was taking a lot of moment to fathom the whole situation. Eventually, I'm on the right path. So, the story was about Lainie who was currently running away from her drug-addicted boyfriend. Somehow, she was in Last Chance. Luck? No luck do not have anything to do with our life. God has planned the best for us. That was what Elizabeth, Ray's grandma (Ray is Lainie's new boyfriend) has said. They were pretty religious and so that's how Lainie transform into better person, in religion perspective. Going back to church, doing good deeds.
It was all about life. How will you cope with your problems, stress, and surrounding. It has really a lot of words I haven't seen before and makes me realize how I should read more to level up my english. Wish me luck!
August 10, 2013
Welcome to Last Chance was an easy book to read and get lost in. The characters are believable and engaging. I found myself rooting for Lainie, hoping that she could get herself turned around and away from the evil influences that seemed to predominate her life before the story began. It was interesting to imagine myself in her place, looking at the world through her eyes. I had to laugh about her mental descriptions of attending her first church service, especially the part where she thought about the "twelve people wearing tan bathrobes." Thinking about it now has me smiling all over again. I look forward to seeing what Cathleen Armstrong is going to give to us in the future.
I recommend this books to readers of contemporary Christian fiction who enjoy a light read with romantic elements.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I recommend this books to readers of contemporary Christian fiction who enjoy a light read with romantic elements.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
September 6, 2017
Someone once told me "Life is too short to read books you aren't enjoying." So I'm trying to do that. I usually try to make it halfway through a book before I give up, but I just can't seem to do it with this one. I made it 54 pages. My problem is the main character, Lainie, is an ungrateful brat. I know she will change and fall in love and be grateful for all the help she ends up getting. But I can't stand it. It was making me mad. I'm sure it ends well, but I didn't want to waste any more time reading about someone so rude.
Anyway, I threw in an extra star because the writing wasn't horrible. It was just the main character.
Anyway, I threw in an extra star because the writing wasn't horrible. It was just the main character.
July 22, 2014
Debut novel, contemporary, New Mexico, small town. If you like Melody Carlson, you will like Cathleen Armstrong.
Young woman runs away from California. She finds herself in the middle of a life revolving around her boyfriend using and selling drugs, so she runs and ends up in Last Chance. She has to learn that strangers can care, Ends up staying with grandmother-figure Elizabeth, and gets a job at the local Dip-N-Dine restaurant.
Intriguing characters. Fast paced story. Characters are so real.
Don't plan on going to sleep until you reach the end.
Young woman runs away from California. She finds herself in the middle of a life revolving around her boyfriend using and selling drugs, so she runs and ends up in Last Chance. She has to learn that strangers can care, Ends up staying with grandmother-figure Elizabeth, and gets a job at the local Dip-N-Dine restaurant.
Intriguing characters. Fast paced story. Characters are so real.
Don't plan on going to sleep until you reach the end.
April 6, 2017
(Baring my soul, now!!) I like Christian Chic-Lit fiction. This is certainly a great example of that. It is a sweet, clean read with characters that seem like real people. They all have their quirks, and none is perfect, but they are all woven together in a tale that gives one hope.
I could identify with Lannie Davis and was glad that the people of Last Chance, NM were there for her.
I could identify with Lannie Davis and was glad that the people of Last Chance, NM were there for her.
February 20, 2015
God's power
This book shows how God watches over you and shows you the way. It was the story of small town and how the people shows love and faith to someone who never knew about God's love. I really enjoyed this book
This book shows how God watches over you and shows you the way. It was the story of small town and how the people shows love and faith to someone who never knew about God's love. I really enjoyed this book
April 19, 2014
There were several areas in the plot that did not hold together well and it ended way too abruptly. I did enjoy the quirky characters, though.
August 21, 2015
3.5 stars
August 25, 2015
kind of anticlimactic. the ending was what I expected to happen but it happened all in a rush and the antagonist barely even made an appearance.
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