by Amy Sue Nathan

This is a story about a woman who lost her best friend, and then ran away. Running seems like a good idea to all of us at one point or another. And to some extent, we have all tried this. But Teddi really ran far. And long. And she allowed herself only one small tether: The child of her best friend. And that tether pulled her home one day.

I really love that romance is truly the sprinkles on the cupcake that is this book. It’s there, and undeniable, but the romance is a small part of the much bigger personal journey of a women coming to terms with herself.

For me, Chance, Ohio became a character in the story. The small town actually DOES something in the end. I’m amazed by Ms. Nathan – such subtlety, but not. I’m from a small town, I live in a different small town, and I’ve lived in large cities before too. I get the dichotomy and so does this author. And while I would never tell you where to live (unless I knew you) I have to say that in a small or large town, it’s the people in your life that matter the most, not where the people happen to be. And I think this sentiment can be lifted from Left to Chance. In fact, I just lifted it.

I think you’ll like the story – it’s filled with great characters, very sticky situations, and a possible new best friend that absolutely cracks me up. I want a Josie of my own—just sayin’. Some may not find the book “deep” enough or “serious” enough, or even “suspenseful” enough. But this is women’s fiction and the beauty of the genre is that while it contains topics which can be deep, and situations which can be funny, it’s true goal is to take the reader on an emotional odyssey. Left to Chance offers a perfect example of women’s fiction with thought-provoking ideas, emotional heft, and pretty dresses. And a coffee shop. I recommend it!

FYI: some language

Would you like your own copy of this gem? Click here.

Disclaimer: I won a copy of this book in a giveaway and the opinions in this review are honest and ALL mine.