Take the "Chance of a Lifetime" and return to the fictional small-town world of Harmony, Texas. Author Jodi Thomas once again captivates with in-depth characterizations and a compelling story line filled with romance, humor, and mystery. One thing that you are guaranteed with a Jodi Thomas read is "more"--more detail, more surprises, and more addictive storytelling which makes you long for the next book. In "Chance of a Lifetime", long-ago dreams and new hopes must overcome unknown threats before hearts can truly heal and find the happiness they seek. Emily Tomlinson survived a brutal attack in her teens, but her memory of what happened is muddled, and she only knows that her best friend, Tannon Parker, was not there when she needed him most. Their friendship was forever changed by the events of that night, but Tannon still cherishes Emily and wishes things were different. Emily leads a very quiet and isolated life, enjoying the order and routine of her life as the town librarian. On the nights she works late, Tannon is always there at closing time to walk her to her car. If only she would let him back into her heart, a heart he knows is just as lonely as his own. Local lawyer Rick Matheson hasn't established much of practice in Harmony, yet he has managed to make someone mad enough to want to put an end to his law career for good. Too many close calls must be more than accidents, and he survives serious injury just to be injured again. A beautiful U.S. Marshal named Trace Adams arrives in Harmony, and she sticks close to Rick in order to protect him while she investigates the case. The question is, as he falls head-over-heels for her, who will protect his heart? Two troubled couples--one who must overcome the past, and one who must survive the present. Love has long been there for Emily and Tannon, and it begins to grow for Rick and Trace, but will love be enough to keep their hearts and lives safe? Small-town friendships run deep, but small-town secrets dwell deeper. Everyone is connected in some way or another, and even kinfolk have hidden motivations. Still, all in all, life in a close-knit small town has its irresistible charms, and author Jodi Thomas will make you want to visit Harmony, Texas again and again.

Book Copy Gratis The Berkley Publishing Group ( )

I love Jodi Thomas and I love Harmony... I thought at one point in the series it would be a lovely town to live in, but after this last book it is definitely not even a town you might want to visit.
Some more crazy nuts are dug up for this book and only a few of the older characters make appearances.
I was MOST intrigued by the character of shy Ronny who has an overbearing mother, Dallas. I was hoping very very much that Ms. Thomas would expand on her relationship with the mysterious cripple, but alas it is only hinted at.
I was not very crazy about the Beu character and this girl in the muscle car is kinda dumb.
I would have much rather seen those wasted pages concentrate on Ronny or even mentioon the funeral director.
It is a very good story and is worth 4 stars but if I was to rate it as a series I would give it 2 1/2
I was hoping for sooo much more! ( )

The old-timey method of telling a tale meanders like a winding river, languidly moving from the main point, through adjacent stories and around pivotal points, finally arriving at the crux of the matter. Thomas is a master of this type of circuitous storytelling. Her latest Harmony, Texas, novel involves two sets of lovers whose tales intersect at some points, but neither ever dominates.

Harmony librarian Emily Tomlinson and truck company owner Tannon Parker were close as juniors in high school before tragedy struck. Now they’re lonely, broken people with a bridge the length of the Golden Gate between them. When Tannon’s mother falls ill, the bridge begins to tumble as Emily visits her mother’s best friend in the hospital.

Meanwhile Harmony attorney Rick Matheson is being targeted by someone who wants him dead. After he falls through sawn wooden steps, a friend of his family asks U. S. Marshall Trace Adams to protect him. Trace is taking a mental health holiday after she was the lone survivor of a shoot-out in what was supposed to be an abandoned warehouse.

As these four unlikely lovers draw closer and closer, my favorite Harmony characters, the “band” at the Buffalo Bar and Grill ruminate on love and life. Talented singer/songwriter Beau Yates, still trying to shake his stuttering, is courted by a girl who calls herself Trouble and drives fast along the highway at night. Beau’s partner Border Biggs, on the other hand, is knee deep in the simple pleasure of their owning their own place.

Read the rest of my review at AAR: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=9443 ( )

Reviewed by:Jen
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Having read this whole series, I’ll admit that I was a little let down by this one. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book but that little spark was missing… and her name is Reagan. Reagan is a mainstay in this series and yet she’s just a passing name in this installment.

So this book actually has two love stories interwoven through it’s pages. The first is the story of Emily and Tannon. These two were the best of friends in high school. But a series of events pulled them apart… and now they’ve met again 15 years later and there is this spark between them. Then there is Rick. He’s a local lawyer and someone is trying to kill him. Trace appears and has decided she’s going to be Rick’s protector… but who is going to protect her heart?

I actually liked all four characters. I definitely could relate to Emily the most since she’s on the shy side and afraid to put herself out there and fall in love. But Tannon had the patience of a saint to win Emily’s heart. Their romance was sweet and a nice contrast to Rick and Trace.

Rick is a member of one of the leading families in Harmony and his life is now being threatened. Rick’s story really ties this book into the series since members of his family have been featured in prior books. While his romance with Trace works, for me it was mostly filler and the source of tension and suspense for the novel. I kept finding myself wanting to get back to Emily and Tannon.

And let’s talk about the mystery surrounding Rick’s… well, stalker. I actually liked the mystery up until the reveal. I think a little more could’ve been done and perhaps a better reason given for the bad guy’s actions.

Chance of a Lifetime is a solid book and can stand alone, although with most series books, you do get a little more out of it if you’ve read prior books. I am looking forward to revisiting Harmony again. ( )

CHANCE OF A LIFETIME by Jodi Thomas is an interesting women's fiction/contemporary romance set in Harmony, Texas. It is book #5 in the "Harmony" series, but can be read as a stand alone,although, it has re-appearing characters. See," Welcome to Harmony","Somewhere Along The Way", "The Comforts of Home", and "Just Down The Road". Another hit by this author. Follow, Emily,the local librarian,Rick Matheson,a lawyer,and Trace Adams, a U.S. Marshal on a journey in Harmony, Texas. Filled with drama,emotion,hidden secrets,and love. Ms. Thomas writes compelling,emotional and heart felt stories of life in a small Texas town. With strong characters, interesting plots,and intriguing subplots you will not go wrong by picking up "Chance of a Lifetime". Harmony, Texas may be a small town but its characters are bigger than life and will have you turning pages. Another must read from the author. Received for an honest review from the author/publisher. Details can be found at the author's website,Berkley and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews ( )