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xakyr's review against another edition
3.0
This is a small anthology of three stories by leading Inspirational Authors. I feel it will be easier to review each story individually, than try to review the book as a whole. All things considered, the Candace Calvert story clearly carried the other two entries into a 3 star rating.
For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock
This story reminded me very heavily of the movie It Could Happen To You, and not in a good way. Blake seemed very reckless with his newfound winnings and Julie was a complete shrew about the whole thing. The falling in love declarations were not believable in the slightest, and the faith aspect felt awkward and unwieldy. The whole book had a “trying too hard” vibe to it, making it feel very fake and a bit rushed. It was mildly entertaining, so I’m rating it 2.5 stars.
The Recipe by Candace Calvert
I didn’t realize it at the time, but this book fits right into the Crisis Team Series, which was a pleasant surprise! The story was very nicely done, I started really beginning to care for the characters and wanting to see more of what happened to them! Aimee was very realistic as a character, and I liked how the author didn’t go into a lot of detail about Lucas’ job, as her expertise in a hospital setting shines through very clearly in this story. The supporting characters felt just as important as the main ones, and lent authenticity to the story. All in all, a very enjoyable story I will re-read when reading the series! (4 Stars)
Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren
This story is part of the author’s Deep Haven series, apparently midway through the series, but I wasn't lost at all. There wasn't much world building done, but the series also wasn't referenced heavily, making this story a good introduction to the author's writing style. However, the characters really weren't realistic to me. What couple wouldn't sit down and communicate with each other when one of them has been grieving? Why did this couple drift apart after the death of Scotty? It made no sense for me. The ministry part of the story seemed contrived and overly competitive, when it really shouldn't have been. I found my interest flagging quite a bit on this story, so thankfully it was short. I think I might check the author's other works out from the safety of the library and not spend my money on something so uncertain. (2 Stars)
For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock
This story reminded me very heavily of the movie It Could Happen To You, and not in a good way. Blake seemed very reckless with his newfound winnings and Julie was a complete shrew about the whole thing. The falling in love declarations were not believable in the slightest, and the faith aspect felt awkward and unwieldy. The whole book had a “trying too hard” vibe to it, making it feel very fake and a bit rushed. It was mildly entertaining, so I’m rating it 2.5 stars.
The Recipe by Candace Calvert
I didn’t realize it at the time, but this book fits right into the Crisis Team Series, which was a pleasant surprise! The story was very nicely done, I started really beginning to care for the characters and wanting to see more of what happened to them! Aimee was very realistic as a character, and I liked how the author didn’t go into a lot of detail about Lucas’ job, as her expertise in a hospital setting shines through very clearly in this story. The supporting characters felt just as important as the main ones, and lent authenticity to the story. All in all, a very enjoyable story I will re-read when reading the series! (4 Stars)
Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren
This story is part of the author’s Deep Haven series, apparently midway through the series, but I wasn't lost at all. There wasn't much world building done, but the series also wasn't referenced heavily, making this story a good introduction to the author's writing style. However, the characters really weren't realistic to me. What couple wouldn't sit down and communicate with each other when one of them has been grieving? Why did this couple drift apart after the death of Scotty? It made no sense for me. The ministry part of the story seemed contrived and overly competitive, when it really shouldn't have been. I found my interest flagging quite a bit on this story, so thankfully it was short. I think I might check the author's other works out from the safety of the library and not spend my money on something so uncertain. (2 Stars)
cheeseolive's review against another edition
4.0
Chance of Loving You is a romance collection comprised of three unrelated stories. The collection begins with For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock. This is my favorite story of the trio! Julie is a struggling waitress, and Blake is down on his luck and unemployed. When Blake doesn't have the money to leave a tip, he leaves Julie half of a sweepstakes ticket. You can guess where this is headed; think Nicholas Cage in It Could Happen to You. I expected the story to be predictable, but it actually surprised me several times! Blake and Julie are relatable characters who are all too human. Fans of inspirational fiction and Christian romance will adore For Love of Money! The Recipe by Candace Calvert centers on Aimee, current dietary assistant at a hospital but aspiring culinary star. One of her edible decorations at the hospital isn't well received, and she finds herself constantly trying to make up for it. It doesn't help that a patient's gorgeous grandson is always around throwing her off balance. The Recipe is enjoyable and had my mouth watering for strawberry rhubarb crumble. The story moved slowly and seemed repetitive at times, but it's an overall good read. Susan May Warren's Hook, Line & Sinker rounds out the collection. Abby and Ross have a somewhat complicated past, and now they're competing against each other in a fishing contest. Like all of Warren's stories, the characters are realistic and have a magnetism about them. If you're a fan of Warren's Deep Haven books, you definitely don't want to miss Hook, Line & Sinker! Chance of Loving You is a wonderful collection of stories in a gorgeous package. (Seriously, check out that cover!) Highly recommended for Christian Romance and Inspirational Fiction fans!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
oceanagottareademall's review against another edition
5.0
Every story was a slam dunk! But I especially loved the first two
mistree's review against another edition
4.0
This actually contains three short stories by three authors (Terri Blackstock, Candace Calvert and Susan May Warren). All were enjoyable and it would be difficult to choose a favorite. It made a nice break to read a selection such as this.
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