Pretty good book. Not the greatest. Easy read. Good beach read. ( )

4.5 stars.

Left to Chance by Amy Sue Nathan is an emotionally compelling and poignant journey of healing and forgiveness.

In the six years since leaving her small hometown of Chance, OH, Teddi Lerner has become a renowned wedding photographer who travels frequently for her job. Returning to Chance, she is forced to deal with her guilt over the way she left town along with her still unresolved grief from her best friend Celia Cooper's death. Teddi also much face the consequences from her decision not to return to visit as she is reminded at every turn that her choice to leave had unintended consequences for several of her relationships, including Celia's younger brother, Beck, and Celia's husband Miles. She is also quick to notice that her twelve year old honorary niece Shanya "Shay" is struggling to accept her father's upcoming marriage while also dealing with an uncomfortable situation with some of her classmates. Will reconnecting with her past help Teddi decide what she wants for her future?

Teddi is immediately struck by the outward changes to Chance since the town has grown and prospered in the six years she has been gone. However, just as quickly, she discovers the townspeople are much the same as she reconnects with her friend, Josie Fields and former neighbor Cameron Davis. Everyone still knows everyone else's business and a few residents are prone to malicious gossip. But the most painful change Teddi struggles to deal with is the constant reminders her best friend is gone and that her relationships with Miles and Beck are irrevocably altered. She is also stunned to learn that the distance between them is more than physical once Teddi learns the truth about some of the challenges they have faced in her absence.

With a sympathetic lead protagonist, an outstanding cast of secondary characters and a thought-provoking storyline, Left to Chance is a heartwarming novel about making peace with a tragic loss. Teddi holds her reasons for leaving town close as she traverses the emotional minefield awaiting her in the week leading up to the wedding. She is extremely contemplative as she faces her painful memories while attempting to decide what she wants for her future. Endearing reunions with family members and friends prove to be a soothing balm for her unresolved pain and grief. Amy Sue Nathan easily grabs hold of readers' attention and hearts with this captivating novel of redemption. ( )

I loved the premise of this book and the small town setting had me hooked. I was rooting for a happy ending from the beginning. I love the photography aspect of the plot and could not get enough of this plot! Hated for this one to end. ( )

I loved this book from the beginning! The characters were like long lost friends. There were some wonderful twists along to way. I highly recommend this book!

Thanks NetGalley! ( )

A beautifully written story that takes nationally known photographer Teddi Lerner on her first visit back to Chance, Ohio since the death of her best friend six years earlier. Celia’s daughter, Shayna, is very close to her “Aunt Tee” and asks that she come home to take wedding photos for her father’s (Miles) wedding to Violet Frank.

Emotions run strong throughout this book. Teddi has to come to terms with her relationships with the people she left behind. Long ago friends do not know the real reason that she left Chance. Can broken bonds be repaired? Is it possible to help Shay adjust to her dad’s remarriage?

Amy Sue Nathan is able to delve into the personalities of those she writes about and bring them to life. There are moments of frivolity and fun and others of introspection and sadness. She brings her characters together and makes her readers feel as if they really know these people.

*I received an advance uncorrected proof from the publisher as the winner of a Goodreads Giveaway. The decision to review this book was entirely my own.
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