The NerdHerd Reads: At Home in Last Chance {by Cathleen Armstrong}

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22504616-at-home-in-last-chance

Title: At Home in Last Chance

Author: Cathleen Armstrong
Series: A Place to Call Home, #3

Genre: Christian Romance

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Received from publisher

Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going--out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over. Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don't even trust themselves?

I have mixed feelings on this. I liked it, I think even more than the previous book One More Last Chance, but ultimately I wasn't wowed. I did read this in almost one sitting, really quickly, so obviously it did engross me and interest me.

Kaitlyn is in the last place she thought she would be: Last Chance. After abandoning her daughter to her brother and going off, Kaitlyn is back and trying to right her wrongs. But that is not going to be as easy as she hopes. She isn't sure how to be a mother, she hates working at the diner, and everyone seems to be waiting for her to screw up again. I liked Kaitlyn. She's done making excuses, but it's still hard for her to adjust. She still has issues with her temper, and listening to people, but she's trying to be better. Kaitlyn does grow and change over the course of the book. While she doesn't completely change who she is, she does grow into a more mature version of herself. She becomes a better mother, and sister, and stops trying to compare herself to everyone else, and just be herself.

Steven is also back in Last Chance. He's been getting by in life thanks to his good looks and charming nature, but that's not enough anymore. He helps his aunt and uncle on their ranch, but he can't help but be attracted to Kaitlyn, even as prickly as she is. I liked Steven as well, as he had a good guy hiding underneath, even if he didn't like to show it much. But he realized he had to grow up and mature, and so he did.

The romance wasn't instant, which was nice. In fact, Steven couldn't figure out why his charms weren't working on Kaitlyn, which was humorous. I love how Olivia, Kaitlyn's daughter, was such a big part of the story. Of course, our favorite characters in the series are back, including Chris and Sarah and Miss Elizabeth.

All in all, this was a good story of redemption and forgiveness--even for yourself--and had a great message. The romance was sweet without being overbearing. The characters were likable and fleshed out. This was a pretty good, quick read.

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