Cindy J. (cindyj) - reviewed on 3/13/2018 + 62 more book reviews

A story of changed hearts

Aaron Firebrook has returned to the town where he grew up as the town bully. As an adult, he now realizes the harm he inflicted on his peers during his youth, and he wants to contact those he tormented to ask forgiveness and make amends. Since the local school district has an opening and he has recently become a certified teacher, securing a teaching position would give him the perfect opportunity to continue his mission of restitution while also allowing him to intervene on behalf of troubled youth headed down the miserable path he once followed. Although his interview goes well, someone also recognizes him and she was one of his primary targets for tormenting.

Mercy McClain loves caring for the red-light district children at the local orphanage where she, her brother, and her sister-in-law work. She also serves on the school board and when she realizes who is being considered for the vacant teaching position, she halts the immediate hiring of her old nemesis in hopes that another candidate can be found and hired. However, she has no control over the orphanage employing him as a tutor. Determined to ensure none of the orphans suffer bullying as she did, Mercy resolves to protect them from Aaron which means she must keep a close eye on him.

A Chance at Forever is book three in the Teaville Moral Society series. I feel it could be read as a stand-alone novel, but a couple of situations might be more fully understood if the first two books of the series are read first. I would definitely recommend reading the books in order although reading the first two is not essential prior to reading this book. All three books are well-written and very enjoyable.

In my opinion, Aaron had a very low self-esteem and was constantly condemning himself and almost groveling in his dealings with the townspeople. I felt that he sometimes behaved as though he didn't deserve forgiveness or even to be treated with respect. I loved how the author showed the change in Aaron, the humility he gained, and the confidence he had that he could help others who were hurting as he was during his childhood. I also loved how Mercy gave everyone the benefit of doubt when evidence indicated otherwise. She sought the facts but didn't want to believe the worst about the situation, addressed the issue with the person, and then allowed them to respond to the evidence. Some of life's harsh realities such as betrayal, persecution, and deceit were addressed in this book. But redemption, forgiveness, mercy and grace were also portrayed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it as a great book to read. I would consider the maturity level of the reader when recommending it to teens because of the red-light district elements.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers at my request for the purpose of reviewing the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

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