Sierra is unemployed, struggling to make ends meet and her ex-husband forgets to pay child support. When Chance, an old gelding, enters her life, she thinks selling could pay another month’s rent. Her three children have other ideas. Fortunately, or not, her mother has found the perfect place for Chance to live out his days. Ross Morgan will let his land but he has a landscaping business to run and no time for distractions. Even if the distraction is attractive.
A Horse is More Than a Horse of Course
Sierra is afraid of horses and wants nothing to do with her new acquisition, but her children are enthralled with the huge beast. Ross turns out to be a lifesaver because he is a skilled horseman and a gentle teacher. Not to mention handsome.
Eleven year-old Braden still feels the sting of his parents divorce and doesn’t understand why his dad doesn’t spend much time with him anymore. A horse is like an oasis amid a wasteland to him. His mom’s fear of Chance frustrates him and he yearns for some understanding.
There are several things going on in this book. The children are grappling with the effects of their parents divorce while their parents embark on separate lives. Sierra must come to terms with fears stemming from her past while she reconnects with God and Ross tries to help a young boy who is walking the same path he did years earlier.
Characters, Vulnerabilities and Purpose
The vulnerability of Sierra Montgomery is palpable. Her struggle with faith and fear is touching. Ross has his own vulnerabilities but where Sierra openly admits hers, Ross is more reserved and in some cases in denial. Braden’s story is heartbreaking but even more satisfying for the obstacles he fights to overcome.
The secondary characters are well rounded and all serve a purpose to the overall story. Sierra’s best friend Elise is more than a sounding board for the main character; she has her own personality with descriptions that shine through such as, “Wicked delight spread across her perfectly made-up face. Light plum shadow matched her nails. Tomorrow, both eye shadow and nails could be green.”
A meddling mother, a cantankerous mentor and spirited children round out a cast of believable characters that readers enjoy getting to know.
Sherri Sand has a gift with words that wrings emotion from readers; laughter will ring as easily as tears will flow. Leave it to Chance is well paced and crafted with loving care. Once the reader opens the book it becomes difficult to set it aside.
Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 353 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (May 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434799883
ISBN-13: 978-1434799883
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