Chance of a Lifetime

Title: Chance of a Lifetime   (Harmony series #5)
Author: Jodi Thomas
Published:  Berkley, January 2013
Pages: 323

Goodreads summary
Emily, the local librarian, has started a writing group, but as the group stumbles through both the fiction and reality of their lives, they’re learning much more than how to write. But Emily suddenly has other things on her mind when a friend from her past shows up in Harmony's library. Now she must deal with a secret she’s kept for fifteen years—a secret that changed her life and threatens to shatter her future.

Meanwhile, new lawyer Rick Matheson thinks he’s in charge of his world until accidents start happening all around him. Just when he realizes someone is trying to kill him, he meets a beautiful U.S. Marshal named Trace Adam. Now that the marshal has given him an even stronger reason to go on living, he must learn to take a chance on life to dream bigger—and love better—than he ever has before..

This is a series about a small town with many lovable and engaging characters.  I would rate it a 3.5, however I am rounding that up to 4.  

I liked Rick, who grew as a person, through the trials and tribulations of engaging with someone who is out to kill him, for reasons unknown and unfathomable.  I kept  saying to myself who could be the attacker?  However Jodi Thomas did drop a few clues and while I had a slight feeling of being 'let down', it was plausible and 'small townish.'   I hope we hear more about Rick and Trace in books to come.  I would love to see Rick involved in a 'meaty' law case!

Emily's story was heart wrenching, and it was wonderful to see her grow in trust of Tannon Parker, a long time friend, from whom she had become distanced.  

There were a few of the 'locals' that made welcome appearances. I loved Beau's little update and the classy night time mystery blonde that he links up with.  I would have liked to have seen more of Ronny and seen  more of her mystery 'night ride'. I hope its a teaser for future explorations.  

All in all a slow, satisfying read.

Personal Challenge 2013: Books published in 2013.