In early 1900s Kansas, Mercy McClain, determined to protect Teaville’s children from the bullying she experienced as a child, finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the classmate who bothered her more than any other, petitions the board for a teaching position, she’s dead set against him getting the job.Aaron knows he deserves every … deserves every bit of Mercy’s mistrust, but he’s returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking to earn forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn’t expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the best interests of the children at heart.
Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron put the past behind them in time to face the unexpected threats to everything they’re working for?
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George Firebrook was a bully as a child. He claims to be a changed man now and is seeking employment as Aaron Firebrook. Mercy McClain who was bullied by George now works at an orphanage for children rescued from the red light district. Both of these lead protagonists are great characters. A Chance at Forever gives insight into why some bullying takes place. With God’s help, people can change! I recommend this book with an unusual storyline! I received my complimentary copy of A Chance at Forever from the author and Bethany House Publishers. This is my honest opinion.
I really looked forward to reading A Chance at Forever because for several years I have been a fan of Melissa Jagears writing. So it was no surprise as I eagerly opened the book but she had me hooked right on the first page, at “…the thick scent of lemon cleaner overpowered the powdery smell of the chalk dust they disturbed as they walked through sunbeams.” I was immersed immediately into the story.
A Chance at Forever (Teaville Moral Society Book #3) by [Jagears, Melissa]A Chance At Forever is such a powerful story of one man’s quest to be truly forgiven for the hurt he inflicted on others as the class bully at school. A reputation that made others cringe when they came to realize that Aaron Firebrook was actually George Firebrook. Such treatment of others is sinful but who ever thinks that their bully would come back later not to taunt them but to ask forgiveness. That is just what Aaron Firebrook set out to do and what Melissa Jagears masterfully writes about in this book. Time after time the pain he caused in his youth reflects back to remind him of just how much he hurt others. His hopes of becoming a teacher to help right his wrongs may not come to fruition if the lone woman school board member has any influence on the matter.
It is much more than just a story of forgiveness though; it is a love story of the highest order. Where loving the unlovable seems far fetched. A romance between a skeptic who never allowed herself to even dream of love because by accident of her birth she was given just one hand. A beautiful woman in all regards with no shortage of love for the children in her care at the orphanage. Mercy McClain would always remember George, however and now that he was back in Teaville seeking a job as a teacher, she wasn’t able to escape when her employer hired him as gardener for the orphanage while he waited for answers on the teaching position. A job she wanted the school board to give to anyone but him.
I was impressed by the whole story not just to see how Mercy and Aaron learn to work together under their trying circumstances, but also the children at the orphanage. Most especially Jimmy, whose bad behavior leaves one to doubt if he could ever be adopted, and timid little Owen, who hardly leaves Mercy’s side.
There is a whole community tied together through this orphanage, founded by Nicholas and Lydia Lowe. Some of these characters, such as the Lowes continue throughout the series, although each book can stand alone. The characters will touch your heart and the story is one that shows forgiveness can truly happen if we open our hearts to see and listen to each other. I heartily recommend A Chance At Forever by Melissa Jagears.
Melissa Jagears is one of my favorite historical romance authors. When I want a story that is romantic yet still focused on true-to-life issues, I can count on Jagears to deliver. A Chance at Forever is one such story. Endearing characters and the theme of forgiveness are the highlights of this novel.
Mercy McClain is such an admirable yet relatable character. Born with a limb deficiency, she grew accustomed to others making comments and behaving cruelly towards her, but no one tormented her more than George Firebrook. When George, who now goes by Aaron, comes back to Teaville in order to teach, Mercy is sure that he would only bring heartache to the life of a child the way he did to her. Both Mercy and Aaron perfectly demonstrate how long and difficult, yet so very rewarding, that the road to forgiveness can be. Mercy must forgive Aaron and make peace with the new person that he says he is, while Aaron must forgive himself and let go of the condemnation he has carried all of those years. Though at first their interactions are fraught with tension and a feeling of heartbreak, they soon take on a sweet hopefulness that I loved.
In addition to the theme of forgiveness, Jagears continues to touch some serious issues that have carried throughout the Teaville books, namely the consequences of prostitution and the plight of the town’s orphans. Mercy and some of the other characters that readers will be happy to see again take on prejudices of their peers, while trying to do their part to help. I appreciated that the plot showed that sometimes no matter what, you can’t help everyone, but you can help someone. Not every book succeeds in being both challenging yet entertaining, sobering yet hopeful, but that is just what A Chance at Love accomplishes.
Several secondary characters whose story has been sprinkled throughout the series finally get the ending they deserve. Their stories were told nicely throughout the overarching plot of each book, reaching a satisfying culmination without taking away from Mercy and Aaron’s story. The epilogue ties everything together perfectly. I am a big fan of epilogues, and this one does such a good job of taking care of any lingering wonders I might have had about certain characters. Teaville has been such a wonderful place to visit, and I’m both sorry and happy to see the last of this bunch.
A Chance at Forever can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I recommend starting at the beginning of the series. It just makes it really fun when the characters show up again because I know their story. I highly recommend this novel, and the entire series – for fans of entertaining yet challenging historical fiction with a sweet romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
I have enjoyed reading all the books in the Teaville Moral Society, but this one is my favorite! This story deals with some heavy topics and situations, but every page points back to Jesus and His love. This is a beautiful story of Faith, Forgiveness, and Love. This story could easily be read as a stand-alone, however, for those who have read the other books, characters from previous stories do make appearances.
From the first chapter to the last I didn’t want to put the book down. I felt emotionally involved in the lives of Mercy McClain and Aaron Firebrook. These characters are so real and engaging you can’t help but feel their hurts, and cheer for their breakthroughs.
With a mystery to solve, and surprises to keep you guessing, two fantastic lead characters, a strong tread of faith, and a tender story of love, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy!
At its core the gentle reminder that in order to become who God wants us to be we need to allow God to change us, we need to ask for His guidance in our daily lives. Our willpower isn’t enough. I give this wonderful story 5 stars and would encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself to enjoy!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
I enjoyed this story, but it wasn’t my favorite in the series. Mercy kind of drove me nuts for part of the story. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and how it ended. I really liked getting the glimpse of what happened in the epilogue, that was a great ending.
A Chance at Forever is another amazingly beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and redemption with all of the characters that I fell in love with in book 1, and enjoyed getting to know better in book 2. Each book in this series will have you searching your heart for your motives, and checking your heart for how you look at other people. Each book has encouraged me and made me want to be more like Christ in how I relate to and serve others.
The best of the series! I love stories of childhood bullies who come back and make good.
There’s a lot to think about while reading this book. First, there’s the difficulty to forgive. We as Christians know we should forgive others, but a lot of times it’s easier said than done. Mercy’s journey toward forgiveness was so emotional, I could feel the impact. Second, there’s the impact of abuse. Aaron has learned not to let the abuse define him, but it still appears in so many on his actions. Third, there’s the temptation of revenge. Vengeance belongs to the Lord, but it’s so tempting to take it in our own hands, isn’t?
The love story itself is sweet, but I think the spiritual elements are what make this novel a winner.
For the full review, visit my blog at https://justjenniferpurcell.com/2018/11/16/just-read-a-chance-at-forever/
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.I was not required to give a favorable review. This was another wonderful story from Melissa. It shows that with some help people can change and that not everyone is bad but need a steady and positive influence. It may not work all of the time, but with a little love and God’s help things can change. Aaron was a bully as a child but it was pretty much all he knew, because of people were happy around him he wanted them to be misarable because he was being treated badly. But when he became an adult he decided to write to each person he hurt to see what he could to fix it. But now he is trying to be an example for a orphan boy who he saw doing the same things. But with help from a lot of people plus one of the people he picked on, he finds peace, love and a new happiness.
A Chance at Forever was a story about second chances and forgiveness. I was very intrigued at how the author was going to have former bully Aaron and Mercy, whom he bullied mercilessly, make up and then fall in love. It was not an easy journey as Mercy certainly had her prejudices against Aaron even after all those years later. His bullying left a very definite mark on her character and as he comes back into her life, she has a struggle with forgiveness.
I really felt for Aaron as he has quite an uphill climb with Mercy and others whom he had bullied. Trying to make amends he is willing to do go above and beyond for those he hurt. I am glad that author Jagears touched on why he was bullying and made Aaron into a man that through his struggles was ideal to help children like him but also to become the protector of bullied children.
Mercy was a strong individual who was born with a malformed arm and relied heavily on her brother and sister-in-law. As the story progresses and secrets are revealed, not everyone is who they appear on the outside, not every situation is easily explained away, Mercy must stand up for what she believes and knows is right and good. Even if it puts her in a precarious position and she loses her security.
It was nice to become reacquainted with earlier characters and author Jagears ties up all the loose ends nicely. Though the ending is satisfactory, there is one character I hope that she will continue with and tell his story.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to give a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
A Story You Won’t Want to Miss
G. Aaron Firebrook returns to Teaville in hopes of finding a teaching job, as well as making amends for his past behaviors. In his school days, Aaron was known as the school bully. He was relentless in who he targeted and how he bullied them. But, Aaron is no longer that school yard bully. He has turned his life around and is now applying for a teacher position in the same place where he had been a student. By dropping “George” from his name and now going by Aaron, he hopes no one will make the connection. Unfortunately, the first person to recognize him is Mercy McClain.
Mercy recognizes Aaron as the boy who tormented her in school. Because of her partial arm, one of his names for her was “Stumpy.” Mercy couldn’t fathom why Aaron would be back, and as a teacher. There was no way she would allow him to be given a teaching job, because there was no way that Aaron, aka George the bully, had changed. Or had he?
As the story unfolds, we get to know more of Aaron’s life and background. Piece by piece the author gives us insight into what drove his past behavior, as well as his present behavior. Getting to know Mercy also helps one understand her feelings, her hurts, and her struggle with forgiveness. The story also makes one reflect on how easily one can become judgmental to the point of not recognizing in one self some of the same behaviors we judge or criticize in others. Although the story is set in the past, the story and its message is timeless. With A Chance At Forever, author Melissa Jagears has skillfully handled the topic of bullying and entwined it with forgiveness, love, and some twists and turns that will keep you turning pages making it a story you definitely won’t want to miss.
This book was so good!!! I could hardly set this novel down because I was seriously invested in the these two main characters.
Mercy had a lot to deal with in her life, from being born with a deformed arm, to being bullied relentlessly as a child, to being treated as a burden by her brother. So when her former bully showed up claiming to have changed, I understood her reluctance to trust. Aaron was also a great character. It was fascinating to see how God had changed his heart, how noble of a man he had become, and to learn of the ways he had suffered as a child. It was interesting to be so connected to a character in the story who had once been a cause of such heartache!
I loved the growth of both Mercy and Aaron throughout the novel. I also loved the development of their feelings toward each other. It felt so natural and real, as did both of their reactions to this change. The interactions with the various orphans and the general day to day life at the orphanage kept the story flowing and captivating. Beautifully done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
“Aaron Firebrook . . . . . . she’d figured he was likely related to the worst bully she’d ever known, but to actually be him?”
George Aaron Firebrook has a lengthy list of those in Teaville with whom he feels led to make restitution; Mercy McClain being at the top of the list. Seeing her in a school board meeting, with his very future in her hands, wasn’t exactly how he would have written the script.
Mercy McClain is stunned to encounter “Aaron” Firebrook as a candidate for their high school math instructor. He had been the meanest boy in town; taunting and teasing her for days on end, his cruelty towards others practically legendary. Sure, he had grown a beard, changed his name, and put on a guise of kindness, but she could not imagine trusting him with the children of Teaville, Kansas; could she?
Instead of easily avoiding Aaron while the school board interviews other potential teachers, Mercy finds Aaron employed by Nicholas Lowe as a gardener for the very orphanage where Mercy lives and works with her brother and sister-in-law. As the weeks progress and Mercy has a close up view of the older and wiser version of Aaron Firebrook, everything that she supposed to be true is held in question, while everything that was supposed to be in question appears to be true. But there are other more pressing issues to confront than Aaron Firebrook’s code of conduct; others are struggling to accept that lives can be changed from the inside out, with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit.
A lovely story with deep spiritual undertones.
Mercy was horribly bullied as a child by Aaron.
Many years later he’s comes back to Teaville.
WOW! When she recognized him she was steaming mad. He loves the Lord and is so remorseful of his past. She still feels the pain of being bullied by him and there’s no way he has changed his life around. So the war begins, he’s trying to prove he’s different, she keep a very close eye on him and is positively sure he hasn’t changed. SO GOOD!
I loved reading how Mercy and Aaron interacted with each other. It’s funny, sad, mysterious, horrible situations, selfless acts of courage, finding grace and forgiveness from God and each other. Forgiving themselves and the courage to stand up for people that all others look down on. It kept my attention and hated for it to end.
I give “A Chance at Forever” 5 stars and readers you’ll love this book.
I received a copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own and I wasn’t compensated for my review
We are in the early 1900’s in Kansas and the author puts faces on bullies, and by doing so we try to understand how someone does what he does. We also see how these bullies respond when God is finally in their lives, and watch transformations, and keep reading as you will be shocked!
This book touches on some tough subjects, alcoholism, prostitution, bullying, and those that judge and don’t live their faith, but wait there are others that seem to be willing to share all that they have to help those less fortunate.
I love that one of the main characters has been born with a disability, and you really never notice it throughout the story. The other main character was abused as a child and took out his frustration and feelings on others, why should they be happy if he wasn’t.
With this complex cast of characters, we are soon caught up in this small town and the drama of one person feeling they are superior to another because of where they are born, and where they were made to live.
I really love the way these people touch the lives of the misfortunate, and in the end, make their own lives better, a don’t miss read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
A Chance At Forever is a book of forgiveness, tolerance of others not like yourself, condemnation and GOD’s love and peace. Forgiveness (of one’s self – their past or of another – how they may have treated you or how they have treated someone else – that is what we have here), tolerance of others not like yourself (there are those who are disfigured or in other ways someone could not treat you just like everyone else – who you are – where you are from – what you do for a living and so on – that is alllll happening here), condemnation (imagine being the person who condemns others – being intolerant for example – then all of a sudden you are changed by the mercy of GOD and now you condemn yourself – or you have someone who knows you from your old self and condemns you still. that is what is happening here.), GOD’s love and peace (HE shows up in the middle of all this mess and show how forgiveness and tolerance and acceptance can get peace and love from those who condemned you – if you where the condemner GOD’s love and peace enters you life and when you forgive and tolerate their past you are given the peace and love.) and then there is love……………… I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
A Chance at Forever is the third book in the Teaville Moral Society series by Melissa Jagears. Though it contains several characters who were introduced in the previous two novels in the series, A Chance at Forever tells its own unique story. Because it is so well-written and engaging, it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Chance at Forever, and I sincerely look forward to reading other novels written by the talented Ms. Jagears.
I adore historical fiction, and A Chance at Forever exceeded my expectations. I found this novel to be utterly compelling and inspiring. The characters were vulnerable and complex, possessing a thoughtful believability that made them truly relatable and unforgettable. Their struggles, insecurities, fears, and beliefs were authentic and moving. As I read, I developed a deep, emotional connection to the characters and their desperate search for truth, grace, forgiveness, and compassion despite the heartaches and trials that they endured.
A Chance at Forever is a story of hope, second chances, and new beginnings. The threads of redemption and restoration that are woven throughout this novel have stitched a lasting seam in my thoughts and on my heart. From the first page to the last, this novel was relevant, tender, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears
Teaville Moral Society Series Book Three
Mercy McClain could not believe who was applying to teach math at the school. The same person who had bullied her and ruined her young life. No way would she vote for him to ruin any other young lives.
Aaron Firebrook is trying to make amends. Ha, if such a thing is truly possible. Coming back to the town where he did so much damage—and where so much had damaged him—has him hoping for forgiveness from those he hurt. Something that Mercy was obviously not going to give him.
This story is so special. So many lessons that go beyond fiction. God had truly turned Aaron’s life around thanks to a couple men who cared and saw beyond the angry young man. Mercy had to learn that people really can change. The story has a wonderful assortment of characters…good and bad. You can’t erase the past—only change who you are in the present for a better future.
**Received from Bethany House for an honest review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2015/06/melissa-jagears-book-list.html
This is such a beautifully written book. I feel these characters so deeply.
Aaron is trying to apologize, asking for forgiveness, and make amends with those he tormented in his youth. Some have turned him away, others have forgiven him. Then there’s Mercy. He bullied her so badly, he made her miserable. He could not stand to see her happy. Mercy does not want to believe that he has changed.
Aaron gets a job working as the gardener at the Lowes orphanage where Mercy lives and works, she watches him, closely. She sees the change in him but can she believe it? Can she truly trust the man he says he has become? “Unforgiveness only kept their ugly past smoldering when she could let it turn to ash and blow away. Why was she holding on to the misery?”
Secrets and a disobedient, disrespectful orphan are causing trouble at the orphanage. Mercy and Aaron deal with both. I won’t give any spoilers though. There are some surprise twists, turns, and consequences. I found the entire book to be very satisfying. It has stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
This book can easily be read as a stand-alone story but I do recommend the entire series for a more in-depth reading experience. It has been such a pleasure to read this series.
Melissa Jagears has become a go to author for me. I will read whatever she writes and know that I will like it.
*I was gifted a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This is a perfect story of redemption, faith and love. Aaron Firebrook was a childhood bully. No one cared to look into why Aaron was the way he was. He hurt a lot of his classmates and later left town to run from his troubled youth. After a trip to California and a meeting with a faith pastor he begins to change his ways. When he moves back to Teaville after getting a teaching degree, he encounters Mercy McClain. Mercy was tormented more than most due to a birth defect she suffered from. What she didn’t know was that Aaron tormented her because he not only cared for her, he wanted to push her away. This story covers faith, love, hope, intrigue and redemption! A definite 5 star read!