Customer Reviews

Chances Are

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This is a continuation from Barbara Bretton's book Shore Lights.

It follows the story of newly engaged couple Aiden O'Malley and Maddie Bainbridge along with their families.

Their relationship has had its share of troubles (such as when Aiden fell and broke his leg right before they were going to concemate their relationship for the first time) but during their engagement Aiden and Maddie get thrown for several loops that threaten their relationship.

Something is definitly going on with Maddies cousin Gina. She had been involved with Aiden's brother Billy years before his marriage to Clair Meehan, but there is a secret about Gina's son that threatens both of their families.

Clair O'Malley is also one of the loops thrown in Aiden and Maddies relationship. She has been like a mother to Aiden's daughter Kelly and does not like the fact that Maddie is threating that relationship. Is also is not comforable when one perticular journalist comes to town looking for a scoop for the marriage between the descendents of two of the towns founding families because Clair had a relationship with him after leaving her husband.

Aidens daughter Kelly also is a loop in Aiden and Maddie's relationship because the teenager is pregnant and does not know what to do.

This book is a continuation of Shore Lights, and follows the same characters as they now prepare for the wedding of Maddy DiFalco and Aiden O'Malley. I'm not sure why this book was necessary, because it didn't further the relationship, didn't end with the wedding, and was filled with family squabbles and bickering. I 'think' Bretton is setting us up for a story about Claire and her own love life, but I don't think it'd be very interesting based upon her character in this book. The story contained a lot of in-fighting between family members, lots of bad blood between relations and future relations, and turned a great character (Kelly O'Malley) into a bad one for the sake of the storyline. Actually, the story was quite dependant upon Kelly and her life to propel the action. I wouldn't recommend this book - it's a family drama with no romance. No romance, no sincere story, and a lot of drivel.

In Jersey Shore town Paradise Point Maddy Bainbridge and Aidan O'Malley are getting married. The twosome knows that they must also work extra hard to form a family unity that includes her five years old daughter Hannah and his seventeen years old daughter Gina. However, neither was prepared for the nuttiness of her family who are driving Maddy to think of eloping. All this lunacy is occurring in front of PBS as historical journalist Pete Lassiter is doing a series of shows on the town.

However, Maddy learns a secret that Gina is hiding from her father. When she informs the teen that she must tell her father, Gina reacts by threatening to run off to New York to take care of business. Worried that the child will be all alone at a dark pivotal moment when she needs love and support, Maddy agrees to hide Gina's secret from her dad even though it costs her the trust of her beloved and potentially the relationship.

CHANCES ARE overwhelmingly that Barbara Bretton's myriad of fans will appreciate this solid contemporary sequel to SHORE LIGHTS that continues the second chance at love story of two delightful protagonists. Gina's crisis is a fabulous subplot that strains the relationship of the lovebirds even as Maddy's family adds humor by sending the bride's blood pressure to the stratosphere with their demands and intercession on how the nuptials will play out. Ms. Bretton provides a fine return to the Jersey shore with this warm family drama.

Harriet Klausner

I am a big fan of Barbara Bretton I confess. This story, which is a continuation of Shore Lights, but can be read by itself, was a great read. The character development was just as interesting as in the first book and I very much look forward to the next installment. If you enjoy family relationship drama involving characters of all ages the story line Ms. Bretton has developed will suit your fancy.

Barbara Bretton knows how to keep the reader entertained and engrossed into her stories. Not one is alike, and anyone reading her book will find themselves wishing they were actually there, because somehow, as you read, you will find yourself going along with the main character! I suggest her books to anyone who wants to read a good story without violence, nastiness, or hatred. I think many women will relate with one story or a character from age 20 to 80. Good reading.

I love books by Barbara Bretton. This was a great story, a follow up to Shore Lights. I only wish there was a sequel. Wonderful character development. I read a couple of books each week and this is close to the top of my list!

I loved reading Aidan and Maddy's story, as well as those of the other friends and family in the community. I didn't know it is a continuation of Shore Lights, but I'm ordering that book tonight. You won't be disappointed because you get to know and care about these people, and it's about what matters most, sacrifices made, and the love of family and friends.

I love all of BB's books and this one is no exception. Maddy and Aidan prepare to walk down the aisle, but are sidestepped by Aidan's teenage daughter, Kelly. Great follow up to Shore Lights and can't wait for the next book!