This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Robert A. Groves for Readers' Favorite
Chance: Beginnings by Roberts Essex follows Chance from birth through adulthood, hitting plenty of highs and lows along the journey. Faith plays a big role in Chance’s life, but it’s messy and real, not sugar-coated or preachy. One such portrayal of this family’s faith is when Chance’s mother grapples with his spina bifida. She goes through all the stages of grief and bargaining, but in the end, places her whole trust in a higher power to deliver her son from this affliction. Another recurring theme is love and loss. One of my favorite micro-stories in Essex’s book was the love between Alden and his dog, Rex. Every southern family has a beloved pet. Finally, Chance’s life story is built on resilience. From the pain endured during his physical therapy treatments, the challenges of growing up in a changing American South, to the fear for the safety of a kidnapped child, Chance meets the challenges. For Chance, resilience was not loud nor heroic; it was simply not giving up.
This book captivated me from page one. Throughout the days of reading Chance: Beginnings, I felt as if Roberts Essex was sitting at my kitchen table telling me Chance’s story rather than reading words on pages. This memoir really digs into family, faith, and how the stuff we grow up with sticks with us for life. The consistently strong Southern voice adds personality and warmth. It is a heartfelt story about where we come from and how we keep going. I was left with the feeling that instead of having read about Chance, I knew the man. When I finished reading and set the book aside, I stood from my chair and gave Roberts Essex a standing ovation. You will, too.
