When Fortune Knocks


Fiction - New Adult
215 Pages
Reviewed on 11/23/2024
Buy on Amazon

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.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

When Fortune Knocks by Milan Gotcher is a poignant story that follows Damian Frost, a former high school football player who is now a substitute teacher. Damian has always been academically inclined and has a love for learning. Unfortunately, not all his classmates shared the same appreciation for education, which created challenges, particularly with his friend Jared Hall. While Damian excelled both academically and in sports, Jared struggled and was assigned to work with Damian to improve his grades. Now, as a teacher, Damian encounters Barrett Greer, a star athlete with a bad attitude that reminds him of Jared. Through his interactions with Barrett and his students, Damian begins to reflect on the impact of mentoring and the importance of resilience in overcoming personal challenges. He starts to fall in love with teaching and seeks to help his students succeed not only academically but also in understanding the value of teamwork, friendship, and self-worth.

When Fortune Knocks is a heartwarming tale that illustrates how past experiences shape present relationships and personal growth. Damian’s journey encompasses significant transitions in his life, from his final year in high school to his teaching career. The story is narrated from two perspectives: as a high school student and as a teacher, allowing readers to witness the evolution of his character. The book addresses various struggles faced by students and teachers, exploring the balance between academic work and athletics, family issues, loss and grief, and personal aspirations. Damian’s uncertainty in following his dreams is a central theme that reminds readers to courageously seize life's opportunities and never lose sight of their passions. This story is insightful and inspiring, capturing the reader’s attention from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope it encourages others to follow their dreams and cherish the special moments that life offers.

Roy Essex

Really enjoyed this book! The story follows Damian both as a high school student and later as a young teacher, which was a cool way to tell it. The friendships felt super real, especially with Jared's character - it actually made me tear up at parts. The school scenes brought back memories of my own high school days.
The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because it dragged a bit in the middle, but the ending totally made up for it. Definitely worth reading if you like stories about growing up and figuring out your path in life.