First let me let you in on a secret -- I've never met a Jodi Thomas book that wasn't absolutely dog eared from being read so many times. They are all like warm cozy friends that just beg to be taken back down from the book shelves and revisited. When given the opportunity to read or review a Thomas book I grab it with gusto. CHANCE OF A LIFETIME is destined to become one of my favorites and I'll wager that it will be yours as well. Thomas managed to interweave a host of stories and characters in this wonderful contemporary tale infused with humor and mystery. The pages come alive as you are invited into the world of people who live in small town Harmony.

Who would have thought a library could hold not only a wealth of knowledge but secrets as well. As a centerpiece of a community the library is a place people go to for many reasons and it would appear that the Harmony library has its share of stories to tell -- no pun intended.

The librarian Emily Tomlinson's life appears to be an open book with the inhabitants fully aware of the tragic and violent attack fifteen years ago when she was just a teenager. A teenager who happened to be in the wrong place at the absolute wrong time. In her memories of the event all she recollects is that her best friend Tannon Parker wasn't there for her, such a breach of faith it would form a chasm between the two that was impossible to bridge. Tannon it appears harbors his own nightmares of that evening. He remembers getting there too late to stop the attack but his memories go even further. As time goes on he realizes that Emily didn't fully realize the events of that night and no one should reopen those barely healed wounds.

Tannon has unfulfilled dreams of his own -- those dreams and wishes included Emily and a desire to get back a normal, fulfilled life hopefully with someone who cares for and about him. Emily still has an aversion to being out past dark. And her life has definitely stalled into a comfortable nonthreatening routine that borders on loveless and downright boring. Well that's all about to change and change is supposed to be good for the soul.

There's someone in this quiet little town that has a grudge against the towns lawyer Rick Matheson. Rick thinks of his practice as barely existent and yet he is continually being put in harm's way with no clues as to motive or person of interest. These accidents are not minor in any way. Luck has been on Rick's side as he has survived life threatening injuries. He barely recuperates from one "accident" when there is another attack. Law officials are taking note of these attacks and have decided Rick needs protection. Moving into the local bed and breakfast seems a logical and hopefully safe place where Rick won't be alone and at the same time hopefully not put others in jeopardy. The Matheson's are lifelong residents of this little town and they are working behind the scenes to guard Rick even if he is reluctant to admit to the danger.

There's something about small town living that is very compelling. Knowing all your neighbors should make you feel safe and yet in CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, Thomas effectively casts doubt on that belief. There's a huge cast of characters in her latest book too numerous to mention much less give any insight into but heed my words this is a masterfully written story about a group of people who will grab hold from beginning to end. You almost dread finding out if any of them is the culprit.