Kaitlyn Reid has a short fuse and takes the small stuff personally. She was a hairstylist in Scottsdale but right now she's working in her brother Chris's diner, hating taking orders from bossy Juanita. She doesn't have much choice, being lone parent of a seven-year-old daughter, but luckily Chris is calm, tolerant and non-judgemental. Kaitlyn is AT HOME IN LAST CHANCE.

There's a guy called Steven Braden around the New Mexico town. He lives with his grandmother, getting by on his looks and charm. While he didn't know Kaitlyn until she started work at the diner, of course he's heard all the town gossip. Pity she's so preoccupied and stressed all the time, because Steven thinks she has the best legs in town. And a cute little kid, Olivia. Offering to take the two of them for pizza might be a way to get to know Kaitlyn, but she won't have it. Well, liking someone's legs is not a great basis for a relationship anyway.

Further introductions include Chris and Kaitlyn's parents, who come up from Scottsdale having sold all Kaitlyn's belongings. Well, she took off and left everything, and they thought she could use the cheque to better purpose. Chris later reassures Kaitlyn that the good people have their attitudes set permanently on disapproval. The girl starts to think of ways to make herself more useful around town, with her own skills and identity.

The friendly chat is well written, and the town feels pretty real with lost dogs, determined seniors, and young divorcees looking for men. Everything from home perms to tumbleweed burning and Venus in the evening sky is just part of the scenery. Kaitlyn has to learn a lot about herself; she has to face the fact that her attitude is holding her back and the town has no reason to forgive her deeds while she refuses to smile and accept responsibilities. Chris is making major changes in his own life, while Steven has to start growing up in order to catch the attention of the young mother.

Living and learning is the theme of this gentle but strong story, and we see that it's never too late to change. Cathleen Armstrong has written a character-driven romance which is suitable for any reader, so if you want to see what it's like to be AT HOME IN LAST CHANCE grab a copy and enjoy the gossip.