Take a Chance on Me by Jane Porter
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by MistflowerSavvy stylist Amanda Wright loves Marietta, her hair salon, and her clients, and no client is more dear to her heart than eighty-year-old Bette Justice–even if her years have made her a little fragile. So when Bette asks Amanda for a favor—to convince her stubborn grandson that Marietta is her true home—Amanda can’t say no.
Tyler Justice, a successful game designer, has a one-track mind–he wants to take care of his beloved grandmother. He can’t understand her resistance to move to Texas and is sure that the young friend she keeps mentioning–Amanda–is taking advantage of his grandmother’s generosity. He reaches Marietta determined to put the salon owner in her place and bring his grandmother home…until smart, kind Amanda starts to tug at his heart in ways he never expected.
But just as Tyler and Amanda start to form a real connection, will a long-buried family secret destroy their chance at love?
I’ve always loved stories set in small towns and Take a Chance on Me hit all the right notes. The fictional town of Marietta felt like home, reminding me of the close-knit community I once lived in and still miss. The heroine, Amanda Wright, owns a local salon and genuinely cares for her clients. One standout is 80-year-old Bette, a beloved townsperson who doesn’t want to relocate to Texas to be with her grandson. I related to her deeply–moving away from your roots is no small thing.
Enter Tyler Justice, Bette’s grandson and the hero of the story. At first, I was skeptical of him—he arrives in Marietta with accusations against Amanda and a plan to drag his grandmother back to his home. But as the story unfolds, it was fun watching Bette and Amanda nudge Tyler’s perspective. His character arc was satisfying, especially as he began to truly understand the life his grandmother had built.
The romance between Amanda and Tyler had its share of ups and downs, making the happy ending all the more rewarding. Tyler’s company and Amanda’s family secret added layers of tension that kept me turning pages. I loved Amanda’s quirky flair—her love of the color pink, and how she boldly used it in unexpected ways. It was endearing to see Tyler come to appreciate that part of her personality.
Jane Porter’s writing was engaging, and I found myself breezing through the book in just a few hours. All I could heard when I saw the title of this book was Take a Chance on Me by ABBA—one of my all-time favorite songs. So, it feels perfectly fitting to say that I’m glad I took a chance on reading this book by Jane Porter! If you enjoy heartfelt romance, small-town charm, and a story that balances warmth with just the right amount of drama, I wholeheartedly recommend others take a chance on this delightful read!