Not by Chance (Seaport Suspense Book 4)
by Kathy Herman
Published by Multnomah (August 2006 release)
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Reviewed by Sheryl Root
You don't need to read the previous three books in the Seaport series to enjoy Not by Chance. Excellent suspense and very relatable characters make this a story that stands on its own.
Brandon Jones travels to his parents' home in Seaport, Florida without a job or a fiancee. Having just turned down a major promotion at work because he can no longer pretend that the money makes up for the lack of fulfillment he feels, Brandon seeks to get away and do some soul searching. When he meets Weezie, the vivacious African-American assistant manager of Gordy's Crab Shack, he is drawn to her passion for God and for life. But their innocent friendship is misinterpreted by some members of the community, and soon Brandon and Weezie find themselves in the midst of racial prejudice, threats and violence.
The many plot threads the author weaves into Not By Chance kept me hooked until the end. And, while I usually find books written from multiple points of view lacking in depth of character, that is not the case here. The author writes each of the many supporting characters so well that I felt a part of the town of Seaport. I look forward to playing "catch up" and reading the earlier Seaport books as well as the Baxter series that came before it.
A good story often reveals truth at the same time it entertains. Brandon's journey to find significance in life helped me to discover, as he did, "the quality of a person's life all boils down to perspective." God's perspective, found through His Word, is shared with grace in this suspense-filled story.
Armchair Interviews says: Not by Chance has many wonderful characters with diverse and interesting points of view.