Chasing Manhattan by John Gray

This is an enjoyable novel combining a slow moving romance with a deep desire to help others. I did not read the first novel in this series so was a bit lost for the first part of the story. There is enough backstory as you read along that his one can be enjoyed on its own.

Chase was apparently given an unusual gift in the first novel in that she had visions of a sort and could then help people. She wrote a bestselling book about it, became pretty famous and escaped to Manhattan and anonymity. Gavin is her best friend and committed boyfriend.

Chase has enough money that she doesn't have to work but she is approached by a old college roommate to write a story about a wealthy man who gave away most of his money before he died. She agrees and that sets her on quite a journey of meeting people and helping them, or at least trying to.

Gray's writing style is pleasant and the novel moves along at a consistent pace. There is a little bit of a mystery thrown in with the wealthy man and the house he owns. The theme of the novel seems to be helping people. Perhaps God gives each of us a special gift to see a particular need another has. Like Chase, we might try too hard at times, perhaps barging in to a situation when it might be better to let it be. Then again, perhaps that is exactly what needs to happen to move the situation.

This novel is a pleasant one to read. I did get a little frustrated with the mellow nature of the relationship between Gavin and Chase. I mean, what fellow asks his girl when and how and where she would like to be proposed to?

You can read an excerpt here.

You can watch the book trailer here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

John Gray is an Emmy Award-winning television journalist and columnist in upstate New York. He is the author of three popular children's books. Manchester Christmas was his debut novel, followed by Chasing Manhattan. Gray donates a generous portion of his book sales to help others. He and his family live in Albany.

Paraclete Press, 288 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)