A Chance for Kallie Mae

Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 352
Release Date: May 19, 2026
Publisher: Revell

She believes her dreams have been buried until one is rekindled--but the other threatens to cost her everything she loves.

Kallie Mae Bertram has harbored two dreams since childhood: to learn to read and to one day marry Quinn Spencer. But her first dream slipped away after her little sister died of a fever and her mother passed in childbirth. Kallie promised to care for the baby and her younger brother, which meant putting aside her own desires in order to keep her family together. But then a Moonlight School for adults offers Kallie hope of finally fulfilling that goal.

After Kallie's father forbids her from seeing Quinn, her second dream seems impossible. That is, until her frantic search for her missing sister leads to an unexpected encounter with Quinn in the woods--their first meeting in six years. The love they shared as children burns stronger than ever, awakening hopes Kallie thought were forever buried. But with their families locked in a bitter feud, following her heart could cost Kallie everything she's worked to protect. 

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

More than 5 stars for this book! The story not only touched my heart, but my soul. This is a book that I will read again and again.

The characters are written brilliantly! Each one touched my heart in some way. Kallie Mae is extraordinary! She has experienced many losses throughout her young life; family members and a chance for love. Her loyalty to her family is admirable because it comes with a cost. Quinn is 😍! He's an all around decent guy. He's a good son, a good brother and a good friend. His loyalty to his family comes at a great cost too. Emmie is the one who touched my heart the most. She's overheard people saying that she's got the devil's mark and that her birthing killed her mother. A huge blessing in her life is having Kallie Mae as a sister/mother. Aunt Sudie is a favorite! She always shows up at just the right time, she's always willing to lend a hand and she always talks about God and faith. "Aunt Sudie always said the best prayers. Prayers a person knew the Lord would pay mind to."

I rejoiced when Emmie was able to go to school! She was able to learn her letters and even memorize Scripture. Even better was when the school teacher Ms. Carson shared news that a woman named Cora Wilson Stewart wanted to offer moonlight schools for adults who wanted to learn. Being able to go to school changed Kallie Mae and Quinn's life! Make sure to read the author's note!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Revell Books via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Carolyn Bryant

A Chance for Kallie Mae is a heart-tugging, soul-stirring read. It is beautifully written with emotional, unexpected twists in just the right places. I devoured this book with joy, as it brought tears and cheers and left me smiling at the end.  

The author once again demonstrates her expertise in portraying Appalachian culture through local dialogue, daily life, and faith. The entire cast of characters is compelling and wonderfully crafted. 

Emmie stole my heart, and Kallie and Quinn are the perfect “forbidden love” couple, victims of a long-standing family feud. I love how the author so expertly integrated the historical Moonlight School program for adult literacy into the story. This book is now on my Best Reads Ever list, and I enthusiastically recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

Y’all this book was so wonderful that I couldn’t put it down!

I’ve been waiting for this one for a while now, and I’m so happy to get it. I wasn’t one bit disappointed.

I love Gabhart’s books! She’s a wonderful writer who brings her characters to life with their thoughts, feelings that are so realistic that I could feel them coming out of the pages.

My heart went out to Kallie. I loved her right away. It doesn’t seem fair, does it, that her chance should be taken away? I kept rooting for her all through the story.

I finished this in one evening. It was so good. I was sad when it was over.

Kallie’s siblings were fun to get to know, too. Y’all know how brothers can be.

Emmie had a scene with her whistle that made me smile. To her, it was special. Her personality made want to smile all the way through the story.

It felt good to be home in Kentucky again, even if it was in Rowan co. I sure loved the historical setting of the moonlight schools. It shows us that we’re never too old to learn!

This is a story that will leave you thinking about it long after it is over and leave you feeling full and satisfied.

As always, I shall look forward to reading her next novel.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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