Contemporary

Abby MacGuire and Joel Pickett find unexpected refuge in the town of Happenstance when a pre-Christmas storm disrupts their plans. Abby never allows anything to alter her course, but in these last days of her pregnancy, she’s forced to admit she can’t fight the weather.

Sandy Fitzpatrick III, former Happenstance resident, returns from Ireland with his PhD in Forestry. He is accompanied by an intern named Cal, a sprite of a woman with the personality of a feral cat. Everyone, except Bear, steers clear of her. He has dealt with feral cats before.

When a traumatic incident takes place, triggered by long-held secrets, friends team up to help Abby and Joel. With Christmas only days away, it seems the Living Nativity won’t come together in time. But what seems like another disruption may be the very thing the people of Happenstance need.

Relax into your favorite comfy chair with a cuppa, and revisit the quirky and well-loved regulars in Happenstance as new friends are introduced into their midst.

Secrets & Second Chances is the fourth novel in The Happenstance Chronicles.

Hairdresser Maisie McDonald loves her life in Happenstance, but when private investigator Sam Kowalczyk comes to town, Maisie is spooked. Will Sam’s questions reveal secrets relegated to the past and ruin her present and her future? And who hired him?

When mysterious newcomer to Happenstance, Julia Freemont, purchases an abandoned shop to turn it into a bistro, everyone is excited. But is Julia’s presence valid, or a ruse to get to Maisie?

Maisie will do anything to protect her family, but can she fight the power that money can buy? Revisit the townspeople of Happenstance as they rally round to help her through her struggle between fear and trust.

Crazy About Maisie is a cozy mystery, the second in the Happenstance Chronicles, about a little town that offers fresh choices and second chances. It’s sure to capture your heart and leave you wanting more.

Matthew Sadler rides his '77 Harley into Happenstance, intent on passing through, but people and events conspire to prevent his leaving.

The elderly Barlow sisters consider Matt their knight on a motorcycle. Matt is entranced by Roni, the other lodger at the Happenstance Hotel, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his beloved, deceased wife. The young doctor in town, Paula Percy, adores Matt's motorcycle. However, she is suspicious of Roni, and the feeling is mutual.

As the days pass, the quaint little town, with its unique residents, begins to show its sinister side. When evidence of multiple thefts lead to Matt's door, he must deal with a mystery and yet more false accusations.

Do the old diaries of Amanda Rutherford Barlow hold the answers Matt so desperately seeks? Will Happenstance let him go, or does he have a reason to stay?

Jeanne, a retired librarian and one-year widow, is dreading her first Christmas without Sam. However, when her childhood friend moves in next door, Jeanne wonders if alone might be better. Spunky Debbie McCormick won’t allow Jeanne to wallow in her grief, and seems intent on pushing her into decisions she’s not ready to make.

Nine stories. Nine pasts to overcome. Nine futures hang in the balance.

Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but what happens when the past threatens to destroy the peace and joy of the season?

When the men and women in these stories face overwhelming challenges in their lives, can hope be restored this Christmas?