The Road to Happenstance

Over the course of the spring break, I had time to do some reading for pleasure. I’d like to recommend an entire series: The Happenstance Chronicles. This series reminded me of maeve Binchy with her attention to detail and deep characterisation. Read below for three reviews I wrote for the first three books. (I am still reading Book 4: Secrets and Second Chances)

The Road to Happenstance – a review

This is a book to be savored. It’s not a formulaic romance by any means. In fact, while there are romantic elements, that isn’t really the focus. Instead, it’s more about the main character’s self-discovery and willingness to let go of the past. The Road to Happenstance is a multi-layered story with a rich tapestry of characters. These can be overwhelming at first, but as you continue to read, they become like old friends and you discover that the setting and minor characters are just as important as the main character and his problems. The author’s attention to detail is second to none, and she’s written each and every scene with a purpose, so if you try to skim, you’ll miss important elements. To a degree, it reminded me of Netflix’s Virgin River where the focus is on the various quirky characters in a small, close knit town. All the little nuances are woven together with a delightful result. There is intrigue, mystery, and a touch of romance. There was a truly surprise ending, too, which I appreciated. After taking some time to read this book, I immediately wanted to start in on the next in the series, since I’d come to love and appreciate the characters so much. Take the time to read it thoroughly. You won’t be disappointed!

Crazy About Maisie – a review

I couldn’t wait to start reading this book after finishing the first book in the series. The town of Happenstance and its characters really grows on you. To be honest, I had started reading it before reading book 1 and wasn’t feeling it, but then once I’d finished The Road To Happenstance, I immediately went back to Crazy About Maisie (Book 2 in the series). This time I “got it”, so I’d definitely recommend reading these in order. There are lots of subtle nuances about the characters, their history, and the town itself that are necessary in order to enjoy this book to its fullest, at least in my opinion. I love the authors attention to detail, the well-developed, three-dimensional characters, and back history that she’s managed to create. As cozy mysteries go, this is “cozy” for sure. Of course, there is some intrigue and a few tense moments, but for me, it was more about the characters and their growth. While Maisie McDonald, local hairdresser, gives the book its title, and most of the drama surrounds her in some way, I’d say the book is about so much more. It’s about the danger of keeping secrets, learning to trust, and the fact that people can change, no matter how bad they may seem. I loved this book, I love the town and its characters, and can’t wait to read the third book in the series. Now that I’m into it, I’m a “Happenstance” fan all the way! (I find myself wishing for a TV series about Happenstance! No joke!)

Gossip and Grace – a review

I think this is my favourite book in the Happenstance Series! It focuses on Sol Wuppertal, prodigal son back in his hometown after a brief stint in jail. Naturally, there are lots of rumors surrounding his fall from grace, but he has lots of support, too, as he tries to rebuild his life. All the characters I’ve come to know and love are included in the story, which is possibly one of the reasons I liked it so much. These felt like old friends, and I didn’t need to get reacquainted with them to know who they were and how they fit into the fabric of the town. I definitely recommend reading the books in order, for exactly this reason. Readers won’t be disappointed.

As I said, I’m still reading Secrets & Second Chances and so far it hasn’t disappointed! I’m loving it as much as the others.