The Road to Happenstance by Janice L. Dick

ABOUT THE BOOK

One man running from his past, two women he’s attracted to, and a peculiar town that won’t let him go.

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 Matt’s beloved, deceased wife. The young doctor in town, Paula Percy, adores Matt’s motorcycle. However, she is suspicious of the woman from the hotel.

As the days pass, the quaint little town, with its unique residents, begins to show its sinister side. When evidence of multiple thefts leads 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 finally let him go, or does he have a reason to stay?

MY REVIEW

This is a new to me author.

I admit I had trouble getting into the book at first.

This story kind of reminded me of Stephen King's Under the Dome type of book. Not sure how I feel about that cause I don't like him. I feel that he's a weird eccentric type of guy.

I thought about putting it down but then something kept nudging me to at least finish the book. I'm glad I did!

Even though it was slow getting into it was still a good story.

I think my favorite part was towards the ending.

How I loved the two sisters Grayce and Emmaline!! They sure had quite a story to tell especially about the old hotel that they lived in.

I thought Matt was a great character. The author really did well with him. I loved how she put him through well, just life in general. I think that we all put God on the back burner at sometime or another but then something or someone draws us back to Him like a magnet if you know what I mean?

In another way, this book kind of reminds of Jonah running from God because he didn't want to do what God wanted.

I believe that Matt was like that.

Then we have Roni. I didn't like her from the get go. I'm really not sure how to describe her without giving anything away so I will just leave it up to y'all.

I think also that there is more to this story than the author is letting on. I hope to see what happens with Matt and I wonder if he'll return to Happenstance since he hated it.

I rather liked Happenstance. It might be a small town but it does certainly have its share of trouble or at least seems to. I wouldn't mind returning to Happenstance.

Sometimes it can be the residents that can grow on you and believe me, I hated to say Goodbye.

I gave this book 4 stars because I felt the story started out too slow.

I did however love the cover of the book and I felt that it matched with the story that the bridge represented.

The bridge is gorgeous! I love covered bridges don't you?

I recommend this book

My thanks goes to the Mosaic Collection.

I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I began writing intentionally in 1989 after attending a workshop at the local library, then continued to learn through courses and conferences. I wrote a couple short stories and inspirational articles for the local paper and my denominational magazine. In 2001, I plunged into writing my first novel, which had to be continued in two sequels to complete the story. These historical novels were released in 2002, 2003, and 2004, the first two winning first place in The Word Guild's Canadian Christian Writing Awards. The third was shortlisted for the same award.

Besides one more completed historical novel and a sequel as yet unfinished, I've also written a contemporary cozy, book reviews, guest blogs, articles, short stories, devotionals and stories for children, and even a smattering of poetry.

My editing experience includes a church history book, two chap books, a devotional volume, a women's event book, several children's books and an annual women's conference magazine. I've also mentored other writers, formally and informally. My writing memberships include a local writing group, Saskatoon group His Imprint, InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship, American Christian Fiction Writers and past member of The Word Guild and Saskatchewan Writers Guild. I am also an Advanced Toastmaster Silver.

I live with my husband on a farm near Guernsey, SK. We thank God for our three grown children and their spouses, and nine—soon to be ten—amazing grandchildren.

Winner of the first Janette Oke Award, presented by InScribe Christian Writer’s Fellowship September 23, 2016. “The award will be given to someone who demonstrates a strong Christian commitment, a desire to impact society with family and Christlike values in their work, belongs to Inscribe, and is innovative or brave in their chosen genre. The committee is not looking for a similar theme or genre but a sense of commitment, conviction and a strong desire to persevere in their field.”