REVIEW: Happenstance by Jamie McGuire

Happenstance by Jamie McGuire
Series: Happenstance #1
Published by Self Published on May 9, 2014
Pages: 100
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Erin Easter, one of three Erins in the small senior class of rural Blackwell High School who not only share a first name, but also their birthday. Erin Easter, raised by a neglectful single mom, keeps to herself and admires Weston Gates from afar. The other Erins, Erin A. and Erin M. are the darlings of the community: daughters of the two wealthiest families in town, best friends, cheerleaders, and everything Erin Easter isn't--and they never let her forget it. Erin A. has even claimed Weston since the 8th grade.

Weston is a well-liked star athlete, and the son of two prominent attorneys. He struggles daily with the pressures of living up to his family name and secretly empathizes with Erin Easter's feeling that she belongs somewhere else; in a different life. Not until he begins sneaking nights out with Erin does he gain the courage to buck expectations and acknowledge his feelings ... both for his future, and for her.

But when a shocking tragedy rocks the tiny town, Erin's life is turned upside down in the best way possible. But when the truth is revealed and everything Erin thinks she wanted falls into her lap, life only becomes more complicated.

My thoughts…

This is one of those auto-buys. I honestly did not read the synopsis for this novella. I’m a big fan of Ms McGuire’s work. I absolutely loved Beautiful Disaster & Walking Disaster. So when I heard she had a new series coming out I knew I had to read it.

Right away I was drawn into this story. Easter, who’s first name is Erin is one of three Erin’s in her high school senior class. All three were born on the same day and were friends early in childhood. Things however changed the older they got and not for the better.

This story focuses a lot of bullying and the effect it has on the victim. I felt so bad for Easter. She seemed to not only have it rough at school, but also seemed to have a rough home life as well.

There is a big twist in this novella that took me by surprise. It sort of just comes out of nowhere and I’m not sure how I felt about it first. It was sort of abrupt and it took me a few minutes to accept it. Once I got over my initial feelings about it things smoothed out again.

Happenstance is well written, offers a unique storyline, and has characters who are rich with emotions. I’m hooked and can’t wait to read the next novella. If you’re a fan of young adult contemporary books that deal with everyday life issues then Happenstance just might be for you.