Happenstance: A Novella Series (Part Two)

Happenstance 2 was fantastic! While I enjoyed Happenstance 1, I have to say I really, really loved the second one even more. The continuation of Erin and Weston’s story is so many things: fun, emotional, touching, moving and enjoyable. It’s a quick read with a great plot that will leave you wanting more. I love YA books and Jamie touched on some real life issues that occur at this age. I was so impressed with Erin for many reasons. She embodies a strong girl who despite the many adversities life has thrown at her, doesn’t let life get her down. We all know high school is hard enough but the things Erin has had to face (Weston too, but especially Erin) aren’t easy. The way she handles adapting to her new life, family and all the challenges is amazing. She’s mature and grateful and I was so happy her life has taken a turn for the better. Weston is a sweetheart. He hasn’t always made the right choices but we have to remember he’s only in high school. My favorite line of the book was by him to Erin “All I am is all we are”. I can’t wait for Happenstance 3 to read the continuation of Erin and Weston’s story! I’m curious to see what the future has in store for them- where their relationship will go as they graduate high school, how they will spend their summer together and how the next year apart will affect their relationship. Read The Happenstance novellas- you won’t regret it! For more reviews, go to www.lovenbooks.com

****This review will contain spoilers if you have not read Happenstance Part 1. When I read and wrote my review for Happenstance, I believed the story written by Jamie McGuire was a stand-alone novella. I recently learned this was not the case, when I discovered that Happenstance is actually a young adult novella series. Through the course of events surrounding the tragic accident that took the life of Erin Alderman, we were able to learn that Erin Easter was raised in the wrong home, having been switched at birth. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that we will be able to read more about Erin Easter as she adjusts to her life as the true daughter of Sam and Julianne Alderman. Imagine the changes that might take place in your life if you learned you were switched at birth. Not only has Erin Easter lacked a parental support system, but she has lacked being loved. She has essentially raised herself, having been neglected by her mother. Erin has been working at Dairy Queen to earn spending money and to save for a college education. All of these circumstances combined have made Erin very mature for her age. Happenstance Part 2 focuses on the aftermath of the tragedy and changes to her life, going forward. Erin has been taken in by her biological parents, one of the wealthiest couples in Blackwell. She suddenly has a new bedroom in a new home. She now has parents who care about her emotional and physical well-being. Sam and Julianne want to provide for her and make up for lost time. Erin Easter finds herself literally walking in Erin Alderman's shoes. Bullying continues to be the primary issue of the Happenstance novella series. Erin is still being bullied, although the focus of the bullying has changed with her new circumstances. It remains a mystery to Erin why her best friends, Erin Alderman and Erin Masterson, turned on her in the fifth grade, but she is about to uncover the hidden truth with the discovery of Erin Alderman's journals. And, although her relationship with Weston Gates has progressed, he seems to be holding on to his own secrets. Happenstance Part 2 follows on the heels of a very strong first novella. In my opinion, this second novella started off slowly, with the beginning of the story primarily focusing on the changes taking place in Erin's life. However, the author definitely captured my attention about halfway through the story. I found myself intrigued by the contents of the journals and the truth of what they revealed. Sometimes the truth isn't so straight forward, creating more questions than answers. Although Happenstance Part 2 is not as strong as the first novella in the series, I did enjoy reading it. My rating is 4 stars. I look forward to what I think will be a fantastic ending to this series!

Erin is getting used to her new life and it's quite an adjustment in this second volume. Julianne and Sam are like the perfect parents for her, they dote on her, care about her, want her to be happy and they fully support her. They also want to know everything about her personal life, which comes off a bit much into Erin's personal space, understandably so. What's interesting is the contrast from Erin's life before compared to now, and not just because of things like living in a nicer house or having a car, but also the attention and supervision. I enjoyed watching Erin process all of this seeing how she's nearly a grown adult and having already been independent while missing out on a lot of things while growing up. For the first time, she has people she can lean on. She's always been really mature and honest with herself and she doesn't stoop low to the bullying of others. However, Erin is hard on herself in this one, about some of the choices she makes because they have repercussions to them. At the same time, her emotions are all over the place because she has to reconcile being a daughter at the expense of someone else's death. Julianne and Sam are pretty transparent overall, but I am curious to know how they really feel about the loss since they don't like to show it outwardly in Erin's presence. Erin really struggles with letting people in, including Weston and her parents but I admire her realistic attitude and she really does try because she loves them. I've always liked Weston, he hasn't made the best choices in the past as a bystander but he does fully participate in anything to do with Erin, sometimes too much, though. He walks that fine line of honesty where he wants it all out in the open from Erin, but at the same time, he has to withhold certain things from her to protect her. Weston winds up having to redeem himself and I liked seeing his character become stronger and more persistent in going after what he wants and believes in. Erin is actually inspirational to Weston and her parents and I do love getting to know her because she is so unique and she handles this situation way better than most people would. I'm really looking forward to the last segment and how Erin gets closure from what she alluded to in this volume.

Waited patiently for this second book.. Hopeful that Erin would have a happy turn of circumstance going forward. Loved that she is still being true to herself and not drowning in heartache and emotions. A bit suspicious still of Weston. Can't wait to find out what happens next.. Definitely recommend you read it. Another fabulous book from a fantastic author.. Love it..

I love everything Jamie writes and this is no different. I can't wait for the last book in this series.

Amazing book. Amazing author. Love all of Jamie McGuire's books. I recommend her to all of my friends and family

Great book, just wish it was longer.

In preparation for the release of Happenstance 2, I have decided to re-read Happenstance 1 and then just continue on to the next part. It was a good capturing read, but far too short to my liking. I love the story of Erin and her turbulent High School experience. She is such a lovely unassuming humble person. I love her strength and focus to achieve life goals. In spite of constant bullying and uncaring mother. A strong female character - loving it. Westin is rather weak guy and although likeable, he mainly gains sympathy through his admiration and dedication for Erin Easter. I am hoping to see more strength in Westin as well as some perspective on the situation through Julienne and Gina's eyes. There is so much depth that these two characters could potentially bring into the story. It would help in giving it multidimensional perspective. I am already counting days until the release of Happenstance 3.