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Serendipity
PG-RATED if you made a New Year's resolution, then were forced to keep it? Professor Sam Pierson should be more careful about what he wishes for. He's already as unhappy as he is obnoxious. What he doesn't realize is that his life is about to reach a new low. His boss is ready to fire him and his wife to leave him. When a disturbing stranger asks for his New Year's resolutions at a party, Sam throws everyone into hysterical laughter when he blurts out, "I want the body of an athlete and I want everyone to respect me." At midnight the stranger slaps him on the back, Sam has a sharp pain in his chest, and for the entire year, he cannot do anything that violates his New Year's resolutions. Hilarity follows as family, friends, enemies and co-workers try and figure out what the world happened to Sam. And while Sam eventually figures out what his problem is, it takes him a while longer to realize exactly what he needs to do about it. # OF PAGESApproximately 325 pages. OTHER BOOKS BY DIANE She’s Just Right, Once in a Blue Moon, The Christmas Star, A Penny for Your Thoughts.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2011
About the author
Diane Darcy
56 books144 followersDiane Darcy loves to read and write lighthearted and funny books. She’s a member of the Heart of the West, and RWA. She was a finalist for Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart® Award. She’s written romantic comedies in several different genres; some historical, some contemporary, all lighthearted and fun. She makes her home in Utah with her family and dogs, and is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 23, 2025
I could only tolerate about two chapters. The beginning is a bit on the crude side and not a very enjoyable read.
The plot summary does a great job of the first couple of chapters. And maybe it does get better, but I don't think forcing a person to change is ever a good idea. For example, he loves smoking, but suddenly finds he can't stand the taste or what it does to his lungs (he can't breathe). His first response is to get back at the cigarette company for putting bad cigarettes into the package. He goes to eat Coco Puffs, but find they taste like rotting meat. His brain tells him to say one thing, usually quite cutting, but his mouth says something else.
That's about where I gave up. Perhaps there are those that would think this book is funny. Perhaps I didn't give it a chance to get better. But honestly, although Diane Darcy does have one of my favorite books (which is why I tried this one) Serendipity just made me feel crummy. So I quit reading.
The plot summary does a great job of the first couple of chapters. And maybe it does get better, but I don't think forcing a person to change is ever a good idea. For example, he loves smoking, but suddenly finds he can't stand the taste or what it does to his lungs (he can't breathe). His first response is to get back at the cigarette company for putting bad cigarettes into the package. He goes to eat Coco Puffs, but find they taste like rotting meat. His brain tells him to say one thing, usually quite cutting, but his mouth says something else.
That's about where I gave up. Perhaps there are those that would think this book is funny. Perhaps I didn't give it a chance to get better. But honestly, although Diane Darcy does have one of my favorite books (which is why I tried this one) Serendipity just made me feel crummy. So I quit reading.
May 27, 2017
I couldn't put this book down!
I can not say in any amount of words how much I loved this book! I literally started and finished in less then a day and walked around the house while reading. Wow! Another epic read, Diane! I am off to download the next. (That's two started and finished in two days.)
I can not say in any amount of words how much I loved this book! I literally started and finished in less then a day and walked around the house while reading. Wow! Another epic read, Diane! I am off to download the next. (That's two started and finished in two days.)
October 3, 2024
This was such a cute book and I enjoyed it a lot 🫶🏼
November 29, 2025
Not your usual writing style
The book was not written in your usual style. I liked it but I wouldn’t want to read another like it.
I have loved all your other books.
The book was not written in your usual style. I liked it but I wouldn’t want to read another like it.
I have loved all your other books.
March 14, 2017
Great
Great job with this book Diane, too bad things like this really didn't happen, I know quite a few people who could use it, including myself. Loved it! Thanks
Great job with this book Diane, too bad things like this really didn't happen, I know quite a few people who could use it, including myself. Loved it! Thanks
July 15, 2012
4.5
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but ended up really enjoying it. Sam starts off as a very unlikable guy. I really didn’t know how I would ever warm up to him, but I did. He is a cantankerous guy, but doesn’t even realize how miserable he makes everyone. Especially his wife and son, shouldn’t they be grateful for all he does for them? Then one night at a New Year’s Eve party his life changes forever. He meets someone who gives him a “curse” that makes him follow through on his new resolutions (to be respected and have the body of an athlete). The next morning he wakes up and he has no control over himself. When he wants to be mean things come out nice. When he wants to smoke or eat junk he can’t. At first the curse really works most of the time, but as the story progresses you see that the lifestyle changes are starting to becomes second nature. He stops being so selfish and starts being genuinely nice. And of course as his character grows you start to like him too. We get a little perspective from his wife Emily, but the story is really about Sam.
I really liked the premise of the story. It had such a nice meaning to it, and it makes you think about how you can be a better person. What started out as a curse soon becomes a blessing, one he is scared to part with. While the relationship between Emily and Sam is probably the biggest part, there is also many other relationships. Like Sam and his son Jared, with his boss, friends, neighbors and even mother-in-law. It was really a fun read, I hope there will be more books in the series. It’d be fun to see other characters have to keep their resolutions. :)
I’m a little sad that I’ve now read all of Diane Darcy’s books, I want more! I admit, I like her lighthearted romance books a bit more, but all her books are well written and enjoyable. I can’t wait to see what she publishes next!
Content: Clean.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but ended up really enjoying it. Sam starts off as a very unlikable guy. I really didn’t know how I would ever warm up to him, but I did. He is a cantankerous guy, but doesn’t even realize how miserable he makes everyone. Especially his wife and son, shouldn’t they be grateful for all he does for them? Then one night at a New Year’s Eve party his life changes forever. He meets someone who gives him a “curse” that makes him follow through on his new resolutions (to be respected and have the body of an athlete). The next morning he wakes up and he has no control over himself. When he wants to be mean things come out nice. When he wants to smoke or eat junk he can’t. At first the curse really works most of the time, but as the story progresses you see that the lifestyle changes are starting to becomes second nature. He stops being so selfish and starts being genuinely nice. And of course as his character grows you start to like him too. We get a little perspective from his wife Emily, but the story is really about Sam.
I really liked the premise of the story. It had such a nice meaning to it, and it makes you think about how you can be a better person. What started out as a curse soon becomes a blessing, one he is scared to part with. While the relationship between Emily and Sam is probably the biggest part, there is also many other relationships. Like Sam and his son Jared, with his boss, friends, neighbors and even mother-in-law. It was really a fun read, I hope there will be more books in the series. It’d be fun to see other characters have to keep their resolutions. :)
I’m a little sad that I’ve now read all of Diane Darcy’s books, I want more! I admit, I like her lighthearted romance books a bit more, but all her books are well written and enjoyable. I can’t wait to see what she publishes next!
Content: Clean.
January 2, 2017
Definitely PG13
This was not the Diane Darcy fun romp I had hoped it to be. It, unfortunately, made me think a little! I didn't expect to have to be pensive, but once I adjusted my expectations, I learned a little bit about my self and others through the experiences of the main character, Sam. I'm not sure why it's PG - I wouldn't be comfortable with my middle school child reading about seduction and sex toys, even if they are mentioned in passing. Not my favorite Diane Darcy book.
This was not the Diane Darcy fun romp I had hoped it to be. It, unfortunately, made me think a little! I didn't expect to have to be pensive, but once I adjusted my expectations, I learned a little bit about my self and others through the experiences of the main character, Sam. I'm not sure why it's PG - I wouldn't be comfortable with my middle school child reading about seduction and sex toys, even if they are mentioned in passing. Not my favorite Diane Darcy book.
February 23, 2014
I just became acquainted with books by Diane Darcy. Her books in general are fun and clean. This particular book really stands out to me because it's continued to make me think well after I finished reading it. I really love how it's made me think about how I treat others and ways that I want to improve in that area.
March 29, 2016
Solid author
I have been reading Diane Darcy for a few months. It's time well spent. Her stories entertain. Not a lot of rehashing and elaborating a point. Her characters are fully formed, her story lines interesting, no filler to make the book longer. I will seek more of her work.
I have been reading Diane Darcy for a few months. It's time well spent. Her stories entertain. Not a lot of rehashing and elaborating a point. Her characters are fully formed, her story lines interesting, no filler to make the book longer. I will seek more of her work.
January 31, 2013
I liked it but didnt love it. Liked it from the middle better than the beginning. the begiing was hard to get into. I liked the end and how sam was going to be selfish with his gift, until he realized he couldnt be anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2011
An excellent tale of being aware of who we want to be, what contributes to who we are, the importance of communication and having self-respect. An enjoyable read.
January 12, 2012
Funny first chapter. Very light read. Messages we should all pay more attention to.
April 27, 2012
lightweight
March 16, 2012
The idea behind the book had so much potential, but the story fell flat. There was so much room for humor and nice anecdotes, too bad it didn't deliver.
May 16, 2012
Pretty funny book! Good story.
October 24, 2013
horrible book
December 20, 2013
One dimensional. Cartoonish.
March 20, 2014
If you like a "feel good" story, with a kind of moral to it, then you would like this book.
July 1, 2014
Not my favorite by her, but a perfectly enjoyable read. I always like her happy endings. :)
August 24, 2015
Hated it, loved it, then hated it, and finally loved it. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. So I was well written.
November 10, 2016
Lots of relationship issues......
April 27, 2020
Lots of character development from the main character (he's literally a trash male in the beginning).
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews