Happenstance

by Debra Loughead, Nancy M. Bell (editor)

Take two teenage girls, Tara and Sophie, who live near each other in the same area of the city, but inhabit completely different worlds. Add one mysterious and mesmerizing lost-and-found moonstone ring, that may or may not possess mystical properties. And one unsuspecting guy named Silas who, just by chance, happens to be caught up in the converging circumstances of both the girls.
Various school friends and frenemies orbit Tara and Sophie’s lives to help complicate matters even more. Added to the mix are several different sets of moms and dads, and other caregivers whose behavior is causing unprecedented upheaval in the lives of their children at this precise moment in time. As the girls continue to cross paths inadvertently, slowly closing in on one another’s social circles, they each contend with their own seemingly unique versions of complicated family frustrations. And their changing fortunes may or may not be related to the moonstone ring. Along the way, each girl is caught up in a school project which helps each one to perceive her disheartening circumstances in a completely different light.
Maybe everything that’s happening right now is a life-altering wakeup-call. Maybe there’s another way, a better way, to react to changing situations in your life. Maybe everything isn’t as complicated as it always seems when you pause for just a moment to take a look at the bigger picture. And maybe every family is more alike than anyone could ever imagine, and new friendships can begin to bloom in the most peculiar ways.
The combination of family, friends, and strange coincidences is sure to stir up any number of misunderstandings and mixed messages—which all adds up to Happenstance.

Editorial Review
Nancy M. Bell
Who knew a moonstone ring could cause such havoc? Amidst the angst of high school dramas Tara and Sophie, two girls from vastly different backgrounds, are thrown together by a lost ring. The moonstone is the catalyst which leads to the revealing of secrets finally seeing the light of day. Throw in a drop dead gorgeous male lead in the school play who sets all the girls hearts a flutter who just happens to be Sophie's next door neighbour...
Happenstance is a wonderful story of understanding and growth.

284 pages, Paperback

Published December 11, 2024

Reviews

[Joanne Orsini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happenstance is a wonderfully written book and most enjoyable read. It has a fun engaging plot that keeps you interested throughout the book. It is written through two main characters. The dual protagonists are two young teenage girls, who initially are unknown to each other. We come to know these girls individually through the trials and challenges they face in their own families and friendships with their peers. The novel captures the inclusive and diverse landscape and idiosyncrasies of our modern day culture and it's challenges. As the plot develops, through various coincidences and circumstances, these two girls' lives come together. As the events unfold throughout the story, we observe the characters' personal growth, blossoming of friendships and reconciled relationships. This book is a must read for young people and will be enjoyed by all readers.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice surprise of a story. A girl finds a ring that another girl has lost. Their families with similar problems, their best friends with similar problems, liking the same guy. Seems like a big coincidence when they get together at the end. That being said, the end kind of dragged on. I kept thinking that the story was finished when something else would pop up...many times. All loose ends tied up nice and tidy. A little too tidy. Still, I liked it.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful moonstone ring causes all kinds of chaos for Tara and Sophie in Happenstance, a book that deals honestly and sensitively with issues facing teens around romance, relationships, family problems, mental health, and doing the right thing. With a side of theatre and mindfulness, Deb Loughead’s latest is an engaging, uplifting, hopeful book.

[Barbara Gooch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very engaging story. I found my inner voice speaking to, warning several characters. Some twists make it difficult to predict where the story will end up, which always makes for an enjoyable read. I recommend this title to young people looking to fit in. There is always a way!

[Christiane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating prose and amazing plot and character development. She sure has the gift of storytelling. Highly recommend!