Circumstance

by Kristin M. Parker

Amelia Conrad seemingly has it all, but her family’s quest to maintain their wealthy 19th century existence fails to match her more contemporary dreams of love. As Amelia struggles between honoring her family and following her heart, she embarks on a path of self-discovery that is both powerful and inspiring.

Set at a grand seaside Victorian, the lure of the ocean lulls each character into an altered reality, unlocking the secrets of past loves and future contentment. Circumstance is a love story that intertwines two lifetimes, gradually revealing a truth so real it summons us to believe in the spirit of true love.

Circumstance is the romance novel you've been waiting to discover. Make Circumstance your next beach read!

189 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2014

About the author

Kristin M. Parker was born in Abington, Pennsylvania, where she lived with her parents and sister, Megan. She acquired a love of books at an early age, and as a child enjoyed stories that captured her imagination, such as "The Little Princess", "Mary Poppins", and "Little House on the Prairie." Kristin loves the solitude of a library or art museum but is equally comfortable at a large gathering, chatting and connecting with people.

Kristin graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor of Education and earned a Master's Degree in Education from Bloomsburg University. She has worked as an educator in the Council Rock School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania for the last twenty-three years, teaching kindergarten, first, and second grades. Teaching is a journey that Kristin has embraced with her whole heart, taking every opportunity to learn and grow.

Kristin first became interested in writing during her high school and college years, devouring each written assignment as a task to be savored. As an educator, she acquired a love of picture books, and she has written several stories for children which she is hoping to one day publish. In the last few years, Kristin took on the challenge of writing a novel. It seemed fitting to incorporate her love of the beach and the 19th Century into her story, and "Circumstance" came alive.

Kristin lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with her husband, Matt, and son, Jake.

Reviews

[S.M. Yair-Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. What a beautiful novel. It’s about two love stories that are connected but 100 years apart. I loved her writing style but the way Parker wove historical and modern romance together was something truly spectacular.
5 Stars!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circumstance is a classic romance with a historical twist. Beautifully writing, with wonderful detail, and that stays true to both periods. I couldn't put it down! Kristin has a way of weaving in, and out of the current time and the 1800s which keep the reader craving more. recommend this book for anything from a beach read to the airport or even just sitting on your back deck enjoying the morning sunrise!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circumstance is a hauntingly beautiful love story. I couldn't put it down! It is the perfect summer read. I highly recommend it!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Circumstance by Kristin M. Parker. It was a wonderful love story (actually two love stories). I got so caught up in the characters. I'm happy and yet sad...... Amazing Kristin.

[Jess Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! The characters captivated me until the very end. Put it on your must-read list.

[Lady Donato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circumstance is a book about two love stories, both are connected but it happened 100 plus years apart. I’m not a fan of historical romance but this book is an exception. The emotions that I felt in this book are so strong it made me feel the sadness that Amelia felt when she was about to marry someone that she doesn't love. Amelia and Charles’s love story was set on the 19th century 1842. And I would say that it’s one of a kind, its true love. Had it been a different time I think they would be happy together, or not.. I don’t know there’s a revelation in the end that made me think if Amelia could accept it or what not. On the other hand there’s Whitney and Andy and they are from the 20th century year 1988. Whitney and Andy’s love story was like an instant connection, there are a lot of things that connects both of them to Amelia and Charles. It’s too weird and fascinating how 2 couples form different times are connected it’s like a really weird coincidence. I strongly recommend this book, it’s an easy read and very addictive, it’s hard to put down; it will keep you turning pages. All in all it has a very good story plot and amazing characters 2 thumbs up for “Circumstance”.

[Jessica Paolini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for purposes of a review & I'm so glad I did. I don't think I have ever read a historical fiction before so I don't have much to compare this to. This book was a combination of adult contemporary & historical fiction. The chapters switched back & forth between the year 1988 & 1842 and was told in the perspective of two women - one in her late teens (1842) and one in her late twenties (1988). As I've said, I've never read H.F. so I'm not used to reading in what I call "old-timey-talk" but I really enjoyed how it all flowed together.

I got goosebumps several different times while reading this book which tells me the author did something right. It's under 200 pages yet it took me longer to read than I expected it to but I think that was because of how descriptive the author was. I have a bad habit of skimming over overly descriptive text but I didn't want to in this book - there were way too many hidden gems & I didn't want to miss even one. Overall I really enjoyed the book.

[Debbie]

I received this book as a giveaway prize, and I'm so glad I did! It was well written and kept my interest throughout. The characters are likeable and relatable. I like more of an in-depth book with a strong plot, rather than a typical harlequin romance-type book---and both types can be found under the large umbrella genre labeled "Historical Fiction." Fortunately, this one is in the category that I like! The author does a good job balancing the story, bouncing back and forth through time periods, linking the lives of the characters. It's not a long book, so I agree with the other reviewers in that it's a great summer read.

[Michelle Cathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in two days and did not want it to end! Even though I have read many good books recently��� this was the first book in a long time that I kept reading because I wanted to know what happens, not because I had to finish for a deadline. I even woke up in the middle of the night and read several chapters. The author painted beautiful scenes without being overly wordy and peeled back the layers of the story perfectly. I can't wait to read more by Kristin M. Parker!

[Michelle Pendl]

The 140 year overlap

I wouldn't have ever thought of myself reading and liking a story like this one but I loved it. it was erie at times when the 2 eras overlapped and seemed so alike. A beautiful love story very cleanly written that kept me intrigued to keep reading and not put the book down until I finished.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! A beautiful love story. Kristin's use of imagery takes hold and guides you between two drastically different time periods, each with its own expectations, leisures, and given circumstance.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Circumstance by Kristin M Parker
Goodreads Author
This is quite a love story of Amelia and Whitney. I was amazed how the author brought the two lifetimes together. An easy read and keeps your interest to the end.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous read!! Love Ms. Parker's descriptive style as well as her ability to easily switch between time periods. Circumstance was captivating from the beginning right through to the last page. Thank you for working so hard on a true masterpiece.

[Antoinette Famiano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It keep me interested and I did not want to put it down. I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. I liked the idea of going back and forth from two different time periods and then linking them together in the end.

[Lisa Rosica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book! Great summer read! I couldn't put it down. Skillfully written with vivid details.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect summer read. I could not put it down!!!! Wonderfully descriptive and intriguing plot line, I really enjoyed it!

[StaceyPiper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising. Romantic. Mysterious.

loved this book. more complex than a typical romance, but still a relaxing, quick read. a great vacation book! enjoy