Something in the Air in Pelican Crossing

Pelican Crossing #8

by Maggie Christensen

Rhana Black has always been content with her quiet life in the Pelican Crossing hinterland, where she spends her days breeding spaniels. Following a traumatic incident at her school formal and weighed down by her own insecurities about her appearance, Rhana has shied away from any romantic relationships. That is, until a chance encounter with a hot air balloonist changes everything.

Steve Morton has been struggling to move on after the tragic death of his pregnant fiancée. In search of solace, he finds himself in Pelican Crossing, where he rediscovers his love for flying and starts offering hot air balloon rides and scenic helicopter flights along the coast. When he meets Rhana, he is taken aback by the intense emotions he feels towards her.

As Rhana and Steve navigate their complicated pasts and undeniable chemistry, they must decide if they are willing to break their self-imposed barriers and take a chance on love. But with their old wounds and deep insecurities threatening to keep them apart, can they be able to overcome their fears and find happiness together?

Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 2, 2026

About the author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her frequent visits to family in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them.
From her native Glasgow, Scotland, Maggie was lured by the call ‘Come and teach in the sun’ to Australia,where she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!
She continues her love of books as a volunteer with her local library where she selects and delivers books to the housebound.
A member of Queensland Writer’s Centre, RWA, ALLi, and a local critique group, Maggie enjoys meeting her readers at book signings and library talks. In 2014 she self-published Band of Gold and The Sand Dollar, Book One in the Oregon Coast Series, in 2015, The Dreamcatcher, Book Two in the Oregon Coast Series and Broken Threads, and in 2016, Madeline House, book Three in the Oregon Coast Series

Reviews

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhana has lived in the Pelican Crossing area all her life , and following the passing of her parents she bought land and set up a business breeding spaniels . She was content with her life , with only a few close friends . When she found a young woman in tears she felt immense sympathy for the fact she was to be evicted from her flat , and offered Tiffany a room in her home A friend encouraged her to go on a hot air balloon flight with her , the business being run by her neighbour Steve. This began a friendship between Rhana and Steve , as they enjoyed meals together , as well as playing chess but the pair both have secrets which they find difficult to share which leads to tension which the author Maggie Christensen is so skillful at weaving into the story .
I loved Rhana's story possibly as it had a more a rural feeling , with the dogs creating a healing atmosphere for the main characters in the story .
So good strong characters , in a caring community , with strong themes which can affect any community ensure this is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys reading second chance romance novels My thanks to the author for an e-copy to read and review.

[Mrs R.A. Strange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhana had a previous incident which left a huge impact on her and resulted in her leaving university and settling in the countryside outside Pelican Crossing where she made a living and a life for herself shutting herself off from all but her two best friends. A chance encounter with a young waitress starts the changes that will occur. A very good read with lots of interesting highlights, a definite book that you will find difficult to put down

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhana and Steve’s emotional story tears at your heartstrings. Both have past issues, current business endeavors and are very charitable. You will laugh, sigh, cry and become angry as you continue turning the pages of this well written book to see what will happen next.