What do you think?
Rate this book
No Such Thing as Serendipity
Ambitious Blake Saunders is about to have it all. The forty-two-year-old is set to become CEO of a multibillion-dollar private equity firm and win at life. Until everything starts to unravel for the woman who is all about control.
Her sympathetic sister, Emma, offers her a One month with Emma where she makes all of Blake’s decisions for her. How bad could it be?
Then Blake finds herself at rundown Blissful Breeze Sanctuary stuck doing activities including pug yoga, emotion charades, and sharing circles.
Worse, the sizzling hot lawyer at the retreat who Blake has her eye on for “stress relief” is definitely not Emma-approved. No, her sister thinks she should instead romance the soft-spoken feminist bookstore owner who practices yoga and Stoicism.
A quirky, fun lesbian romance about finding what you need, not what you want.
Her sympathetic sister, Emma, offers her a One month with Emma where she makes all of Blake’s decisions for her. How bad could it be?
Then Blake finds herself at rundown Blissful Breeze Sanctuary stuck doing activities including pug yoga, emotion charades, and sharing circles.
Worse, the sizzling hot lawyer at the retreat who Blake has her eye on for “stress relief” is definitely not Emma-approved. No, her sister thinks she should instead romance the soft-spoken feminist bookstore owner who practices yoga and Stoicism.
A quirky, fun lesbian romance about finding what you need, not what you want.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
114 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Rita Potter
19 books140 followersRita Potter has spent most of her life trying to figure out what makes people tick. To that end, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and an MA in Sociology. Her favorite pastime is crawling around inside peoples’ brains. Her loved ones are grateful that she now has characters whose minds she can explore, so maybe she’ll stay out of theirs.
Rita’s writing reflects her belief that in some way we are all damaged and must conquer our demons in order to create a fulfilling life. Being an eternal optimist, she maintains that the human spirit is remarkably resilient and can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. That optimism is the wellspring of her life goal- to provide encouragement and support to help people thrive.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors. She is especially drawn to the water, which is ironic since she lives in the middle of a corn field. Her first love has always been reading, which has spurred her writing. She rides a Harley Davidson and has an unnatural obsession with fantasy football. More than anything she detests small talk, but can ramble on for hours given a topic that interests her.
She lives in a small town in Illinois with her wife, Terra, and their cat, Chumley, who actually runs the household.
Rita is a member of American Mensa and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is currently a student of the GCLS Writing Academy 2021.
Rita’s writing reflects her belief that in some way we are all damaged and must conquer our demons in order to create a fulfilling life. Being an eternal optimist, she maintains that the human spirit is remarkably resilient and can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. That optimism is the wellspring of her life goal- to provide encouragement and support to help people thrive.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors. She is especially drawn to the water, which is ironic since she lives in the middle of a corn field. Her first love has always been reading, which has spurred her writing. She rides a Harley Davidson and has an unnatural obsession with fantasy football. More than anything she detests small talk, but can ramble on for hours given a topic that interests her.
She lives in a small town in Illinois with her wife, Terra, and their cat, Chumley, who actually runs the household.
Rita is a member of American Mensa and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is currently a student of the GCLS Writing Academy 2021.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 15, 2025
This was a book that made me think. It is all about what are you prepared to give up being successful in your career, being in control and hiding from your feelings. Is it all worth it or are there more important things in life that you can achieve only if you choose to be vulnerable.
Blake is not having a great time in life, losing her chance at being CEO. She is getting a hefty severance package, but she is not happy since this is something she has worked towards all her life, so she is very close to crashing. Fortunately, she has her sister Emma that is seeing her and convinces her to go to a retreat for four weeks and she must agree to everything Emma picks. This retreat is Blake’s worst nightmare to start with, it is very spartan and she is supposed to open up, show her feelings and Emma is not even allowing her to hook up with some hot willing women there.
Soon Blake starts to get it more and more. There might be something else out there for her, something she has failed to see ever since Aunt Bess passed when she was 12 years old. It’s all about learning to let go and stop trying to control everything because you’ll lose. Emma is such a wonderful sister that only wants Blake to finally get back to who she once was. When that is starting to happen, she also may have a chance to a real love in her life, someone she never would have considered in the past, not her type at all but something so much better and approved by her sister, Robyn.
Is Robyn Blake’s serendipity?
Blake is not having a great time in life, losing her chance at being CEO. She is getting a hefty severance package, but she is not happy since this is something she has worked towards all her life, so she is very close to crashing. Fortunately, she has her sister Emma that is seeing her and convinces her to go to a retreat for four weeks and she must agree to everything Emma picks. This retreat is Blake’s worst nightmare to start with, it is very spartan and she is supposed to open up, show her feelings and Emma is not even allowing her to hook up with some hot willing women there.
Soon Blake starts to get it more and more. There might be something else out there for her, something she has failed to see ever since Aunt Bess passed when she was 12 years old. It’s all about learning to let go and stop trying to control everything because you’ll lose. Emma is such a wonderful sister that only wants Blake to finally get back to who she once was. When that is starting to happen, she also may have a chance to a real love in her life, someone she never would have considered in the past, not her type at all but something so much better and approved by her sister, Robyn.
Is Robyn Blake’s serendipity?
September 30, 2025
what a lovely story..
It’s true opposites do attract! Blake consumed by her job with nothing else happening in her life gets fired just as she’s expecting to be made CEO. Blindsided she’s a mess fortunately she has sister day monthly with Emma (sister) who finds her consumed, un-bathed, sitting in her underwear blindly working on a spreadsheet determining what companies will be a good fit. Emma gets Blake to agree to a 4 week vacation where Emma makes all the decisions. What could go wrong when Blake’s a control freak!
The story just wow! The bond between the sisters, the retreat and the women they meet. Just a wonderful heartwarming story.
It’s true opposites do attract! Blake consumed by her job with nothing else happening in her life gets fired just as she’s expecting to be made CEO. Blindsided she’s a mess fortunately she has sister day monthly with Emma (sister) who finds her consumed, un-bathed, sitting in her underwear blindly working on a spreadsheet determining what companies will be a good fit. Emma gets Blake to agree to a 4 week vacation where Emma makes all the decisions. What could go wrong when Blake’s a control freak!
The story just wow! The bond between the sisters, the retreat and the women they meet. Just a wonderful heartwarming story.
October 18, 2025
I really liked this book! Why? The characters were very relatable perhaps pushing to take action in my own life. Although the story was predictable, you didn’t know how you would arrive. Thank you for a great read!
February 13, 2026
Oh my goodness!
This was such a cozy read. I laughed out loud way too many times, and brought to the brink of tears once or twice (which is a feat for me tbh)
The pacing was stellar, character development as well. Natural dialogue. This is easily my favourite read so far of 2026, and will likely dominate that list all year. This is definitely one that will end up on my bookshelf one day! I’m already looking forward to rereading it when I need a good uplifting and beautiful story.
This was such a cozy read. I laughed out loud way too many times, and brought to the brink of tears once or twice (which is a feat for me tbh)
The pacing was stellar, character development as well. Natural dialogue. This is easily my favourite read so far of 2026, and will likely dominate that list all year. This is definitely one that will end up on my bookshelf one day! I’m already looking forward to rereading it when I need a good uplifting and beautiful story.
September 28, 2025
A Great Book - Don’t Miss It
This was a unique story line and it captured me from the beginning. Rita Potter has written a wonderful story about sisters, how childhood affects us and how different siblings
Lives can evolve. This book has many facets and insights which I found enlightening and true. It’s a great book.
This was a unique story line and it captured me from the beginning. Rita Potter has written a wonderful story about sisters, how childhood affects us and how different siblings
Lives can evolve. This book has many facets and insights which I found enlightening and true. It’s a great book.
November 8, 2025
Potter knows people and writes people well. There were scenes in this book I found very emotional, particularly the silent conversation scene and the epilogue…… The problem is these scenes mainly involved the main and her sister and I connected more with their relationship than the mains. That’s why this is a 3. It’s a good book and I love the insights Potter gives to people and how they work….. and should work! Worth your time!
September 28, 2025
Blake's story isn't just one of a romantic connection, it's also one of healing.
When Blake gives her sister Emma control of everything for a month, she's sure she won't be able to stand it. And when Emma tells her emphatically "no" about the hot lawyer at the retreat, Blake reluctantly agrees.
Then Blake meets Robyn. Blake doesn't seem fully aware of it but clearly, sparks are flying.
And from that point onward, Blake begins to open up, right up to the critical moment when she finally, decades later, lets go of the grief from her past
Finally, and this isn't a criticism, but I saw what Blake would ultimately do at the end of the book within the first few chapters. But even knowing that, it was a pure delight to watch how she got there.
I recommend this book! I enjoyed it!
When Blake gives her sister Emma control of everything for a month, she's sure she won't be able to stand it. And when Emma tells her emphatically "no" about the hot lawyer at the retreat, Blake reluctantly agrees.
Then Blake meets Robyn. Blake doesn't seem fully aware of it but clearly, sparks are flying.
And from that point onward, Blake begins to open up, right up to the critical moment when she finally, decades later, lets go of the grief from her past
Finally, and this isn't a criticism, but I saw what Blake would ultimately do at the end of the book within the first few chapters. But even knowing that, it was a pure delight to watch how she got there.
I recommend this book! I enjoyed it!
October 8, 2025
A Story Of Humility, Love & Strength!
This was not what I was expecting by Rita Potter, a book about serendipity. But as we got deeper into the story and the main character has an experience that only Rita can write, we discover the true meaning behind serendipity. This was enjoyable and had all the required feels. The characters each had a special place in this story including “Millie”. I highly recommend this book!
This was not what I was expecting by Rita Potter, a book about serendipity. But as we got deeper into the story and the main character has an experience that only Rita can write, we discover the true meaning behind serendipity. This was enjoyable and had all the required feels. The characters each had a special place in this story including “Millie”. I highly recommend this book!
October 2, 2025
Must read!
This story drew me in from the first chapter. I teared up too many times and I'm not emotional in general. The characters were described so vividly that you can see each in your mind. I wish I could attend this place!
This story drew me in from the first chapter. I teared up too many times and I'm not emotional in general. The characters were described so vividly that you can see each in your mind. I wish I could attend this place!
October 11, 2025
Another good read by Rita Potter. This book has me goofy grinning, laughing out loud, and crying. What a fabulous book.
October 10, 2025
loved it!
I loved this story in the beginning to the end! I really enjoyed it so much and I will re read it again.
I loved this story in the beginning to the end! I really enjoyed it so much and I will re read it again.
September 24, 2025
loved
Funny, poetic and thoughtful. People who are meant to be in your lives intertwined from trauma and grief, leads you to healing towards happily ever after.
Funny, poetic and thoughtful. People who are meant to be in your lives intertwined from trauma and grief, leads you to healing towards happily ever after.
September 26, 2025
Rita Potter Strikes again
This book put me through all the feels again. The journey you are taken on is incredible. All i can say is sit back and enjoy this book. The characters are fantastic and well rounded; the plot is also so so good. Read the blurb to find out what it's about. I didn't. I just knew anything Rita Potter writes, I'm reading. She never lets me down.
This book put me through all the feels again. The journey you are taken on is incredible. All i can say is sit back and enjoy this book. The characters are fantastic and well rounded; the plot is also so so good. Read the blurb to find out what it's about. I didn't. I just knew anything Rita Potter writes, I'm reading. She never lets me down.
September 21, 2025
A delightful and fun romance in a great setting
Rita Potter has delivered another great book. Low on angst we watch Blake think she's at the bottom when she is just getting started. I love the sister relationship at the heart of this book. Emma gets Blake out of her comfort zone and forces her to try new things. They go to a month long retreat in Wisconsin. I laughed out loud, cried out loud and just plain enjoyed the whole thing. Kudos!
Rita Potter has delivered another great book. Low on angst we watch Blake think she's at the bottom when she is just getting started. I love the sister relationship at the heart of this book. Emma gets Blake out of her comfort zone and forces her to try new things. They go to a month long retreat in Wisconsin. I laughed out loud, cried out loud and just plain enjoyed the whole thing. Kudos!
September 22, 2025
Good story. You can always count on Rita Potter.
September 17, 2025
Fun read
This book is so good. The characters are !likeable and well developed. We get to read about their growth as happy caring and self aware people. I recommend this book. Its great. Thanks for another winner.
This book is so good. The characters are !likeable and well developed. We get to read about their growth as happy caring and self aware people. I recommend this book. Its great. Thanks for another winner.
November 3, 2025
Rita Potter never fails to bring you into the story and make you think about your own life. Blake and Emma are sisters. Blake is a high powered equity trader and Emma, married to Andrew; Emma is eighteen months older, although they look like twins.
Blake thought she was due to be promoted to CEO, but instead looses her job with a hefty severance. Emma sees how lost Blake is and extends an offer to hand over control of her life decisions for one month. This is so difficult for control freak Blake but she agrees. Emma makes every decision, right down to what to wear, timing and even deciding where they'll go for the month. It turns out they go to Wisconsin in a wonderful womens' retreat. Blake is petulant and is not happy with most of the choices Emma makes, right down to the sessions they will attend. Blake meets Dana, a high powered lawyer from Madison thinking she might have a little 'fun'; but then she meets Robyn and she tries to control her attraction, but sometimes fate has other plans, or as Robyn would say serendipity. The story line takes in the beautiful Wisconsin woods, lakes, and encourages you to become part of the story and the scenery. As transformation happens in nature so do the lives of the people attending the retreat. They argue, discuss, and bond over their differences and similarities.
Once again Rita potter has touched my heart with her characters and the changes they experience.
Blake thought she was due to be promoted to CEO, but instead looses her job with a hefty severance. Emma sees how lost Blake is and extends an offer to hand over control of her life decisions for one month. This is so difficult for control freak Blake but she agrees. Emma makes every decision, right down to what to wear, timing and even deciding where they'll go for the month. It turns out they go to Wisconsin in a wonderful womens' retreat. Blake is petulant and is not happy with most of the choices Emma makes, right down to the sessions they will attend. Blake meets Dana, a high powered lawyer from Madison thinking she might have a little 'fun'; but then she meets Robyn and she tries to control her attraction, but sometimes fate has other plans, or as Robyn would say serendipity. The story line takes in the beautiful Wisconsin woods, lakes, and encourages you to become part of the story and the scenery. As transformation happens in nature so do the lives of the people attending the retreat. They argue, discuss, and bond over their differences and similarities.
Once again Rita potter has touched my heart with her characters and the changes they experience.
September 19, 2025
Blake Saunders went into the office expecting a promotion... instead she found out the owner is selling the firm, and she's fired. Cut loose, Blake is surprised at how aimless she feels, as she had worked for the ceo position for years.
Her sister Emma feels she is too work focused, and should take a holiday. Blake is iffy until she finds out her ex, Marta, is getting married. That kick in the ass gets her to go along with Emma's idea....
To go to a self discovery/therapy retreat
(I know this isn't therapy, exactly, but you would think staffers would go 'it's unethical to treat a unwilling subject, I'm out.' Or something.)
Emma instantly feels that Blake should ask out Robyn, a staffer, but Emma is resistant. Plus, they're only going to be there four weeks.
Third act breakup. Ugh.
The revelation why a certain character was a ass doesn't excuse them being a ass.
Wrap up, and epilog.
I will admit, I just NEVER really warmed to Emma, and she was a jerk a lot of the time. So that hurt the book... other than that, decent writing.
Her sister Emma feels she is too work focused, and should take a holiday. Blake is iffy until she finds out her ex, Marta, is getting married. That kick in the ass gets her to go along with Emma's idea....
To go to a self discovery/therapy retreat
(I know this isn't therapy, exactly, but you would think staffers would go 'it's unethical to treat a unwilling subject, I'm out.' Or something.)
Emma instantly feels that Blake should ask out Robyn, a staffer, but Emma is resistant. Plus, they're only going to be there four weeks.
Third act breakup. Ugh.
The revelation why a certain character was a ass doesn't excuse them being a ass.
Wrap up, and epilog.
I will admit, I just NEVER really warmed to Emma, and she was a jerk a lot of the time. So that hurt the book... other than that, decent writing.
October 23, 2025
Animal. Specifically Pug. Millie. Love animals who are just quirky and bring chaos to their humans. Sometimes all you need is chaos creature. (Yeah, I have several.) Animals with personalities in books, especially quirky ones, are my absolute favourite. She is just hilarious.
Blake, it’s burnout. Call it as I see it. Just when she thinks she has it all. She really doesn’t, even at the drop of a hat. Her sister, Emma, has her back and boy does she need it. Decisions? Emma’s job.
The feminist bookstore owner, Robyn. She knows what life is about. Her pug, Millie, could be the bane of her existence, but she’s just too damn cute for her own good.
Sparks fly from the moment Blake and Robyn meet.
Blake, it’s burnout. Call it as I see it. Just when she thinks she has it all. She really doesn’t, even at the drop of a hat. Her sister, Emma, has her back and boy does she need it. Decisions? Emma’s job.
The feminist bookstore owner, Robyn. She knows what life is about. Her pug, Millie, could be the bane of her existence, but she’s just too damn cute for her own good.
Sparks fly from the moment Blake and Robyn meet.
November 6, 2025
No Such Thing as Serendipity
I loved the whole premise of the story. MC, Blake, the driven, successful funds manager who had her dreams turn into a dumpster fire. Her sister, Emma, who knew exactly what Blake needed; even if Blake thought the whole trip was hippy, dippy crap. Robyn, who saw through all the snark and saw something in Blake that she liked, very much! I loved all the ladies they shared their villa with, Annie, Katelyn, Helena, and after a time, even Dana. I recommend this book to anyone who scoffs at serendipity. Once you decide to give up trying to control every single aspect of your life, the stresses seem to disappear. Allow things to happen and in those moments, you might find real love.
I loved the whole premise of the story. MC, Blake, the driven, successful funds manager who had her dreams turn into a dumpster fire. Her sister, Emma, who knew exactly what Blake needed; even if Blake thought the whole trip was hippy, dippy crap. Robyn, who saw through all the snark and saw something in Blake that she liked, very much! I loved all the ladies they shared their villa with, Annie, Katelyn, Helena, and after a time, even Dana. I recommend this book to anyone who scoffs at serendipity. Once you decide to give up trying to control every single aspect of your life, the stresses seem to disappear. Allow things to happen and in those moments, you might find real love.
October 29, 2025
A Serendipitous, Heartfelt Journey
No Such Thing As Serendipity is one of those rare books that makes you laugh, reflect, and feel seen all at once. Rita Potter masterfully balances humor, heart, and transformation, creating characters so relatable you can’t help but find pieces of yourself in them.
My partner and I read it in tandem, and it sparked so many meaningful conversations and moments of self-reflection. The timing felt serendipitous—like this story found us just when we needed it most. A beautiful, funny, and deeply transformative read that lingers long after the final page.
No Such Thing As Serendipity is one of those rare books that makes you laugh, reflect, and feel seen all at once. Rita Potter masterfully balances humor, heart, and transformation, creating characters so relatable you can’t help but find pieces of yourself in them.
My partner and I read it in tandem, and it sparked so many meaningful conversations and moments of self-reflection. The timing felt serendipitous—like this story found us just when we needed it most. A beautiful, funny, and deeply transformative read that lingers long after the final page.
November 3, 2025
What a wonderful read. I adore Blake. She’s not just a total smoke show, she’s also finally learned to let go of her need to control everything and just be real. Watching her grow into someone open, grounded, and emotionally present was so satisfying. I’m all for strong women, but it’s even better when that strength comes from honesty instead of walls. Blake is absolutely the star of this story, but only because Robyn is so incredible and supportive. I laughed and smiled through most of it, got a little emotional along the way, then ended with a big happy grin. Fantastic book
January 7, 2026
Just WOW
This story has so many facets (but easily followed) that it truly takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster of the best kind. I am not a crier but there were so many times I had to fight not to cry (not sure if I'd stop if I started-too much grief the last few years). Ironically, this whole story is a journey into discovery of emotions, life choices, life goals that fit (or don't) . Such a fabulous journey! So well laid out..... you think you've got it then realize you don't see it coming. Brilliant writing
This story has so many facets (but easily followed) that it truly takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster of the best kind. I am not a crier but there were so many times I had to fight not to cry (not sure if I'd stop if I started-too much grief the last few years). Ironically, this whole story is a journey into discovery of emotions, life choices, life goals that fit (or don't) . Such a fabulous journey! So well laid out..... you think you've got it then realize you don't see it coming. Brilliant writing
September 22, 2025
For starters, I LOVE THIS BOOK!! IT IS A FAVORITE!! This follows Blake Saunders as she, thanks to her sister Emma, goes to Blissful Breeze Sanctuary(retreat) for a month with Emma. There she meets Robyn, one of the leaders.
This is a study of how complex the human psychy is. We are complex beings.
We also observe a slow burn, tender, loving passion filled love story! This deserves more than 5 stars!
This is a study of how complex the human psychy is. We are complex beings.
We also observe a slow burn, tender, loving passion filled love story! This deserves more than 5 stars!
November 19, 2025
A really nice read
I'm not sure how much serendipity was in this book. Maybe some, sure, but it was what I prefer for the most part, which is people getting their heads out of their....erm...the sand and making better choices.
I might have liked a deeper look into Robyn and Emma but overall it was a really nice read.
Not my favorite from that author, but it was solid and I enjoyed it and stayed engaged.
I'm not sure how much serendipity was in this book. Maybe some, sure, but it was what I prefer for the most part, which is people getting their heads out of their....erm...the sand and making better choices.
I might have liked a deeper look into Robyn and Emma but overall it was a really nice read.
Not my favorite from that author, but it was solid and I enjoyed it and stayed engaged.
October 18, 2025
The best book by Rita Potter. I laughed a lot. Grumpy Blake is hilarious. The relationship between the two sisters is moving and challenging. The romance between Blake and Robyn is tender, slow burn with completely opposite personalities. Well written, with a good plot and lots of secondary characters, each as different as the next, strengthens this novel. A must-read!
November 26, 2025
Serendipity or Fate? Who cares?
Another great book from this author. As I started reading the first chapter I thought I’m not sure I’m going like this. However as Potter always does as the plot progressed I was hooked. Blake started out as a character I wasn’t liking and again Potter changed my mind. By the end I loved all the characters and will miss them all.
Another great book from this author. As I started reading the first chapter I thought I’m not sure I’m going like this. However as Potter always does as the plot progressed I was hooked. Blake started out as a character I wasn’t liking and again Potter changed my mind. By the end I loved all the characters and will miss them all.
February 28, 2026
best read in ages
I’m an avid consumer of lesbian romances but this one made me laugh until I cried and then made cry again more than once. The depth of this book made me unable to put it down. Great characters and a HEA that I always need. Thanks to the author for a fabulous read
I’m an avid consumer of lesbian romances but this one made me laugh until I cried and then made cry again more than once. The depth of this book made me unable to put it down. Great characters and a HEA that I always need. Thanks to the author for a fabulous read
October 19, 2025
Loved Every Page
When I started reading this, I wasn’t expecting such an emotional deep dive! I loved it. I loved the chemistry between the MCs. Every character grew and changed so much. I would love to go to a “sanctuary” like that.
When I started reading this, I wasn’t expecting such an emotional deep dive! I loved it. I loved the chemistry between the MCs. Every character grew and changed so much. I would love to go to a “sanctuary” like that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews