Broken Things of Bonavista

by Thaine Chase

Gussie Quinn, an orphan and chronic runaway, escapes his dire living conditions in Montreal and journeys to Bonavista, a picturesque town on Newfoundland’s rugged coast. There, he meets his enigmatic grandfather, a peculiar hermit who runs a repair shop called BROKEN THINGS.

As Gussie hides out in the tiny town, the residents of Bonavista reveal to him a local belief: as his grandfather mends their broken objects, their personal struggles are also mended. They proudly recount remarkable transformations, such as a woman’s restored mirror boosting her self-assurance and a man’s repaired bicycle reconnecting him with his estranged daughter.

Initially skeptical, Gussie labels his grandfather as a con artist. However, as he spends time in the shop and witnesses inexplicable occurrences, he becomes emotionally invested in the customers’ transformative journeys. This presents him with a dilemma: to accept his grandfather or confront him as a fraud, potentially involving the Quebec authorities and an incarcerated return to Montreal.

275 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2025

About the author

Thaine Chase, the pen name of Newfoundlander Glenn Doyle, has captivated audiences across various media for nearly four decades. Born in Newfoundland, he studied journalism and screenwriting in Toronto, where he achieved success in both film and theatre before eventually becoming a novelist.

To date, Thaine has published a diverse range of titles across various genres, earning critical acclaim and a few awards.

Reviews

[Miri Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a proper storyteller.

Thaine Chase takes a broken angry teen and puts him in the care of an emotionally scarred senior in the beautiful town of Bonavista, and sends the reader on a journey they won't expect but will definitely enjoy. Anger, distrust, fear, hope, love, hate, and some fresh salt air all come together in a perfect blend, stirring up old emotions and making you feel all warm and fuzzy. This story is tender, funny, unpredictable, and as sweet as chocolate-covered Jam Jams!

This book will be getting another read from me.

[Sydney White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally couldn’t put it down. What a great story, I loved it

[Danny Raye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thaine Chase has a knack for writing literary fiction that just steals your heart. I was instantly smitten with the orphaned boy Gussie and his mute grandfather Jerry. The living situation at the Letellier Home for Boys is the unfortunate reality for so many orphanages, where the person in charge (Liza Letellier, in this case) is misusing the funds for the kids for their own selfish benefit. To see Gussie escape not only to the homey town of Bonavista but also to his grandfather's shop where he began to plant roots was a win for the young lad! Of course, the story's wrought with tension between Gussie and Jerry, as Jerry's lifestyle at the Broken Things Fix-It Shop is peculiar to Gussie and Jerry himself is a silent enigma.

Watching the characters and their relationships blossom over the course of the book, thanks to Jerry's God-given gift to fix more than just materials at his shop, was a heartwarming journey. The part that had me in tears at the end was the cry Jerry made toward Gussie--a cry straight from Jerry's heart to Gussie's heart then to mine. I couldn't put the book down. I HAD to know what Gussie's fate would be: stay with his emotionally complex grandfather or return to the Letellier Home for Boys to be trapped under the greedy supervision of Liza Letellier. The ending did NOT disappoint!

You'll love this book. I'm a huge fan of Thaine Chase's writing. It's easily digestible but wholesomely filling. Another beautiful story to add to my Thaine Chase collection!

[Lunessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start? I guess the biggest takeaway from this book was the tenderness of the story. The arch of the fragile bond between the main characters is the strength of this book. I could get into specifics but that would create spoilers, so I'll just say it kept me turning the page. I mean, I didn't want this book to end.

It amazes me that the author who writes such an intense action/thriller badass like Corbin Dwyer can switch gears so effortlessly and give me a sweet family drama which had me reaching for tissues and makes me want to get on a plane and go visit Bonavista. LOVED THIS BOOK!

[Geri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am admittedly not a huge fan of local Newfoundland books as my experience hasn’t been a great one. However, out of the few I have tried this is the best I’ve read of them. This story has great potential however I wouldn’t be surprised if this was written by a young child - the way it’s written with the plot kind of jumping around and the happy ever ending. I think the book storyline could be great just needs some editing.

[Desmond D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just because it’s quick to read doesn’t mean it’s not amazing! This story is one I would’ve adored when I was younger. It has a fantastic pace, interesting characters and just the right amount of wow to keep me hooked. It’s a fast read, but also a great one to dive into. Read this when you can, you'll thank me!

[Brian Purdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazingly fun book! It’s a pleasure to see an author that has such range. I can honestly say I have never read a Thaine Chase novel that didn’t keep me pinned to the pages. I can’t wait for his next contribution to the world of literature!

[Dee Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! After page one I couldn't stop reading and I finished the entire book in one day. The main characters and setting the story in Bonavista was perfect, I would love to see this story turned into a sweet family film.

Another great book, Thaine! Congrats.

[Rhonda Dwyer-Lui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this page turner!

I could almost smell the NEWFOUNDLAND salt water!

What an amazing book!

Do YOU need a copy…… yes b’y!