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Marriage & Mayhem: (and some pandemonium)
Rumours circulating Pelican Cove village raise eyebrows and heart rates!
One group of friends decide an intervention is needed to prevent further scuttlebutt.
They concoct a plan to take local gossipmonger, Ethel, on a hike to Barrington where they confront her. But this backfires, revealing startling secrets and more than one romance.
New friendships are formed, and connections deepen. Self-proclaimed bachelor, Fred, finds himself at odds in the epicentre of heartache and, conversely, rising popularity. He's grateful for the strength and understanding that come his way, but the flirtations leave him completely flummoxed.
This heartfelt novella shines a light on the tender nuance of later-in-life romance, the value of friendship and the jewel of one's own intrinsic value - with a dash of laugh-out-loud pandemonium thrown in!
One group of friends decide an intervention is needed to prevent further scuttlebutt.
They concoct a plan to take local gossipmonger, Ethel, on a hike to Barrington where they confront her. But this backfires, revealing startling secrets and more than one romance.
New friendships are formed, and connections deepen. Self-proclaimed bachelor, Fred, finds himself at odds in the epicentre of heartache and, conversely, rising popularity. He's grateful for the strength and understanding that come his way, but the flirtations leave him completely flummoxed.
This heartfelt novella shines a light on the tender nuance of later-in-life romance, the value of friendship and the jewel of one's own intrinsic value - with a dash of laugh-out-loud pandemonium thrown in!
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2025
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Elora Canne
6 books36 followersWriter of life, both real and imagined
* Memoir * Novella * Blog * Affirmations Journal * Anthology
* Memoir * Novella * Blog * Affirmations Journal * Anthology
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 23, 2026
When you're back in Pelican Cove, it's like being back with family with all the fun, laughter, and mayhem, enveloping you in a big warm hug.
This time, the neighbours are getting together for an intervention hike to get Ethel on the straight and narrow with her hurtful gossiping.
There are new friendships being made, surprise announcements, and heaps of flirtation.
I again was taken on a midlife journey of later life romance, laughing out loud moments and heartfelt friendships.
Loved it 🥰
This time, the neighbours are getting together for an intervention hike to get Ethel on the straight and narrow with her hurtful gossiping.
There are new friendships being made, surprise announcements, and heaps of flirtation.
I again was taken on a midlife journey of later life romance, laughing out loud moments and heartfelt friendships.
Loved it 🥰
December 26, 2025
The adventure continues
I loved Elora's first book Love and Laughter where we meet all the main players on Pelican Cove. Hence I couldn't wait to see what happened next and I wasn't disappointed.
Marriage and Mayhem is an excellent follow up! From page one, I was invested in what was going on (or sometimes not) with the newly formed friendships and relationships at Pelican Cove. Elora does a wonderful job in the beginning to reintroduce all the characters so enjoying this book doesn't hinge on reading the first. However, for entertainment purposes I highly endorse reading both.
Elora effortlessly paints a portrait of a vibrant life and second chances at life and love. It makes you realize that your golden years can be just that-GOLDEN. Don't miss this.
I loved Elora's first book Love and Laughter where we meet all the main players on Pelican Cove. Hence I couldn't wait to see what happened next and I wasn't disappointed.
Marriage and Mayhem is an excellent follow up! From page one, I was invested in what was going on (or sometimes not) with the newly formed friendships and relationships at Pelican Cove. Elora does a wonderful job in the beginning to reintroduce all the characters so enjoying this book doesn't hinge on reading the first. However, for entertainment purposes I highly endorse reading both.
Elora effortlessly paints a portrait of a vibrant life and second chances at life and love. It makes you realize that your golden years can be just that-GOLDEN. Don't miss this.
October 10, 2025
"Marriage & Mayhem (and some pandemonium)" is the second novella in the "A Midlife Romcom" series, which began with "Love & Laughter (and other disasters)". It continues the story set in the Australian retirement community of Pelican Cove, following a group of silver foxes and vixens on their midlife journeys for love and entertainment. The tone of the books is much like a daytime serial with familiar characters returning and the reader being given a fascinating fly-on-the-wall view into their lives. In this instalment, we are introduced to forest bathing, a dashing author gives a talk and sets a heart aflutter, a surprise marriage proposal, the death of a friend and the beginnings of a successful dinner club. Amidst this flurry of retired activity, there are relationship concerns and wise advice given between generations and close friends.
This series is going from strength to strength as we get to know the characters more deeply and begin to feel a part of their stories. "Marriage & Mayhem" is a fabulous, cosy story with a flirtatious twinkle in its eye.
I was given a review copy by the author and am extremely grateful - thank you, Elora! My review is honest, and my opinions are my own.
This series is going from strength to strength as we get to know the characters more deeply and begin to feel a part of their stories. "Marriage & Mayhem" is a fabulous, cosy story with a flirtatious twinkle in its eye.
I was given a review copy by the author and am extremely grateful - thank you, Elora! My review is honest, and my opinions are my own.
December 19, 2025
A fun escape. I have enjoyed both books in this series.
November 2, 2025
A gem of a story with the perfect blend of heart and humour and lots of surprising twists. I love the characters and the Namastay Café!
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
October 18, 2025
I adore this series and set of individuals so much! Pelican Cove is the place to be it seems! I think my favourite person is Ethel, I feel she has her heart in the right place but there is more to her story which I hope we find out about. She has a lost soul about her sometimes and I want to hug her!
I really enjoy the camaraderie when it comes to Pelican Cove, and what a cute name that is! I love how new adventures mean they all pull together; a hike, a impromptu Italy trip, a dinner crawl and an engagement party. So much going on in a little community!
I can't explain how much these books make me happy! I really like how cosy they are and I'm super happy that Elora trusts me enough to add me to the acknowledgements! A nice surprise, thank you!!
I really enjoy the camaraderie when it comes to Pelican Cove, and what a cute name that is! I love how new adventures mean they all pull together; a hike, a impromptu Italy trip, a dinner crawl and an engagement party. So much going on in a little community!
I can't explain how much these books make me happy! I really like how cosy they are and I'm super happy that Elora trusts me enough to add me to the acknowledgements! A nice surprise, thank you!!
January 6, 2026
Marriage & Mayhem is a heartfelt and entertaining novella that celebrates midlife romance, friendship, and the courage it takes to be open to new beginnings.
Elora Canne writes from the heart, blending humour with genuine emotional depth. Set in Pelican Cove, the story centres on a well-meaning but misguided attempt to curb local gossip, which quickly spirals into revelations, unexpected connections, and more than a little romantic chaos. What begins as an intervention soon uncovers secrets, sparks new relationships, and shifts long-held perceptions.
The characters are well-rounded, relatable, and full of personality. I especially enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the first novella alongside a few new additions, all of whom add richness and warmth to the story. Fred’s journey, in particular, is both touching and amusing as he navigates attention he never quite expected.
I loved the first book in this series and had been looking forward to this one for some time, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Marriage & Mayhem is a thoroughly enjoyable read, filled with heart, humour, and characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished.
A lovely continuation of the series and a delight for readers who enjoy later-in-life romance with warmth and wit.
Elora Canne writes from the heart, blending humour with genuine emotional depth. Set in Pelican Cove, the story centres on a well-meaning but misguided attempt to curb local gossip, which quickly spirals into revelations, unexpected connections, and more than a little romantic chaos. What begins as an intervention soon uncovers secrets, sparks new relationships, and shifts long-held perceptions.
The characters are well-rounded, relatable, and full of personality. I especially enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the first novella alongside a few new additions, all of whom add richness and warmth to the story. Fred’s journey, in particular, is both touching and amusing as he navigates attention he never quite expected.
I loved the first book in this series and had been looking forward to this one for some time, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Marriage & Mayhem is a thoroughly enjoyable read, filled with heart, humour, and characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished.
A lovely continuation of the series and a delight for readers who enjoy later-in-life romance with warmth and wit.
November 3, 2025
This book is such an easy, delightful read, one that had me experiencing the full spectrum of human emotion. I teared up, I chuckled, I shook my head in pure irritation (Ethel… if you know, you know), and I felt genuinely blissful for the residents of Pelican Cove.
I was especially touched to find my name in the acknowledgements. What an honour to be mentioned and asked again to be an early reader.
One of the things I adore most about Elora Canne’s writing is her ability to deliver a clean romance while still sprinkling in the perfect amount of spice. It’s wholesome… with a cheeky wink.
I haven’t read nearly as many books this year as I’d hoped (life is busy, apparently) but I jumped at the chance to read another of Elora’s stories because I loved the first one in this series. And now, after reading the second one, I can confidently say: I will always make time for anything written by Elora Canne. Her descriptive writing paints the most beautiful settings without drowning you in unnecessary and boring fluff. Every page earns its place, and both Love & Laughter (and Other Disasters) and Marriage & Mayhem (and Some Pandemonium) are anything but boring.
I loved every character, yes, even Ethel, though she definitely made my teeth clench on more than one occasion. She brought the mayhem, and honestly… it wouldn’t be Pelican Cove without a bit of pandemonium.
The story doesn’t end on a dramatic cliff-hanger (which is great), but it absolutely leaves room for more story to come. And I, for one, need more. Book three, please! I must know what becomes of Meryl and Louis, Ethel and Quentin, and the rest of the wonderfully quirky Pelican Cove crew.
Charming, emotional, funny, and full of heart. This series is a gem, and I can’t wait for the next instalment, not giving you much of a choice here Elora, haha!
I was especially touched to find my name in the acknowledgements. What an honour to be mentioned and asked again to be an early reader.
One of the things I adore most about Elora Canne’s writing is her ability to deliver a clean romance while still sprinkling in the perfect amount of spice. It’s wholesome… with a cheeky wink.
I haven’t read nearly as many books this year as I’d hoped (life is busy, apparently) but I jumped at the chance to read another of Elora’s stories because I loved the first one in this series. And now, after reading the second one, I can confidently say: I will always make time for anything written by Elora Canne. Her descriptive writing paints the most beautiful settings without drowning you in unnecessary and boring fluff. Every page earns its place, and both Love & Laughter (and Other Disasters) and Marriage & Mayhem (and Some Pandemonium) are anything but boring.
I loved every character, yes, even Ethel, though she definitely made my teeth clench on more than one occasion. She brought the mayhem, and honestly… it wouldn’t be Pelican Cove without a bit of pandemonium.
The story doesn’t end on a dramatic cliff-hanger (which is great), but it absolutely leaves room for more story to come. And I, for one, need more. Book three, please! I must know what becomes of Meryl and Louis, Ethel and Quentin, and the rest of the wonderfully quirky Pelican Cove crew.
Charming, emotional, funny, and full of heart. This series is a gem, and I can’t wait for the next instalment, not giving you much of a choice here Elora, haha!
October 17, 2025
Marriage & Mayhem continues the series "Love & Laughter (and other disasters.)" It follows a group of close-knit friends living in Pelican Cove, an Australian retirement village community.
With loads of colorful characters and a few gossip mongers, the story delves into each character navigating their life, friendships, a few personal insecurities, and later in life love stories. It's full of lighthearted fun, a bit of drama, a moment of melancholy with emotion, and many heartwarming moments. Along with a 'dinner crawl' which sounds like fun!
This romantic comedy was a joy to escape into. I loved it and I'm sure you will, too.
With loads of colorful characters and a few gossip mongers, the story delves into each character navigating their life, friendships, a few personal insecurities, and later in life love stories. It's full of lighthearted fun, a bit of drama, a moment of melancholy with emotion, and many heartwarming moments. Along with a 'dinner crawl' which sounds like fun!
This romantic comedy was a joy to escape into. I loved it and I'm sure you will, too.
November 3, 2025
This is the second book in the Pelican Cove series and it was nice to reconnect with the original characters again, as well as meet some new ones. The plot has a wonderful balance of relatable topics and despite there being a lot of characters, they are all identifiable, different, and work wonderfully in sync.
With laughs, a few gasps, and some emotional scenes, Marriage & Mayhem has it all. A lovely rom-com with the message of love in later life. The perfect weekend read. Highly recommended.
With laughs, a few gasps, and some emotional scenes, Marriage & Mayhem has it all. A lovely rom-com with the message of love in later life. The perfect weekend read. Highly recommended.
October 18, 2025
Great read! This is the second book in a midlife romcom series. You can start with either, but the first book helps you know who's who. Either way, you're up for a great time, following the characters' stories!
February 18, 2026
This series is so cute. Think Hallmark for older characters. I think I enjoyed the first book a little more. There are a lot of characters to keep up with. I really appreciate the character guide! I wanted this one to be just a bit longer, some scenes could have had more. But overall cute book!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews