Chance Encounters

November 1, 2015
Margaret Wright's family and friends expect her to be paralyzed with grief after the death of her husband of 40 years, but she feels a sense of relief, as if a burden has been lifted. Reginald controlled every aspect of Margaret's life, and her newfound liberation brings her tremendous joy. Sadly, Margaret finds her desires thwarted at every turn, until she enlists interior designer Jason Parker to redecorate Willow House, her family home. Jason turns Willow House into a showplace, while elbowing his way into Margaret's personal life. After putting off his advances, Margaret lowers her guard, and soon Jason20 years youngerhas installed himself in her home and heart. Alas, his attentiveness masks a controlling streak, and once again Margaret longs to break free. She is, admittedly, not a worldly woman, and her lack of life experience makes her susceptible, setting up the book's dramatic ending. Occasional bursts of dry humor are the highlight of Harris' (Guarded Passions, 2014) latest, and her protagonist's attempts to navigate her changing life will appeal to readers of Danielle Steel or Barbara Delinsky.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

October 15, 2016
Determined to contribute to the war effort in any way she can, Megan Lloyd, 21, travels to Liverpool to lend her support. She is shocked to see the devastation caused by repeated bombings, but she is even more horrified when she learns about all the young women left pregnant and alone by Allied soldiers. Megan sees an opportunity to help by offering them lodging and support. But when she shares this idea with her parents, they forbid it, and when she ignores their prohibition and proceeds, her family shuns her. Luckily, Megan meets Sandra, a heavily pregnant woman who offers her family's home as a place where Megan can begin her charity work. They quickly gain traction in the community, and Megan is struck by the generosity of handsome Harvey Stott, a doctor who volunteers his services. Megan and Harvey warm to each other, and their circumstantial encounter blossoms into much more. Harris' (Heartbreak and Happiness, 2016) latest gentle, historical romance offers a tale of compassion and willpower in the most dire circumstances.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)