Chance Meeting
Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus
Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by MistflowerMelody is fostering her niece while her sister, Captain Opal Erickson, is deployed to Kuwait. A chance meeting at work with Clayton, a construction manager, awakens feelings of the love and romance. Everything is perfect until Opal reveals a family truth and swears Melody to secrecy.
To honor her sisterly pledge, Mel attempts to reject any advances from Clayton, until he guesses the truth. Torn between loyalty to Opal and love for Clayton, she pours herself into work, making a mess of everything. When the dust settles, Mel is left wondering if she’ll be able to put the pieces of her life back together.
Chance Meeting was such a fun and heartwarming read. I completely agree with the praise comments shared at the beginning of the book. Melody is a relatable heroine as she navigates the challenge of living a balanced life. Like many of us, she struggles to juggle work, family, responsibilities, and making time for herself. It’s all too easy to become overwhelmed and burned out—and sometimes, it takes hitting rock bottom to recognize your limits. I admired Melody’s dedication, persistence, and strong moral compass. I found myself truly invested in her love story because she genuinely deserved a happily-ever-after.
The hero, Clayton, felt almost too good to be true. He’s handsome, successful in his career as a construction manager, romantic, and a natural with kids. Melody is fostering her niece, Kansas, while her sister, Opal, is deployed. Watching Clayton step in and help—especially when he pulled off an adorable camping-themed sleepover for a group of girls—was both entertaining and endearing. It was beautiful how Melody, Clayton, and Kansas seemed to fit together so naturally, like a ready-made family.
Chance Meeting is an easy, engaging read with a smooth-flowing plot. Things progress without major complications—until Melody’s sister drops a family bombshell and swears her to secrecy. The drama that followed had me on edge, especially the impact it had on Melody’s relationship with Clayton. Just when you think Melody has reached her breaking point, another plot twist emerges, pushing the story into even more emotional territory. I was completely hooked, wondering how she would pull her life back together.
All the tension only enhanced my enjoyment of the story. The chemistry between Melody and Clayton was both tender and sensual, and I loved watching them open their hearts to the possibilities of a shared future. They both value family, share common interests, and are thoughtful and respectful toward one another’s feelings.
The best part? The ending. Every plot thread was wrapped up beautifully, leaving me fully satisfied and smiling. I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion. I highly recommend taking a chance on Chance Meeting—it’s a sweet, emotionally rich romance that’s well worth the read.
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Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus is a rom-com with laugh-out-loud moments, likable characters, and romance.
Mel is a widow and a workaholic, caring for her six-year-old niece while her sister is deployed.
Multiple stories are told, with twists, turns, surprises, and action. The story has a quick pace, good flow, and some interesting secondary characters—Mel’s niece, Kansas, love interest Clay, and Paula, her assistant at work, who always adds some comedy to every situation. Mel’s sister, Opal, is always in the background but is present in Mel and Kansas’ thoughts. Sometimes, Mel needs to focus on herself, but will she?
We see corporate politics at work, high stress levels and the issues caused by them, truths uncovered, injuries and illness, family time, and love on different levels. Baseball plays a part in a cute way, and Kansas keeps her auntie on her toes. There is closure and a happily ever after, and I would love to see this be the start of a series or at least a connected story. Opal and Paula definitely need their own stories to be told.
Chance Meeting is a fast-paced rom-com with loads of comedic relief as Mel and Clay are drawn to each other.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2025
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2025
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Just finished Chance Meeting. I enjoyed it and didn't want it to end. I've been a book lover forever but never read romance novels. My mother would have loved it!!! You need to keep writing. Please! Your style and ability to keep a readers interest is wonderful. Maybe i was just in the mood for this book, but of how I enjoyed it.
Marie
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I think the readers will find Mel very
relatable. Who hasn’t felt, when it comes to life’s decisions, that it seems like
everyone else’s welfare and happiness comes first. Through heart felt and
clever dialogue, you follow along as Mel comes to the realization that she
needs to take responsibility for her own happiness before it’s too late.
Colleen R.
I thoroughly loved the story. A good
writer allows you to envision each character even without ever seeing them and
I hated saying good bye to them at the end of the book.
Patricia F.
I loved Chance Meeting.
Amanda F.
Re-releasing Christmas Mischief - review was from 2008.
Christmas Mischief
Night Owl Romance Book Review – Top Pick
Ms. Columbus writes with such humor. I was cracking up with Charlie’s innocent antics and feeling so sorry for Amber not having the easiest of times trying to get to Grandma’s house. I love Ms. Columbus’ writing style and I look forward to reading more stories from her. You will not be disappointed if you pick this one up for yourself.
Paula P.
Previously published -
The Perfect Country and Western
Story
Christine’s voice is engaging; her
dialogue is believable. The Perfect Country Western Story would make a great
Lifetime Channel movie."
Ana Morgan
Heroines With Hearts
Booksellers' Best Award 2010 Finalist
2011 More Than Magic - 3rd Place Single
Title
Coffee And Love To Go
Fallen Angel
Reviews – Recommended Read
Christine Columbus
hits a nerve with the two shy characters that need help coming together. They find it with help from a radio talk show. Coffee and Love
To Go is a must read. My only regret is it didn’t last long enough. I look forward to reading
more by Christine Columbus.
Reviewed by: Tracey
Uncle Mike’s Love
As I have come to expect from Columbus'
works, a certain depth of character and a hint of compassion all leave the
reader with the impression of a far longer and more involved tale.
Nancy A.Lindley-Gauthier,
Reviewer
for Long and Short Reviews
Ms. Columbus'
tone is
realism with a heart.
This story is too good to put down until the reader finishes. The author should take
pity on her fans and add a remote
control with a pause button for those moments
when life interrupts reading her delicious
stories.
Jade Taylor - Harlequin
Superromance
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