Coming January 8, 2025.

Chance Meeting - will be available January 8, 2025. Order your copy now.

Available through these fine retailer:Amazon, Walmart, Indie Bound, ITunes

Melody 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.

REVIEWS

Chance Meeting

Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus

May 9, 2025 By Long and Short Reviews Leave a Comment

Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Melody 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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Review from Novels Alive 4 STARS

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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Andrea

Chance Meeting is a great story!

Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2025

I personally know the author of this book and was excited to read it. It certainly did not disappoint. I received it on Saturday, February 2nd and read it from start to finish. I recommend it and look forward to reading more books written by Christine Columbus

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Customer

charming

Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2025

Verified Purchase

Sweet love story Christine, loved the characters, the references to Minneapolis and the happily ever after! Keep ‘em coming! Thanks.

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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.

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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.

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I loved Chance Meeting.

Amanda F.

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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

Melody 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.

Amazon Author Page

Last night after meeting with a few Wilmington, NC writers. I set a goal of creating my author page on Amazon.

My Bio:

Eighteen years ago, while living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and waiting for my ship to come in. I published several short stories and a novel with The Wild Rose Press. 

After that, I took an Adult Gap Year from writing...it lasted thirteen years. 

In 2024, I signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press for my sweetheart romance novel, “Chance Meeting,” and have self-published two children’s stories.  

I am excited to be back writing.

This morning on our 5 mile walk - what did we see?

My ship has come in…

Even though you're a leader - you can follow me on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/christinecolumbus

or

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1453048.Christine_Columbus

Working?

Today’s writing room is on the balcony…not getting a lot accomplished, but I am enjoying the view.

Lazy Writer

People read in bed all the time, so it only makes sense that a writer should write in bed…working on my Blue Moon - Can a scoop of Blue Moon ice cream thaw Sally’s frozen heart?

Also working on edits for Chance Meeting - contacted with The Wild Rose Press.

Believe

I heard an old song on the radio last week by Rare Earth from the 70’s “I just want to celebrate another day of living … I just want to celebrate another day of life”. I hadn’t heard the song in probably 40 years & I thought the lyrics are still relevant. So my word for 2024 is “Believe ”

Chance Meeting

I signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press for my Sweetheart story. I took a ten-year break from writing and during that time we have been traveling, camping, and volunteering at NWR and state parks. Now, that I am not spending my day planning routes to make sure our 40-foot, 5th wheel camper doesn’t go under a low bridge and get stuck. I am using my free time to write. We are currently living in a stick and brick in Wilmington, NC and I have been working on edits in the river shack

I also recently self published a Children’s Story. Living Things available on Amazon.

Waiting….

I went on the haunted pub crawl while waiting To hear from The Wild Rose Press. Hopefully the news is better than the ghost

stories…

Focus

When you don’t feel like writing anymore - Do you just try to power through putting random words on the page or shut the laptop and call it a day.

Today, I switched my projects and went from my short story to a blog…but with 30 minutes left of writing time and guilt beginning to pile up…I need to get back to my story.

When I don’t know exactly where the story is going I get anxious. I want everything to fit together and I don’t want the characters to suffer. Instead of placing the characters up a tree and throwing rocks at them…I want to make them happy and remove all the obstacles and stumbling blocks from their path.

This attitude does not serve my goal or write and submit.

Wish me luck at being mean to Clay and Mel.

The Write Goal

Normally, my goal would be a daily word count, to be published or hit a best seller list.

But for 2023 my goal is to write, submit and repeat. I had a teacher tell me writing is 10% talent and 90% perseverance.

For the first time in over six years I won’t be sleeping with wheels under my bed.

We have rented an apartment in Wilmington for the next 13 months and the view is inspiring.

I thought…

32 years ago, I thought I would have money when…

I didn’t need to buy formula…then it was diapers…I thought for sure when I no longer had daycare expenses….

And lately, I have been thinking when Covid is over…

First time at a campground in 5 months….

And while we slept, thieves went through vehicles and the only thing they took were weapons and money…luckily we had neither.

But another camper told me they got his loaded pistol, other lost weapons, money, cellphones…

And then we went and got fuel, $4.37 a gallon…2 days later, the same station was $4.99 a gallon.

Creativity?

Today, I failed to trick myself into doing stretching or strengthening, but I did walk 4.5 miles. 😊 I generally walk 10,000 steps a day, but I break the steps up into 3 walks. Which is very easy to do, but walking all 10,000 steps at once was a little more difficult.

I did use my creative power to create dinner…I add a can of dice tomatoes into the bullet mixer with can of tomato paste - and after a minute, I had spaghetti sauce. Of course I add ground beef, onions, celery and angel hair pasta. And for desert I added a packet of Emergen C to no-fat Greek plain yogurt.

So, five more days to use my creativity to find ways to trick myself into strengthening and stretching. On today’s walk I passed by white pelicans, of course it was towards the end of my walk and I was too tired to enjoy the site.

No Surprise…

Today I am starting my class assignment over, partially because I stopped halfway through the week and because I have decided instead of creatively blogging I am going to use my super power ‘creativity’ to improve my life.

I want to lose fifteen pounds, increase my strength and flexibility.

I am in my 60’s, so I know exactly what to do…but knowing and doing are two different things. And I am lazy.

So, I am going to use (notice I didn’t use the word attempt this shows I am fully committed to this idea) I am going to use my creativity to get what I want. A slightly smaller and stronger version of myself.

Because today is Valentine’s Day and I wanted something sweet, (like dark chocolate hearts) - but instead of buying a bag of candy. I bought a box of Larabars, they are made with dates and nuts and of course the one I choose has chocolate chips and are 250 calories or 8 WW points…not a great creative choice because Dove dark chocolate hearts have 150 calories for 4 hearts or 8 WW points.

But, then I used my creative power to make a healthy snack. Carrots, celery and belly peppers with drizzled coconut, lime, habanero balsamic vinegar.

This is where the creativity comes in (habanero’s are hot)…I am going to have to drink a lot of water, which will increase my steps going to the bathroom…downside is we live in a 350 square foot, 5th wheel camper. No matter where I am sitting in the trailer, I can get to the bathroom in 10 steps.

Non-Birder

Labels aren’t for lazy people. I am lazy so I like to generalize. Below are pictures of birds I have taken at the NWR where I volunteer. Some people study the birds shape, size and habits in order to label them with their correct or even scientific name.

Whereas, I too see color, shaper, size and habits, but instead of placing them in a category, wading bird, shore bird-I take the lazy approach. They are all birds.

Calling a kettle black…

I am a volunteer and today I answered the phone and a woman said, “There is a manatee dead on the beach.”

I said, “call CROW.”

She said, “The manatee is dead, not injured.”

CROW is a clinic for rehabilitation of wildlife, but she did dial a National Wildlife

Refuge. Not a National Dead Life Refuge…so, this is a classic example of calling the kettle black.

Day 3 of trying to use my super power ‘Creativity’

There is no creative way to do 7 loads of laundry. My husband has a severe reaction to poison ivy. In less than a year he has had to go on steroids, three times.

So, just in case we have an oil called urushiol on any of the bedding, clothes, dog beds, blanket, or dog. I washed everything in our trailer.

To use my super power to solve the problem of living on an island with an abundance of poison ivy, I created a vision board and I checked to see where we were on the waitlist for housing.

We applied to three places,,,number 30, 27 and still waiting to hear back.

Lazy, but not judgmental

I am taking a happiness course from (coursera.org) Presented by Laurie Santos, ‘The Science of Well-Being’

The homework suggest you try and use one of your top 5 strengths everyday. And they gave the following suggestion for creativity.

‘For example, you might write a blog post that is unique because it is entirely gibberish. That’s not going to be useful, so it would not be considered creative”

So, I am going to use my “Judgment.” And apply the VIA Institute on Characters definition. “Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions, being able to change one’s mind in light of evidence, weighing all evidence fairly.”

A blog written all gibberish might be useful to someone who wants to blog, but is not confident. The run across said, ‘gibberish blog’ and think, if someone can publish a blog all in gibberish, maybe I can blog.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. The author believes creativity has to benefit self or someone else to be valid.

I say, that’s gibberish. If you believe what you are doing adds value to you or someone else, don’t let a stranger be the one to validate your creativity.

Today I used my judgement and my creativity by blogging and creating a tastefully presented breakfast.

Blueberries, banana, pink pineapple and strawberries.

I am Lazy.

When I tell people, “I’m lazy.”

They always respond, “No, you’re not.”

Yes. I am lazy and it’s okay. I am not a slob, unhealthy, or a burden to society. I am lazy.

I am taking a happiness course and went to the VIA strength questionnaire and they didn’t list ‘Lazy’ as one of my strengths - but they should have…if you read through my top 5 strengths you will see they support my statement. I am lazy.

1. Creativity. I have no problem thinking of novel ways to avoid doing housework and a 40 hour a work week.

2. Love of Learning. Which is one of my novel ways to avoid doing housework, exercising or any of those things ‘non-lazy’ people do. So, this is the real reason behind taking a happiness course.

3. Judgment. I don’t spend energy judging. I am a firm believer in - you do you- as long as your actions don’t leave anyone dead at the end of the day.

4. Forgiveness. I am a forgiving person, because I am lazy. I have no desire to drag around hurt and heavy negative emotions. It takes a lot less energy to forgive and forget.

5. Humor. It takes a lot less energy to be with people who are happy and smiling. It’s draining to be with someone who cries all day and can not see the value in a smile. So, much easier to be with someone you make laugh, then someone you make cry.

Also, it’s a lot easier to be who you are - then to try and be someone you’re not.

So, instead of trying to prove to everyone I am not lazy. I embrace lazy.

I am lazy and it turns out I am happy.

Suddenly 62…

Suddenly 62. My teeth have grayed. My skin wrinkled. My muscle churned to fat.

My regret, unfortunately it isn’t that I exercised more, it’s that I no longer write.

Discover A New World of Romance

Coming January 8, 2025.

REVIEWS

Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus

Chance Meeting is a great story!

charming

A meet cute with familial complications!

Entertaining

Amazon Author Page

Working?

Lazy Writer

Believe

Chance Meeting

Waiting….

Focus

The Write Goal

I thought…

Creativity?

No Surprise…

Non-Birder

Calling a kettle black…

Day 3 of trying to use my super power ‘Creativity’

Lazy, but not judgmental

I am Lazy.

Suddenly 62…

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Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus

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