A Measure of Happiness - by Lorrie Thomson (Paperback)

About the Book

When the young woman she considers like a daughter returns to Hidden Harbor with a secret heartbreak, Katherine Lamontagne does not know how to reach out to her, until a stranger in town spurs the two women toward healing.

Book Synopsis

Katherine Lamontagne isn't Celeste Barnes's mother, but ever since Celeste graduated high school and her parents abandoned Hidden Harbor, Maine, she's acted the part. At twenty-two, Celeste worked at Katherine's bakery, and hoped to buy the business once Katherine took early retirement. But when Katherine reconsidered that decision, Celeste fled to culinary school in New York-only to return two months later, a shadow of the girl who'd stormed out the door. Katherine knows the signs of secret heartbreak. Years ago, she gave up her baby son for adoption-a regret she's never shared with either her ex-husband or Celeste. She longs for Celeste to confide in her now. But it will be a stranger in town-an engaging young wanderer named Zach Fitzgerald-who spurs them toward healing. As both women are drawn into Zach's questioning heart, they also rediscover their own appetites for truth and for love-and gain the courage to face the past without being imprisoned by it. Uplifting, emotionally rich, and deeply satisfying, A Measure of Happiness illuminates the nature of friendship, motherhood, hope-and the gifts of second chances. Advance Praise for A Measure of Happiness "In this absorbing, emotional novel about family secrets, Lorrie Thomson demonstrates that having the courage to open our hearts to love is the true measure of happiness." --Holly Robinson, author of Beach Plum Island and Haven Lake "A Measure of Happiness is about many things - finding home, facing fears, and making choices among them. But more than anything, it's the book you'll reach for when you want to recall that perfect love can still be found in an imperfect world." - Therese Walsh, author of The Moon Sisters

Review Quotes

Praise for Lorrie Thomson's What's Left Behind

"An emotionally satisfying blend of heartache, hope, and happiness."

--Amy Sue Nathan, author of The Glass Wives

"A beautifully written tale of love, loss, and healing...that will fuel lively book club discussion!"

--Barbara Claypole White, award-winning author of The In-Between Hour

"A phenomenal testament of motherhood at its rawest, most beautiful core. What's Left Behind is a tale of love, sacrifice, and family that stayed with me long after the last page was turned."

--Sharla Lovelace, award-winning author of The Reason Is You

About the Author

LORRIE THOMSON lives in New Hampshire with her husband and their children. When she's not reading, writing, or hunting for collectibles, her family lets her tag along for camping adventures, daylong paddles, and hikes up 4,000?footers. Her website is www.lorrie?thomson.com.