“‘Our brains are wired to solve mysteries and random things, to figure out why tragic situations occur in the hopes they won’t happen again. If we can just find a cause or someone to blame—even if it’s ourselves—we’ll find the why and be able to make sense of it. But sometimes there is no why, and the kindest thing we can do is let ourselves off the hook for events that are beyond our control. As much as it hurts to accept, sometimes horrible things just happen and there is no reason or blame.’”
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“‘Unfortunately, the holidays don’t stop for heartache.’”
The Certainty of Chance (2021) by Jacquelyn Middleton
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Charm and chance collide in this feel-good, yet weighty work, perfect for the holiday season. Jacquelyn Middleton is back with her fifth novel, another contemporary romance novel set the in the same world as her other works but still a stand-alone tale full of love and fear, joy and grief, mental health and magical decisions. From cabs to corgis, cakes to crackers, Christmas to crisp sandwiches, The Certainty of Chance has it all. What Middleton always excels at doing is crafting a well-rounded, immersive setting for her works. It’s clear she does her research and fully visualizes each milieu before drawing her characters into it. Not only will The Certainty of Chance make you want to book a flight to London: it’ll make you want to traipse through the city during the holidays, visiting the locations and seeing the sights noted on nearly every page of this super-festive novel. Also, this novel will make you hungry (for food! For life! For love! For London!). You have been warned.
Madeleine Joy is an American en route to Paris but stuck in London just before Christmas, thanks to a volcanic eruption in Iceland that sends debris into Europe’s airspace, making airline travel impossible. Madeleine looks forward to Christmas with her movie star sister (who’ll be familiar if you know Middleton’s other books), but, of course, things aren’t meant to be, thanks to Mother Nature. Maddie’s also nursing a broken heart, following the death of her best friend (and the one-year anniversary is around the corner). Although initially feeling more Scrooge than Santa, Madeleine’s approach to her lonely London layover changes when she meets an optimistic cabbie whose investment in music (Maddie makes playlists) and writing (both are working on books) is not only promising but, even more, is akin to a Christmas miracle.
Julian Halliwell is a Londoner full of life, curiosity, and a tiny apartment packed with music albums. He’s also a black cab driver who thrives on helping others explore the city he loves, is a loyal and beloved friend, and is “dad” to Winnie the corgi. Like Madeleine, this thirty-something’s past hasn’t been easy: loss, betrayal, and a broken engagement haunt him. But both Madeleine and Julian, misunderstood in their griefs and desires, find themselves drawn to one another in this sugar-plum-sweet and delightful wintry tale.
The Certainty of Chance is not, however, a typical romance. As with her other works, Middleton is invested in showcasing imperfect characters who grieve, worry about their careers, and seek creative outlets. A mental-health advocate, Middleton’s characters (male and female alike) go to therapy, speak openly about their struggles, and are allowed to have bad days. I also appreciate that these are 30-somethings recharging themselves, reexamining their careers, and finally seeking the satisfaction (in jobs, artistic outlets, and love) about which they’ve long-ruminated. Yet, they are quirky, playful, and invested in pop culture. They contain, in short, full personalities and a robustness that makes them feel familiar. It’s as if Julian will drive his black cab straight out of the novel and down the road before us.
All in all, this warm and winning holiday romance about losses and gains and learning to accept that what life hands you is never “wrong” is a perfect way to usher in the holidays, whether you’re an armchair traveler or looking forward to a journey of your own.
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Heartwarming story about grief and understanding
The Certainty Of Chance absolutely warmed my heart. It brought out the magic of the holidays and the importance of finding someone who understands you. Madeline and Julian are so sweet together and by the end of the book I really felt like I knew them. The way they understood each other’s grief in a way no one else could made them a perfect match and so proved that nobody grieves in the same way. This book was so heartwarming while still hitting upon the heavier points of grief but it balanced it so well.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2021
- Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2023
- Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2021
The Certainty Of Chance absolutely warmed my heart. It brought out the magic of the holidays and the importance of finding someone who understands you. Madeline and Julian are so sweet together and by the end of the book I really felt like I knew them. The way they understood each other’s grief in a way no one else could made them a perfect match and so proved that nobody grieves in the same way. This book was so heartwarming while still hitting upon the heavier points of grief but it balanced it so well.
Heartwarming story about grief and understanding
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2021
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Top reviews from other countries
- Est LaylandReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 14, 2021
Pulled me in
This book grabbed me from the start, the characters were extremely likeable without being all sugary sweet.Est LaylandPulled me in
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 14, 2021
The description of London at Christmas has given me serious wanderlust. The musical references had me on a nostalgia trip, the food, the pub quiz, everything felt very real. You can tell this writer researches every aspect thoroughly. She’s also not afraid to tackle uncomfortable subjects, grief, depression and anxiety but does so with realism and compassion. The side characters are fantastic, there is humour and you find yourself rooting for the principal characters.
The story grew at the right pace, always making me want to continue to the next chapter.
I’ve read all of Jacquelyn Middleton’s books, and this is definitely my new favourite
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- Tammy BramleyReviewed in Canada on October 14, 2021
My favourite Middleton book yet!!
- I love this product very good qualityReviewed in India on April 5, 2023
Service is good
