A Measure of Happiness — Lorrie Thomson

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.