Will a Tragedy from the Past Destroy Claire’s A Season of Perfect Happiness?
Claire had an idyllic childhood in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, a fairytale marriage to Nick, and then what she always wanted, a baby, Lucy. An unimaginable tragedy struck and in the aftermath, Claire struggled to put her life together. She moved to a small town in Wisconsin. When people asked why that midwestern state, she said because the state looked like a child’s mitten.
After six years, Claire’s life settles into a welcome routine. An artist, she works on her collages, goes on long runs, and explores her small town. On her frequent visits to the local Y, she keeps bumping into Erik, who is project manager of Ten Chimneys, a summer retreat built in the 1920s by Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, a critically acclaimed American stage duo of the 20th century. He asks Claire whether she’s familiar with theater. “My closest friend growing up was – is – an actress,” she responds, wincing because of the pain just that simple statement delivers.
When Erik asks Claire out, she says yes. She learns that Erik is divorced from Annabelle, although they have an amicable relationship parenting their three children — a son, Spencer, who has learning issues and may be on the spectrum, and twin daughters, Hazel and Phoebe. Erik says that Annabelle will love Claire, and she does. Soon, Claire is dating Erik, best friends with Annabelle, and included in their friendship circle. On weekends, Erik and Claire are often at Annabelle’s house with the children, Annabelle’s new boyfriend, Scott, and another married couple, Eva and Gabe.
While Claire is thrilled to have found not only a boyfriend, but a social group that includes children, she worries that when they discover her past, she will lose everything – again. Frequent calls with her mother in Rehoboth help, but in so many ways, Claire doesn’t believe she’s worthy of being happy. And while Annabelle and the others embrace Claire, they often comment that she never talks about herself. Was she married? Did she have children? But Claire gives nothing away – until someone comes to Wisconsin who could blow her world apart.
Maribeth Fischer’s novel is about relationships – friendship, marriage, and parenting. Are second chances possible? When Claire explains her decisions, will others understand, or condemn her as selfish?
Truth be told, when I began to read Fisher’s novel, I thought it might be formulaic – a woman with a mysterious past meets a man, falls in love, and then worries that her secret will destroy the relationship. But A Season of Perfect Happiness is more complex, as are the characters. While Claire has secrets, her social group also has something to hide, an indiscretion that makes a mockery of loyalty. Friendships often endure out of habit, long past their sell by date. When Claire comes into this circle, she’s forced to face her own decisions, but those who are quick to judge her must deal with their own guilt.
Without giving too much away, Fisher shines a much needed light on the psychological issues that women face during and after childbirth. With anti-abortion laws being passed in many states, pregnant women are too often placed in serious medical jeopardy when they cannot be treated, no doubt adding to any mental strain they may be experiencing. How many, like Claire, will blame themselves rather than a system that doesn’t respond to their needs?
Fischer also delivers encouragement to writers. She wrote a version of this novel in 2008 and it was rejected by agents, even though she had a track record as a novelist. Another agent took a chance on her and the result is this wonderful book which truly is A Season of Perfect Happiness.
A Season of Perfect Happiness
Maribeth Fischer
Our editors love to read and independently recommend these books. As an Amazon Affiliate, Woman Around Town may receive a small commission from the sale of any book. Thank you for supporting Woman Around Town.
Top photo: Bigstock
