“Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold” by Joyce Magnin

This is a fictional story about senior citizen Harriet Beamer.  She has recently given up her independence by selling her home on the east coast.  She and her dog, Humphrey, have moved in with her son, Henry, and daughter-in-law, Prudence, in California.  The move has left Harriet feeling anxious and alone.

One of her passions has been collecting salt and pepper shakers.  Unfortunately, there isn’t room for them in her new abode, and they all remain packed in boxes in the garage.  She doesn’t feel at home with her children, instead she feels like a guest–that she must ask permission to do anything in the house.  Harriet hasn’t met any new friends, and she misses her best friend, Martha, from her old hometown.  She doesn’t feel at home at her kid’s church, either.  There is no one her age there, and whenever she goes, they always give her “the bum’s rush” to do nursery duty.

Henry has been encouraging Harriet to get out of the house and try to meet people.  During one of those attempts, Harriet meets teenager, Lily, and her father, Win–a gold miner.  Win attempts to convince Harriet to invest in a venture that he promises will pay well.

Harriet’s life goes from dull to over-the-top.  Prudence has become pregnant, an exciting but stressful event because she has miscarried her previous pregnancies.  Prudence and Henry surprise Harriet with plans to build a home addition for an in-law suite.  Her good friend Martha comes for a visit which brings comfort, but also some unexpected news.  Both Martha and Harriet find themselves really connecting with Lily and are very concerned for her.

Will Prudence be able to carry this baby to term?  Will Harriet get fleeced by a con artist?  Will Harriet ever feel comfortable living under her children’s roof, or will she start over someplace else?  And lastly, is Lily a nice girl, or a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

This is a fun, light-reading book with humor spread throughout.  However, it does cover some real issues such as con men preying on the elderly, and the problems of trying to blend two families together under one roof.  Also addressed is the plight of some churches concentrating so much on younger crowds that the seniors are forgotten or “shoved” into nursery duty, or some other area where they will be out of the way.

The title definitely fits this tale.  This is entertaining fiction that is easy to read.  Although this is the second book in a series,  I felt this book could stand alone.   I do want to read the first book, however, because I liked the characters, and would relish a new adventure with them.  I enjoyed this book, it is a good, clean story.  It receives my recommendation and five stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

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