Hobbs Series by Elena Graf

The new rector of St. Margaret’s by the Sea Episcopal Church has a secret. Lucille Bartlett was a rising star at the Metropolitan Opera, but she disappeared from the stage and no one knows why. Philosophy Professor Erika Bultmann is a confirmed agnostic, who doesn’t have much use for religion, but she is fascinated by Mother Lucy... moreThe new rector of St. Margaret’s by the Sea Episcopal Church has a secret. Lucille Bartlett was a rising star at the Metropolitan Opera, but she disappeared from the stage and no one knows why. Philosophy Professor Erika Bultmann is a confirmed agnostic, who doesn’t have much use for religion, but she is fascinated by Mother Lucy. When Erika returns to her summer cottage in Hobbs to finish her last book before she retires, Lucy is drawn to the enigmatic professor, but she wants much more than a casual affair. Erika has been in open relationships; Lucy wants a commitment. Lucy believes marriage is sacred; Erika thinks it’s a vestige of the patriarchy. When Lucy’s secret is revealed, she needs Erika’s support more than ever. Can they put their differences aside and find common ground? less

It’s midwinter in Hobbs, Maine, and the town’s biggest problem is a snowstorm. Only Liz Stolz, the town doctor, is worried about a strange virus in China that’s roiling the financial markets. She tries to alert the town leaders to the potential danger, but police chief, Brenda Harrison, is distracted by Liz’s new physician’s assistant, Cherie Bois. Brenda’s interest repels Cherie. After witnessing police violence, she hates cops... moreIt’s midwinter in Hobbs, Maine, and the town’s biggest problem is a snowstorm. Only Liz Stolz, the town doctor, is worried about a strange virus in China that’s roiling the financial markets. She tries to alert the town leaders to the potential danger, but police chief, Brenda Harrison, is distracted by Liz’s new physician’s assistant, Cherie Bois. Brenda’s interest repels Cherie. After witnessing police violence, she hates cops. While Liz and Reverend Lucy Bartlett try to help Cherie get past the trauma and give Brenda a chance, the pandemic closes in. The friends are pushed together during lockdown. Friendships and relationships are strained as they act selflessly and selfishly out of love, faith, and duty. Can they find new strength and forge deeper connections through helping one another and the town survive? less

Hobbs, Maine, is gradually reopening after the lockdown. Town doctor Liz Stolz has begun a new tradition, Thirsty Thursdays, a weekly cocktail party on her deck, so her friends can socialize safely. Architect Samantha McKinnon has recently moved to Maine to start a renovation business... moreHobbs, Maine, is gradually reopening after the lockdown. Town doctor Liz Stolz has begun a new tradition, Thirsty Thursdays, a weekly cocktail party on her deck, so her friends can socialize safely. Architect Samantha McKinnon has recently moved to Maine to start a renovation business. Liz recommends Sam to do a bathroom remodel for the most hated woman in town, Olivia Enright—a super-rich, retired hedge fund manager whose outspoken, right-wing views have alienated everyone, especially police chief, Brenda Harrison. Meanwhile, Brenda’s budding relationship with her biracial girlfriend, Cherie Bois, is on rocky ground after the high-profile death of a black man at the hands of the police.The pandemic has taken an economic toll on the town. Liz is keeping Hobbs Family Practice going with her own money because people are afraid to go to the doctor. Donations to St. Margaret’s have plummeted, and Reverend Lucy Bartlett wonders how they’ll pay the parish salaries and maintain the church. An impulsive kiss shakes up friendships and relationships. Meanwhile, pretentious, overbearing Olivia is pursuing Sam and trying to find her way into the tight-knit group. Will the down-to-earth, independent women of Hobbs accept an outsider who’s so different? less