I enjoyed reading this book. The story has duel timelines and mysteries. A group of women head to a spa in Montana. The spa is haunted by a ghost who was a previous guest and murdered there. She tries to warn the girls about a present day danger. Both the ghost’s past and murder and the women’s friendship and secrets are explored. I really liked the setting and the characters. I look for word to reading more by this author. Enjoy

This book explores friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness with blunt truth. This book will make you realize how strong a friendship bond can be. As you read the book you feel connected to the ladies and friends in this book. A page turner that will keep you guessing the ending.

If I had not known, this was a debut novel I never would’ve guessed it. The author pulls you in from the very beginning and does not let you go to the very end. I loved all the characters but my favorite two was Maude and Simone. There was a lot of action, suspense, and mystery. I recommend this to everyone. It is such a good read. I can’t wait to see what else Ms. McCollum will bring us.


I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I enjoy reading "debut" novels and this one didn't disappoint. Although I suspect that most readers connect with the four younger women who have come to this Montana resort for a "girls" reunion, I loved Maude & Simone. Maude, the resort's chef, has reached the age where she knows what matters to her, not caring what others think. Simone is a 100-year-old ghost who was murdered at the resort and her life story was beautifully written. Her struggles to survive were not uncommon for women. As she said, "No one hopes to become a prostitute. Involuntarily, life turns you into one."

The four friends struggled with secrets and issues many women can identify with. Reading about their relationships made me happy that I've been married to my husband for 50 years and he still makes me laugh every day. This book has much to offer...a bit of history, a touch of paranormal, a murder mystery, and women's friendships. A very impressive debut novel.

My thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.

I had the opportunity for an early read of Kim McCollum's debut novel, "What Happens in Montana." What a way to close out my 2023 reading list!

McCollum does character and voice like Moriarty's "Nine Perfect Strangers" meets Sebold's "The Lovely Bones!"

Four close friends reunite for a "gals trip" at a quirky Montana spa retreat. The unresolved drama between the women could have carried the story on its own, but McCollum spices it up with a hot yoga instructor known as a "player," an opinionated octogenarian chef, and a possible spirit from Montana's past. A brisk plot, intriguing setting, and relationship themes make this story a page-flipper, but I highlight character development as McCollum's métier. She creates personalities readers can't help but react to. And that's what good writing does!

dual-time-frames, reunion, Montana, debut-author, women-s-fiction, friends, friendship, ghosts, pet-dog, resort-hotel, family, secrets, dual-narrators****

There are four best friends (from days of living in Vegas and being new mothers some twenty years ago) want to get away for a girls’ week at a yoga-health retreat/spa at a Montana lodge that is well past its heyday. The story delves into the problems the friends are facing here in the current day, as well as those of the somewhat elderly cook, and definitely those of the resident ghost. There is shared personal growth as shown i the development of realistic characters. The story is well crafted and memorable. Me, I just want to go visit and stay at that quiet retreat in the back country.
I requested and received an EARC from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley. Thank you

A wonderful debut novel that I very much enjoyed. I read well past midnight with this one cause I didn't want to put it down.
I loved comparing the two very different Montanas past and present.
Wish I could give this story than 5 stars. It was so very good.
Lots of strong character development and an awesome plot.
This story shows that even the best of friends have their problems and it also shows how strong their friendships stayed together throughout this endearing novel.
Test of time is what I like to call it.
Hope, love, friendship and family with a ghost in the midst makes this read all the worth while.
Lots of twists and turns along with some action will keep you turning the pages until you're finished.
I'm going to honestly say I love Maude. I love her fiestiness at her age and she made me smile more than once.
Women's fiction at its best. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What Happens in Montana is women’s fiction at its best! There are the four best friends (from their “Mommy and Me” days) getting away for a girls’ week at a yoga-health retreat at a Montana lodge that is well past its heyday. And then, there is the elderly cook, Maude, who is on communication terms with the lodge’s resident ghost, Simone. Maude is automatically drawn to one of the women because of the resemblance to her deceased daughter. Ordinarily standoffish with guests, she not only initiates contact with this group, she also observers them carefully and becomes concerned after one of them has been selected by the unsavory yoga instructor as his next conquest. As the week progresses, the women’s secrets, desires, and concerns are revealed. Will their friendship be strong enough to handle all of this? And at the same time, Simone is telling her story, realizing that it might be up to her to make sure Maude prevents what had happened to her a hundred years earlier to one of these women.

Kim McCullum’s debut novel is a real page turner, and I was transported straight to the Montana of today and to the rustic Montana of yesterday. When I reached the end of the book, I was reluctant to put it down. I wanted to stay connected to these women for much longer! A strong five stars!