My Journey
I spent 44 years in classrooms across Quebec — teaching, running schools, and learning that the best lessons are the ones wrapped in a good story.
Along the way I ran an ice cream parlour and a café in Beebe, distributed chocolate bars across the province, and taught at elite private schools and small community schools on the Lower North Shore. I've lived in both worlds and I've been paying attention the whole time.
A few years ago I started writing weather forecasts on Facebook — not ordinary ones, but dispatches from a fictional café in a village called Sneaky Hollow, delivered by characters who argue about barometric pressure with the same passion most people reserve for hockey. Over 3,500 people started following along. Then they started asking: "When are you going to write a book?"
So I did.
The Sneaky Hollow Chronicles: Where Time Stands Still launches Summer 2026 through FriesenPress — the first in a planned series. I'm retiring from education in June 2026 to write full-time.
I'm always happy to connect with fellow authors, educators, and anyone who believes the best stories come from real places and real people.
Jamie Thompson didn't mean to find Sneaky Hollow. But then, nobody does.
Veering off course in an Eastern Townships snowstorm, the stressed-out Montrealer stumbles into a village that shouldn't exist — nestled somewhere between the backroads and a wrinkle in time. They'd saved him a cup of coffee. He should have known then.
Sneaky Hollow gives Jamie exactly what he didn't know he needed. But when outside forces threaten to iron out that wrinkle and erase the Hollow for good, Jamie and a crowd of eccentric café regulars must uncover why this magical place called them here — and whether they can save it.
Love, mystery, and maple-scented miracles.
Some places find you. This one won't let go.
The road to Sneaky Hollow is officially open!
The Sneaky Hollow Chronicles: Where Time Stands Still is now finding its way into readers’ hands through multiple online sales channels and a growing number of local bookstores and retailers.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already taken that little turn off the back roads and discovered the Hollow. Your wonderful response is turning this first adventure into a favourite summer read.
Want to wander a little deeper into the world of Sneaky Hollow? Pull up a chair at the Pine Knot, meet the gang, explore the stories, music and other goings-on at www.sneakyhollow.com.
If you’d rather just have a copy of the book show up at your front door, Earl says there’s no need to overcomplicate things. Head straight to www.shop.sneakyhollow.ca.
The coffee’s on, the clocks are behaving suspiciously, and there’s always room for one more.
Welcome to Sneaky Hollow — your friends await.
Link to
Sneaky Hollow is coming to you! Stay tuned for book events in your area!
Join the Sneaky Hollow News Gang at andrewretchless.com and be among the first to hold a copy when it arrives this summer. Signed editions available. Personalized if you want. Free delivery on multiple copies because Earl says if you're making the trip you might as well fill the truck.
For inquiries, media requests, or presale information, get in touch directly.
andrew@andrewretchless.com
Andrew Retchless
458 Chemin Alger's Cove
Canton Stanstead, Qc, J1X 3W4
450-577-0673