My Year of Casual Acquaintances by Ruth F. Stevens

TITLE INFORMATION

My Year of Casual Acquaintances

Ruth F. Stevens

Black Rose Writing, 321 pages

9781685134846, 9.26.2024

Overall Rating = 4.5

Storyline & Concept = 4

Writing & Delivery = 4.5

Editorial = 5

Mar/Margaret, a 50-year-old magazine editor, is trying to reinvent herself after a painful divorce from a cheating husband. Each month, she meets a new character (including a dog) who helps build and shape her new life as a single, independent woman.

Employing a unique concept of introducing a new character each month, this novel takes us on a journey of change. And quite a change it is. At the beginning of the novel, I found Margaret to be unlikeable, and I didn’t know if I could hang in there with her. Yet, I commended her on her self-awareness. She recognized her faults and had the desire to change. With the introduction of each new friend or acquaintance, there was a clear evolution in her character, and I could see where it was headed. Although somewhat abrupt, the ending left no doubt that a sequel is on the way. The author uses humor and empathy to deliver this well-written work of women’s fiction and definitely keeps the pages turning.

Sublime Line: “A humorous journey of heartfelt connections that will keep you turning the pages and rooting for reinvention.”

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