My Year of Casual Acquaintances - (The South Bay) by Ruth F Stevens (Paperback)

About the Book

After her husband leaves her for another woman, a youthful-looking, 50-year-old divorcee sets out to live a fun, commitment-free life... only to learn that a casual lifestyle can be fraught with surprising complications.

Book Synopsis

"A fun, entertaining novel! I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy this book as much as I did." -Leslie A. Rasmussen, award-winning author

When Mar Meyer's husband divorces her for another woman, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it's not easy to start over, Mar is young-looking, fit, and ready for new adventures-as long as she can keep things casual.

With each passing month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next. Among them: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical consultant, a kindly older gentleman... and Charlie, a handsome best-selling novelist who wants more from Mar than she's able to give. She learns something new from each encounter. But can she change enough to open herself up to happiness and true connection?

Surrounded by an ensemble of quirky, endearing characters, Mar follows a tortuous and unpredictable path as she navigates the first year of her reinvented life. My Year of Casual Acquaintances is packed with laugh-out-loud moments mingled with scenes of loneliness and self-doubt that will put a lump in your throat.

Review Quotes

Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner

BookLife Review Editor's Pick

Indies Today 5-Star Recommended Read

Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review

2024 CIBA Somerset Awards: Semi-finalist - Literary & Contemporary Fiction

2024 Firebird Book Award Winner - Women's Fiction

"Stevens' novel is the perfect candidate for a book club or discussion because you'll want to keep gushing about the characters long after the final page. The author dazzles readers with a multidimensional ensemble cast whose antics will stimulate laughter and cause you to shed a tear or two." -Reader Views, 5-stars

"I appreciated Ruth's immersive prose, the witty first-person narrative, and the excellent editorial work. The novel is fast-paced and offers many surprises as the story unfolds. I highly recommend it to those readers who prefer character-driven novels with compelling protagonists." -Readers' Favorite

"A fun, entertaining novel! I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy this book as much as I did." -Leslie A. Rasmussen, award-winning author

"Stevens writes with humor, compassion, and wisdom about how to move past loss and the power of meaningful connections along the way." -Joani Elliott, WFWA Star Award winning author of The Audacity of Sara Grayson

"...the writing is so strong, the characters so relatable, and the prose very often so funny." -S.M. Stevens, author of Beautiful and Terrible Things

"Stevens crafts an endearing cast of characters that draw you in, tug at your heart and leave you wanting more." -Andrea Couture, author of Embracing What Remains

"Lively, romantic, and often heart-wrenching!" -Erica Karlin, co-author of The Sipping Sisterhood Series and contributor to Shakespeare & Company, Paris

"This story will resonate with anyone who has imagined a do-over or has had to push the restart button on life." -Julie Mayerson Brown, author of the Clearwater Series

"This unique story opens with one cliffhanger and closes with another, yet manages to satisfy thoroughly. Lighthearted fun with an upbeat atmosphere, My Year of Casual Acquaintances is an optimistic novel about looking for the best in everyone, including ourselves." -R.C. Gibson, IndiesToday.com

"A captivating and heartwarming narrative that delves into the trials and victories of beginning anew." -Literary Titan 5-Stars

"Touching, polished story of a woman embracing growth, post-divorce." -BookLife Editor's Pick

"A humorous journey of heartfelt connections that will keep you turning the pages and rooting for reinvention." -Sublime Book Review

"A deeply heartwarming tale that will leave you both smiling and reflecting on the beauty of new beginnings." -Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Review

"A thoroughly entertaining, highly re-readable novel... easily one of the top three romance novels I've read this year." -Beatrice Toothman, Manhattan Book Review