My Year of Casual Acquaintances
Ruth F. Stevens
Black Rose Writing (2024)
ISBN: 978-1685134846
Reviewed by Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Reader Views (12/2024)
When Margaret Meyer’s long-time husband suddenly leaves her for another woman, Margaret is understandably blindsided. Reeling in anger, she vows to purge everything from her old life and make a clean break. Margaret moves out of their marital home, buys a cozy apartment, and changes gyms. In her earthly fifties (but as fit and young-looking as someone ten years younger), she looks forward to meeting other people and creating new experiences. But Margaret will not let her heart get broken again—she’ll keep things strictly casual.
Margaret approaches her first year as a single woman cautiously optimistic and meets some memorable characters along the way, including a cute hip-hop instructor, a dreamy novelist, and an older gentleman who teaches her a thing or two about what’s important. But could she be missing out on something great by keeping everyone at arm’s length? One thing is sure: it will be a transformative year!
“My Year of Casual Acquaintances” by Ruth F. Stevens is the first book in the absorbing, highly character-driven South Bay series. Being a newly divorced woman in her fifties, Margaret enters a whole new world, and readers experience all the ups and downs as she navigates these uncharted waters. From dipping her toes into the dating scene (and partaking in some sensual encounters) to confronting her commitment fears, Margaret’s journey is immersive, hilarious, and root-worthy.
Margaret’s challenges extend beyond her personal life. There is much work to be done, tackling unfavorable politics at work and repairing the strained relationship between her and her adult son. The author has done an excellent job of highlighting Margaret’s personal growth as she begins to look at the world through a different lens, one where she isn’t going to shy away from confrontation or allow her ex-husband to paint himself as the “good parent” in her son’s eyes. Margaret has developed a backbone, and witnessing her transformation was inspiring.
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. From the locker room banter at Seaside Fitness and one handsome instructor’s issues down below to the endearing heart-to-hearts and a good samaritan who helps Margaret in a time of need, “My Year of Casual Acquaintances” by Ruth F. Stevens leaves an unforgettable mark.
In addition to its book-club-worthy buzz, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy second-chance romances with a strong emphasis on personal transformation. Stevens also examines the importance of friendship and belonging as Margaret’s community expands. The fun doesn’t have to end after the final page, as the second installment of the South Bay series is also available!