Member Reviews

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a fun book!

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Margaret is a very flawed human and at some points I thought I hated her. Really it just gives a good insight into a person who doesn’t have it all together. The chapters were funny and quick to get through and I liked that it flipped through her “casual acquaintences” I wish there was a chapter on heather as she seems like such a great daughter in law and I could read a whole book on her. Michael came across as an arse but what he was annoyed about made total sense.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review this book.

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Mar is a recently divorced middle aged woman trying to figure out what she wants her life to look like now. She joins Seaside Fitness where we meet her casual new acquaintances that each impact her life in some way.

I struggled to connect with Mar in the first half of the book, but was rooting for her and her happiness towards the end! This book was about finding yourself after a marriage ends, trying new things, and forming new relationships. Mar grew so much as a character throughout the year that this book takes place. You’re never too old to start over.

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At fifty, Mar Meyer finds herself doing something she never dreamed possible-starting over. Her husband leaving her for another woman, Mar is faced to navigate uncharted territories like finding a new home, making new friends, and even dating. This is the story of the year of her rebirth.

Throughout the months, Mar does just as the title suggests- meets a variety of people, some of which having a more long term presence than others. From younger friends, to forging a stronger relationship with her son, to the one that may have gotten away, Mar grows in what she never dreamed possible. But leaving one’s comfort zone does not come without some element of discomfort. Can Mar rebuild her world when finding newfound happiness feels so fleeting?

One of the reasons I decided to read My Year of Casual Acquaintances was because I read and enjoyed author Ruth F. Stevens last novel, Stage Seven. Though very different stories, there is a common thread of touching upon Alzheimer’s and its effects, a disease that must be important to the author.

While I enjoyed being taken along on Mar’s journey of self discovery, I couldn’t help but be frustrated with some of her decisions in the moment- namely those revolving around her son and Charlie, a man she dates. In those instances I felt Mar came across as frustratingly selfish and a tad self serving. Then again, one could argue everyone has their own set of work to do on oneself, regardless of age.

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Obsessed with this cover!! Not obsessed with the book. I think it could have been good if the main character was more relatable but she was insufferable.

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Mar Meyer’s marriage is over after 28 years and it’s time to put the pieces of her life back together. The big relationships in her life are a mess. Her mother is distant and her son is angry, so Mar’s reinvention is shaped by virtual strangers.

MY YEAR OF CASUAL ACQUAINTANCES takes a unique approach by introducing us to a new person each month who helps Mar find her way in her new reality. Some of these characters move through her life quickly, while others establish themselves more firmly, but all of them help Mar chart her future.

I enjoyed seeing how the author wove these tangential characters into Mar’s life. It’s a good reminder that even small pebbles can create big ripples. This is a slow moving, reflective story. I was surprised at the amount of depth found in this novel and found myself wanting more at the conclusion. Fortunately Ms. Stevens gives us a glimpse at what happens after the final page with a sneak peek at a sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for an advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

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I thought this book was so bland. I needed to read almost 3/4 of the book to find it interesting. For me, the most interesting part of the book was Charlie, the Sexy Eyes, a yogi and best-seller novelist 💗

The book's pace was so slow, I was impatient to read it and almost gave it up, but no, I finished it. Even, I anticipate the sequel for the sake of Charlie 😁

My Year of Casual Acquaintance probably was my first romance with the elderly as the main character. But, wait, can fifty categories be elderly? 🤔

After reading the book cover to cover, I understand why this book was so slow and bland. I ever experienced what Margaret did: moving on from break up. It needed time to heal, digest and process what happened. It may seem slow but somehow it's progressing, it helps us move forward, and even grow.

We may meet people who help us to heal the pain but at the same time facilitate us to be the better version of ourselves that we never imagined, which is good.

In conclusion, this book is about the process of healing and self-development. Margaret was so annoying at the beginning of the book but she improved to be better, after what she experienced by meeting many people through the gym and neighbourhood. She became wiser and more mature although she needed to undergo an unpleasant incident. But, don't we often need a punching moment to make us realize something?

Besides Margaret's character development and her romance with Charlie, I also highlighted her family's relationship that was ruined because of her ex-husband, Henry, dishonesty. He hid all the facts just to be seen as a good guy, as always. The character of someone I dislike 👎🏻

In the end, I can say, I like the book and somehow this book taught me about patience. If I hadn't read the book until the end, I wouldn't have got the enlightening insight and thrilling sensation to wait for the sequel.

Good job, Ruth! Thank you for allowing me to read the book in advance. Good luck! 💗 May readers like the book ✨

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My Year of Casual Acquaintances was a book formatted unlike any other I have read. It takes a look at a middle-aged, newly divorced woman's life as she struggles to figure out what she wants her new life to look like. Each month introduces a new acquaintance, someone who impacts her life meaningfully, no matter how small a time span. As the year passes, she learns more about herself and what parts of life she wants to prioritize.

I thought this book was well-written, fun, and entertaining. The characters felt very real, and I found myself rooting for most of them. The story felt very realistic, which was compelling to me. The small bit of romance woven throughout the book was well done.

I did feel that some of the dialogue was a bit formal or unlike how actual human beings talk to each other, but this was relatively rare. I also didn't love the physical descriptors of every character- it felt a bit body shaming at some points, or at least overly focused on body size and shape. This was a minor part of the book, but something that consistently happened.

I am excited that the sequel is also being released this year- I have never seen such a quick succession in novel release dates, but I can't wait to see how the story continues! It left off at a place I am very interested to see more of.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC! This book will be released on September 26th, and I definitely think it is worth the read.

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Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

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I enjoyed this novel very much! This was so much deeper than I expected. The characters are relatable and believable.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of the book.

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This was a book filled with funny little stories and events as Mar - not Margaret - tries to find herself and start over. It was a cute story, but not one that I couldn't put down

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Love the Idea of this novel. However it was a tedious read that dragged and dragged. Little character development.

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What a great story. 50 yr old Margaret aka Mar joins a gym to start over her life of being a lonely divorcé. This is where she meets a multitude of people that make her take stock of her life and make some changes. Over the course of the year she meets many people at Seaside Fitness Club. Every one of them has an impact in one way or another. Coming to realize she had no one to call after an accident she makes some overdue changes. With these changes she is able to get back some of her most cherished relationships. She “finds people and activities that pleasurably fill her once empty calendar “as she puts it. This was a great story that left you to draw your own conclusions to the end. To my delight there will be a sequel told by Charlie , her love interest in Unexpected Guests. It will be nice to catch up with all the characters again in this new book. Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for this free advanced copy . I am leaving this review voluntarily

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This book sounded interesting, but ended up being boring.

The pace is awful and I had to struggle to finish it.

This had so much potential.

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A fabulous mid-life read about starting over and putting yourself first. Life is nothing but a series of experiences and this wonderful novel highlights this. I highly recommend it!

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What a wonderful surprise this book was - it was so much more than I expected!

Mar, the main character was so completely relatable and I really felt like I was on this rollercoaster of a ride with her as she navigated life after divorce, meeting new friends, dating, discovering new interests and trying to repair her fragile relationship with her son.

There were so many layers to the story, the writing was immersive and I felt like I was reading an autobiography. The characters were well written, I particularly liked Victor and Sunny. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Ruth F. Stevens and Black Rose for an ARC in return for an honest review.

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Margaret is starting over as “Marg” after her divorce. She dives into new friendships from her local gym as she gets to know herself and her family again.

I got a real kick out of this one! It reads like a memoir, as it feels very real life and genuine. The best part of the story is all the unique and eccentric characters. When you open yourself to meeting and getting to know others, it can really be a great. I loved all the gym interactions, and the women at the gym. I found a lot of it laugh out loud funny, but there were also serious topics to work through as well.

“The next time a stranger asks, who can I call for you?, I want that name right on my lips, with no hesitation and no doubt that the person at the receiving end of the call will be there for me and will have my back.”

My Year of Casual Acquaintances comes out 9/5.

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My Year of Casual Acquaintances is a must read. Following Mar in her journey re-inventing herself, we follow this through different acquaintances she makes along the way.
This read was a wonderful delight, the pacing, structure and writing style made the read easy and enjoyable. I must say if you like dialogue you will enjoy this read. I must say the dialogue was slightly unnatural or felt forced but this didn’t take away from my enjoyment.
The pacing was fast paced and made the read enjoyable. If you enjoyed following a woman in a normal realistic life, this is perfect for you.
I enjoyed watching her navigate different relationships, from romantic, familial to amical. This made the story have enough of everything to make the read worth it.

The characters are relatable and realistic; I did feel frustrated towards some of the characters but compassion to our Mar.
The ending did feel slightly rushed, maybe a lack of closer was the reason but do not worry a sequel will follow.

I would recommend this to many readers, who want something easy but deep.

[arc Netgally – Black Rose Writing - comes out on Sep 29 2024 ]

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MY YEAR OF CASUAL ACQUAINTANCES by Ruth F. Stevens

Pub date: Sept. 26, 2024
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Rating: 3 / 5


What is the timeline for second chances?

Newly 50-year-old Margaret Meyer—rather, Mar Meyer— is reinventing herself after her husband divorces her for another woman. This means downsizing her living space, refocusing on her career, and surrounding herself with entirely new people. Mar's familiar life may be completely overturned, but this year is one for positive changes... and maybe a few unexpected things, too.

MY YEAR OF CASUAL ACQUAINTANCES is an exploration of life after divorce and how second chances find their way even in the most unlikely situations. While this is the heart of the book, the story itself can be tedious at times. Mar is a generally unlikable woman whose internal dialogue and treatment of other people are difficult to root for. This does add a layer of realism and relatability to her character, though, and the events of the book push Mar to grow and be kinder to herself and others. Mar's titular acquaintances range from endearing to completely obnoxious. But even the briefest conversations and interactions with these side characters build up to significant moments in the story. Overall, this was a fairly mundane book that follows a middle-aged woman relearning who she is after a major life change. Readers who gravitate toward women-led, slice-of-life narratives will likely enjoy this novel.


(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!)

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3.5 stars, I’m not sure what I expected with this book but it’s a heartwarming tale of a woman finding herself again after a tough breakup. After 20yrs of marriage she is all of a sudden all alone (slightly self imposed solitude it must be said) and goes about making some new friends/acquaintances mostly through her new gym club. It’s a slow burn that I enjoyed but I will warn you it’s not for people looking for exciting mysteries or jam packed with drama.

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