“Now What? Navigating an Unimaginable Divorce” (2020) is a courageous and riveting account of author Nancy Steven’s experience in the aftermath of an adversarial divorce. Nancy Stevens had always felt secure within her 46 year marriage, as she and her husband Roi began to prepare for retirement at their historical family home in Seattle, Washington. Roi, was a retired Army Officer, who had been injured in combat while serving in Vietnam, and was later deployed to Korea. Nancy and their children followed Roi to various post assignments throughout his military career for over two decades until he retired from the Army, and became a successful businessman.

In an instant, Nancy’s life of comfort and stability would end. It was terribly odd that Roi hid behind his highly offensive and aggressive mistress, allowed her to speak for him, and rarely offered an explanation for his outrageous behavior and immoral conduct. Roi lavished the mistress with expensive jewelry, gifts, meals and a vacation abroad with marital funds. Obviously, Roi wasn’t the respectable veteran businessman he pretended to be among family, friends, and in his community.
From across the country in Virginia, Roi had indirectly involved his adult children in his shameful affair—this would eventually cost him every remaining shred of his dignity and self-respect. Without hesitation, Roi lost his faithful wife and family that once loved and supported him. It was very disheartening, disturbing, and sad. By that time, Nancy was in her late 60’s, and was discarded like a used car for a newer model.

As a former military spouse, Nancy was legally entitled to alimony and nearly half of Roi’s military pension, plus medical, post exchange, and commissary privileges. Although Roi knew this as fact, it never stopped him from attempting to cheat and defraud Nancy at every turn. As the bills and debt from her attorney fees mounted, Nancy struggled to make sense of the injustice stacked against her. In sharing her shocking story, Nancy also offers practical tips and helpful advice to others. I wish her the best. ** With thanks to Clovercroft Publishing via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.

Really Nancy, really?

First off thanks to NetGallery, Nancy Steve, and Ingram Publisher Services and Baker & Taylor for allowing me to read this incredible ARC.

WOWWWW what a roller coaster ride Nancy. During the whole read I genuinely felt like a friend was telling their divorce story. I really have to say that mid way throughout the book i had to set it down because of all the stress i was having. I was so enraged and had so much anxiety because i could not fathom that a person would act this way.

Seriously i was hoping some time along the way Nancy would catch a break. I literally felt like i had to set my phone down because i would strangle Roi. I hate him, i know hate is a strong word, but it's so hard to say otherwise to think different because he is just so selfish, self centered, ungrateful, and mean. I was very much hoping that towards the end there would be some resolution HaHa but nope... i have to say i was a little disappointed there since i was waiting for some justice and not just the foreclosure on his house*cries a bit*.

I have to say i know the beginning parts were difficult to write since the beginning feelings of when someone has duped you hurts and your're vulnerable. Well i do have to say that I loved seeing Nancy grow, though i wish she were not so nice at times. Crazy to see how someone you're known forever can just flip and treat them so cruel.

Such an emotional roller coaster! I loved it!

This story kept getting worse and worse for the author....I kept rooting for her and her children.
What scum her ex and his mistress are.

Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.