This book was surprisingly touching, and intimate. All families are complex in their own way, as are the relationships within them. Sister relationships can really be a doozy!

I was initially turned off by Ruth's brusque nature. Very much so, in fact. She seemed so very unhappy about everything, all the time. I think I mistook some of those emotions, and assumed.

Veronica was a fun reunion to read about. While the circumstances were horrible, the connection that is reborn between the sisters is just lovely.

I would recommend this book. It's actually about older people, which aren't written about enough in fiction stories.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Title: The Autumn of Ruth Winters
Author: Marshall Fine
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: November 5, 2024

I received complimentary eARC and ALC copies from Lake Union Publishing and Brilliance Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted

T H R E E • W O R D S

Wholesome • Witty • Relatable

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Ruth Winters is retired, widowed, and resigned to spending the rest of her life alone in her suburban home. She likes her routine and uses it to avoid having to spend time with other people. She probably wouldn’t call herself fulfilled, but it’s too late now to go chasing happiness.

Then three things happen at a beloved niece makes a big announcement, an old flame reaches out, and her estranged sister receives life-changing news. Ruth finds herself reconnecting with people she thought were long gone from her world, as she is forced to reconsider her expectations for this phase of her life.

None of this fits into Ruth’s routine—in fact, the whole thing just blows to bits. But when Ruth starts to pick up the pieces, she discovers that maybe it’s not too late to make something new after all.

💭 T H O U G H T S

As soon as I knew The Autumn of Ruth Winters featured an older, stuck-in-her-ways main character, I added it to my list of anticipated 2024 releases. This is a subgenre I gravitate towards and typically always enjoy reading.

Ruth is one of those characters I really adored. She's not always likeable, and often slightly grumpy, yet I was along for the ride of discovering the reasons behind her harden shell. In many ways she was highly relatable and deeply human. Her relationship with the kids was one of my favourite parts of the story. Her character growth from the beginning to the end was a journey in understanding human connection. I don't know what it says about me that I'm frequently drawn to the grumpy characters.

The writing is simple and the plot is well paced, however, the ending was rather abrupt. The major themes include loneliness and forgiveness, with the main plot centering around the healing of Ruth's broken relationship with her sister, of opening herself up to new relationships, and accepting that life doesn't always go how we'd planned.

Listening to the audiobook, narrated by Joyce Bean, was an enjoyable companion to reading with my eyeballs. The narration brings Ruth's character to life and added a layer of humour I wouldn't have gotten from solely reading the words.

The Autumn of Ruth Winters is one of those gentle and easy reads perfect for the duller days of fall. It's a reminder that it's never too late to mend relationships and open yourself up to new ideas and opportunities. Marshall Fine's debut novel isn't one that will change your life and may be forgettable, yet it's worth picking up for the deeply human nature of Ruth's growth. A new author for me to keep an eye on.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• older MCs
• ordinary characters
• quiet stories

⚠️ CW: cancer, terminal illness, death, death of parent, death of sibling, grief, car accident, toxic relationship, pregnancy

This story intricately explores various complex themes, including family dynamics, the grieving process, the power of forgiveness, and the possibility of second chances. The narrative structure alternates between past and present timelines, which sometimes creates a sense of confusion regarding the sequence of events. Despite this occasional disorientation, it did not significantly detract from my enjoyment of the book.

However, the story's conclusion felt abrupt and left me wanting more. Many questions remained unanswered, resulting in an open ending that felt more frustrating than thought-provoking. I often appreciate a well-rounded resolution; in this case, the lack of closure diminished the impact of the narrative.

On a brighter note, I found the character of Ruth to be particularly interesting. I have a strong affinity for characters who express their thoughts and feelings sincerely, and Ruth embodies this trait beautifully. Her experiences, particularly the challenges she faces in her relationship with her sister, add significant emotional weight to the story. The sister's mistreatment of Ruth throughout their lives creates intense moments of conflict that resonate deeply with the reader. Some scenes are driven by raw emotion, which remains vivid for me long after finishing the book.

Overall, while the story has undeniable strengths, such as the depth of its characters and the weight of its themes, it struggles with coherence and depth in exploring these poignant issues. The potential for a more affluent development of these complex themes is present but ultimately feels under explored.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.

Ruth Winters is about 70 years old (there are contradictions about her age throughout the novel), lives in Minneapolis and hasn't spoken to her three years younger sister Veronica in years until she gets phoned up by her one day out of the blue and asked to drive her to chemo as she has incurable liver cancer.

Ever after this shock revelation, Ruth is very reluctant to help her sister out. There is deep-seated resentment about the past between the sisters. They barely tolerate each other and in a lot of flashbacks we learn why.

Ruth studied art and wanted to become a museum curator, but after a car accident killing her mother and injuring her father, she became his carer for eight years, then an accountant for 37 years and wife to Charles for 15 years. She has always looked after others without help (Veronica simply disappeared, lived her life and went through four husbands) and no one has looked after her. She is now widowed, retired, isolated and set in her ways, not knowing much about modern electronics.

She has no children but looks after some neighbours' kids in her spare time. At the same time, old crush Martin Daly tries to get her to attend their 50th high school reunion, which she resists for the longest time, finding the idea simply preposterous.

This is a story about family, grief, forgiveness and second chances that is as predictable as it is repetitive. It also felt simplistic, with a woman facing death suddenly acknowledging what she did to her sister all these years ago and apologising profusely.

The reunion of the feuding sisters should have been very emotional but it felt flat, with a sort of abrupt and open ending. With no offence to the author, I was left questioning whether his perspective was the right one for an elderly woman's story.

For example, he labels what she does as simple babysitting but babysitters don't take 3-4 different children at a fixed time every week into their own home, feed and even educate them. That's what childminders do but as Ruth doesn't seem to have any qualifications, certificates or a registration, she is probably doing it illegally. She simply doesn't get rumbled because the author doesn't care about it or even understands the difference.

There were too many long flashbacks interrupting the present story, with not all of them being of importance, leaving no time for the present story to fully develop. Sometimes I was confused as to where in time I was, as the story hops around in time, from 50 years back to the present to 20 years back etc.

I liked Ruth as a character, and the fact she loved her niece Chloe so much. She has quite an acerbic tongue but I like people who say what they think. Her sister has treated her terribly in the past, but nevertheless, her life journey was of her own making. She chose to look after her father and she chose to marry Charles.

There seems to be a surge of books about elderly characters rediscovering life, like "A Man Called Ove" or "The Last List of Mabel Beaumont", and they are mostly very good. This one has still a bit of work to do to catch up, but it's not a bad read, just a "we've been here before" one.

3.25 stars

The Autumn of Ruth Winters is one of those silent books that can easily go unnoticed. It's a simple story that deals with the meaning of ageing and self-discovery in that process: you're never too old to forgive, to grow and to find love again.
Ruth Winters is a woman who for many years worked as an accountant and now finds herself working as a babysitter. This is a prelude to a series of changes in Ruth's life, a person who values stability and control above all else.
On the same day that she receives a call from her sister with whom she has a stormy relationship, Ruth is forced to put aside any resentment and animosity and give Veronica a lift to an appointment.
Marshall Fine, the author of the book, shows us the relationship between Ruth and Veronica in an interesting, albeit often one-sided way, highlighting the differences between these characters.
This is a wholesome and easy book to read, with important lessons for anyone, but I came away feeling that the story lacked something more. Despite this, it was a very enjoyable read and one I would recommend to anyone looking for a cosy book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

EXCERPT: Ruth Winters never welcomed change. She tried to avoid it when possible.
Too often, it amounted to change for its own sake, as though 'different' were a synonym for better. In ruth's experience, it seldom was. For Ruth, change upset the balance - if not of the universe, then of Ruth's universe in particular, affecting the way Ruth navigated her world. When change also happened to interfere with Ruth's schedule? That was unacceptable on all counts.

ABOUT 'THE AUTUMN OF RUTH WINTERS': Ruth Winters is retired, widowed, and resigned to spending the rest of her life alone in her suburban home. She likes her routine and uses it to avoid having to spend time with other people. She probably wouldn’t call herself fulfilled, but it’s too late now to go chasing happiness.

Then three things happen at once - a beloved niece makes a big announcement, an old flame reaches out, and her estranged sister receives life-changing news. Ruth finds herself reconnecting with people she thought were long gone from her world, as she is forced to reconsider her expectations for this phase of her life.

None of this fits into Ruth’s routine—in fact, the whole thing just blows to bits. But when Ruth starts to pick up the pieces, she discovers that maybe it’s not too late to make something new after all.

MY THOUGHTS: Ruth is in a rut. Not that she would ever admit to this. To her, her schedule is comforting and inviolate - there is no uncertainty. She's had enough uncertainty and of dreams being thwarted in her life. NO MORE! She never thought that at seventy she would be child-minding to make ends meet.

I didn't much like Ruth to begin with, although her obvious affection for and affinity with small children soon won me over. I could understand and empathise with her feelings about her younger sister but didn't give much thought to looking at things from Veronica's point of view. But Marshall Fine does a great job of this and as Veronica's illness progresses the sisters open up to one another and reach a new understanding of one another's and their own lives.

The Autumn of Ruth Fine is one of those quiet books that can be powerfully life-changing in the right hands. As I read, I went from thinking 'meh' to 'OMG this is a wonderful book.' It is a book about being open to change, about taking opportunities when they arise, about family dynamics, friendship, love, loss and grief. It is a book which touched my heart.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.4

#TheAutumnofRuthWinters #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: Marshall Fine is an author, journalist, critic, historian, and filmmaker. The Autumn of Ruth Winters is his debut novel, although he is the author of three biographies.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Autumn of Ruth Winters by Marshall Fine for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

The Autumn of Ruth Winters was published November 05, 2024.

The Autumn of Ruth Winters is a touching story about an elderly woman. Seventy-year-old Ruth finds herself unexpectedly reuniting with her sister and an old high school crush. Ruth is a retired bookkeeper who is content with her solitary life. She’s not a fan of change or modern technology. That all changes when her estranged sister is diagnosed with cancer, and she receives a letter from an old flame. Ruth is suddenly thrown into a journey of forgiveness and a discovery of joy. Ruth’s new life is both humorous and emotional. Overall, this is a heartwarming story that reminds us that there is always room for change.

Loved this book. An insightful and engaging read for me. I loved the characters and the story so much.

This was a wonderful novel about family, loss and love, I really enjoyed being a part of Ruth’s story.

I'm giving this book 5 stars because I've finally found a book I can relate to. From the first pages, I felt as if I was reading about myself.
Ruth is not a spring chicken. Most of her life is already behind her. She is heading towards her remaining years with acceptance and calm resignation. When she was young she had a clear idea about her future. But then life happened and she had to do what she had to do. Being socially awkward by nature, over time Ruth grew even more withdrawn from her surroundings, lonelier, and more reserved. Ruth receives devastating news about her sister, with whom she has not a very friendly relationship, and an invitation to a school reunion. This will turn Ruth's world upside down and make her realize that her life is not lost.
This is a beautiful story about family, forgiveness, second chances, love and life. Because we have far less control over our lives than we think. Every child wants to be a doctor, an astronaut, a famous singer, etc. But someone has to make and sell shoes, bake bread, paint our house, write a good book and sell it well. Not living your dream doesn't make you less successful, it can make you unhappy if you let it happen. This impacts your family in one way or another. Ruth and her sister Veronica spent most of their lives hating each other for all the wrong reasons. If only they talked sooner.
Beautiful story, real-like relatable characters, well-paced, believable. All of this is sprinkled with tenderness and understanding.
Go and hug someone.

The Autumn of Ruth Winters by Marshall Fine is a hopeful and insightful book. Great characterization paints a picture of a reclusive woman who soon blooms with new life.

Widowed Ruth Winters was made redundant after forty years working for the same company. Approaching her seventies, she supplements her income by looking after her neighbour's pre school age children, whose company she much prefers over adults. She is estranged from her younger sister Veronica, having been left to care for their ailing father until he died. Her only contact with her family is with Chloe, Veronica'a daughter. That is until one day, when Ruth receives a call from Veronica asking for her help. Still bitter towards her sister, Ruth reluctantly agrees to Veronica's
request. Socially awkward, Ruth likes routine and doesn't like change for changes sake. Then out of the blue she receives contact from someone she briefly went out with towards the end of high school, asking her to attend a school reunion with him. Ruth declines and continues to do so.

Much of the novel revisits the past, we learn why Ruth and Veronica are estranged. Old wounds begin to heal and we witness the slow but sure awakening of Ruth as she begins to become the person she could have been if her life had taken a different path. Despite the sadness, there is happiness and the chance of romance. Watching Ruth blossom from a curmudgeonly, lonely lady to someone who realises life can be an enjoyable social experience is heartwarming with the message you are never too old for a second chance at life.

An charming and enjoyable read.

With thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Published for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Ruth Winters, who is presumably autistic, had spent the entirety of her adult life putting herself last and giving up her dream of a career in the art world. She also suffers from social anxiety, which contributes to her aversion to change. However, after spending her young adulthood serving as caregiver to her incapacitated father and many more years married to her late husband who was more of a roommate than love match, she finds herself at loose ends after being laid off. So, life begins to change whether she’s ready for it or not.

Aside from the babysitting she falls into, her life is small and lonely. She only has her loving niece Chloe and a highly-contentiously relationship with her sister, Ronnie. Then, in anticipation of her 50th high school reunion, she hears from an old crush, Martin, who wants to see her. She also gets some awful news from her sister which sets them on the road to reconciliation. It’s both humorous and heartwarming watching Ruth’s self-confidence build as others come to rely on her and, with the attention from both Martin and her sister, witnessing her really come out of the self-imposed cocoon she’d been wrapped in for decades.

As a woman almost as old as 68-year-old Ruth, I could relate to so much of what she has gone through. Her transformation is really inspiring for those of us who have sacrificed so much for our children, or in Ruth’s case, for her father and late husband, especially when we find ourselves lonely for companionship, reminiscing about our youth, and questioning some of the decisions we made that have caused some degree of regret. I know I’m not alone in occasionally thinking about “the one who got away” and how it would play out if given the chance to reconnect.

I liked almost everything about this book except the very abrupt ending. I would have preferred to see more of Ruth and Martin’s relationship building and have some insight into where Ruth’s life was heading. However, it is still a worthwhile, character-driven read that has left me pondering my own life choices, which is a great way to get my mind off of current events that I can’t control. Recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Ruth Winters is living out her retiree years as a widow set in her routine. That is until her sometimes estranged sister calls her with news that she has cancer and needs a ride to chemotherapy. This phone call, along with news from her niece and an old highschool friend, upends Ruth’s routine. The book is about second chances and stepping out of a life that is only comfortable. This book started off cute and fun. Somewhere half way through it started to slow down a bit for me, but overall was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Lake Union Press, Marshall Fine, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I throughly enjoyed this book... at first I did have my doubts but it's is a well written story about family, love, loss and second chances and by the end I honestly didn't want it to end. Ruth (and all the characters really) grew on me tremendously and I actually genuinely cared about them by the end of the book... a sign of a good book in my opinion!

Sweet story of changing no matter your age.

Ruth is set in her ways and does not like anything to change her routine.
Then her estranged sister, Veronica, reaches out for her help. While Ruth is not happy and feels that she is being used but she decides to go along with it anyway.

A feel good story about second chances.

A superb story that has everything: love, loss, the complexities of relationships, personal growth and how individuals navigate their way through their emotions. During a pivotal time in Ruth’s life, she finds herself on an emotional journey changing the course of her life. I really enjoyed this novel and the characters.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a very lovely book to read! I loved the sweet storyline, and thought Ruth was a wonderful character. I thought the writing was well-done and the storyline was easy to follow. I did feel like parts of the story were a bit predictable, which made it equal parts comfortable and overdone. However, overall I thought this book was like a favorite blanket- soft, gentle, and warm.

I liked the concept, it’s about sisters, grief, forgiveness, accepting new changes and how you can change your life at any age. however it was very slow and mundane then the ending felt very quick and abrupt. overall I just wasn’t very invested in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Marshall Fine for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ruth Winters, in her 70s, is retired and definitely set in her ways. Why change? Feeling like life has already passed her by, she sticks to her daily routines to avoid socializing. When her neighbor needs her help, an old boyfriend wants to get together, and her estranged sister has a special request, Ruth has to decide whether to let life pass her by or join the world and be happy. Her journey is fun, as well as emotional, but, a journey you’ll want to take with her. I recommended this book to all my friends.