NOT MY JOB ANYMORE
Now available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, large print paperback, large print hardcover, and audiobook.
What happens when a woman who has spent forty years being dutiful decides she’s done surviving—and starts living dangerously instead?
When Viola arrives in a wintry Massachusetts beach town to bury her mother and settle an estate, she uncovers a devastating secret linking her mother and her husband. Fueled by rage, grief, and a long-buried hunger for freedom, she begins dismantling the version of herself everyone expects.
As a violent nor’easter bears down on the fragile coastal home, Viola plunges into icy Atlantic waters, becomes obsessed with the stranger who rescues her, and confronts the ghosts of her past. Darkly funny, emotionally charged, and suspenseful, this is a story about reinvention, desire, and what happens when a woman decides it’s finally time to choose herself.
“A sparkling later-in-life tale that spills over with wit, warmth, and humanity.” — Kirkus Reviews (Our Verdict: √ Get It)
Hello Book Clubs
I love talking to readers about my books, my process, and about writing and publishing in general. Happy to answer all your questions to the best of my ability.
Please sign up here if you'd like me to zoom in for 20-30 minutes of your book club meeting. Anywhere.
I'm working hard to get the novel into more libraries. You can help by requesting it in any form (ebook, print, large print, audiobook) from your local librarian.
I've also created a downloadable list of discussion topics to get you started talking about the book. I hope this helps!
THE NOT-MY-JOB-ANYMORE BOOK CLUB COMPANION PROMPTS:
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When you first met Viola, what was your impression of her? Did your opinion of her change as the story unfolded? If so, what changed your mind?
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Viola quietly takes on most of the responsibilities in her marriage rather than argue about who should do them. Why do you think so many people avoid addressing unequal partnerships until resentment has already taken root? Have you ever seen this happen in real life?
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Which everyday frustration in the novel felt the most familiar to you?
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Before learning the truth about her husband's long-kept secret, do you think Viola's marriage was already beyond saving? Why or why not?
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How much should a spouse's illness influence decisions about forgiveness, separation, or divorce? Is there ever a point where compassion and self-preservation come into conflict?
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After her mother's death, Viola finds comfort in talking to her mother's favorite chair. Have you ever had a place, object, or tradition that made you feel close to someone you've lost? Why do you think those connections can be so powerful?
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Viola faces difficult decisions while caring for an aging parent. If you've had a similar experience, what challenges surprised you the most? Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently?
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Even during difficult times, the novel finds moments of humor. Which scene made you laugh or smile the most, and why do you think it worked?
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Michael enters Viola's life when she least expects it. If you found yourself single after the age of sixty, would you consider dating again? Would you be looking for a lifelong partner, companionship, or something else?
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Would you be willing to try online dating? If not, what would hold you back? What, if anything, might persuade you to give it a chance?
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Viola lies to Michael about her relationship status. At what point, if any, did her deception become unacceptable? Could you understand why she did it even if you disagreed with her choice? How might you have handled the situation differently?
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What stereotype about growing older does the novel challenge most successfully? Which one made you laugh because it was so true?
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Some of the characters discover that life doesn't always unfold according to plan. Do you believe it's ever too late to reinvent yourself, pursue happiness, or begin again? Have you ever experienced or witnessed a fresh start later in life?
NOT MY MATCH ANYMORE
Now on preorder.
Inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac, this witty and heartfelt novel explores later-in-life love, identity, and the dangerous consequences of hiding behind someone else’s dating profile.
Never married, Serena has made peace with being alone. At least, she's become very good at pretending she has. At sixty-seven, with white hair, a sharp wit, and more disappointments than she can count, she's convinced that romance belongs to younger women.
Then she meets Rowan.
After Serena rescues the charming sixty-five-year-old from an undignified plunge off a dock, an unexpected friendship blossoms. They share a love of words, easy conversation, and a connection Serena hasn’t felt in years. For the first time in a decade, she dares to imagine something more.
Unfortunately, she has a side gig ghostwriting dating profiles and messages for older women looking for love online. When she creates a profile for her younger neighbor, Christine, she never expects Rowan to be the man who responds.
Now Serena finds herself helping another woman win the very man she's falling for. Giving voice to her own feelings through Christine leaves her trapped between honesty and desire, loyalty and longing.
A warm, funny, and emotionally resonant story about aging, self-worth, second chances, and finding the courage to stop writing yourself out of your own love story.