The Autumn of Ruth Winters: A Novel

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 1,477 ratings

Price: 3.99

Last update: 12-22-2024


About this item

In this heartwarming story about second acts and second chances, a no-nonsense retiree, very much set in her ways, must learn to adapt and make peace with her past in order to build a fulfilling future.

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.


From the Publisher

It's time to take a chance.

Top reviews from the United States

  • S. Crocker
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Lovely Tale
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
    A nice, uncomplicated, soothing read for someone seemingly able to relate to many of the nuances of Ruth's life...just lovely and just what I needed at this point in my life.
  • Carmen Gibson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Reflective
    Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2024
    Imagine living your whole life avoiding, border line hating someone so much that many of your life choices were made through that lens. This book isn't anything quick paced but it does present a woman early into her senior years. She's facing as we do at this age changes due to death, retirement, illness and circumstances. She sees herself as unattractive, uninteresting, and socially awkward. She's presented with situations which could drastically change her life but thinking, daydreaming, and hoping can take you only so far. At some point you have to take action. As she moves towards a decision will she learn that she got it all wrong?
  • Sebastion1
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review:
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2024
    I loved the book very much...Talk about a coming of age book although truth be told " coming of age later in life"! I loved the main character...Ruth Winters she was gritty, genuine, loving & always herself ....She wanted what we all want to be accepted for who she was with no harsh judgement from anyone else ....She had started out with a very fractured relationship with her sister but in the end they reconciled and both realized they were at fault for how they treated each other ....Plus, it's a feel good book that you can move forward and change and grow even as you age .....Thanks for an enjoyable great read! M.L.????????
  • beck
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sisters
    Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2024
    I enjoyed this story. As one of seven sisters, I realize how important and how complex those connections can be. Some close and some as in story that haven't spoken in years. This felt real and I enjoyed Ruth and her journey.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars very good read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2024
    I really didn’t know what to suspect when I started this book. It surprised me in many ways. It deals with some sad topics in such a realistic way but never depressed me. It had worthwhile dialogue and interesting characters. It was always to the point without any needless fluff.
  • KMD
    3.0 out of 5 stars WAY too predicitable...
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024
    It is a sweet story about second chances and the possibility that happiness and contentment can happen anytime in a person's life. But it was trite and totally predictable. I could have written the ending after reading the first couple of chapters--I don't care for books that are that formulaic. Well written and I like the characters but just not a particularily good read.
  • Linda Nobles
    5.0 out of 5 stars enjoyable Read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024
    I enjoyed Ruth’s journey of discovery. In was interesting to read about a woman who was shy and introverted and extremely intelligent. A woman who had no understanding of the depth of her own self.
  • marjorie j. shaw
    4.0 out of 5 stars Learning To Live Life Differently
    Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2024
    The Autumn of Ruth Winters by Marshall Fine was a very enjoyable read. It’s the story of Ruth Winters, an elderly lady that is really set in her ways. She’s always done the right thing, what ever was expected of her and never really got the chance to enjoy life because she always put others first. In this story you read about Ruth and her sister Veronica and how they have never gotten along. It isn’t until a life threatening illness happens to one of them that they clear the air and learn that they really do love each other. It was a great storyline reading how two sisters, complete polar opposites come together in a time of need and find the courage to apologize and forgive each other for mistakes they have made in their pasts. I loved how in the end Ruth starts to live life differently by trying new things and spending time with those who matter most to her. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc to read and review. I believe that the reason I enjoyed this book so much was because I could relate to Ruth being that we are both retirement age and that we have somewhat similar personalities. I’m giving this book a 4 star rating and would be very interested in reading more from this author in the future.

    • Best Sellers in

     
     

    The Patient's Secret: A Novel

    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 29282
    5.99
     
     

    Holiday Hoax: A Fake Marriage Billionaire Romance (The Cartwright Family Book 1)

    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 5255
    5.99
     
     

    What Alice Forgot

    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 86187
    1.99
     
     

    Season's Schemings: A Holiday Hockey Rom Com (Cyclones Christmas Book 1)

    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 6690
    4.99
     
     

    Between Now and Forever

    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 621
    3.99
     
     

    A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them

    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 5965
    12.99
     
     

    The Christmas Tree Farm: TikTok Made Me Buy It (Dream Harbor, Book 3)

    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 7379
    1.99
     
     

    The Very Naughty List

    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2945
    5.99