The Autumn of Ruth Winters

DEBUT This first novel from Fine, who heretofore has written mostly Hollywood biographies, is a heartwarming and empathetic story, full of believable characters for whom happiness just might happen after all. Ruth Winters is widowed, retired, and spends most of her time babysitting kids in her Minnesota neighborhood. Resigned to a routine of structured loneliness, she is unprepared for a rapid succession of life changes. Her treasured niece is pregnant, an old flame from high school reaches out to her, and her estranged sister calls with devastating news. Her routine is upended, and as Ruth works through each of these potentially life-altering events, she begins to reconsider the expectations she had for this time of her life. Suspicious of happiness and wary of forgiveness, she wills herself to listen to those around her who see her and her new future in a much more positive light.