Title: Reinventing Rita: A Midlife Moxie Novel (Midlife Moxie Novel Series Book 1)
Author: Nancy Christie
Genre: Women’s fiction/Midlife fiction
Book Blurb:
Is fifty too old to start over and reinvent yourself? That’s what Rita Reynolds has to decide after a series of unwelcome occurrences arrive in time for her fiftieth birthday. First, she learns that her college-age son would rather spend the summer with his new girlfriend rather than at home with his mother. Then comes the unpleasant news that her part-time job might be ending, which will toss her back into the job market. Underscoring it all is the realization that since her divorce, she’s been coasting on the highway of life. Now, it’s time to hit the gas and start moving ahead, despite the bumps in the road that keep slowing her down! A chance to teach a six-week baking class brings Rita’s almost-forgotten dream of becoming a professional baker back to the surface. Can she overcome her fear that it might be too late for a midlife makeover? With the help of two friends—Donna, her employer, and Karen, her ex-husband’s second wife—she’s about to find out.
My Review:
You’re never too old to reinvent yourself. Just ask Rita. I’m a big fan of women’s fiction, especially when it comes to making changes for the better. Reinventing Rita is an emotional yet uplifting tale every woman needs to read. Nancy Christie channels what women aged fifty deal with, no matter how trivial, with self-depreciating humor and grace. Can Rita do it or will she crumple in a heap? You’ll have to read on.
It all starts with the characters. Rita is a character I connected with. While her circumstances are different from my own, the feels are the same. Lemons in life happen but what you do in response is the difference between lemon souffle and lemon juice in your eye. The rest of the characters fill out the story nicely. I rather liked Karen, as she’s an unexpected joy in this tale.
The writing is superb with plenty of humor and emotion. I’ve read Nancy Christie’s books before, but this is her triumph, her life’s work, if you will. With honesty, emotion, and realism, the author brings midlife for women into the spotlight. Her words will resonate with you, like they did for me. The pacing is perfect with humorous dialogue.
If you’re looking for a fresh take on embracing fifty, pick up Reinventing Rita. A refreshing women’s fiction you can’t put down. I have already recommended this book to all my women friends and family. Go now and grab your copy.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it Now:
Now available in print!
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3oy5O9t
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/reinventing-rita-a-midlife-moxie-novel-volume-1-nancy-christie/19747977
Author Biography:
Nancy Christie has been making up stories since she learned how to write, and she plans to continue as long as her fingers can work the keyboard. She can often be found walking the streets of her neighborhood, reciting lines of dialogue or recording plot ideas on her cell phone before they escape her mind.
Reinventing Rita (the first in her Midlife Moxie novel series) is Nancy's sixth book. Her other books include The Gifts of Change, Rut-Busting Book for Writers, Rut-Busting Book for Authors, Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories and Peripheral Visions and Other Stories. Mistletoe Magic, her third fiction collection, will be released late 2023. Her books and short stories have won awards and earned contest placements.
Nancy is the creator and host of the Living the Writing Life podcast and founder of the annual "Celebrate Short Fiction" Day. She's a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Women's Fiction Writers Association, and the Florida Writers Association. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads. For more about Nancy, visit her website at www.nancychristie.com
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NChristie_OH
Reviewed by: Nancy