The Unexpected Guests

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW!

When a renowned author becomes the reluctant host to a misbehaving widow and a woman with a troubled past, he and his two guests must struggle to conquer their demons . . . or lose the one person closest to their hearts.

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Charlie Kittredge can’t seem to break out of the writer’s block that is threatening his career as a best-selling novelist and his loving relationship with girlfriend Margaret. Gwendolyn, Margaret’s mother, can’t seem to help behaving outrageously and offending others in her quest to remain forever young. And good friend Sunny can’t seem to stop the downward spiral of boyfriend, job, and money problems that plague her along with memories of an abusive father and a secret crush on Charlie.

When Gwendolyn finds herself marooned in Los Angeles and Sunny is thrown out of her apartment, they become permanent fixtures at Charlie and Margaret’s, invading their love nest. Personalities clash until finally, at a disastrous family party, secrets are revealed and tensions reach a breaking point. Estranged from the woman they all hold dear, Charlie and the others set out on separate journeys to find a way to vanquish their personal demons and regain Margaret’s trust—if it’s not too late.

By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, The Unexpected Guests is a page-turning celebration of mature romance, self-discovery, and the true meaning of family.

Available from the publisher, Black Rose Writing, and all major booksellers.

PRAISE

“Well-developed, quirky characters you care about, snappy dialogue, and a realistic approach to the questions and challenges we face well into our later years make this novel a stand-out.”
Gail Ward OlmstedBestselling author of the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series
"Whether she's warming your heart or tearing it apart, Stevens delivers a compellingly realistic look at how our demons haunt us until we face them . . . and how we can come out the other side into love and joy."
Pamela TaylorAuthor of the Second Son Chronicles
“A witty novel about love, family, friendship, and starting over. The characters are endearing and heartbreaking as they maneuver through new love, complex relationships and the bonds that bind them together.”
Tricia Hopper ZacherAuthor of Many a Sudden Change
“Stevens’s clever use of multiple points of view and humorous stories keeps the reader engaged at all times.”
Gary GerlacherAuthor of Last Patient of the Night
“When a California couple find their cozy life upended by a relative's ‘temporary’ four-month visit and an out-of-work spa manager/artist crashed in their guesthouse, the tension builds to a snapping point.”
Cam Torrensaward-winning author of the Tyler Zahn series
“Despite the serious issues the characters face, their story abounds with humorous encounters and funny dialogue. Stevens likes to write stories that make readers laugh and cry, and The Unexpected Guests succeeds on both levels.”
Mary Jo HazardRetired marriage family therapist and author of Stillwater
“Reading Stevens's novel is like watching actors in a play, fluidly moving across the stage scene after scene with snappy dialog and lively performances . . . that culminates with a final act that is sure to bring a smile.”
Lucille Guarinoaward-winning author of Elizabeth’s Mountain
“Hint by artful hint, Stevens pulled me into the masterfully intertwined stories of her ensemble cast, and I was hooked.”
Marsha JacobsonAward-winning author of The Wrong Calamity
“From sharp yet elegant prose to engaging character arcs, there is so much to celebrate, but it is the aching love between Charlie and Margaret that pulls readers in and reminds us of everything there is to adore about this series.”
Indies Today 5-Stars
“A captivating journey that delivers exactly what readers crave—a richly layered story that’s both fun and deeply human.”
BookLife Editor’s Pick
“The prose sparkles with wit and emotion.”
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
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