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Changing Seasons
A heart-warming story about the colourful lives of three lifelong friends, Jesse, Dotty, and Mary. For decades, these three friends have effortlessly and lovingly intertwined their lives through the challenges that life has thrown at them. But now, they are about to face their biggest challenge yet as they embark on new paths dealing with their body types, career choices, and romance.
Jesse, a vibrant overweight divorcee, had been told twelve years ago that she would never have children. But here she is, staring at a blue cross on a white plastic stick, pregnant and alone, with no idea who the father is.
Dotty, who would rather die on an operating table than exist a moment longer in a body that couldn't fit into an aeroplane seat, needs to find a way to get her friends on board for what is to be one of the most dangerous chances she'd ever take with her life.
Mary had made a vow to herself to never get involved with men again, or so she thought. The next day, an ad popped up on her social media account. The stunning mountains of Tanzania enticed her for a five-hundred-mile bike trek. She had nine months to train from couch-potato to super-athlete, and for once, she was determined to commit to herself. The feelings she now has for the man who offered to train her were purely one of gratitude, wasn't it?
Over the course of nine months, these three best friends have their relationships pushed to the limit. They realize they won't be with each other when they most need it. Jesse, Dotty, and Mary suddenly discover themselves in impossible situations without their usual support circle. They each realize they are now facing their new paths head-on... alone.
This is a story about friendship, love, and the challenges that come with growth and change. It's a relatable and heart-warming journey that explores the complexities of life, and how the support of our loved ones can make all the difference.
Jesse, a vibrant overweight divorcee, had been told twelve years ago that she would never have children. But here she is, staring at a blue cross on a white plastic stick, pregnant and alone, with no idea who the father is.
Dotty, who would rather die on an operating table than exist a moment longer in a body that couldn't fit into an aeroplane seat, needs to find a way to get her friends on board for what is to be one of the most dangerous chances she'd ever take with her life.
Mary had made a vow to herself to never get involved with men again, or so she thought. The next day, an ad popped up on her social media account. The stunning mountains of Tanzania enticed her for a five-hundred-mile bike trek. She had nine months to train from couch-potato to super-athlete, and for once, she was determined to commit to herself. The feelings she now has for the man who offered to train her were purely one of gratitude, wasn't it?
Over the course of nine months, these three best friends have their relationships pushed to the limit. They realize they won't be with each other when they most need it. Jesse, Dotty, and Mary suddenly discover themselves in impossible situations without their usual support circle. They each realize they are now facing their new paths head-on... alone.
This is a story about friendship, love, and the challenges that come with growth and change. It's a relatable and heart-warming journey that explores the complexities of life, and how the support of our loved ones can make all the difference.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2022
About the author
J.M. Bartholomew
3 books35 followersJ.M. Bartholomew is a contemporary British author and screenwriter known for sharp observational humour, emotionally honest storytelling, and characters who feel unapologetically real. She writes stories about friendship, love, and the messy in-between stages of life, the bits most people recognise but don’t always say out loud.
She writes as J.M. Bartholomew, but everyone calls her Joe.
Raised around creativity, Joe has always been drawn to storytelling, particularly the small, everyday moments that quietly shape our lives. Her work explores female friendship, self-discovery, and the relationships that carry us through change, combining warmth and wit with a deep understanding of human nature.
Joe’s debut novel, Three Fat Singletons, grew from lived experience and a desire to see female friendship portrayed with humour, honesty, and heart.
Set against the chaos of modern life, Three Fat Singletons follows three women navigating love, identity, and expectation, and the unbreakable bond that keeps them standing when everything else wobbles. The novel resonated strongly with readers for its relatability, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments grounded in truth.
Following the success of her debut, Joe continued the story with Changing Seasons, delving deeper into the characters’ lives as they face loss, growth, and renewal. Exploring how people evolve over time, and how friendship changes alongside them, the novel reflects Joe’s ongoing interest in emotional realism and personal transformation.
In 2024, Joe expanded into screenwriting, winning a Partial Scholarship to the Rocaberti Writers’ Retreat for Changing Seasons, where she was mentored by Emmy-winning writer Stan Zimmerman. This marked a natural progression from page to screen, allowing her character-driven storytelling to take on a new form.
Alongside her writing, Joe has immersed herself in the film world, gaining on-set experience and working with independent production companies. Her creative life spans both literature and film, united by a focus on story, character, and emotional connection.
When she’s not writing, Joe enjoys travelling, attempting tennis, watching far too many films “for research,” and spending time with friends. She is passionate about creating stories that entertain, resonate, and leave readers and audiences feeling understood, and slightly braver than before.
She writes as J.M. Bartholomew, but everyone calls her Joe.
Raised around creativity, Joe has always been drawn to storytelling, particularly the small, everyday moments that quietly shape our lives. Her work explores female friendship, self-discovery, and the relationships that carry us through change, combining warmth and wit with a deep understanding of human nature.
Joe’s debut novel, Three Fat Singletons, grew from lived experience and a desire to see female friendship portrayed with humour, honesty, and heart.
Set against the chaos of modern life, Three Fat Singletons follows three women navigating love, identity, and expectation, and the unbreakable bond that keeps them standing when everything else wobbles. The novel resonated strongly with readers for its relatability, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments grounded in truth.
Following the success of her debut, Joe continued the story with Changing Seasons, delving deeper into the characters’ lives as they face loss, growth, and renewal. Exploring how people evolve over time, and how friendship changes alongside them, the novel reflects Joe’s ongoing interest in emotional realism and personal transformation.
In 2024, Joe expanded into screenwriting, winning a Partial Scholarship to the Rocaberti Writers’ Retreat for Changing Seasons, where she was mentored by Emmy-winning writer Stan Zimmerman. This marked a natural progression from page to screen, allowing her character-driven storytelling to take on a new form.
Alongside her writing, Joe has immersed herself in the film world, gaining on-set experience and working with independent production companies. Her creative life spans both literature and film, united by a focus on story, character, and emotional connection.
When she’s not writing, Joe enjoys travelling, attempting tennis, watching far too many films “for research,” and spending time with friends. She is passionate about creating stories that entertain, resonate, and leave readers and audiences feeling understood, and slightly braver than before.
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