The Not So Simple Life

by Stephen Shea

This short novel is jam-packed with adventure, humor, spiritual wisdom and spiritual wise-crackery. Casey Stewart is on the edge of thirty and working in an advertising firm, a job that is slowly grinding him down. When he goes on a blind date with a mysterious woman named Violet it awakens his inner adventurer. Within hours he is without a job and speeding across the country on an escapade with Violet and his Volvo, Odin. But she has secrets, and, most dreadful of all, will he tell her the secret of his missing finger (whom he calls Frodo)? Add his very own personal stalker to the mix and there's even a chapter "Don't Mix Hockey and Sex." How can you go wrong? A comedy novel that will keep you grinning, pluck at your heart strings and squeeze out a few laughs, too. About the Stephen Shea is the pseudonym of a semi-famous author who is experimenting with several genres. He lives next door to you.

Genres: Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2012

About the author

Stephen Shea is the pseudonym of a semi-famous author who is switching genres and hats. His real name is: http://ow.ly/duHZG Like I said, he's semi-famous.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and again an author surprises me. Sometimes it is good, and my opinion of them goes up. Sometimes it is bad. This time it was amazing. I have been a fan of Arthur Slade’s writings for many years. Recently I found out he has been publishing books under the name of Stephen Shea and they are amazing! To date there are two novels and a short story published under the name Stephen Shea and I devoured all three in under a week.

Casey Stewart is an advertising copy writer. His Volvo is named Odin and his missing finger is named Frodo. And after a blind date with a woman named Violet, his life is turned upside down. Casey has some idiosyncrasies and a very intriguing back story.

The writing is witty and humorous at its best. Join Casey on a road trip that leads many place and most of them unforeseen. It was an amazing read and I have recommended it to dozens of people. The story is quirky but once you begin the journey you will not want to get off the ride. And you might just want to find out what happens to Casey next! A great read!

Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the author on my blog Book Reviews and More. And also an author profile and interview with Arthur Slade.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's a fast-paced, quick read, full of adventure. A page turner in the true sense as it will keep you wondering what will happen next. Casey Stewart goes on a blind date with a young woman, Violet. He is then fired from his job and decides to go on a road trip to escape from his life that has become mundane. Violet invites herself along and they embark on an adventure. Casey learns more about his mysterious companion but is left wondering whether everything he's told is true. She is certainly an intriguing character who seems to hold many secrets. Casey also has a past that he hasn't come to terms with. As we follow the pair on the road trip, and after a visit to Casey's brother, we learn more and more about Casey's past. The ending of the book is particularly well done, and quite poignant. This is a book that will entertain you and make you think. It's written with humour but seems to have a deeper meaning, with themes that include regret, blame, guilt, secrets, and loss.