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Riches to Ruinville: A Laugh-Out-Loud Women’s Fiction Novel About Two Socialites, One Swamp, and Zero Survival Skills
From USA Today Bestselling author Katherine Hastings, whose books have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor and been final nominees multiple times for the Best Humor Book AUDIE Awards, comes a laugh-out-loud tale of riches to rags…
Two Manhattan socialites. One Louisiana shack. Zero survival skills. What could go wrong?
For decades, CeCe and Diane ruled New York's elite—frenemies locked in a glitzy battle for social supremacy. Then the FBI showed up. Their husbands vanished with millions in stolen money, leaving the queens of couture with nothing.
No assets. No homes. Not even a yacht to fight over.
Penniless, homeless, and humiliated, the longtime rivals have no choice but to take refuge in the only place they have left—a crumbling house in Ruinville, Louisiana, inherited from Diane’s long-lost aunt.
The bayou is a far cry from Fifth Avenue. The neighbors are eccentric, the humidity is murder on their hair, and the resident alligator has zero respect for personal space. With no Plan B, CeCe, Diane, and CeCe’s ever-loyal assistant, Julian, must rebuild from scratch.
That means jobs (ugh), Walmart (gasp), and worst of all—depending on each other.
But if they can survive the bayou—and each other—they just might discover a second act they never saw coming.
Perfect for book clubs and readers who love humorous women’s fiction, unlikely friendships, and hilarious second chances, Riches to Ruinville is a feel-good novel that proves it’s never too late to start over.
Two Manhattan socialites. One Louisiana shack. Zero survival skills. What could go wrong?
For decades, CeCe and Diane ruled New York's elite—frenemies locked in a glitzy battle for social supremacy. Then the FBI showed up. Their husbands vanished with millions in stolen money, leaving the queens of couture with nothing.
No assets. No homes. Not even a yacht to fight over.
Penniless, homeless, and humiliated, the longtime rivals have no choice but to take refuge in the only place they have left—a crumbling house in Ruinville, Louisiana, inherited from Diane’s long-lost aunt.
The bayou is a far cry from Fifth Avenue. The neighbors are eccentric, the humidity is murder on their hair, and the resident alligator has zero respect for personal space. With no Plan B, CeCe, Diane, and CeCe’s ever-loyal assistant, Julian, must rebuild from scratch.
That means jobs (ugh), Walmart (gasp), and worst of all—depending on each other.
But if they can survive the bayou—and each other—they just might discover a second act they never saw coming.
Perfect for book clubs and readers who love humorous women’s fiction, unlikely friendships, and hilarious second chances, Riches to Ruinville is a feel-good novel that proves it’s never too late to start over.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2025
About the author
Katherine Hastings
26 books287 followersUSA Today bestselling author Katherine Hastings writes books that make readers laugh, swoon, and escape into unforgettable adventures. From hilarious women’s fiction to swoon-worthy romance and high-stakes suspense, she weaves stories filled with heart, humor, and a dash of chaos.
Her books have been AUDIE Award-nominated for Best Humor and have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor, proving that laughter and storytelling go hand in hand.
When she’s not crafting page-turning tales, you’ll find her in Wisconsin, snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. If she’s not writing indoors, she’s outside with her horses, ducks, and Sebastopol geese—because life is better with a little fur and feathers.
Her happy place? Floating in the lake with a book, a cold drink, and a plate of Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
Her books have been AUDIE Award-nominated for Best Humor and have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor, proving that laughter and storytelling go hand in hand.
When she’s not crafting page-turning tales, you’ll find her in Wisconsin, snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. If she’s not writing indoors, she’s outside with her horses, ducks, and Sebastopol geese—because life is better with a little fur and feathers.
Her happy place? Floating in the lake with a book, a cold drink, and a plate of Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 2, 2025
3.5 rounded down to 3. The book was entertaining and the characters were mostly enjoyable, even though they frequently came across as college-age instead of women in their 60s.
However...if you're going to set a book in Louisiana and have characters that are Cajun or use Cajun phrases, PLEASE, for the love of god, get a Cajun editor or reader to go through your book before publishing.
These things may seem small, but for a culture that's losing its language and that is nearly always portrayed incorrectly in media, the little things really matter. Example: while you can spell the Cajun term of endearment "cher" it is not pronounced the same as in standard French, so the joke about thinking she's being called Cher, simply does not work. A lot of Cajuns usually write it as "sha" since it's closer to how it's pronounced.
Actually it just needs to be proofread in general. It's "y'all," not "ya'll," and it's "air of importance" not "heir of importance."
So if you're considering reading the book because you're Cajun or from Louisiana or anything along those lines, maybe skip this one.
However...if you're going to set a book in Louisiana and have characters that are Cajun or use Cajun phrases, PLEASE, for the love of god, get a Cajun editor or reader to go through your book before publishing.
These things may seem small, but for a culture that's losing its language and that is nearly always portrayed incorrectly in media, the little things really matter. Example: while you can spell the Cajun term of endearment "cher" it is not pronounced the same as in standard French, so the joke about thinking she's being called Cher, simply does not work. A lot of Cajuns usually write it as "sha" since it's closer to how it's pronounced.
Actually it just needs to be proofread in general. It's "y'all," not "ya'll," and it's "air of importance" not "heir of importance."
So if you're considering reading the book because you're Cajun or from Louisiana or anything along those lines, maybe skip this one.
July 13, 2026
We read this for book club. I wasn't sure about this at first but I ended up really enjoying it. I always love a storyline of survival in very challenging circumstances. And I LOVE the found family!
March 30, 2026
I laughed a lot and cried a little.
My sister recommended this author and book to me, and my sister never let's me down!
The premise of the book is that 3 people once enemies and now friends, had lost everything but then gained so much more. From the high life in the City to a small southern town their lives changed.
The characters were great and I really loved the small town with a caring community vibe.
Highly recommended.
My sister recommended this author and book to me, and my sister never let's me down!
The premise of the book is that 3 people once enemies and now friends, had lost everything but then gained so much more. From the high life in the City to a small southern town their lives changed.
The characters were great and I really loved the small town with a caring community vibe.
Highly recommended.
July 6, 2026
I’d skip this one
I wanted to enjoy this book. I tried to enjoy this book. But I just couldn’t. There were parts that were good, some funny one liners, and I understand that the storyline was trying to show the growth of the characters…
However, 2 of the characters were written so well, I almost stopped reading the book because they were so annoying it was a distraction. The level of entitlement and immaturity was beyond anything I could imagine. I was so irritated by the behavior of the characters, I wanted to walk away. But I didn’t. I did finish the book. I doubt I will read any other books by this author though.
Another thing that I found ridiculous about this book is the 2 FMC are in their 60s and are written as if they were in their 40s, but they’re trying to decide what careers they are going to start, while one of them decides to go to college part time for Nursing… it’s not even entertaining to read about a 60 something year old woman being so lost in life that she decides to go to college and start a physically hard career at the age of retirement. The MMC is in his 40s but acts like a spoiled brat that is in his 20s. I feel like the author wrote the characters well but made them all 20 years too old. It doesn’t make any sense.
It’s very strange to read a coming of age story about women who are in their 60s. I get having to rediscover who you are after divorce, I couldn’t even imagine after a 40 year marriage like the characters, but they shouldn’t be so far behind in life that at 62 and 67 they are looking for a sugar daddy and dreaming of getting married again. It’s just weird.
I wanted to enjoy this book. I tried to enjoy this book. But I just couldn’t. There were parts that were good, some funny one liners, and I understand that the storyline was trying to show the growth of the characters…
However, 2 of the characters were written so well, I almost stopped reading the book because they were so annoying it was a distraction. The level of entitlement and immaturity was beyond anything I could imagine. I was so irritated by the behavior of the characters, I wanted to walk away. But I didn’t. I did finish the book. I doubt I will read any other books by this author though.
Another thing that I found ridiculous about this book is the 2 FMC are in their 60s and are written as if they were in their 40s, but they’re trying to decide what careers they are going to start, while one of them decides to go to college part time for Nursing… it’s not even entertaining to read about a 60 something year old woman being so lost in life that she decides to go to college and start a physically hard career at the age of retirement. The MMC is in his 40s but acts like a spoiled brat that is in his 20s. I feel like the author wrote the characters well but made them all 20 years too old. It doesn’t make any sense.
It’s very strange to read a coming of age story about women who are in their 60s. I get having to rediscover who you are after divorce, I couldn’t even imagine after a 40 year marriage like the characters, but they shouldn’t be so far behind in life that at 62 and 67 they are looking for a sugar daddy and dreaming of getting married again. It’s just weird.
June 21, 2025
so the beginning of the book had me laughing out loud. I actually just finished a rather suspenseful read, and my book club decided to change it up a bit. I had high hopes till the mush fest started. This could have been a 5 star read if the author had continued the path of humor described in the earlier sections and left the Harlequin romance garbage out till the very end. It all ended up as a big disappointment for me. I gave it a 3 because of the genuinely funny humor in parts, her characters, Mainly Julian and the towns people, the gator and the frenemy versions of the two female leads Diane and CeCe. The author had a good thing going. until she didnt! Just a sadly missed opportunity to be a standout comedy and uplifting book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2026
Diane, CeCe, and CeCe's assistant Julian, are socialites in New York. Diane and CeCe run in the same circles but are enemies. Soon they're greeted by the FBI and told their husbands stole millions of dollars. With all of their assets taken away, they are forced to start over in Ruinville, LA, after Diane inherits her aunt's home. Ruinville is a culture shock for the three frenemies but they must navigate their new life...or get eaten by the alligators.
I spent 80% of this book frustrated. The errors are SO annoying and throughout every chapter! I also don't understand how this is a "laugh out loud" book....no parts were that funny to me. And it was about 100 pages too long. For some stupid reason I powered through this one, but should have DNFd it.
I spent 80% of this book frustrated. The errors are SO annoying and throughout every chapter! I also don't understand how this is a "laugh out loud" book....no parts were that funny to me. And it was about 100 pages too long. For some stupid reason I powered through this one, but should have DNFd it.
July 21, 2025
In the beginning I hated the character of CeCe and almost didn’t read any further. I’m glad I persevered as I really got pulled in by the rest of the story. Diane and CeCe are left penniless and homeless when their rich husbands abscond with millions of stolen dollars. Diane's aunt has recently died and she left her broken down old house in a small bayou town and a small amount of money to Diane. CeCe and her personal assistant, Julian, beg Diane for a temporary home so they all head to the sticks.
March 28, 2025
So good...didn't want it to end
What a great book. I was drawn in from the very beginning by the great characters, and I could not stop reading. I could not imagine having to start my life over with nothing, especially if I had been rich. But, these three head off to a tiny town and try their best to fit in. This book is full of hardships, laughter, and love, which left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. I didn't want their story to end.
What a great book. I was drawn in from the very beginning by the great characters, and I could not stop reading. I could not imagine having to start my life over with nothing, especially if I had been rich. But, these three head off to a tiny town and try their best to fit in. This book is full of hardships, laughter, and love, which left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. I didn't want their story to end.
June 29, 2026
nonstop laughter
I have never laughed so hard and long while reading a book until I read this book! I literally had to stop and take a breath so often that I looked around to assure myself that no one was likely to have me committed! I used to have family in Louisiana as well, which made many of the characters come alive for me. Reading this book was worth a fortune in therapy!
I have never laughed so hard and long while reading a book until I read this book! I literally had to stop and take a breath so often that I looked around to assure myself that no one was likely to have me committed! I used to have family in Louisiana as well, which made many of the characters come alive for me. Reading this book was worth a fortune in therapy!
May 25, 2025
Riches to Ruinville
This book started out so promising. It was funny. It was fun reading until it got stupid. Everything is so neatly tied up at the end of the book. It is so unrealistic and a waste of time. I outgrew syrupy romances many years ago. this really is geared to a 14 year-old teenager.
This book started out so promising. It was funny. It was fun reading until it got stupid. Everything is so neatly tied up at the end of the book. It is so unrealistic and a waste of time. I outgrew syrupy romances many years ago. this really is geared to a 14 year-old teenager.
July 6, 2025
I really struggled with the first 5 chapters. Maybe I just couldn’t relate to what the characters were going through. They weren’t very likable. I almost deleted it from Kindle- but I powered through. Once the characters got to Ruinville things picked up. Made me laugh out loud a few times. Romance was there but nothing graphic. Satisfying ending.
August 3, 2025
A great book
This is the first book I have read by this author. Talk about a feel good and a nice story about overcoming and growing as a person. We see the struggles of three different people and how they evolve. I would recommend this book if you want some laughs, shed a tear and root that they learn.
This is the first book I have read by this author. Talk about a feel good and a nice story about overcoming and growing as a person. We see the struggles of three different people and how they evolve. I would recommend this book if you want some laughs, shed a tear and root that they learn.
February 18, 2026
A must read
What a fun book! I loved this book very much. At first I thought Diane and CeCe were terrible woman, but the more I read about their journey the more I became a fan, I you want to read I book that just makes you feel good about the power of friendship, this is one for you!
I will be looking to see what else Katherine Hastings has written.
What a fun book! I loved this book very much. At first I thought Diane and CeCe were terrible woman, but the more I read about their journey the more I became a fan, I you want to read I book that just makes you feel good about the power of friendship, this is one for you!
I will be looking to see what else Katherine Hastings has written.
April 28, 2026
Heartwarming adventure, empowering inspiration and laugh out loud moments
Katherine Hastings has become a standby author, making anything she writes a must read ! She has become a favorite in my reading journey. Our book club ladies love her. Women together facing challenges and winning in the end with trust and love.
Katherine Hastings has become a standby author, making anything she writes a must read ! She has become a favorite in my reading journey. Our book club ladies love her. Women together facing challenges and winning in the end with trust and love.
May 15, 2026
green acres light
Rich girls get dumped, moved to a swamp, , embrace every stereotype of the south possible and find true love. The accents in the audiobook were horrific. I did find some entertainment in the community and support for their neighbors. Extremely predictable and occasionally humorous .
Rich girls get dumped, moved to a swamp, , embrace every stereotype of the south possible and find true love. The accents in the audiobook were horrific. I did find some entertainment in the community and support for their neighbors. Extremely predictable and occasionally humorous .
July 8, 2026
You don't feed alligators!
The book started out entertaining but then got a little sappy. And as someone who lives in Florida you would never feed an alligator so the fact that her aunt did was very unbelievable and when someone who makes their living doing tours feeds one that is just illegal and the writer should have done her research and known this.
The book started out entertaining but then got a little sappy. And as someone who lives in Florida you would never feed an alligator so the fact that her aunt did was very unbelievable and when someone who makes their living doing tours feeds one that is just illegal and the writer should have done her research and known this.
July 11, 2026
Enjoyable
First off, it would be great if this world had more Bayou Bill's and Fireman John's, I obviously enjoyed this book as I stayed up way past my bedtime a couple of nights to keep reading g, haha. I enjoyed the characters and the message(s) that presented themselves throughout the pages.
First off, it would be great if this world had more Bayou Bill's and Fireman John's, I obviously enjoyed this book as I stayed up way past my bedtime a couple of nights to keep reading g, haha. I enjoyed the characters and the message(s) that presented themselves throughout the pages.
May 8, 2025
This book was so fun! The storyline was hilarious and I laughed so much. CeCe, Julian and Diane were crack ups and the community of Ruinville was great! Small town living at its finest. Love all her books!
June 5, 2025
A fun read
What would you do if you lost everything? A good place to start would be following the path of these two women and their best friend, Julian. Who knew coming back from having it all (or so they thought), to being destitute could be a lesson in laughter and love.
What would you do if you lost everything? A good place to start would be following the path of these two women and their best friend, Julian. Who knew coming back from having it all (or so they thought), to being destitute could be a lesson in laughter and love.
July 12, 2025
What an absolutely wonderfully entertaining book. It was funny in so many places, but I also felt there was a lot of truth to these upper class women trying to best each other. Thank you for a great read, which btw I read it in one day. Couldn't put it down.
August 12, 2025
Great Story!
This book made me laugh out loud many times. Great characters, romance and different situations in each chapter. Easy to visualize each character and the scenes that were described. I will be sure to read other books by this author.
This book made me laugh out loud many times. Great characters, romance and different situations in each chapter. Easy to visualize each character and the scenes that were described. I will be sure to read other books by this author.
September 22, 2025
Great
Loved all the characters in this book, the story was great. I love all the adventures that the characters went on and how they all became their own person with their own and new adventures in life. Anyone over the age of 50 should read this book it's really good and cute
Loved all the characters in this book, the story was great. I love all the adventures that the characters went on and how they all became their own person with their own and new adventures in life. Anyone over the age of 50 should read this book it's really good and cute
January 24, 2026
A fun story
Loved the book! A fun story that will make you laugh and bring a happy tear to your eye. Absolutely LOVED the Wilder Widows and thought this would be just as good. I was right!!
Loved the book! A fun story that will make you laugh and bring a happy tear to your eye. Absolutely LOVED the Wilder Widows and thought this would be just as good. I was right!!
February 17, 2026
Entertaining & heart warming
A light read that captures you immediately. While funny it’s also an endearing story of finding true happiness. I feel like these are my friends now & need a sequel to catch us up on their lives.
A light read that captures you immediately. While funny it’s also an endearing story of finding true happiness. I feel like these are my friends now & need a sequel to catch us up on their lives.
February 21, 2026
Not the kind of book I usually seek out, but this one looked like fun… and it was. However there was a lot of repetition of lines, phrases in the writing that was unnecessary and ultimately only added length to the story not depth.
March 9, 2026
Riches to Rags, Enemies to Friends
I loved this book and I highly recommend it to everyone! This book has it all, love, hate, riches to rags,
betrayal, enemies ,loyalty, best friends, loss,
new found love, forgiveness and richness in self worth no amount of money can buy.
I loved this book and I highly recommend it to everyone! This book has it all, love, hate, riches to rags,
betrayal, enemies ,loyalty, best friends, loss,
new found love, forgiveness and richness in self worth no amount of money can buy.
March 14, 2026
Witty and Wild
The characters in this book are funny and their unexpected change of life circumstances sends them on a struggling but hilarious adventure. Hastings has created a comedy of characters from the main ones to all the town folk. This story will have you in stitches.
The characters in this book are funny and their unexpected change of life circumstances sends them on a struggling but hilarious adventure. Hastings has created a comedy of characters from the main ones to all the town folk. This story will have you in stitches.
April 28, 2026
Absolutely loved this book. A great feel good book. Characters dealt with a sudden hardship and learned to stand on their own feet . They started as rivals for many years and ended as close friends. Book made me laugh and at times shed a tear. Definitely worth reading
May 11, 2026
too trite, too sappy
It was not anywhere near as good as other reviews said. I was rolling my eyes half the time. Dumb. Aunt Addie was the most real and likeable character, and she was dead the whole time.
It was not anywhere near as good as other reviews said. I was rolling my eyes half the time. Dumb. Aunt Addie was the most real and likeable character, and she was dead the whole time.
May 31, 2026
Good time Enjoyable
Great book that made me laugh out loud, very entertaining. I just love Julians humor he new all the right things to say. When they talked about the past tricks on each other that cracked me up in laughter.
Great book that made me laugh out loud, very entertaining. I just love Julians humor he new all the right things to say. When they talked about the past tricks on each other that cracked me up in laughter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews