Author S.M Stevens

Adult contemporary fiction "A beautifully crafted story of friendship and self-discovery set amidst the harsh realities of today's world. Superb!" -Eileen O'Finlan, author of Erin's Children Charley Byrne isn't really living. At age 29, she hunkers down in her apartment above the bookstore she manages, afraid of a 7-year curse. Then quirky activist Xander Wallace lures her out of social exile with the prospect of friendship and romance. Charley joins Xander's circle of friends diverse in their heritage, race, gender and sexual orientation. She thrives, even leaving her comfort zone to join protests in a city struggling with social justice ills. But the new friendships bring back-to-back betrayals that threaten the bookstore-Charley's haven-and propel her into a dangerous depression. Can her friends save the store? And Charley? Beautiful and Terrible Things offers a compelling portrait of modern American life in a major city with its vibrant culture and rampant social issues. At once enlightening and entertaining, it reminds us that friendship has the power to validate, destroy, transform, and save lives.

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Adult contemporary fiction All practical Shelby Stewart wants is to build her PR career at the Boston zoo, and maybe find some nice guys to date. But long-buried memories of a childhood incident keep interrupting her plans, affecting her health one way after another. And when will she actually date someone her friends think is good enough for her?Ambitious Astrid Ericcson thinks she wrote the book on How to Get Ahead by Flirting. But she is forced to re-visit her career advancement strategy when her PR agency boss takes the innuendos to a whole new level, threatening her job and her safety.The two frenemies-turned-real-friends reach new highs and lows in life, work and romance, while struggling to make sense of the relationships that torment them. In the end, they realize “almost” counts in much more than horseshoes and hand grenades.

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Middle Grade fiction Shannon Simpson has a kind soul, sometimes questionable judgment, and courage to spare. And she has no idea she can communicate with animals when she sets off on a 100-mile trek through the forest seeking her long-lost grandmother. Finding Gran means winding her way safely through the woods with only a compass, her wits and a mysterious, possibly magical, marra mamba stone to guide her. During her journey, Shannon faces bad weather, injuries, hunger, thirst, and wild animals-some nice and some not so nice. And along the way, she uncovers secrets about her family and herself.

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1ST PLACE IN THE 2023 CHANTICLEER INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS (CIBA), SHORTS CATEGORY WINNER OF THE 2023 AMERICAN FICTION AWARD FOR BEST NOVELETTE READERS’ FAVORITE 5-STAR REVIEW Troubled family relations, modern social justice issues, deeply personal choices. Adult contemporary fiction - novelette Activist Xander Wallace and his straitlaced father do not have an easy relationship. Jim’s views on race, immigration, gender, sexuality and even Millennials alienate his son no matter how hard Xander tries to find common ground. Toss in Jim’s second marriage ten months after Xander’s mother died and it’s a volatile cocktail. How, against this backdrop, will Xander ever dare to bare his soul and reveal his greatest secret? "Stevens has done a wonderful and respectful job of bringing across a positive message of acceptance and love that any person who has ever struggled with that would love to read. I’m excited to read any future novels by this author and see what impact she has on the world today!"- Readers' Favorite“A short but rewarding read. This book is a great study in character and relationships. The awkwardness between Xander and his father and stepmother is painfully recognizable and every reader will feel his discomfort radiating from the page. I particularly felt for Xander’s stepmother who is clearly desperate to bond with a stepson, to the point of cringe-worthiness.”- A Little Book Problem “My heart went out to Xander. It’s desperately sad that so many deal with trying to live a lie for fear of being made to feel they’re somehow less worthy of love and acceptance. This book sends out a powerful message to all.”- Chat About Books “The tension between father and son is palpable. S.M Stevens does a great job of creating a relationship between the two that is believable and tremendously tense at the same time. This book is about knowing yourself and being accepted by others. A touching story with a nice reflection.”- Wottaread “The Wallace House of Pain explores the differences in generational attitudes toward social justice issues, in parallel with exploring a difficult father-son relationship. The novelette delves into that age-old question: Can two people meet in the middle without sacrificing their own beliefs and convictions?”- B for Bookreview

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