Beautiful and Terrible Things
"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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2024 American Fiction Awards Finalist - General Fiction
2024 Literary Titan Silver Book Award Winner
Indies Today 5-Star Recommended Read
Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review
"Beautiful and Terrible Things by S.M. Stevens is a compelling literary novel with resonant themes and characters that stay with readers after the last page is turned." -Readers' Favorite
"S.M. Stevens creates a fine juxtaposition of beautiful and terrible moments in a life already frayed by self-destructive tendencies, depression, and isolation. It's highly recommended for diverse audiences interested in how social and political consciousness evolves and how self-analysis influences that process." -Midwest Book Reviews
"Beautiful and Terrible Things is not just a story about overcoming adversity but also a reflection on the intrinsic beauty that can be found in life's most formidable moments." -Literary Titan
"The six protagonists have the type of friendship that makes the Reader think, I want to live in that city and be a part of that group. They are almost like the Friends gang, only more diverse and set in the 2020's." -Julie Sara Porter, Reedsy Discovery
"A potent juxtaposition of things painful to bear and inspiring to behold, Beautiful and Terrible Things is an eloquent novel that fully lives up to its name." -Indies Today
"A poignant, whirlwind read that grabs you. A story so relevant it vibrates." -Tina O'Hailey, author of Dark Drink
"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
"Much like finding love when you're least expecting it, sometimes a book comes along and literally takes your breath away. "Beautiful and Terrible Things" by S. M. Stevens stole my heart from the first page. The author has successfully woven a tale of friendship, love, and identity amidst the chaos of today's dangerous climate, where there is so much hatred and intolerance. Still, together, the friends find moments of beauty that uplift them. I don't think there has ever been a more appropriate title for a novel than S.M Stevens' "Beautiful and Terrible Things." For readers who love stories about transformation, revolution, and advocacy, don't miss out on this emotional and highly inspirational reading experience." -Reader Views
"This novel is a powerful exploration of friendship, love, and betrayal. A must-read for those seeking a story that is both thought-provoking and emotionally meaningful. [It] challenges, inspires, and ultimately leaves a lasting impression." -Sublime Book Review
"Stevens expertly crafts a measured, purposeful, life-touched narrative while addressing critical societal issues-gender fluidity, racism, and sexuality-through the lives of dynamic characters, offering readers a poignant reflection on contemporary society...Readers will find this brilliantly relatable, as the characters mirror the variety and emotions of everyday life, resulting in a compelling exploration of friendship, individuality, and the shared struggles that make us who we are." -Booklife
