“A riveting [and] intense story that is difficult to put down once you begin to read.” —Literary Titan

Long-time frenemies Alice and Helen discover the true meaning of family and friendship as they navigate an unlikely partnership and life's second act in this hilarious and heartfelt debut.

Helen has worked hard for her success. Now, after the prim-and-proper real estate agent's husband ditches her for a younger model, she finds herself back in her small New England home town. Smarting over his betrayal, a messy night out brings further humiliation when she face-plants on the sidewalk...only to be rescued by her old nemesis, Alice.

Alice, an aging hippie mourning the death of her husband, has considered Helen her complete opposite since they were schoolgirls. Yet much to their surprise, as the town divides bitterly over whether to allow the sale of recreational marijuana within its borders, they find themselves drawn into an unlikely partnership. Can this unlikely duo make a go of their joint venture without killing each other first?

A charming examination of the human capacity for growth, hope, and finding love, in all its forms, in the second half of our lives, Alice and Helen's Joint Venture shines a light on friendship while delivering plenty of laughs along the way.

More Reviews:

“Thoroughly involving…highly recommended for libraries and book clubs seeking novels about women's relationships, growth, and family changes alike.” —Midwest Book Review

“Entertaining and emotional at the same time…. This novel reads like episodes of a sitcom—snarky characters getting themselves into precarious situations. With the help of friends new and old, they pull themselves back out with a lesson learned. In other words, it's fun!” —Independent Book Review

Author Bio:

Carol Rhees is a retired lawyer, professor and teacher, as well as the founder and executive director of a small nonprofit that works in Ethiopia. She and her husband live in the DC suburbs and at the Delaware shore where she is at work on her second novel.