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| Credit: Kevin Neilson |
Mara Williams is the author of The Truth Is in the Detours (2025) and The Epicenter of Forever (Feb. 2026). She drafted her first novel in third grade on a spiral notebook—a story about a golden retriever and the stray dog who loved her. Now she writes novels about strong, messy women trying to find their way in the world. When not writing or reading, Mara can be found enjoying California’s beaches, redwoods, and trails with her husband, kids, and disobedient dog. For more information, visit Mara at her website and on Instagram.
After her husband’s sudden death, Beatrice Bell retreats to her childhood home in California’s Sierra mountains with her rebellious teenage twins in tow. Her plan is to take over her parents’ antique store, ensure it survives another generation, and build a new life from the rubble of the old one.
But Bea didn’t plan on Simon, the gruff store manager with his own ambitions for the business. As they’re forced to work together, animosity gives way to grudging respect and ignites an unexpected spark. Before Bea can find her footing, everything is upended. First by River, a local boy who bears a striking resemblance to her late husband. Then by her estranged mother-in-law, who reveals devastating secrets that will test everything Bea believed about her marriage.
As Bea navigates grief, betrayal, and an unexpected connection with Simon, she finds that it may be possible to begin again, but only if she confronts the truth of her past.
“Honest, tender, and the best kind of complicated—I loved every page of Simon and Bea’s unexpected love story. As always, Mara Williams balances difficult family dynamics, complex grief, and full-bodied romance with charm and style.”
—Lauren Okie, author of Tropesick
“This book is a resonant reminder that while we can’t change the hand we’ve been dealt or outrun our old lives, we can give our past a safe space to live on inside us, and find comfort in the love of people whose baggage fits right beside ours.”
—Ellen O’Clover, author of The Heartbreak Hotel
“Mara Williams is an auto-buy, drop-everything-to-read author for me, and this story about family, grief, and a second chance at love is nothing short of spectacular.”
—Isabelle Engel, author of Most Eligible
What is a favorite compliment you received on your writing?
It feels pretty dark to admit that my favorite compliment is hearing that my writing made a reader cry, but there is no better feeling than to invoke strong emotions. Even better is when I receive messages from readers who say that my books helped them process issues they were facing in their real lives. As a reader, I have been given so much wisdom and solace from good books by way of an escape, a catharsis, or a method of processing pain, loss, or love. It is such an honor to hear that my books have done the same thing for a reader. It feels like paying the gift forward.
It feels pretty dark to admit that my favorite compliment is hearing that my writing made a reader cry, but there is no better feeling than to invoke strong emotions. Even better is when I receive messages from readers who say that my books helped them process issues they were facing in their real lives. As a reader, I have been given so much wisdom and solace from good books by way of an escape, a catharsis, or a method of processing pain, loss, or love. It is such an honor to hear that my books have done the same thing for a reader. It feels like paying the gift forward.
How is Bea similar to or different from you?
My daughter recently read an advanced copy of The Other Side of Starting Over. She’s an avid reader but admitted she has to dissociate when reading my books to pretend that I am not the author. However, she said she got to a particular section and realized there was no way to deny that I had written it. So, I think I’m more like Bea than I recognized at first. She mentioned that I’m similar as a mom; I worry about my kids’ happiness, and I aim to give them as much autonomy as possible while desperately trying to protect them from the cruelty of the world. I also hope to be as forgiving as Bea and strive to recognize the nuance in people just as she is able to do. However, I am more concerned with being polite especially in professional settings. I also readily rely on friends and family to process whatever is happening in my life; if I were going through what Bea was facing, I would be confiding in my best friend and sisters.
If The Other Side of Starting Over was made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
I don’t face cast while writing, so this is always a difficult question for me. But I think Emmy Rossum would play an excellent Beatrice. She’d be able to pull off her hard edges and soft center quite well, and Paul Anthony Kelly would make a pitch-perfect Simon.
Which book made you fall in love with reading?
I don’t remember ever not loving to read. My mom was a preschool teacher and would bring home signed author copies of beloved classic picture books, and I was so proud when I could read them myself. Once I was able to read chapters books, I became obsessed. My grandma would take a weekly trip to the library, collecting stacks of books, and I would sit next to her and read my Sweet Valley High series. From there, I jumped straight to adult books. I was obsessed with Mary Higgins Clark and Maeve Binchy, but I was always hunting for the love story at the heart of every book. I’m sure that if my grandma had been a fan of romance instead of mysteries, I would have abandoned all my responsibilities and never left my reading chair.
If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it?
My dream narrator would be Jennifer Lawrence. I love her candor and wit and think she could bring the perfect satirical, observational voice to the narrative.
If we were to visit you, what are some places you'd take us to see?
I’m a native Californian, so I am surrounded and spoiled by so many beautiful places. I’d immediately take you to the coastal redwoods for a hike to admire the majestic trees. Muir Woods is one of my favorite spots, but there are some lesser-known trails that aren’t as crowded and boast gorgeous views as well. I’d want to visit a few of the beach towns including Carmel, Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Half Moon Bay to explore the coastline and shop at the locally owned shops, bookstores, and cafes. We’d have to take in the sunset over the Pacific and grab food at an outdoor restaurant by the water. No trip to Northern California is complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. It really is as beautiful as the postcards. Finally, we’d take the San Francisco Ferry to the North Bay to enjoy the views along the bay and visit the quaint waterfront towns in Marin.
Thanks to Mara for visiting with us and to Over the River PR for sharing her book with our readers.
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1 comment:
After my ex and I broke up a year after my second son was born, I basically had to start over as a single mom to two boys and adjust to living and being alone and supporting us all.
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