Fifty First Dates After Fifty: A Memoir

by Carolyn Lee Arnold

When her relationship with Buddhist beach boy Peter comes to an end, Carolyn, an independent, free-spirited, fiftysomething researcher, challenges herself to go on fifty dates to let go of Peter, explore different types of men, and find a more committed partner.

Set in the sensual New Age community of the SF Bay Area, Fifty First Dates After Fifty traces the adventurous path of Carolyn’s very universal quest for love. The goal of fifty dates pulls her forward through the highs and lows of dating—from the longing and agonizing, to the magical and ecstatic—while her heart soars, falls, and keeps on going. With the support of friends and lovers, she avoids settling for the wrong guy, discovers the type of man she wants, reconciles a love of independence and sex with her desire for commitment and emotional connection, and finds the right partner for her.

This upbeat memoir about the search for a partner in midlife is also a celebration of a woman’s unabashed sexuality. Explicit in places, funny in others, it offers a positive view of dating as an enjoyable journey of self-discovery and self-love along the way to one’s own Mr. Right.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2021

About the author

Carolyn Lee Arnold drew upon her thirty years as a social science researcher and ten years as a relationship workshop assistant to create the dating project in Fifty First Dates after Fifty. A native Californian from Los Angeles with a New England education, Carolyn found her true home in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she prepared for dating and life by attending spiritual ceremonies, working in free clinics, leading women’s backpacking trips, hiking the local green hills, identifying as a lesbian-feminist in the 1970s and ’80s, and earning graduate degrees in women’s studies, statistics, and educational research.

Fifty First Dates after Fifty is her first book, and it has received awards in the areas of relationships, sexuality, and women’s issues and for being inspirational, uplifting, and motivational. Still a feminist, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her partner, one of her fifty dates. She blogs about dating and life and offers dating tips, dating resources, and her book at www.carolynleearnold.com. If you sign up for her blog, you will get the detailed version of Carolyn’s 10 dating tips! Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Reviews

[Susanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, She Writes Press and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the idea of a book exploring an older woman's search for a permanent partner in life. The author's story centers a strong woman that has gathered a lot of life experience, but never found that one person to settle down with, and is ready to go outside her comfort zone to do that "after fifty". However, what I read was so drenched in OTT new age eroticism and so repetitive that I lost interest within the first 50 pages. There was basically no character development that would have helped me to become invested in following the story.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! I hope to be Carolyn (if I’m ever in that predicament) someday. She handled singlehood so incredibly well and got to truly know herself during that time period. Her research project helped her recognize what she wanted in her “Mr. Right”; I might have to start taking cues from her. This book was so well written and I could envision every aspect!

[Eram Hussain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book without knowing what this is about. My expectations were more like fifty dates with the same person because of the movie with the similar name but this book is completely different.

Carolyn is in her fifties and single after her partner Peter decides to go on a trip around India. She decides this is a good opportunity for her to date multiple men and find the right partner and also help her move on from Peter. She starts a project of dating fifty men.

I liked the idea behind the book but it got very repetitive for me after the first few dates. Carolyn has making the same mistakes either while selecting the partner or on the date.

[Liva's reading antics · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by telling you that this was NOT what I was expecting. My idea of first dates after fifty is very different from what it was for the author.

Sometimes, in our late-night talks, we (I and my husband) discuss how terrifying it would be to go out there and find a new partner. It makes us appreciate having each other even more. The world has become such a complex place. Anyhow, I have envisioned how it would be. When I came across this book and read the synopsis, I assumed that it would take me on exactly that type of journey without needing to be the one dating. I was mistaken. This story tells a totally different experience from what I envisioned.

I am very grateful that the author shared her story. It made me think a lot about myself and how I see relationships and closeness. Also, enlightened about different lifestyles. It is indeed great material about self-discovery, knowing your worth, being true to yourself, and being brave.

While there are a lot of great thoughts, some things did not work for me. There is a lot of repetitiveness through dates, and the story became boring after one-third of the book. It seemed that the author was repeating the same mistakes over and over again. In the book, she focuses a lot on learning from mistakes, recognizing needs, striving to find a perfect match while, at the same time, continuing to choose unavailable and taken men for over two years. And I think she would have gained more if she broadened her search range. She was around the same crowd all the time, stepping on the same stones.

Let me be honest. It bothered me, that the author went on dates (and was sleeping) with a married man for the sake of the research. This is my personal opinion and has nothing to do with the author nor her experience. It is clear from the first page that everyone involved was aware of it and agreed. Just putting it out there that this book is quite contradictory, and those that find polygamy and sharing of partners inappropriate should either keep open-mid or avoid reading this.

Thanks to NetGalley, author, and publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. 🤗

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: FIFTY FIRST DATES AFTER FIFTY
AUTHOR: Carolyn Lee Arnold
PUB DATE: 05.15.2023 Now Available

Carolyn Lee Arnold is an expert and blogs about relationships, sexuality, and women’s issues and is recognized for being inspirational, uplifting, and motivational. Arnold, a fifty something free spirit writes a memoir called FIFTY FIRST DATES AFTER FIFTY, where she takes her readers in a unique journey to finding love, joy, sex and peace - and of course, her life partner.

I found myself rooting for Carolyn as a middle aged woman, who is so determined to find love in all the unusual methods, taking all the risks, in an engaging story for the senses!

[Susan Tweit · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the spirit of Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying, Carolyn Arnold takes heart in hand and embarks on a quest to find a partner who will truly appreciate and nurture her free-spirited approach to love and sexual freedom. At a time in life when too many women (and men) settle for whatever is easy or convenient, Arnold wants more. She has the self-knowledge and courage to explore widely, and to have fun along the way. Fifty First Dates After Fifty is no mere romp in the bed (and out of it); it’s a journey of learning our true needs and having the guts and persistence—and belief in ourselves—to find the partner who loves us for exactly who we are.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 *stars*

I really liked the book cover, easy pick for me. Something just attracted me to choose this one.

My thoughts: I like to read books not knowing anything about it (that gives me the chance to really enjoy the book to it's fullest ) and I'm glad I didn't choose to read synopsis. I was surprised by some of the scenes ( in a good way ), but reading it more I felt that I just needed to read this exact book. Some topics made me think of my own life and my sexuality and open mindedness to my loved one. I know that this book is meant more for another generation, but it hit me on a whole other level. Note to myself: I need to read this book again after 20-30 years.

Brief synopsis: Main character Carolyn is seeking her "right" partner after a breakup with Peter. She thought the Peter was the guy for her, but is he? To let go Peter she decided to go with 50 guys after fifty, like fifty first dates to find the new one and let go of the old one. Relationships, support, seeking love and affection, sex, listening, understanding the women and men better, to trust each other, be vulnerable and to explore much more within herself and others.

Thank you for this book!
#FiftyFirstDatesAfterFifty #NetGalley

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BooksForwardFriends for providing me an ARC.

This is a memoir by Carolyn describing her dating experiences after she split up with her partner Peter of 7 years. I'm in my 50s and I was curious to read about another woman's 50something life's experiences. I am happily married and don't have any interest in dating.

The memoir was really different than I expected it to be and I would have known this if I had read the reviews about the book first. The book captured my interest and kept me reading until the end because I became vested in her experience and kept me curious. I do feel like this book felt like a guilty pleasure and reminded me of some of the reality shows that are out on tv. I continued to read it because I was curious and compelled to read that she found her happinesses with someone or on her own.

Carolyn's lifestyle is very different than mine and as she was comfortable participating in casual sexual interactions and was very comfortable participating in polyamorous situations. I respect that everyone has the right to do what brings them happiness as long as others are not being hurt in the process.

I appreciate and respect Carolyn's openness and comfort level. I would rate the book 7/10 for me personally.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.25) Thank you to NetGalley for sending an eARC! Carolyn's life is incredibly interesting and I admire the way she is so open about it. However, you can tell that she is a researcher at heart, as the way this memoir was written felt very stringent. It was very point a to point b, and I had a hard time getting invested. I also disliked the way she wrote about herself, as it came across as quite conceited. I am all for self-confidence, but that wasn't how it came across to me.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful exploration of love and intimacy. The author is an open book, sharing not only the juicy details of her sexual encounters but the profound insight and wisdom she accrued along the way. A well-balanced examination of one woman’s adventure to find not only love and rewarding sex, but utter fulfillment and wholeness borne only of raw intimacy in its purest form.

[Deborah Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected...and I’m glad! This is a story so full of joy and promise and positivity, with a smart, funny and resilient narrator—a pleasure to read.

After a break-up with a long-time partner, Carolyn Arnold (a social science researcher) devises an experiment to find Mr. Right by dating fifty men to find the qualities she is looking for in a partner. It’s to Arnold’s credit that even some of the not-so-Mr. Rights remain in her life as friends and supporters.

Along the way, during the two-year experiment, she discovers much about herself: I love that she remains upbeat and positive. I love that she refuses to accept society’s view that older women are no longer sexy or sexual—Arnold is unapologetically both, and dresses the part, to boot! I love that at an age when many women might opt for security with not so-perfect mates, Arnold is sure that her soulmate is out there.

Open-minded readers will enjoy Arnold’s well-written guided tour through Northern California’s world of polyamory, open marriage, and personal growth workshops, because our guide is so winning and upbeat and full of joie de vivre. Recommended not just for women “of a certain age,” but for anyone seeking a deep and permanent love.

[Leslie Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Arnold’s memoir Fifty First Dates Over Fifty, is a triumph. I felt like I was on the journey with Carolyn and found her voice to be so honest and real. Although what she is looking for in a partner may be unconventional to some, she makes her experiences relatable to anyone. Her memoir reminds you that we are all human and most share a desire to find a partner to love them that they can love back. Carolyn’s search for the one, kept me turning pages and thinking about the book long after I put it down. She also writes in such a positive way, that even when she has times of distress, she picks herself up and continues. Carolyn is an inspiration.

[Jane Steckbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved this book! Sexy, courageous, and self-aware, Carolyn demonstrates that women can mindfully take charge of dating and finding new loves--and that special partner. Unbound by convention, Carolyn's journey to find the love of her life is inspiring and HOT. Today's women can learn a great deal from Carolyn about how to own their sexuality and date in a way that is authentic, highly empowered and effective.

[Sarah Oakey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oooo this was a brave memoir. As a 40 something lady heading swiftly towards my fifties I can't claim to have any similarities to the protagonist which made it tricky for me to warm to the book as much as I would have wanted, however saying that I found it a very entertaining read

[Gail O'Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought Fifty Firsts Dates was a little too over the top for me. Never understood the New Age on a good day, nor free love? Had to put it down.

[Jacqueline Friedland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book, and one that will be totally different from what you expect when you first read the title. I don't usually read memoir, and this book has opened my eyes in more ways than one. I was surprised repeatedly as I read. I found the overall premise kinda fascinating and the author expertly examined questions about independence, sexual freedom, self-determination and loneliness. Highly recommend!

[Jennie Orvino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author was able to transform the story of her midlife recovery from a breakup into a readable and educational book, moving past the eat-pray-love model of experimentation and indulgence. This book both opens your heart and makes you think.

With attention to detail, realistic dialogue, and emotional intelligence, Arnold shows how the values she developed through years of personal growth workshops informed her search for a life partner. She was able to successfully apply the skills she acquired in matters of love, intimacy and sexuality to her dating adventures.

And when I say adventures, I mean they run the gamut—from spiritual ceremonies to sex parties, from gentle face-stroking to intercourse with abandon on the hood of a car (after a “safer sex” conversation, of course). What is so interesting is how she enjoys her dates with the innocence and exuberance of a teenager along with the confidence and life experience of an adult. It seems the people who surround her also illustrate how conscious sexual beings behave.

This is not to say that she doesn’t cry a lot, call on friends of both genders for comfort, and turn her heart into another character she talks to and tries to convince of one thing or another. She gets discouraged or goes a bit overboard just to see if she can swim.

But, as the professional social science researcher she is, Arnold keeps coming back to The Project—to gather data from every one of the “50 first dates” to understand more clearly what she wants and needs. The men she engaged with were sourced from singles events, online dating sites, ecstatic dance, hikes and meditation groups, workshops and through friends of friends. Singles will get plenty of ideas on that score!

The chapters are short and often end with an analysis. “I was attracted to Randy, and his questions touched me on a deep level…however, I wanted a man with better listening skills, a man who could appreciate the moment and nonsexual ways of touching.” “I wanted the type of balance that Ross and I had created at the party between closeness and independence. We were not threatened by mingling with others, because we knew we were returning to each other. I could imagine …doing that with a future partner… This should be possible. I could feel it.”

Another appealing aspect of this book is Arnold’s modeling of how to candidly talk about being physical with the men she is getting to know, and with her readers.

That women’s memoirs are purchased by other women is a given, but what might a man think of this book? Too woo-woo and new-agey? Too much emphasis on conversation and being vulnerable? Aside from a curiosity about “sex parties,” I think a man might get some insight into what a woman is thinking and feeling, and that might make his dating life a little bit easier!

What Carolyn Arnold does for sure is make seem ordinary and easy what she calls the “Northern California lifestyle” of spiritual rituals, nude resorts, and deliberate, respectful polyamorous relationships. She also has a lot of fun with her data gathering and embraces a continuum of erotic activities with a lot more nuance than is usually expressed. The woman, like the memoir she has created, is frank, unabashedly sensual, and willing to meet others at the edge of possibility.

[Denise Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A person's quest to find the right partner, soulmate, or true love often takes many twists and turns, not to mention mistakes, false hopes, and downright disasters. Carolyn Lee Arnold details her personal romantic roller coaster search in her entertaining and engaging memoir: Fifty First Dates After Fifty.
Arnold describes her dating escapades with not only the energy and enthusiasm of a teenager, but also the confidence and wisdom of an adult. And, she's not afraid to reveal all the lusty details of her emotionally exciting interludes. Her attitude of spicy joie de vivre leaves the reader with feelings of delight, satisfaction, and the fulfillment of guilty pleasures. Jump on board with Fifty First Dates After Fifty and relish the ride.

[Story Circle Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifty First Dates After Fifty is a frolicking, often racy, memoir. After a seven-year relationship ends—with a man author Carolyn Lee Arnold describes as “a happy Buddhist beach boy in his late fifties”—she longs for a new partner to fill the emotional, physical, and spiritual hole in her life. It’s noteworthy that during their coupledom, Arnold lived in California, while the Buddhist boyfriend called Hawaii home. With an ocean between them, they met once a month—an arrangement the author described as perfect. This bit of backstory cues the reader that Arnold, in her fifties, isn’t likely pining for any stereotypical version of happily-ever-after.

The author’s search takes the form of a research project, a commitment to go on fifty dates with fifty different men. (A twist on the plot of the film Fifty First Dates, in which a young amnesiac must relive her first date with her future husband every time they meet.) Arnold’s memoir documents the journey from date number one through to date number fifty. Along the way, she meets and gets to know all sorts of men, in a variety of settings and circumstances. Younger men and older men. Adventurous bad boys and sensitive, spiritual types. Single, married, and polyamorous men. Several of her dates fulfill one or more of the characteristics Arnold is searching for, yet finding the complete package proves elusive.

There is sex in this memoir, a lot of sex, with a lot of men—not all fifty, I don’t believe (though I wasn’t keeping count), though the majority of the narrator’s dates do involve physical intimacy. Over the course of close to two years, she dates forty-eight men. As Arnold nears that final, fiftieth date, she hasn’t yet found the “one,” but she has connected with several who serve as stand-in lovers while she continues the search.

Ultimately, the project is a success. Just before hitting the magic number of fifty dates, Arnold meets her perfect, compatible man and chooses him for her next partner in a loving, polyamorous relationship. Jay, the chosen one, says, “We save the candlelight dinners for each other, but we snack on sex with our friends.”

Fifty First Dates After Fifty is a fast, fun read. Arnold’s prose is clever, engaging, and confident. After the first thirty or so dates, the sex began to seem a bit episodic—or am I perhaps envious of the narrator’s boundless energy and that she was able to enjoy physical intimacy with so many partners, without any of the pangs of remorse or regret that can, for many, attach to sexual encounters? Arnold is unabashedly sensual and liberated throughout, in terms of her approach to sexuality and what constitutes a fulfilling relationship. Her ideal Prince Charming may be decidedly different from that of many readers, yet Arnold knows what she wants, what will make her feel happy and fulfilled, and she goes for it with gusto.

Story Circle Book Reviews thanks Dorothy Rice for this review.

[Meg Nocero · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many reasons, Fifty First Dates After Fifty is a conversation starter for sure! As Carolyn decides to manifest a committed relationship founded in love and companionship, she gets creative and comes up with a dating project to intentionally do just that. And from the beginning, she is honest as to her journey of self-discovery unfolds. In her search, Carolyn gives her readers, especially those who have never been exposed to the polyamorous lifestyle, an inside peak into how some experience love in a world where traditional relationship rules are challenged. Her honesty and confidence as she explores her sexuality is refreshing. Her desire not to give up on finding her perfect match had me turning the pages cheering her on in this endeavor. Carolyn is bold as she shares her vulnerability as she opens her heart and mind to find her perfect match. Never giving up on her dream, she is an inspiration to others who may be over fifty wondering if love is still a possibility. In sharing her story, her gentle soul and humanity comes through- and to that I say BRAVO!

[Marcie Maxfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The desire to connect and the universal search for partnership is alive in this book about one woman's mid-life quest for love. Couldn't put it down. Sex positive. Alternative lifestyle. I'm all about women owning their voices, choices and life experiences, and Carolyn does just that!

[Julie McGue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit that I was skeptical about the premise of Carolyn Lee Arnold’s debut memoir Fifty First Dates After Fifty. As a middle-aged woman myself, I wondered how interesting a dating book could be about this stage of life. And as a woman in a monogamous, multi-decade marriage, I doubted that I would be drawn into a world of sensual dance parties, sexual adventure, and multiple partner relationships.

Well, I was as wrong as wrong can be.

Not only was I pleasantly introduced to a world with which I have no direct experience, Carolyn’s kind, honest, and effusive personality begged me to keep an open mind. Because Carolyn is an informative and reliable guiding narrator, I wasn’t turned off by her dating goals or sexual exploits. Rather, I was intrigued. When I landed on the final page, I felt as if I had done myself a favor by expanding my world beyond the scope of my own lived experiences.

In Fifty First Dates After Fifty, Carolyn educates the reader about the merits of defining choices and expectations with partners, about the merits of just touching, and the importance of looking into someone’s eyes to find the good nestled there. Carolyn is a patient storyteller. Her sincerity and likeability convince the reader to keep exploring with her and to go the distance. I trusted Carolyn, cared about her, and cheered for her to achieve what looked like lofty goals.

This is a book about dating, but it is also about personal growth, self-discovery, and it is inspirational. Treat yourself to an intriguing read with likeable characters. You won’t be disappointed with Fifty First Dates After Fifty.

[Emma B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dating in an alternative lifestyle

Carolyn, over 50 and just out of a long term relationship is looking for a new partner to fulfill her life, and also fit in with her somewhat unusual lifestyle in the Bay Area of San Francisco. She sets about going on 50 first dates to ascertain what exactly she is looking for in a man, and in the hope of finding him.
My curiosity was piqued by what would happen if Carolyn found Mr. Right after, say, 10 first dates, and how an older woman goes about dating in current times. Both questions were answered in Carolyn’s fast moving, fun memoir.
Socialising in a New Age free love community Carolyn had plenty of men available to date – the fact that many of them were not available for monogamous relationships seemed of little consequence to her. She also used internet dating sites. Carolyn gives the reader a glimpse into her busy life, her successful career, her numerous concurrent lovers and her quest to find out what she is looking for in a partner. She also shares plenty of detail about her sexual activities.
This is a bubbly, lively memoir which had me wondering how it would end. Could Carolyn ever find the right man for her? It is well written, and gave me an insight into a lifestyle I didn’t even know existed; Carolyn came across as a fun and likeable person.
3*s from me as I did not read the book blurb carefully enough, and so was expecting something very different. If the book blurb appeals to you then I highly recommend this book, and am sure many readers will be giving it 5*s.

[Pam Valois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had the pleasure of receiving an Advance Reader Copy of Arnold’s fascinating book. I broke my own rule about reading in the daytime, anxious to hear how it ended! Over several years, Arnold not only dated 50 men, but gradually learned what she was looking for in a committed relationship. I love how she imagined it: “an oasis of calm, warmth, and affection in the middle of an exciting life.” Arnold cleverly takes us through all 50 dates in a way that grows with interest, while sharing her own fears, doubts, and learnings.

The loving concept of “touch” and the awareness of different levels of intimacy are themes throughout the book. She spends times with growth-seeking and “sex-positive” adults, grapples with issues of monogamy and polyamory, and brings us into the world of clothing-optional communities, of which I knew nothing. I have also been enlightened about the rules for safe-sex. Fifty First Dates After Fifty reveals unexpected insights throughout: On a fifth date, George asks why she would keep seeing other lovers? Carolyn answers, “They support me while I look for a partner.” On another date, in a sauna, she muses, “I had spent enough time in clothing-optional situations to know that being naked didn’t necessarily imply being sexual.”

Do not miss this exciting tale of a captivating woman!

[Mary Camarillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Arnold’s adventurous quest for a life partner is an eye opening exploration of the San Francisco Bay Area’s world of personal growth workshops, spiritual ceremonies and sex parties. Ms. Arnold’a midlife search is a celebration of her sexuality, honesty, independence and self-awareness. Throughout the mishaps, heartbreak and unexpected joys of the dating world she remains resilient and optimistic and refuses to settle for less than she deserves. A fast read.

[Izzatul Husna]

Fifty First Dates after Fifty
By Carolyn Lee Arnold

This is my first time reading a memoir and I don't know what to expect. Nevertheless, reading a memoir is such a refreshing and wonderful experience.

The thing is, I don't know if Fifty First Dates after Fifty is a book for me. While enjoying reading the book, I still questioned myself why I chose to read this book. Maybe the idea of reading a genre that is out of my comfort zone intrigued me, so I give it a try. I think the reason why I'm not enjoying this book as much as I want to because I hardly can relate to the author herself, a middle age woman who want to find a partner to settle down by going on 50 dates with different man. Despite this book introducing the greatness of accepting and loving yourself, consent and choices in relationship, women empowerment and lots of great aspects, I can't seem to be attracted or indulge with it.

I really want to like this book but I found reading this book feels more like a chore than hobby for me, so I decided to dnf it. I don't want to affect my reading because I can't fully grasp and appreciate the idea of this one book.

Perfect book for the intended audience 💖

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I consumed this as an audiobook - it was read by the author, so I enjoyed that.

It’s not often that a book touches on the difficulties of dating for women in the 50+ age bracket. I enjoyed hearing of her endeavors even if they wouldn’t have been things I would have done. Having been with my husband since I was 23, I have long since felt that if he ever wasn’t in my life I would just join a convent…or, at least, remain solitary. But for some - like Carolyn - experiencing many partners can be the right move. And I appreciated her candor in recollecting her many dates.

I do admit, the cover is deceptive in portraying this as a light and breezy book...which it was most certainly NOT. Very erotic and full of racy scenes, this reads more like a play-by-play of her many sexual trysts...so, if that makes you squirm in your seat, proceed with caution! Otherwise, if you're not prudish about such topics, read on! You'll likely enjoy getting to know the author's journey.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well! This was not exactly what I was expecting AND I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would!

This is a memoir about finding Mr. Right. Carolyn is determined to find love and she decides to have at least 50 dates. So, this becomes a unique dating project.

Carolyn is definitely a free spirit. I admire that. I also admire her tenacity to stay true to herself. She is determined to stick to her guns and discover her true partner. But she also discovers a good bit about herself.

I listened to this as an audiobook and I LOVED that the author read it herself. This always adds so much more to the production than anyone can imagine. You get the author’s meaning and heartfelt communication.

Need a unique memoir which will have you laughing and blushing all in the same paragraph…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Kimberly Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not the book it was advertised to be. This is not about a woman over 50 dating. This is about a woman who is sex positive and focuses on physical connection above all. I do not judge her lifestyle and I am a fan of the work that the Harbin Institute does. But I was looking for a different story and I thought, based on the way the book was marketed, that I would receive it

[Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, thank you NetGalley for the early opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, this just wasn’t the book for me. I had a hard time with this one, but I think that there will be people out there who really like it. It did give me a lot of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ vibes, but not for me.