Book Review: The Book Club for Troublesome Women

By Melissa Amster

By 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan is living the American woman's dream. She has a husband, three children, a station wagon, and a home in Concordia--one of Northern Virginia's most exclusive and picturesque suburbs. She has a standing invitation to the neighborhood coffee klatch, and now, thanks to her husband, a new subscription to A Woman's Place--a magazine that tells housewives like Margaret exactly who to be and what to buy. On paper, she has it all. So why doesn't that feel like enough?

Margaret is thrown for a loop when she first meets Charlotte Gustafson, Concordia's newest and most intriguing resident. As an excuse to be in the mysterious Charlotte's orbit, Margaret concocts a book club get-together and invites two other neighborhood women--Bitsy and Viv--to the inaugural meeting. As the women share secrets, cocktails, and their honest reactions to the controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique, they begin to discover that the American dream they'd been sold isn't all roses and sunshine--and that their secret longing for more is something they share. Nicknaming themselves the Bettys, after Betty Friedan, these four friends have no idea their impromptu club and the books they read together will become the glue that helps them hold fast through tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments--and what will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a humorous, thought provoking, and nostalgic romp through one pivotal and tumultuous American year--as well as an ode to self-discovery, persistence, and the power of sisterhood. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I was watching an episode of Superstore recently where one of the male characters was judging a female character for being a working mom instead of staying home with her kids. He was implying that she wasn't a real mother because she also spent a lot of time at work. I was so infuriated by what he was saying that I wanted to reach through the screen and slap him. And this took place around 2020. I felt a similar level of anger while reading The Book Club for Troublesome Women, as the sexism was so aggravating. I know it took place in 1963, but some of the stuff people said just made my jaw drop.

Margaret wants to be a writer and when she gets a job doing just that, she's told what she has to write and how it has to cater to housewives. She's not allowed to share deeper thoughts about being a woman, lest she lose this coveted job. And her husband makes her feel like her job is a joke. 

Charlotte's husband is stepping out on her, but her own parents take his side and threaten to take away everything from her if she tries to divorce him. 

Viv's kids are old enough that she can go back into the workforce and follow her passion to be a nurse again. However, a wrench is thrown into her plans to have a full-time job.

Bitsy is torn between wanting to be a veterinarian and wanting to have kids with her much older husband, until he makes that decision for her. 

This was such a great novel in so many ways. It really spoke volumes about how women were seen and treated over sixty years ago. While I like the simplicity of the 1960s, I'd be so frustrated if I were an adult during that time period. Men had to sign for women to get checking accounts or birth control. Women had difficulty getting jobs because men felt they would just leave them anyway to get married and have babies. All of this just makes steam come out of my ears! 

I loved the friendship between the four women and getting to see each of their perspectives, although I wish there was more focus on the other women vs. most of it being on Margaret. Each woman was so great and it would have been nice to see their situation through their own eyes more often. We just got a chapter for them here and there, and sometimes it was split up with Margaret's perspective anyway. 

The story speaks volumes about marriage, motherhood, friendship, and pursuing dreams. It's perfect for fans of Sara Goodman Confino's novels, as well as The Briar Club and Lessons in Chemistry. I also love that it takes place near DC, as it's more in my neck of the woods.  

I recommend this novel, whether or not you're in a book club of your own. It's a thoughtful and well-written story! With people trying to push women back into the kitchen these days, so to speak, this novel is very much needed. 

Movie casting suggestions:

Margaret: Hayley Orrantia
Viv: Kaley Cuoco
Bitsy: Olivia Rouyre
Charlotte: Rose Leslie
Walt: Kasey Esser
Tony: Milo Ventimiglia
Kingsley: Christopher Russell

Denise: Darci Shaw

(Trigger warnings below.)

Thanks to HarperCollins for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Marie Bostwick:
Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly
The Restoration of Celia Fairchild
Hope on the Inside

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TW: Infidelity, divorce, emotionally abusive behavior, one of the characters gets really drunk, suicide (talked about, but not shown)

Spotlight and Giveaway: The Lies We Trade

We are pleased to feature Kristine Delano's debut novel, The Lies We Trade. The story sounds intriguing and suspenseful and we are here for it. Thanks to Kaye Publicity, we have one copy to share with a lucky reader!

Meredith Hansel should be having the best week of her life. After establishing herself as a portfolio manager at a prestigious Wall Street firm, she’s in the national spotlight for the innovative funds she created. But as Meredith prepares to celebrate, the plates she’s kept spinning for years begin to crash: Her strained marriage reaches a breaking point. Her conscientious teenage daughter acts out under mysterious pressures. Someone vandalizes her home with disturbing graffiti. And Betsey, her most trusted ally at the financial firm, goes rogue, and Meredith is forced to sign a restraining order against her.

Then her worlds collide when she receives a thumb drive and a cryptic note from Betsey threatening to reveal a secret that could have devastating effects on Meredith’s family . . . unless she can figure out what Betsey wants and deliver it in time.

As Meredith begins to dig into the data, however, she begins to suspect that it’s no coincidence her life is crumbling. That maybe what’s happening to her family is connected to what’s boiling beneath the surface at her investment company. Soon Meredith realizes there’s only one way to avoid taking the fall, and it all hinges on Betsey’s true motives. Was she really threatening Meredith or trying to warn her? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"Tense and gripping, The Lies We Trade is a clever story. . . . Delano has created a thought-provoking and intricately plotted suspense."
- Samantha M. Bailey, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of Hello, Juliet

"Delano strikes a wonderful tone with her strong but flawed protagonist Meredith Hansel, making us root for her as her world crashes down. An impressive and timely debut."

- Carter Wilson, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of Tell Me What You Did

Kristine Delano is a former Wall Street executive turned award-winning author of domestic thrillers set in the high-stakes finance world. She hosts the We Talk Careers podcast and mentors women on work-life balance. When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys scuba diving, playing games with friends, and chasing her family down the ski slopes of western Maine. 

Visit Kristine at her website (get a free novella there) and on Instagram.

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends January 20th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: The Hostess

By Jami Denison

Author Courtney Psak definitely enjoys rich towns. Her debut, The Tutor (reviewed here) took place in the wealthy playground of Palm Beach, Florida. Her follow-up, The Hostess, is set in the Hamptons. Is there anything better than reading about rich people behaving badly?

The rich person here is Sadie, a psychiatrist married to billionaire Tom. Tom, an alcoholic who suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder, is about to be released from a mental hospital. Not wanting to be alone with her dangerous husband, Sadie decides to rent out her guest cottage to Natalie and her husband Luke, who are trying to put their marriage back together after Natalie was hit by a car. 

Natalie knows nothing of Tom, and she’s surprised and a little hurt when Luke tells her he can only come down on weekends for their month-long rental. A nurse practitioner, Natalie decides to stop taking her medication because it makes her hallucinate about her brother Danny, who died in a car accident when he was eight. Her parents always blamed her for the accident, and as a result, Natalie doesn’t want to have children of her own, a sticking point in her marriage. But when Natalie starts to fear the estate’s landscaper, Riley, and has visions of Danny, she doesn’t know what she can trust, and what’s real.

Sadie and Natalie form a friendship, and Sadie compares her to her best friend, Cassie. Natalie realizes she and Cassie look a lot alike… and starts to wonder what exactly happened to Sadie’s oldest friend.

The book is told from both women’s first-person points-of-view, and both of them seem enormously sympathetic (although Sadie is dismissive of her maid). While the writing isn’t as strong as The Tutor, Psak employs impactful plot points to move her story along. Both women’s lives seem credibly in danger… but the question is, from whom?

With its fast pacing and twisty ending, The Hostess is a fitting addition to the domestic suspense genre. It’s a good beach read for anyone taking a winter vacation to the tropics. 

Thanks to Kaye Publicity for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Also by Courtney Psak: The Aunt (coming in June)

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Most Eligible

We're excited to celebrate the publication of Isabelle Engel's debut novel, Most Eligible! This second chance romance sounds like such a treat and it's getting a lot of great reviews. Thanks to St. Martin's Press, we have THREE copies to give away!

Georgia Rose is not going on the hit reality dating show Love Shack to find love. She’s there to write a killer exposé on the producers, which will guarantee the journalism job of her dreams. But when Georgia’s unforgettable one-night stand from the year before, country singer Rhett Auburn, steps into the Malibu mansion as the season’s new host, all of her carefully crafted plans unravel.

Caught up in the drama of backstabbing contestants, producer blackmail, and death-defying dates, Georgia must keep her identity—and history with Rhett—a secret. Despite the lies between them, it isn’t long before Georgia and Rhett’s heated behind-the-scenes moments start to feel more genuine than the romance Georgia’s faking for the cameras. But with her assignment unfinished and the executive producer on her tail, a second chance with Rhett could be her riskiest move of all.

“Most Eligible will delight fans of reality dating shows and 90s rom-coms. I adored this book from start to finish and was so sad to turn the last page!”
—Lindsay Hameroff, author of Never Planned on You 

“With a cast of characters you'll love, others you'll love to hate, and twists you won't see coming, this book is unputdownable and a pure delight!”
―Meredith Schorr, author of Roommating

“Most Eligible is the perfect read for fans of page-turning romances full of heart. Isabelle Engel has written a showstopper of a debut.”
―Holly James, author of The Big Fix

Credit: Nicole Marie
Photography, Cambridge, MA

Originally from New England, Isabelle Engel (she/her) now lives and works in Washington, D.C. She has an MA in English literature from George Washington University. When she’s not imagining ways to make reality TV even more dramatic, she can be found reading, doing dance fitness, and petting other people’s dogs. 

Visit Isabelle online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends January 19th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: Maybe Next Time

 

By Melissa Amster

It is an ordinary Monday and harried London literary agent Emma is flying out of the door as usual. Preoccupied with work and her ever growing to-do list, she fails to notice her lovely husband Dan seems bereft, her son can barely meet her eye, and her daughter won’t go near her. Even the dog seems sad. 

She is far too busy, buried deep in her phone; social media alerts pinging; clients messaging with “emergencies”; keeping track of a dozen WhatsApp groups about the kids’ sports, school, playdates, all of it. Her whole day is frantic—what else is new—and as she rushes back through the door for dinner, Dan is still upset. They fight, and he walks out, desolate, dragging their poor dog around the block. Just as she realizes it is their anniversary and she has forgotten, again, everything changes.

The next day Emma wakes up… . And it’s Monday again.

And again. 

And again.

Emma tries desperately to change the course of fate by doing different things each time she wakes up: leaving WhatsApp, telling her boss where to get off, writing to Dan, listening to her kids, reaching out to forgotten friends, getting drunk and buying out Prada. But will Emma have the chance to find herself again, remember what she likes about her job, reconnect with her children, love her husband? Will this be enough to change the fate they seem destined for?

A moving “What if” story of what it is to be a woman in the modern world—never feeling we’re getting it quite right—about learning to slow down and appreciate life that is sure to resonate with women’s fiction readers. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I don't know why it took me so long to get around to reading Maybe Next Time, but I'm so glad that I finally did! And now I want to read Cesca Major's more recently published novel.

I've read many books with the Groundhog Day trope, but this one was so enjoyable that revisiting the trope didn't bother me in the slightest. It features a working mother (Emma), who is so relatable in many ways. I couldn't help but cheer her on as she tried to figure out ways to simplify her life in hopes of getting a better result. I also loved her husband as he was so sweet. His letters to Emma were so romantic and reminded me of the things my husband says to me in person. (Sorry to give anyone a toothache!) I also found it amusing that her husband and son share first names with my brother-in-law and nephew. 

Emma had so much stress that I was stressed out on her behalf and wanted to yell at everyone who was annoying her all day long! She really had to deal with some unpleasant people too. Like Arthur and his refusal to "abide by granules" or to even meet her halfway in order to save his own "bum". He was one of the worst, next to her boss and Denise from playgroup. That was compounded by her husband and kids being cross with her whenever she didn't get things right on any of the given iterations of her repeated day. 

There's a lot that happens in this story and I don't want to say too much more as to not spoil it. I'm back-and-forth on how I feel about where things went, but that's all. Like I feel there needs to be a sequel about Emma's life after her repeated day ended all its cycling. The only thing I wasn't thrilled about was when Emma went meta with promoting books by other names that the author uses. I thought it was a bit extra. It didn't take away from how great this story was, but it also felt unnecessary. 

Overall, this was definitely a worthwhile read! It kept me turning the pages and wondering what would happen. Would Emma finally get her day right or would she still have to do another repeat...and then another? (And so on.) 

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Emma: Hayley Atwell

Dan: Dan Stevens

Hattie: Teresa Palmer

Jasmina: Mimi Keene

Linda: Janet McTeer

Jurek: Edvin Ryding

Also by Cesca Major: If I Were You

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TW: Death of spouse (sometimes from being hit by a car), sick dog, cyberbullying, miscarriage, emotional abuse (mentioned by another character), depression 

Book Review: The Retirement Plan

By Melissa Amster

THEY'D KILL TO BE WIDOWS.

Three best friends turn to murder to collect on their husbands’ life insurance policies… But the husbands have a plan of their own in this darklyfunny debut that will delight readers from the first laugh to the final twist.

After thirty years of friendship, Pam dreams of her perfect retirement with Nancy, Shalisa, Marlene, and their husbands—until their husbands pool their funds for an investment that goes terribly wrong. Suddenly, their golden years are looking as dreary as their marriages.

But when the women discover their husbands have seven-figure life insurance policies, a new dream forms. And this time, they need a hitman.

Meanwhile, their husbands are working on their own secret retirement scheme and when things begin to go sideways, they fear it’s backfired. The husbands scramble to stay alive…but soon realize they may not be quick enough to outmaneuver their wives. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I didn't know what to expect from this novel and was surprised by everything that happened. The Retirement Plan was a fun read, full of misunderstandings and shenanigans. I loved how some of the supporting characters played into the story, as well. And you will love Elmer the dog. 

I don't want to say too much so as to not spoil anything, as there is so much going on and being surprised is the best part. I was able to guess at a couple things, but not everything. I just love how a variety of situations came together throughout the novel. It was so well-orchestrated. The characters were a lot of fun too! I ended up with a big cast list because this would be so enjoyable on screen. While the main characters are over ten years my senior, they're still relatable in the same way a character much younger than me has been relatable. 

While I was hoping for a different outcome for one of the aspects of this story, I liked how everything worked out overall. I definitely recommend The Retirement Plan, whether you're reading it next to a fireplace on a cold winter's day or on the beach (or next to a pool)!

Movie casting suggestions:
Pam: Lisa Kudrow
Nancy: Ally Sheedy
Shalisa: Vivica A. Fox
Marlene: Teryl Rothery
Hank: Ted McGinley
Larry: Jon Gries
Andre: Kevin Michael Richardson
Hector: Raúl Castillo
Brenda: Linda Cardellini
Padma: Megan Suri

(Trigger warnings below.)

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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TW: Death of spouse, loss of money

Spotlight and Giveaway: The Odds of You

Today we are pleased to feature Kate Dramis's debut rom-com, The Odds of You! The premise sounds really entertaining and it's a book about books. Thanks to St. Martin's Press, we have THREE copies to give away!

Sage Collins knows a thing or two about odds. A year ago, she was a data analyst until she burned it all down to pursue her dream of becoming an author. One whirlwind bestseller and a struggling second book later, and Sage isn’t sure she’ll ever write a novel again.

But then an accidental encounter with an irritating passenger on the flight to Comic Con leaves Sage in an untested position. That passenger is Theo Sharpe: a breakout actor on the cusp of fame. And, unfortunately, the paparazzi have mistaken her for his girlfriend.

Armed with signature British charm and a smile that could tame oceans, Theo wears fame like a well-fit coat…though Sage can see there’s something deeper held in his eyes. But his fans are too involved in the drama, the pressure to deliver the next bestseller is on, and Sage and Theo both must agree there’s nothing between them. They don't have to acknowledge that saying it doesn't make it true.

When Sage decides to flee to Scotland to clear her head and write her novel, she expects to find fresh air and the stillness to think. What she doesn’t expect is Theo Sharpe to come back into her life…and how he may be her greatest miscalculation of all. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"Funny, moving and incredibly relatable. The perfect romance read. I loved Sage and Theo's love story, and fell completely in love with Sage's inner monologue, which made me feel incredibly seen. Oh and Sage and Emerson are absolute friendship goals!" 

―Bianca Gillam, author of Bad Publicity

"The odds of readers falling head-over-heels in love with this book? One thousand percent. Kate Dramis has crafted the best kind of romance ― with off-the-charts chemistry (I dare you not to swoon anytime Sage and Theo are in the same room) and a heroine whose personal journey will be endlessly relatable for anyone who's ever held it all together while needing to fall apart ― The Odds of You is an absolute gift from start to finish." 

―Nicolas DiDomizio, author of The Gay Best Friend

Credit: Nicole Tyler

Kate Dramis is an Atlanta-based writer whose obsession with fantasy worlds and escaping into a good love story eventually drove her to chase her dreams of being an author. Inspired by a dream about a woman calling down lightning to save a friend, The Curse of Saints was Kate’s debut novel and became an instant Sunday Times Best Seller. Prior to becoming a full-time author, Kate was a professional copywriter with a decade of experience in copywriting and marketing strategy. Kate also has a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia.

Visit Kate online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram * TikTok

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends January 13th at midnight EST.

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