While I was familiar with Hospice care, I only recently became aware of the emerging role of a death doula. Consequently, I was intrigued by the premise of this book and looked forward to a unique perspective from the protagonist. I was not disappointed in this thought-provoking, and at times inspiring, novel.

At age thirty-six, Clover does not have much to show for her life. She is single and has one friend, an elderly gentleman who is one of her few links to her deceased, beloved grandfather. Her whole focus is the service she provides to those facing death – a topic/circumstance that is uncomfortable, if not taboo, for most people, despite its inevitable presence in life. In her role as a death doula, she has kept three “journals” (Regrets, Advice, and Confessions) in which she records the last words of her clients to honor their legacy in her own way. Her only “hobbies” are reading, binging on rom-coms, and surreptitiously observing the loving couple in the building next to hers. In life, she is alone…but it is more than that – it is a profound loneliness with a yearning to connect thwarted by a fear of rejection and loss.

This is an emotionally touching story that imparts wisdom as Clover supports a remarkable, ninety-one-year-old woman and her grandson through the last stages of her life. It also has romantic overtones for both the client and the protagonist; in fact, it is the client’s regret that helps Clover face her own fears and open to the possibility of the vulnerability associated with loving another person. The conclusion provides a sweet closure to one relationship with the promise of another just beginning.

The pacing of the book is a little uneven at times and the emphasis on Clover’s loneliness seemed a bit overdone. However, this is a worthwhile read based on the character development and the unique perspective.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

I wanted to enjoy this novel but felt that what was pitched was not what I ended up reading, which was a bit disappointing because that cover is GREAT.

Having been raised by her grandfather, Clover was not there when he passed away alone, so she becomes a death doula and helps others pass on. While Clover may have regrets of her own, but she mostly collects regrets and advice of those who are passing on to the next realm as death comes for them. To honor each client who has passed, she tries to undo their regrets and heed their advice. However one client shares her love story and Clover starts to look at things differently. Because there is more to life than just death.

It may sound like an odd choice of careers, but it’s actually so well done that you will find yourself wishing for someone like Clover when you’re times comes. This book could have been a real disaster, but the author has written it so well that I found myself really seeing death in a different way. You’ll find you want to do more living yourself after reading this one…and you won’t be disappointed or depressed by the topic either. I was so touched and moved by this one that I have already recommended it to several people to add to their must read book list!

This is such a beautiful examination of what we forfeit when we allow hurt and feeling we don’t fit in anywhere to close us off to the possibilities of life. I’m exceedingly grateful to Net Galley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ahead of its summer 2023 release. I predict I will be thinking about this story and these characters and the possibilities for my own lonely, small life for a very long time.

Love the cover, that was the reason I looked at the book. Touching story that I enjoyed much more than expected. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Quite a nice story, if a bit predictable. I might have preferred this more if it wasn't first person. Clover was trying to be an unreliable narrator, but it was all a bit see-through. Would make a nice movie!

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from St. Martin’s Press and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A unique topic with an empathetic MC you’ll enjoy.

The Collected Regrets of Clover is a story about an ordinary 36 year old woman named Clover who works as a death doula in NYC. She lives a somewhat mundane existence in her deceased grandfather's apartment, full of his old stuff, despite him being dead for 13 years. When she isn't helping people die, she's at home on the couch watching romantic movies, and spying on her neighbours across the street. When a client passes away she records any advice or regrets that they told her in one of her many notebooks and tries to heed the advice and undo the regret. It's a special ritual she performs to honour the person, One day she meets a new client whose love story makes her see her life in a new way, inspiring her to do more living despite her deathly profession.

I thought it was brave for the author to take on the subject of death which she handled respectfully and kindly in this story. It was oddly refreshing to read a story that ventured into this somewhat taboo territory. I thought the story was well paced and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. I mostly attribute this to Clover.

I really liked Clover. I thought she was relatable and interesting. Her self analysis, observations of the world around her, and her thoughts and opinions on life and death were things I could connect with. What I did not like was the cliched message that to live a fulfilling life requires one to travel the world and fall in love. We see Clover obstructed by her own grief, fears, and intense deliberations to the point where she is too comfortable with her mundane routine life. She feels conflicted about trying new things and putting herself out there, questioning whether it is the right choice for her while at the same time grappling with anticipation at the prospect of trying something new. I couldn't help but feel she was a bit of a sell-out by the end of the story. There are plenty of people in the world who have never been in a relationship, or taken a random dance class, or traveled the world, and that doesn't mean they are living a pathetic life. Fulfillment and beauty are subjective, and I wish Clover could have learned to see the meaning of her life without giving into the peer pressure around her. She seemed like such a self-reflective character, yet she lacked perspective and insight. We should all aim to take a risk and step out of our comfort zones but we shouldn't do it because we think we might regret when we're on our death bed. Clover's tension of "should I or shouldn't I" was where I felt the most conflicted. On the one hand I appreciate the story's message of life, but on the other hand, the message was weakened by a rushed character arc and missed perspective.

This book has been compared to The Midnight Library whose message was similar in that you shouldn't have regrets because the grass isn't always greener on the other side. It explained it in a more philosophical way by offering lessons in gratitude and mindfulness. This book however, suggests that the grass is greener on the other side because trying to live your best life is better than not trying at all. I didn't fully resonate with this message and I don't believe Clover did either. Her choices at the end of the story felt inauthentic. I believe that Clover is secretly fine with her life and that she is just suffering from a serious bout of FOMO. I didn't like the judgy way her life was depicted which made the book's message seem a little superficial, as though there is only one right way to live your life. A client's love affair didn't seem big enough or important enough to be the call to action for Clover to transform.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful book. Death is an event that has different meanings for everyone, and brings out a spectrum of responses. It's a delight to read through how clover helps others navigate death as a death doula, and discover that she has a need to do her own introspection.

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer is a great contemporary fiction that I really enjoyed.

This is a story that delves into finding one’s purpose, and one’s place in life. It is also a story of second chances at life and that it never too late to seek and find happiness.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/9/23.

I was asked to review “The Collected Regrets of Clover” by Mikki Brammer. This was the third novel I have read about death doulas, which is Clover’s occupation. Many people cannot understand that her job is to help people die on their own terms, but Clover has had those close to her die alone. Yet, Clover has been so focused on helping those die, she has forgotten to let herself live.

I really did not know what to expect by reading this novel, but I did not expect to be so moved by the author’s poignant storytelling. Yet, while this novel has its sad moments, the glimmers of hope was what kept me reading.

Four and a half stars and I do not come to such a high rating lightly.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and Net Galley for the privilege of reviewing this book.

"It wasn't just the regrets of the dying people I was trying to resolve- it was my own"

Orphaned at a young age and always a bit quirkier than those around her, Clover Brooks now works as a death doula in New York City. Losing those closest to her and knowing they died alone, she now spends her days and nights bringing solace and companionship to those in their final moments. For years she has kept journals detailing her career's experiences. The dying's last words, advice, final moments and moods, and most important of all--their regrets. Determined to not let their life's regrets be in vain, Clover tries to work their regrets into her life. A means to right a wrong. In doing so she begins to find regrets of her own. Whether fully intentional or not, she has devoted her entire life to giving others a beautiful death and in turn has denied herself of a beautiful life in the process. Clover is single, never had a serious relationship in her almost 40 years--or even a kiss, and her closest companions are her pets and 87 year old neighbor, Leo. While visiting one of the cities various death cafes, Clover has a chance meeting that leads her to a client who will help her not only reflect upon her past, but will ultimately change the course of her future.

Happenstance. Serendipity. Fate. Call it what you will, but life has a way of giving you just what you need exactly when you need it. This story is written so beautifully & is not only a story death, but one of life! The Collected Regrets of Clover definitely has moments of sadness and despair, but it is ultimately a story of hope. I went into this book blindly, not sure what to expect. Several times while reading I got Evelyn Hugo vibes and was pleasantly surprised at every turn of the page. Five stars!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a ARC in exchange for my honest review. Publishing May 9 2023

The Collective Regrets of Clover turned out to be much much better than this reader anticipated after reading the first couple of chapters. Clover is a “death doula,” sitting with people and helping them face their transition. As the story unfolds readers learn that while Clover is adept at handling death, it’s life that scares her. This new to me author has created a story crammed with insight about living one’s life to the fullest and becoming open to new beginnings. It was a book I had to complete in one sitting! I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

A vibrantly beautiful debut, Ms Brammer’s voice is one to watch.

I have anxiety, and found I had to parcel this one out over the course of a week, but am so glad that I read it. I probably wouldn’t choose this if I were feeling overly anxious right now, but it’s definitely a wonderful story.

Recommended.

5 stars

Wow wow wow! I’m speechless.

Ok this is an incredibly well written and beautiful story. It is heartbreaking. Honestly not my regular genre but definitely a top read of the year for me.

Most enjoyable read. Clover is a death doula and most people can not understand her job. But Clover is sure that she is here in this job for her clients to die with dignity and she make sure they do not die alone. Clover's parents died in a accident when Clover was 6 and her grandfather raised her by himself. When clover was in her 20's she was traveling and received a text to call her grandfather's friend. Clover had a bad feeling when she placed the call. The friend informed her that her grandfather passed away alone in her office the night before. Clover was distraught thinking of her grandfather being alone when he died. Clover then make it her life's work to be there for the dying. This is a story how Clover discovers the regrets she has and how to make choices to live for the now. I really love the people that were invited into Clover's life that helped her to see that she could change her life. There was some parts of the story that are emotional and I did shed some tears. Well done story.

I'm not sure I can write a review that does this book justice.

This was such a touching and beautiful tribute to death and living life to the fullest without regret.

Clover is a 36 year old death doula in NYC. She has had her own share of loss from an early age. Slowly, she starts to see her own regrets through others' last regrets.

I LOVED this book so much. Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press. I was so drawn to Clover's job, and I fell in love with her character. The whole novel is brilliantly written.

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer is an extremely fascinating, electrifying and completely remarkable story!

Clover Brooks lives in NYC and after the death of her grandfather who raised her she becomes a death doula. She has devoted her life to guiding people peacefully through their end-of-life process.
Clover truly has felt so alone. Spending so much time the dying she hasn't had much time for herself.
Until she forms a special friendship in which she wasn't wasn't expecting at all.
And all this friend wishes for is for Clover to go on a trip across country to uncover a forgotten love story.
As she sails through the sea of romance and friendship, Clover is compelled to examine what she really wants, and whether she’ll have the power to go after it.

I was absolutely surprised by this wonderfu debut.
Everything about this story took me by surprise and hooked me immediately.
A truly epic read. The reader is swept on a whirlwind journey of life, death and finding true happiness.
This is an emotional and engrossing read. One that I couldn't get enough of.
Mikki Brammer hit the ground running with her phenomenal debut and I'm looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

Insightful, beautiful, and light-hearted, The Collected Regrets of Clover gives life to a woman who was least expecting it.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

St. Martin's Press,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my blog, platforms, BookBub, B&N, Kobo and Waterstone closer to pub date.

This sentimental, poignant, engaging novel is so outstanding! It questions meaning of life, death, how your choices determine your path and how to enjoy the limited time you’ve earned and how to learn let it go!

Clover might be one of the most memorable characters you’ll love to meet: she’s different, quirky, awkward, introvert, focusing on death and the people whose time is limited than living a fulfilled life. She’s hiding inside her cocoon, having limited connection with people. Her only friend is her old black neighbor Leo who was also the friend of her grandfather.

Clover’s life has changed when she has seen the first dead person in her life. She was only five and she witnessed how her kindergarten teacher passed away. She kept holding his hand, stating solid and silent. She turned into an outcast because of her unusual reaction and behavior around him. And after losing her parents at an accident, she moved to live with her grandfather in NYC apartment.

Now she’s 36. She still lives at the same apartment that she has been living with her grandfather. Even though he passed away she cannot find the courage or enough energy to collect his belongings and donate them.

She works as a death doula; talking and spending time with people who are about to die to help them having a more peaceful transition between worlds.

Her only hobby is going to the death cafes: where people who’d like to talk about death and their experiences. She always keeps into herself, listening the people’s stories and she also likes to keep notes about her clients’ last words including their regrets, advices and confessions.

But one of her clients will change her life forever. Claudia, a former journalist who suffers from terminal cancer, turning into her intimate confidante.

And suddenly Clover finds herself traveling across the country for an important mission: she has to uncover an unforgettable love story and interestingly chasing this story will also bring her own happy ending.

This book is absolutely unusual, thought provoking, delicate, heartfelt journey. I’m so sure you haven’t read something like that! It’s one of a kind, unique, visionary and inspirational.

I highly recommend you to read and meet with this memorable character! Clover will stay in your mind and heart forever!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

A wonderful celebration of life from the perspective of a death doula. The Collected Regrets of Clover is charming, surprising, and utterly compelling.

Clover is 36. She lives in NYC and spends most of her time working as a death doula, helping people who are dying find some solace in their final moments. She is lonely but does not necessarily want the company of others. Her only friend is her neighbor Leo, a man in his 80s. When a new neighbor moves into her building, an opportunity to form a friendship and broaden her horizons opens up. At the same time, Clover is immersed in her latest job, during which she bonds with Claudia, a former photojournalist with terminal cancer. Now, Clover finds herself reflecting on how she has been living and what she wants to do to make the most of whatever time she has left.

I adored this story and read it in one sitting as I was completely drawn into Clover’s world. It stands out as one of my favorite reads of the 200 books I’ve read so far this year. I have no doubt this novel will be a well-deserved bestseller when it releases in May 2023. Clover is one of the most lovable and sympathetic literary characters I have encountered and it was a pleasure to follow her and cheer her on as she learns more about what she wants out of life.

Thank you very much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this amazing debut.