This is an endearing story set in the ‘50’s. Alice has left a horrible marriage and opened up a bookstore on her own. Four Radcliffe students make up her new book club and she picks the books they’ll discuss for their monthly Thursday meetings. As Tess, Merritt, Evie, and Caroline dissect the books they’ve read, they learn more about themselves and each other. But when a devastating incident occurs, their book club and even their friendships, may be over. One must dig deep to find the strength to move on, one’s judgemental views causes the follower of the group to engage in gossip, and one loyal friend will remain steadfast, along with Alice who provides a safe haven. An interesting look into a time when women had few options in life other than marriage and the obstacles they faced in trying to find their own place in the world.
A nice cozy historical fiction book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I didn't want to put this one down. I really enjoyed it I loved this group of girls and the dynamics between them. I liked the book club they were apart of and learned a lot about their individual personalities during these times.
The story was easy to follow along with and I felt like k was another character in the book at times alongside the girls.

DNF - I did not make it very far into this book before I realized that I was struggling to engage with the character and the writing style. I thought perhaps this might change but, found myself increasingly disconnected from the story; everything felt very surface-level. At first glance, this appeared to be a story that I might like and one that eased itself in between some of the heavier subject matter that I consume. However, I read some other reviews that detail what takes place as the story progresses and that feels like something that should be indicated as a content warning at the beginning so as to give readers the opportunity to not be faced with sexual assault in the pages of a book that offers a cooling environment of finding oneself in the world and on the page - the irony in this should not be ignored. I digress.

4 stars

Not a bad read, though I think there should be a trigger warning. The blurb says one of the charcters is 'shattered' is that a modern euphemism for raped? Alice runs a bookshop. We learn a little about her previous life and how she believes book clubs can help make young girls/women more self aware. At the beginning the characters are drawn quite sparsly but we learn more about Caroline, Tess, Evie and Merrick as time goes on. In some ways you can think of them as archetypes: The rich socialite, the bullied poor scholarship girl, the farmgirl with an overt interest in men, the artist. The books chosen are interesting: Jane Eyre, Emma, The great Gatsby, each having a link to the story line. Worth reading but be aware of the dark subject matter included in the narrative.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alice Campbell is starting over - opening a small bookshop in Cambridge Massachusetts, the year is 1954. Soon we are introduced to Tess, Caroline, Evie and Merritt - all starting their college years at Radcliffe - all with a different past and a very different view on life.
These are difficult times for women and each character is affected in their own way. The Book Club becomes a lovely way to learn about authors, life and the value of friendship. Julie Bryan Thomas was able to include wonderful titles that hold great meaning for the times that are as relevant today as they were then!
I quite enjoyed the twists and turns that came along with these interesting girls as they navigate their new lives. The narrative captured me - and although I wish I had read all the novels discussed - they will definitely be on my list for the future! Well done!
Thank you NetGalley for giving me this opportunity to read and review this wonderful novel.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this e-ARC. This does not affect my review in any way. All opinions are my own.

You know that tiktok audio that's something like, "We wait. Wait. Wai- NOW WE GO. GO. RUN"? That's this book and I ended with severe whiplash and absolutely no desire to recommend this book to anyone.

Frankly, by 25% of the book, I was sitting there thinking, "alright, this is about a three star read, at best." The characters felt very one-dimensional, as though they were each fitting into a role designed for them and they weren't allowed to go out of that mold. Basically, they felt fake. They also felt very wooden until their personality did a full 180 and I sat there questioning what on earth just happened. At what point did Evie become Tess's little minion? I felt like I missed that whole part.

But then there was the rape. Listen, I already hate the prevalence of sexual assault and rape used as a plot device in women-centric novels, especially historical fiction. It's one of my big red flags. Because sexual assault has impacted women forever and still affects us today. You don't need to write a scene depicting it. Seriously. I don't want to have to constantly read about the single act I fear on the daily walking to my car.

But the thing is, Caroline didn't change much except for being pregnant. She already decided she didn't like the life that was decided for her. She already admitted not liking her family. It was obvious. The rape wasn't an emotional change for her, it was simply a piss poor plot device. Seriously.

But then Tessa outs her and stabs the rapist but for the wrong reason? Sweet Mother Mary and stepdaddy Joseph too, I had to set the story down and take a lap because what in Sam Hill just happened? That wasn't in line with anyone's character, it wasn't realistic, and the drama and plot just felt...off. This is a wattpad novel for grown women.

All in all, my head hurts. I don't understand what on earth I just read. I don't even have the mental capacity to discuss my frustrations with the minute historical mentions in here aside from the fashion. I need to go lie down.

I really wanted to be best friends with the characters! This was such a great novel! It was cozy and just so bittersweet at the same time. This is really enjoyable. I will gladly go ahead and purchase this for the library.

I loved this cozy bookish novel! I think it's a great way to see how a book club can enhance your life. I loved that the author used the story to show how book club can open your mind to new ideas and ways of thinking about life.

Things I wish were different:
-I wish that the four college friends had found a way to be closer to each other rather than be divided and grow apart. I think the characters were pretty set in their ways and I didn't see too much development other than with Caroline.
-I was also a little disappointed that Alice, the bookshop owner, didn't have any developments in her character or life either. She seemed to serve as a mediator role throughout the book mostly.
-I also thought the ending was a little to abrupt for my liking and wished the girls would have gotten together for one last book club a little more closure for the readers.

At the end of the day, I'm rating this 4 stars, I very much enjoyed seeing the characters discuss classic novels and common themes amongst women throughout centuries.

I usually enjoy books that feature book stores and books and reading but I gave up a third of the way through this one because I didn’t connect with any of the characters and there didn’t seem to be a clear plot line.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I had a hard time getting into this one. That being said I know many of my library patrons will enjoy it. A big thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for this ARC

I was attracted to this book as I went to Harvard, and I looked forward to getting to know more about my predecessors at Radcliffe College. Radcliffe was the women’s college adjacent to Harvard founded in the late 19th century; the two merged completely in 1999. The Radcliffe Ladies’ Reading Club follows the tumultuous lives of four freshmen at Radcliffe and one bookshop owner in 1954. Told from each woman’s perspective, the book gives glimpses into what motivated these women to attend college at a time when most expected to marry right out of high school. Ambitious Tess wants a different life from her mother; wealthy Caroline only cares about clothes and boys; Merritt has lost her mother and isn’t sure what the future holds; and Evie wants to have some fun. Alice, the bookshop owner, is a woman with a career she loves. But each isn’t what she appears at first glance, and the tensions that arise in the group lead to devastating consequences.

Likes: The book gets a lot of things right about communities of women and teenage girls’ relationships with each other. There’s a lot of jealousy, jockeying for power, judgement, and defensiveness that is spot-on. Characters do things for reasons they can’t articulate to themselves. I enjoyed the quotes from the books Alice chose, including Jane Eyre, Anna Karenina, The Great Gatsby, and Gift from the Sea, and the literary references were well-chosen.

Dislikes: Five points of view is a lot, and some were stronger than others. Caroline’s voice dominates at times, while others, like Evie’s, felt a bit rushed or one-note. And the book group puzzled me. Why did the group only consist of Alice and the four students? Wouldn’t Alice have continued inviting customers to take part? The group meetings might have benefited from additional minor characters. I would have liked more details that made the story specific to Radcliffe, rather than any women’s college. Finally, I am not going to give specifics to avoid spoilers, but I was quite disappointed in the portrayal of men.

FYI: sexual assault, discussion of abortion, miscarriage, physical abuse, emotional abuse, violence, alcoholism.

This book was an ok book. I liked reading about how Tess, Caroline, Evie, and Merrit experienced college life in the 1950s. What a difference from today! The story did drag a little. I would have liked to read more from Alice's point of view. I feel like she had the most to offer to the story.

A powerful story of growing up as women in the 1950s. Torn between wanting a college education and a chance to make a career of their own and the expectations of society. A must read!

I was very very interested in reading this novel because the blurb made it seem like a dream and I was a bit disappointed to be honest. The writing was more telling and not as much showing, which made reading it frustrating and quite tedious honestly. The characters were fun and relatable but I wasn't able to connect with them as much as I wanted to because of how I just did not vibe with the writing.

Wow! I loved this campus novel. Set in the 1950s at Radcliff this is the story of four very different young women who become fast friends. A local booksellers conducts a book club for them and they read and discuss a different novel each month. But this story is really about how these girls from different regions. and social standings come together and build friendships.

When Alice Campbell begins a new life in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the 1950s with a quaint bookshop to call her own, she has no idea what the year ahead will hold. What she does know is that she's finally living life on her own terms after escaping an unhappy marriage, and that alone brings her a deep sense of inner peace.

Alice's monthly book club meetings contribute to the contentedness she feels. Joined by a group of four college women from Radcliffe, Alice welcomes the opportunity to share both her love of books and the wisdom they hold with a group of fellow readers. She enjoys challenging their beliefs, broadening their perspectives, and introducing them to new ideas.

Tess, Caroline, Merritt, and Evie are all very different...but something they have in common is the expectation society has placed on them to follow a direct path to marriage and motherhood. Alice encourages them to examine that path. Is it what they truly want? Is there another way? And when a member of the group's life is flipped upside down after a horrific tragedy, all of the women are forced to look deep inside themselves and make tough decisions that will determine the course of their futures.

I loved everything about this book. The college women felt like fond friends (especially Caroline and Merritt), and the twists and turns of the plot genuinely surprised me and kept me on my toes. Alice struck me as a deeply wise and maternal character, which made her a perfect guiding light for Tess, Caroline, Merritt, and Evie. And it's impossible to ignore the shocking parallels this book holds with recent current events in regards to women's independence and equality. Highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction and need to get out of a reading slump.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review!*

The Radcliffe Ladies' Reading Club by Julia Bryan Thomas has one of my favorite things at the core...books! Alice Campbell starts a new journey in her life and opens a bookstore in Cambridge, MA. Alice decides to help promote her store by offering a book club. Soon four students from the college will join the monthly book club. It isn't long before friendships are made between Tess, Caroline, Evie, and Merritt. The book is set in the 1950s and times are changing for young ladies. The book is interesting, and I recommend it to people who have a love of books and enjoy book clubs.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book. The publication date is June 6, 2023.

ARC received by NetGalley. Thank you!!

This was not the storyline I expected based on the description but was still an absolutely great and highly recommended read.

Radcliff in the 1950s provides the opportunity for higher education for ladies-some want to learn, most are torn between an education and the socially acceptable "MRS degree." A women's best place is in the home raising a family, right? Hmmm.

The Radcliff Ladies Reading Club follows the story of four very different Radcliff students and Alice, a woman with her own story trying to make it on her own by purchasing a bookshop. Alice advertises for a reading club and the Radcliff students (Tess, Caroline, Evie and Merritt) begin attending. Alice attempts to gently lead them to opening their minds to new ideas by proposing books that encourage them to consider options that may be available to them.

Without spoilers the girls all have their own journeys and lessons to learn. The book is well written and had me turning page after page with no desire to put down my book until I reached the end.

As many may remember, Radcliffe was once the women’s college affiliated with Harvard University. As such, it was one of the prestigious seven sisters schools.

As this novel, set in the 1950s, opens four young women are enrolled as Radcliffe freshman. They each arrive at school with their own family history. Tess hopes to be a writer and is happy to leave an unhappy home life behind in order to be a scholarship student at the school. Tess’s roommate, Caroline, is a wealthy young woman with a voluminous wardrobe. She seems less interested in academics than in dating and having fun. There are then Merritt and Evie rounding out the group.

A new bookstore has opened in Cambridge. The slightly mysterious owner, Alice, is planning to have a monthly book group with the first selection being Jane Eyre. Our four protagonists join.

I enjoyed this book’s setting and the way that the gracious life of a 1950s women’s school was brought to life. I could completely visualize the common room’s sofas and the dorm dining room where waitressed meals were served. These details accurately reflect the novel’s time period. I also enjoyed and eagerly waited to see which book would be discussed each month.

Many things happen to and around these four young women. They go through some difficult times on their way to adulthood. No spoilers so those who are interested, put this one on your calendar.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.

This was a charming historical fiction novel set in Cambridge (USA not UK) in the 50s. It sets out the beginning of a college adventure and friendship for four young women from very different lifestyles. By chance, they join a book club at a local bookstore. Alice Campbell, the owner, who has had her own non-traditional path in life, selects books with the hopes they teach the naive girls some life lessons. (Spoiler alert: She wants them to be more than just housewives!). I do wish the book devoted more time to the book club meetings. Alice was the most interesting character in my opinion. She pressed the girls to think for themselves and to reflect on their value systems as not something merely passed along, but genuinely owned and considered by oneself.

The book has an unexpectedly dark twist which saved it from being too trite. While I enjoyed the book, I did feel as if I had read it before. For that reason, it gets 3 stars from me. It’s an easy read that is doable in a weekend.


Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the advanced copy.