This book was funny and thoughtful in exploring the lives of three very different Chinese women and the obstacles they faced to live the lives they wanted when society and family pressures them to marry. Rina is a career woman who keeps getting passed over for promotion despite working all the time. Jane is unhappy in her marriage and thinks she would've had better prospects if she were more beautiful. Lulu eels a deep sense of obligation to help out her poor family by marrying a rich man she doesn't love. These three best friends plan a heist to steal the gift money at Lulu's high society wedding. The planning of it and the heist itself will have you on the edge of your seats for multiple reasons. More importantly, each of these women grow in different ways and that journey will have you turning the pages until the very end.

Thank you Netgalley and Graydon House for the ARC!

I was so incredibly excited to read this -- a group of best friends who plan a heist set in Shanghai?? How could I not be losing my mind in anticipation of getting my hands on this?? -- and it did not disappoint! The story and the prose were both effortless engaging, and it was impossible not to get lost in this book as I read. Lulu, Rina, and Jane were delightful characters, both sympathetic and lovable as well as relatable in their flaws and missteps along the way. I thought it was a perfect balance of humor and warmheartedness, juxtaposed with a thoughtful examination of societal understanding of gender roles and the way in which women are viewed and valued versus how they view and value themselves. I highly recommend this book for any fans of contemporary fiction -- it truly had everything that I love about the genre, and the ending especially was deliciously satisfying!

Wonderful, wonderful book and I found myself breezing through!! Although younger than the characters of the books themselves, I could find myself relating to their reactions from experiences and their feelings as well as empathising with them. Being able to experience Lulu, Rina, and Jane's friendship through its highs and lows really helped this as well and I enjoyed the way the author incorporated many aspects of Chinese culture into the book that I found myself laughing and empathising with. Also, Mei was such an adorable and fierce character; her presence brought a delightful energy to the narrative!! Would def recommend to readers in search of a thought-provoking read that offers a blend of emotional depth and relatable experiences between both friends and loved ones.

ARC Review

Story: 5/5 ⭐

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Women of Good Fortune follows the story of three best friends, Lulu, Jane, and Rina. Set in the backdrop of high-society Shanghai, money is at the center of all of their problems. Lulu, Jane, and Rina set up a plan to steal Lulu's wedding gifts/red packets in order to achieve their dreams. But as their plan becomes increasingly complicated, their friendship may become jeopardized.

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Sophie Wan does a great job of weaving the cultural expectations of women along with the excitement of the heist in this book. The focus on beauty standards, familial responsibility, fertility and marriage expectations, and gender biases really made the story relatable. This book hit a little too close to home for me as a Chinese American. She brings up the cultural expectations that, while outdated, are still practiced today. It made me feel sympathetic and encouraged their planned heist. The characters, while flawed, are easily relatable and sympathetic. You really just want to root for them to succeed! This book was fun, engaging, and fast-paced. An all female-led heist in high society Shanghai? What more can you ask for!

***I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to the author/publishing company and netgalley for this opportunity!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House for this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. Women of Good Fortune is a story of three best friends- Lulu, Jane, and Rina who are all at a crossroads in their life. Lulu is set to marry Harv but, is less than enthusiastic about it and has resigned herself to a loveless marriage. But, the three friends hatch an idea to steal Lulu’s wedding gifts (a lot of money!) and hope that this money will help them all gain or buy what they are desperately searching for.

This book was a wonderful breeze to read! The relatively short chapters, fast pace, and engaging plot made this an awesome summer read for me. The characters at the center of this book were flawed but, so endearing and enjoyable to spend time with. I loved the way that the author incorporated real women’s issues into the heart of this book, as it made these characters very relatable and easy to empathize with; these discussions and social commentary around body image, familial responsibilities, double standards for women, etc. also gave this book more depth and I think really balanced well with the levity of the money heist part of the plot. I also enjoyed the cultural references interspersed throughout the book!

I think it’s also worth noting that I really enjoyed the ending! The buildup in this story paid off and I think left our characters in a great place. Overall, I thought this book was excellent and I think was a satisfying read. I would definitely recommend to women’s fiction fans and contemporary fiction fans.

Excellent book, especially speaking about traditional Chinese cultures. It speaks women's worth and friendship. It's a book that makes you laugh, cry and scream all in between the plot of the story. Love it!

I just reviewed Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan. #WomenofGoodFortune #NetGalley
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A delightful read! Women of Good Fortune is full of adventure, meaningful subplots, and is a touching exploration of the different ways women succumb to societal pressures re: looks, careers, and marriage.

Three friends in Shanghai - Jane, Lulu, and Rina - decide to fight the patriarchy and plan to steal the gift money at Lulu’s high-profile and lavish upcoming wedding.

I loved this! It is lighthearted while tackling heavier themes of belonging, discrimination, low self-esteem, among others. I was very invested in Jane’s and Rina’s stories and also grew to care for Lulu. Recommended to anyone looking for a fun caper.

Thank you very much to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.