What a special book! Ethan Joella has done it again!

A Quiet Life follows three different people who are dealing with different stages of grief. Chuck, who stood out to me to most, is dealing with the loss of his wife Cat. Kirsten is dealing with the loss of her father who was killed in a robbery. And Ella is dealing with the disappearance of her young daughter.

I love the way that the characters lives intersect. It is done subtly and in a way that didn’t feel rushed or forced at all. Again I am always intrigued by Joella’s writing style and the way he makes it so easy to connect to each character and you feel invested in their stories.

I really enjoyed A Little Hope, but I have to say that I think this one is even better. Well done!

One of my favorite quotes is “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always.” I feel like this book could have been written just based off of that quote.

Thank you NetGalley, Scriber, and Ethan Joella for the opportunity to read an early copy of this. I can’t wait to add the physical copy to my bookshelf this fall!

Pub Date: November 29, 2022

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review. It is one of family and friends...loss and love...romance and happiness...death and grief. Three characters...different yet alike...I especially liked the story of Chuck, the widower...and then there are the two women...family life...what will happen next? Friends help out...the loss of a beloved wife...Themes too many to mention. This is a cannot put down book...thought provoking...unusual read...inspiring...don't miss this book. I do not usually enjoy books written about each character separately as this one begins. I like linear in time...and linear in that the story moves with the timeline and the characters all together at once. This one changed my mind. Liked this.

I love when I discover a new author that has a really strong debut novel. I get so excited and look forward to reading the author for years to come. Such was the case when I read Ethan Joella's A Little Hope a year or so ago.
Unfortunately, sometimes second novels disappoint, and that excitement flies out the window. I am thrilled that is not the case with Joella's second novel, A Quiet Life. These novels are similar in that they restore your faith in humanity, explore the power of human connection, and introduce you to characters you will recall for a long time. Joella's newest explores the lives of three characters who are in the relatively early stages of grief., all for different, unrelated reasons. Yet these three connect in unexpected, everyday ways, and ultimately, profoundly affect one another in positive ways. This hits bookshelves in November, so put it on your "To Read" list now. You won't be sorry you did. Meanwhile, I'll be patiently waiting for Joella's third. Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing a digital ARC for review.

A QUIET LIFE
BY: ETHAN JOELLA

WOW! I couldn't have LOVED this new to me Author's beautifully rendered newest novel called, "A Quiet Life, " more! It deserves Five Heavenly, Sparkling Stars if then some and five stars doesn't quite seem enough to bestow this. If you love brilliant writing that is peaceful and quiet, then look no further--this book is for you! If you love stunning character development infused with psychological insights--this definitely is your next Fantastic novel to savor. I had taken a chance with requesting this as at the time I haven't yet heard of this extremely talented novelist, Ethan Joella. I am so happy that I did because this is exquisite.

I know a new discovery of an unknown author speaks volumes to me, when after finishing the book, I drop everything and move forward by directly purchasing and reading the previous written books already published. Even more so when I have moved this Author's debut novel called, "A Little Hope," to the head of my queue, when I have already amassed other books that I have been looking forward to. I hope that my review can do this novel justice! I loved the intimacy and simplicity of this genius book. I loved all of the characters. I was carried along effortlessly not wanting to put this down because I was so invested in their lives and how everything was going to turn out for them.

When you have lived as long as I have you will no doubt at some point in your life suffer a staggering loss. You may have regrets like I have had and then again maybe if you are lucky you do not.

This novel explores the experience of loss with three main characters, but is never depressing and will not lower your vibrations while reading it. I had tremendous empathy for the three main characters while reading but felt a dopamine rush of calm because of the masterful sense of hope that this Author inspires.

Chuck Ayers has just lost his beloved wife Catherine to lung cancer that spread to her bones. He and Cat had been spending their Winters escaping from the cold Northeastern Pennsylvania, to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Chuck is lucky to have a friend named Sal drop in on him several times each week to check up on how he is doing. Chuck is trying to find the strength or gumption that he needs to make this annual trip on his own. He knows that he is filled with grief and he is like me in that he ruminates over a regret that he is by having to do with the one major disagreement he had over his long term marriage with Cat. He wishes that he had gone ahead and granted her desire to help a young woman named Natasha who Cat had grown close to when she used to frequent a diner to sketch her art. Chuck had perhaps been a little envious or didn't want Natasha's presence complicating their retirement. Now, he would do anything if he could go back in time and not have fought with Cat. That was many years ago and it was forgotten and they had many good times until Cat's cancer and death that followed all too quickly. They have two adult grown and well adjusted children who he like any parent has not been prepared for them to grow up so fast and he has regrets about not doing things that he planned to.

Ella knows acute grief and loss, also. Her eight year old daughter has disappeared with her estranged husband Kyle whom their marriage disintegrated and fell apart. Even in Ella's wildest dreams she never expected that Kyle would be so cruel as to take their daughter Riley away from her. He had been living with his parents and had been working at a stable job and he just up and left everything behind. Ella is so grateful for her mother who dropped everything and made the trip from Massachusetts to help Ella get a two bedroom apartment which she hates but her mom helped paint Riley's bedroom a soft pink and hung her picture of Mickey Mouse. Kyle had not paid the mortgage on their home or the taxes and absconded with all of their money. Ella's mother told her to stay busy to help her cope with the huge hole in her heart. Ella had taught Riley her cell phone number so Ella never misses a call and she is annoyed when it rings and it is a telephone marketer. She is up early at 3:45 AM every morning to deliver newspapers to her 75 customers on her paper route. She then goes to work for her eight hour shift at a Bridal shop which is a job that she hates as much as her paper route and her apartment. Ella is in her forties and she always wanted to open her own preschool. The thoughts that plague her the most are missing and worrying about her daughter. It has been four months of agony and her one good thing is that her mother-in-law seems to be kinder and understanding and just as horrified that Kyle has done what he has. Is Riley safe? Is she scared? Will this traumatize her?

Kirsten works at a Rescue animal shelter and she misses her father who was murdered in a gas station. She thinks about him every hour of every day. He was the type of father that she never outgrew. He was from Italy and his sister came and stayed with Kirsten and her mother after their heartbreaking loss. His sister was supposed to be married in May, but postponed her wedding until this year and Kirsten wants her mother to accompany her, but her mother has not wanted to return to Italy where there are too many good memories of her dead husband. Kirsten is fortunate to be able to work with all of the animals and she has been given a lot of responsibility at the Rescue Ranch. She is having trouble going home to an empty home because her mother isn't home with all that she does to keep busy. She loved her father's expressions: Dio ride. God laughs. She has been out of college for three years. Her mother said this job was made for her two years ago. Last year at this time she was applying to vet schools and had every intention of commuting to Philadelphia or moving to another city, wherever she got in. But Dio ride. Animals are the only things that make her smile lately. Kirsten has no idea what is next. She feels like she's waiting for a sign. She feels like her dad would be just the person who could bring her one. What would he tell her? What would save her, open her up, make her smile again?

I feel as though I have said more than enough and maybe too much. Don't worry there is so much more to this and I am not a gifted writer like this author, Ethan Joella. He doesn't make things sound so bleak. All three of these lovable characters lives will intersect each other's. This novel soars with hope and inspiration. All three characters do a lot of nice and selfless things for other people and one another. I could relate to Chuck and Ella the most. I hope that I am more like Kirsten. If you decide to read this and I hope that you do, who do you think that you resonate with? I highly, highly recommend this both to men and women. It has messages of how important friendships are and family. Don't we all feel happy to connect with others and do something to help someone else. I know that giving something that I have to someone else makes me happy. This is one that you won't want to miss because it ultimately is a novel with all of the good feelings! Absolutely Unforgettable! I was sad to say goodbye to these wonderful characters and didn't want to come to the end. This is definitely a Favorite! I am now off to read this Author's first novel called, "A Little Hope".

Publication Date: November 29, 2022

A huge and heartfelt Thank you to Net Galley, Ethan Joella and Scribner for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#AQuietLife #EthanJoella #Scribner #NetGalley

Fantastic story of three strangers facing tragic events separately but their lives become woven together in random acquaintances. Good reminder that we are all going through something and each of us has the ability to help or encourage another person as they in turn help us.

A Quiet Life, by Ethan Joella, is such a beautiful story of learning to get on with your life after suffering insurmountable loss and pain. Characters intermingle, stories cross-over, friendships are made, and in the end, healing happens to everyone involved. My favorite part of the book, however, is the inter-generational relationships that are formed, thus teaching the reader that you can find happiness where you least expect it. Friends don't have to be your same age or have all of your same interests. Friendships can happen across many different lines, sometimes resulting in giving us the very best relationships of all. If you're lucky enough to find your people, no matter who they may seem to be, you're lucky enough.

A QUIET LIFE by Ethan Joella is a novel about three characters who each experience overwhelming grief after a terrible loss and slowly move forward with time. Chuck’s wife died, Ella’s daughter disappears, and Ella’s father is violently killed. The characters stories are very different and independent of each other, but they meet and gently help each other in touching and unexpected ways. I loved reading this book. It is inspiring and gently encourages you to do something good for another person.

A Quiet Life follows three people who are grieving, and their lives intersect in such lovely ways. It’s a small world, indeed.

After reading Ethan Joella’s debut last year, I knew I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his newest book. The passion that comes through on the page, the relationships, the feelings… they are so real! I could not put this book down.

Knowing the pain of losing a parent young, this book hit home for me in so many ways. It’s a beautiful story and I want everyone to read it. I cried at the end.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. There is a lot to unpack in this book. I even had to write down the characters and bits about each of them at the beginning to keep everyone straight. By the middle of the book I knew everyone, but the first couple of chapters had me flipping back and forth trying to remember who was who.

Ultimately, this is a book about loss and the different ways that people process loss. Whether it was a sudden loss, one that was coming, or one without answers, those feelings are all valid and leave a wake. Ella, David, Kirsten, and Chuck all had big things to process and work through on their own and with the help of their friends.

The plot didn't move quickly, I actually can't remember how much time passed during the book, but I was deep in the journey with the characters. There are a few things that felt rushed, but they didn't take away from the plot or the ending.

Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced copy for my honest review. I will recommend this book often when it releases in November.

A beautiful character driven novel about three people struggling with miss that come together I. The novel. Immersive writing that kept me hooked until the end.

I"m so grateful to NetGally and Scribner for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. What a flawlessly written story! Bravo to author Ethan Joella. I look forward to reading more of your books.

The story centers around Chuck, a widow who is grieving the loss of his beloved wife Cat and trying to decide whether or not to make their annual winter trip to Hilton Head alone for the first time. He wants to honor her by going but feels paralyzed by his grief and the idea of being in their shared happy place without her.

His story is interwoven with two younger women, Ella and Kirsten, who have also suffered losses that have altered their lives and affected them deeply.

It is a story of grief, but it is written in the most compassionate and tender way. It is also a story of great love, hope and community and of how doing something kind and loving for someone else, no matter how small, can create immense positivity in your own life.

I highly recommend this book to any and all readers. It is a really wonderful novel and so very well written. Five stars from me!

I really, really enjoyed this book. It hooked me from the very beginning and kept me hooked the entire time!

I just loved Ethan Joella’s last novel, A Little Hope, so I was eager to get my hands on this! It exceeded my expectations.

This novel tells the stories of 3 people living in a small PA town: Chuck, whose wife has recently passed, Ella, whose daughter is missing, and Kirsten, who father was killed. This is some depressing content however what Joella has a knack for is both exploring all facets of how these experiences affect the characters lives, and how they each find hope and meaning in their own way.

It must be said that there is nothing saccharine or forced, especially in how these characters’ lives intersect and small and large ways. Their experiences on their face, some relatable and some decidedly not, are all rendered so empathetically … the feelings come to life vividly.

The writing is wonderful, I loved each nuanced character, there is humor, suspense, and you really care about them. This book is quiet and gentle and quite powerful.

I LOVED Joella's first book A Little Hope, and while this one wasn't *quite* as magical, it was still pretty darn great. There is something about Joella's writing that is really atmospheric and cozy. It was the perfect book to read while stuck at home sick with covid. I loved the small-town Pennsylvania setting, with 3 people whose lives randomly intersect. This book tackles love, loss, grief, relationships, and hope.

This is a novel about loss and renewal. Ethan has lost his beloved wife Cat and doesn’t know if he can continue life without her. Kirsten has lost her father who was killed in a convenience store robbery. All of her plans are on hold and she doesn’t know where to go. Ella has lost her daughter who was kidnapped by her ex husband. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways and each finds the ability to move forward with life.
I enjoyed the story line and the author’s writing style. He described a scene vividly by noting the small details, without getting monotonous. Warning, the book is a tear jerker and will pull at your heart strings.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A beautifully-written, emotionally resonant novel about three characters dealing with trauma. Chuck's wife has died from cancer, Ella's daughter has been abducted by her father, and Kristen's dad has died. Their lives intersect as they try to find a way forward in dealing with their grief.

This was a beautifully written novel about loss and overcoming past traumas.

I liked how Joella shared the lives of three completely different strangers and how they each had their own struggles. It was difficult to read about Chuck at first, as the loss he was feeling was almost palpable. I envisioned what his life had become and the emptiness that he must have felt. Truly magical writing.

But just touching base with one part of the story, I would say that everything had tied together so seamlessly and made me want more.
Overall, wonderfully written. My three stars were only because I wanted a bit more from the characters and felt something was missing.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Chuck Ayers was locked into his life with Cat. The problem was, Cat had died, and Chuck was actually living his life without Cat. So much of the book was about Chuck’s memories of life with Cat. I enjoyed the effective character development. I ‘felt’ Chuck’s grief, Ella’s loss of her abducted daughter, and Kristen’s sorrow because of her father’s untimely death. The story has many different emotions, some happy, some not so much. There were several storylines happening, and the author did a very successful job of intertwining it all. The ending pulled it all together nicely.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this enjoyable book.

When reading A Quiet Life, Ethan Joella seems to have three separate books he is writing: A story about a widow, a thriller about a missing daughter and a romantic story. Each are tied together in some way as well as each dealing with grief but I feel that the book suffers with the different characters and plots.

I felt that Chuck’s story was good and I felt that Kirsten’s story was the weakest with a love triangle not fitting into the story but I felt that the missing child storyline was the strongest and could have been a single story on it’s own. I felt that the characters were never fully fleshed out and the book suffers because of that or implementing side characters who I found unnecessary or annoying like Chuck’s next door neighbor.

Overall A Good Life is fine with some good ideas that seem tangled up with mismatched themes, characters and tone.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Scribner and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A wonderful read full of grief and emotions. A must read, perfect for book clubs.