Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, what a wonderful story. Your heart can break in so many ways and Ethan Joella has found three of the most perfect, sympathetic foils to express love and loss. Everything about this book spoke to me, each of the characters, each of their losses, the ways they tried to get through each day and keep on.

Joella doesn’t exactly define love but he lets the reader know that he believes that is a necessity we all need. He thinks “maybe loving someone so deeply means accepting the fact that they occupy a specific, clear place in you.” He explains that the price that you pay when you love so much and lose that love, feeling ripped asunder makes sense. When you have love consider yourself fortunate to have been able to feel so strongly for another. It appears that he ascribes to Tennyson’s affirmation; “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”

People love, they suffer loss, they try to stand back up and try to move forward but it is hard, really, really hard. Each day feels like it is trying to knock you back down and you become your best friend and worst enemy. Everything that was easy become torturously difficult - tears are a half a beat from falling. Losing your other half, your strength, your “I will love you forever and always” is sometimes more than the heart and mind can bear. To all of those who have suffered that depth of loss and have tried to soldier on - may peace find you.

Thank you Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for a copy of this amazing book.

Plot: Told through three separate points of view, this is the story about grief, loss, and rediscovering love and happiness. Chuck is grappling with the loss of his wife Cat and whether he can continue their yearly tradition of going to Hilton Head without her. Ella tries to find meaning in her life, while trying to maintain hope that her missing daughter will one day come home. Kristen works at an animal shelter as she mourns the sudden loss of her father. These three characters face unimaginable hardship, yet they find light and, more importantly, each other.

Thoughts: I just want to give Chuck, Ella, and Kristen hugs!! I love when authors take independent plotlines and weave them together--Joella beautifully executed this. The audiobook uses three narrators, which works really well for this story. This is the perfect book to cozy up with, and by the end you will feel like these three characters are your friends. Fans of Iona Iverson's Rules for Community and Any Other Family should definitely check this out, as it has that similar structure of a cast of characters coming together to help one another.

I saw this book on my Instagram and remembered how much I loved Ethan Joella’s debut novel. A Little Hope was so uplifting and powerful that I knew I needed to read his new one. I was ecstatic when I was able to snag a copy on @netgalley.

This story follows three people grappling with loss and searching for wisdom in their grief. Chuck used to look forward to his annual trip to Hilton Head, but after loosing his wife he’s unsure he’ll make the trip. Ella delivers the morning paper and works in a bridal shop to fill her days, days that seem endless since her husband kidnapped her daughter. After loosing her father suddenly Kristen set aside veterinary school and has found comfort in working at an animal shelter. These three parallel narratives converge in poignant and unexpected ways as each character is desperate for something they lost.

This book was the perfect read for my Thanksgiving. It was thoughtful and heartwarming. I loved how the characters interested so beautifully and skillfully. You wouldn’t know that this is only the authors second book – he just knows what he is doing. This story made me want to cry and hold onto hope. It was wonderfully atmospheric while having great pacing. Before I was ready for it to be, the story was over. While it tied up nicely, this is just one that I could have kept on reading. This one is out in a couple days but pre-order yours, so you have it on release day, November 29th.

Huge thank you to @netgalley and the publisher Scribner Books for my advanced e-arc in exchange for this honest review.

No sophomore slump here! Joella’s second novel was even better than his first. He masterfully weaves his characters' lives together and I adored each one, my heart breaking for their pain and cheering for their victories. The writing is seamless and beautiful with a poignant, tightly-focused story. Warning: have some tissues nearby, you may cry.

4.5 stars || After I read “A Little Hope”, which I absolutely loved, I COULD NOT WAIT to read another book by Ethan Joella. Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56898255-a-little-hope

However, I also wondered whether this second book will be as good as the first one. I am happy to report that it is quite good. It’s a similar setup as the first book, with individual stories that end up intermingling. I absolutely love the author’s writing style, and there were several times the storyline made me teary-eyed. The stories all resolve beautifully in the end. If I had one criticism, it would be Kristen’s very repetitive back and forth.

I don’t think this storyline or the author is for everyone, but Ethan Joella has now firmly cemented himself as one of my favorite authors.

I think this is officially my favorite book of 2022! A friend described this book like "a warm hug" and she was spot on. This book gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings. It was so beautifully written. I found myself stopping to reread lines because they were so well written. The characters and their journey were so relatable. I didn't want this book to end.

I received this book since May and I waited until it got chilly to curl up and read it because it gave me cozy vibes. I'm glad I did.

I always love separate stories that end up connecting, probably because that's how life usually works. Sometimes we are so stuck on our own stories that we forget that all and each of us have our own things going on. Sometimes we are rude or unkind to other people, especially those working in customer service, that we forget that they are also people going through stuff, they are sometimes suffering and still have to put on a good face. I have always admired how sometimes people are going through hard times and still have kindness left in them to be there for others.

This book also explores grief in different forms. Losing the love of your life, watching them get sick and slowly watch them die. All that time caring for them does not prepare you for the day where they won't be around anymore. Losing a parent out of nowhere, getting them murdered, and no matter what justice the murderer gets, nothing brings your father back. How you learn to live with the rage, the sadness, and still having a deep desire to help people. And lastly the grief of having your child ripped out of your hands. Knowing that they need you and are scared without understanding their situation. How you get kicked out of your house and lifestyle and have to work two jobs to support yourself while you can't think anything but how and where is your child. At the end all these three stories come together very beautifully. It takes good skill for it to not seem forced and the author succeeded.

I rooted for all of the characters, I cared about them, and I was happy about how it ended for them. I will definitely check out other books written by this author.

A Quiet Life
by: Ethan Joella
Pub Date: 11/29/2022

Sypnosis: Set in a close-knit Pennsylvania suburb in the grip of winter, A Quiet Life follows three people grappling with loss and finding a tender wisdom in their grief.

A Quiet Life is an emotionally engrossing and compelling novel filled with hope. It grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go until the final page.

I loved the story and rated it 5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for this E-ARC. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #Scribner #AQuietLife

I love character-driven stories like these, where not a lot happens, but we get to know the characters so deeply, it feels as if they are speaking to us directly from the page. As we learn more about their backstories, it is easy to become completely invested in their journey and where they go from here.

Chuck has lost his wife recently and is trying to navigate his new solitary life, doing things that don't just remind him of his late wife, Cat, but that actually brings him joy and a sense of purpose. Kirsten works at an animal shelter and is dealing with the tragic and violent death of her father. She is caught between two men at work who are vastly different but could both be incredible romantic partners. Finally, Ella is reeling from the sudden disappearance of her ex-husband and her young daughter, after a long period of custody battles, and she's barely staying afloat. These three remarkable characters and their stories intertwine in unexpected times and places.

The overarching theme is loss and learning how to live life in the midst of dealing with grief that can feel all-consuming. The characters come together in their greatest times of need and use their individual strength and resilience to work symbiotically. This book is contemplative and deeply heartfelt and this is storytelling at its finest.

I was so excited to read A Quiet Life as I had enjoyed Mr. Joella’s novel A Little Hope. And my eagerness was validated by the quality of A Quiet Life. Mr. Joella writes exquisitely about loss and humanity In telling the interwoven stories of Chuck, Ella and Kirsten. Each sentence is so genuine and authentic that as the reader, I felt I was present in their lives. These are ordinary people who have each suffered a loss and are portrayed in such a way that they could have been your friend, your neighbor, yourself.

If you enjoy beautifully written, character-driven novels, you will love this. I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and the author for the privilege of reading this ARC.

After reading A Little Hope by debut author Ethan Joella and falling in love with the characters and the tender way he wrote about their struggles and triumphs, I knew that he would be a must-read author for me. So, when I saw that he had a new book coming out in November, I immediately requested to review it.

A Quiet Life follows three characters who are facing challenges in their life and grappling with loss and grief.

Chuck Ayers had recently lost his dear wife, Cat, and he is trying to decide if he is going to make their yearly trip to Hilton Head to spend the winter alone. Staying frozen in place at home as he has done for the last few months is unimaginable, but so is going on a journey to this loved and shared destination. He is stuck in his indecision.

Ella Burke is desperately waiting on information about her missing daughter–kidnapped by her ex-husband. She is delivering newspapers and working at a bridal shop to make ends while feeling like her life is falling apart. Her missing daughter is never out of her thoughts.

Kirsten Bonato’s mind is occupied with thoughts of her recently deceased father who was killed in a convenience store robbery. Her life feels like it is at a stand still and she feels lost and unmoored–working at an animal rescue shelter and fighting complicated feelings about two of her co-workers.

By the end the novel the lives of these three characters intersect in unforeseen, yet beautiful ways. Each of these characters is bravely pressing onward and trying to recover something precious they have lost.

A Quiet Life is one of the most beautifully written, heartwarming, pleasant book that speaks to the interconnectedness of humanity. It is quiet and hopeful and left me with with such a peaceful, joyful feeling in my heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner Books for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: November 29, 2002

I absolutely loved A Little Hope last year and could not wait to read Ethan Joella's new novel, A Quiet Life.

A Quiet Life is just as good as the first and I was in a constant struggle of wanting to finish the book to see what would happen and not wanting the story to be over!


•Set in a close-knit Pennsylvania suburb A Quiet Life follows three people dealing with loss and working their way through their grief.

Chuck Ayers love going to Hilton Head in the winter with his wife, Cat. Now, just months after Cat's death, Chuck can't let go of her things, let alone go on their annual trip alone.

Ella Burke delivers morning newspapers and works at a bridal shop to fill her days while she anxiously awaits important news that will change her life forever.

When Kirsten Bonato's dad dies suddenly, she stops her dreams of going to veterinary school. Instead, she find comfort in working at an animal shelter. But when emotions get too confusing Kristen is left to make life changing decisions on her own.

Thoughts:
I can read an Ethan Joella novel so effortlessly. The words are so beautifully placed.

Loved all the characters, even the secondary ones.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming

Multiple POVs, which I absolutely loved

A Must Read!

Five stars for A Quiet Life. There is so much emotion in this novel. You will smile, your heart will break, but you will smile again. I wanted to hug this book so tight when I was finished.

This novel is a lovely, character driven novel about three people dealing with various losses and the interactions between them and their friends. From page one, I was drawn into their lives as if I was following the stories of my own friends and rooting for some relief for them, yet without feeling depressed along the way.

After having read and loved Mr. Joella's debut novel, I knew that I wanted to read his next for certain. This book made me ignore my life and curl up in my reading chair until I finished and left me with all the feels. I adore it and will be adding a finished copy to my keeper bookshelf as soon as possible.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for my eARC review copy.

I loved this book! The quiet atmosphere and the characters really made it perfect. I cannot wait for the next book from this author.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Pub Date: 11/29
Genre: Literary Fiction

"Be someone's cardinal."

What a little gem of a book. A QUIET LIFE is a tender, yet moving story of three ordinary people as they navigate the grief that comes with losing a loved one. Chuck has recently has lost his wife, Ella's daughter suddenly goes missing and Kirsten's father dies unexpectedly. As each character's unique backstory unfolds, their lives merge into a character driven & emotional story about loss, hope, friendship and self-discovery.

Ethan Allen has a special talent for portraying his characters in a way that makes you feel like you know and love them. He also captures the nuances & small details of everyday life that seem meaningless and gives them meaning. I particularly enjoyed that a majority of the book was inner thoughts rather than conversations and appreciated the introspective nature as each character tried to bravely moved forward with their lives.

The human connection is a powerful thing and sometimes we're so wound up in our own lives that we forget how important it is to be kind, share a smile, lend a hand, etc., me included. You never know what impact you are making on someone else's life and this book is a reflection of that. It's the perfect read for this time of year going into the holiday season! A real reflection on gratitude, empathy and kindness. I highly recommend it & can't wait to read Joella's novel LITTLE HOPE from last year.

**Thank you to Ethan Joella, Scribner and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!**

3 1/2 stars. This story of grief, pain, and recovery is told through three character's points of view. Chuck, a man in his 70s, has just lost his beloved wife Cat, and is struggling with the decision about going on their usual vacation to Hilton Head without her. Ella works both delivering early morning newspapers and at a bridal shop while waiting for the return of her kidnapped daughter. Kirsten has put aside her dreams of vet school after the sudden death of her beloved father. The three stories intersect throughout the book, which is a nice way of writing their stories, and I was glad to see how the stories came together in the end. The only thing that kept me from giving the book a higher score was the way the characters were written. There was quite a bit of repetition in the book, and some of that writing could have been spent fleshing out the characters more. I felt they didn't have much personality, and I didn't really know them that well. Many thanks to NetGalley, Mr. Joella, and Scribner for the ARC of this title.

This is a bitter sweet book about three different people who are dealing with grief: Chuck is trying to settle into his senior years without his beloved wife; Ella is reeling from her daughter’s kidnapping; and Kirsten is trying to move forward after her father’s very sudden and unexpected death.

Despite the sadness of these circumstances, Ethan Joella manages to craft a book that is still full of hope and beauty. This is a great read for the holiday season!

In a small town in Pennsylvania, Chuck Ayers is coping with the recent loss of his wife. He used to look forward to their annual trips to Hilton Head but now he is lost trying to decide what to do. Meanwhile, Ella Burke delivers his newspapers in the morning just trying to keep her days full. She anxiously hopes for any bit of news on her young daughter who has been missing for months. And in a local animal shelter, Kirsten Bonato finds herself at a crossroads as she recently lost her dad. How their paths converge and intertwine is truly a thing of wonder.

What a beautiful story! Each character is going through something heartbreaking and Ethan Joella showcases the beautiful complexities of human emotions. Essentially - he captures what it feels like to be a human! All the thoughts that people have but don’t necessarily speak out loud are conveyed in this book. It’s real, it’s raw and it’s relatable. As we follow along the stories of Chuck, Ella and Kirsten, Joella reminds us of how the simplest interaction can change the course of someone’s life. And he reminds us to always be kind because you never truly understand what someone is going through. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up - it’s refreshing and much needed in the world we’re in. I cried but overall, I was left feeling hopeful - my soul needed this read. I loved his first book and this absolutely sealed the deal - Ethan Joella is an auto-buy author for me!

Thank you to Netgalley, Simon and Schuster and Ethan Joelle for the ARC! “A Quiet Life” is out November 29th!

This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly 😊

A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a very highly recommended heartbreaking and heartwarming literary novel following the lives of three people who have all suffered a terrible loss. Joella's first novel, A Little Hope, was on my list of best novels of 2021 and A Quiet Life is also an excellent novel.

In a Pennsylvania suburb, Chuck Ayers, Ella Burke, and Kirsten Bonato are all experiencing tremendous grief and loss. Chuck's wife, Cat, has died and he is struggling with living without her. Ella is simply trying to survive by working constantly while hoping for information about her missing daughter. Kristen's father suddenly died and she has set aside her goals while working at an animal rescue center and trying to deal with the loss.

This is a beautifully written novel that you will cherish as you read each carefully crafted word and connect with these wounded souls who are trying their best to carry on while under a great emotional burden. Chapters alternate between the lives of these richly portrayed characters in heartbreaking narratives until their lives converge unexpectedly and emotionally.

A Quiet Life is very much a character driven novel. With empathy, hope, sympathy, and emotionally accessible language, Joella makes these character all realistic individuals you will care deeply about. All of them are portrayed as fully realized characters with great insight and realistic details. There is great comfort found in the journey these characters undertake and the healing they are slowly experiencing. In the end the encouragement to be there for someone are words that can speak to all of us.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Scribner via NetGalley.
The review will be published on Barnes & Noble, Google Books, and Amazon.

I not sure why but I found it quite depressing. The story is ok but I really could not get in the story.
Thank NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC.