It’s been a long time since I stayed up WAY past my bedtime because I was so immersed in a story. The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh had me laughing and crying and just absorbing. There are SO many amazing nuggets of truth and opportunities to be free from expectations and past hurts. Isadora is my kind of girl: brainy, bold, calls it like she sees it, and content. Until she reads an article that stirs something, and she sets out to prove the happiness theory wrong. I absolutely adored her attempts to disprove that certain things lead to happiness. People, connections, acts of kindness, nature, and many other prompts have Isadora coming out of her comfort zone and I loved watching her bloom. I won’t give specific and ruin your delight of experiencing it while reading. However, the people that surround her during her discoveries are amazing. The kind of people we all need; people willing to love, speak the truth, draw out your inner self, encourage you to try new things, provide a safe place, and let you be you. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This book was so good! It has great characters and will keep you turning the pages. It was a fun yet emotional read. I really enjoyed this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the most delightful book I've read all year. If you love "found family" stories, this one's for you. Isadora Bentley is a scientific researcher. Life has left Isadora a little bit bruised and hesitant to get involved with others. When she sees a magazine article touting strategies to ensure a happy life, she sets out to test the strategies, thus proving that this article is inaccurate. But what ensues is a beautiful journey where she opens herself up to some new situations & people and gives herself a chance at a different type of life than the one she's been living. Will Isadora take this opportunity to live differently?

Isadora is such a quirky, awkward character but I absolutely adored her. This is more than just a romcom, it's a love letter to showing up to your own life and leaning into the relationships, adventures and opportunities that come your way despite the risks of getting hurt.

This book was so refreshing. I really enjoyed my time spent with these characters. It was fun, light and entertaining. A great summer read.

I wanted to love this book. The premise a repeat author all had me thinking this was going to be a delightful reading experience. I DID like the book but I am struggling to identify what kept it from being a 5 star read for me.

We meet Isadora Bentley on her 30th birthday as she is loading up on junk food and junk reading. She has established a steady career as a university researcher, is disciplined, organized and she is lonely. In an uncharacteristic move, Isadora decides to apply her research skills to disprove a magazine article entitled, "Thirty-One Ways to be Happy."

I love a 'found family' story above all else and this one delivered in that area. Isadora's research soon finds her collecting people and experiences, making her question whether she had ever been happy. These side characters were an absolute favorite part of the story for me.

The reader eventually learns why Isadora is so resistant to change, connection and friendship. She has suffered hurt from people she thought she could count on. So, she decides to never trust or open herself again. We have most likely read this before.

Perhaps I didn't fully appreciate the depth of this hurt and Isadora's response of persistently getting in her own way. Because this is where the story fell short for me. It's a rom-com so we know we are going to get our happy ending. The assumptions and miscommunication tropes were repetitive at this point. I love to see characters experience a growth arc and we do get that with Isadora.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Libro.fm for the advanced digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the eARC.

Can I be friends with Isadora Bentley? I loved her story and loved watching her grow. It was such an enjoyable read for me.

When Isadora Bentley was ten, she friend. Now that she is 30 she has given up. People just don't get her and her past is littered with hurts and disappointment. While shopping for birthday treats she notices an article listing 31 steps to happiness. She sets out to try the steps herself and prove the author wrong. #1 is Smile more. #3 is Exercise regularly. One of my favorites advises eating chocolate (in moderation). As Isadora tries each new step more people come alongside to try them with her. I loved the varied supporting characters like 70-year-old Marty and 10-year-old Delilah. As Isadora works through the list themes like friendship and forgiveness are explored. A feel good book that just might help you be happier too.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Oh science and research lovers are going to enjoy this novel. I found the premise and storyline unique and enjoyable. (see summary above) My left brain ate it up.

Our heroine is unhappy, and rather disliked by her coworkers. At times it’s clear she has no idea how unusual and quirky she is. But readers will sympathize with her, and they’ll likely see aspects of themselves too. We spend the entire story in her first-person, present-tense narrative. She perceives herself as fragile and she hangs on to control, hiding behind analysis in order to remain “safe.” Really she’s containing her world, and herself, within a small space—a type of self-repression. Some readers will relate.

There’s a message within the pages that we should occupy our space. For some of us, that is a life-long pursuit. First, learning we’re worthy enough. Second, practicing. Third, living in the new reality.

As a scientist, she’s the perfect expert to study these so-called steps to becoming happy. I loved that she went into this experience determined to prove the article wrong. Really, perhaps she was looking for a way to defend and excuse her unhappy life.

Courtney includes many profound concepts and statements. Here’s an example. Context: a secondary character is trying to help the heroine understand herself better. She says, “Isadora, you’re not self-aware; you’re just seeing yourself through a very specific lens.” (location 668 in the ARC) Isn’t that what we sometimes do? We lock in on our own self-perception and possibly miss bigger truths that are obvious to those around us.

Though likable, the hero is a little more difficult to understand because we don’t spend any time in his POV. He’s kind and gracious. He doesn’t let Isadora’s idiosyncrasies turn him away. He represents an unconditional acceptance that’s missing from her life. I liked that symbolism.

I loved the theme and progression of not recognizing one’s own worth, of having others point it out, of learning to accept it for one’s self. It was enjoyable watching Isadora’s world expand as life forced her beyond her comfort zone. The secondary characters were great additions to the story. This novel would make a great book club choice, because there’s a lot to explore in included themes.

This women’s fiction book has enough of a romantic thread that romance readers will enjoy that element. There’s humor, science, inner growth, and so much to like here.

A great read.

For anyone who’s ever felt less than, invisible, unheard, misunderstood, or unimportant, this book is for you.

I liked this book from the very beginning and it only got better as it progressed. Isadora is a perfectly wonderful and complicated character and I’m pretty much jealous of the amazing people she has in her life. This book is about so much more than being happy. I don’t even have words. Just read it. Bravo, Courtney Walsh !!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed on my own.

Fun, entertaining, with a lighthearted, yet philosophical plot.
Recommend.
I enjoyed this book. It was perfect timing for something lighted hearted and humorous.
I almost quit within the first couple of chapters because if I am honest, Isadora was grating on my nerves. However, I feel that it was meant to be seen as a part of her transformation. If you find yourself questioning the reading early on, keep going.
One thing that did disappoint me with this book is that it is Christian published, and while it was a clean read for the world's standards, there was a definite missed opportunity by the author to share the void that could have been filled by Jesus. There was no "faith element". As Isadora is seeking "happiness" or the proof that life is unhappy, there were so many chances to share the joy of Christ...and sadly this never happened. True happiness is found in Christ.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Thomas Nelson for a chance to read this book!

"But for all the darkness and cruelness and selfishness, that doesn't mean there isn't good in the world. That doesn't mean there isn't light to be found. The crazy thought now that is starting to creep into my consciousness-what if we are supposed to be that light?"

I loved the audio version of this uplifting story. I was rooting for Isadora the whole way through!

*Thanks to Netgalley for the e-galley and Libro.fm for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

The characters in this book are what win you over immediately but the story itself will keep you going until the last page. Isadora's journey to find happiness was inspiring and really had me thinking about my own life. She is such a unique character and you can't help but root for her every step of the way. If you were a fan of the books Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting or Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (although MUCH less heavy) then I think this will be a great choice for you. I highly recommend this book for all readers, but especially readers who gravitate towards character-driven stories. Thanks to Courtney Walsh, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson--FICTION, Thomas Nelson for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This contemporary novel was everything and more than what I’d hoped for.

I laughed out loud more times than I could count, teared up while reading about Isadora’s struggles, and loved every bit of the story.

As someone close to turning 30, it was uncanny how much I related to many aspects of Isadora’s way of life and thoughts!

Courtney Walsh’s writing style is candid, hilarious, and full of heart. There’s even a dramatic flair to it. Her analogies and metaphors made my reading experience even more enjoyable.

And to top it all, her words make you feel seen; it was almost as if the author knew exactly what to say to create a healing atmosphere for the readers.

This premise of having a character who feels like she doesn’t fit in anywhere and then having her embark on a journey of self-growth – it can very easily become preachy. But the author makes sure it doesn’t.

Courtney Walsh superbly brings out her characters’ weaknesses and strengths in a way to celebrate their individuality.

Isadora and Delilah are my favourites from the book. That said, I also loved reading the scenes with Darby and Marty.

Isadora is witty and relatable. Her self-deprecating humour doesn’t take away from showing just how vulnerable she is. Even when she is straightforward about her self-isolating tendencies, her sense of awareness is commendable!

I thought that the author did a great job introducing a character like Delilah into the story. Not only does she mirror Isadora’s younger self, thereby creating a sense of camaraderie, but also brings Isadora out of her shell.

I typically don’t like the damsel in distress trope wherein a male figure helps strengthen or transform the female protagonist for the better. But Cal is such a green flag. Plus, I associate Isadora’s growth with HER efforts after meeting not just him but Darby, Delilah & Marty too!

This cast of characters has got to be one of the best of all the contemporary novels I’ve read. They have been portrayed realistically and bring warmth to the story.

The epistolary elements of the article and the text messages were a great touch. I enjoy reading books where there are lists that are integral to the plot.

Here too, the “tips” to becoming happy are seamlessly incorporated as an experiment in Isadora’s life. It doesn’t weigh too heavily on subsequent plot points.

“Darby is like sunshine. Every time I’m with her, I feel like I have a place where I belong. And I never, ever feel like I have to be anyone other than me.” This quote brought out the waterworks. Also because it reminded me of the Korean drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo. Darby is to Isadora what Choi Su Yeon is to Woo Young Woo.

I read the e-book while also listening to the audiobook. I highly recommend that you try that if you can.

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is a giant warm hug to all those who have ever felt lost in their search for happiness. It is a gentle nudge reminding you to “CHOOSE to be happy. Then get out of your own way.”

All this to say, stop what you are doing and read this. I can’t wait to get my hands on a paperback copy that I can treasure in my library.

Easily one of my top favourite reads of 2023.

Another enjoyable sorry written by this author. I always enjoy how the characters this author writes about are so relatable. A story of an introvert stepping into the unknown.
Thanks to net galley and the publishers for an advanced copy.

Isadora Bentley on her 30th birthday is making a trip to Aisle Eight in the supermarket to celebrate with some chocolate when she sees an article called 31 steps for happiness. Isadora decides to prove the article wrong by doing what she does best: collecting and analyzing data.

The book was so delightful! Yes, one can pretty much guess what's going to happen every step of the way and what kind of people she is going to find. The side characters are not the most developed. But they are so charming and I just wanted to spend a lot of time following them. How they made space for Isadora was just so endearing to watch. Speaking about Isadora... I really liked her. It's funny that I'm also reading another book that has on paper a similar kind of main character. However, Courtney Walsh treates Isadora with a lot of care that made me love her so much and feel everything with her. On the other book, the author keeps the character and their emotions far away and seems to have a grudge against them.

And even though the premise may sound that the book is going to veer into love and positivity solve everything, I thought the author was skilled enough to steer clear from what would be a simple answer to a complex character.

By the end, my rating is solely based on how this book made me feel: happy.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.

Ever close a book and just sigh because the book was just that good? That was after you could just not put the book down?

Well, I definitely experienced that with this book!

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh is not my typical rom com. This book was about the journey of one woman to prove that an article about achieving happiness was wrong and in doing so finds so much more than she expected.

Isadora spoke to me in so many ways and the ensemble of characters were phenomenal. She found family, friendship, and love. Her growth was immeasurable and a lesson that small actions can lead to big results.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Isadora is brilliant and quirky. I loved watching her work through the steps in an article she was researching. It was beautiful seeing her blossom as she let people into her life. As a fellow introvert, I could relate to some of her experiences and felt for her.

This is a book about happiness and living all the parts of our messy lives with those we care about. I loved the interactions between Isadora and Delilah as well as Isadora and Cal and Marty too. The characters were delightful and the relationships were rich. This book made me cry and laugh out loud. I loved it.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

“Happiness isn’t something that happens to us, it’s something we seek & pursue.”

Courtney is one of my favorite feel-good authors and I was so happy to hear she was writing a more contemporary take on a romance! This was such a heart warming story full of nuggets of truth that really make you think. An example of this was how Isadora created friendships and was able to bond with people of all age groups. I think it’s so important to have friends in your life from all ages and stages of life to seek advice and encouragement from. I loved the friendship dynamic and fell even more in love with the side characters than I did Isadora herself!

While Isadora was such a relatable character on so many levels, what I didn’t love was the constant self-deprecating talk and mindset she had. There also didn’t seem like enough time to develop the romance and their relationship with the rest of the themes and events that took place within the book, so unfortunately I had a tough time really getting invested.

Overall, this was such a sweet, thought provoking story and I hope Courtney writes more stories like this in the future!

I adored this book- maybe the best I've read in 2023. Isadora was such a relatable character, and I loved the journey she took and the friends she made along the way. Courtney Walsh is a great storyteller and this book cemented her place on my list of favorites.

Isadora Bentley is an introverted loner, spending most of her time by herself at work and at home. On her 30th birthday, she finds an article that boasts the 31 seemingly easy steps to happiness. As a professional researcher and analyst, Isadora feels like she can take on his experiment and make it her own. This experiment results in her entire life changing. Everything that she thought she knew, gets turned upside down from the beginning by just smiling at a friendly elderly gentleman while eating lunch. From there, everything she thought she knew about herself and her life is changed in a very positive way.

This was just an absolutely positively uplifting breath of fresh air of a book. It was so fun, at times it made me laugh out loud because of how funny Isadora is, and was tender at the perfect times as well. I found the characterization to be perfect. I love character driven novels, and this is certainly that. It had elements of romance, but was definitely not overwhelming. The chosen family component was heart warming as well. I finished the book with a smile on my face, as I spent most of the time reading it, which is always the sign of a fantastic book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this fantastic book. All opinions within this review are my own.