I love a good book. I love a good book that also helps me examine my own points of view. This book definitely met both markers. I identified with the main character even though I only shared a couple parts of her story. As she worked through her emotional mess I felt like in a way I was working through mine but while loving the story and how it read!

An inspy equivalent to Linda Holmes and Annie Lyons, this quippy women's fiction is altogether readable with some lovely truths about belonging and finding your place and happiness on your own terms. I did find the hero to be a bit of a male Mary Sue type but it worked into a story that was more about Isadora's own pursuits.

This is a heartwarming contemporary fiction - almost like a coming of age but middle age style. The characters are loveable and the plot fun. Overall an excellent reading experience.

Loved this book!!! Courtney Walsh does it again! I love how the author takes us through Isadora’s hurt, past and her feelings. I loved all the new people in her life. It was such a great story!

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for this advanced copy I’m exchange for my honest review.

Publish date: June 13, 2023

What a gem this book is. Here I am finding myself relating to Isadora in quite a few ways. Isadora Bentley prefers to be alone, at least that's what she tells herself. On her 30th birthday she stumbled across an article: 31 Ways to be Happy. She wants to prove the article wrong so she started to do an experiment which led her to meeting people that would change her life. I love all the side characters esp 10 year-old Delilah, who acts more mature than her age. This book is about loneliness & choosing to be happy, stepping out of your comfort zone, standing up for yourself, and self love & discovery.

Did this bring tears to my eyes? Yes, a whole lot if I'm being honest. I read this book during those days when it seemed like everything sucked. Reading this felt like a one big hug that I very much needed at that time.
I didn't have any expectations in this book at all, but The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley ended up being one of my favourite reads this year.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I wasn’t sure what to think about this book at first, but I soon became wrapped up in Isadora’s lonely life. Thirty-year-old Isadora thinks she’s better off alone, but soon her life is filled with new acquaintances that become lovable friends and something more. There is obviously romance in this book, but it’s more about learning to love yourself and be genuinely happy. I literally laughed out loud multiple times and I know we have all had a bit of Isadora’s awkwardness in us at one point. This was a heartwarming story and I definitely recommend it!

Isadora likes things a certain way and prefers to be alone. It’ll be happily ever after with her work as a university researcher! Until her 30th birthday, when she unexpectedly buys a magazine with an article featuring 31 Ways to Be Happy. She decides she’s going to prove the writer wrong by testing out all the steps and documenting her findings because she doesn’t believe “you choose happiness”! Or will she be surprised to discover maybe you can?

This one made my heart happy! 🥰
And had me literally laughing out loud! 😂

Isadora didn’t have it easy starting at a young age repeatedly hurt by people close to her. It’s understandable as a result she closed herself off for protection! She’s introverted, quirky, smart, and instantly wins the affection of new friends she meets in the process of her new research including me 🙋🏼‍♀️ I hope you love Isadora too!

I loved all the side characters we met along the way on this social experiment! I can’t wait for you to meet everyone! A super friendly sweet old man, the accepting encouraging insta bestie you always wanted but never had, a 10 year old with no filter who tells you like it is but also Izzy sees so much of her younger self, and the swoon worthy loyal professor who has a lot of patience.

This is a journey of stepping outside your comfort zone, self discovery, and getting out of your own way!

Thank you so much @netgalley @courtneywalsh and @thomasnelson for the early complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3 for 3!!! Courtney’s become an auto read for me! If you’re looking for clean, feel good books with great character development then I highly recommend! I cannot wait to see what’s next!!

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley was a cute read. I loved Isadora's goal was to be happy, and I love books with found family in them, and this one did not disappoint.

Based on the illustrated cover, this book was more serious and heartfelt than I was expecting, but it was enjoyable none the less. The romance with Cal was sweet, but I did want a bit more than what was given.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I love Courtney’s writing. This story was unique and I loved the way Isadora grew as a person. She had her heart broken by almost everyone she loved and it was hard for her to gain trust of anyone and realize that people were capable of showing real love. And once she realized the friends that came along were genuine. She was able to find true happiness again.

I will always and forever read anything and everything @courtneywalsh writes! She is an amazing author, creates the best banter between characters, along with the best internal monologue, and investigates contemplative experiences for today’s reader. THE HAPPY LIFE OF ISADORA BENTLEY is a shift from some of her recent writings, and it really shows her growth as an author! Thank you [partner] @thomasnelson for my copy of THLOIB which releases June 13th!

Isadora is a quirky, incredibly smart, brutally honest MFC that reminded me of a cross between Tova and Marcellus from Remarkably Bright Creatures. She represents so much internal monologue that should have WAY more representation in novels today! I cherished her uniqueness and her love of the sweetest little neighbor ever. Such a great part to include in the storyline. She works in search of disproving an article about happiness, and what she finds in the process is a group of the most beautiful friendships- friends that love her for her.

The beginning of the novel took a bit to get into the groove of following Isadora’s internal monologue, but once I did, she became one of the most endearing characters I’ve read recently.

Love this book so so so so much!!! My new favorite. Courtney Walsh is so talented! I related to Isadora right away, she had a good sense of humor and was strong and just a great main character.

"Do Humans really need other humans to be happy?"
Is Happiness a choice?

These are one of the many questions our lovely is Isadora asks herself throughout the book.
Isadora Bentley is a 30 year old woman and academic researcher in Behavioral and Social Sciences at the university of Chicago. Her whole life revolves around her work in other words is Isadora and her job are ONE but recently that doesn't seems enough. She's lonely no friends no family no activities and most importantly heartbroken.
However, when she comes upon an article 31 ways To Be Happy Isadora is filled with some kind of energy she wants to try and do an experiment to prove that those steps are misleading and the doctor behind the article is wrong but when a handsome Dr. Cal Baxter joins to help her, flowers starts to bloom in Isadora's life in the most unexpected ways.

What she didn't expect that by doing each step her life will change dramatically. Isadora is finally stepping out of her comfort zone will she proves the article wrong or vice versa?
I could try and write pages to describe how BRILLIANT this book is but nothing will be enough. It's an exploration of feelings and emotions
Sadness,grief,love, happiness, friendship, and so many other. Its about the importance of human connection and the happiness it brings and that being HAPPY is a choice and its ok to be different it's what makes you special.
It also about letting go and forgiveness
It's really a powerful and emotional novel that you MUST read.
And of course, the love story between Isadora and Cal was the cherry on top

Absolutely Perfect ❤️
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Isadora Bentley is out to prove that happiness is not something you choose. She is a rule follower, a loner, and does not open herself up emotionally to others because that’s how you get hurt.

On her 30th birthday, she comes across an article that outlines the “31 Steps To Be Happy.” She decides that she will use her research skills and prove this author wrong. She has no idea how this experiment will alter the course of her life!

This was such a feel good read! I enjoyed all the wonderful cast of side characters that had me laughing throughout! If you are wanting a pick me up, this is your book!

Read if you like:
📝 Single POV
📝 Making new friends
📝 Found family
📝 Finding the path to happiness
📝 Laughing while you read
📝 Character growth

This story far exceeded my expectations!
Make no mistake, I've been a fan of Courtney Walsh's books for awhile already, but this one is by far my favorite!
The voice and style are quite different from her normal books, and I loved being able to get into Isadora's head in this way.
Isadora was a fun, funny, and very relatable character. As I first started reading, I found myself laughing out loud at her quirks and sayings. But then, I also found myself crying at the heartbreaking things she'd been locking away inside herself. Yes, I very much saw myself in Isadora's life. And I so much empathized with her.

I loved seeing Isadora's character growth and progression as she took the steps to do a Happiness Experiment. She focused on others, rather than turning inward, and seeing her blossom was so satisfying.

I'm guessing most of us will find bits and pieces of ourselves in this story (unless you are, by chance, an extreme extrovert...?! Then you might find this story hard to relate to). An important lesson I learned is that we need other people in our lives--no one is an island! And we can all make a difference.

This book is a clean read, not necessarily Christian, but the themes are very much along those lines. I personally can easily see those parallels.
This is a rom-com, fun, and very humorous at times, but also faces some of the harder issues of life.
I recommend it for anyone looking for a good read.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

It took me awhile to get into this book, but once I did- wow! I absolutely loved this book! The first few chapters were challenging for me to get into as I couldn't decide if I actually liked Isadora (spoiler- I ended up LOVING her character). I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a quirky, clean romance and a quick read!

Isadora Bentley is a successful University researcher with a job she finds satisfying. However, she does lack personal connections, her parents are distant, she doesn’t have a romantic partner, and her relationships with co-workers are awkward and strained. On her 30th birthday and she is celebrating alone with a junk food binge, she sees a magazine with an article suggesting “31 ways to happiness today” and is intrigued. It seems unlikely to her that happiness is something that could be obtained by simply following rules, but she keeps finding herself thinking about the nonsensical article written by a “doctor,” whose credentials she finds highly questionable. In true researcher fashion, she decides to test the hypothesis, using herself as the test subject. If she follows the rules, will she, in fact, become happier? Because, deep down, she knows that she is not a happy person.
I really loved this book. Isadora is a well-drawn character who is socially awkward and highly introverted, and her internal dialog is really funny. It’s not that she dislikes people, it’s more that they baffle her. How do others so easily and completely connect? And as she experiments with the techniques, she does connect. She makes friends, she starts interacting with colleagues/subordinates, and she finds a romantic interest. But what makes this character so endearing is while that she really struggles and fights to make changes, sometimes she’s not successful. While this might be made into a cue-the-cute-movie montage, she does the work of looking at some of the reasons why she isn’t unhappy, how some of the people who should have kept her safe didn’t, and how to take risks even when they are scary. A lovely novel about creating your own support system. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. What a uniquely fun book! I related to Isadora a whole lot more than I expected to. Each one of us has had experiences where the only perceived solution is to "fix" your personality to blend in, avoid being embarrassed, or feel accepted. I saw so many of my own insecurities mirrored in Isadora's story.

Even though Isadora is following the "31 Steps to Happiness," she's not finding happiness in the literal doing of those things. It's through the new atmospheres and interactions she experiences. The friends Isadora finds along the way are so genuine. I felt happy that Isadora was feeling happy!

I love the other characters so much as well: Darby, Marty, Delilah, and of course, Cal. They all mutually blossom and grow because of the friendship that is fostered and sought after (on Darby's part, anyway lol). They're loyal to Isadora when she feels the need to withdraw, but they'll also confront her when she's making poor choices.

Cal and Isadora......such a beautiful love story. "I secretly hope his smile finds its way to me simply because I exist" (Isadora Bentley). My heart was filled with satisfaction in their relationship.

Overall, a beautifully written story and worth the read!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This was my first book by Courtney Walsh and I really enjoyed it! I really liked her writing style and will definitely check out more of her books.

Isadora wasn’t the typical main character and I feel like there need to be more leading ladies like her in the books we read.

This story follows Isadora Bentley, a researcher, whose life wouldn’t be described as “happy”.

Isadora has a highly analytical and straightforward thinking style, which led me to believe that she may be neurodivergent/on the autism spectrum, although this was never explicitly stated. I mention this because I believe this aspect of her personality adds significance to the relationships she forms on her journey toward happiness. Despite being rejected and made to feel like an outcast by those who expected her to conform to their expectations (Lookin’ at you Isadora’s mom 😠), the people she meets accept and cherish her for who she truly is.

I feel this is an extremely important thing to recognize and appreciate in the story. Past experiences of rejection and hurt have made it difficult for her to open up to others, hindering her ability to pursue happiness as an adult. Her hesitation is understandable.

Her mom and the people in her childhood made her ashamed of who she was because they wanted her to be the way they thought she should be, so as an adult, to remedy the loneliness that made her feel, she just simply avoided people…but this created a life that she wasn’t living, just existing in.

On her 30th birthday she comes across a magazine with a list of “31 Ways to be Happy” and decides to conduct an experiment hoping to prove the list wrong…that these things don’t actually improve your happiness in life.

Though through her experiment, she discovered that happiness isn’t something that just comes to you. It’s something you decide. It’s the people you’re around. Sometimes, you have to put yourself out there and the right people will accept you for the person you are and love you even more for it. Those people who don’t, don’t matter anyways.

I adored every single character in this book. Marty was a source of wisdom, while Darby brought Isadora sunshine. Delilah was relatable for her, and Cal provided the gentle push that she needed to keep going. Although at times he seemed a little too good to be true,, his caring nature towards Isadora was sweet and endearing.

This book was a very heartwarming story of acceptance (from others and acceptance of self), self-discovery, personal growth, bravery, and forgiveness, with a little bit of an endearing, clean romance, too.

Although not overtly Christian, those who follow the faith will recognize Christian themes in it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Courtney Walsh, and Thomas Nelson for letting me read the ARC.

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley will be released June 13th!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I must admit, when I started this book I had difficulty wanting to continue. Not because the writing was poor; the author has a pleasant conversational tone with a good deal of warm humor. However, being on the older side myself I had a little trouble warming to the younger protagonist who was obsessing over her age. That said, I continued reading, and am glad I did.

Isadora Bentley doesn't quite have the emotional impact of the obvious comparison, Eleanor Oliphant, but what it does have is a gentler, more comforting tone, with a greater emphasis on comedy. While the story is in almost no way surprising, the path it treads is a solid one with a wide range of appeal for readers. For sensitive readers, the depicted romance does not get graphic beyond kissing, there are some scattered references to religion, and obscenities are limited to humorous terms like "butt monkey". The book also contains positive messages of self-care, found family, and standing up for yourself, though the messages may be more for the benefit of a neurotypical audience with the idea of self determination being the key.

All in all, The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is a solid tale that is likely to be enjoyed by readers of romantic comedies and inspirational fiction, with little to no content likely to be considered offensive to a majority of readers.

4.5 stars This book really reached me on a personal level.  First, the main character reminded me in many ways of my own dear daughter.  It also highlighted things I’m struggling with in my life at the moment, and I had a few tears along the way.  I truly feel that, regardless of circumstances, this is one we can all relate to.  We all want to be happy, and we all struggle with what happiness means along with where and how to find it.  If that’s you, give this book a read.  With a Kleenex though.  🥹
 
Read if you like:
 
🩵Main character neurodivergent representation
🩷Unforgettable, lovable cast of characters
Found family
💜Light, refreshing reads
💛Sweet romances
🧡Stories that inspire
 
I want to say thank you to the author @courtneywalsh. Your words went deep, and I want you to know I’ve gained something important by reading these pages. 

My thanks to @thomasnelson, @tnzfiction and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book before its publication date.