So close to being 4 stars! I love the social awkwardness of Isadora, but the second-half of the book leans in too heavily to the self-pity and angst.

I also have to mention that I originally was given access to the book from the publishers, but listened to the audiobook instead, and the narrator is amazing! Her comedic timing did so much to bring Isadora to life, and she was truly enjoyable.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

P.S. Yes Isadora, David Tennant is the best Doctor.

This was my 3rd Courtney Walsh romance, but my first non-Christmas one, and it was a delight. This reminded me a little bit of the SUPER popular Eleanor Oliphant, however I enjoyed it so much more than that one! This is a super sweet book about allowing yourself to make connections with others, which can inevitably lead to a happier life. It explores several types of friendships, as well as romantic relationships as well. You will find yourself rooting for Isadora throughout the book, even though her actions were often extremely frustrating. If you enjoy a cute and endearing romance read, then check this one out!

Isadora Bentley is a research scientist who likes her life to be logical and make sense. But on her 30th birthday she spots a magazine article toting 31 Way to Be Happy, and in Isadora Bentley style she is determined to prove the article wrong though the scientific method.

A heartwarming clean rom-com, about happiness, friendship, and finding yourself. Isadora is a relatable heroine, socially awkward and nerdy, she doesn't deviate much from her routines in order to avoid being hurt. I loved the way that the challenges helped her to open up to new people and experiences. I especially liked her friendship with her next-door neighbors Darby and Delilah, as well as Mr. Marty.

Isadora grows a lot throughout the challenge, and despite her objections finds herself feeling lighter, building relationships with people, and dare I say...happy?

Overall, this was an engaging and heartfelt read. I instantly liked Isadora and was rooting for her to find what she was looking for in life. This is a fun, well-paced clean rom-com, filled with humor, and great character growth. A quick, enjoyable read, great for fans of clean romantic comedies!

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

This was a fantastic, sweet, warm, funny, and delightful book. It follows researcher Isadora’s path as she decides to turn an article about 31 steps to happiness into a research project, and all of her adventures along the way.

I loved all the side characters, especially Darby and Marty. The beginning and the end slowed a little, but it was easy to read and engaging. I laughed out loud a number of times. It’s a fun story about friendship and self-discovery, and not letting your fears drive your life.

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and author Courtney Walsh for an ARC in exchange for my opinion.

I didn't want this one to end! I loved Isadora's world and the group of friends she made. Her character development was excellent and I loved the romance between her and Cal. Her thoughts felt personal to me, as I like most people, struggle with negative internal dialogue. The overall message that we get to choose to be happy and stay out of our own way made me just want to give the physical book a hug!

Se eu dissesse que não esperava muito dessa leitura, eu estaria mentindo. Mas, igualmente, o faria se não dissesse que a história, ainda que acompanhada das expectativas geradas por um ou outro comentário de leitores sobre ela antes, foi além do que eu achei que ela iria, resultando num saldo mais que positivo!

Primeiro de tudo, porém, duas ressalvas para o fato de que: eu não esperaria muito foco em romance e nem encararia o livro como ficção cristã propriamente dito. Tem respingos de ambos sim, mas se for esperandon algo em especial do segundo, pode se decepcionar, porque é bem vago nesse ponto, o que, para um livro que fala sobre buscar felicidade, é meio complicado para um cristão, que sabe que a felicidade verdadeira está em Cristo.

Por outro lado, The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley ainda me fisgou porque, mesmo com essa decepção de abordagem da fé, acredito que a trama tenha funcionado especialmente para falar sobre relações humanas, tendo em vista o quão reclusa nossa protagonista é e tanto tenta se manter ao longo do enredo, até finalmente, pouco a pouco, ver suas muralhas caindo ao se relacionar com Darby, Marty, Cal, Delilah... E isso leva justamente ao outro tópico citado sobre o romance não ser um foco também. Sim, ele está ali e é fofo ver seu desenvolvimento leve, ainda mais sendo clean e, portanto, zero hot, mas o centro da narrativa mesmo segue sendo a Isadora lutando para sair de sua concha.

Não só isso, na verdade, mas inclusive encarar os traumas passados que tanto contribuíram para ela ser como é agora, seja para o bem, seja para o mal. Nesse ponto inclusive, gostaria de destacar que por vezes me vi tanto emocionada quanto angustiada pela personagem, e amei como a autora construiu tudo de forma sensível e leve, mas ainda firme, sobre os perigos de nos deixar levarmos unicamente pela opinião de outros sobre nós, especialmente as negativas, sobre como temos que saber nossos limites e a hora de nos impor quando preciso, cultivar o amor próprio e autocuidado e, que, no fim do dia, não importa o quão independente sejamos, sempre vamos precisamos de outros ao nosso redor, mas não qualquer um, e sim pessoas que possam somar nas nossas vidas e que, sim, elas podem ser difíceis de encontrar ou de se reparar às vezes em meio à correria do dia-a-dia, mas elas existem e o esforço, para além de só o lado social, mas pelo companheirismo, suporte e cuidado mútuo em si, vale à pena.

Assim, foi lindo tanto ver quanto até aprender ou simplesmente refletir sobre o óbvio mas necessário e importante em torno dessas mensagens no livro junto com a Isadora e os demais, e ver o crescimento da personagem que, com trinta anos ou não, tem seus altos e baixos normais da fase e alguns provocados por outros fatores. Mais do que um romance, é como uma jornada mista de autoconhecimento e sobre se permitir não se cobrar tanto sobre tudo, ao mesmo tempo em que se aprende a confiar um pouco nos outros na medida certa também. Enfim, recomendo demais a leitura, sem dúvidas!

Courtney Walsh is known for her sweet contemporary romance, and The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley follows suit.

Isadora Bentley believes choosing happiness is a myth--and she's going to prove it. After all, she's a researcher, so who better to do the research? She likes her quiet organized life and as for relationships? Yeah, her ex made sure she was done with love forever. She's content with her solitary life...isn't she? Until she buys a magazine on impulse solely for the article entitled "Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy", and sets out to prove that chasing happiness will not bring actual joy. Should be easy, right? Isadora thought so. But maybe, just maybe, this is the time her research will prove her wrong.

I loved Cal as well as all the side characters throughout this book! Cal's perseverance and his way of supporting Isadora and drawing her out of her shell made him a great hero. As an introvert, I could relate to Isadora but initially found her to be rather unlikeable, mostly due to her resistance to changing anything at all. However, she grew more relatable as the story unfolded, and I liked her by the end. Marty, Darby, and Delilah were my favourite characters hands-down! Marty was such a sweet man and I loved "hearing" his memories about his wife. Darby was such a bubbly ray of sunshine! I appreciated how she never gave up on Isadora and how she pushed her out of her comfort zone. And Delilah? I just love her. She's such a perfect little old woman in a ten-year-old's body. I loved this story! The only downside I can find is the amount of New Age-y sounding parts instead of Biblical truth. That definitely brought the rating down for me. Otherwise, I give this a solid 4.5/5 stars.

*I received a complimentary copy of The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

I’m not sure it’s in my ability to adequately describe how much I loved this book. This book is so much more than a romance. The found family aspect of this book was one of the most heartwarming and soul touching things I’ve ever read. I connected with Isadora and her social awkwardness. I laughed at her antics and how unique her mind worked. I swooned over Cal and how thoughtful and patient he was with her, but also how he pushed her out of her comfort zone and encouraged her to really experience life. My heart burst with love for the people who saw Isadora for who she really is. I didn’t expect to cry TWICE while reading this book, but I did. And I’m not talking about shedding one single tear or just misty eyes, I mean the tears came pouring down and ugly crying! Ugh, I already miss these characters and it’s only been a day since finishing the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh is a rare find. Women’s fiction/romance all too often fits standard tropes and recognizable patterns. I love a good trope! This book stands out as absolutely unique in its premise and all throughout. This character and her unique perspective stand out. She touched my heart deeply in her vulnerability, her past hurts, and her realizations in the end. I adored everything about this book and could not recommend it more. I’ve loved every book by this author, but this one is truly special. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I cheered for Isadora Bentley throughout Courtney Walsh's newest contemporary romance novel. When we meet Isadora, she's an reclusive, awkward scientific researcher who's on auto-pilot, each day just like the last. She expects very little from life, and the people closest to her have proven that she deserves even less than that.

On her 31st birthday, she impulsively buys a magazine with a listicle "Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy" to disprove its claims. Strange things happen as Isadora begins her research, and ever so slowly her life expands to include new people and experiences.

Readers will enjoy this novel if they like:
- found family
- intergenerational friendships
- excellent dialog/banter
- great character growth arc

This novel is the post-pandemic story the world needs. Covid is never mentioned, but many continue to experience the social impact months of quarantine had on society and our connections with other people.

While The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is published by a Christian publisher, it's a 'sweet read' rather than Christian fiction. Hopefully this will enable a larger circle of readers to experience Isadora's happy life.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the review copy of this novel.

At first I thought this would be too predictable, so I considered not finishing, but I ended up picking it back up recently to finish.
I really loved the characters in this book! The secondary characters were very likable and endearing.
I love how Isadora grew, challenged herself, and changed over time.

Another absolute Courtney Walsh gems! Isadora is a bit social anxious, a bit shy, and really a bit awkward. She sets out on a quest to find happiness with an article of "31 ways to find happiness" to help guide her. She conducts the social experiment of trying out the different ways as she navigates her daily life and ends up with found family and friends who enjoy her as she is. Definitely a delight!

This is in the running for favorite book of 2023. I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced a more relatable main character. I listened the audio while reading along which made this book that much more enjoyable.

Isadora was so, so sweet and so lonely and it broke my heart. But watching her learn how to make friends and trust again was the best journey. She made me laugh, she made me cry, she made me say out loud “I understand! I know what you mean!” And yes, I cheered when she finally got to get her feelings out (girl power! 🙌🏼)

Courtney Walsh never disappoints but she knocked it out of the park with this one!

"The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley" by Courtney Walsh is a captivating novel that follows the journey of Isadora Bentley, a diligent researcher with a strong aversion to conventional ideas of happiness. In her quest to disprove an article listing "31 ways to be happy," Isadora embarks on a path of self-discovery, self-love, and heartwarming relationships. Set against the backdrop of diverse and lovable characters, the book delves into themes of found family, friendship, trust, betrayal, and the pursuit of happiness.

Throughout the story, readers are introduced to a cast of well-developed and complementary characters, who each play a significant role in Isadora's life. The narrative unfolds smoothly, allowing readers to effortlessly immerse themselves in the heartwarming and reflective themes presented.

Courtney Walsh skillfully crafts each character in "The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley," endowing them with unique personalities that seamlessly blend together. The diverse array of characters contributes to the overall charm of the story. Isadora's relatable personality resonates with readers, making the story feel personal and relatable. The pace of the book is steady, maintaining the reader's engagement as the plot unfolds gracefully.

While the romantic subplot is minimal, the book benefits from the subtle touch of romance that complements the central themes of self-discovery and self-love. However, I wished for more depth in the personality of the romantic interest, Cal. Also, regarding the Christian fiction aspect, it is mentioned that the book falls into this genre. However, readers may not find explicit religious themes throughout the story, as it predominantly focuses on the other elements of the narrative.

I extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson - fiction for providing me with an advance reading copy (ARC) of "The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley" in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.

This was a delightful story to read and it made my heart smile. I loved reading of Isadora’s transformation.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the advanced copy of The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh.

Isadora Bentley is our rule following, introverted, organized main character who doesn't believe true happiness exists. But on her thirtieth she decides to follow a magazine articles "Thirty-One-Ways to be Happy". From smiling more to eating chocolate, Isadora thinks she will prove this article wrong. But that's exactly not the way things end up!

At first, Isadora was giving me Eleanor Oliphant vibes. And Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a book I DNF because I just couldn't vibe with the main character. I did not find Isadora very relatable. (Maybe because I'm an optimistic people person!) However, this was a feel good book that had funny moments, sweet moments, and a new happier outlook on life.

It may have been more of a 3 star read for me (okay, but less likely to recommend) but... I love the idea that it's never too late to find happiness, even in the smallest ways! So 4 stars it is. :)

Courtney Walsh has done it again. Isadora is such a sweet read and gave me all the bubbly feels. I felt that she was relatable and that the romance was so sweet. But my favorite aspect was seeing the growing relationships develop page over page. It gets me every time to see the loner get their found family. Already eager for the next Walsh novel!

This book is the epitome of a pick-me-up. Even though I received a digital copy of this book, I went to B&N and purchased it after reading just a few chapters. I was immediately laughing and smiling as soon as I started it and knew it was one I wanted to own. If you love:
🏡 found family
🤣 hilarious inner dialogue
🤓 a quriky but lovable main character
💕heartwarming, wholesome, AND clean romance
🕰️ overcoming past traumas
then this might just be the book for you! This was my first Courtney Walsh book, but it certainly won’t be my last!

See Instagram Post for full review and cute pic :)

What a wonderful story that had me giggling, crying, and feeling all the emotions.

I loved A Cross-Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh so when I saw the premise of this book, I knew it was one I had to read and I'm so glad I did. I love quirky characters and Isadora Bentley is certainly a quirky and awkward woman. At times, I found myself laughing at her awkwardness, mostly because I found a lot of my own awkward traits written into this book. This cast of characters was completely endearing and for me, this one read like some of my most favorite rom-com movies of the 90s/early 2000s. I loved it!

This book touched my soul. Isadora feels so real to me. In many ways she IS me, and I’m sure many other readers will feel the same. I felt seen. The plot kept me engaged but not tense. I enjoyed reading it bit by bit over the course of a few days. It was just a delight.

I read a lot of Christian fiction books, but I often have a hard time recommending them to friends and family. I find that authors feel like they have to insert statements about Christianity that we the readers already understand. Because of that, I was not mad about this book NOT being overly preachy. In the beginning, Isadora is skeptical about God. In the end, we can see the change and growth in her life. God has a hand in that. Could there have been a line in there about her admitting out loud that she was wrong to be a skeptic, probably yeah. But, I can understand the hesitancy or caution on how those spiritual conversations are difficult to portray without being wishy washy.

Because I loved the book so much, it’s difficult to formulate my thoughts on the 2% that I did not love. So, the reasons I cannot give it a 5*… The three main perpetrators were the practice of yoga, encouragement of self love, and the absence of distinction between happiness and joy.

1. Yoga is inherently a pagan spiritual practice that is designed to worship “gods.” Practicing yoga is not the same as other exercise. I know not everyone involved in yoga has experienced or understands the depths of the spiritual bondage it holds. I don’t jump to judgement because I know from my own life that it is easy to overlook and rationalize the practice. But in effort to be truly honest, I had to include that.

2. Self acceptance and contentment are possible without what we often call self love. I don’t need to love myself to accept who God created me to be. I don’t have to love myself to let go of the shame of being berated, mistreated, and bullied. True joy is not found in loving myself more, it’s found in laying down my life. The book has the write heart, but not accurate terminology.

3. One thing I would have loved to see is the clarification of what it means to be happy vs. what it means to have joy. Again, I thought that the character growth and development was on point, I just missed seeing a little more clarification on this. I felt it in the story, but I didn’t see it in so many words.

I still loved the book. The things I liked far outweighed the things I didn’t like. The things I didn’t like were barely even blips in my mind as there was so much to love about the it. It may not be for everyone, but there aren’t really any reasons not to read it.

I received a copy via NetGalley. This is my honest review.