As a closed door- clean women’s fiction/romance this is a wonderful book. Lovable characters, laugh out loud moments, and just wholesome fun.

But as a Christian fiction book (publisher is Thomas Nelson) it is really disappointing because there is such a missed opportunity to share the true meaning of happiness in the Christian faith. I was also really disappointed in some of the focuses of this book- there was more new age principles than Christian.

I understand authors and publishers trying to appeal to more audiences but if I read something published by a Christian publishing house I expected more. If this had been published anywhere else I wouldn’t care as much, but it is almost like Christian fiction doesn’t exist anymore and instead Christian publishing houses are just the places that have more ”clean” stories than non-Christian publishing groups. I know this author is moving more toward being marketed as a closed door author than Christian author so she can appeal to more people and has been publishing a lot more in the kindle unlimited space, but it’s sad to see the missed opportunity here to share about God in a fiction book.

Will I still recommend this book as a wholesome book- yes, but I’m sad it missed the mark for Christian fiction.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to review this book. Thank you Thomas Nelson for improving the formatting of the ARCS from others I’ve read, I appreciated not having the logo on almost every page in this arc. Spacing was still odd at times but I’m so thankful for the improvement.

I could not have loved this book more! Isadora is a character I could identify with in some ways, and felt so much empathy for. I enjoyed her search for happy...or her search to prove happiness couldn't be found by a 30 step list. :) The characters in this book were so wonderful- it made me want to try to smile at people more, find a friend to do yoga with, and friends to have lunch with. I think it so wonderfully tells the story about how we need other people- despite the hurt that can come from letting people in. It's always worth it to forgive, to try again. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time, and I would recommend this to anyone and everyone.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was a super sweet story! I loved how Isadora went on a journey to prove that you can’t find happiness and the complete opposite happened. Her little community that she discovered was just perfect! I did feel like the last portion of the book dragged a bit, but I still enjoyed the book!!

I wanted to read this arc so bad because I enjoy Courtney Walsh so much. Unfortunately, the e-copy I downloaded to my kindle wouldn’t load correctly, so I was unable to read it. Hopefully I’ll be able to read it soon since it’s now published!
(Only choosing three stars since I didn’t actually read it and that’s a middle ground for my rating!)

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC of Tbe Happy Life of Isadora Bentley.

This was my favourite read of July. I don't know why I did not get to it sooner.
I love found familes and this was such a cute read. I could relate with Isadora on so many levels.
I wish I could give this book n number of stars🥺

i absolutely loved this! i HIGHLY RECOMMEND listening to this on audio as it’s probably one of the best narrated books i’ve ever listened to. the romance was oh so sweet, but it’s the character growth and friendships that really shined in this story! marty, darby, and delilah were the bestest friends and side characters. i love how they showed that age doesn’t matter when it comes to friendship — anyone can enrich your life and make it better! and Cal was such a sweet hero. i love how he saw through isadora and never gave up on her even when she gave him every reason to! this was such a satisfying book from beginning to end!

thank you to thomas nelson for an advanced copy. my thoughts are my own.

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley first grabbed me with the title. Then the back cover copy. Courtney Walsh is a go to writer for me and this looked to be a doozy. It was.

The basic premise is a solitary academic researcher takes on thirty one challenges to disprove that the activities will make her happier. Gosh this was a fun yet deep story, and that’s not an easy skill to master. Walsh played my emotions like a marionette – one moment I was chuckling and the next feeling Isadora’s hurt in my chest.

As Isadora works through the different recommendations, she accrues new people in her life, and there’s nothing I love more than a story with ensemble art members who worm right into the heart. I instantly warmed to each of them, and probably warmed to Cal a little more than a married woman should. Such is Walsh’s skill.

My favorite thing about The Secret Life of Isadora Bentley is watching the different relationships blossom, just as Isadora did. I cheered when she smiled and sighed when she hurt. This is definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance, clever plot and a side order of rom com. Bravo.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley but the enjoyment was all my own.

Thank you @netgalley and @thomasnelson for a free copy of this book in return for my honest review.

What a beautiful and heartwarming story! Isadora turns 30 and her life is not where she expected it to be. She discovers an article listing 31 ways to make you happier. She decides to try out all 31 items to disprove the author of the article. I loved being on this journey with Isadora. My 30th birthday had also found me sad and thinking this is not where I want to be in life. A month later I met my husband. It’s crazy how the universe works.
I liked the romance but more than anything I loved the found friends and family. The crew of friends she accumulated were funny and sweet.
I am here for anything that Courtney Walsh writes and can’t wait to share this book with friends!

This is a sweet read. While the banter is witty and the plot moves along quickly, the characters are what make this book great. Isadora is a unique character. Courtney Walsh created a character who is somewhat frustrating but mostly endearing at the same time, and the secondary characters are so wonderful.

I was a little surprised by the lack of a faith element from this publisher and author, but it's a sweet romance that will inspire the reader to let go of the past and look forward to the fun ahead.

I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

This is my first book by this author, I think, though several friends have highly recommended her Christmas book. This book sounded a bit like a few of my favourites, and a person's quest for happiness is always attractive to me in a plotline so I was happy to give this one a chance. I'd say this falls firmly into the liked but didn't 100% love category for me although I did really truly love a few of the characters and a few themes and moments.
Isadora was a fascinating character to me and I enjoyed her path to finding happiness throughout this book's storyline. I enjoyed all of the side characters even more and a book about a big cast of characters who don't know each other and become a bit of a found family is always good.
The audiobook narration was well done but there are parts that are in Isodora's head that I was grateful to reference in the ebook.
I'd recommend this one for fans of Abbi Waxman or Amy Poeppel!

Isadora is a university researcher who keeps to herself as much as possible. On her 30th birthday, she impulsively buys a magazine detailing "Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy." She has also vowed not to fall in love again and much less with anyone in academia. When the new professor who needs her help with his research starts giving her more attention, Isadora's life is turned upside down, but is she making a mistake trusting him? This was a fun, entertaining, clean romance.

Isadora Bentley is perfectly happy to hide behind her research and out of sight. And she will never, ever, get involved in a romantic relationship again. But on the day of her thirtieth birthday, she buys an article called “Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy”. Isadora sets out to conduct her own research-proving the article’s author wrong. When a handsome professor crosses her path, will Isadora discover what it truly means to be happy?

Is it possible to rate a book unlimited stars? Because I’m still not over this one 🥹 Y’all if you haven’t read a book by Courtney Walsh, I can promise you that you’re missing out. When I tell y’all she doesn’t miss, I mean it with my whole heart! I absolutely adored Isadora and saw so much of myself in her. I found myself cheering her on from the first page to the last! And this cast of characters was pure perfection. If you’re looking for a book that will make you smile and swoon, look no further. The biggest thank you to Courtney Walsh and Thomas Nelson for my gifted copy!

THIS BOOK. If you want a cute, wholesome, feel-good book, this is it! I had a smile on my face almost the whole time reading it. Isadora is hilariously awkward and endearing. She’s spent most of her life alone and unhappy. But when she meets the right people, she starts learning what happiness truly is. There are such good life lessons throughout the whole book and I loved it so much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC of The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Isadora Bentley is standing in the checkout with her loot of junk food, specifically candy from Aisle 8, to celebrate her 30th birthday alone when she sees a woman's magazine offering 31 tips for happiness and she impulsively grabs it, determined to use her science and research background to prove the author of the listicle wrong. Of course, as she begins to implement the tips in her life she begins to notice her happiness increase as more people come into her solitary life.

This was a perfectly enjoyable novel. While predictable, it was like a warm hug. I did get a little tired of the platitudes and motivational posterish quotes.

This was so heartwarming!! I was not excepting to laugh, tear up, and just feel so moved by this story. It was such a refreshing book about a researcher who is on her own quest to find happiness!!

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!