I will admit I am a SUCKER for all things bookish... and that includes BOOKS ABOUT BOOKS. I can't explain it, but most of my favorites are such! However, this one wasn't anything special. It was still an enjoyable read though; I just had higher expectations!

2.5 Stars *rounded up*

This was such a cute read. I adored the characters and definitely found myself reaching for this book in my down time. Not only was it fun and exciting, but it kept me super entertained and I really enjoyed reading it!!

"The Best Life Book Club" was a sweet story about the friendships between four women who are each struggling with the circumstances of their life. The main character, Karissa, is newly divorced and has a new home and a new job to get used to while she's single-parenting her young daughter. She soon meets her neighbors, Alice and Margot, and Alice's sister Josie, and they all form a book club together.

The club becomes the impetus for doing new things in life, adopting different attitudes, and overall trying to come to terms with their pasts while carving out a beautiful future for themselves. It shines a light on some of the best things about female friendships and the bonds we make.

I highly recommend this for anyone who needs a boost and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Thank you to Sheila Roberts, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

While cute, this book was very forgettable. I enjoyed it while I was reading it but frequently had trouble keeping the characters and their backstories straight. I do love an intergenerational friendship, so I did appreciate that aspect but after finishing it a couple weeks ago, I cannot really recall the plot or much about the characters. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was a cute read, but nothing magical. If you're looking for a book that's easily predictable and wraps everything up in a neat bow by the end, then you'll enjoy this book. I like my books with a little more meat to them. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

The Best Life Book Club centers around a series of women that are at a crossroad in their life. A recent divorcé, a recently unemployed empty nester, and two elderly siblings create a book club where they gain the motivation to make changes in their life. Whether it is standing up for yourself, trusting yourself to start a business, or facing your fears, these women are doing it!

I liked most of the characters but they did feel a bit one dimensional. I think with splitting all the main characters time in the novel makes it hard to connect to any one of them in a meaningful way. I did enjoy spending time with them though.

This is more of a day in the life setting so go in being aware there are not going to be very many exciting moments. This is more focused on the characters and their personal growth. But did get dull at times.

Heartfelt and hopeful, this book reminds us of the lessons we can learn from books and our close friends. Everything wrapped up very nicely (maybe too nicely) so if you don’t like loose ends, no worries here!

Read this if you want to read a book about books, friendships, growth, and a splash of clean romance.

I read this book with my book club, ironically enough. I enjoyed the flow of the storyline, the character development, and the characters in general. I would definitely recommend to others for an enjoyable read.

I have to be honest, at first I wasn't sure about this book. One of the characters grated on my nerves a bit and the story didn't seem to grab me.

But the, slowly, I started feeling like a silent member of the book club. I found little bits of my life in their lives. This group used books like therapy, literary therapy. Though most of them would have probably benefitted from some actual therapy with professionals, their book club became an emotional support group.

I love how inspirational The Best Life Book Club became. I also loved that the story moved through a significant amount of time so that we could see real change in the lives of the characters. Even the romance moved at a realistic pace even if the obstacle for the main love interest was a little too Jane Eyre for my taste.

All in all, a really enjoyable women's fiction book.

The Best Life Book Club is a book that shows when they want to, people can change, but it might take some effort.

Oh my gosh this was like a warm hug!! Ah, the power of a book club!

This novel follows the life of 4 women, of whom make up The Best Life Book Club. This is such a heartwarming story of love and friendship. This is great to ready by yourself, in a book club, or just to talk about with friends.

Thank you NetGalley and Mira books for the arc.

The Best Life Book Club was a heartwarming book about four women choosing to move on with their lives. Each character had their own story to tell, and while each story was interesting, it was hard to get invested in them all. I do think it could have benefitted from focusing a bit more on one main character, but that’s just my personal opinion. If you are looking for a light, fun book about strong women, try this book.

I loved this second chance at life for four neighbors who start a book club and come to find support, love, and advice.
Karissa just moved after getting divorced from her cheating husband, and he also cheated with her neighbor and best friend. Then there's Alice, who is older but still going through some sadness regarding her husband, who passed in his 50s. Josie is her older sister who is not speaking to her daughter, and she has to tell everyone what she thinks in an abrupt manner. Finally, we have Margot, who lost her job to budget cuts. She can't seem to find anything.
Thrown together as neighbors, they quickly become friends. I thought this book was really great. Focusing on women's friendships in later life. There was some romance that was very good, but the story was extensively about the women.

Customer Review
Robin Whitaker
5.0 out of 5 stars A winner
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2024
I would like to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Another fabulous read by Sheila Roberts. A funny, heartwarming story of a group of women who decide to start a book club, have different interests and difference of opinions while picking out books. But in the end, they all come together to support each other and nurture friendship.

I received an e-galley of The Best Life Book Club by Sheila Roberts from Harlequin Trade Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

We love a book about new friendships, book clubs, the publishing industry, and new chances at love - and that is exactly what I got in The Best Life Book Club. I really enjoyed reading this story about Karissa as she navigated her life after a big betrayal. I will say that there were characters that annoyed me in the story - but it seemed quite intentionally written that way so It's not a big factor into what I thought of the story in general.

This book explored healing, growth and friendships in the best way. It was a start over and let’s experience life kind of book. It also revolves around books which I loved.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

A cozy, cute read full of strong women, found family, overcoming fears and insecurities, and all centered around reading/books/a book club, and finding your best life.

Karissa is a newly divorced, single mom who's struggling with loneliness, trust issues, and self esteem after being cheated on by her (ex) husband with her (ex) best friend. Alice is a widow who is sweet, kind, and terrified of driving after an accident. Margot is a sassy divorcee who's recently been let go from her long term job. Josie is Alice's sister and also a widow; she's snarky and demanding, but means well.

These four women start a book club and along the way find genuine support, friendship, and love. There is growth for all of the characters and they stay true to themselves throughout.

The Best Life Book Club was a nice cozy read. I think it will be a great read for that time in between summer and fall where you're ready to get nice and snuggled up with a good book. It was relatively low stakes. Yes all of the women in the book had their problems, but they weren't life altering. It gave you the sense of making friends alongside all of the other women. If you have been divorced, are a widow, or have lost a job recently you absolutely will relate to this book. It is the perfect wrapped up and self contained story. Heads up for those of you who are fans of Sheila Roberts there are some really great easter eggs from her previous works sprinkled throughout too!

I love this! It focuses on romance, friendship, love, healing, and personal growth. It was a beautiful story told so well. I loved it so much! It was fast paced, it didn’t leave any plot holes.

The Best Life Book Club is the newest book by Sheila Roberts and I enjoyed this one as much as I expected. Karissa Newcomb packed up her daughter and herself to move away from Seattle to a new start in Gig Harbor after she catches her husband with her best friend. Upon arriving in Gig Harbor Karissa begins a new job as an assistant at a small publishing company where she enjoys getting to know the authors and her new boss. She has several misunderstandings with her new boss, including hitting his car and falling down in front of him more than once. Karissa meets her new neighbors, Alice and Margot, who have their own life situations they are dealing with but the ladies all suggest forming a book club of their own to spend getting to know one another and escape their troubles. Will this new life work out for Karissa.

This book is a wonderful women's fiction book, centering on four women. Karissa, a recently divorced single mom, her neighbors, Alice, who is a widow and Margot, who is also divorced and has recently lost her job. the final woman is Alice's sister Josie, who is a sassy, opinionated and obstinate woman whose husband is deceased and she is estranged from her adult daughter and her family. I loved how the books they chose helped them see their lives in different ways and make changes that are positive for them. I also liked that they didn't all like the same books, which made it very realistic. There is romance in the story for some of the women, but it is not the main part of the story. Karissa's story was the main storyline, and I liked how she grew, became more confident and comfortable with her life. She had to forgive some, and she does that well. All the women change in some way, and begin to accept their lives, as well as move forward. I really liked Josie's story a lot. She reminded me of myself to a degree and I was happy to see her find her path to happiness. If you enjoy books dealing with friendship, personal growth with a bit of romance thrown in, you will not be disappointed with The Best Life Book Club.

I may be in the minority, but I loved this book because it was light and not terribly thought provoking. The shifting characters were comfortable to keep up with which isn’t always the case with this style of writing. Overall, this was just a feel-good novel great for a quick read!

Thank you NetGalley for the free review copy!

Sheila Roberts' "The Best Life Book Club" is a delightful journey into the power of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Set in a charming small town, the story weaves together heartwarming moments with insightful lessons on embracing change and finding joy in unexpected places. Roberts' characters are wonderfully relatable, making this novel a feel-good read that reminds us all of the importance of community and following our dreams. Perfect for anyone looking for a warm, uplifting escape!