I was a bit slow getting into this book, as I have a hard time with "history" stories. However, once I got through the "background" of the time and characters, I became enthralled in these women's lives! I then, really enjoyed the story, to the very last sentence.

This was a wonderful novel - so close to 5 stars for me. Despite the length of the book, it was a quick read. The storyline was exciting (and as thriller reader, I feel like sometimes certain fiction can feel slow). All the female characters seemed to be likable, and it was so interesting to see what a book can do. Loved it.

I really enjoyed this book! I gave it 3 stars because I felt like the story wasn’t going anywhere. Also, I would have loved direct POVs for each character, as I wanted to learn more about them!
I think the book was missing a central theme that joined all these characters together, besides the Feminine Mystique

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is an absolute gem! I was completely drawn in by this heartfelt and empowering story about a group of women coming together to face life’s challenges and celebrate each other’s strengths. The characters felt so real—each one had her own struggles, but their bond and support for one another were truly inspiring.

The writing is beautiful, and the themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery really resonated with me. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Sometimes there are good reads that come along that I just want to discuss with my mom. We were book buddies - and often disagreed, but discussions were so real and thorough, with victories on both sides where she could see where I was coming from, and I had a better sense of where she was on it. She's reading somewhere else now, and I miss her.

I think she'd agree with me on this book - it's a little premature in it's timing - 1963 was too soon for book clubs especially on this topic. I was a kid in the middle of the 60's and the big discussions countrywide didn't really happen until the 70's. But maybe that's just me.

Something was just a little off - it was chirpy, wry, and clever. More opportunities even before jumping on the wagon than I remember from that time. It didn't quite ring wrong, but it wasn't the ring that I think mom heard. And, she my friends, was a Feminist! but she was underhanded about it. Oh, I'd love to discuss this with her.

Overall my experience in this time felt a tad darker than the book. Women seeking social freedoms was a contentious topic in homes - dads were not happy and if they had any power feminism and all of its advocates were quashed. It took a decade or more for the moms to rise up, and they did. Divorces were blamed on it, and families affected fell out of their class because parents were split. Not that those sacrifices were for naught - so this read for me was more a reminder of the past than most books. That said, my past was awfully white, deeply suburban and the families I knew didn't have the cash these Bettys had. I grew up awfully white, but poorer - way poorer.

This read did nudge me to brush up on my feminist history reads though, adding to my TBR. Find someone you know from those days and do a buddy-read of this, especially if they were in their 20's in the 60's. . . .would love to hear. . .

*A sincere thank you to Marie Bostwick, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheBookClubforTroublesomeWomen #NetGalley

It’s 1963 in suburban D.C., and a quartet of affluent women decide they want more out of life. Enter: the power of books.

Margaret Cobb plays the role of dutiful wife and mother while her husband works, but something about her life feels off. Then along comes the dynamic Charlotte Gustofson, who encourages Margaret to change her first book-club pick from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to the provocative The Feminine Mystique. Two other women join the club, each constrained by the era’s sexist norms: Bitsy Cobb dreamed of becoming a veterinarian but instead married one, and Vivian Bushetti, a former Army nurse, is now pregnant with her seventh child.

The four women form “The Bettys,” meeting monthly to read feminist books. As they read, their perspectives shift—and so do their lives. Margaret begins writing a column for the local paper, Charlotte and Bitsy confront their subpar marriages, and Vivian returns to nursing.

I really appreciated how reading became the catalyst for these women to reclaim their identities and push back against the limitations of their time. While some storylines felt a bit too neatly resolved or characters occasionally seemed too cookie-cutter, I still thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them and watching them grow. The inclusion of real-life figures like Katharine Graham added a meaningful layer of authenticity.

as soon as i read the premise for the book club for troublesome women i knew this one would be the great book for me, and indeed, it was!! it did not disappoint, i loved every single aspect of it. from the characters, to the writing and to the plot, everything fell into place so nicely and it was so well done that even days later after finishing it, i cannot stop thinking about it.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is exactly what the title promises—warm, empowering, and a little rebellious in all the right ways. Marie Bostwick delivers a heartfelt story about female friendship, reinvention, and the strength we find when we stop playing by the rules that were never made for us in the first place.

While the narrative starts a bit slow, I found myself completely invested in the characters by the end. The story follows a group of four women—each dealing with their own challenges, secrets, and messy realities—as they find refuge and renewal with the other women in their book club. Bostwick has created multi-dimensional characters who feel real and relatable. These women aren't perfect, and that’s precisely what makes them compelling. Their growth is hard-won, their conflicts believable, and their solidarity moving.

While not every storyline wraps up with a traditional “happy ending,” each character reaches a resolution that feels satisfying and emotionally honest.

One thing I deeply appreciated about this story is that it doesn’t default to blaming all of life’s problems on men. Even Margaret’s husband Walter—initially presented as a minor villain—gets a small but thoughtful redemption arc. The narrative respects complexity, showing how relationships can be messy and flawed, but can still be worth salvaging.

With a wealth of sources of frustration, I found myself like Charlotte's daughter—waiting for the metaphorical “other shoe” to drop plotwise—BUT I was pleasantly surprised to find that the book resists going in that direction. Instead, it maintains a steady emotional honesty, never slipping into melodrama. It’s a story about real-life resilience, not manufactured heartbreak.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, and Marie Bostwirk for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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

Absolutely loved this novel, describing the challenges facing women in the 1960’s as the world around them starts to change. Maggie invites three of her neighbors to join the Bettys , a book club for women to read meaningful books, starting with The Feminine Mystique. The role of women as housewives and supporting characters for their men was changing as women wanted more in their lives. Viv is a former army nurse, with six children. Bitsy is married to a veterinarian, and frustrated that she herself didn’t finish her schooling. Charlotte is an artist with a wealthy philandering husband. Maggie is married to Walt, with three kids and the desire to write. Their stories, and the development of their close friendship was written with such insight. I highly recommend this wonderful and important piece of social history. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I absolutely loved The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick—this one gets a full five stars from me!

From the first chapter, I was hooked! The characters felt like people I’d want to know in real life—messy, funny, brave, and incredibly relatable. There’s a warmth to the way their stories unfold, and even though each of them is dealing with something heavy or complicated, the tone never gets too dark. It strikes a perfect balance between heartfelt and hopeful.

What really stood out to me was the way the friendships developed. The book club itself becomes this safe space where these women can be their real selves, and watching that bond grow was both moving and empowering. It reminded me how powerful connection can be, especially when life feels overwhelming.

The writing is smart, funny, and full of heart. I didn’t want it to end—and honestly, I’m already missing the characters. If you're looking for a feel-good read with depth, heart, and a lot of soul, this one is a must. Thank you, NetGalley!

I was so excited to read this ARC, and it lived up to my expectations. I was invested in all of ladies in the book club, and loved watching their friendships develop. It was a book I couldn’t wait to finish so I knew what happened but also didn’t want it to end. A very relevant and timely read, given the state of our world right now. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. A book for empowerment. Although I did not live in this era, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and the women I met while reading it. Give it a go.

Thanks net galley for the arc!

In 1960s American, four women form a book club that ultimately becomes a sisterhood. Their first read, The Feminine Mystique, sparks honest conversations among the group about the dissatisfactions and longing feelings in their lives. As the world is changing around them, we follow the women- inspired by their readings, and more importantly, support from one another- as they begin on their unique personal journeys to become more than a housewife and push societal boundaries placed on women.

First of all, I loved that this book was inspired by the author’s mom. I don’t usually read historical fiction, so this was a nice change of pace! I really enjoyed reading about historical events that felt sort of "current", and seeing how these women struggled for things I now realize I’ve taken for granted. The friendship among the women was definitely the strongest part of the book. I loved reading about the genuine support they had for one another.
It made me think of the current trend of the tradwife aesthetic. It is disappointing to read about the real struggles women faced in the 1960s and that some people today want to return to that dynamic (or romanticize it?). That said, I did wish the book had gone a bit deeper. I kept waiting for something more profound, but it never quite happened, which was a little disappointing. I also felt that the book primarily focused on the perspective of white women's feminism- although the author does acknowledge the need for a more inclusive movement, it just felt like it was limited in that regard. Still, I found many parts enjoyable! It was a good read, just not a new favourite.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick is a heartwarming and uplifting novel that celebrates female friendship, resilience, and the power of books to bring people together. Known for her cozy, character-driven storytelling, Bostwick delivers another charming tale perfect for fans of small-town fiction and book club dramas.

Overview:
When a group of women in a quiet New England town forms an unconventional book club, they don’t just discuss literature—they challenge norms, confront personal struggles, and redefine what it means to be a "troublesome" woman in a world that often expects them to stay quiet. Each member brings her own battles—whether it’s a stifling marriage, career setbacks, family secrets, or societal expectations—but through their shared love of books, they find courage, solidarity, and unexpected second chances.

Key Themes:
Female Friendship & Empowerment – The bonds formed in the book club help the women push back against limitations placed on them.

Literary as Liberation – The books they read (likely classics or feminist works) spark personal awakenings.

Small-Town Dynamics – Gossip, judgment, and community expectations play a role, but so do kindness and redemption.

Starting Over – Many characters face midlife reinvention, echoing Bostwick’s recurring theme of resilience.

Style & Tone:
Warm & Conversational – Bostwick’s prose is inviting, with a focus on emotional authenticity.

Uplifting but Not Sugarcoated – While the story leans feel-good, it doesn’t shy away from real struggles.

Multiple Perspectives – Each club member gets her own arc, weaving together into a satisfying whole.

Comparisons:
If Jenny Colgan’s bookish charm met Fannie Flagg’s small-town heart.

Similar to The Jane Austen Book Club (Karen Joy Fowler) but with a more contemporary, activist edge.

Fans of The Reading List (Sara Nisha Adams) or The Lost and Found Bookshop (Susan Wiggs) will adore this.

I loved this story set in the 1960s and the four women the story centers. The 1960s treatment of women is centered and we see how these 4 women come to terms with their role and find ways to rebel against that role. I loved the story. I loved the writing and the characters. It was interesting to see ways in which society has both changed and stayed the same since this historical perspective!

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is for women who use books as a tool to build community and relationship with other women! I had the pleasure of starting a book club in a former community we lived in and grew to love. A friend and I decided to start a book club and it grew to far more than we could ever imagine. Our book club included a variety of women, of ages, demographics, professions, and aspirations. We read books but we shared in life together. We walked alongside each other, celebrated each other highs, and held each other in our lows.

Join us in Virginia, as we watch Charlotte Gustafson moves into a new neighborhood, an eclectic and artsy neighbor, in contrary to those around her. Charlotte forms a book club and picks a very progressive book to kick off the meeting. As the book club unpacks the story, they begin to unravel to complexities of life and the roles of a woman in the 1960s. Step into literary sisterhood as the four women step outside the outdated expectations of women and into the Feminine Mystique.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women puts you into the lives of a group of 1960s era housewives who start a book club after reading The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan and how that book changed the course of their lives to gain confidence as women living in a society that ultimately did not afford them the same opportunities as men. I learned a lot about how far women’s rights have come in the past 60 years, but in many ways we have not come far enough. I liked the nods to the key events of the 60s and mentions of real people. I definitely want to read The Feminine Mystique after reading this. I thought the story was interesting and the main characters were likable. It’s quick moving and their storylines intertwine well as they navigate their own dreams and how that fits into “having it all.”

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A huge thank you to Harper Collins/Harper Muse for this ARC!

Published April 2025.

Give me a dynamic book about housewife living in the 1960s ANY DAY. I loved how real each of these women are and I think all of us can find something we can relate to. The story follows a group of women who decide to form a book club around The Femine Mystique- a novel that proposes that there is nothing wrong with women but that women have been barred from so many opportunities that are afforded to men. Each of these women have hopes and dreams and different relationships- some with children, some hoping for some. Some with great husbands, some whom they could do without etc. They bond over authors like Woolf and Betty Smith which really resonated with me as I have read some of the same books they read.

It talks about the civil rights movement, women have autonomy (or the lack thereof) over finances and bank accounts, how women's work goes unseen, and work outside of the home is frowned upon.

VERY similar vibes to The Eights, The Giver of Stars, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and Lessons in Chemistry.

DEFINITELY add this to your TBR and make this your next book club pick!

Friendship and feminism in the early 1960s! Loved the whole atmosphere of this really fun and moving story of a group of housewives with hopes and dreams who form a book club to read Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique. Bostwick does a great job of differentiating these characters. And who doesn't adore a female friend group, from The Golden Girls to Sex and the City!

Really enjoyed this and highly recommend it! Thanks so much to the publisher for the advance copy!

Set in the early '60s, it follows four women who start a book club and read The Feminine Mystique, and from there, everything starts to shift. What I loved most was how real the characters felt—Margaret, Bitsy, Viv, and Charlotte each bring something different to the table, and their friendship is the heart of the story.

The book dives into what it meant to be a woman back then—like not being able to open a bank account without your husband’s permission. But it also shows how hard it can be to break out of those roles, even when you want to.

It’s not just about feminism—it’s about friendship, courage, and figuring out who you are when the world expects you to be someone else. There’s humor, heartbreak, and a really moving scene involving Jackie Kennedy.

If you’re into historical fiction with strong characters and a lot of heart, this one’s worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus and Harper Muse for the advanced copy.