This book took me completely by surprise and is easily the best book I’ve read this month!

The women of Concordia, a brand new planned community in Northern Virginia in the 1960s, are living the dream: beautiful new homes, successful husbands, children they adore. It’s not until four of them find themselves members of an impromptu book club that each woman realizes she’s not the only one with a nagging feeling that something is missing.

True confession time. From the description, I half expected this to be a man-bashing reading experience. It is NOT. Yes, The Feminine Mystique is the first book the ladies read, and all that follows stems from there. Yes, there are some painful actions, words, and attitudes toward women, often from their husbands. Yes, female empowerment is certainly a theme in this book, but marriage and families are not made the enemy. These women find friendship, they find their footing and their purpose, they make their precarious way through the frenetic changes of the time, and they hold on to – or let go of, when necessary – the good in themselves, their families, and each other.

This is a perfect book club pick – especially if you have a multi-generational group! – there is so much to talk about here.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women will be published April 22, 2025, so get your pre-orders or library holds in now.

This was my first book by Marie Bostwick – it will not be my last!

Thank you to @harpercollinsfocus, @netgalley, and author @MarieBostwick for the complimentary copy. It was my pleasure to write this candid review.

This book blew me away. 4 women form a book club in the early 1960's that ends up being a support system as well as pushing them to examine their thoughts and push societal boundaries. I loved how clearly defined these women were, while allowing for changes and growth. The backdrop of the 1960's and how culture was changing just intensified what was going on in their families. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was engaging and showed a different perspective for each character. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes history, feminism or book clubs!

If you enter Bostwick’s endearing world of mid-century madness, her half-baked bookclub Betties will marinate your mind in a pleasing melodrama of madness. These forlorn females rescue and recreate themselves with a recipe for success that only their finding of the Friedan philosophy from The Feminine Mystique can make materialize. Forging friendships, sharing, supporting, sacrificing, and daring to dream, these women will wow you and wake you up. Get ready for a feel good read and a personal philosophy refresh if you dare to flip open the front cover of Marie Bostwick’s nostalgic novel Bookclub for Troublesome Women. Once you start, you can't stop. And you're gonna be thinking about it long after you finish. Historic name dropping and a book list for future reading included at no extra cost. I loved and highly recommend this book . Publish date April 22, 2025, so order it for a fantastic and uplifting Spring read.
Audiobook by Harper Muse is a highly recommended mellow listening experience. Lisa Flanagan balances her delivery of clear characterizations with a certain simple touch in her free flowing narration that allows for an effective style of middle era immersiveness.

A fabulous read of 4 fierce females set in post war America, create a book club. Each from different walks of the 4 females are each fighting for gender equality, through their own way, a writer, a nurse, a “privileged” artist and an animal healer. I loved this one, great character arcs, social conversations and thought provoking. I think if you liked Lessons in Chemistry or The Giver Of Stars you’ll enjoy this one.

With a title like “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” how could I not be convinced to read, and I am happy to report I was not let down! Highly recommend for your own book club to read!

A historical fiction set mainly in 1963 revolving around 4 women who decide to create a book club. I loved how unique each woman was to the group and how important their differences were in coming together around commonality. While the characters were fictional, there were many truths about their experiences

I did a lot of thinking with this book. I thought about my own book club and how important their differences discussions we have are and also how powerful uniting with other women is. I understand why governments try to silence women and this book discusses how patriarchal society does this covertly. I thought about how important my female friendships are and how many obstacles we overcome and how our support is so important. I also thought about my grandmothers who were the women of the 60’s and grew curiosity about what their lives looked like past the surface.

Lisa Flanagan did an excellent job narrating this. She gave each woman a unique voice, and I was entranced!

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for an advanced listener copy of this Audiobook

This book was a perfect historical fiction novel. It touched on the struggles of life as middle-class women in the early 1960s, while acknowledging the privilege those women had. This book was extremely well written and the narration really kept you engaged. I sometimes struggle with books from multiple POVs with the same voice, but the narrator does a great job of making each woman stand out and feel different. The message of community and sisterhood. It reminded me of the women who are so important in my life, and the book clubs I am in that have helped me become a better person. It also reminded me of the power we each have and how vital it is to use our voices for change. I cannot wait for this book to come out to share with my book club for troublesome women.

<i>The Book Club for Troublesome Women</i> by Marie Bostwick is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that beautifully captures the complexities of women's lives in 1963. This book doesn’t just skim the surface of history—it dives into the societal and familial challenges that women faced and how some found the strength to push back against the constraints placed upon them.

One of the things I loved most about this novel was how layered the women’s stories were. Each character had her own struggles, yet their journeys intertwined in a way that felt natural and real. Bostwick does an excellent job of showing how expectations were placed on women—not just by men, but sometimes by other women too.

Bostwick also does an incredible job of highlighting the small but significant obstacles women faced—things like opening a bank account or getting birth control without a husband's permission. These everyday struggles may seem shocking to modern readers, but they were very real in 1963, and in some ways, women are still fighting for true equality today.

What really made this book stand out for me was how much I recognized these women. We all know them—they are our mothers, our grandmothers, and for some readers, maybe even great-grandmothers. Their struggles, their resilience, their desire for more while still loving their families—it all felt so authentic. The book club and their reading of The Feminine Mystique weren’t just plot points; they were catalysts for reflection, making each woman reassess what she wanted for herself, not just what society dictated.

I have not read other books by Marie Bostwick, but I will be adding some of her other titles to my TBR List. I highly recommend <i>The Book Club for Troublesome Women</i> to historical fiction lovers, readers who enjoy books about books or book clubs, and those interested in feminism and women's rights. This is a great novel filled with rich, character-driven stories that explore how people navigate societal expectations. Lisa Flanagan, the audio version's narrator, was terrific. She did an excellent job with all the characters' voices, bringing their words to life. I truly loved this book, and I learned so much from it.

Thank you to HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse and NetGalley for the privilege of being able to listen and read along with the printed copy. The book is due to be released on April 22, 2025.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.</i>

4 stars

I really enjoyed listening to this! It was a fun and different take on female friendship and pushing the boundaries (through reading and community) of what we’re “supposed” to do. Set in the 1960s but feels especially relevant unfortunately today.

Narrator: I enjoyed that narration for this audiobook. I felt connected to the story and the characters and the tone fit the story.

Story: This story reminded me of the movie, Mona Lisa Smiles. These women want more out of their life and are trying to break out of societal norms and expectations, but they have to fight and sacrifice who they are in the process. I enjoyed listening to how each of the characters evolve throughout the book and find their path.

Most historical fiction I read is set around the WWII and it was refreshing to listen to a story set in the 1960's. Although if you compare the years, not much changed for women during the time periods. The situations these women face are relatable even for today's time.

At times it wasn't clear which character was being discussed and it took a little bit to figure it out.

Overall it was a wonderful audiobook and a perfect read for Women's History month. This book is relatable for any woman wishing to read or listen to the story.

HarperCollins Focus and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in advance.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a charming and thought-provoking novel that captures the shifting tides of the 1960s through the eyes of four women searching for more than society dictates. Marie Bostwick beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and quiet rebellion, making Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv feel authentic and relatable. The book club’s discussions mirror their own personal awakenings, and Lisa Flanagan’s narration brings warmth and nuance to their journeys. While the pacing occasionally lags, the humor, heart, and historical backdrop make this a delightful and inspiring read for fans of stories about female empowerment and the power of books to change lives.

Received a free audio copy via NetGalley.

As we go towards the middle of Women's History Month, this book can give insight into what our mothers, grandmothers, and so on had to endure to ensure we got the rights and privileges we have today (hopefully we continue so in the future). This book was so heartwarming and feisty that I couldn't put it down! Well done to the author!

Marie Bostwick’s The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a heartfelt and empowering celebration of female friendship, self-discovery, and resilience, earning a well-deserved five stars. Set in 1960s suburban Virginia, the story follows four women—Margaret, Viv, Bitsy, and the eccentric newcomer Charlotte—who form a book club that begins with Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique. What starts as casual discussions evolves into a transformative sisterhood as they confront societal norms, rediscover their identities, and reshape their futures. Bostwick’s richly drawn characters, sharp prose, and nuanced depiction of the era’s limitations create an immersive and thought-provoking narrative. Balancing humor with poignant reflections, the novel captures the courage it takes to challenge expectations and embrace change. Perfect for fans of women’s fiction and stories about the power of connection, The Book Club for Troublesome Women is an inspiring and deeply satisfying read that will leave you cheering for these “troublesome” women long after the final page.

My first 6 star read of the year. I LOVED it. I studied women's rights and Betty Friedan at college and university, so to read this about the Bettys was perfect.

I loved these 4 characters brought together from completely different background all with their own hopes and dreams. I loved their life developments from vet to nurse to writer to gallery owner. They were all so perfect.

I felt so invested I never wanted it to end. Charlotte held a special place in my heart as did Denise, but my favourite character had to be Bitzy (not sure how I'm spelling it because of it being an audiobook!!!). Her development was amazing and her ending was perfect and everything the girl deserved.

This was an interesting, well researched and well written story about a group of four women who form a book club in 1963 and who remain lifelong friends. The first book they chose to read was The Feminine Mystique by Betty Freidan and this becomes a catalyst for deep and meaningful discussion between the four housewives. They begin to question their roles as mothers, wives and women and what more they would like out of life. As historical fiction goes this is right up there with some of the best I have read. I read The Feminine Mystique in college and it certainly changed my view of women's roles in the world. I can see how it would incite some serious discussion between readers in the 1960's. Highly recommended. I listened to the audio version of the book and the narrator was fantastic.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for a chance to listen to an ARC version of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book was just what I needed at the moment I needed it. It was easily relatable. The writing was done so well and the story was so compelling. There are times while reading I was thinking my thoughts were on the page. I was not expecting to relate to a book that was supposed to be set so many years ago. I wish I could read it again for the first time. I know this would be a book a lot of people would like. It has a stunning message that many people have forgotten. I absolutely loved the ending of this book and wanted for nothing with how it played out.

Unfortunately this one was just meh for me. I wanted to love it and read all about some feminist icons in the 60s reading some feminist lit but it just felt super long and like nothing was going on.

With a title like The Book Club for Troublesome Women, I was expecting a lively, rebellious, and dynamic story about strong-willed women shaking things up. Unfortunately, the book didn’t quite deliver on that promise. The story unfolded at a slow pace, and while there were some heartfelt moments, it never really captured the spark or energy I was hoping for. The characters were fine, the plot was fine—everything was just fine, but nothing truly stood out.

As for the audiobook narration, it was serviceable but unremarkable. The narrator did a decent job, but their performance neither enhanced nor hindered the experience. It was simply there, much like the story itself.

This was a new author for me but I loved this book! As I got to know each woman and her story, it pulled me in and I was cheering for each one! They are all so different but the way they helped each other along the way was so beautiful. I was sad when the book ended and that's the sign of a really good one!

What an incredible listen this book was. The narrator did an amazing job reading this story. The memories of the time came flooding back while at the same time I had my eyes open as to how limiting a woman’s life was in the sixties. I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The main characters were amazing and I found myself cheering for them. If you are looking for a thoughtful yet nostalgic read hurry out and pick this audiobook up. You will not be disappointed!

When I read historical fiction novels I often wonder how much of it is based on facts and how much is from the author’s imagination. I loved the characters in this book so much that I wanted them all to be real! I appreciated that the author’s note addresses which parts of the story were fact based and which were her imagination. In addition to loving Bostwick’s characters, it was interesting to learn more about the early 60s and specifically the lives women lead at that time. It definitely made me thankful to be among wife and mother in my 40s in the 2020s instead of the 1960s.

Probably my favorite part of this book was the friendships formed among the main characters - The Betty’s as they called themselves. They were strong and independent women who supported each other through challenging times in each other’s lives. What more can we ask for than to have good friends like that?

I really enjoyed the audiobook of Book Club for Troublesome Women. The narrator, Lisa Flanagan, did a great job bringing the story to life. Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC.