I live in Utah and a lot of the gender roles and mysogony from this time period still have deep hooks into the culture where I live, so I felt particularly frustrated and connected to the women in this book. Loved the look into the life of women at the time and how the author did a great job including the pressure and struggles of men as well as of women of different races. Such a great read.

Fabulous novel about how one book can change your life.

Four unhappy women create a book club that not only begins lifelong friendships but also improves each one’s lives. Set in a neighborhood of wealthy unhappy housewives in the early 1960’s, the ladies read the book, The Feminine Mystique. Each woman makes decision to change their own lives to achieve their dreams.

I was afraid this book was going to be a man-bashing book, but it was not at all. This novel celebrated women and the advancement and changes women have made since the 20th Century. I love how each woman had to work hard to achieve their dreams, that not one woman felt entitled. It also, encouraged men to also follow their dreams.

This novel told the story of each of the four women’s lives and every character was unique and very interesting. The narrator was fabulous and did a great job with each voice.

This book was very enjoyable and made me proud to be a working woman balancing a career and family.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for this wonderful Advanced Reader Copy. I will highly recommend this for book clubs and women of all ages #NetGalley #TheBookClubForTroublesomeWomen

I really enjoyed this book, reminded me of what the women before us had to go through to get where we are in society now. Let’s hope it doesn’t go back words.

Allow me to cut to the chase: I LOVED THIS BOOK!
A five-star read for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a beautifully written historical fiction piece about a year in the life of four ‘Bettys’ … none of whom are actually named Betty, but that is all explained in the novel … and their challenges, triumphs, and moments of self-discovery as four women in 1960’s urban America.

Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv form a book club to discuss a controversial book exposing the social expectations and limitations preventing women from realizing their full potential — a radical idea for women of the era. The overarching theme of the book club book becomes a reflection for the entire novel, exposing moments in each woman’s life where they must make a choice and cope with the consequences of each.

Multiple perspectives! Nostalgia! My very favorite thing about this book were the references to popular party foods of the 60’s. I am ADAMANT that I make an Ambrosia Cake ASAP. I haven’t stopped thinking about it!

Lastly, I opted for the audiobook version of this novel and the narrator did a remarkable job. I cannot wait for you all to read (or listen!) to this one!

The Book Club for Troublesome Women follows four neighbors in the 1960s who are forever changed after meeting and reading the book The Feminine Mystique.

I enjoyed getting to know Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv and appreciated the different struggles and obstacles that each woman had to face and overcome. I was hooked almost immediately and loved the storylines. There were a few parts where I even laughed or groaned out loud. So many great one liners, especially from Charlotte.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

Title: The Book Club for Troublesome Women
Author: Maria Bostwick
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Lisa Flanagan
Publisher: HarperCollins Focus/Harper Muse
Genre: Historical Fiction. Women’s Fiction-Feminism
Pub Date: April 22, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 368

almost didn’t request this as I thought I had read it five years ago. I realized that book was [book: The Book Women of Troublesome
Creek] which was a great read.
The time period for that story was 1936, Troublesome Creek, KY, and featured nineteen 19-year-old Cussy Carter, the last living female of
the rare Blue People ancestry. ~ The blue skin is caused by a genetic blood disorder and center in the community of Eastern Kentucky.

This lonely Appalachian female joined the historical Pack Horse Library Project of Kentucky and becomes a librarian, riding across slippery
creek beds and up treacherous mountains on her faithful mule to deliver books and other reading material to the impoverished hill people.

This story is set in 1963, in the planned community of Concordia in Northern Virginia, when four housewives form a Book Club ~ Margaret, Viv, Charlotte and Bitsy and will be reading and discussing the newly released book “The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan.
The Book Club members didn’t really know each before the meeting but now these four members have the beginning of a bond and take on the nick name of “The Betties”.

I wasn’t sure this was going to work for me. I am totally in favor of equal rights, equal pay- etc. but feared this might be a lot of male bashing. True some of the male characters were awful.
Also didn’t really love the female characters.
But as I read on and got to know them, I found myself cheering them on.
The narrator Lisa Flanagan was great. She did and outstand job performing the characters. She certainly helped to keep the story interested!
Story ended with me with a smile on my face plus I just might read “The Feminine Mystique”.

Over the past twenty-five years I have belonged to two Book Clubs – one was on the serious side and we usually picked some tough topics (Although we did have one member who never read any of the books and didn’t miss a monthly meeting!) The other book club was more social – wine was always served. I formed strong friendship in both so I ‘get’ that the same thing would happen to these ladies in this book club.
Book Club are more than reading books!!

Story takes place over a span of eight months ending with the November assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Author, Maria Bostwick tells us in her ‘Author’s Note’ at the end of the story which parts are real and what was historical fiction.

Want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus/Harper Muse for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 22, 2025.

I was a bit hesitant to read this book as I am not a fan of books that kind of copy other titles. I was sure I knew what The Book Club of Troublesome Women was going to be like. I could not have been more wrong, and I am so glad I read it. 4 neighbors decide to start their own book club and the first book the choose is one that is causing trouble, The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. It was/is considered a dangerous book. I am not going to argue that, but I have to say, I just might read it. :-D
Charlotte, Viviene, Bitsy, and Margaret don't know each other well, but they quickly become friends as they start to share with each other how much they struggle, not only in the marriages, but also because of where they fit in the world. Viviene is once again pregnant because she couldn't pick up here pills without her husbands okay. (Insert eye roll) They love being moms and wives, but they know there is so much more out there for them.
These women are the ones that stood in the gaps of society to fight for things that I take for granted now. I remember listening to many family members talking about different topics like this and how it was not right that it was happening. We women owe a lot to those women, ones who fought the fight for equality and are still today.
Do yourself a favor, grab a copy and remember "how far we have come baby."

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is set in the 60's and follows 4 suburban housewives as they start a book club and build strong friendships. Their first read is 'The Feminine Mystique' and they are awakened to the sexism that they face on a daily basis. Each of them appears to have a happy life but are none of them are fulfilled. I loved getting to know these characters and the struggles that they faced. Some of which were very shocking. A wonderful book that I can't wait to recommend.

This is going on my list as one of the best books of the year (and that's high praise considering how many titles a year I read.) I loved every word of this book and hated for it to be over. It was triggering in light of current events, but a much needed reminder that we've been here before and we will make it through. What a timely read and the characters were the best. I want to be a Betty - and have "The Feminine Mystique" on order. Maybe it's time for a new group of Bettys!

I loved this book more than I thought I would, honestly. It gives a good perspective of what it was like in that time, while also feeling eerily similar to what we are currently reverting back to. The author did a really good job with descriptive text, but I wish we had seen more of the troubled women part we were promised. Either way it ignited my female rage to the full extreme, so I feel like it did its job!

Thanks to @netgalley and @Harpermusebooks for the ARC. Book to be released April 22, 2025. This book follows a group of four dissatisfied 1960s housewives who form a book club turned sisterhood. They start off by discussing the controversial, new release of The Feminine Mystique. enjoyed getting to know each of the characters (including their fashion, recipes, daily lives and reactions to current events of the time), their individual struggles and their personal growth. I fell in love with the characters and they were so relatable in so many ways. I think every woman will be able to identify one way or the other with one or several of these characters.

I adore this book! Such an interesting insight to the mindset and societal views of women’s’ roles in the 1960’s. This is a brilliant historical fiction book with some surprising historical characters and events. A group of neighbors begin a book club and their first pick is a feminist writing that sparks paradigm shifts for them and causes an accidental revolution for them all. This book takes us on their journey through a year of book club picks and offers an insight into the power of reading and the importance of women’s friendships. It is very well written and thoughtful. I love these characters and wanted to join their book club myself!! Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with this ARC copy.

Thank you to Netgally Canada and publisher for the audio version in exchange for a honest review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ story and utterly engaging narration.

*No spoilers*

Always enjoy stories around found friendships, in-depth character development and strong women who push the envelope; especially in the turmoil of historical events in the 1960’s.

The Betties was pulled together with 4 neighborhood housewives who decided to form a book club. One newly arrived housewife who is quite different from the 3 with the rich clothing, chain smoking and vocalized budding artist is approached to join. She had 1 stipulation: they have to read The Feminine Mystique by Bettie Friedan. The 3 women were baffled considering the controversy of the content being anything but what they were living….cookie cutter neighbourhood with abiding to strict rules and housewives who are all expected to fit the norm of care of the house, cooking and childcare… THE typical 1960’s housewife.

Thoroughly enjoyed the growth and supportive friendships these ladies brought to each other and any that came along their path. I felt connected and was inspired by all 4 of these witty, intelligent and uplifting women.

The years-later ending brought profound tears as I was invested in all of them.

Will be tackling the Feminine Mystique soon and analyze how similar or different women are today.

I LOVED this book! Four women in the early sixties sharing their trials of being a woman during this time. I love books about women who like to stir up trouble and come out on top.

4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins/Harper Muse for the early review copy.

The audiobook was lovely, and the narration was done well. It took me a while to pinpoint who was who and which characteristics belonged to whom, but after a while, I figured it out, and it was easy going from then on.

This may be a bit of an out-of-left-field comparison, but hear me out. I highly enjoyed The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires when I read it, and what I really appreciated were the themes of domestic struggles and housewives finding their own voices. And yes, there's also a book club in there. Although Hendrix's book is set in the nineties and Bostwick's book is set in the sixties, both have those strong elements of women standing up for themselves in the eras they’re living in. So, basically, if you like one, you'll probably like both (unless you really don’t like supernatural elements in your books, then obviously skip Hendrix's book).

I would recommend this to everyone looking for a feminist historical novel. It portrays the time period incredibly well, and I often felt bad and frustrated for the four women we follow. The way they are held back by their circumstances felt very unfair. Although that is also what makes the plot a bit tricky. I think the book's major downfall lies in the opportunities these women get in the short amount of time we follow them. Some events felt too grand and explosive, which could have worked better if they were spread across more years or if some reactions felt more realistic, some moments felt too fictitious to me. I loved a certain part towards the end that integrated a real-world event into the life of one of the main characters. I really appreciated that, it showed how global events leave an impact on people, making the fictional characters feel more like actual, real individuals.

I’m really happy to have read this.

My Review: I received an advanced reader copy of The Book Club for Troublesome Women (release date: 4/22/25) through @netgalley and @harpermusebooks in exchange for my honest review. I had the opportunity to read both the Kindle and audiobook versions, and I truly enjoyed this book.

From the striking cover to the heartfelt story, this novel captivated me. At its core, it’s a celebration of female friendship, resilience, and the power of a book club that becomes so much more. I loved the dynamic between the women—their unique personalities, unwavering loyalty, and shared desire for something more in their lives. The “Bettys” and their book club felt so authentic and inspiring, offering a perfect blend of humor, heart, and empowerment.

Brief Synopsis: Set in the 1960s, The Book Club for Troublesome Women follows a group of women who find solace, strength, and sisterhood in their unconventional book club. As they challenge societal expectations and support one another through life’s struggles, they prove that being “troublesome” might just be the best way to live authentically.

I gave this book four stars and highly recommend it to anyone who loves stories about strong women, friendship, and the power of books.

#womenworthknowing #thebookcluboftroublesomecreek #newhistoricalfiction #historicalfiction

You just can't go wrong with a novel by Marie Bostwick! This is going to be a new favorite for book clubs! And the leading question will be "Who is your favorite character?".

So often with women's fiction, there are so many characters that it is difficult to keep them straight. That wasn't a problem for me with this book. All the characters had so much personality ... and they were all so unique. This book was so well woven. It was just perfect. I loved it!

I want to start describing the characters in detail, but Marie Bostwick does that best. So in short about the main characters ... a magazine columnist, nurse with 6 children who has prior war experience, an artist, veterinarian's daughter. But my favorite character wasn't any of these, one of the book clubs daughters stole my heart.

A great book. And a great book for your next book club. Worth the purchase ... or get your name on the waitlist now.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for approving my request to listen to the advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Expertly narrated by Lisa Flanagan who brought each of these unique women (and their own cast of characters) to life. The audio is 10hr 49 min (book version is 384 pages), this included a little bit of commentary from Marie Bostwick at the end saying that her mother gave her much inspiration for this book. Publication date is April 22, 2025.

I absolutely loved this novel. I enjoyed the time period (beginning in the early 1960’s) and following these wonderful characters during this period in time. I thought the narration was wonderful. Book clubs will surely enjoy discussing this book!

I received an ARC copy of this (thanks NetGalley), and truly enjoyed it.

This was a strong 4.5 for me because I’m all about the “feminine rage” sentiment.

The only part that really bothered me was that the entire book was about female independence and not needing a man. Then we get towards the end and all of a sudden Margaret is acting needy and like she could never survive without her husband.

Knowing this is a work of historical fiction, I understand the liberties that were taken with the characters and context of the story. With this in mind, I truly loved the characters and the banter between them. It did feel authentic and I appreciated the fact that the women stood proud in the sentiment to stop tolerating BS from a society that has continued to try to diminish the power of being a woman.

The parallels that women are facing in today’s world are becoming hauntingly echoed to what it was like for women in the 50s. I truly felt for these characters and wanted to rage alongside them with the unfairness they were all experiencing at the hands of men.

“In a war for freedom, segregation shouldn’t win.”

What a wonderful novel about 4 women who come together in the early 1960s to read Feminine Mystique. Each coming from different backgrounds and current situations and each woman begins to see their life transformed as they reflect on this book. A bookclub is formed and with each book read the women grow, learn more about each other and themselves. While labeled troublesome, they are truly regular woman trying to navigate what it means to be a woman in that time. This novel encouraged me to think back on my own mother’s experience as well as other women I knew. It also made me so thankful for all the small steps taken by these women in their lives so that I’ve been able to enjoy different freedoms and opportunities.

I want to thank Netgalley and Harper Muse for the audio arc!