One of my favorite reads so far this year. Beautiful writing, intriguing characters and truly inspiring message.

Margaret, Viv, Charlotte and Bitsy are housewives and mothers in the 1960s. They embarked on starting a bookclub and end up with a life changing friendship. As their fist book is the Feminine Mystique they also begin to recognized the societal oppression and unrealistic expecting as a women at that time. Each has their own journey but I throughly enjoyed following each of them.
For those who enjoy female friendship stories like The Yaya Sisterhood or Fried Green Tomatoes this should be your next read.

Thank you to NetGalley and HaperCollins Focus for an advanced audiobook for review

A heartwarming and empowering, historical fiction that will have you thanking the troublesome women of the past for making a better tomorrow for those in the future.

Margaret, Bitsy, Viv and Charlotte are living what seems to be the ideal life. Living in the Virginia suburbs in the 1960’s they are living the American Dream. But after a book club invite to read The Feminine Mystique they find themselves wondering what more life has to offer.

I really loved this book and felt like it was written in a way that most women will be able to resonate with. Going in I was afraid it would be a biased piece that demonized men with unrealistic scenarios as a way to get the reader riled up. Instead I got a heartwarming story that left me feeling grateful for the women of the 60’s that wanted to be known as more than just a wife and mother. I loved that the four main characters in the story are diverse and offer different circumstances and POVs. The friendship that they develop is so heartwarming. I loved how they were all there for each other and were each other’s biggest supporters.

I read the ebook in tandem with the audio and loved the audio! The narrator’s voice was perfect for the story.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a solid kaleidoscope view of how commiseration, support, and thought-provoking material like The Feminine Mystique can help a group of women in a 1960's seemingly idyllic community open their eyes to how their marriages and other aspects of their lives do or don't contribute to their happiness and wellbeing. Getting together proves enlightening and eye-opening as they see how having/lacking a job, raising/wanting/avoiding kids, and husbands on a range from clueless to arrogant may not be the only path through life. The dialog and situations are very evocative, and the book does a good job using the characters and their circumstance to touch on many of the issues from that time; some of which have evolved and others not so much in the present, such as abortion/birth control, field-specific opportunities/role models/support for women, and even what we take for granted like having a job and bank account. Other areas that were even more telling would be around race, nationality, gender identity, sexuality, etc. but that might have been a stretch to plausibly bring these women into meaningful contact with others at this time. A present day epilogue helps wrap up many of the stories.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that celebrates friendship, self-discovery, and the quiet power of rebellion. Marie Bostwick transports readers to 1960s suburban Virginia, where Margaret Ryan and a group of women form a book club that becomes so much more—a safe space for truth, transformation, and courage.

The story is both nostalgic and timely, weaving in themes of feminism, identity, and the societal expectations placed on women. Bostwick’s characters are richly drawn and relatable, each facing internal battles while finding strength in one another. Including The Feminine Mystique as a catalyst for change adds a thoughtful historical layer that deepens the narrative.

Lisa Flanagan’s narration is nothing short of exceptional. She brings each character to life with warmth, nuance, and distinct personality. Her performance enhances the story's emotional depth and makes the listening experience feel intimate and immersive. Whether Margaret’s quiet determination or Charlotte’s enigmatic charm, Flanagan captures it gracefully and authentically.

This audiobook is a must-listen for fans of historical fiction, women’s fiction, and stories that celebrate the bonds of sisterhood. Uplifting, thought-provoking, and full of heart—The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a triumph.

Thank you, NetGalley, Marie Bostwick, and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Great book for book clubs. Readers will identify with at least one of the characters. This will be a history lesson for younger Readers and a trip down memory lane for older ones!

This was such a fun read the author wrote these characters really well! It had a certain feminist energy to it without that being the only focus, this felt reminiscent of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, a book I LOVED☺️

Marie Botswick’s The Book Club of Troublesome Creek is like sharing a cozy cup of coffee with four friends who are brave enough to question everything—especially the American Dream. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, this charming novel whisks us into the lives of Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv, four women navigating the twists and turns of suburban life, friendship, and their own hidden desires. At first glance, Margaret has it all—gorgeous home, perfect family, and the latest issue of *A Woman’s Place*—but beneath her glossy veneer lurks a restless longing for more. Enter Charlotte, the mysterious newcomer whose presence sparks a book club that quickly becomes much more than just a literary gathering. As these women sip cocktails and share secrets over The Feminine Mystique, they discover that the road to fulfillment isn’t paved with magazines or material things, but with sisterhood, honesty, and daring to dream differently. Botswick brilliantly captures the humor and chaos of these friendships, weaving in nostalgia with a sharp wit and a heartwarming touch. The story offers both laughs and poignant moments, reminding us that sometimes the most rebellious act is simply being true to ourselves. If you’re craving a book that’s equal parts charming, thought-provoking, and full of spirited women challenging the status quo, The Book Club of Troublesome Creek is your perfect match. Grab a seat, a glass of something bubbly, and settle in for a year of friendship, revelations, and plenty of Troublesome Creek-sized surprises.

This is the perfect book club read. I loved the 1960s setting and all the changes starting to take place in the home and the workforce, especially for women. Every character in this novel brought something to the table, and through these women, the reader experiences their triumphs and disappointments as they strive for empowerment in a time when a woman wanting a career, or to be childless, or to remain single was met with a crockpot full of negativity. It's the friendship between the women that shines brightest here, even in the face of heartbreak and loss. Thanks to NetGalley for the gifted audiobook. The narration was spot on. A totally enjoyable read.

Fabulous fabulous fabulous. In the early ’60’s a group of very different women formed a bookclub. It’s a time when women had no power, no autonomy over their life choices and bodies, couldn’t get a credit card or credit in their own name and couldn’t get some healthcare with the express permission of their husbands. Though these women are all doing as the world expects, they all in their own way are feeling dissatisfied with the status quo, but really what can they do about it? The book they are reading is “The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan. It is a mind expanding and eye opening read for them and bonds them in ways these very diverse women might otherwise experience. This is women figuring out who they are, what they want and standing together. So well written, narrated and particularly in these times when women and pretty much every marginalized group are losing ground it is an important read.

Sometimes a book just hits all the right notes and leaves you feeling satisfied, connected to the characters, and changed. The Book Club For Troublesome Women is that book for me.

I loved the era - the 1960s - so incredibly different from today, yet so many of the issues the women faced were the same. I related to these women on such a deep level. The desire they felt for MORE. The ache in wanting to be the best moms but also successful career women, partners, and friends. Again, a different time with potentially different expectations, yet so similar all the same.

Each woman was different and I appreciated the unlikely friendship. The Feminine Mystique was such a bold first bookclub choice and I loved that the women embraced it and opened their minds. This book helped demonstrate the power of knowledge, female friendship, and the way books can open our minds and our hearts.

I listened to the audio for this one and adored it. Slightly slow start but once I got familiar with the characters, I didn’t want it to end. If this isn’t on your radar, it needs to be!

Thank you to Libro, Harper Muse, and Harper Muse Audio for the copy.

I had a hard time connecting with the story in the first half but it picked up after about the 50%-60% mark.

Better than I expected! A very good choice for a book club, perhaps following or in tandem with Feminine Mystique. Characters are diverse in terms of familial situations and age. Good balance of exploration of the characters as a group and as individuals. I was satisfied with the outcomes of the character arcs.

Though the era was likely the determination of what characters were in the story, I would have liked more diversity. There is what feels to be a token Black character who was inserted in an attempt to fill this gap. She was a good character who facilitated an important conversation but I wish that she had a more significant role.

There is also a mental health issue that is a significant part of one character’s story and I can’t quite decide how I feel about it.

Narration for the story was excellent! Character differentiation was distinct yet non-distracting. Emotional interpretations were on point and provided depth.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Bookclub of Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
Pub date 4/22/25

One amazing thing about women is we are a force to be reckoned with when we lift each other up. Women empowerment is unstoppable. May we continue to rise. #

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. It was a fantastic read. #netgalley #harpermuse #mariebostwick #historicalfiction #womenempowerment #thebookclubfortroublesomewomen #womensfiction #literaryfiction #harpercollinsfocus

STORYLINE
A group of women connect through their book club and begin to evolve as they connect and discuss Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique. They build confidence to chase their dreams. Their lives include infidelity, social injustices, inequality, misogyny, and much more.

THOUGHTS
I slipped right into this book club group and became a huge cheerleader in their growth as they joined the second wave of feminism in the 60’s. We’ve come a long way but also a very short way in the inequality women face in society and in our marriages. Each woman brings a different dynamic and journey. Sharing stories from books and from our own lives is healing and also empowering.

book: 4.25
you know what, i want to time travel back to 1960's and join their book club (even though i'm not a housewife. but hey, i want to read and discuss books!)
jokes aside, there are some of the scenes that i relate to (as a 20 something year old). i'm glad at how the betty's have their own perspectives as the story goes on. and their friendship? top tier!

audiobook: 4.25
i like lisa flanagan's narration, especially the way she voiced different characters. i want to listen more of her narrations soon

Not usually a historical fiction reader, but I LOVED THIS BOOK.
trying to keep the characters straight was a bit difficult in the beginning but the stories of each of them, and the fact it has many different stories over a longer timeline ended up being my favorite part. The narrator was a perfect fit for the story.

This book gave off Desperate Housewives energy in the best way—set in 1960s suburban America, it follows four women who start a book club and unexpectedly begin to change their lives.

Margaret, the main character, seems to have the “perfect” life on paper. But a chance encounter with her new neighbor, Charlotte, makes her question everything. To impress Charlotte, she says she’s starting a book club—and just like that, they’re reading The Feminine Mystique. That book opens their eyes to how limited their lives have become and how much they’ve been expected to give up as wives and mothers.

I really enjoyed watching their friendship grow, especially in the beginning. Their conversations felt honest, and I loved seeing them slowly start to dream bigger. By the end, each of the women had taken bold steps in their own way, and I appreciated how natural their growth felt.

The audiobook narration was strong, and overall, this was a thoughtful, nostalgic story about sisterhood, self-discovery, and how books can help change your life.

Favorite quote:
“A woman is like a teabag—you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

A most enjoyable listen! Over the years, I have been in a book club. However, they rarely have tackled the kind of books The Book Club for Troublesome Women read.

I appreciated the historical fiction aspect, digging into a time that some of our mothers or grandmothers lived through. I found myself wishing my mom was still here as I could see us discussing this book and her experiences. I still remember her telling me how a store card she had before marriage refused to issue a new one with her married name unless her husband took over the account. She was appalled!

After listening to this book, I need to get my hands on a few of the books mentioned.

I highly recommend this title for anyone curious about the challenges (or should I say restrictions) our mothers and grandmothers faced. It is easy to see the past as all rosy when it wasn't.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women was a book on two levels. It was an entertaining story about women and the power of friendships, but it is also a good read for young women today that don't appreciate where women's lives and rights stood some sixty years ago. Having said that, there is nothing preachy about the book. It's a story of four women, navigating life as they come together in their suburban Virginia neighborhood and form a book club.

Margaret, the chief protagonist in the book, has just moved into her planned community and wants to reach out to new neighbors. She, Viv, and Bitsy decide to form a book club, and she goes to ask the glamourous new neighbor, Charlotte, if she would like to join. Charlotte is none too happy that her husband moved her from the vibrant art scene in New York City to this provincial neighborhood. She tells Margaret she will join if they read Betty Freidan's new book (published in 1963), The Feminine Mystique. Although some of the women don't know what to make of the ideas expressed in the book, its message will eventually instigate dramatic changes in their lives.

I enjoyed the trip back to the early 1960's when I was a little girl. This was the story of my mother's generation, and while there are a lot of fond memories, there were definitely inequalities for women. One memory that stands out clearly, the husband of a woman in our church left her and their son to marry his secretary. I remember the women whispering about it, and it seemed like for some reason she bore the shame, not him. Divorce was pretty unheard of in the early 1960's at least in the South.

The main theme of this story was the power and support of women friends, and how they can be there for you in both good and bad times. I really enjoyed the read, and for those thinking this is a diatribe about women's equality, I found the author presented both sides of the story. It was made clear that being a mother and wife was just as valid of a choice as pursuing a career, provided that it is your wish or goal, and is not forced upon you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Marie Bostwick, and Harper Muse Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Set in the early 1960s, Virginia, four very different housewives form a book club and discover a book that profoundly impacts all of their lives.
Forming friendships, finding careers and changing their family lives; this novel looks to the societal changes of this era.
This book reminded me a little bit of Lessons in Chemistry (one of my all time favourite books!), with a splash of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books.
The characters are intriguing and likeable, their issues relatable and understandable, and their friendship is pleasure to read.

I thought Lisa Flanagan did a great job with the narration on this audiobook.

I would definitely like to read more by this author and have recommended this book to my friends who also enjoy historical fiction.

This one reminded me so much of Lorna Landvik’s Angry Wives Eating Bon Bons—strong women, suburban setting, and a whole lot of heart. Set in early 1960s Virginia, *The Book Club for Troublesome Women* follows four women who start reading *The Feminine Mystique* and suddenly start seeing their own lives in a new light. From tea and cake to personal revolutions—it escalates quickly.

The real beauty of this novel is in the friendships. Margaret, Bitsy, Charlotte, and Viv are flawed, funny, brave, and loyal. Their bond feels authentic, and their individual arcs show how liberating (and scary) it can be to start dreaming again after years of playing it safe.

That said, I found the tone a little heavy-handed when it came to the men—some definitely deserved the heat, but not all. And the ending? A bit too neat and fast for my taste. Still, I was shocked to read that in the early ’60s, women needed their husband’s permission just to open a bank account. That kind of detail makes this book hit harder.

A great pick for fans of historical fiction, feminist themes, and stories about reclaiming your life—one book club meeting at a time.

** Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for a comp of this audiobook. The opinions are my own.