Sara did it again with a 5-star read! Another amazing strong female character who is living in an era of historical events. Although the book deals with serious and some emotional events, grief and unwanted advances from a man, she has lots of humor to balance it. I always love the way she makes the women come out on top in an era they may have been less likely to.

Another great story by Sara Goodman Confino. Love how she draws you in with her characters and makes the story a page turner you don’t want to put down. Her characters are people I want to meet and have in my every day life. Such an amazing storyteller with a gift of making our troubles all go away when we’re turning the pages of her books.

Heartfelt, honest, and unexpectedly funny—an absolute gem!

This book really took me by surprise—in the best way. I went in expecting something light and maybe a little emotional, but what I got was a beautifully layered story that made me laugh out loud one minute and tear up the next. Sarah Goodman Confino has such a natural way of writing that makes the characters feel like real people—flawed, funny, and so relatable.

What stood out to me most was how honestly grief was portrayed. It wasn’t overly dramatic or sugar-coated; it was messy and awkward and sometimes even hilarious—which, if you’ve ever gone through a loss, actually feels very true to life. The humor never takes away from the heart of the story; it adds to it. There’s a comforting kind of hope woven throughout the book that I really appreciated.

I genuinely didn’t want it to end. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you, and I’ve already found myself thinking about the characters days after finishing. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

I just have to say that Sara Goodman Confino is a favorite author of mine. This is my third book I’ve read by her and I’ve very much enjoyed them all. I highly recommend adding this to your TBR pile. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

As with all of her books when I'm finished, I'm smiling and my heart is full! I love that her books are set in the not to distant past so that while I may not have experienced that time period (62 years ago), it still feels somewhat relatable while showing you just how much has changed for women (and sadly, sometimes what hasn't). I also love that her books are female-centered and character driven. It makes you feel like you're right there!

I had been in a reading slump and I knew that this book would be the cure and it absolutely was!

4.5 stars

I absolutely adored this book! I felt completely drawn into Barbara’s world from the very first page. I loved how the story explored her journey of healing after such a profound loss, and I admired her determination to spread her wings and reclaim her life. I thought the 1960s setting added such a wonderful touch of charm and nostalgia to the story. I found the relationship between Barbara and Ruth to be one of the most compelling aspects of the book. I loved how their dynamic was both heartwarming and hilariously relatable. I couldn’t help but laugh at Ruth’s prickly personality and Barbara’s creative attempts to manage the situation. I felt like their unlikely partnership was portrayed with so much humor and heart, and it really resonated with me. I thought the author did an amazing job balancing humor and emotion. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics Barbara and Ruth got into, but I also felt deeply touched by the way they slowly found common ground. I loved watching their bond evolve and seeing how they both helped each other move forward in unexpected ways.

Overall, I thought this book was an absolute delight. I loved the humor, the heart, and the beautifully crafted characters. It’s a story that will stay with me for a long time, and I can’t wait to recommend it to everyone I know!

"Good Grief" by Sara Goodman Confino

I was so excited to get this book early—I love everything Sara Goodman Confino writes!

Set in 1963, Good Grief follows Barbara Feldman, a widow of two years who is just beginning to find her groove while raising two children. Her determination to start fresh is interrupted when her mother-in-law, Ruth, unexpectedly shows up at her door with suitcases in hand, ready to move in and “help out.” This is definitely not what Barbara was expecting—or hoping for.

The story explores the frustration and tension that comes with an uninvited guest, but it also beautifully unfolds into an unlikely friendship and a growing mutual respect between the two women.

Sara Goodman Confino has a real gift for transporting readers to the past. You feel like you’re living right there in the time and place she writes about. I always learn something from her books, and I’m always excited when a new one is released!

Sara Goodman Confino does it again! Good Grief is fantastic; another beautiful story of women empowerment filled with excellent character development, and a beautiful love story. I highly recommend every Confino book I read, and this one is right there with them!

Good Grief is a beautiful story and really brings the characters life. The part about grief and how each person deals with it, the joy and the sadness. I loved this book!

Good Grief - this was my first Sara Goodman Confino book. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had high hopes for this book since I’ve heard great things about the author. Overall it fell short of my expectations. There were funny moments which made me chuckle and I liked the characters enough to keep reading, but I didn’t fall in love with the characters enough for this to be a page turner.

I will try another book by this author but am honestly a but relieved that I’m done with this one.

Sara Goodman Confino does NOT disappoint with her latest book, Good Grief, The book has two main characters, Beverly and her mother-in-law Ruth. Beverly is a widow with two small children, whose husband died of a heart attack at a young age. She lives in metropolitan Washington DC, in the early 1960s. Her mother in law Ruth shows up on the front steps of her house with five suitcases, and moves into her home uninvited.

It is the rare author who can create a character who at the beginning of the book you despise with a passion; the character you love to hate. Ruth checks all those boxes. She is a meddler. She takes actions that would have me sending her to the curb. And then as the book moves on, you find that your perspective transforms, and you find yourself cheering for her, even if you aren't sure you could fully trust her. Ruth is the epitome of the meddling mother-in-law. BUT there is more to her than meets the eye. She is grieving both her son, and husband (who died years earlier) and has the understandable PTSD of a Jewish woman whose live was torn about by the holocaust. The setting in early the 1960s, puts her not even a generation after the war. Sara brings the trauma of the holocaust into the story, in a way that does not take over the story. I’ll save Ruth’s antics for your read. No need to spoil anything.

The title of this book --"Good Grief" -- is perfect. Yes, the book is about "good grief" and primarily is a story of healing from loss. BUT it has that second Charlie Brown meaning of "Good Grief!" as well. And that comes throughout the book. This is part of what makes the book so enjoyable.

Sara is a fantastic story-teller. The book might get labeled under the title “women’s fiction,” but it is really just great fiction, which should be enjoyed by a wide audience. Don't put the book into a particular box. Add it to your summer reading list.

The dynamic of the cross generational females struggling to align while each growing is a strong suit of the authors. I always find myself immersed into the world, and this time is no different.

Good Grief i s about a recently widowed mother who is raising her two young children, After her own mother finally leaves her, .after helping her for two years, her mother in law shows up on her doorstep. This is a story about family, relationships and friendships. It is humorous and emotional at times. This story will draw you in wanting to read more and see how the story plays out.

Another 5-star read from #saragoodmanconfino! As soon as I had the opportunity to snag an ARC, I put everything aside and jumped right in and, as with Sara's other books, I was not disappointed!

Barbara is recently widowed with two small children. Her mother comes to stay and help her with the children for a couple years then returns to her own life when Barbara's MIL, Ruth, decides it's her time to 'help.' Both women are determined to ensure the other doesn't end up alone for the rest of their lives and the ways they go about it are funny (and sometimes diabolical). It was a fun read that had me laughing, feeling sentimental, and at times triggering my anxiety (wishing I could physically remove Ruth from the house myself LOL!).

This heartwarming novel should move to the top of your TBR list - be the first in line to snag your copy August 26, 2025.

Thank you to #netgalley #lakeunionpublishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Anyone who I’ve ever discussed books with knows how much I adore Sara Goodman Confino’s writing, and this book was no exception. She creates these beautiful intergenerational relationships of strong, independent, and fiercely loyal women. The Jewish humor is also a great perk. This book was a joy to read

Sara Goodman Confino is one of my favorite new authors and her books never disappoint! Good Grief is no different! This book is so well written and relatable on many levels. It’s full of emotions from laughter to tears. Highly recommend!

Reading Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino felt like curling up in a warm, cozy blanket—except that blanket occasionally shocks you with laughter or makes you tear up when you least expect it. Set in 1963, the story follows Barbara Feldman, a young widow navigating life with her two kids, trying to rediscover who she is after the grief of losing her husband. It’s been two years, and while she’s not quite ready to fly, she’s at least stepping out of the cocoon. And just when it seems like she’s ready to reclaim her space, in walks Ruth—her mother-in-law—with five suitcases and zero notice.

Let’s just say, Ruth is a lot. She’s blunt, set in her ways, and incredibly well-meaning in that overbearing, old-school way that makes you want to both scream and laugh. She claims she’s there to help, and while Barbara can’t exactly turn her away—because Ruth is also grieving, after all—it quickly becomes clear that this arrangement is not going to be temporary. What starts as a “few days” turns into weeks, and suddenly Barbara’s home, schedule, and sanity are being taken over by Ruth’s unsolicited advice, strong opinions, and rather dramatic flair.

The dynamic between these two women is hilarious, chaotic, and weirdly touching. At first, Barbara is determined to marry Ruth off just to get her out of the house—cue the awkward matchmaking attempts and some truly cringey dinner scenes. But the twist? Ruth has the exact same idea for Barbara. What follows is a series of mishaps, misfires, and genuine moments of connection that show how healing can come from the most unexpected relationships. Their banter is gold, and the growth in both characters feels natural and earned.

One thing I really appreciated is how the novel balances humor with heart. There’s definitely a sitcom-like quality to some of the scenarios, but the emotions underneath are real. Grief, single parenting, female empowerment, and the clash between generations—it's all explored with just the right touch of wit and warmth. The historical setting adds depth without overwhelming the story, and the little nods to cultural issues of the time—like gender roles and antisemitism—are handled with nuance.

Also, let’s not ignore how addictive this book is. I told myself I’d read one chapter before bed… and then the next thing I knew, it was 2 AM and I had finished the whole thing. Barbara is such a relatable protagonist—strong, messy, and deeply human. And Ruth? Well, she might make you want to throw a pillow at her, but you’ll probably end up loving her anyway.

If you’re into books that make you laugh, tear up, and root for the characters like they’re your own family, Good Grief is definitely one to add to your TBR. It’s heartfelt, smart, and seriously entertaining. I already want a sequel just to see what these two women get up to next.

This book will make you laugh and cry, experiencing the frustrations, grief, and hardships right alongside Barbara and Ruth. Barbara is just starting to get on her feet again - she thinks - when her mother-in-law appears to "help." There is a lot of very well-intentioned meddling, on behalf of both of them, and many hilariously awkward moments occur because of this. In the end, however, everyone gets their happily ever after! One thing I love here is that the author didn't sugarcoat women's working conditions of the day -- she describes the harrassment that many women received at work (and many got even worse) on a daily basis. While it can be difficult to read, it lends an air of authenticity to the novel's voice.

Everything Sara writes is perfection! I love the era she writes about, and it's obvious she has researched the time in history so well. Her strong female characters are always so inspiring and relatable. This latest book is no exception. She covers heavy topics but still weaves in humor. Loved this book so much!

The relationship that takes place between Barbara and Ruth is so well told. Most of us have been there with mother in laws. Not necessarily wanting them around but knowing, deep down, that we do indeed need them. Ruth reminded me of my own for sure. I have no complaints about this book and can’t wait to get my copy when it’s in the stores.