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.

I really enjoyed reading this book. As always, the author develops her characters very well. They all have interesting qualities and provide humor throughout the book. The reader continues to learn about the characters and how their background explains their actions throughout the book. The plot moves quickly and is very well thought out and written. The chapters are appropriate length as they all take on a new problem that adds to the overall plot. The ending is appropriate as the story draws to a natural close. All the books from this author that I have read give insight to culture and historical time periods.

I am a big fan of SGC books. I’ve read them all! I love the setting, the era she writes in, the strong female characters breaking stereotypes and the comedic tones. This one just wasn’t really for me.

I couldn’t get past the things Ruth did and how Barbara continued to let them happen. It was so over the top for me that I found myself eye rolling. Not even the nicest person trying to be respectful of her late husband’s mother would have tolerated that. Barbara would get angry and then “be over it” within minutes. It didn’t read comedic to me.

I put the book down for a week and almost DNF because I couldn’t connect to either character. But because I love SGC, I decided to power through. I did enjoy the 2nd half of the book much more as both women grew and connected. However, even that resolution seemed quick, convenient and unbelievable given the atrocious things Ruth had done. I just needed Barbara to have more personality or a backbone.

The book was well written and at times very funny. I was touched by the themes for grief and loneliness. Overall, it just wasn’t for me.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley. It will be published in August 2026

Sara can do no wrong. Every book I read from her is my new favorite, this one being no exception. I love the way her female characters are written, especially the relationship between the women in her stories. I loved the cameo with Beverly! You hit it out of the park again! Can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC of Good Grief!

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🧳 have ever overstayed your welcome
❤️ are secretly in love with your best friend’s brother
🔥 were ever fired without cause
🐶 believe puppies can heal broken hearts

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

It’s 1963, two years since Barbara Feldman’s husband died. Raising two kids, she’s finally emerging from her cocoon of grief. Not yet a butterfly, but she’s anxious to spread her wings.

Then one day her mother-in-law, Ruth, shows up on her doorstep with five suitcases, expecting a room of her own with a suitable mattress. Abrasive and stuck in her ways yet well meaning, Mother Ruth arrives without warning to help with the children. How can Barbara say no to a woman who is not only a widow herself but also a grieving mother? As Ruth’s prickly visit turns from days to weeks to what seems like forever, Barbara realizes Ruth has got to go. But Barbara has an ingenious plan: introduce Ruth to some fine gentlemen and marry her off as fast as she can.

Soon enough, something tells Barbara that Ruth is trying to do the same for her. At least they’re finding common ground—helping each other to move forward. Even if it is in the most unpredictable ways two totally different women ever imagined.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

I haven’t met a book by Sara I haven’t loved yet! This was another amazing novel with a great cast of characters. Sara has an incredible way of bringing her characters to life in a way that makes me feel I could reach right out and touch them. They are always so realistic, down to earth, and never without their many flaws, yet I always love them. I enjoyed this storyline as well. The title was puny in that this family is experiencing grief over the death of a spouse, father, and son, but that goodness can come from it. I also enjoyed the mentions of characters from her prior books thrown in! I love those kinds of Easter eggs. Preorder this one today!