Thank you to NetGalley, Harper 360 and Kate Storey for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

The Forgotten Book Club is a very emotional and thoughtful story. The character development is spot-on. The flow is nice and easy. I was in love with Ms. Kate's previous book, The Memory Library, she didn't disappoint with this book either. Ms. Kate has a phenomenal way of writing.

One of my favorite quotes: "Friendships share life's loads between them."

I wholeheartedly recommend that y'all check this book out.

Grief, loss, books, second chances, and new life make this lovely novel a winner. A perfect read before the fire on a cold rainy autumn day!

I loved Kate Storey's book The Memory Library and was excited to be approved for the arc of her new book The forgotten Book club.
This book was a very sweet story that I wasn't sure how it would play out when it first started. I was so glad that Grace went to check out the silent book club that her deceased husband started. It was the best thing she could do to help her deal with the grief, start seeing happiness in her life, bring her closer to her daughter and grandson and open her heart to new and fabulous friends. I have already sent a copy to my mom.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Arc.

I read the author’s novel, “The Memory Library,” last year and enjoyed the sensitive exploration of a complex mother-daughter relationship. This new book holds true to its predecessor by taking a heart-felt approach to a spectrum of human emotions – love, loss, grief, and loneliness balanced by the resilience engendered through community. An added dimension is the discussion of neurodiversity (specifically ADHD).

The main character is Grace, a recent widow whose beloved husband, Frank, died unexpectedly of a heart condition. His legacy is a Silent Book Club, which he co-founded with a former rock star/now bookstore owner. The club is unusual in that members read books of their own selection, read together in silence for an hour, and share insights purely on a volunteer basis. While Frank was alive, Grace shunned the group, but now she discovers rich friendships that gently lead her out of her grief. An integral part of the storyline is her transformation regarding her attitude toward the condition of ADHD. Not only has her 20-something grandson been given the diagnosis, it is likely that Frank and their daughter also possessed these characteristics.

Overall, this is a heart-warming story with a multitude of interesting characters facing the challenges of being human with all its diverse emotional aspects. The author shows sensitivity and compassion throughout and advocates for those with neurodivergent conditions without being strident or preachy. I found it a worthwhile and thoughtful novel.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

I received a free copy of, The Forgotten Book Club, by Kate Storey, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Grace has lost her husband and her way of life. Grace's husband Frank use to run a book club, but not your typical book club. This was a lovely read about family and friends.

The Forgotten Book Club
By Kate Storey
Pub Date: December 2, 2025
Publisher: Harper 360 (Avon)

Grace supported her husband, Frank, in his passion for books. After his death, she is still heartbroken. With the encouragement of her grandson and daughter, she begins to attend Frank’s book club. They both feel she needs to get out more. As Grace learned more about the book club, she slowly warmed up to it! Who will she meet? What will she discover? Will it help Grace cope?

A heartfelt read that will take you on a journey through navigating the grief of a spouse. This author also incorporated ADHD into the book! Even though she incorporated heavier topics, it is still enjoyable and entertaining! I loved how each character was unique in their own way, but came together for their love of books! A perfect book for book clubs as it will lead to interesting discussions!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was such a sweet story about love, loss, and friendship. I really felt for Grace and her story was just so sweet.

This book was extremely heartwarming. I was heartbroken for the main character throughout the whole book. She clearly worked through her grief for the loss of her husband, but it made me think hard about my husband and what I would do if he died before me. I felt with this character. I shared her grief. I wanted to cry when she found out that her late husband kept some of his thoughts from her. But the overwhelming support she had really showed the importance of friendship and community. And she was able to use what she learned to help her new friend through her own hard time. It's always best to walk with a trustworthy and caring friend when facing difficulties.

This book was classified as a romance, though I wouldn't really say it is. It's more inspirational fiction in my opinion. Though that doesn't change my opinion of the book - it is fantastic.

heartwarming and uplifting book. a quick read full of acceptance and a warm heart. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

A heartfelt read that shows how you can build community in the least expected places. A widow joins a book club her husband had started years back. After the first visit, she is apprehensive about ever going back. Not her thing, she thinks. She’s encouraged to try again, which turns out to be the best thing she does for herself and many others. This book had great perspectives on embracing our identities, mental health, and the power of support and connection.

A beautiful love story that grabbed my heart from.the beginning as Grace tries to find her way after her husband's death. How lost she must've felt and tue way this author wrote this book I really did feel it with her.
Along the way we meet some cool characters and I definitely loved some of them.
This book will definitely me you cry and in the most unexpected places just like in real life.
Grief can strike at anytime. Anywhere. I can't imagine losing my husband like that. So sad.
But there's hope among friends that Grace discovers too

It’s too predictable to say I forgot about The Forgotten Book Club after I started reading it. Work, family, and health took priority for a few weeks. Then I picked it up again and fell in love with Grace, Rosie, Jude, Annie, Crush, and the whole lot of characters from the silent book club at Books En Parade. Kate Storey beautifully depicted how the smallest similarities can bring a group of disparate people together despite all their differences. We have so much to learn about ourselves and each other by taking those chances. Books can be a perfect starting point to come to know the most amazing people. I loved the specific details regarding settings as Grace remembered time with 'her' Frank. We get to know more about Grace by the furniture and surroundings and how that relates to Frank's thoughts in his reading journal. As much as I'm against writing in books, I now see that it can be a link to my family after I'm gone. They can fill in blanks and learn more about my private thoughts to keep memories alive. This is a perfect cosy read for over the winter holidays.

The story in this book was incredibly sweet, and the found-family element was absolutely spot-on. There were moments when it felt a bit like a PSA for ADHD and neurodivergence—those themes were woven in very prominently—but ultimately the message landed in a meaningful way. It served as a gentle reminder to let people be exactly who they are, quirks and all.

Yes, it veered into cheesy and unrealistic territory at times, but honestly, that was part of its charm. It’s a quick, light read that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I ended up enjoying it very much.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

In The Forgotten Book Club by Kate Storey, we follow Grace, a newly widowed grandmother determined to enjoy life again a year after her husband's passing.

With the help of her family and new bookish friends, she finds that not only can she still find meaning in her life, but she can also help her late husband, Frank, fulfill his unfinished aspirations.
Along the way, she realizes that her perfect family was never so perfect - if you consider neurodivergence imperfect.

After her grandson is diagnosed with ADHD, she finds her husband's journals detailing that he, himself, as well as their daughter, were, too.

Fighting off feelings of whataboutmeisms, Grace does everything she can to embrace this new look at beautiful life.

Here's my 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review of The Forgotten Book Club by Kate Storey!

Genre: Contemporary Romance | Pages: 247

This Book in 5 Emojis: ⚰️🙂📚📹💰

Heads Up: Mental health topics

Big thank you to @harpercollins360 and @netgalley for this ARC copy of the newest edition of this amazing book!

My Thoughts On This Cozy Contemporary Read:

So, I thought this book was going to be some pretentious old lady running amok in other people's business, but, nope!

Instead, this book was an intro to ADHD through the lives of Grace and her family.

When her son received his diagnosis of ADHD and mentioned some of the symptoms, Grace recognized the same symptoms in her late husband, Frank, and their daughter, Rosie.

And while the many mentionings of ADHD did wear me out a while, the book overall was quite the joy! And every time I put it down, I kept trying to find ways to pick it back up! I even tried audibooking it for the first time so I could listen to it on my 45-minute each way commute!

My favorite part of this book was how well-developed each character was! I could tell you pretty much anything about the main characters... except their race or ethnicity. Only one character mentioned they were Punjabi, and two characters had brown skin, and one of the brown characters had made curry before, but I have no clue what any of the characters' backgrounds were.

That was extremely intriguing to me.

The book ended with some hints of romance for our main character, Grace, and her grandson, Jude, but not much. Just enough to feel closure.

I didn't think this book would do anything for me, but, to be honest, it was just a cozy, light-hearted read between dystopian fictions. And I would highly recommend!

This book resonated with me on several levels; while it was a moving story, it also felt emotionally heavy at times.
The book offers a heartfelt exploration of grief and healing, as well as the importance of community.
The characters are charming and diverse, each with their own distinct backgrounds and struggles. The author’s approach to character development is subtle yet effective, making each individual feel real and relatable. Grace’s character grows as she copes with her grief and becomes more connected with the rest of the group.
The story brings together people of different ages and life circumstances and thoughtfully addresses topics like loss, friendship, new beginnings, second chances and supporting others. It also explores important mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and ADHD (a bit too much), while following Grace’s journey to realize her own strengths.
Let’s not forget Earnest the cat, honorary member of the book club, who added a sweet touch to the story.
I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was such a heartwarming read. I found myself crying while reading this book due to how the author wrote about Grace navigating her grief. Overall I really enjoyed this book and how it approached topics of grief, loneliness, mental health and navigating new friendships.

Since Frank, Grace's husband of 4+ decades, died of a heart attack 18 months ago, Grace has found it almost impossible to move on. Her daughter Rosie and grandson Jude encourage her to get out of the house more, so Grace finally consents to attend the book club Frank had founded in a local book store. Rather than reading and discussing the same book, these book club members spend an hour at each meeting silently reading whatever book they have brought and another hour catching up with each other's lives. The club has gotten smaller, and the remaining members are worried about its future existence. They remember how Frank talked about his wonderful wife, so they welcome Grace with open arms.

Grace can hardly stand the hour of silence, and she isn't ready to talk about herself, but when Annie, one of the members, tries to strike up a friendship with her, she relents, albeit reluctantly, and continues to attend. At the same time, Grace discovers some journals where Frank recorded his thoughts about how he felt about what he was reading and about his family. Grandson Jude, in his twenties, had recently been diagnosed with ADHD, and Frank wondered whether both he and Rosie might have it as well, leading Grace to wonder how well she had really known her husband.

What I particularly enjoyed about this book was the way that each unique member of the book club developed or changed throughout the story. Characters such as Rosie, Jude, Annie, and Grace herself were also lovingly portrayed and developed. It's a story about family, community, love, and understanding oneself and others, with just a hint of romance. What this group worked together to achieve was heartening and life-affirming. I've already requested the author's next book on NetGalley.

My thanks to Harper 360/Avon and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Such a beautiful tale of grief and navigating the post loss of a loved one. While also exploring how we can interact in a world full of both neurotypical and neurodivergent minds. The differences and similarity’s. And the support each can provide for the other.

In The Forgotten Book Club by Kate Storey a love of books, family, and friends proves to be a very successful combination. I liked how the variances of ADHD were incorporated into the story.

Such a sweet book about the impact reading and a group of people can have on one's life. A heartwarming and uplifting book. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this ARC.

An emotional yet cozy read, with characters who touch your heart along the way. Each one brings something important to the story, and it's lovely to watch them become friends and grow along the way. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.

Are we protagonists has lost her husband. They spent years together and her husband frank was an avid reader.She is not. She is convinced to go to his former book club. What happens next is tender?Hearted compassionate and sweet. I highly recommend this one.

A very beautiful read, and so emotional!!! Everything about grief and depression, and neurodiversity is so important, I love how the author writes it as well.

Friendship, support, family and the book recs just make this book a perfect read.

As a huge lover of books this novel touched me in so many ways. It is wonderfully written with a fabulous cast of characters