Clover is a death doula who spends more time with the dying than the living. After her beloved grandfather died alone, she finds purpose in ensuring that people have someone by their side when they pass. She keeps notes on the regrets, advice, and confessions they share–recognizing they are valuable insights, but rarely making changes in her own lonely life. When a client shares a story about a long-lost love, Clover sets off on a journey to see if the two can be reunited–a journey that could finally be the catalyst for change in her own life, if she lets it.

This was a charming read that had a lot to say about living without regret, and about how easy it can be to become isolated when you’re struggling with something. I wasn’t a fan of the relationship with her client’s son, but otherwise I liked Clover and the various friendships that helped to draw her out. A good choice for anyone who likes feel-good reads about unlikely friendships.

Love this cover and gorgeous book. It was different than what I’ve read in awhile. It definitely had a slow build though.

This book really took me by surprise on how much I loved it. I can't say that I've ever heard of a death doula, but it certainly made for a great read. Both quirky and heartfelt, I highly recommend this one 💛 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had #read so many #reviews absolutely raving about this one and it did not disappoint. This is a short, sweet, beautifully written little #book that gracefully touches on the subject of death, life, grief, loneliness, love, and everything in between. I was a little nervous at first because Clover was first presented in a light similar to the fairly popular (and honestly not my favorite, I think it’s been far too overdone in the past year or two) trope of the socially awkward, clueless 27-33 year old female character. However, Clover was a pleasant surprise, and her caring, quirky, deep feeling self absolutely won me over.

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Clover has experienced quite a bit of death in her life. Orphaned as a child, grieving a recent and devastating loss, and currently a death doula - a job that entails doing whatever it takes to ensure that people are at peace, not alone, and have some closure in their last few days of life - she is not shy about broaching the taboo subject of death.

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Through her job, Clover has always kept journals that note the last words of the people she comforts in their last moments on Earth, all of which fall into a few categories: regrets, advice, or confessions. Unfortunately, after taking on a new, unorthodox client who she begins to grow more attached to than usual, Clover begins to realize that for all that she has given to others and for all of the takeaways she’s gotten from people in their last breaths, she herself may have missed the entire point, and completely forgotten to live a life worth living.

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This one will have you feeling so much love, sympathy, heartbreak, hope, and joy, and remind you that it’s never too late to make new friends, tell someone you love them, travel, apologize, right a wrong, start over, and - above all - begin living.

This cover is so pretty, and I admit, it's what initially intrigued me about this book! The story itself is engaging, though not quite what I was, perhaps, hoping for and didn't hold my attention as much as I thought. All in all, however, a well written book with well developed characters.

5 surprisingly superb stars!

A charming, unique, endearing, thought-provoking, memorable read!

Thirty-six year old Clover is a death doula. Her job is to comfort the dying in their last days on earth. Clover lives an introverted life outside of work, finding companionship with her dog and two cats. Raised by her grandpa since the age of six, she lives alone in the apartment he left to her when he died thirteen years prior.

Prior to reading this, I had not heard of a death doula or death cafe. Clover seemed to be the perfect fit for this career choice and I enjoyed learning about these fascinating concepts through her character.

Clover is an endearing and unforgettable character. She is quirky, awkward and loveable. She got to my heart immediately. I found her to be a mix between Maddie from Maame and Eleanor Oliphant, both books that I adored.

The second half of the book had some “cute factor” which is usually a turn off for me. However, it wasn’t an overly powerful cuteness, just the suggestion of it so it didn’t overshadow any of the plot or writing for me. It wasn’t enough to take any stars away.

This book shares some very thought-provoking topics surrounding death and living without regrets. It is a book that I feel will make an impact on every single reader who picks it up.

The writing, the characters, the setting, the plot, the pace — I loved it all! I was shocked to find out this is a debut novel. I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did and am happy to report this makes my 2024 Favourites List. I cannot wait to see what this very talented author comes out with next! Highly recommend!

Some quotes that I loved:

“I didn’t need more books, but I liked the rush of dopamine that came from finding a new title to add to my potential reading list.”

“Grief is just love looking for a place to settle.”

Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!

I really wanted to love this. Clover was endearing, and a complicated character. But it took her so long to just... figure it out? I was incredibly bored by the end of everything. An unnecessary slog.

DNF @ 16%. Really going against the grain here, but for a book about death this is surprisingly… boring? Something’s missing for me.

It was ok. Maybe someone looking for a philosophy-lite book about embracing life might find this more to their liking than I did.

I was highly intrigued by the idea of Clover's profession as a death doula, and liked the snippets about how death is treated in other cultures.

However, the characters (especially Clover) read as robots trying to figure out how to behave based on what they've seen in Hallmark movies and sitcoms.

This book isn't what I would usually read but it sounded like it would be something I might like. This was a sweet and quick read for me. I just couldn't put it down at all.

I do recommend it.

So tender and heartfelt!! This book talks about death and grief with a lot of a care. I think it also contains really great life lessons without coming across as preachy which I appreciated! A solid read all around (is pretty much guaranteed to make you cry)

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer was an emotional but inspiring read.
I was unsure if I would like this book since I thought it would be all about dying and Clover being a death doula which is someone that sits with those who are near the end of their time on earth. I had never heard of a "death doula" before so it intrigued me to read something I wouldn't normally select.

The book switches between when she was younger and present day. Clover keeps journals to document their final ADVICE, CONFESSIONS, and REGRETS. You will soon learn that she has regrets of her own.

I thought it was a good debut novel, somewhat slower during the first half but it all comes together at the end!
"The secret to a beautiful death is living a beautiful life!"

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review an Advanced Reading Copy.

This book was such a unique take on death and will stay with me for a long time. I loved it! The overall theme that our time on Earth is precious and best to take advantage so you don't have regrets really hit home. I highly recommend this book!

Clover is a death doula who seems to be afraid to live her life. Throughout the novel, we meet an interesting assortment of characters that draw Clover into the intricacies of their lives. Beautifully written.

I’ve seen so many people raving about this one throughout the year so I thought I was gonna love it…but sadly I didn’t connect as much as I wanted to. the concept and the meat of the story is great, and it’s a pretty interesting book to follow. however I found Clover a bit too annoying as a protagonist; she’s a bit of a ‘woe is me’ loner type and it became irritating pretty fast for me, and then there’s a sudden love interest brought in which I thought detracted from the story and seemed out of character for what Clover was supposed to represent in the story.

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer is a book that has stayed with me. It tackles grief in a unique way, as it follows death doula Clover. The individuals with whom Clovers comes into contact add richness to the story, and it allows the reader to think about death in a new way.

Brammer beautifully captures the fragility of life through this emotionally resonant story.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a unique idea. I had just learned in the past couple of years of death cafes and didn’t realize there was such a thing as a death doula. I think it’s very inspiring: I liked that Clover learned things from her clients and would often do the things the clients most regretted. I thought that Clover could be a little immature at times, but I enjoyed seeing her grow.:

This book completely touched my heart! I didn't know what to expect going in and was surprised by how beautiful, poignant and real it was. I never expected a story about death to be so hopeful.

Thanks to St. MArtin's Press for the copy to review.

such a lovely read. The book had me in tears by the end and I grew fond of Clover. I loved seeing her character grow and enjoyed seeing how things came full circle.

The first line of this book drew me in and then I was hooked. This is a beautiful story about a topic that makes most of us uncomfortable—death.

Clover Brooks is a death doula, one who comforts people as they pass on. She soon discovers that she also needs comfort and care, as much as the people she is trying to help. But can she open her heart enough to let people in so that she can finally heal?

Mikki Brammer is an excellent writer and has penned an exceptional story, one that warmed my heart and gave me encouragement about the humanity of people. The Collected Regrets of Clover is a charming, delightful look at the goodness of people.