Death affected Clover from an early age. Clover is in kindergarten when her teacher drops dead during story time. Not long after she loses both of her parents to an accident while they are traveling. Clover is raised by her grandfather, and she ultimately becomes a death doula. She wishes for her clients to die with dignity and not alone. Clover keeps journals of her patients regrets, advice and last words. In the process of helping others, Clover has forgotten to let herself live. Clover meets a new client whose story of early love sends Clover on a journey.

This was such a beautiful story dealing with death, loss, regrets and a reminder to live life to the fullest. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. Highly recommended!!

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Mikki Brammer for providing me with an ARC of The Collected Regrets of Clover.

Death doula Clover has dedicated her life to helping others die with dignity. Consumed by a desire to help others on their way out of this life, she goes to great lengths to avoid letting anyone into her own. In an effort to control her own experience and safeguard her emotions, she builds an impenetrable fortress around her heart. Clover's emotional journey and the souls she meets along the way remind the reader to embrace the messiness of life.

This is a very special book. It is touching, it is sweet, it is heartbreaking, it is uplifting, it is profound. I was deeply moved by this story.

I hope The Collected Regrets of Clover inspires you as much as it did me. Give it a read, you won't regret it.

5 Stars.

Clover Brooks first experienced death when her teacher dies in front of her during story time. Death touches her life again, sooner than she expected. Clover becomes a student of death, studying different cultures, rituals and traditions of death. But when her grandfather dies alone, Clover decides to become a death doula so no one else dies alone. Clover documents her clients regrets, advice and confessions into different journals. However, Clover has spent so much of her life helping others die peacefully and fulfilling their last regrets, she doesn’t realize how much life she is not living. When a client’s grandson tells her, hiding in the world of the dead is not living a life, Clover decides to examine her life.

This was an intriguing read, I had never heard of a death doula or death cafes and it intrigued me. The story was captivating as well, I like how the author wove the stories together, the characters were well written, engaging and added to the storylines. I enjoyed watching Clover blossom and realize just how much she was missing. The other characters guiding her along. It was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from Mikki Brammer.

Wow. I loved this book! Rarely do I feel compelled to highlight or flag certain paragraphs - but with this book there were so many nuggets of wisdom I wanted to capture and remember. This is also a book I wanted to talk about and dissect with others! I think it would be a really nice book club pick as it inspires deep reflection.

This is a beautiful and captivating story, and I didn't want to put it down. I loved Clover and her character development - I empathized with her as she navigated friendship, family, grief, and love. I will definitely be recommending this book, especially to those navigating their own journey with grief and loss. I appreciated how this book offers a different perspective on navigating death - I wish more people were open to discussing it. The more we put it in a box that can't be talked about, the scarier it is!

4.75/5

I loved Clover, the star of this poignant novel about death. Clover lives in NYC but has traveled the world studying death rituals in exotic cultures. When the story begins, Clover is working as a death doula (a new job category for me) at various locations in New York. Clover thoughtfully helps dying people reach the end of their natural lives.

Clover experienced overwhelming loss as a child when her parents died while vacationing in China. Clover's grandfather, a Biology professor at Columbia, became her loving parent when she was very young. They lived in a brownstone apartment in the West Village. Besides, her grandfather Clover had another friend, Leo, their neighbor. Clover regularly played mahjong with Leo but had few close relationships in her life. She convinced herself from an early age that she wasn't lonely.

At age 36, Clover begins to feel like she needs more people in her life, and that story is lovely to follow. I hoped for a beautiful love affair for Clover. I'll never know, but I'm sure she will be fine in the love department. Mikki Brammer has gifted her readers with a unique story, and I appreciate her creative writing. I loved this book!

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer follows the life and musings of Clover, a death doula living in New York City. Now in her adulthood, she is realizing that her life is a bit isolated, by her own design, and she starts to unpack why that might be. Her reflection on her childhood and career choice are heightened when she is hired to care for a woman whose last wishes lead Clover on a journey that she didn’t expect.

This book is centered on the topic of dying, however it’s not the only focus of the story. It’s more about the thoughts and feelings experienced by those who are nearing the end of their lives, and Clover’s reflection on her own life. As an adult, she is making friends and experiencing crushes for what feels like the first time and navigating her way through it.

There were elements that I really appreciated about this book. I applauded the importance and value placed on death doulas in this book. Death and illness are unthinkable for so many, and I love a book that highlights grace, love, and honesty in this stage of life. I also appreciated that it was religion neutral and acknowledged spirituality without being specific, leaving the reader to apply their own beliefs.

There were also elements that didn’t land for me. Clover’s backstory and flashbacks felt underdeveloped. They gave the basics of how she became the person she is in adulthood, but it read like a bio and didn’t paint a picture. I also struggled with the way her trip to Guatemala was presented and the way she reflected on her parents, specifically the analysis on the maternal figure.

All in, a liked not loved book for me. I am drawn to novels that reflect on life and I am charmed by a character who is awkwardly making new connections, both platonic and romantic. But to do that well, I need to really feel the characters and their experiences, and I didn’t have that with this book.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the gifted advanced copy of this book – I am always grateful for the chance to read and share my thoughts.

Content warnings: Death of parent, Death, and Abandonment, Car accident, Terminal illness

"The Collected Regrets of Clover" has a great premise, that a woman who works as a death doula must learn to live her own life out with purpose. The characters are basically good and likeable people and the story has a happy ending. However, it has a lack of narrative drive and I found it difficult to want to read through to the end. I recommend t his for anyone who loves light, happy, feel-good kinds of stories. This book was just not for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Clover is an at once loveable character. I was drawn into her life and how close she is with death. I like how we see Clover question things that she is so close with and wonder if death doesn't just bring grief, but also a new perspective on life.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

I received this copy of The Collected Regrets of Clover, for an honest review from Net Galley and St Martins press.

Wow. What a beautifully written story. Mikki Brammer really wrote something bittersweetly beautiful. I loved it from start to finish. This book wasn’t a book you’ll read in one sitting ( okay it may be) but for me I took a slow pace, taking in the life of Clover, a death doula. From the beginning I was pulled in from start to finish. I was indulged in rhe story. Especially the main focus of one character Claudia. That’s where the story really begins and sends Clover to understand her life more. This read is absolutely brilliant!

Very emotional, touching book about Clover, who is a death doula. I have heard of birth doulas before, but not a death doula. Basically it is the same thing. A birth doula welcomes a baby into the world, (somewhat like a midwife, I suppose, but not the actual birthing). A death doula helps a person dying. They assist a person with getting closure and to a place of peace. They help finalize practical things like a last will, but it is more to help the person accept dying and come to terms with what they did or did not do, in their lives. It is a beautiful story encompassing difficult subject matters of death, loneliness, grief, dysfunctional families, bullying, and people that are labeled misfits.


I would classify it as a Women's fiction book, I suppose. Clover has lived most of her life basically as a loner, and now in her mid-thirties, after her grandfather has died (he raised her when her parents died, when she was 6 years old), finds herself very lonely, but doesn't know how to make friends, feels awkward talking to people, never has fit into the crowd. It is the story of an amazing woman, at a point when she wants a change in her life, but is afraid to make the change.


So often while reading, the author was expressing my exact feelings about life. Making the same statements I often tell myself. I felt such a connection to Clover, which I suppose could be a good thing, or not, depending on the characteristic I was identifying with. Sometimes while reading, I research things in the book, and this was one of those times. Clover goes to Death Cafes and yes, they are a real thing. Very interesting and needed in our society that often does not want to talk about this event that will come to us all.


A huge thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Clover is a death doula, someone who like a doula to women giving birth, helps a dying person through the end of their lives. Unlike hospice workers (people I admire immensely who can administer medication and provide assistance with the activities of daily life), death doulas primarily listen or just sit with their clients. The difference between hospice personnel and death doulas is a bit hard to describe except to observe that the doula is there to provide emotional support and to help their clients tie up any loose ends before dying. I had the pleasure of meeting one once and had kind of an idea of what they did.

It’s fair to say that death doulas are shepherds of the dying, and Clover is a magnificent example of these fabulous people. She only takes on one client at a time, and devotes as much time to that person as needed. The story primarily involves one particular client who she meets through her grandson, Sebastian, at a “death cafe”.

While Clover is brilliant at helping people express their regrets and other feelings, which she catalogs in journals after they are gone, she’s dismal at having a life of her own. Raised by her grandfather from the age of six after her globe-trotting parents are killed in an accident. she lives in the apartment she inherited after he died. The bits about her life with her grandfather reminded me of Frederik Backman’s brilliant book, My Grandmother Told Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, not so much in content but in style. The grandparents in each of these books are loving and delightful people, who also have a lot of secrets that are revealed later. Clover has kept the apartment exactly as it was for her entire life, and to say it sounds depressing is an understatement.

Clover has one friend, Leo, who was a friend of her grandfather, and with whom she plays mah jong. Her other companions are a dog and two cats. She has told herself that she likes her life just the way it is, thank you very much, and “I don’t need any friends and actually run away if someone tries to befriend me.” But her life begins to unfold after she meets Sebastian and his grandmother, and after a new neighbor in the apartment building won’t take no for an answer when it comes to befriending Clover.

I can’t summarize the story except to say that it is a remarkable story of life and death, and allowing oneself to truly experience what is in the middle - romance, friendship, trying new things, and adventures. The writing is outstanding and every single character has depth and many dimensions. Ms. Brammer most definitely has a gift, and she has written a story that I will not soon forget.

Thanks go to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the profound experience of reading this lovely and wonderful book as an ARC. I would give it infinite stars if I could.

I'm so glad to have taken a chance on this novel. A death doula isn't my typical vibe, but this was beautiful. It reminded me of so many other books - specifically A Man Called Ove and Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting. This book was all of the things I loved about those books.
I do feel like there was a missed opportunity for Clover to eventually lead her own death cafe. From her not speaking at the beginning, I think it would have been a fitting growth opportunity for her to run one.
Thank you very much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this amazing debut.

Having working in hospice, I have encountered patients that often express their own regrets or things they would do differently. After reading the Collected Regrets of Clover, I felt a strong connection with Clover and her work as a death doula. The writing and story reminds me of all I wish I could've done when I was in hospice and what I can do for the future. The writing is easy to follow and the author illustrates Clover's world through a relatable lens. This novel was an excellent tribute to not only death and facing death, but to life and the importance of living life to your fullest.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

The best book I’ve read in a very long time. Kudos to the author for her debut novel! Betting this book will be in the top 3 for debut authors when eligible in the GoodReads readers choice awards (wish it were this year but the publication date is June 2023).

I was not familiar with death duhlas until I read Jodi Picoult's The Book of Two Ways. (Skip Jodi's book and read this one! How is that for a recommendation?!?!?!)

Clover's parents died unexpectantly when she was six and was raised by her grandpa. Even at a young age, Clover was there providing comfort for the dying.

I don't want to give away too much of the storyline. The author (Mikki Brammer) develops characters that you will love. I'm not a crier (and I didn't cry), but I did get pretty choked up at one point.

Loved The Collected Regrets of Clover. Now following the author. Please keep writing. Bummed the advance review copy did not have anything about the author.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of The Collected Regrets of Clover in exchange for an honest review. Once again, thank you for introducing me to a "new-to-me" author. Also many thanks to the author Mikki Brammer and the publisher St. Martin's Press for approving my advance read request.

Book setting is New York City.

what a lovely, touching story on death! — not a sentence i ever imagined myself putting together, but maybe that’s the point… this book put a spotlight on something our western society has taught us to fear and ignore, and as the plot progressed, i felt clover’s insights, compassion, and gentleness slowly work at breaking down that barrier. poignant yet uplifting and thought-provoking, “the collected regrets of clover” explores clover’s relationships (platonic, familial, and romantic) as she learns to transform her life full of regrets to a life full of love and risk-taking. my only critique is that the characters tend to feel more flat when they are in casual conversation. in my opinion, the author really shines when it comes to delving into deeper topics rather than the subtle nuances that are involved in fleshing out minor interactions.

overall, i really do recommend this book! i got so attached to the characters that i cried several times towards the end! 4/5 stars, but 5/5 would recommend!!

The Collected Regrets of Clover is a wonderfully written book about a little known profession – death doula. A death doula, is similar to a birth doula. Birth Doulas usher new lives into the world and prepare the mom, death doulas prepare the person dying for the journey of death.

From a young age Clover has known death. In kindergarten it was her teach who died reading Petter Rabbit, then as she was a little older, it was her parents. An orphan, Clover finds herself living with her grandfather who mainly keeps to himself. Clover never feels like she belongs but feels a calling helping people pass into the next life. Clover ends up spending so much time with the dying, that she doesn’t have any time for the living and she never makes any meaningful connections until a feisty elderly lady enters her life and Clover sets off to uncover a forgotten love story. Will she learn to find love and make friendships? Or will she lack the courage to put herself out there.

This book was simply lovely. It was a wonderful telling and I loved following Clover on her self discovery journey. This book made me think of the lovely hospice volunteer that sat with my grandma during her final days, now after reading this, she could have been called a death doula. People with this profession may not be well know, but they touch many lives.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for my e-ARC in exchange for this totally honest review. I cannot recommend this book enough. Please place it on your radar for next May.

This was a truly wonderful story. While is skilled at helping people pass from this life she has never really known how to live her own life. As someone who has had the honor and privilege to attend death, it is a very moving and powerful experience. Beautifully written with well developed characters, this book deals with the topic of death in the most natural way and one that should really be discussed more openly.

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for sending me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a beautiful story of dealing with loss, regrets and living life to the fullest. Clover feels such guilt over not being with her Grandfather when he dies that she devotes her life to assisting others express their dying thoughts and wishes. In doing so she stops taking chances and living her own life. It can be difficult to take chances in life and I enjoyed her journey as she struggles to let friendships in and face her fears.

Overall a lovely light hearted take on a subject that many people avoid. I really loved this thought provoking book and highly recommend it!

Our main character is Clover Brooks, a thirty-six-year-old death doula raised by her maternal grandfather in New York City after her parents died in accident when she was six. She lives in her late grandfather’s apartment and her only friend is her elderly neighbor, Leo, who has known her since she was a child. Clover has chosen to live a vicarious life, simultaneously fearing and longing for human connection. As her little world closes in on her, she takes a chance at friendship with her new neighbor Sylvie, whose zest for life leads her to new realizations about her own. A chance encounter leads her to elderly Claudia, who regrets the road not taken back when she was a young, aspiring photographer. As her time with Claudia shortens, Clover seeks to find a degree of peace for Claudia embarking on a road trip to meet her lost love. In the process, Clover faces the motives and regrets that led her to her chosen path and must decide whether it is too late to live the life she longs to live.

This was a hopeful, life-affirming read and a celebration of life. We get to see Clover’s world through her eyes and experience her fears and hopes. New York City is the perfect backdrop to her story; a vibrant city full of lonely people. She is a self-aware introvert that despite all her past disappointments and heartache, resolves to evolve and try the human connection she has not yet fully realized she needs. In the process, she is guided by the love of friends and her collection of her patients’ advice and end-of-life regrets. A beautiful novel, the author provides meaningful reflections about loneliness, grief, death, and second chances. The story moved me in ways that will not be easy to forget. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free digital copy to review this book prior to its release.

This was such a wonderful book! Clover is the gentle, sweet, and thoughtful protagonist that we all crave in the soft hearted feel good stories we crave when the world outside is heavy with sadness. I imagine this book will be a big hit among those that enjoyed The Midnight Library, The Measure, and The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot. Thanks so much for a chance to read an early copy of this book! I really enjoyed it.