The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer was an amazing novel! Clover is a death doula who has isolated herself in her late grandfather's apartment in NYC after his death, In her mid 30s, she's never dated, kissed a man or had a close friend, aside from her grandfather's friend Leo, who lives in the building. When a new tenant, Sylvia moves in, she's forced to make a friend, then a new client, Claudia and her grandson Sebastian make Clover question all that she's done, or hasn't done in her life.

I loved this novel, it was just perfect! Interesting characters wrestling with interesting problems. I also find the profession of the death doula fascinating...something I could never do! Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the synopsis for this book, but I was pleasantly surprised as I was reading it. The author did a great job handling such a heavy topic and trying to normalize it for the reader, just as it is for the main character. The story teaches us about living our life without regrets and living life to the fullest. It's definitely going to stick with me for a long time. Looking forward to what other novels the author writes.

This book was so beautiful to read. I was captivated by the story throughout the entire book, never once finding a lull to overcome. I was drawn to the character of Clover and found myself feeling sorry for the pain and loneliness she felt her whole life. Her unlovable view of herself left her in a tension between moving forward with her life and being stuck in the isolation she built for herself. Her dedication to her work as a “death doula” arises not only out of her own curiosity, but also due to her own pain in regard to death. The descriptions of New York, included in memories with her grandfather as well as her present reality as a woman in her 30s, lets the reader step inside the bustling streets and city dwellings. The message of this book was painted throughout the pages and leaves the reader wanting to live the most out of their life, without fear and without regrets. Death is such a nuanced experience, and this author paints it beautifully as Clover reflects on each of her clients in her book of Regrets. Truly a magical book and one I believe everyone should read.

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer (May 9, 2023)

Death has always been a part of Clover Brooks’ life; she watched her kindergarten teacher die during story time and her parents died in a tragic accident shortly after. After Clover’s beloved grandfather dies alone, Clover becomes a death doula, who aims to ease the transition from life to death for terminal patients and provide companionship. Clover journals the life lessons and regrets of the people she’s helped, trying to both atone for their wrongdoings and right their regrets for a life not fully lived. When Clover helps a dying elderly woman get closure for a long-lost love story, she learns to live well and love.

The Collected Regrets of Clover feels both novel and nostalgic; the beginning of the story deals with death through the eyes of a child in a way reminiscent of Lemony Snicket, Clover’s upbringing with her grandfather and elderly neighbor calls to mind A Man Called Ove, the themes explored are reminiscent of Tuck Everlasting, and the character Clover would be fast friends with Tova of Remarkably Bright Creatures. Clover is a loveable character and is well-developed; the reader can appreciate how Clover’s tragic experiences have shaped her personality and lifestyle. Brammer’s descriptions of the advice and regrets of terminal patients teach universal lessons of love and the meaning of life. The Collected Regrets of Clover is a love story; it explores romantic love, love for friends, family, strangers and pets, self-love, and love for the human experience.

I adored The Collected Regrets of Clover! It is a charming quick read with loveable characters and a unique plot. I highly recommend The Collected Regrets of Clover to readers who enjoy realistic fiction, books with the themes of death and finding yourself, and love stories. If you liked Remarkably Bright Creatures, give this one a try!

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance reader copy for purpose of unbiased review.

I'm very happy that I took a chance on this debut novel that is somewhat out of my wheelhouse. The author did a great job bringing the characters to life, and I found many of the issues related to end of life very thought-provoking. Although the book could have been depressing, it was handled in a way that was more life-affirming. I appreciated that the events of the book took unexpected turns. This unique book has left me with lots to think about, and I think it will stay with me for a long time. I believe the book would be a great choice for book discussion groups, and I highly recommend it.

This was a wonderful book about death and how people grieve. All people process things differently and Clover, a death doula, helps people not be alone as they pass from this life to another. Finding friendship and love in the end really kept me going to see what would happen next for Clover.

This is a sensitive, insightful beautifully told journey by the main character who happens to be a death doula in NYC.
Clover's calling is to assist her clients to "the other side" and fulfill their final wishes. She listens without judging and truly cares. She will not let them die alone.
She will not allow her emotions to get in the way of her job. She just can't.
However- in the process she has forgotten to care about herself. her feelings and has stayed a loner.
"Don't let the best parts of life pass you by because you're too scared of the unknown." This is from Clover's journal that was spoken to her by a client she had cared for.
Can she perhaps learn to love, care for herself and move forward with her life? How do you do this?
This is one lovely, unique story that I believe everyone needs on their bookshelf. It is well done with incredible detail to feelings, fears and hope.
I was a hospice nurse and i can guarantee that it is great!

I look forward to anything this author will write next.
Thank you NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review. Well done!

Quirky and whimsical, with a heroine you root for and a compelling plot! I loved the pacing and story, and sympathized with Clover throughout her journey. Very feel-good and makes you want to live life to the fullest.

I really enjoyed this story of Clover and learning more about being a death doula.
This subject could be troubling for some, but I think it could be helpful for some people who are afraid to face death and grief.

What an amazing journey of discovering oneself. I love Clover. I think there is a bit of Clover in all of us. Clover is a Death Doula. This was new to me but what a fascinating career. To share peoples last word and give such comfort to those passing over. It helped me to not be so afraid of death and really trying to connect and have open conversation about it. I enjoyed watching Clover move from being quite alone to discovering herself and the wonderful woman she could be. This book has it all, friendship, first love, grief, self discovery and so much more. I enjoyed the author’s flow of writing and the book played in my mind like a movie.

Phew! This book! The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer was a stunning and heartbreaking novel surrounding a death doula. Death has surrounded Clover Brooks since she was a young girl. But maybe death isn't only about grief and sorrow. Perhaps it can be about celebration and life, as well!

Charming and unexpected, The Collected Regrets of Clover follows 36-year-old Clover’s life as a death doula in New York City. Her whole life revolves around death, until she learns how to open up and live without regrets.

This is literary fiction at its finest. Brammer does an incredible job of creating and establishing an intriguing cast of characters and bringing them through a beautiful, poignant story, with so many lovely surprises. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this debut!

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Death. It’s fearful. Yet, this book brings new meaning to the word with characters that are very much alive. Some are a little quirky. Some say meaningful thoughts. And some make me smile or laugh out loud. This book is one that makes you look at the world differently.

Clover is 36 years old. She’s a death doula which is a person that helps someone in their last moments. She doesn’t have medical training. She is one that holds the hand of someone dying when the family is emotionally removed. She listens and helps them reflect on their life if that’s what they want. She helps them find peace with any regrets.

I fell in love with all of the characters in this book. Clover’s grandfather, Patrick, took care of her at age six in his NYC apartment when her parents died in an accident. Years later after he passed, his friend Leo in the same apartment building gave her inspiration and comfort. He was her only friend until Sylvie, a new neighbor came along. Sylvie got her out of her shell and encouraged her to go on a date. Yet, it was Claudia that had a powerful presence even though she was dying at 91 years old. She reminded me of my mother who was very direct and like Claudia, asked me to look up a past love that she once had a month before she died.

Clover asked her clients if they had any regrets in life. One person said they didn’t start eating mangos until she was 50 and only wished it was sooner. Another regret was not splurging on expensive dish soap. And, she heard others say they wished they were more in touch with those they loved. She wrote these thoughts in a journal including the last words someone spoke such as: I’m tired; It’s cold in here and I wish I told them how much I loved them.

The book is one to remember, to read again and recommend to others. It’s not just to help those that may be grieving but everyone needs to be more comfortable with what happens in the end of our lives. “People tell themselves they’ve got plenty of time until they’re at the mercy of careless action.” This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.

My thanks to Mikki Brammer, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy with an expected release date of May 9, 2023.

I loved this book. I liked Clover and liked that it was in first person because I really enjoyed seeing the world from her perspective. This book could have been depressing if written by another author. But instead, it was touching, and at times light and humorous, and hopeful. It also had a lot of life lessons. I really enjoyed watching Clover grow in her journey. I know I will be thinking about this book for a long time and I will miss the characters. I definitely recommend this book and will be looking for more by this author in the future.

The Collected Regrets of Clover
A Novel
by Mikki Brammer
Thank you very much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this amazing debut.
This was a beautiful, heartfelt book. It will stay with me for a long time. After losing so many in 3 years, It made me feel uplifting about the process of Clover and a death doula in NYC. Bravo.

I enjoyed this book. Unique plot, nice character development. Protagonist, Clover, is a white woman in her late 30's who was raised in NYC by her grandfather after her parents died in a car crash when she was six years old. Clover is an introvert with limited relationship skills; she is a death doula, helping people to die with peace and dignity. During this novel, Clover has a number of experiences that lead her to question her focus on the death of others rather than on her own life. Short, easy read. In the early pages some of Clover's timelines were confusing. Hopefully that will be rectified in the final version.

While I was familiar with Hospice care, I only recently became aware of the emerging role of a death doula. Consequently, I was intrigued by the premise of this book and looked forward to a unique perspective from the protagonist. I was not disappointed in this thought-provoking, and at times inspiring, novel.

At age thirty-six, Clover does not have much to show for her life. She is single and has one friend, an elderly gentleman who is one of her few links to her deceased, beloved grandfather. Her whole focus is the service she provides to those facing death – a topic/circumstance that is uncomfortable, if not taboo, for most people, despite its inevitable presence in life. In her role as a death doula, she has kept three “journals” (Regrets, Advice, and Confessions) in which she records the last words of her clients to honor their legacy in her own way. Her only “hobbies” are reading, binging on rom-coms, and surreptitiously observing the loving couple in the building next to hers. In life, she is alone…but it is more than that – it is a profound loneliness with a yearning to connect thwarted by a fear of rejection and loss.

This is an emotionally touching story that imparts wisdom as Clover supports a remarkable, ninety-one-year-old woman and her grandson through the last stages of her life. It also has romantic overtones for both the client and the protagonist; in fact, it is the client’s regret that helps Clover face her own fears and open to the possibility of the vulnerability associated with loving another person. The conclusion provides a sweet closure to one relationship with the promise of another just beginning.

The pacing of the book is a little uneven at times and the emphasis on Clover’s loneliness seemed a bit overdone. However, this is a worthwhile read based on the character development and the unique perspective.

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 wanted to enjoy this novel but felt that what was pitched was not what I ended up reading, which was a bit disappointing because that cover is GREAT.

Having been raised by her grandfather, Clover was not there when he passed away alone, so she becomes a death doula and helps others pass on. While Clover may have regrets of her own, but she mostly collects regrets and advice of those who are passing on to the next realm as death comes for them. To honor each client who has passed, she tries to undo their regrets and heed their advice. However one client shares her love story and Clover starts to look at things differently. Because there is more to life than just death.

It may sound like an odd choice of careers, but it’s actually so well done that you will find yourself wishing for someone like Clover when you’re times comes. This book could have been a real disaster, but the author has written it so well that I found myself really seeing death in a different way. You’ll find you want to do more living yourself after reading this one…and you won’t be disappointed or depressed by the topic either. I was so touched and moved by this one that I have already recommended it to several people to add to their must read book list!

This is such a beautiful examination of what we forfeit when we allow hurt and feeling we don’t fit in anywhere to close us off to the possibilities of life. I’m exceedingly grateful to Net Galley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ahead of its summer 2023 release. I predict I will be thinking about this story and these characters and the possibilities for my own lonely, small life for a very long time.