Member Reviews

**3-Star Review of *Clover Hendry's Day Off* by Beth Morrey**

*Clover Hendry's Day Off* by Beth Morrey is a charming, feel-good novel that follows Clover Hendry as she takes a break from her chaotic life for a much-needed day of self-reflection and adventure. The book explores themes of personal growth, family dynamics, and the search for happiness, all set against a relatable, everyday backdrop.

The writing is light and easy to follow, with Morrey's characters feeling grounded and real. Clover herself is an interesting character, though at times her journey feels predictable, and her growth doesn’t always feel as impactful as it could. The pacing is steady, but there are moments where the story lulls, making it hard to stay fully engaged. While the premise of a "day off" is promising, it doesn't always deliver the emotional depth one might expect.

There’s a good balance of humor and heart, but some of the secondary characters could have been developed more, and the overall plot didn’t feel as fresh or exciting as I had hoped. The resolution is satisfying, if somewhat expected, and leaves you with a sense of closure but not necessarily a lasting impact.

Overall, *Clover Hendry's Day Off* is a pleasant, breezy read, perfect for those looking for a lighthearted story about finding oneself. It’s enjoyable, but it doesn’t quite rise to the level of being a standout in its genre. Ideal for a casual, relaxing read but not particularly groundbreaking.

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Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC of this book. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into this and just couldn't get myself to pick it back up. I know this will find the right readers for it, but it was not for me.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of Clover Hendry's Day Off by Beth Morrey in exchange for my honest review and opinion. Bueller, Bueller, Bueller - Ferris Bueller anyone? This is exactly what I thought of the minute I read the description and couldn't wait to read this! Such a fun read that made me wish that at times I could pull this exact stunt! :) I was laughing out loud at multiple scenarios throughout the book. I loved it and was sad to finish it!

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one of the things i loved about this book was the focus on a middle-aged character. 46-year-old clover hendry -- a mom, wife, daughter, and kind soul -- was so fun. following her journey from "pushover" who prioritizes other over herself to an empowered and liberated individual was beautiful. it reminded me of my mom in some ways. everything she's done for me has meant so much, but i also sometimes feel like i held her back from some of her opportunities. i hope my mom feels the same happiness clover was able to find.

this book provides a really great commentary on societal expectations of women and the importance of staying true to yourself and recognizing your needs. i appreciated this story very much and will definitely be coming back to it in a few years to reread with a fresh perspective

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Everyone wants a Ferris Beuller day, and with the help of PTSD and concussion, middle-aged TV exec, mother/wife/daughter Clover Hendry is going to get hers. This book was fun, and didn't shy away from the fact that you can't enact the same shenanigans as an adult without some repercussions. Overall, a bit cringe sometimes, decent resolution, and husband Robbie is barely in the book because he seems like the best, and healthy undramatic relationships don't make interesting stories.

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I've picked up and put down this book multiple times and I just don't think that it is the book for me, unfortunately. I know it definitely has potential and will be a fantastic read for the right reader!

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Clover Hendry’s Day Off by Beth Morrey is a witty, empowering, and thoroughly enjoyable read that blends humor with a deeper exploration of personal freedom and self-discovery. Clover Hendry, a 46-year-old woman who's spent years being the ultimate people-pleaser, wakes up one morning and decides she’s done. She's tired of saying yes to everyone around her and nothing to herself. The result is a bold, chaotic, and hilarious day off that feels both liberating and transformative.

Morrey’s writing shines with her sharp wit and relatable humor, making Clover’s day of rebellion both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly poignant. As Clover steps away from her obligations and embraces the messiness of doing whatever she wants, readers are treated to a vivid portrayal of midlife transformation. It’s a refreshing take on the idea of reclaiming one's life, making it a perfect read for anyone who’s ever wondered what it would be like to hit pause and just live.

The book is a delightful mix of comedy and self-reflection, though at times the pacing can feel a bit uneven, especially towards the end when the story shifts from pure comedy to a deeper exploration of Clover's past. Still, the message of self-empowerment and reclaiming control of one's own happiness is clear and resonates throughout.

Overall, Clover Hendry’s Day Off is an uplifting, funny, and empowering read with a relatable protagonist who proves it's never too late to take a break from being everything to everyone. A solid 4-star read for those looking for humor, heart, and a little bit of rebellion!

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Clove Hendry's Day Off by Beth Morrey is a super cute, feel-good book that shows how one day can totally change your life. The story follows Clover, a woman who’s been stuck in a routine for way too long. She decides to take a day off from everything, including her job, and just figure out what she really wants. It sounds simple, but what happens that day is way more than she expected.

What I really liked about this book is how real Clover feels. She’s just trying to figure things out, like a lot of us are, and it’s easy to relate to her journey. The book also has a great balance of humor and heart. There are some really funny moments, but there are also parts that hit deep, especially when Clover starts facing her fears and making big decisions about her future.

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I'm of two minds about this book. On the one hand, I liked the ending and found Clover (at times) to be relatable and charming in her anxiety. On the other hand, her untreated TBI-turned-bitch-mode was cringey. Also, not nearly enough rabbit! 🐰 And I'm not convinced the author has ever interacted with a pet rabbit because Clover's was WAY too docile and well behaved 😂 if I tried to carry my rabbit around in a purse he'd claw my eyes out and then thump for a banana. I'll also add, I did like the character creation. It was refreshing to have an MC who is late 40s and raising teens in our current market flooded with late-20s to mid-30s childfree or toddler-raising MCs.

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Thank you NetGalley for the advance ebook arc, it’s such a cute rom com featuring a more mature MFC.

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I just couldn’t quite get into this one , so I had to try a few times ! My mood finally hit and I enjoyed it once it got going!

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As a middle aged, perimenopausal, mom to 2 teens woman, I can relate SOOO much to this book. It tackled a serious topic of older women and where they fit in, in the world, but in such a fun way.

I can relate to Clover, especially the inner emotions she conveys. Its hard to get wrapped up in what you feel you should be doing vs what you need to allow yourself to do.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for the ARC

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Clover Hendry's Day Off by Beth Morrey. Pub Date: January 30, 2024. Rating: 3 stars. Inspired by Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Clover Hendry is a middle aged female who has had enough in her personal and professional life. She decides one day to just do whatever she wants and wipes off her people pleasing ways and pursues what truly makes herself happy even if that means at the expense of others. I think many readers can relate on some level to Clover's thoughts and feelings of escapism from their day to day. I think Clover did come off as aggressive at times and maybe even borderline worrisome due to some of her choices throughout the day. I think Clover would benefit from mental health therapy. It was an okay novel, but nothing life changing. Thanks to #netgalley and #penguingroupputnam for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

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An anxious people-pleaser goes rogue à la Ferris Bueller (except she’s 46 with a lot more baggage) in this really charming, really funny novel. Clover says and does what she wants for one day only, righting wrongs and facing fears. British humor at its best, with a serious thread underneath. Such a fun read.

As a fan of Sophie Kinsella, this author has the same vibe. Could be why I loved it.

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this book was so joyful! i cant believe i didnt read it sooner. the humor in this book kept me laughing all the way through the book

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Have you ever wanted to give yourself a day off?
Clover Hendry reached her breaking point and decided she was going to do what she wanted when she wanted.
It is an uplifting and empowering book.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The synopsis of this book sounded like a really silly, antic filled fun time and I was excited to go on an adventure. The amount of times I wanted to DNF....and should have. YIKES. 2 stars is generous.
Clover Hendry is your typical stressed out working wife and mom: the primary person in all aspects of life. She's tired, she's sick of not saying no, she wants a day off. She deserves a break.
She gets herself into some trouble by taking old medication and goes on a tirade. She becomes rude, destructive, committing crimes, etc. She was INTOLERABLE! Arguing just to argue, being a nuisance. It was awful. You want a day off to yourself but at the cost of EVERY person you encounter?

The book takes a dark turn towards the end - trigger warning for SA. This was supposed to be an empowering moment but I don't think it was paced properly with the rest of the story, or done in a way that was impactful. Sorry, Clover.

The ending was nice, but not worth reading to get to.

I do not recommend.

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I absolutely loved this book. The way the character development continued to evolve throughout the story was perfect! Once I started reading this book I literally could not put it down (I tried i really did). I can't wait till I can read more from Beth

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This wasn’t for me. The premise sounded really fun and I love Ferris Bueler’s day off but I found her insufferable. The ending was better but ehhhh

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

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So I see this book isn't on my kindle shelf anymore. I personally think this book would have been amazing if I would of had the chance to read it. Maybe next time.

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