this was such a fun read! thanks netgalley & the publisher for the arc, in exchange for an honest review

This story follows a group of friends as they plan and execute a heist to their own friend's wedding.
This book is starts off fast paced. Everything moves quickly, decisions are made, characters are established already. There is a lull in the middle where all the prep works happens and the character and story is fleshed out more. Then it is a chaotic whirlwind of events for the last 10%. I find the pacing of the book really inconsistent and takes me out of the story at times.
The book itself goes into themes of female friendships, familial duty, and cultural identity. I appreciate that each character is unique and develops and grows in a different direction. However, certain characters can be more relatable than others, especially with the rushed introductions in the first half of the book.
Overall it was an enjoyable read.

Was looking for a lighthearted read, and "Women of Good Fortune" didn't disappoint! Although it isn't the usual genre I veer towards, I was intrigued by the cover and love seeing new work by AAPI authors.

The novel is a work of contemporary fiction, taking place in present-day Shanghai, and focuses on three Chinese women who are close friends. First is Lulu, who's preparing to be married to Harv (short for Harvard), despite how little time has passed since they first met. Harv's family is shockingly wealthy, and for Lulu and her family, it seems like a no-brainer decision - even though Lulu is beginning to have doubts. Jane has problems of her own; even though she's married, she knows it was a marriage of convenience and finds little satisfaction in her day-to-day life and eventually becomes convinced that plastic surgery will solve her unhappiness. Finally, there's Rina, a hardworking employee who has put in more than just the standard 9-9-6 (9am to 9pm, 6 days a week), but keeps getting passed over for a promotion that's been dangled in front of her. Given her age, Rina hopes for a chance to freeze her eggs, but it's not a procedure available within China.

The story lays out the months leading up to Lulu's grand wedding as these friends put together a planned heist to make use of the monetary wedding gifts, each hoping the money will be able to change her life. As time goes on, however, small things begin to change - Jane has a chance to connect with her husband, Rina re-meets an old college classmate - and we see how these small movements shift the story and plotline as a whole.

While there are certainly elements of romance and comedy, the core of the story is focused on the friendship between these 3 women and the decisions they make for themselves. While I didn't grow up in China, there are aspects that I think many female readers will connect with - having to choose between family and career, committing to a partner for love or practicality, and going against social norms and expectations. These topics are brought up in a light-hearted fashion, but nonetheless ring true. Sophie Wan's writing is also well-paced, balancing the elements of humor and gravitas well.

I think for readers who enjoyed novels like "Crazy Rich Asians" this will be a natural segue. Very much looking forward to when "Women of Good Fortune" is published in March 2024!

-Shanghai high society, strong female characters, great friendships, crime fiction
-Lulu, Rina and Jane are the best of friends and have finally had enough of society and its treatment of women
-they hatch a plan to steal from Lulu’s wedding as the ultimate way to fight back 🧧👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏻
-the planning of the heist was the majority of the book which I felt could’ve been shortened
-I enjoyed the characters and the plot, it’s always interesting to learn more about cultures
-thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC

3.8⭐️

A fun and entertaining read recommended for fans of commercial women's fiction.

Rina, Jane, and Lulu are fascinating characters, and the author does a wonderful job of bringing them to life.

The heist plot line keeps you turning the pages, but ultimately I view this as a character-driven novel where we see some amazing journeys as the women grow, adjust, and change.

I had the pleasure of delving into a captivating book that not only filled me with laughter but also stirred my thoughts on the lives of three remarkable Chinese women. In this engaging tale, the protagonists, Rina, Jane, and Lulu, grapple with the immense challenges that society and familial expectations place upon them, particularly in the realm of marriage. What unfolds is a humorous and thought-provoking exploration of their individual journeys towards embracing the lives they truly desire.

Firstly, we meet Rina, a dedicated career woman whose tireless efforts seem to go unnoticed as she repeatedly finds herself overlooked for promotions. Despite her unwavering commitment to her work, she struggles to break through the glass ceiling that hampers her professional growth. Her story illuminates the complexities faced by ambitious women in a society where gender biases persist, providing a thoughtful examination of the obstacles they encounter on their path to success.

Jane, another central character, grapples with a different but equally poignant predicament. Trapped in an unhappy marriage, she finds herself yearning for what she perceives as a more beautiful exterior, believing that it would have afforded her better prospects. This exploration of societal pressures surrounding beauty and its impact on personal fulfillment raises intriguing questions about self-worth and the influence of societal standards.

Lastly, we meet Lulu, who experiences an overwhelming sense of duty towards her financially struggling family. In an attempt to alleviate their burdens, she reluctantly agrees to marry a wealthy man whom she does not love. However, when the trio of best friends embarks on a daring plan to heist the gift money at Lulu's high society wedding, the narrative takes an exhilarating turn. The meticulous planning and execution of the heist will undoubtedly keep readers on the edge of their seats, brimming with anticipation and excitement.

Beyond the thrilling heist itself, the true essence of this novel lies in the growth and transformation of each protagonist. As the story unfolds, we witness Rina, Jane, and Lulu navigate their respective challenges, shedding societal expectations and embracing their individuality. Their intertwined journeys of self-discovery and empowerment will undoubtedly captivate readers, compelling them to eagerly turn the pages until the very end.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Netgalley and Graydon House for providing me with an advance reader's copy (ARC) of this extraordinary book. This remarkable work not only entertained me but also sparked introspection, leaving a lasting impression on my literary journey.

This book had magic! I loved the three female friends and the setting was exotic and the author did a great job at the details of the wedding, the families and the character's issues. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Four stars.

In "Women of Good Fortune," author Sophie Wan takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the high-society world of Shanghai, where a seemingly perfect wedding becomes the backdrop for a daring heist. With its heartfelt narrative, witty humor, and compelling characters, this dazzling debut novel leaves an indelible mark on the reader's imagination.

Set against the glitz and glamour of Shanghai's elite circles, the story revolves around Lulu, a young woman caught between societal expectations and her true desires. When an attractive proposal comes her way from Shanghai's most eligible bachelor, Lulu feels compelled to say yes, driven by the belief that money will solve all her family's financial troubles. However, her heart tells a different story—one of hesitation and a longing for true love.

In this precarious situation, Lulu turns to her two closest friends, Rina and Jane, who are equally disillusioned by the way society treats women. Rina, a career-oriented woman battling against the ticking of her biological clock, seeks recognition and advancement. Jane, a sharp-tongued housewife yearning for freedom and a better life, dreams of divorcing her husband and trading up. Money becomes the common thread linking their aspirations together.

With Lulu's extravagant wedding as the catalyst, the trio devises a daring plan to steal the substantial gift money bestowed upon the bride and groom. Their motivations are clear: the promise of freedom, time, and beauty—all elusive without the means to achieve them. To execute their audacious scheme, they assemble a trustworthy crew and rely on their cunning and intelligence.

What unfolds is a brilliantly constructed plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As the heist grows increasingly intricate and their relationships are put to the test, the women are confronted with the harsh reality that their pursuit of having it all comes at a steep price. Through the twists and turns of the narrative, the author skillfully delves into themes of friendship, ambition, love, and the complexities of societal expectations.

The strength of "Women of Good Fortune" lies not only in its engaging plot but also in its well-developed characters. Lulu, Rina, and Jane are vibrant and multidimensional, each driven by their own unique desires and dreams. Their chemistry and camaraderie are palpable, and their personal journeys intertwine seamlessly with the overarching story, creating an emotional connection that resonates deeply with the reader.

Sophie Wan demonstrates exceptional storytelling prowess in her debut novel. Her prose flows effortlessly, effortlessly immersing readers in the opulent setting of high-society Shanghai. The author's ability to balance humor and poignancy is commendable, injecting light-hearted moments into the narrative without detracting from the story's underlying depth.

"Women of Good Fortune" is an outstanding debut novel that captivates readers from the first page until the very end. With its mix of romance, humor, and suspense, it proves to be an enthralling read that leaves a lasting impression. [Author's Name] has established herself as a talented storyteller, and I eagerly anticipate her future works. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a compelling tale of friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness in a society that often places limitations on women.

3.5 An Oceans 11 type adventure that was missing something. It’s an airplane read, something you can devour on a flight and then promptly forget and the world needs those books too. I would recommend to those wanting to diversify their reading or a fan of chick lit.

Lulu, Jane and Rina are friends in Shanghai who bond over being categorized as “leftovers”, a term in China given to unmarried women over the age of 25. Each of them desire something and struggle to attain their goals because of societal, familial and cultural expectations.

Lulu is engaged to a wealthy heir but only said yes to get her parents out of poverty. Jane wants to get plastic surgery and divorce her husband. And Rina wants to freeze her eggs so she can have children in the future.

All of then want money and plan a grand heist to steal from Lulu’s wealthy future in-laws. But as their plan unfolds, they’re compelled to reexamine their desires, flaws and greatest fears. Will the friends pull off the heist and keep their friendship intact?

I enjoyed reading this novel. It was plot driven but I learned a lot about the characters who were fleshed out. It was easy to relate to all of their dilemmas and while the heist itself is extravagant, their lives felt very realistic.

What i found difficult was reading the story in third-person present tense. The chapters alternated between the three women and it was hard to know whose perspective i was reading from when i started each chapter. The prose and pacing also felt clunky at times and I was surprised planning the heist took more than 50% of the book.

However, i still think this is a story worth reading. It is unique and i would recommend this for people who want to read from diverse voices and about different cultures.

Thanks for Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced reading copy

This book was funny and thoughtful in exploring the lives of three very different Chinese women and the obstacles they faced to live the lives they wanted when society and family pressures them to marry. Rina is a career woman who keeps getting passed over for promotion despite working all the time. Jane is unhappy in her marriage and thinks she would've had better prospects if she were more beautiful. Lulu eels a deep sense of obligation to help out her poor family by marrying a rich man she doesn't love. These three best friends plan a heist to steal the gift money at Lulu's high society wedding. The planning of it and the heist itself will have you on the edge of your seats for multiple reasons. More importantly, each of these women grow in different ways and that journey will have you turning the pages until the very end.

Thank you Netgalley and Graydon House for the ARC!

I was so incredibly excited to read this -- a group of best friends who plan a heist set in Shanghai?? How could I not be losing my mind in anticipation of getting my hands on this?? -- and it did not disappoint! The story and the prose were both effortless engaging, and it was impossible not to get lost in this book as I read. Lulu, Rina, and Jane were delightful characters, both sympathetic and lovable as well as relatable in their flaws and missteps along the way. I thought it was a perfect balance of humor and warmheartedness, juxtaposed with a thoughtful examination of societal understanding of gender roles and the way in which women are viewed and valued versus how they view and value themselves. I highly recommend this book for any fans of contemporary fiction -- it truly had everything that I love about the genre, and the ending especially was deliciously satisfying!

Wonderful, wonderful book and I found myself breezing through!! Although younger than the characters of the books themselves, I could find myself relating to their reactions from experiences and their feelings as well as empathising with them. Being able to experience Lulu, Rina, and Jane's friendship through its highs and lows really helped this as well and I enjoyed the way the author incorporated many aspects of Chinese culture into the book that I found myself laughing and empathising with. Also, Mei was such an adorable and fierce character; her presence brought a delightful energy to the narrative!! Would def recommend to readers in search of a thought-provoking read that offers a blend of emotional depth and relatable experiences between both friends and loved ones.

ARC Review

Story: 5/5 ⭐

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Women of Good Fortune follows the story of three best friends, Lulu, Jane, and Rina. Set in the backdrop of high-society Shanghai, money is at the center of all of their problems. Lulu, Jane, and Rina set up a plan to steal Lulu's wedding gifts/red packets in order to achieve their dreams. But as their plan becomes increasingly complicated, their friendship may become jeopardized.

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Sophie Wan does a great job of weaving the cultural expectations of women along with the excitement of the heist in this book. The focus on beauty standards, familial responsibility, fertility and marriage expectations, and gender biases really made the story relatable. This book hit a little too close to home for me as a Chinese American. She brings up the cultural expectations that, while outdated, are still practiced today. It made me feel sympathetic and encouraged their planned heist. The characters, while flawed, are easily relatable and sympathetic. You really just want to root for them to succeed! This book was fun, engaging, and fast-paced. An all female-led heist in high society Shanghai? What more can you ask for!

***I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to the author/publishing company and netgalley for this opportunity!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House for this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. Women of Good Fortune is a story of three best friends- Lulu, Jane, and Rina who are all at a crossroads in their life. Lulu is set to marry Harv but, is less than enthusiastic about it and has resigned herself to a loveless marriage. But, the three friends hatch an idea to steal Lulu’s wedding gifts (a lot of money!) and hope that this money will help them all gain or buy what they are desperately searching for.

This book was a wonderful breeze to read! The relatively short chapters, fast pace, and engaging plot made this an awesome summer read for me. The characters at the center of this book were flawed but, so endearing and enjoyable to spend time with. I loved the way that the author incorporated real women’s issues into the heart of this book, as it made these characters very relatable and easy to empathize with; these discussions and social commentary around body image, familial responsibilities, double standards for women, etc. also gave this book more depth and I think really balanced well with the levity of the money heist part of the plot. I also enjoyed the cultural references interspersed throughout the book!

I think it’s also worth noting that I really enjoyed the ending! The buildup in this story paid off and I think left our characters in a great place. Overall, I thought this book was excellent and I think was a satisfying read. I would definitely recommend to women’s fiction fans and contemporary fiction fans.

Excellent book, especially speaking about traditional Chinese cultures. It speaks women's worth and friendship. It's a book that makes you laugh, cry and scream all in between the plot of the story. Love it!

I just reviewed Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan. #WomenofGoodFortune #NetGalley
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A delightful read! Women of Good Fortune is full of adventure, meaningful subplots, and is a touching exploration of the different ways women succumb to societal pressures re: looks, careers, and marriage.

Three friends in Shanghai - Jane, Lulu, and Rina - decide to fight the patriarchy and plan to steal the gift money at Lulu’s high-profile and lavish upcoming wedding.

I loved this! It is lighthearted while tackling heavier themes of belonging, discrimination, low self-esteem, among others. I was very invested in Jane’s and Rina’s stories and also grew to care for Lulu. Recommended to anyone looking for a fun caper.

Thank you very much to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.