Thanks so much to NetGalley for this early access copy.

Unfortunately I had to DNF this book only a couple of chapters in. The first person writing in broken English, with the third person POV for the woman who speaks English fluently was a really difficult choice as a reader.

It felt choppy and confusing to read Goldie’s perspective in poor English - I actually assumed the author didn’t speak English until I got to a Maxine chapter. I found it too confusing to continue, but would be happy to try again and leave public reviews if this is changed in the future.

Posted on Goodreads:

What a beautiful, poignant read. Following Goldie's well-intentioned but misplaced machinations to get her granddaughter paired off in a suitable relationship can be awkward and challenging at times, but also warm, touching, and from an obvious place of caring. Goldie just wants for Maxie what she herself had with her husband Mordy: The love of her life.

The complication is that Maxie's person is not the one Goldie would choose, which forces the older woman to reassess her world view in a way that is uncomfortable, yet admirable. There is pathos and genuine emotion woven into the assured writing, tempered with respect and, most importantly, humor. Because what is life if we can't cry, laugh, and laugh ourselves to tears? "The Goldie Standard" does all of this and more.

I cannot wait to share this book with my mother-in-law and her avid reader friends. It will ring all sorts of cultural bells with them. Ultimately, it feels to me like one last long, warm hug from my partner's beloved Jewish grandmother, and for that, I am grateful.

Happy to have received the ebook version from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions.

The main character is depressed or just simply down. I tried a few chapters but did not enjoy the main character. DNF


****************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley.*****************

Not a traditional romance novel -- more an amazing work of fiction that flashes back between Goldie's youth and present. It's dual POV with Goldie and her granddaughter, Maxie.

Goldie is living in an assisted living facility and decides that her granddaughter needs a good Jewish doctor as a husband - since Maxie is now single. Goldie schemes with Harry (another assisted living facility resident) to research and schedule appointments with Jewish doctors and have Maxie as her medical advocate. Goldie and Maxie meet T-Jam who is a Syrian refugee and adjunct professor of art --- and becomes Goldie's driver. Where will this scheme take Goldie?

The book is filled with memories that Goldie has of fleeing Germany as a child and what she endured as a Jewish girl -- and then as a Jewish mother trying to keep her children on the straight and narrow under their religion. The push and pull of the generations and how Goldie handles her family is interesting.

I felt sad after reading this book; it was just so many emotions and there was a definitive HEA. Worth the read but not a traditional romance story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simi Monheit for an ARC for an honest review!

I was thrilled to read this. I was excited to see the grandma's experiences and what she went through. I felt that this book had way to many characters and it got really confusing. I was hoping to get into the different generations and hearing everyone's story. I just couldn't do that and so this book turned into a dnf. My opinion and reviews will not be posted anywhere else. Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to receive this book in exchange for an honest review.

A book of reflection, spanning several different cultures and generations, as the main character explores their emotions, baggage, and family, as they near the end of their life.

Slightly confusing at times, with so many voices of dialogue throughout the book, but overall, a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest opinions.

The Goldie Standard is like a world fair event. A place where you find sense surrounded by different cultures, and in the case of this book different generations as well.
Goldie is a jewish woman at the end of her life living in a facility. Her daily life takes her back and forth through memories of a well lived family life, her expectations and dreams for her two daughters and specially her beloved granddaughter, Maxie.
Her journey leaves lots of moments for us to reflect, like how we treat our older family members, how they feel in their old age, the family, religion and traditions baggage we all carry through our grandparents and parents. All is mixed in this book which actually may confuse the reader at times, to be honest. However, if you are willing to patiently allow yourself to reread some dialogues that may confuse you, then you will find a good source of insights to evaluate in your own life. If you also are looking for romance, you’ll also find different love relationships worth of reading.

This is a cute book that is a quick read. You can hear your Bubbe talking through Goldie. :-) Even though the ending is a bit predictable, the journey and all it's hijinks on the path to the end are a lot of fun!!