The Best Life Book Club tells the journey of four women who start a book club with one another. Told from each of the women's perspectives, the reader gets a taste of loss, heartbreak, personal growth, and friendship. Set in Washington State, the main focus of the novel surrounds Karissa, a newly divorced single mother in a new town. She is working for a publishing company and is working to rebuild her life. She builds a community around her with three other women: Alice, Margot, and Josie. Each woman has her own conflict she is working through and find solace in their newly-formed book club.

I feel like the novel really picks up around 60%. Before then, I wondered often "Okay, where is this going?". I'm really glad I stuck with it because the latter half of the book bumped up my rating from three to four stars. Knocking one star because sometimes it was hard to distinguish whose perspective I was reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this arc in exchange for my honest review. The Best Life Book Club hits shelves on May 7, 2024!

THE BEST LIFE BOOK CLUB – Sheila Roberts
Mira
ISBN: 978-0778305484
May 7, 2024
Contemporary Fiction

Gig Harbor, Washington – Present Day

Karissa Newcomb is starting a new life in Gig Harbor with her little girl, Macy, after a divorce. She could no longer live in the house in Seattle because her now ex-husband was living next door with his new girlfriend. She has found a job working at a local book publishing company. As she is moving during a rainstorm, a dog comes running into the house, dirtying the floors. An older lady is not far behind. The woman introduces herself as Alice, her next-door neighbor. Alice is still grieving her late husband and no longer drives after a car accident. Alice is nice to Karissa, and they soon strike up a friendship.

Alice introduces Karissa to Margot, and they talk about their love for books. Along with Alice’s sister, Josie, they form a book club where they read and discuss books. Meanwhile, Karissa starts her new job and is finding herself attracted to her surly boss, Edward. It turns out that he has a daughter the same age as Macy, and the two little girls hit it off. But will Karissa develop a relationship outside the office with Edward?

THE BEST LIFE BOOK CLUB follows the friendship of four women and the lives they lead on a journey of discovery. Karissa is still bitter that her husband cheated on her with their next-door neighbor. Now she has to share Macy with them every other weekend. She does find her new job enjoyable, even if some of the authors are a bit eccentric. Like Emerald, who comes in unexpectedly and demands Edward’s attention even if he is busy. Another author, Gerald, didn’t hit it off well with Karissa, but she has the perfect idea to get back on his good side. The book club will read one of his books and invite him to their meeting.

Alice has a son and daughter-in-law who are mostly self-absorbed in each other. They believe Alice is doing okay and likes what they like, but they don’t ask her what she wants. Her fear of driving has kept her mostly homebound except for when her sister Josie takes her out to the junk sales they enjoy. Josie is hard to get along with because she is opinionated and bossy. But Josie has her own family issues. Due to a fight with her daughter, she is no longer in contact with the only other family she has. Josie blames her daughter and son-in-law but maybe she is going to have to back down from her criticism of them. Meanwhile, Margot is unemployed and trying to find a new job. However, her mother is forever calling her and telling her that she isn’t trying enough. The stress proves to be hard for Margot. Then after spending money on a top online and having it not fit, someone suggests she develop an app for clothes fitting. The problem is that takes money.

As the months go on in THE BEST LIFE BOOK CLUB, the four ladies grow closer and see each other outside the book club. We learn more about Edward and Gerald. We watch as the ladies start to read self-help books and take the advice written in the books. Will Karissa get over her anger toward her ex and move on…maybe with Edward? Will Alice return to driving? How about Josie and Margot, will they achieve what they want? An uplifting and emotional tale, readers will discover that THE BEST LIFE BOOK CLUB is one that they won’t be able to put down once they start reading.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

In her heartwarming and uplifting novel, The Best Life Book Club, Sheila Roberts weaves a tale of friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of literature. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Gig Harbor, Washington, the story follows three women as they navigate personal challenges and find solace and inspiration in the pages of books. They learn to confront their fears, embrace change, and forge unbreakable bonds with one another. With each book they read and discuss, they take steps toward healing, self-discovery, and building the best lives they can. Roberts' writing is warm and empathetic, capturing the complexities of human emotion with grace and sensitivity. She skillfully weaves together the individual narratives of the four women, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and growth. The Best Life Book Club is a celebration of friendship, the transformative power of literature, and the resilience of the human spirit, leaving readers inspired to embrace their own journeys with newfound courage and optimism. Highly recommend!

Karissa's marriage fell apart when her husband and her best friend got together. So she is starting her life over with her young daughter in a new town and with a new job. Once she settles in, she befriends three women ... Margot, who was recently been downsized from her management job, and Alice and Josie, older sisters who are both widows. Because they all like to read, they decided to form a book club with each of them taking turns picking the books which brings them closer as they all have issues in their lives they have to deal with.

I've read many books by this author and thought this one was okay, though bland. It is written in third person perspective with the focus shifting between the four friends. It was more religious than I would have liked. When I started reading it, I assumed by their manners that Alice and Josie were well into their seventies and eighties ... I was surprised to find they are only in their late fifties/early sixties (so my age). Josie was too extreme ... she was very rude and cranky and I don't know why anyone would want to bother with her (she and her daughter were estranged) yet the other three put up with her. I found the Karissa - Edward relationship unrealistic. Karissa is still hurting over the break-up of her marriage and Edward is her boss who barely acknowledges her but suddenly she was in love with him?

This book was really enjoyable. A book about books is always one I'll be interested in! The FMC, Karissa and her daughter Macy move to Gig Harbor, WA from Seattle after finding out her husband cheated on her. There she meets Alice, Margot, and Josie, and they all begin a book club! Each character is dealing with their own internal pain, but the bookclub becomes somewhat of a healing oasis for the women.

The friendships are so sweet, and the references to other books are fabulous! I love my own book club, so it was fun reading about another one. I'm not one to balk from multiple POV's, however, this one felt like a lot. It was hard to keep track of everyone in the beginning. But it was still a book I very much enjoyed!

This is all about friendship and helping one another to personal growth. Karissa, who has moved to Gig Harbor with her young daughter Macy, is struggling a bit in the wake of her husband's betrayal but she finds solace in books so why not form a book club? Alice, Margot and Josie each have troubles of their own. This works through the POVs of all four women. While the plot might seem familiar (women bonding through books), I liked the references to other books, the atmospherics, and the women themselves. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. There aren't any big surprises but sometimes that's just what you need at the end of the day.

Four women facing their own personal trials and tribulations form a book club. A simple act that brings comfort and connection.Heartwarming and an excellent reminder about the power of friendship and community

In this charming novel, "The Best Life Book Club" by Sheila Roberts invites readers to embark on a delightful literary journey that transcends mere pages and touches the very fabric of life. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Gig Harbor in Puget Sound, this heartwarming tale introduces us to a cast of endearing characters who discover that books have the power to heal, inspire, and transform.

Meet Karissa Newcomb, our resilient protagonist who seeks solace in her new neighbourhood after a painful betrayal. Her husband's infidelity with their supposed best friend leaves her wounded, but she's determined to start anew. As she settles into her role as an assistant at a small publishing company, Karissa stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity: a book club. Little does she know that this seemingly ordinary gathering will become a catalyst for change.

Joining Karissa are her neighbours, Alice and Margot. Alice, still grieving her late husband, grapples with the fear of driving after a close call. Margot, recently divorced and laid off, faces uncertainty. Together, they form an unlikely sisterhood, bound by their shared love for literature. And when Alice's grumpy older sister, Josie, reluctantly joins the club, the dynamics shift, adding humour and depth to their discussions.

Roberts weaves a tapestry of friendship, resilience, and hope. As the women delve into various books, they find solace, inspiration, and practical wisdom. Each novel becomes a stepping stone toward building their best lives. Through laughter, tears, and heartfelt conversations, they discover that stories have the power to mend broken hearts, ignite passions, and forge connections.

The author's prose is warm and inviting, drawing readers into the cozy world of the book club. We witness the characters' growth, their vulnerabilities, and their shared triumphs. Roberts deftly explores themes of second chances, forgiveness, and the magic of community. The picturesque descriptions of Gig Harbor evoke a sense of place, making it feel like a haven for both the characters and the reader.

"The Best Life Book Club" is more than a novel; it's an invitation to reflect on our own lives. It reminds us that sometimes, the answers we seek lie within the pages of a well-loved book. Roberts has crafted a novel of pure delight and one that celebrates the transformative magic of literature. As the characters navigate their challenges, we're reminded of our own resilience and the power of human connection. Whether you're a book lover or simply seeking inspiration, this book club is open to all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5
The Best Life Book Club by Sheila Roberts is sure to entertain anyone who loves book related plots. Whether it's about book clubs, libraries, publishing or books about books; readers love it!

This book was comforting and an ode to newly found friendships. Each of the four women were portrayed with individual demons that haunted them moving forward but this book allowed them all to find hope and trust through their book club.

Often predictable, but still a nice read!

Thank you for the ARC!

I wasn't the biggest fan of this one, unfortunately. It was enjoyable but hard to follow with all the jumps from character to character. I liked it well enough but it just didn't really stand out to me.

Thank you for the opportunity to read!

This is an enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, story of four women at transition periods in their lives, coming together for support, encouragement and inspiration. The characters were sympathetic and it was nice seeing how they were able to open up and trust once again, after each having experienced a difficult time in life. Thanks to Netgalley and MIRA for the advance digital copy!

I found this piece to be exceptionally well-crafted, and I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into more works by this author. Given its potential popularity among our library patrons, we're certainly looking forward to adding it to our collection

Karissa and her young child are relocating to a new town after a recent divorce. After being deceived by her former best friend and ex-husband, she is trying to regain her confidence in her new position at a local publishing company. She gradually creates a network of dependable neighbors and friends, including Josie, Alice's sister, Margot, who was recently laid off, and Alice, a heartbroken widow. Through their book club, the women become closer, and each of them experiences a new phase of life opening up.

This book had just the right amount of humor and ups and downs. Grab your copy May 7th!

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the arc of this book.

For me, this was a book about the power of connection, friendship and how human beings need each other. I thought this was a great book and I will be recommending it.

Friendships, personal growth, and relationships woven together around a book club.
What a pleasure to read the journey of four women who start a book club. As they take turns choosing books to read, they share experiences and form a tight bond. I loved the varied personalities and how they support each other. They learn to move on with life, trust others, and forgive. A delightful read that will leave you with a smile. A great read for book clubs as well any reader!
Reviewed by Comfy Chair Books/Lisa Reigel (April 22, 2024)
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
Purchased copy via Brenda Novak Monthly Book Box (May)

#TheBestLifeBookClub #SheilaRoberts @sheilarobertswriter #MIRA #Netgalley #mirabooks

There is never a better way to escape reality than to escape into a book. The four main characters of this book find camaraderie, some peace, friendship and go on a journey of self-discovery, individually and as a group as they lift each other up.

Karissa needed a fresh start. She has moved from Seattle with her daughter to get away from her cheating husband and her best friend who had an affair with her husband. The best friend was also her next door neighbor. She definitely needed to get away from this toxic environment. She is working at a small publishing house, which is how she comes up with the idea of a book club for her new friends/neighbors. These four ladies are all hurting and need healing in one way or the other.

Alice lost the love of her life at a very young age, and she is mentally incapable of driving after an accident. She just cannot get behind the wheel of a car now. Margot is recently divorced and lost her job soon thereafter. Then you have my favorite character, Josie. Josie is the older sister of Alice. She is also recently widowed, and she has some other issues. Grumpy does not even begin to describe this woman. She is mad at the world, but as you dig a little deeper into her character, you realize that some of that grumpiness if a defense mechanism. Even though she was a negative Nancy, I just could not help but like her. She was hurting, and did not know how to express her feelings. These ladies are so different, but yet so alike.

I enjoyed going on their journey to find themselves again and put some love and laughter back in their lives. A book club is just what the doctor ordered for these four women. They needed each other to lean on, and some of their chosen books were helpful in guiding them along their journey. There is nothing really exciting about this book. It is just a good solid book about friendship and rebuilding your life after loss. This would make a great book for a book club to delve into together.

Thank you to Harlequin Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a miss for me.
I felt like I had to force my way through to the end; I'm not sure if it was entirely the style or the writing that missed the mark for me with this one but I struggled through it and was just not able to really connect.

There were interesting characters, but none that really stood out enough, or that I connected with fully enough to be invested.

The premise of a book club of women in the neighborhood and them supporting each other and being there was great, I just feel like overall the plot missed for me.

Four women, each at a difficult time or crossroads in their lives, decide to form a book club. We learn about each of their lives, and truly hope for a happy ending for all of them. This is a heartwarming, and even romantic story about the power of friendship and community.

I’m used to reading mysteries and thrillers so this was a bit different for me. But I’m so glad I read it! I’ve been in a bookclub that was a great support system so that resonated with me. Karissa moves to a new town after her marriage blows up. She meets some wonderful women who help her rebuild her life and reclaim her belief in herself. A diverse and interesting group that was fun to read about!

I always dance a happy jig when I get to read the newest Sheila Roberts’ book because I know it will be entertaining, endearing, and enchanting.
This one is so good! Four women form a book club: Karissa the betrayed, Josie the Harper, Margot the unemployed, and Alice the scared. Each has issues they have to work through but they offer support and friendship as they navigate life. I thought Josie made the most progress character wise. She was a nagger but she had a big heart. I love Margot’s entrepreneurial spirit and Alice’s conquering of her fear. I loved how Karissa commenced with the group,project to deal with her frustration concerning a certain book client. I thought that was the best part of the book!
Of course, there are multiple happy endings. I also loved how Roberts inserted famous authors’ names like Susan Wiggs and Brenda Novak.
Splendid book!