I’ve really been gravitating towards historical fiction lately, so this one was right up my alley. I really enjoyed the honest look at marriage and motherhood at a time that seems to be glamorized now through the lenses of nostalgia. This felt especially poignant post-election and post-Roe. It was a bit longer than I think it needed to be (I especially glazed over the name dropping in the Kathryn Graham scene towards the end of the book). Charlotte was my favorite character; I would’ve loved to read a novel all about her life. I received a complimentary copy of this book (thanks to NetGalley and the publishers!) and all opinions are my own.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick brings together an unlikely group of suburban women in the 1960s, uniting them through a book club that becomes a foundation for self-discovery and camaraderie. Margaret, Bitsy, Viv, and newcomer Charlotte grapple with the stifling expectations of their roles as housewives and mothers, using Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique as a springboard to redefine their lives.

This is a poignant, nostalgic dive into the transformative power of friendship and literature, set against the backdrop of a changing America. While some readers may find it predictable at times, its charm lies in its heartfelt depiction of solidarity among women. A solid 4.25 stars—perfect for fans of historical fiction and strong female friendships.

Unfortunately I wasn't a fan. It could just be the political climate we're in right now, but reading about women's struggles just upset me.
Read the ending and thought that it was written well.

I LOVED the ladies in this book! I was transported to the 60's and wanted to be part of their bookclub. While it take places many decades ago, the storyline is still timeless. Women still face similar issues and still find themselves wanting more at times. The crux of this book is the strong female friendships which are priceless. Looking forward to when this book comes out so that I can pick it for my own book club!

I loved all 4 of the main characters/"Bettys" in this novel! Each woman had her own life challenges, but the overarching theme of challenging the patriarchal systems of the 1960s was woven throughout. It was refreshing to read about true friendships with challenges where not everything was rainbows and sunshine. I also really liked the growth of each character as she came into herself as a woman. It was a great perspective to peek into life for these women in the 1960s as America seems to be moving backwards in women's rights.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I really related to "The Book Club for Troublesome Women" and hated to put it down each night. Women in suburbia, different from each other in so many ways, yet inescapably bound by the expectations set for them in the 1950s and 1960s. Then along comes a book. Each of the wives in this novel retold part of my own life. The memories of Ms. Magazine arriving in my mailbox every month, along with the self-doubt and second guessing of my choices; Betty Friedan, of course, and the ideas she wrote out loud; the inequalities we are still striving to fix seventy years onward. I need to stress, up front, that this book mostly deals with problems that faced white middle-class women. It is not an accurate account of a multi-cultural area, nor does it deal much with urban issues. In a lot of ways, real-life white middle-class suburbia still doesn't. Intersectionality doesn't really show its face in these pages. This is a novel, and one that is aimed at a particular group of readers.

The protagonists of "The Book Club for Troublesome Women" are strong, vulnerable, loving, loyal, and most of all ready. They're ready to make changes and help one another survive those changes. The men in their lives vary in important ways, but each represents an aspect of the roles men play in our society. Just as the women, not one of them is perfect nor totally evil (though one comes mighty close). Margaret, Viv, Charlotte, and Bitsy are my new best friends and I'd love for them to show up at my next book club meeting. I think this novel will certainly be there!

The writing is sharp, witty, and relatable. I loved how it tackled real-life issues without ever feeling preachy.

This book reminded me why women supporting women is so powerful and why it's okay (necessary, even!) to embrace the "troublesome" parts of ourselves.

Thank you for letting me read this great book! I look forward to more from this author.

I LOVED this book, it was well written and made me once again thankful for all that women in the 60's managed to do to get themselves more fulfilling roles that paved the way for al women today.
The characters were realistic and each had such different experiences but they all wanted 'something more' and managed to get enough traction to follow their passions.
Imagine having six children and being pregnant with the seventh and then going to work. WOW, amazing.
Such a great read and I can't wait to see the movie!

"The Book Club for Troublesome Women" was an INCREDIBLE read that I have already recommended to my book club. Reading about the lives of these women was inspirational, often funny, and so dang relatable.

Four suburban housewives start a book club where their first read is Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique. The book follows how their lives unfold after starting the club and after reading a book that changes their way of thinking.

The book was entertaining, the characters were well written, and the setting was believable. It has some references to american items and goods from the 60s that I had to Google, so I think it will be even more immersive for the american audience. It fits the genre and is also a typical "lost histories" book with female voices. It's an overall good book, and it fits very well into our time with everything happening to women's rights.

Such a fun read! This is the story about a group of traditional housewives in the early 60s who come together to form a book club. Their first book selection is The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. The book opens their eyes to many new ideas, and each character is spurred into her own transformation. The ladies form strong bonds of friendship and start calling themselves The Bettys. This book is a celebration of the power of friendship among women. It's a great reminder of how far women have come and how far they have to go, and also delves into how both men and women have been impacted by expectations and traditional roles. It captures a specific moment in time when society as a whole was undoing some momentous changes. I really enjoyed it!

Marie Bostwick’s *The Book Club for Troublesome Women* is a heartwarming celebration of friendship, resilience, and the power of finding your people when life takes unexpected turns. With her signature wit and emotional depth, Bostwick creates a tapestry of relatable characters and compelling stories that come together in a way that feels like sharing a glass of wine and a laugh with old friends. It’s a novel that reminds us how transformative the bonds of community can be.

The story centers around four women—each at a crossroads in their lives—who are brought together through a book club that quickly becomes much more than just a discussion group. From career upheavals to relationship struggles to finding a sense of self after years of putting others first, these women navigate the joys and messiness of life with humor, honesty, and unwavering support for one another. Bostwick masterfully weaves their individual stories into a cohesive narrative, showing how their friendships become the anchor each of them needs.

What makes this novel shine is Bostwick’s ability to create characters that feel authentic and multidimensional. Each woman has her own unique voice and set of challenges, yet their connections are universal. Their conversations are raw and real, often peppered with sharp humor that lightens even the heaviest moments. The interplay between vulnerability and strength in their interactions is what makes their dynamic so compelling.

The book club itself serves as a metaphor for growth and rediscovery. Through their shared love of books, the women find parallels between the stories they read and their own lives, leading to moments of insight, courage, and transformation. Bostwick doesn’t shy away from tackling tough topics, but she does so with grace and a light touch, ensuring the story remains uplifting even when it’s delving into life’s harder truths.

The pacing of the novel is just right, giving readers time to connect with each character’s journey while maintaining a steady momentum. Bostwick’s writing is warm and accessible, with vivid descriptions and heartfelt reflections that draw readers into the world of these “troublesome women.” The small-town setting adds to the charm, serving as both a backdrop and a character in its own right, with its quirks and sense of community.

*The Book Club for Troublesome Women* is a feel-good novel that will resonate with anyone who’s ever leaned on a friend during tough times or found strength in unexpected places. Marie Bostwick has crafted a story that’s as much about personal growth as it is about the bonds that help us along the way. Perfect for fans of women’s fiction, book clubs, or simply stories that make you laugh, cry, and cheer all at once, this novel is a five-star celebration of friendship and the magic of shared stories.

Being a kid in the early sixties this book really hit home for me. The four women in this book were each very different but they formed a book club which helped them get through their daily lives. Reading the Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan empowered them to realize there is nothing wrong with wanting more from life than just being a housewife. As the author chronicled the times I had flashbacks to the time period not fully realizing the limitations placed on women for example just what it took to open a bank account. The tight friendship of these women enabled them to envision their future and strive to fulfill their dreams. The author’s writing made these women come alive and you couldn’t help rooting for them. I received an advanced eGalley of the book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheBookClubForTroublesomeWomen #MarieBostwick #NetGalley

OMG. Thankyou Marie. Such a privilege to be able to read this book.
What a story. I’m a big fan of the Cobbled Court series but this standalone book is my new favourite.
Four women create a bookclub, calling themselves the Betty’s after the author of their first read The Feminine Mystique.
A truly eye opening story about women living in the 1960’s and how they did not have their independence and how they grew their friendships through the hardships and joys at that time in the USA.

I liked this book so much . It is an exploration of women’s roles in the 60’s and how they are evolving and changing
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

Thank you to Harper Collins publisher and NetGalley for my free digital copy of this book, in return for an honest review. I have to say I liked it but didn’t love it, though that isn’t a reflection on how well it’s written, more that the book wasn’t to my taste. For me it lacked depth, felt too slowly drawn out and I didn’t really gel with any of the characters. I didn’t get drawn in and therefore didn’t get past half way through, but didn’t want to leave less than 4* because I really think it’s me, not the author.

On the surface, Margaret Ryan is the quintessential housewife, but her inner discontent feels like a quiet rebellion waiting to spark. Her encounter with the enigmatic Charlotte Gustafson ignites that spark, leading to the creation of a book club that becomes so much more than a literary gathering. With The Feminine Mystique as their catalyst, Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv embark on a journey of self-examination and collective empowerment.

The strength of this novel lies in its characters, who are richly drawn and complex. Margaret’s yearning for something beyond her white-picket-fence life, Bitsy’s struggle with societal expectations, Viv’s sharp wit, and Charlotte’s unconventional allure form the heart of this beautifully rendered story. Each woman brings a unique perspective, and their dynamic—marked by shared laughter, hard truths, and deep camaraderie—feels authentic and profoundly moving.

The novel captures the era’s culture with meticulous detail, from glossy magazines dictating the ideal woman’s role to the simmering undercurrent of the feminist movement. Yet, its themes resonate universally, offering a timeless look at the courage it takes to question norms and redefine one’s place in the world.

Bostwick’s prose is sharp and tender, balancing humor with poignant reflections. The group’s transformation from dutiful housewives to self-assured individuals is inspiring, and their nickname, “The Bettys,” serves as a tribute to Betty Friedan and to every woman who has dared to want more.

This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who has ever felt the stirrings of something more just beyond their reach. It is uplifting, empowering, and unforgettable.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Four women in the 1960s form a book club and their first book is Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique (which I can't believe I've never read and have now added to my TBR). Sparked by the book and the friendship among the women, each of them goes on a journey to find their own power and strength. As a book junkie, I do wish there had been a bit more book/book club content, but I enjoyed seeing the women grow. Had the potential to be a five star read (think The Women meets The Reading List) but was missing that extra spark to put it over the top.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Expected date of publication: April 22, 2025

Marie Bostwick is a new author for me, somehow, her other titles did not catch my attention. I quite liked this one, The Book Club for Troublesome Women.
The story involves a book club, formed among neighbors, in one of those suburbs that looked like odes to conformity back in the 50's and 60's. The book club ends up reading The Feminine Mystique for their first selection and things begin to change for all of the women.
There are multiple storylines to follow, but all of the women are so different from one another, I had no trouble following what was happening to whom. I liked the characters, and was there for the struggles and changes. I could have used a little more book-talk, but in the end, it was probably more realistic that they did not all read the book.
I have to confess that I have not read The Feminine Mystique; if this book club is staying true to the message, I must take author's word for it. I think what was clear from the women's stories was the general struggle against conformity and societal expectations. I was very engaged and interested in the different ways each character dealt with this struggle. The men were, surprisingly, treated pretty empathetically (some of them at least).
This one surprised me, there is more to it than you think.
Some of the narratives could be tightened up a bit, but overall, a very solid read.
Recommend.

Four Suburban house wife’s read the new book The Feminine Mystique and realize in the changing world that they actually do have options and they can choose to work outside of the home and not just be a plain Suburban woman who stays home and takes care of the family and house. The friendship they form and the support they give each other is life changing in so many ways for the four of them. They begin to take jobs outside of the home and realize that they have options that can make a difference to others.
This book is based in the 60’s era which was when I was born and grew up. I can personally relate to this story and the challenges that we as women have faced and overcome as going to the bank and doctors office and needing your husbands permission for an account or prescription.
Well done Marie!! Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.