It is 1960, and Margaret Ryan seems to have it all. But the house, husband, three kids, and prestigious neighborhood don’t feel like enough for her or her friends Viv and Bitsy. Margaret decides to start a book club as an excuse to meet their newest neighbor, Charlotte, and soon they discover that they want more from the life they have been told is the American dream.

Why Kirsten loves it

Women supporting other women is always a theme I love to see in literature. In a time when a woman couldn’t open her own checking account without her husband’s permission, that theme is crucial for each of these women. As they individually deal with stepping into the limelight and out of the shadows, collectively they support and uplift each other when each stumbles.

I loved the peek into the past and comparing it to how far we’ve come as a country towards women’s rights (a trend I hope doesn’t backslide.) The friendships, drama, and descriptions in this story kept me riveted. It’s one of my favorite books of the year for sure!

If you’re a fan of inspiring historical fiction with a dash of rebellion, you’ll love The Book Club for Troublesome Women! Marie Bostwick spins a vibrant tale of four suburban housewives—Margaret, Viv, Bitsy, and Charlotte—who, after diving into The Feminine Mystique, decide they’ve had enough of the 60s status quo. Set against a raw, real 1963 Northern Virginia backdrop, these ladies—affectionately known as the Bettys—discover friendship, fierce self-discovery, and the courage to fight for their rights and chase their dreams.

The audiobook, narrated brilliantly by Lisa Flanagan, had me hooked from start to finish. Her lively narration perfectly captures the women’s hopes, struggles, and the spark of rebellion in every chapter. Fun, humorous, and thought-provoking, this audiobook is a must-listen for anyone who loves strong women and a good fight for a better life. Highly recommended! The book releases April 22,2025. I gave this 4 ⭐️Thank you to Harper Muse Publishing , and NetGalley for the Advanced Listening Copy of this book. These opinions are my own and were given freely .

THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN by Marie Bostwick (Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly) is one of my favorite books of the year so far. Bostwick has created another work of historical fiction, focusing on the early 1960s and the suburbs of Washington, DC. Four main characters form a book club and become close friends, calling themselves The Bettys in homage to the first book they read together, The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. Readers meet Margaret Ryan who aspires to be a writer and helpmate to her accountant husband, Walt. Charlotte Gustafson is wealthy, creative and unhappy, trapped in a loveless marriage to Howard. Viv Buschetti adores supportive husband Tony, but she yearns to put her nursing skills to work as she manages six (make that seven!) children. Bitsy Cobb is younger and less sure of herself (except for her love of horses) and is married to an older man, Kingsley, a veterinarian. Each woman faces questions about her purpose, a possible career, and the state of her marriage and family, especially relative to societal norms. As Bostwick writes, "They had been raised to believe that the road to a happy, successful adulthood was well defined but extremely narrow, and that deviating from the path was not only irresponsible but wrong, a quick route to certain disaster." Yet, these four quickly grow to support each other and Bostwick delves into personal crises with historical details as background (e.g., remember "the underground currency of American housewives," S&H Green Stamps? And who knew that a married women could not open a bank account at that time without her husband’s signature?). Facing adversity, these four women learn together to appreciate what Eleanor Roosevelt used to say, "A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong it is until it's in hot water." THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN would be a marvelous book group selection as there is much to consider and discuss here. Katherine Graham and other Washington socialites make cameo appearances. AUDIOBOOK: Lisa Flanagan's narration is excellent and definitely worth a listen.

In its starred review of THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN Library Journal says, "Bostwick's latest is ideal for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry, Kristin Hannah's The Women, or Kate Quinn's The Briar Club, which explore the historical roles of women and the challenges they faced within a society structured to define and limit their roles in and out of the home." Highly recommended. Book groups may also enjoy some of the other selections that the Bettys considered: The Group by Mary McCarthy; Herland (1915) by Charlotte Perkins Gilman; A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute; short stories by Flannery O’Connor; Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis; Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates; Dearly Beloved or Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

Women's Historical Fiction at its finest! The Book Club for Troublesome Women reminded me of all of the best parts of Desperate Housewives WITHOUT the nasty drama and backstabbing.

Set in an idyllic Virginia suburb, this book sheds light on the lives of four very different housewives brought together to read the highly controversial book, The Feminine Mystic. As the women get to know each other and one another’s joys and frustrations, the reader learns about the restrictions women in the 1960s encountered and how this even created restrictions and pressures on men, albeit to a much smaller degree. These feisty woman band together and find that inner strengths emerge when woman support and lift up other women.
Marie Bostwick has masterfully developed these characters, and by the end of the eleven hour audiobook, I felt highly satisfied yet sad that I was saying goodbye to women I had come to love and admire.

The narrator, Lisa Flanagan, did a wonderful job bringing the author’s words to life and making me feel like I was hanging out with friends.

A huge Thank You to Marie Bostwick for writing such fantastic Women’s Historical Fiction, and to Netgalley and Harper Muse for the joy of being able to enjoy this book before publication!!

I loved this Audiobook. Just started listening and couldn’t stop. It was terrific. 4 Women living in the Virginia Suburbs seem to have it all, yet feel that something just isn’t right. There is a lacking in their life. So, the new neighbor from Manhattan, Charlotte will only join Margaret’s book club if they will read The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. Two other friends, Viv and Betsy join, too.

Times are changing and the book affects each woman differently. Yet, the magic here is the friendship these four different women form. True and Real Friendships are always difficult to find. We long for that connection, but often don’t have it. The women do all make changes in their lives, but the reason they happen is because of the sheer force of love and backing by their friends. It makes them feel ok being different and able to stand up for themselves. Each knows her other 3 friends will support her with any decision she makes.

Loved that message. Loved the wonder of growth and change. Loved the Excitement of Women’s Lives getting Brighter and having Deep Meaning. I am going to hear Marie Bostwick speak and am really looking forward to this so much.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for a copy of this Audiobook. I always leave reviews of books I read.

Oh my gosh! The Book Club for Troublesome Women is my first book by Marie Bostwick and I cannot wait to read more of her work.

This beautifully written, thought provoking piece of historical fiction shows how far we, as women, have come since my childhood and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip down memory lane.

The narration by Lisa Flanagan gives each of the very different women of the book club a distinct voice and made listening an absolute pleasure.

This was a good historical fiction about a book club where women can come together and bond. I think this will be a popular pick this year.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women, by Marie Bostwick, is a superior story of a group of women in 1963. It explores the obstacles women of the time faced while also setting the stage for the time. Margaret Ryan, homemaker, mother of three, college graduate, and aspiring author, feels stifled by the neighborhood coffee klatch and gossiping in her brand new community outside of Washington DC and is seeking deeper friendships. Viv Buschetti, homemaker, mother of six, registered nurse, and World War II veteran, has befriended Margaret as has Bitsy Cobb, who left college just a few months before graduation to marry large animal veterinarian Dr. Kingsley Cobb after her father passed away. Having dreamed of becoming a veterinarian herself perhaps the closest she will ever come is working at the stables and maybe helping King. The newest neighborhood resident, Charlotte Gustafson, mother of four, obviously from money, and a bit much with her chain smoking, intense drinking, and forward ideas, is the fourth lady included by Margaret n this group.

These ladies are Margaret’s folks and on the spur of the moment she decides to have a book club and take on the scandalous Betty Friedan book The Feminine Mystique. This book will not only bring the group together but will also have far reaching impact on each woman in very different ways.

This book is not only engaging and entertaining, but it is also a piece of actual women’s history at a time when so much history is being obliterated. With this in mind, I might even consider this book to be one of the most important I’ve read lately. I very much enjoyed reading this historical novel and I do recommend it!

I’m always drawn to stories about book clubs and this time period. The multiple point of views was a bit challenging with an audiobook.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a story that takes place in the 60’s of a group of house wives the decide to read “the Feminine Mystique” and like some book clubs, the book isn’t really talked about, but instead a bond is formed.

The narrator does an amazing job giving each character their own voice that helps flush out their personalities. Being able to see each character and what they go through really shows that no one ever really knows what someone is going through, unless they let you know.

While interesting I did find it hard to stay engaged the whole time, and would be best for someone who is interested in the time period as well.

I was drawn to this book because it’s about a book club and the timing. I love reading books about women in the 50s and 60s and their desire to be more than a mom and a housewife. To be their own person and the how they preserved to achieve that. This story gave me that and I was pulled into it from the start. I love all the main characters for different reasons. And now that I’m finished the book, I’m going to miss being part of their world.
Well done!

Narration was fabulous! I definitely recommend listening to the story.

Thanks very much NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this book prior to publication. It had already been on my TBR when I requested it! So happy to have read it!

Great historical fiction. The book takes place in 1963 and centers on a group of women who decide to read "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan, a book was that was groundbreaking and controversial for it's time, a precursor to the "Women's Lib" movement. The 4 main characters, the "troublesome women", are transformed during a time when the roles and status of many women evolved. I read this after reading "Expect Great Things!", a history of the Katharine Gibbs School. and it nicely dovetailed with it, reflecting the perception of women in the early "60s.

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy.

I was quickly drawn in by the premise of The Book Club for Troublesome Women: four dissatisfied 1960s housewives form a book club that blossoms into a lasting friendship, through the struggles of a rapidly changing world, and ultimately transforms each of their lives.

The 1960s were such an interesting and complex time for being a woman. And I always love a found-family story—especially one brought together by books.

While the concept was compelling, I found it a bit challenging to fully engage with each of the four women’s personal storylines. Each character brought something unique to the group, but I didn't engage with all of them, and it didn’t quite click for me as a whole.

Still, I’d recommend this to readers interested in the era and to those who enjoy stories centered on female friendship and resilience.

I listened to this book in advance of publication and overall, I found it to be delightful and cozy. As far as historical fiction goes, I am not quite sure if this stays true within the genre (leaning towards more fiction than history) but I read it more like character portrayals of upper middle class white women in the 60s and the situations they find themselves in (not so much around one historical event per se). The entire book reads a bit like Lessons in Chemistry but with multiple characters facing their own dilemmas in a world where men rule and the women just have to endure.

While the messaging is empowering and inspiring, at times, the scenes are a little cringy and preachy (the author wants to make sure all points of views - including the men - are considered which inherently is fine but I find when you try to fit in all of the misogynistic issues, it can get bland, stereotypical and overdone). Books like Lessons in Chemistry are successful and original because when you focus on one story arc and one flawed, quirky character, you are able to convey more depth and a more nuanced message with a clear purpose.

I know this particular time period was challenging for all women, regardless of race and stature and it is thanks to many brave women like the ones in this book who fought societal norms to grant the privileges women have today; however, I do not think this book offered anything new to me. It was just an entertaining story full of endearing characters and feel good moments (sprinkled a handful of trigger warning situations). With that being said, any book club that makes a little trouble (the good kind) in society seems alright in my book!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

As a book club member myself, I’m always drawn to stories about book clubs—and this one did not disappoint! The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a heartfelt, empowering read that celebrates the strength of women, the power of friendship, and the resilience we often don’t realize we have. I wanted to be part of Betty’s book club so badly—her group felt like a circle of real, supportive women who lift each other up through life’s messiness. This book reminded me why I love reading and sharing stories with others. Thanks you for the opportunity to listen to this book.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience this book. This was definitely a 5 star read for me. The Betty’s all feel so real and I love each and every one of them in different ways.

This book inspired me to want to make changes in my life and helped me grasp hold of the fact that it is vital to seek what you truly want to get out of life. Not only does this book bring into focus the important theme of feminism and women’s rights, but it also paints men into the picture, where they become active participants rather than only villains, spotlighting the little boxes they are forced to fit into, as well.

This book had me cheering out loud for the Betty’s. I can’t wait to read the Feminine Mystique and see what all the fuss is about.😉

I went into this book completely blind aside from the cover and knowing it was about women in the 1960's, and it did not disappoint. A small group of friends decide to form a book group and start with the book, The Feminine Mystique. Inspired by Betty and the thoughts she shared in the real life book, these women take matters into their own hands to change the course of their lives and do things that they once thought were only dreams.

What an inspiring, motivating, fictional book that can be applied to our real lives. An easy read that was fun along the way. My one qualm was by doing it on audio, it was difficult to keep track of the 4 different POV's and their storylines. They kind of meshed together at times.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the gifted ALC.

#TheBookClubforTroublesomeWomen by Marie Bostwick is engaging and thoughtful historical fiction novel set in 1960s America. A group of ladies become neighbors in a newly developed planned community in the suburbs. Seeking friendship and community they start a book club, their first read being the Feminine Mystic. Through their book club a deep friendship blossoms. Together they push each other to find happiness, which sometimes leads them outside traditional gender roles.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a book that provokes thought, and one I will one I think back to from time to time. I plan on suggesting it to my own book club. The audiobook narration is also very good quality.

Thank you to Harper Collins Focus for providing me with an advanced copy of this book through #NetGallery for my review. All opinions are my own.

This was an interesting historical fiction novel in that it looked specifically at social issues women were facing in the 60s, but was able to look at many different points of view as we followed the different book club members.

3.5 rounded up. This was a very heartfelt story surrounding a group of women and their book club. I felt the women were all believable characters, each battling their own internal and external struggles throughout the 60’s in America.
While I feel the story dragged on in several spots, and I still fail to see many of the “troublesome” aspects, I overall enjoyed the book and the growth all of the women had throughout. The audiobook narrator was great and really fit in well with the story.

Thank you to HarperCollins, HarperCollins Muse and Netgalley for an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.