Although this book was set 60 years ago, I could still relate to the women and story within. I am a wife and mom of 3 which I absolutely love, but I’ve always felt like I needed “more” so I also run my own small business. The struggle of keeping all of the balls in the air is real but at the end of the day, also very rewarding. Anyone in a similar position will likely enjoy this book as well. I love how the author wrapped everything up with the updates at the end!

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the opportunity to read The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick, who cannot be surpassed in Historical Fiction writing. The characters are beautifully and fully written, each of whom possess personality all their own; complex and believable. One of the best books I've read tis year.

This is the first book that I have read by this author, and what a treat it was! Set in 1963, it is story of four women, who read The Feminine Mystique in their book club, become firm friends and make their way in life. The depiction of life in the 1960 s was really interesting, with details like Margeret not being able to open a bank account in her own name without her husband’s consent. What especially impressed me was the recognition that not all women have the power to make choices, and that often this applies to men too. Walt was a gorgeous character, who acknowledged his shortcomings and tried to do his best. The idea of other women helping others to get a leg up in life was wonderful. The part about Jackie Kennedy was so moving, and the joyous ending was delightful. Many thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read this thought provoking book.

OHHH! This is good!
I was brought back to the sixties where four wonderful friends could have been my own mother and her friends!
When women were housewives, and did not have a voice. They managed their homes and the children, but received a weekly allowance for groceries.

This story centers around four neighborhood ladies who decide to start a book club.
The very first novel they read, (The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan) creates a curiosity for each, and they start to wonder why they cannot go into the community and work to help their family and enjoy time outside of the home?
Well... why can't they?

This is a delightful, historical fiction journey that really had me rooting for these amazing women while bringing me back to my own mom's kitchen!

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @HarperMuse Books for this neat ARC and allowing me to review. Well done!

This is my kind of historical fiction! The cast of characters in The Book Club for Troublesome Women captured my heart and kept me turning the pages. This is the kind of book that you have to set aside when you finish and just let it sit with you for a while. I reacted similarly when I read Lessons in Chemistry, Remarkably Bright Creatures, The Personal Librarian, and Frozen River. All of which are some of my favorite books. This is a great book club book and one I think lots of readers will enjoy.

Great book. Read it in 3 days. 4 women staring a Book Club and their friendship for many years. This book is great for any book club, lots of tropics for discussion with this book.

This book was entertaining and, for me, a walk down a nostalgic lane. I was a high school sophomore in 1963, so the context of the story is very real for me. The political and social historical elements are artfully woven into the story that features four women who join ranks in a book club inspired by Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique.” I loved that these women, from diverse backgrounds, find inspiration in their friendship in a wealthy suburb. While none of the woman emerged as a public figure for the revolutionary trend of women’s rights, each, in her own way, added her voice and her actions to the paradigm shift of the time. We all owe a debt to the “troublesome” women who refused to be satisfied with the status quo. This novel illuminates in a personal and relatable way the challenges they faced.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

I loved this novel SO much and will be giving it out as gifts as soon as it is available in paperback! I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of all four of the main characters, and appreciate how the author gently introduced each one so as not to confuse me. It was a fascinating look into the lives of 30's-40's women in the 60's. I was in my early teens at that time, and the characters' stories has helped me to understand what my mother and grandmother had been going through when I was growing up. This is not only women's fiction at its finest, it is also excellent historical fiction. I learned a lot!

Thanks to Netgalley, and the author and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is the engaging story of the four women who comprise the titular book club. The group is made up of Margaret, Charlotte, Viv, and Bitsy, each a compelling character in her own right, and tells of the struggles and triumphs each women faces as a women in the early sixties, commencing in the year 1963.

All of the women are married. In addition, Margaret is a mother and sometimes writer, Charlotte, mother and aspiring artist, Viv, mother and part-time nurse and Bitsy, a stable hand. Some of them face troubles will spouses, others worry about finances and some worry about their career choices. All have very full lives, but their differences don’t stop them from coming together to form a book club and reading The Feminist Mystique, Betty Friedan’s manifesto about being a woman and sometimes feeling a wanting of more in their lives. Can what they want be found at home, or is it more than their quaint, planned Virginia suburb can offer them?

I really enjoyed this book. Marie Bostwick knows how to weave together a compelling narrative filled with interesting, multi-layered characters. The action was virtually non-stop and left me guessing at what would happen next, which is supreme praise from me on a work of fiction. I never found myself wondering when the book would be over or checking my percentage read as I have been known to do on books I feel are boring or dragging on too slowly. A delightful book that i wholeheartedly recommend.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

Hats off to Marie, this book was excellent!! As I devoured every page, I thought to myself how far women have come and then I thought I hope and pray I don't see the trend of falling back. I saw so much of my mother's generations life in this story, no checking account with a man's signature, no birth control without the husband signature, the wifey things but the story wad well written of these 4 women's lives, how they intertwined, she made you care, you fell in love with them.I hope you Give this book a whirl, I loved it from the beginning, I will tell my book lover friends.. I hope it touches your soul. Thank you Netgalley for sharing this read with me.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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 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 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!

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!

It's the 1960's and Margaret has it all... At least according to the women's magazines she reads. She is a housewife with three kids and a husband, but feels like something is missing. Her husband got her a new magazine subscription and that didn't help. She meets her newest neighbor, Charlotte, who is full of everything it seems Margaret is not. Wanting to get to know her, she creates a bookclub, gets her friends Viv and Bitsy to join, and then Charlotte insists they read Betty Friedan's new book. Suddenly everything is changing and this is the story of the Betty's book club. An excellent read where you can't help but root for all four women!

Bostwick conveys the lives of 1960s housewives with great detail, veracity, and insight. It really makes you think about women's rights and how far we have come. The book club started by 4 women acts as a catalyst for potential change. Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv each have their own personal struggles and desires. Their friendship is the driving force behind the novel. Ultimately "the Bettys" are empowering and uplifting. Their personal journeys are inspiring and I loved how they support each other. This is both a story about personal growth as well as friendship. Bostwick balances poignancy with humor in a delightful way.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

Ah, finally, a great book set in the 1960s! It's my favourite era to read about and yet many novels make the mistake of sounding a bit like a modern day story. Marie Bostwick really nailed the historical fiction element and I loved it. This is a lovely story about four women living in 1960s suburbia. It's more on the slow side in terms of plot (the characters more than make up for this) but I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers.

This was a really well done piece of historical fiction. The author not only recreated the 60s accurately but created characters that were distinct and interesting. Watching the friendships blossom and going through the ups and downs of lives and relationships with these women was such a pleasure. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and in particular women's fiction. My only slight criticism is that the ending was a bit rushed. We get a recap of everyone's recent lives all at once, and that wasn't as satisfying as it might have been. But all in all this was a really góod book.

Really loved everything about this novel. Set in the 60s, four women find friendship and form a book club starting with The Feminine Mystique. What they uncover is a reflection on their role in their families, society, and with each other. This is a really fun read and would be great for current day book clubs!

This is a fun trip through the lives of four women in the early 1960s as they discover that suburbia isn't all it's cracked up to be and become lifelong friends. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will be recommending it to my book club. I love how each woman grew and became a fuller version of herself. The story is captivating, and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. It illustrates how far women's rights have come in 60 years.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." I loved this book. Each of the characters was thoroughly describe with loveable and annoying qualities (makes them very realistic). The power and importance of female friendship is the main focus of the story. Strong women encouraging each other to bring out their best qualities. I will honestly say, I was nervous about the whole feminism thing but it was tastefully done. My favorite quote was " If Women stuck up for one another the way men do, this would be a very different world" Enjoy this one it was great. Happy Reading!!!

One book in the 60s changed the lives and opportunities of women across the country. This is the story of 4 of those women in a Virginian suburb supposedly living the Dream.

📖 Historical fiction
📖 Power of sisterhood
📖 Civil rights era
📖 Empowerment

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

Viv is a no bs, nurse and military wife mom of 6 who says how it is to most people. Bitsy is a young woman in a new marriage with her older, equine-focused vet husband. Charlotte is the rule-breaking, freespirited artist mom who moved in down the street. And Margaret is supposed to be the mom who has it all! Great house, working husband, 3 kids. But she can’t pinpoint what is still missing. None of them can. Not without being called ungrateful or odd. Until one book release awakens something they didn’t know was even dormant.

Will one book change their lives? Or will it be the newfound bonds and friendships these women forge in a time of change and chain-breaking for women everywhere?

A beautiful ode to the different journeys of womanhood. To those who did what they had to, to those who constantly pushed the boundaries, and to the women who forged full steam ahead to allow a path for the rest of us. I found this a beautiful homage to every kind of woman. Terrible to read how women’s curriculums were changed, their guidance counselors counseled how to find husbands, and professional programs didn’t allow women because they would ‘leave to start a family anyway’. But honorific in a way of how far we have come, and how far we still have to go.

Viv and Tony are my favorites. No notes. Watching how husbands acted then and still act now was horrifying and heartbreaking because women were taught to take what they are given and be grateful. I am proud of women now and the journey it has taken to get here. This book reminded me of that. I cried, I laughed, I cheered.

Favorite quotes:

“Somewhere down the road, maybe you’ll help pave the road for somebody else. That’s how the world gets better. One generation helping the next.”

“There may be many destinations in a woman’s journey, many seasons in her life.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely loved this book! I enjoyed the different character vantage points throughout the different stages of their lives. I found the historical references to be so interesting from a women's point of view. The author did a wonderful job of sharing the challenges women have faced over the years and just how far we still have to come. I wish everyone had a group of "Bettys" to get them through life!

A beautifully written and thought provoking book. I absolutely loved it and will be buying it as a gift for friends and recommending it to my book club.

This novel is fun, thought provoking, and a great look back at the 60’s when women were struggling to find their way in a male dominant world.

Margaret Ryan was bored and wanted more in life, so she started a four woman book club in her elite neighborhood. Each woman is going through her own life troubles, but through friendship and a book called “The Feminine Mystique”, they learn to be more assertive and outspoken. They all had dreams and convictions, and each woman had a voice in the story.

This book is extremely well written, humorous at times, and quite illuminating. Bostwick has always been on my list of must reads and this books cements it. Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the advanced reader copy of this 5-star book.

The start was slow, but once the Bettys met for the first book club meeting, it took off running! What a glorious story of sisterhood, fighting for what’s right for others, finding the right path for you, accepting ourselves and each other for who we truly are, and demanding honest effort and care from those we love. This book lived up to its title and I miss the characters already!

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Suzanne O’Sullivan is a witty and heartwarming novel that explores the power of friendship, resilience, and personal growth. The story follows a group of women who, despite their varied backgrounds and struggles, find solidarity and strength through their shared love of books. As they navigate their individual challenges—ranging from relationship woes to career setbacks—they discover how reading can offer both solace and inspiration. O’Sullivan’s writing is sharp and humorous, yet deeply compassionate, capturing the complexities of womanhood with authenticity. The characters are vibrant and relatable, making this an enjoyable read for anyone looking for an uplifting, thought-provoking story about community and self-discovery.

Loved it from the opening paragraph to the final period. If you think the good old days were good this book will educate you- if you don’t, this book will give you more reasons why, An absolute gem.

Sometimes there are stories that come to you when you need it the most, this was one of those. The premise is about a group of housewives in the 1960s who come together to read ‘The Feminine Mystique’ by Betty Friedman. They live in a suburban neighborhood with all the HOA rules & regulations that haven’t previously been imposed on this generation. They are not typical beatniks or radicals and represent about 80 percent of the white female population.

At a point in each of these women’s lives, they desire something that they can’t name. They are bored, restless and are missing…something. Throughout the book Ms. Bostwick sets the tone with the major historical events outside the insular community of Concordia. I caught myself researching events and policies for accuracy, because as a society we couldn’t have really been that ass backwards in the 1960s, right? I’ve never been so grateful for pregnancy tests that didn’t involve poisoning a rat with pee.

I’m now realizing that I owe my mother a bit more grace than I previously held. As a contemporary of the women of this story, she grew up with the limitations her gender provided and how she was ‘supposed to find true happiness’ in this role, or she was damaged. There is more to the story that my therapist will be so happy to go over with me in detail.

With the world seemingly against their gender, an unpopular war and a nation involved in a race war, these women find that they can conquer it all with the support of each other, just as a good book club should do.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this ARC and for me to start the weekend on a positive note.

This book was emotional for me. I loved it truly because it was so powerful. The author captured the times so perfectly. I highly recommend this book to anyone. I definitely would love to own this book. 10/1000 recommend. It’s been a while where I enjoyed a book so much.

What an interesting story! It follows the lives of four women in the 1960s as they learn about themselves and who they are in a time where women didn’t have the same rights and opportunities as we do today. They are introduced to Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique and start their own book club. They call themselves The Bettys.

I really enjoyed each of the main characters and their individual journeys.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gosh, I loved this book! The characters were so well-developed, they felt like my own bosom friends! Of course, the setting of small-town America in the 60’s was fascinating, as was the surge of feminism throbbing throughout the book. I feel like I learned so much from this book! The author mentions so many prominent events from the time and includes the characters’ reactions; this was so well done, I really felt I was there! I can't say enough good things about this book: the plot was multi-layered and something interesting happened on practically every page. This could not be more well-written, in my opinion. Bravo, Ms. Bostwick! Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. What a treat this was!

If you want a history of the decade that changed America—the 1960s—this is about as good as it gets in fiction. Four women — ‘stay-at-home housewives’ -bemoan their fate as women and start a book club just as the controversial book by Betty Friedman hits the market, awakening a renaissance in the way women perceived their roles after WWII.

Post-war women, having filled men's roles, found themselves reduced to the status of married servants to often difficult or absent husbands, a situation that angered many. These well-developed characters produced empathy in me, which I haven’t felt in a book in quite a while. These four women started a book club, which changed how they thought of themselves, their marriages, and their lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale because I watched how women changed in that era and through the rest of the twentieth century. With Civil Rights peaking and political assassinations terrorizing the country, these four women found their voices, and these events forever changed their lives and the lives of others.

In an era where women fought to vote, get a credit card, a bank account, or hold a job after marriage, I applauded these four women throughout the story. That some of these problems still exist or are coming back into vogue in some political circles is cringeworthy after all these women endeared. But a reading of this history is something every woman should attempt to digest. You will understand your great-grandmothers, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, etc., in a new light. Women were tired of getting permission from their husbands for their daily needs.

I highly recommend this book to any woman who needs a dose of realistic history to understand how important these dreams were to the boomers and the young girls the women of this era raised. The story’s setting, how their husbands dictate what they can say or do, and what medicine or social aspects of life they may embrace are eye-opening.

I absolutely, totally, completely loved this book. I highly recommend it to all women who want a voice in their own lives and the lives of future women. The book is truly inspirational. I gave it five stars all around.

I want to thank Net Galley, the author, and the publisher, for the opportunity to read this book as a free ARC. This review is voluntary and is mine alone.

In historical fiction, I love mid-century-era stories about the moments when women wake up--when they see the world accurately, see what's available to them and start to ask questions about why the rest of the opportunities aren't. This book captured that well. The characters were enjoyable to spend time with; each one had her own satisfying story arc. I loved this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book. My favorite genre of historical fiction is mid century and this one was just perfect to dive into the lives of four very different friends. Set in the early 1960s, we meet four very different housewives trying to figure out new roles, their identity in the ever changing world of the 1960s. With the creation of their book club by reading the controversial novel of its time, The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, they call themselves the Betty’s and begin to explore what it means to be fulfilled outside of housework and husbands and kids. A topic that still is relevant today.

I love the character development of each woman as they become who they want to be without losing themselves as mothers and wives can do in their families. I didn’t want the book to end and it would be the perfect book for a book club to read and discuss.


Thank you Netgalley to read the ARC of this book in return for my honest review. Will definitely recommend this book to others.

Brilliant novel about how the rights and roles of women began to change during the 1960’s. It all started with a book and 4 neighbors who started a book club that would change the path of their lives. . The setting of this novel is in a northern Virginia suburb in 1963 ,where Maggie, Charlotte, Vivian and Bitsy form a book club and read “ The Feminine Mystique” which opens the thoughts of why can’t we have it all, who says we can only be mothers and not run companies. I thought the writing was excellent, the story read quickly and the reader could easily relate to each of the characters situations. Thank you Netgalley, , Harper Muse publishing for giving me a chance to read the advance copy. .

Thank you, NetGalley! This book was so good! As a mom of 3 girls, it was so relatable. It's so hard figuring out who you are outside of being a mother. This book isn't just for moms, I want to make that clear. It's for everyone, especially women. It is a beautiful representation of friendship and how powerful it can be.

I wouldn't have lasted five minutes as a 1960s suburban American housewife, lemme tell you..

But oh was this book such a delight. Margaret, Viv, Bitsy, and Charlotte may live in a planned development with cookie-cutter similar houses, but they are all unique and passionate women with their own stories to tell and their own dreams they've been too afraid to share. When Charlotte suggests the first book for their new book club be "The Feminine Mystique", the four women begin to have those brutally honest conversations and become a tight-knit group affectionately called "The Bettys".

Their subsequent books take them through personal and professional ups and downs as they try to find their own version of happiness and fulfillment in a world that is rapidly changing yet still closing many doors in their faces. It made me exasperated and sad but ultimately so thankful for the generations of women before us that kept showing up and pulling other women up along with them. While it was a fictional book set decades before today, I think many modern women will relate to the same struggles and frustrations.

May become one of my most recommended books of 2025!

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is an exploration of self-discovery, friendship, and the complexities of postwar American womanhood. Set in 1960s suburbia, the novel follows Margaret Ryan, a seemingly perfect housewife who, despite her picture-perfect life in Concordia, feels a gnawing emptiness of "wanting more". Everything changes when she meets Charlotte Gustafson, a free-spirited newcomer whose arrival sparks the creation of a book club that, unintentionally, becomes a lifeline for Margaret and her new friends - The Betty's!

The story is full of wit and laughter and love but it's also extremely deep and thought-provoking, as the women bond over their shared dissatisfaction with the roles society expects them to play. The reading of The Feminine Mystique at their bookclub becomes a catalyst for the women to confront the dissonance between the American Dream they’ve been sold and the reality of their inner lives. The friendships that form in this book club—Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv—are at the heart of the story, I adored the sisterhood between the Betty's so much.

What makes The Book Club for Troublesome Women particularly moving is its exploration of how women support each other, not just in good times, but in the moments of doubt and crisis that so often accompany personal growth. The women’s vulnerability, their laughter, and their messy, flawed selves make you ache for the kind of friendships that can weather any storm. At times reading this book honestly felt like a warm hug from my best friend.

I also dwelled a lot on the assertion that we are an impatient generation..we're always living for the next best thing, or i am anyway, dreaming of finding the one, moving in, getting engaged, then kids ~ always chasing happiness and fulfilment as if it's a tangible object when it's not, it's a choice, every waking day. "Pinnacle moments are exactly that, pulses of joy that usually don't last and are frequently accompanied by unforeseen complications". If you rely on these pinnacle moments to make you happy you'll spend your life chasing ghosts.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a beautiful tribute to the power of books to bring people together, it reminds you of the strength found in shared experiences, laughter, and above all, sisterhood.

I picked this book up, thinking that it would be something that would motivate a woman. But, guess what?, This is not only about women but about everyone who is struggling with identity crisis or just out there surviving!!

The story is about four women, who start a bookclub, start reading books and realize that they need to find themselves apart from being a wife and a mother. They recognise the need to notice themselves and to be happy.

📚 The story is set in 1963 and showcases that generation where women were considered to play the role of wife and mother only. They didn't even get enough opportunities to do what they wanted to do, so couldn't earn, had to focus on their children, their household and in turn were judged for asking for money.
📚 There are several political indicidents marked in the book, that roots the story back in that generation.
📚 The life of the women back then were tough and the story highlights things such as - Racism, husbands insulting their wives, husbands accepting that they hate their job, children, pregnancies, difficulty in conceiving, depression, sending children off to college, infidelity, fight of being something, marriage fights and struggle to be together, forgiving and the toughest of the times 'getting divorced'.
📚 The plot beautifully covers the story of all four women, giving enough justice to individual stories by connecting them to their past.
📚 The best part is the end, where the character's whereabouts are shown 30 years later. It completed the story in full circle.

I never knew that I would pickup something dated in past era but looks like this story was perfect!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the free book in exchange for my honest review.

Its the 1960s and four suburban housewives from different walks of life form an unbreakable bond through their book club, forever altering the course of their lives.

I loved that the first book that the women read is the The Feminine Mystique which focuses on the core issue of these housewives and their dissatisfaction with domestic life. With the radical socio and economic changes headed their way, the reader gets a front row seat into the characters lives as they face motherhood, community and feminism. The Bettys are very likeable and relatable. This is a fast paced and entertaining read!

Highly recommend!

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick is an engaging and thought-provoking read. Set in the 1960s, it follows four suburban housewives who form a book club and discover the transformative power of Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique. As the women grapple with their personal struggles and societal expectations, their bond and the book spark significant growth and change in their lives. I couldn’t put it down—Bostwick beautifully captures the complexities of women’s lives during a time of social upheaval, highlighting the value of literature and sisterhood. This novel offers a compelling glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of women seeking fulfillment beyond the roles they were expected to play.

Margaret Ryan, a housewife in the sixties forms a book club with a few women in the neighborhood. She goes outside her comfort zone and invites Charlotte a new neighbor relocated from the “big city” - Charlotte will come if she can pick the book. This is the begin of the Betty’s.

This story is a fantastic look into the life of a woman in the 1960s. The expectations society puts upon them and what women are expected too tolerate from the world around them. These women find friendship and support and challenge expectations pushed onto them. It was a great story and the characters are relatable- a great read!

Such a good book! I love that it followed different women who had very different lives. It was so nice to see this side of motherhood and see the side of women being more than mothers. It highlighted how women are so much more than just their wife/mom boxes. Found family trope!

I really enjoyed this book! It activated my feminine rage without a doubt. This is such an important read because we need to remember how much women before us have fought for us to be where we are today.

I fell in love with the characters and they were so relatable in so many ways. I think every woman will be able to identify one way or the other with one or several of these characters.

Marie is an incredible writer and I was completely enthralled from start to finish! This was such a wonderful read!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus, Harper Muse and Marie Bostwick for giving me an ARC of this incredible book!