The Best Life Book Club
By Sheila Roberts
Publisher: Mira
Release Date: May 7, 2024
Reviewed by PJ
It started as a book club. It became a way to build a better life together.
Karissa Newcomb is ready for a new start in a new neighborhood, as far away as she can get from Seattle, where her husband cheated on her with the neighbor who was supposed to be her best friend. She and her nine-year-old daughter are moving on to the city of Gig Harbor on the bay in Puget Sound. She even has a new job as an assistant at a small publishing company right in Gig Harbor. Her new boss seems like a bit of a curmudgeon, but a job is a job, she loves to read, and the idea of possibly meeting writers sounds fabulous.
Soon she finds she’s not the only one in need of a refresh. Her new neighbors, Alice and Margot, are dealing with their own crises. Alice is still grieving her late husband and hasn’t been able to get behind the wheel of a car since a close call after his death. Margot is floundering after getting divorced and laid off in quick succession. They could all use a distraction, and a book club seems like just the ticket. Together, the three women, along with Alice’s grumpy older sister, Josie, embark on a literary journey that just might be the kick start they need to begin building their best lives yet.
PJ's Thoughts:
As someone who has met some of my dearest friends through a shared love of books, The Best Life Book Club by Sheila Roberts found a special place in this reader's heart.
Moving to a new city, especially as an adult, can be difficult. Making new friends, even harder. For these three new neighbors, and one's very cynical sister, books will hold the key to new friendships, new opportunities, new growth, forgiveness, healing, and, in some cases, romance.
I really enjoyed how Roberts explored these characters. She gives each woman the time and attention she deserves while also weaving their individual journeys together into a fabric of friendship, support, and new beginnings. I found myself cheering them all on, even the curmudgeon.
The book quotes at the beginning of each chapter are fun additions that set the tone for what's happening with - and to - the characters at that point in the story as well as cool Easter eggs for longtime Roberts readers. Muriel Sterling, anyone?
Books, what we learn from them and how they impact our lives, is a prevalent theme throughout this book. So too, is both humor and heart-tugging emotion. One thing I'm guaranteed when I pick up a Sheila Roberts book is that she will make me laugh and also touch my heart. It's an intoxicating combination. This book did both, keeping me eagerly reading from start to finish. It's one of my favorites from an author who always entertains.
Have you read any of Sheila Roberts' books?
Are you, or have you ever been, in a book club?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, May 8 will receive a print copy of The Best Life Book Club.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
Sheila Roberts is a new author for me. The story sounds wonderful and the author is having a book talk near where I live; unfortunately I will be away and not available to see her. I am a member of an online book club, Let’s Talk Romance, and Sheila Roberts was a guest author and I missed her visit. I am looking forward to reading this story and several of my fellow book club members have either read this or are planning to. Hope to hear her speak in the future.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue! I hope you're having a fabulous vacation. Can't wait to hear all about it. Hope you'll have an opportunity to meet Sheila in person one of these days.
DeleteI have read most of her books. She is one of my favorite authors. I belong to several online book clubs.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll enjoy this one too.
DeleteSheila Roberts's books are captivating and special. I belong to one book club for many years. This book would be greatly enjoyed and is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you enjoy her books too.
DeleteI have read several of Ms Roberts' books. I have enjoyed every one of them. She is such a talented author.
ReplyDeleteI tried joining a book club several years ago. I began to realize that the other members were appalled at my choice of books. They read "literature". I read "trash". The words they used did not call it trash, but they did use terms like "entertainment" as though it was a swear word. I read romance, mysteries, a few biographies and some history. I was not up to their intellectual standards. I live in Austin Texas and the University of Texas is here. I found that in this city, there are many people who find my kind of reading to be "less than".
Thanks for the review and as always - reminding me of all the wonderful books there are for me to read.
Don't get me started on people who think they have the right to judge someone else's choice of books. They are the "less than" in this equation (in my opinion).
DeleteYes i have and love all her books!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd i a member of a couple of on line book clubs.
It's been too long since I've read any of her books. I tried a book club once and got tired of only reading "intellectual literature" with depressing endings. I have better books to read during my reading time.
ReplyDeleteI've read Sheila's books. I've been in a book club.
ReplyDeletedenise
Sheila Roberts is my absolute favorite author! Her books are a must buy without even knowing what the story is about! I have never been in a book club. I love reading, but not talking about them.
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful. And yes, I have enjoyed many of Sheila's books. I have not been in a book club.
ReplyDeletePatoct
No I haven't been in a book club and I have read some of Sheila's books
ReplyDeleteI've searched my memory and my book log, and it appears I've never read her! From your review, I've obviously been remiss! I've belonged to various book clubs over the years, and I love the friendships I've made through them. But I also love the exposure to books I might otherwise have missed. I have a few friends who belong to different book clubs, and I'm always pestering them to tell me what THEIR clubs are reading!
ReplyDeleteReading now and loving!!
ReplyDeleteWe don't have book clubs around here. I do love her books!, Great review thanks
ReplyDeleteI love Sheila Roberts' books. She does such a wonderful job of weaving several people's story lines together. I started a book ckub at the library where I was the children's librarian. Actually working in a library is a bit like being in a giant book club. We find ourselves discussing and recommending books to people every day. I am certain I will love this book. All of her's I have read so far have been excellent.
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't read any of her books and I have not been in a book club.
ReplyDelete