Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino was an uplifting and satisfying story of grief, moving on, and unexpected family ties. Two years after Barbara's husband passed away, she finally has her home to just her and her two school-aged children after her mother moves back home. Except the very next day, her mother-in-law, Ruth, shows up with five suitcases and no intention of leaving. Ruth works her way into Barbara and her children's lives, while Ruth schemes a way to get Ruth to leave. And while Ruth does everything with love, it is very misguided at times (lasagna in the eggs? weird wallpaper?) and I felt for Barbara through it all! Eventually, they come to an understanding, both as widows and as women who have lost quite a bit in their lives. The review so far makes it sound kind of heavy, but it was mostly light-hearted throughout, showing Goodman Confino's talent. There's some light romance and workplace difficulty intertwined, but the main focus is the relationship between Barbara and Ruth. The kids are sweethearts with a bit of mischief and play a secondary role. I really adored this book, and look forward to exploring the author's backlist in the future.
Thank you, Get Red PR and Sara Goodman Confino, for the advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.

Sarah Goodman Confino is always a consistent hit and this was no different. Barbara Feldman is navigating life as a single mom in the 1960s after her husband passed away; but along comes her mother in law to “help her”. These ladies navigate their new life together and secretly try to fix the other. It’s a loving family story that explores an unexpected dynamic between family after a death. Highly recommend for those who enjoy light hearted stories without a big romance component but yet still have significant character development. .

I found Sara Goodman Confino through my online book club through Peloton. I have previously read her books "Don't Forget to Write" and "Behind every Good Man" so I was super excited to receive an advanced copy of this through NetGalley. Sara Goodman Confino is such a sweet person, she allowed us to have her on our book club's zoom platform. She answered every question and has just the best personality and had us all laughing. We are definitely all fans! This story was another 5 star read for me! I love the dual timelines and her strong women characters and sassy banter. Her families always play such an important in her stories, and this story was no different. This story will warm your heart and have you laughing out loud with the wit. There is also plenty of romance. Make sure to add this to your TBR.

As someone who loves a historical women’s fiction, I’m always eager to read Sara’s work. “Good Grief” is set in the 60’s and that’s a time period I’m a bit fascinated by. Especially when it comes to a woman’s role in society and her household. And Sara always delivers when it comes to this time in US history. Plus her leading ladies always have a bit of spice in them.

Before I jump into what didn’t work for me, I want to praise the Jewish representation in Confino’s books. I look forward to her writing as a Jewish author because I always take something new away from her characters and their cultural heritage.

Unfortunately, in “Good Grief” I absolutely loathed Ruth, the meddling mother-in-law, and struggled cheering for Barbara. I found her ability to tolerate Ruth’s interference time and time again in conflict with this very capable person. She would accept (what I see as) a lukewarm apology from Ruth only to turn around and deal with yet another incident of overstepping and disrespect. The back and forth felt very much like a never ending cycle of emotional sabotage.

I had thought this book would be more about Barbara growth and resilience after a heartbreaking loss, but it ended up being a story I found myself struggling to enjoy. I often thought to myself “good grief, not this again” which I don’t think was Confino’s intention for readers.

I enjoyed this feel-good heartwarming story about Barbara and her mother in law, both widows who are trying to help each other out. Both humorous and touchingly real. Great characters.

Washington, D.C. - 1963

It has been two years now since Barbara Feldman, 32, lost her husband, Harry to a sudden heart attack. She has her children Susie, 8, and Bobby, 6, to raise. Her mother has been living with her for this period of time to help and comfort her but now Barbara feels like she is ready to be on her own. So, today her mother has left to return to her own home.

In order to help keep herself active, Barbara first started volunteering at a hospital 4 days a week as a candy stripper but now has a permanent paid job 4 days a week. There she works with the nurses schedules and they have all come to rely upon her.

The day her mother left, she decided to take the children to the zoo for the day. They had a great time until they drove home only to find her mother-in-law, Ruth sitting on the doorstep surrounded by numerous suitcases. Oh, joy! The woman, a widow herself declares that she has come to live with Barbara to help her. Gah! Just when Barbara thought she was going to be free, now she has this woman to contend with. It seems she lost her home so she can’t send her back.

Thus begins putting up with the woman’s awful cooking, changing her home around and nearly burning her kitchen down. Barbara is hoping she can match the woman up with someone and send her on her way. Problem is, Ruth is wanting to do the same thing for her. What now?

This book is so touching. We watch Ruth and Barbara, both strong women, come to a truce in their lives. Each has her own strong beliefs but they learn to accept and respect one another. There's sadness and humor here but there’s also a lot of love. I enjoyed how the author kept to the timeframe of the book. Well done!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I wouldn’t say I’m a mood reader but sometimes I want to read something specific. I love that I know what I’m getting every time I pick up a book from Sara. When I need something that lifts up my spirits, feels good but never sappy, has strong female characters, I know I can get that from one of her books. This one is no exception.

It’s 1963 and Barbara has been a widow for 2 years now. She’s ready to begin again on her own and sends her mother home after having her help since her husband’s death. Then, without an invitation, her mother-in-law arrives for an extended stay. I’m sure anyone with a prickly mother-in-law can imagine the trouble that ensues. There were laugh out loud moments and touching, feel good moments. There’s romance, self discovery, and grief handled in a sensitive but light hearted way.

Thank you @saraconfino @getredprbooks and Lake Union Publishers for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

SUMMARY: In this heartwarming novel set in 1963, Barbara Feldman is slowly emerging from her grief two years after her husband's death when her mother-in-law, Ruth, unexpectedly arrives intending to stay indefinitely. Ruth is well intentioned but she disrupts Barbara's routine as she helps with the kids. As the days stretch into weeks, Barbara realizes that Ruth's presence is more than she bargained for. Barbara begins to introduce Ruth to potential suitors, hoping to marry her off. But soon, the two women discover unexpected common ground, ultimately supporting each other in their journeys of healing and moving forward in life.

MY THOUGHTS: I thoroughly enjoyed this humorous women’s fiction novel. The characters were relatable, and I appreciated each woman’s unique perspective on her life’s journey. The 1960s setting added to the charm of the story; and I especially loved the helpfulness of the grocer and the friendliness of the neighbors. The lively narrative kept me engaged throughout. As someone who typically reads thrillers, this was a refreshing change of pace. I wholeheartedly give it five stars!

Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for access in exchange for my honest opinion.
I read Good Grief a few weeks ago when I was dogsitting outside of Boston. I was a little worried this book might be too sad, and I also had recently finished another book about grieving (Gracie Harris is Under Construction by Kate Hash - highly recommend that one, too!), but there was no basis for those worries. The book focuses on the healing part of a grief journey. I found myself laughing out loud (something I do NOT usually do) while reading this very relatable story about a well-meaning mother-in-law moving in with the main character and her two young children, the only family the mother-in-law has left, even though it’s set in the 1960s. Crazy antics like an accidental kitchen fire, some well-intentioned matchmaking, and a surprise puppy help to lighten the mood. And the way that Jewish culture is incorporated and celebrated is especially well done - and relevant to today. I recent receieved my preordered copy to add to my shelf of Sara’s bangers. If you haven’t yet read her books, do yourself a favor and pick them up - you can start anywhere! I have read and loved all of Sara's previous books, and this is another winner. There are some really fun connections to her other books, if you are a super fan like I am. And her next book comes out in June 2026 - we don't even have to wait a full year between releases 😍 Sara, keep doing what you're doing because I love it!!

A beautiful story of love and loss, and dealing with those in our lives who are difficult! Good Grief made me laugh and cry!

Another enjoyable read from Sara Goodman Confino! A small character crossover (blink and you’ll miss it), paired with heavy topics of grief, family, and moving forward. The story felt slightly repetitive at times, but overall a lovely read.

A heartfelt thank you to @saraconfino @amazonpublishing and @getredpr for the generously gifted e-book.

A captivating new novel by one of my favorite authors!

Set in 1963, this poignant story follows Barbara as she navigates the profound grief of her husband’s death while raising two young children. Just when she thinks she’s ready to move forward, her mother-in-law, Ruth, arrives with plans to stay indefinitely. Ruth’s abrasive nature tests Barbara’s patience, creating a tension that feels all too real. However, as they adjust to their new lives, these two women unexpectedly discover common ground and forge a bond that transforms their relationship.

Sara’s writing is nothing short of beautiful, it is heartfelt and evocative. Barbara emerges as a resilient character, juggling her responsibilities as a mother, her job, and her complicated relationship with Ruth in the tumultuous 1960s.

This story masterfully blends humor and warmth, tackling themes of grief and the pursuit of new beginnings. The evolution of Ruth and Barbara’s relationship, from initially overbearing to one filled with love and understanding, is truly touching. I was delighted by their attempts to set each other up on dates, resulting in both laugh-out-loud moments and poignant insights. My heart went out to both women as they navigated their journeys, and I found myself rooting for them to find romance.

The return of familiar characters from previous books added a layer of authenticity that enhanced the narrative beautifully.

This is an entertaining and uplifting tale about second chances that is sure to bring a smile to your face and perhaps a tear or two to your eye.

Notes while reading: Oh, I think this one is gonna my heart smile!

And now, I have another one to add to my heartwarming favorites! Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino is a touching story that takes sadness and heartbreak and shows us how two women found their muddled way through it.

Watching these two women help each other heal 😭 was beautiful. I loved Barbara's conversations with Harry. I loved how the women still respected each other while pushing each other to move outside of their comfort zones. I loved watching the women see the impact they both had on the community around them. Good Grief is such an uplifting story!

What's inside:
~ MIL antics
~ Golden retriever MC
~ Second chances
~ Touch of feminine rage
~ a friendly bird
~ Women supporting women

Read this if you like:
• Books set in the 60s
• Heartwarming reads
• Stories about overcoming grief
• Historical fiction vibes with a touch of romance

Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and @amazonpublishing for the complimentary copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own and provided voluntarily.

Sara Goodman Confino did the near impossible (again). She had my tears flowing for a book that was largely comical and hopeful. The tears? A little bit wistful and a whole lot grateful.

It’s 1963 in Washington, DC and Barbara is a young widow with two small children. Her beloved husband, Harry, has been gone two years and Barbara’s mother is heading back to Philadelphia after essentially living with Barbara since Harry’s passing. She finally feels ready to tackle life on her own and move forward.

Cue the plot twist … Barbara comes home to find Harry’s mother, Ruth, and her five large suitcases on the front doorstep. Ruth, a widow who lost her own husband young, is there to help; only her help isn’t wanted or helpful. Things go from irritating to infuriating with lots of hilarity in between. Barbara wants Ruth gone and Ruth has no intention of leaving. Fun times.

I loved this story of well intentioned women stumbling over themselves and each other through their shared grief as they both deal with losing the same man; one a husband and the other a son. Confino writes with humor and poignancy as she tackles the healing journey. She surrounds Barbara and Ruth with supporting characters who are delightful and exasperating; enriching the story.

The 1960s setting shows how things have changed for women while not changing enough. The pressure to do it all, juggle multiple roles, and still deal with misogyny and sexism is still a reality sixty years later. I love that Confino writes strong female characters who learn to find and use their voices.

This book made me miss my mom who put her own life on hold to stay with us for months after the birth of our twins. Her presence was overwhelming and comforting simultaneously and though ready for her to leave, I cried all the way home from the airport. It also made me long for my mother-in-law’s meddling and gentle digs disguised as helpful suggestions that Alzheimer’s stole from us. Sometimes you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone. ❤️

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

A wonderful and humorous story involving two main characters. Barbara Feldman and her mother-in-law Ruth. Beverly is a widow with two small children, whose husband died of a heart attack at a young age. She lives in metropolitan Washington DC, in the early 1960s. Her mother in law Ruth shows up on the front steps of her house with five suitcases, and moves into her home uninvited.

As the book title is Good Grief you can understand the book deals with grief and how different people deal with it in a different way. Barbara and Ruth don't see eye to eye about most things, especially regarding raising kids and soon Barbara is making a plan to help her move Ruth out of her house.

Good Grief is a captivating, beautiful book. I loved its warmth. I loved its humor. I loved its sincerity and authenticity. I loved the characters—even the annoying ones who mostly redeemed themselves. I especially enjoyed all of the shenanigans between Ruth and Barbara. Its been quite some time that I was amused throughout the story.

This was my first book I read by this author and it will most certainly NOT be my last. If you are looking for a heartwarming story with plenty of humor, then "Good Grief" is a book for you.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the complimentary ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

It's 1963 and Barbara is a widowed mother of two whose own mother helped her for a while but moves out two years after the death of Barbara's husband, Harry. Barbara is ready to figure out how to make it on her own, but as it turns out, her mother-in-law Ruth has other plans.

This was my first book by Sara Goodman Confino after wanting to read her books for a while. I see why so many people love her! As the title suggests, this one covers grief and life after loss. But it does so in a way that's full of heart, some hijinks, a touch of romance, and ultimately, hope. The side characters are endearing (Eddie!) and you can't help but root for Barbara.

I do think at moments I might not have been in the right mood for this to hit on all cylinders but it was a me thing, not the book. To be honest I think I struggled at times with the severity of the stunts that Ruth pulled! I did, however, especially enjoy the end, which I listened to on audio while commuting. I'd never actually listened to Helen Laser narrate before and I totally get why she's such a beloved narrator! As for the plot, I love how everything wrapped up.

I especially enjoyed the bond between Ruth and Barbara. If you're lucky, there's something special about being a daughter-in-law to a MIL who didn't have her own daughters. I thought the book captured that beautifully, along with the two characters' grief journeys after losing Harry. I also loved how the family's Jewish identity was incorporated throughout! All in all a lovely book - I'm glad I had the chance to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino

Sara Goodman Confino has done it again, Her books are my 5 stars, this is absolutely just as good. I can not recommend her books enough for everyone. Grieving widow Barbara, has finally determined she could be on her own with her kids, sending her own mother home. Until Ruth her also grieving mother in law came to help. As a person recently dealing with grief as well, I was afraid to read because I was not sure I was ready, but she has done such an amazing job with this story.

I enjoyed reading Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

I loved the writing and storyline, up until the point the mother-in-law got too triggering for me. I will definitely be reading other things by the author as I really enjoyed the writing up until that point.

Sara Goodman Confino has done it again with GOOD GRIEF! Warm, funny, and full of depth, she has such a gift for weaving humor and heart into her stories, and the 1960s setting made it even more fun to read. The characters felt real and their push-and-pull kept me hooked. Another smart, heartfelt novel from a writer I truly enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are entirely my own.