Thank you to Get Red PR Books for the opportunity to read this e-ARC! Sara Confino is one of my favorite authors, and once again she knocked it out of the park. I laughed out loud more than once (okay, more than five times), and I couldn’t put this one down.

Barbara Feldman has been a widow for two years. She’s finally starting to feel ready to reclaim her space… until her mother-in-law shows up with enough luggage to move in, and no plans to leave. What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt battle of wills as Barbara decides to marry her MIL off to get her out of the house, only to realize her MIL might be playing matchmaker for her too. The banter between these two women is laugh-out-loud funny, sharp, and filled with so much heart.

It’s a story about grief, healing, unexpected second chances, and the chaos that family can bring, in the best and worst ways. And fans of Behind Every Good Man will definitely want to keep an eye out for a fabulous cameo from Beverly Diamond 👀💎

If you love smart, funny women’s fiction with big-hearted characters and sharp wit, Good Grief belongs on your TBR immediately.

Sara is one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed this light, fun but heartfelt book. I will be recommending this to my book loving friends! Thank you for the arc!

This was a delightfully funny and heartwarming story about love, loss, and wild family dynamics. The story takes place 2 years after Barbara’s husband passed away - her mom finally moved out and she comes home to find her mother in law, Ruth, moving right in. We follow Barbara as she navigates life as a single mother set on being able to do it all herself. The growth and happiness Barbara is able to find is endearing and had me laughing out loud. Sara made even the most aggravating character so lovable and had me rooting for Ruth the whole time. So easy to read and overall just a really great time! Good Grief comes out August 26, 2025.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the eARC!

An enjoyable story following the life of a widow as she struggles to assert her independence and move on. Including drama, historical fiction, and romance elements this will leave you feeling hopeful.

Two years after the sudden death of her husband, Barbara Feldman is ready to emerge into the world again. When her mother-in-law, Ruth, arrives at her door, ready to move in, Barbara finds it impossible to tell her no. Soon Ruth is creating chaos trying to find a new husband for her daughter-in-law, while Barb is trying to find a way to politely kick her to the curb.

I always count on Sara Goodman Confino to deliver a laugh-out-loud story filled with humor and heart. Whether set in the present, like For the Love of Friends, or deep in the past like Behind Every Good Man, it is impossible not to find yourself utterly charmed with both the setting and the story, but even more so, with the quirky and relatable characters that fill the pages. And Good Grief is no exception.

The story of a widower and single mom living with her matchmaker mother-in-law felt so unique and ripe for a character-rich story, but one also filled with emotional depth. After all, both of our MCs are dealing with the grief they feel over the loss of one man, son, and husband. The comedy of errors that ensues, along with the mother/mother-in-law balancing act that many can relate to, made the story simultaneously entertaining and engaging. By the end, I found myself shedding tears, a sign that I had developed a significant connection to both Barbara and Ruth.

Read if you like:
▪️1960s suburbia
▪️second chance at love
▪️stories about overcoming grief
▪️found family
▪️humorous fiction
▪️feel-good stories
▪️The Odd Couple

Thank you Amazon Publishing for the advanced copy.

Sometimes I crave a fix with my drug of choice, a Sara Goodman Confino novel. I discovered this author last year, when I read EVERY GOOD MAN. Now, she’s done it again with GOOD GRIEF, that publishes August 26, 2025. This author creates unique characters, each with a distinctive voice, who are so relatable. None of them are perfect, but each is dealing with one of life’s trials.

GOOD GRIEF takes us along on a journey with Barbara and her mother-in-law, both consumed by grief. Even though the theme is grieving a death, this author buffers the saddest emotion in a coat of funny dialogue and situations. The life message is there for all of us, artfully hidden in the relationship of these two women. Neither one has to go it alone on the journey to healing. And who knows? They just might find joy in an otherwise sad passage of life.

Reading Sara Confino’s flawless narrative, woven with such real human emotion, is nothing less that therapy in itself. Don’t you need a shot of “feel good?”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫/5. Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino. I love this author! If you haven’t read any of her fabulous novels yet, you should definitely toss one in your beach bag! Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. It’s released in August. It’s 1963, and Barbara Feldman is navigating widowhood. Her husband died suddenly in his early 30s, leaving Barbara with two young children and a broken heart. Her mom was living with her to help out, and she’s now finally on her own, ready to handle her new reality. Suddenly, her mother-in-law Ruth shows up for a visit….with 5 suitcases. Ruth herself was a young widow and now she’s a grieving mother. Barbara feels like she can’t say anything, however Ruth’s visit turns into a months long occupancy. How will these two broken hearted women make it work? Will they find friendship? New love even? Great read and one that must go in your beach bag! Thumbs up! #bookstagram #reading #books #bookgram #bookworm #whatsinyourbeachbag #saragoodmanconfino #whatiread #libbyapp #netgalley #goodreads

🎧Song Pairing: The End of The World - Skeeter Davis

💭What I thought would happen:

I thought loss of a parent or husband and the MC goes on a wild adventure. I did not think the luggage belonged to the mother of the dead husband. Because if my MIL came to be with me wellllll….it would actually be fine (she’s a delight)

📖What actually happens:

😭Loss of a husband
👵🏻MIL comes to stay
✡️Jewish rep
✌🏻1960s

🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:

I shall follow Sara into the fires of Mordor if she wants. So obviously I had no chill when I got this on my NetGalley.

I liked it! I flew through it in a day. Was it Behind Every Good Man? Nooooo (but there was a cameo from my fav woman in politics). Was it on brand with the rest of her books? Absolutely. I always align summer with a sassy Jewish woman on the 60s.

One of my favourite sub tropes or character additions is a little old lady that isn’t afraid to say what she’s thinking. They make for great comedy. Are they going to destroy you with their candour or make you weep with their death? Grannies 4eva

Pick it up. Pick all of her books of mmmk?!

Sara always brings on a flood of emotions for me and I loved every single one of them in this book. I loved the way she wrote the different experiences of grief and how they are unique to each person. I also loved the process of growth and learning to live and love again. It's heartbreaking, but also beautiful. She also includes her trademark sense of humor and quirky brand of family drama that I adore (IYKYK). If you haven't read any of her books yet, this is a great one to start with.

Good Grief, is a book about new beginnings, and all the feels, one might feel. The characters are very loveable, (well most are), and they will definitely grow on you! There are lots of shenanigans, and fun to keep you wanting to read more! Loved it so much!

Such a delightful book with tons of humor even though it involves a heavy topic. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

There’s one word to describe Good Grief: SPECIAL. Only a truly talented storyteller like Sara Goodman Confino can take a story about grief and turn it into a page-turning, funny, and heartwarming tale with an amazing cast of characters.

Two years after the loss of her husband, Barbara has picked herself up and is moving forward. And her mother-in-law Ruth is the last thing Barbara didn’t even ask for. But Good Grief is about the countless ways people show up for you, when you don’t ask or even believe you need any help. This is a beautiful portrayal of grief; it is uplifting and empowering. It’s never too heavy, there are plenty of comedic moments thrown in thanks to a meddling mother-in-law. Many shenanigans be shenaniging.

There is top-notch Jewish representation. There is Jewish food galore, familiar customs and the way a character takes on antisemitism was truly a balm to my soul. I loved it all.

I was not ready for Good Grief to end!!!

You must pick up this book when it releases 8/26! And if you haven’t yet read Sara’s books, then you’re doing it wrong! Get on it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NG for the ARC!

And thank goodness Sara has already announced her next book, Off The Record, will be releasing June 2026. The countdown begins now!

sometimes funny, sometimes sad, Good Grief will touch your heart in so many good ways. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop and I actually read this one in a weekend. The writing is so expressive and easy to fall into. Barbara is optimistic but also scared of moving on. I loved how she found purpose working at the local hospital while her kids were in school. I definitely could relate to how she lived her life and parented her kids. She was way more patient with her mother in law than I think I could be, and her mother in laws antics had me gasping out loud more than once. I also found it really interesting that there was a bit of dialogue about how the grandparents in the book grew up during the depression, and how Barbara was raising her kids differently then she was raised, not having to live in a depression. This is such a great story and I am definitely recommending it. You might laugh, you might cry, but I bet you'll enjoy this one!

Good Grief
by Sara Goodman Confino
Release Date: August 26th
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

🗨️"If I'd had it all to do again, the only thing I would have changed is I would have tried to take in more of the JOY that we had".

🌼Imagine this:
You are a newly widowed mother in the 1960's who is ready to say goodbye to your mom's help and learn how to navigate your new normal when your mother in law shows up unexpectedly at your door!
Even though it centers around two characters dealing with grief, the story is both tender and very funny. It was just the type of read I was looking for during vacation!

☀️Highlights:

* short chapters
* Jewish representation
* mother in law and daughter in law relationship
*grief
*no harsh language or spice
*heartwarming and humorous

👍I have never read anything by Sara Goodman Confino before but I will certainly be adding all of her backlist books to my TBR.

Thanks to @lakeunionauthors
@netgalley and @saraconfino
for the chance to read this one. It will be among my favorites of the year 😊

What an absolutely delightful book. I really enjoyed the way the characters interacted as well as the relationships that developed throughout the book. The ending was satisfying without being sappy.

The way the characters were written for the timeframe(1963) including the children was very appropriate.

I always devour every book that this author writes and cannot wait to read her next one!

It's 1963 and it's been two years since Barbara's husband Harry died of a heart attack and left her with two young children. Just when Barbara is finally reading to stop relying on her mother (who had moved in to help) and sent her home ready to start her new independent life, her mother-in-law Ruth shows up with all of her worldly belongings and moves in. Ruth lost her own husband from a heart attack when Harry was young and feels she can help Barbara. While Barbara tries to get rid of Ruth as quickly as possible (even trying to marry her off), Ruth is trying to get Barbara to date anyone Ruth sees as a potential husband. As the two learn to live with, tolerate, and love each other, Barbara realizes that maybe being able to cope on her own isn't what she needs, but to have the right people around her to help is the key.

I read this one super slowly, and I think it's because I didn't really want to be done with it (also life got in the way of my reading). I adored so much about this book, Confino writes with such humor and heart that I love visiting the worlds she creates (they always have a bit a of a Mrs. Maisel quality to them - young, smart and funny Jewish women in the 1960s). I really appreciate when Jewish representation isn't at the forefront of the story but easily woven into the fabric of the novel. I was sad to finish this sweet novel and am glad that I have two more backlist read of Confino's before I really have to patiently wait for her next book.

4.25 stars

Thank you to Lake union and NetGalley for the ARC to review

I can ALWAYS count on Sara Goodman Confino for a cute, feel-good, yet relatable book. This one focuses on Barbara, a young widow, and her wild adventures when her mother-in-law, Ruth, moves in. I found myself laughing out loud at Ruth's commentary and their growing relationship warmed my heart as the book progressed. Sara - I will read whatever you write as your book releases are always the highlight of my year (and because I'm a fellow Montgomery County girl!)

Sara Goodman Confino does it again! Another story of a strong Jewish woman forging her own path in a time where this was not the norm. I love Sara's characters and Barbara and Ruth really gave me such a kick - their dynamic was fun and engaging (and enraging at times)! I really enjoy that Confino writes older characters and not the 20-somethings so prevalent these days!

Last year I loved Behind Every Good Man by Sarah and of course was very much excited to read Good Grief. I went in with a huge expectation to read another excellent book and luckily that expectation was fulfilled! I loved the characters, the banter, the humour and everything around the story. I found the journey Barbara and Ruth were on to find back into their lives and not just to function after Harry’s passing very real and refreshing.
The characters in detail are Barbara, who is a mother of 2 and tries to juggle her kids and her job in the early 1960s as a widowed mother. She is strong and feels almost real like a person that could live in one’s neighbourhood. Ruth, who is stubborn and set in her ways. She grieves for her son and while doing that makes her daughter in law’s life difficult but enriches it at the same time. And last but not least as honourable mention, Eddie, who is the most friendly human and deeply cares for Barbara and her family. He is such a good side character!
This book describes and deals with grief in its very own way and I loved that it wasn’t the classical ‘sad’ story but quite inspiring in some way. All in all I really appreciate the book and am glad that it lived up to my expectations.

Sara Goodman Confino has another hit with Good Grief! When a book can make me both laugh and cry, you know that the story and its characters are ones that I will remember for a long time.

It’s 1963. Barbara’s husband died very young, two years before the book starts. This hit home for me, as I lost a dear cousin that way (his father also had a bad heart and he inherited it, just like in this book). Barbara has two young children and her mother came to stay with her (FOR TWO YEARS!!) while she tried to pick up the pieces of her life. Barbara is finally ready to resume life without her mother’s 24-7 presence, and then her mother-in-law Ruth shows up without warning - with a lot of suitcases. Ruth obviously plans to stay for quite a while, and Barbara initially can’t wait to get her out of her home. Of course, things change. Gradually.

Confino explores grief, of course, but also learning to accept help from others, the value of community, appreciating the little moments of joy, the value of empathy, and more. She explores the difficulties of single parenthood, which is still a concern today. She also illuminates the limitations put on women in 1963 and beyond, in both personal life and in the workplace. I’m significantly younger than Barbara, but I still remember how stinging some of these things were, when I was just starting out (like not being able to get a department store credit card in my name or having to start as a secretary despite by college degree) and the discomfort of having to wear things like stockings and a garter belt!

The misguided efforts at matchmaking truly made me laugh. Another plus for me was the matter-of-fact Jewish representation. So refreshing. And if you’ve read some of her other books, you’ll be delighted at the mentions of characters you know from those books - and an appearance by one of them!

My husband and I listened to the audiobook version during a recent road trip and we were both entranced and absorbed in the story. Helen Laser did a great job with all the accents and voices.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book and to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.