The relationship that takes place between Barbara and Ruth is so well told. Most of us have been there with mother in laws. Not necessarily wanting them around but knowing, deep down, that we do indeed need them. Ruth reminded me of my own for sure. I have no complaints about this book and can’t wait to get my copy when it’s in the stores.

I really enjoyed reading this book. As always, the author develops her characters very well. They all have interesting qualities and provide humor throughout the book. The reader continues to learn about the characters and how their background explains their actions throughout the book. The plot moves quickly and is very well thought out and written. The chapters are appropriate length as they all take on a new problem that adds to the overall plot. The ending is appropriate as the story draws to a natural close. All the books from this author that I have read give insight to culture and historical time periods.

I am a big fan of SGC books. I’ve read them all! I love the setting, the era she writes in, the strong female characters breaking stereotypes and the comedic tones. This one just wasn’t really for me.

I couldn’t get past the things Ruth did and how Barbara continued to let them happen. It was so over the top for me that I found myself eye rolling. Not even the nicest person trying to be respectful of her late husband’s mother would have tolerated that. Barbara would get angry and then “be over it” within minutes. It didn’t read comedic to me.

I put the book down for a week and almost DNF because I couldn’t connect to either character. But because I love SGC, I decided to power through. I did enjoy the 2nd half of the book much more as both women grew and connected. However, even that resolution seemed quick, convenient and unbelievable given the atrocious things Ruth had done. I just needed Barbara to have more personality or a backbone.

The book was well written and at times very funny. I was touched by the themes for grief and loneliness. Overall, it just wasn’t for me.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley. It will be published in August 2026

Sara can do no wrong. Every book I read from her is my new favorite, this one being no exception. I love the way her female characters are written, especially the relationship between the women in her stories. I loved the cameo with Beverly! You hit it out of the park again! Can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC of Good Grief!

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🧳 have ever overstayed your welcome
❤️ are secretly in love with your best friend’s brother
🔥 were ever fired without cause
🐶 believe puppies can heal broken hearts

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

It’s 1963, two years since Barbara Feldman’s husband died. Raising two kids, she’s finally emerging from her cocoon of grief. Not yet a butterfly, but she’s anxious to spread her wings.

Then one day her mother-in-law, Ruth, shows up on her doorstep with five suitcases, expecting a room of her own with a suitable mattress. Abrasive and stuck in her ways yet well meaning, Mother Ruth arrives without warning to help with the children. How can Barbara say no to a woman who is not only a widow herself but also a grieving mother? As Ruth’s prickly visit turns from days to weeks to what seems like forever, Barbara realizes Ruth has got to go. But Barbara has an ingenious plan: introduce Ruth to some fine gentlemen and marry her off as fast as she can.

Soon enough, something tells Barbara that Ruth is trying to do the same for her. At least they’re finding common ground—helping each other to move forward. Even if it is in the most unpredictable ways two totally different women ever imagined.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

I haven’t met a book by Sara I haven’t loved yet! This was another amazing novel with a great cast of characters. Sara has an incredible way of bringing her characters to life in a way that makes me feel I could reach right out and touch them. They are always so realistic, down to earth, and never without their many flaws, yet I always love them. I enjoyed this storyline as well. The title was puny in that this family is experiencing grief over the death of a spouse, father, and son, but that goodness can come from it. I also enjoyed the mentions of characters from her prior books thrown in! I love those kinds of Easter eggs. Preorder this one today!

Another 5 star from Sara Goodman Confino. This book was so beautiful and heartwarming. Her writing makes you feel like you are living in the book and I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with Ruth and Barbra’s relationship. Great read that I didn’t want to end.

Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino
Publishing date - 08/26/25
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved it! Sara Goodman Confino has done it again. Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC. Good Grief is a heartwarming story about love , loss , and how to move on. I could not put this one down. Stayed up late to finish. Memorable characters … would love to see them show up in another book. Highly recommend this one when it releases in August.

@saraconfino hope to see you at Park Books for your next book tour 😊

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC. I absolutely adored this. Such a wonderful story about family coming together and moving on after loss. The characters were wonderful and I loved seeing characters from old books, My favorite from this author and I’ve read all of her books. 4.5 stars.

Another fabulous read by Sara Goodman Confino! Sucked me right in and I loved every page!! Each book tops the one before! Such great historical fiction - love it!

I love reading Sara’s books! The Jewish trope is awesome and caters to all reading levels! I would like it to be a bit more sophisticated in the writing style, but I love supporting her writing! Keep the books with Jewish characters coming!!!

Another fun and endearing story from Sara Goodman Confino, filled with a strong female cast and hidden references to her previous books. A quick and enjoyable read.

I adore Sara Goodman Confino's book and this is no exception. She does it again. I love how she makes characters so relatable, kind and real. There were so many funny parts that made me love the characters even more. When Ruth appeared, I couldn't tell where it was going, but I'm so glad Ruth stuck around. She was blunt, thoughtful and in the end, the perfect person Barbara needed at the time. This book is amazing and I can't say enough wonderful things about it. Read it!!!

"Good Grief" by Sara Goodman Confino is a captivating exploration of female relationships, showcasing the author's talent for crafting multidimensional characters whose flaws ultimately contribute to their strength.

Confino excels at weaving a beautiful narrative centered around the complex dynamics between two strong women. The story unfolds with nuance and authenticity, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters' journeys. What makes this book particularly compelling is how the author portrays realistic imperfections in her characters while demonstrating how these very flaws become integral parts of their resilience and growth.

For readers who appreciate character-driven narratives that explore the depth and complexity of human connections, "Good Grief" delivers a satisfying and thought-provoking experience. This is definitely a book worth recommending to anyone who enjoys stories about authentic relationships and personal growth.

I love Sara Goodman Confino, both as an author and as a person.

Don’t Forget to Write is one of my favorite books ever. But I don’t feel like Good Grief was anywhere as good as some of her other books.

It kept my attention and I finished in about 2-3 days, so I’m not saying it wasn’t good at all. It just wasn’t as good as I was expecting.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

Sara Goodman Confino strikes again with another charming, emotional story where I fell in love with the characters. I laughed many times, cried a bit, and overall feel grateful to have experienced this sweet story. Very much recommend!

This book was a great book, but I will say not my favorite from this author. It took me a bit to get pulled in and connect with the characters however once I did I cried and laughed! Gives you the ability to really look at all perspectives and not quickly judge how others react to trauma. I love the relationship the daughter and mother in law ended up having.

A book about grief, family, females, boundaries, coming together and finding common ground. Barbara lost her husband two years ago and her mother moved in to help her and the kids. When she moves out, that same day, her mother-in-law moves in. Some funny moments occur but lots of boundaries are pushed, You will have to read to see how it turns out. The characters in these books are always fun and witty. The writing is superb and I am always left feeling happy in the end.

I had the honor of receiving an advance copy of Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino.
What a fun story! Another classic set in the 60s by Sara Goodman Confino. This book takes you back to a time that mirrors today’s unexpected loss. With a surprise visit from her mother-in-law, the two come together just as many mother and daughter-in-laws do with Their digs at cooking, raising children, and dealing with their common loss.
Beautifully written as Sara Confino does, she takes us back to a time that still could be today, minus the garter pantyhose. lol
Finding a forgiving heart with an in-law is sometimes hard, in this story, having grace and compassion the two were able to find love. A fun read with a steady flow in a story that had all the feels!!
I enjoyed this book very much.
My only note would be that Ruth was only 59 and until I read her age I had her in my mind at 70+.
I did not agree with the part; “taking a picnic and not being able to stand up at age 59.”
(I’m 56) lol

Another wonderful read. Never a disappoint with Sara Confino.
Thank you NetGalley.

Barbara is a 32 year old widow with something to prove. In the wake of her husband’s death, his mother moves in with Barbara and her children. But, who really gets along with their mother-in-law, *especially* if she’s a live in MIL? Yeah, exactly.

Having also recently read and loved Meredith Schoor’s Roommating, I’m finding this age-gap female friendship trope to be really something special. Confino has been bringing this energy throughout her writing career. We had Jenna/Evelyn in She’s Up to No Good (I think still my favorites!) and Marilyn/Ada in Don’t Forget to Write. In this particular novel, Ruth is the mother of Barbara’s late husband and every bit as awful as a stereotypical mother in law should be. But, Ruth has moved in and, therefore Ruth and Barbara must learn to coexist. They have to learn it for each other, for the children, and for Harry; Barbara’s late husband and Ruth’s late son.

One thing I’ve come to love about Sara Goodman Confino’s writing is her humor. I was a little nervous on this one because I felt like the lead in was much more serious than others (see: Synagogue in Don’t Forget to Write or Office in Behind Every Good Man), but no need to worry there’s still plenty of laughter and love to be had in this one.

Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own.