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.

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.

Loved! Sara Goodman Confino has become an author whose every book is a must read for me! I have read every one of her books and loved every one. Her stories are full of strong, inspiring woman and always with some humor and heartwarming moments.

Another book by this author that I very much enjoyed.
I enjoyed in getting to know each character especially the elder Mrs. Feldman. My heart really went out to her.
But there were times that she had that special magic with people. I really admired that about her.
There were places that I snickered because of Pepper the dog. Smart dog lol.
Grief is hard at times. Times they sneak in when you least expect it.
I can't imagine how to live without a spouse but that's why I admired the younger Mrs. Feldman.
This book really was adorable. I didn't want it to end.
I'm giving this book 5 stars for keeping me interested throughout the book. I highly recommend. I just adore her stories!
My thanks for a copy of this wonderful book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Have a box of tissues nearby just in case.

4 Stars – Funny, Charming, and Full of Heart

Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino is an entertaining blend of humor and heart set in the 1960s. The story centers around a young widow whose well-meaning but overbearing mother-in-law moves in—uninvited—prompting a hilarious and heartfelt clash of generations and personalities. While the daughter-in-law navigates grief, single motherhood, and the question of whether she’s ready to date again, the widowed MIL, stuck in her ways, tries to “help” with often misguided but well-intentioned efforts.

It’s a heartwarming read with lovable characters, a thoughtful look at love, loss, and forgiveness, and the sharp wit that readers have come to expect from Confino.

In "Good Grief," bestselling author Sara Goodman Confino delivers a charming and heartwarming tale of family, grief, and unexpected friendships. Set in 1963, the novel follows Barbara Feldman, a widow navigating life two years after her husband's death while raising two children. Just as Barbara begins to emerge from her cocoon of grief, her mother-in-law, Ruth, arrives unannounced with five suitcases in tow, seeking a place to stay. Ruth, a widow and grieving mother herself, is abrasive yet well-meaning, and her visit quickly extends from days to weeks. As the tension of cohabitation mounts, Barbara devises a plan to find Ruth a new husband and send her packing. In a twist of fate, Barbara discovers that Ruth is plotting the same matchmaking scheme for her, leading to an unexpected bond between the two women as they navigate their shared grief and hope for new beginnings.

Despite "Good Grief" not being my usual type of read, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the journey with Barbara and Ruth. Confino's writing is engaging and light-hearted, skillfully balancing humor with the more profound themes of loss and healing. The characters are relatable and vividly drawn, making it easy to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. I connected deeply with their journey, experiencing the ups and downs of their personal growth and evolving relationship, which I found both moving and genuine. This novel is a testament to the power of family and friendship in overcoming life's challenges.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars! I just loved this heartwarming story about love and loss and how to move on. Barbara and her mother-in-law Ruth are two strong female characters that the reader falls in love with pretty quickly. Ruth certainly makes her presence a bit challenging in the beginning. I laughed out loud a few times. I truly enjoy that it takes place in the 1960’s and the reader is reminded how far we have come on certain issues including women’s rights. Another unputdownable SGC read!

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When you pick up a Sara Goodman Confino book you know you’re getting VERY likable characters, and dialogue that actually makes me laugh. Characters were great and I thought it was a good plot of grief and moving on, while not “needing” a man.

I love this author and I loved this book!!! Such a wonderful story between a daughter in law and mother in law. It was sad and happy and fun! I have loved everything by Sarah Goodman Confino! She’s one of my favorites!

In my opinion, Sara Goodman Confino can do no wrong. I love how she makes her characters feel so real. This book takes place in the 1960s (before I was born) but yet all of the characters are so relateable to me. Confino's books are Historical Fiction but not the usual wartime Historical Fiction which is refreshing after reading so many wartime books.

I would recommend this book to anyone except those who struggle with setting boundries with family members. Big shout out to my friend Angie for letting me know this was a Read Now on NetGalley! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced readers copy!

I don't find myself reading many books that are set in different time periods UNLESS its written by Sara Goodman Confino. I love the women she creates from the '60s. A time period where women didn't always have autonomy? Hopefully that makes sense. They're just strong, brave women.

I found myself annoyed by Barbara's MIL when the story started, like HOW DARE YOU LADY?! But keep reading and you'll understand. I just love the heartwarming nature of this story, the realization that sometimes you do need help (even when you think you don't) and Eddie. Boy Eddie was the best.

Recommend reading if you like to laugh and (happy) cry. Read if you want a tender, heartwarming story about life after loss.

Sara Goodman Confino does it again. While I have enjoyed all her books, the ones set in the 60s are some of my favorite books. This one is no different. It had comedy, heart and the way Sara wrote about multigenerational grief was truly beautiful. 5/5 stars.

Sara does it again! I've been a huge fan of her books and was thrilled to get early access to an ARC on Netgalley. This book did not disappoint. It was a heartfelt escape from reality. Just like her other books, I couldn't put it down once I started. The book looks at the relationships between mother and daughter-in-laws, widowhood, grief and family. It will make you laugh and feel hopeful at the second chances at love and family. I highly recommend it to everyone. Please add this to your list. You'll be glad you did.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake House publishing for the ARC.

Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino is a touching, heartwarming story, published by Lake Union Publishing.
Literally unputdownable and fantastic how the h handels her own grief and that from other family members too.

Unfortunately for me this was not my cup of tea .

I was really looking for more of a connection on this one .This could just be me , but I really struggled to connect or relate to the characters.

Barbara is a widow of two very young children and its been two years since her husband's passing and now she is ready to take on the world .Until someone shows up at her door with 5 suitcases and is ready to move in ...her mother in-law.

Instantly Ruth the mother in-law is overstepping and the war between to two woman begins. While the author was trying to be comical , I just had a hard time to find the humor . I felt the actions from Ruth at 60 years of age which is only 10 years older than me unrealistic , and instead of making me laugh , it fueled my anger and maybe that was the point .

The book is set in the early 1960's and is a journey between to woman who are complete opposites, but yet have so much in common.
This book is about woman friendships and how everyone grieves differently and HOPE .

I think alot of people will enjoy this read , but just didn't hit it out of the park for me .

Thanks you Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and Sara Goodman Confino for this light hearted ARC.

Respectfully Another Read by Angie

When Barbara’s mother-in-law, Ruth, moves in with her and the kids, the chaos begins! Good Grief is about two widows trying to navigate daily life without their husband/son, and Ruth does everything you can imagine NOT wanting her help with. This book hooks you in so many different ways- how to deal with family, parenting, charity, women’s rights

Sara Goodman Confino writes amazing women’s fiction. It’s heartwarming and hilarious. The book had the perfect ending but still leaves me yearning for more of these characters, and hopeful they’ll appear in her next book.