I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. I loved how the chapters alternated between past and present and it was such an emotional story that kept you guessing how it was going to be concluded. Tissues needed!

This book was impressive. It was sad, it was happy, it showed that you don't always know the whole story so you shouldn't judge. It's never to late to get the whole story and leaves hope that maybe one can rediscover their past.

I absolutely loved this book. I like how it was written in two separate times, and I didn't feel like either past or present was missing anything from the storyline, as many books do. I've read two books by Emily Bleeker, this being the second book, and I will always recommend her writing to my fellow book reading friends and followers.

I like how at first Betty is described as harsh and unruly, but truthfully she had reasons for most of the way she acted. It's intriguing of me because in today's world, that's uncommon. I didn't agree with most of her reasons, either, but it made sense & was very well written.

Emily Bleeker's Good Days Bad Days is a poignant and relatable exploration of life's ups and downs. With humor and vulnerability, Bleeker shares personal anecdotes and reflections, offering a genuine and supportive voice. The book's accessible wisdom and practical advice make it a valuable resource for navigating everyday challenges. Bleeker's writing is engaging, and her insights are both comforting and empowering. This book is perfect for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on managing stress, building resilience, and finding joy in the midst of chaos. A heartfelt and uplifting read that will resonate with readers. Its warmth is comforting.

This was so well done as it truly depicted a woman with both dementia and obsessive- compulsive behavior that manifested itself years before with extreme hoarding. It eventually leads to social service removing her daughter Charlie from the home.

OH- but there is so much more! There is a whole past lifetime for Charlie's estranged mother and her Dad that she wants to understand especially after receiving a call for help from her father.. Charlie distanced herself from them when she was young and was sent into the foster system.

This is emotional, heart-breaking and so on point when a loved one has this dreaded disease and some history that has never been resolved.
The tendency to go back into the deep past is a true fact and one which often creates a lot of pain for the person and the family members.

I truly enjoyed this intense, sentimental journey of this family. I encourage anyone to sit and read this novel of family. It is good!

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Lake Union Publishing for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review.

Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When Charlie McFadden was fifteen, CPS removed her from a hoarder’s home where her mother, Betty, prioritized junk, and her father, Greg, sided with Betty—leaving Charlie feeling abandoned.

Thirty-one years later, Charlie is a successful reality TV host, married with kids, and proud of what she’s built without them—until Greg asks her to visit her mother, now in a memory care facility. Betty, who was never able to be the mother Charlie needed, now drifts between sharp resentment and confused memories of being a kind, devoted mom.

As Charlie reconnects with the woman who failed her, she uncovers a long-buried secret that changes everything. Bleeker tells a straightforward, honest story about family estrangement, long-held resentment, and confronting the past. She keeps the reader engaged as the story shifts between the past and the present, with Charlie and Greg narrating.

This hit close to home for me, especially with a grandmother going through memory issues similar to Betty’s—experiences I have painfully lived through. Good Days Bad Days shows how understanding the past can lead to healing and new beginnings.

Good Days Bad Days by Emily Bleeker, published by Lake Union Publishing, is a story that stays with me. Jumping from past to present and back, telling the story of Charlie and her estranged family.
A trip down memory lane, excellently written, intiguing, beautifully told, an emotional read that deserves all the stars.

Oh my goodness, this book will fill you up with all the feelings. It is sad but hopeful. It's a deep look into forgiveness and family relationships. There is drama and mystery. Bleeker has crafted a memorable reading experience. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Good Days Bad Days by Emily Bleeker is an emotional dive into what it means to finally go back to the place you swore you’d never return to. Charlie is successful on the outside, but deep down still dealing with the fallout of being abandoned as a teen. The way the story flips between her present day visits to her mom in a memory care facility, and the glimpses of her mom’s past through memory loss is so bittersweet. There’s also a mystery about a long buried family secret, and the way it slowly unravels is subtle but really impactful. It’s not a thriller by any means, but it is the kind of story that keeps you flipping pages because you need to understand these people.

Good Days Bad Days by Emily Bleeker is a beautifully written exploration of complex family relationships and the power of memory. Follow Charlie McFadden, a woman who has built a successful life far from her troubled past, only to be pulled back into it when her estranged father asks her to visit her mother in a memory care center. What truly captivated me was how Bleeker masterfully delves into the nuances of Charlie’s emotions—her pride in her achievements, her lingering resentment, and her yearning for connection. The portrayal of her mother Betty’s fluctuating memories offers both heartbreaking and hopeful moments that feel incredibly authentic. The story alternates between present-day visits and vivid flashbacks to Betty’s youth, allowing readers to witness the tragic beauty of the past and understand the roots of pain and love intertwined within this family. The narrative touches on themes of forgiveness, the scars of childhood, and the possibility of healing. Bleeker’s prose is gentle yet powerful, making each revelation and memory resonate deeply. While the pace is steady, the emotional depth kept me engaged from start to finish. Overall, Good Days Bad Days is a compelling read about the resilience of the human spirit and the everyday battles we all face with our loved ones. A touching reminder that sometimes, understanding the past can open the door to hope and reconciliation.

Now happily married with a family and a successful reality TV show of her own, Charlie was once an undeprivileged teenager removed from an unfit home by child protective services.

The last thing Charlie expects is to be approached by her estranged father, who chose her mother Betty over Charlie herself when things fell apart, but now pleads with her to reconnect with her mother, who is in care due to her health issues and failing memory.

But when Charlie does visit her mother Betty, she finally begins to understand the there is more to the story than she has always thought. Can she unravel the secret her mother has been protecting for such a long time and at such great cost?

This is a moving story about family secrets, damage and dynamics. Well worth a read.

I just finished a great book. Good Days Bad Days by Emily Bleeker is out this fall. Pick it up! You won’t regret it.