Author: Courtney Walsh
Published: June 13, 2023 by Thomas Nelson
Format: Paperback, 358 Pages
Genre: Romance
First Sentence: Isadora Bentley is shopping for her final meal. If I were a character in a novel, this is what the author would write.
Blurb: Isadora Bentley follows the rules. Isadora Bentley likes things just so. Isadora Bentley believes that happiness is something that flat-out doesn’t exist in her life—and never will.
As a university researcher, Isadora keeps to herself as much as possible. She avoids the students she’s supposed to befriend and mentor. She stays away from her neighbors and lives her own quiet, organized life in her own quiet, organized apartment. And she will never get involved in a romantic relationship again—especially with another academic. It will be just Isadora and her research. Forever.
But on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora does something completely out of character. The young woman who never does anything “on a whim” makes an impulse purchase of a magazine featuring a silly article detailing “Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy”—which includes everything from smiling at strangers to exercising for endorphins to giving in to your chocolate cravings. Isadora decides to create her own secret research project—proving the writer of the ridiculous piece wrong.
As Isadora gets deeper into her research—and meets a handsome professor along the way—she’s stunned to discover that maybe, just maybe, she’s proving herself wrong. Perhaps there’s actually something to this happiness concept, and possibly there’s something to be said for loosening up and letting life take you somewhere . . . happy.
My Opinion: The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh is a charming exploration of finding happiness against all odds. Thirty-year-old Isadora Bentley, socially awkward and reeling from a disastrous relationship, drifts through a featureless life. On a whim, she picks up a magazine featuring an article titled "Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy." As a researcher, she can't resist testing these ways, determined to prove the author wrong about the very existence of happiness.
Isadora's solitary existence is about to change dramatically. Yet, stepping out of her comfort zone leads to transformative experiences. The highlight of her journey is meeting with a handsome work colleague and allowing herself to open up to people along the way. Maybe this article might be onto something. But just as she begins to feel hopeful, her world unravels.
Despite the setbacks, Isadora finds herself surrounded by unexpected allies. A ten-year-old girl grappling with her own heartache offers wisdom beyond her years, while others rally to support Isadora in her fight for happiness.
This romantic tale is filled with poignant moments and humorous insights, illustrating that even in the face of adversity, love and friendship can lead to a truly happy life.
Blurb: Isadora Bentley follows the rules. Isadora Bentley likes things just so. Isadora Bentley believes that happiness is something that flat-out doesn’t exist in her life—and never will.
As a university researcher, Isadora keeps to herself as much as possible. She avoids the students she’s supposed to befriend and mentor. She stays away from her neighbors and lives her own quiet, organized life in her own quiet, organized apartment. And she will never get involved in a romantic relationship again—especially with another academic. It will be just Isadora and her research. Forever.
But on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora does something completely out of character. The young woman who never does anything “on a whim” makes an impulse purchase of a magazine featuring a silly article detailing “Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy”—which includes everything from smiling at strangers to exercising for endorphins to giving in to your chocolate cravings. Isadora decides to create her own secret research project—proving the writer of the ridiculous piece wrong.
As Isadora gets deeper into her research—and meets a handsome professor along the way—she’s stunned to discover that maybe, just maybe, she’s proving herself wrong. Perhaps there’s actually something to this happiness concept, and possibly there’s something to be said for loosening up and letting life take you somewhere . . . happy.
My Opinion: The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh is a charming exploration of finding happiness against all odds. Thirty-year-old Isadora Bentley, socially awkward and reeling from a disastrous relationship, drifts through a featureless life. On a whim, she picks up a magazine featuring an article titled "Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy." As a researcher, she can't resist testing these ways, determined to prove the author wrong about the very existence of happiness.
Isadora's solitary existence is about to change dramatically. Yet, stepping out of her comfort zone leads to transformative experiences. The highlight of her journey is meeting with a handsome work colleague and allowing herself to open up to people along the way. Maybe this article might be onto something. But just as she begins to feel hopeful, her world unravels.
Despite the setbacks, Isadora finds herself surrounded by unexpected allies. A ten-year-old girl grappling with her own heartache offers wisdom beyond her years, while others rally to support Isadora in her fight for happiness.
This romantic tale is filled with poignant moments and humorous insights, illustrating that even in the face of adversity, love and friendship can lead to a truly happy life.
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