The Happy Home for Ladies by Lilly Bartlett ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

I received this book a while ago when I was going through eReader problems and kind of forgot about it until I saw it on another blog. The first thing I noticed is that the title has changed since the ebook was released in August (probably happened when the paperback edition came out last week). Then it was called The Not So Perfect Plan to Save Friendship House. I have to say The Happy Home for Ladies is a much better title for this book.
Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

October 2018; 978-1728716701
ebook, print (322 pages); women's fiction

I typically really enjoy Lilly Bartlett (who also writes as Michele Gorman) books and excitedly look forward to new books from them. However, this book didn't work for me.

The biggest problem I had with the book was how whiny the main character Phoebe is. I understood her being upset about her mom, but going on ad nauseam about Nick and how she messed up got old really quick. Especially since the reader has no idea how she "messed up". I was starting to think that there was a previous book where the incident happened. But then about a third of the way through the book, we finally get the scoop on it. While it was bad, it could have been easily explained and it doesn't look like she ever tried.

The reason I think the new title is better is because the previous title is a bit misleading. It definitely was a minor plot point as most of the book is focused on Phoebe coming to terms with her mom's death (and the rocky relationship they had) and her infatuation with Nick. A good portion of the book is set at the Happy Home for Ladies, the care home where Phoebe runs the kitchen.

Barlett is known for creating colorful, quirky, lovable characters and she did that once again in this book. I loved the characters at the care home. The ladies are funny and I wish the book had been more focused there. I can't judge the male characters as they are barely visible. I think Barlett may have missed a great opportunity for a vibrant, and hilarious, story by focusing so much on Phoebe. Think an ensemble comedy with the resident of the home would have been awesome.

The Happy Home for Ladies is a quick read. I read it in just a few evenings.

Buy The Happy Home for Ladies at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour. 

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