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Better Days
Grace had it all, but couldn't hold it all ... A story of love, chaos and the music in-between, perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Twenty years ago, Grace only wanted to be with Trent – a boy with a guitar and a lot of promises. Her mother, Dorothy, wanted her daughter to fulfil her potential.
In a fit of fury and heartbreak, Grace boards a plane to London where she builds a dazzling career in the music industry, marries Ed who would do anything for her, and has two children (one who might be a sociopath, but the other seems fine).
That glamorous lifestyle is a distant memory as Grace drags her kids and a particularly irritating dachshund back to the Blue Mountains, where Dorothy is waiting with a roast and inevitable questions about why Ed is no longer in the – seemingly perfect – picture. On a McDonald's pitstop, Grace bumps into a ghost from the past ... Trent.
'Better Days is a reflective, funny and acutely observed novel that blends coming of age story, backstage music industry satire, romance, and character-driven domestic drama.' The Sydney Morning Herald
'I loved this book. I inhaled it. Warm, familiar and mesmerising. I will think about Better Days for many years to come. Zorn's writing is masterful, expanding our understanding of what it means to be a mother and what it means to be a daughter. I want more from her, immediately. If you're in a reading rut, this will pull you out of it.' Jessie Stephens, author of Something Bad is Going to Happen
'Claire Zorn writes beautifully, crisply and with gentle wisdom and humour about how our past selves and loves are folded into the person we become.' Jaclyn Moriarty, author of The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet
'A thoroughly entertaining and absorbing read. Unflinching in its detail, yet compassionate in its telling. An expertly observed story of friendship, fortune, love, obligation, choice, consequence, possibility, and song.' Clare Bowditch, musician and author of Your Own Kind of Girl
'I was engrossed in Better Days from the very beginning, absorbed in the vivid world and characters Claire Zorn has so artfully built. Zorn is a masterful storyteller, making it impossible not to fall into her pages and fight to stay there. This is a book built on the cliffhangers of a familiar life - an unresolved first love, a complicated marriage, and a family learning to understand each other. Better Days is spellbinding, authentic and unforgettable.' Clare Stephens
'A gem of a novel that lingers in your mind, leaving you thinking about its characters and eager to return to their world. Better Days sensitively delves into themes of identity in work, toxic relationships, postpartum depression, and the tension between the lives we imagine for ourselves and the realities we face. Through humorous writing and compelling dialogue, Zorn explores these subjects with nuance and empathy. Perfect for readers of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Genevieve Novak and Natalie Sue's I Hope This Finds You Well.' Australian Bookseller & Publisher
'I really enjoyed this ... if you're a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid or Sally Rooney, highly recommend.
Twenty years ago, Grace only wanted to be with Trent – a boy with a guitar and a lot of promises. Her mother, Dorothy, wanted her daughter to fulfil her potential.
In a fit of fury and heartbreak, Grace boards a plane to London where she builds a dazzling career in the music industry, marries Ed who would do anything for her, and has two children (one who might be a sociopath, but the other seems fine).
That glamorous lifestyle is a distant memory as Grace drags her kids and a particularly irritating dachshund back to the Blue Mountains, where Dorothy is waiting with a roast and inevitable questions about why Ed is no longer in the – seemingly perfect – picture. On a McDonald's pitstop, Grace bumps into a ghost from the past ... Trent.
'Better Days is a reflective, funny and acutely observed novel that blends coming of age story, backstage music industry satire, romance, and character-driven domestic drama.' The Sydney Morning Herald
'I loved this book. I inhaled it. Warm, familiar and mesmerising. I will think about Better Days for many years to come. Zorn's writing is masterful, expanding our understanding of what it means to be a mother and what it means to be a daughter. I want more from her, immediately. If you're in a reading rut, this will pull you out of it.' Jessie Stephens, author of Something Bad is Going to Happen
'Claire Zorn writes beautifully, crisply and with gentle wisdom and humour about how our past selves and loves are folded into the person we become.' Jaclyn Moriarty, author of The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet
'A thoroughly entertaining and absorbing read. Unflinching in its detail, yet compassionate in its telling. An expertly observed story of friendship, fortune, love, obligation, choice, consequence, possibility, and song.' Clare Bowditch, musician and author of Your Own Kind of Girl
'I was engrossed in Better Days from the very beginning, absorbed in the vivid world and characters Claire Zorn has so artfully built. Zorn is a masterful storyteller, making it impossible not to fall into her pages and fight to stay there. This is a book built on the cliffhangers of a familiar life - an unresolved first love, a complicated marriage, and a family learning to understand each other. Better Days is spellbinding, authentic and unforgettable.' Clare Stephens
'A gem of a novel that lingers in your mind, leaving you thinking about its characters and eager to return to their world. Better Days sensitively delves into themes of identity in work, toxic relationships, postpartum depression, and the tension between the lives we imagine for ourselves and the realities we face. Through humorous writing and compelling dialogue, Zorn explores these subjects with nuance and empathy. Perfect for readers of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Genevieve Novak and Natalie Sue's I Hope This Finds You Well.' Australian Bookseller & Publisher
'I really enjoyed this ... if you're a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid or Sally Rooney, highly recommend.
Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
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About the author
Claire Zorn
8 books175 followersClaire Zorn grew up in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. She studied Fine Arts at UWS and Writing at UTS. She currently lives on the South Coast of NSW with her husband and two small children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 10, 2025
~ 3.25 — that ending…i feel so empty and i need to know what happens next
May 25, 2025
A contemporary tale about the what ifs of past decisions, the chaos of adult life and the promise of possibility
I enjoyed how the story unfolded through alternate timelines and from multiple perspectives.
I enjoyed how the story unfolded through alternate timelines and from multiple perspectives.
February 23, 2025
This book is so good! I loved the different timelines and POVs and this felt like so many different stories rolled into one. I’m also here for more Blue Mountains focused books as it’s not a focus as much in Australian novels. This was a quick and easy read that also brought out so many thoughts and emotions while reading.
July 3, 2025
I really enjoyed the “ride” of this book. Through the different time frames of life. I love strong women characters and also enjoy seeing their vulnerability. However, the ending was not what I was expecting. It left me a little disappointed. I do like some closure.
October 4, 2025
Seeing #LoveOzYA author’s name, Claire Zorn on the cover I decided to give this a go.
Normally, I don’t read ‘fluffy’, romantic novels. Working with children, I read a lot of children’s books and generally read a handful of adult award-winners, etc each year.
But, I genuinely enjoyed this book.
Work had me put this book down unfinished, so I needed to go back and start again when I finally returned on my holiday break. Just as good as a reread.
The non-linear timeline and different points of view added to the cinematic qualities of this book. It really would make a great film.
The characters are fully-formed and defy cliches. Matriarch, Dorothy was my favourite - both a product of her generation, and a woman demanding agency.
Twists, turns and tunes. Great holiday reading, with local, recognisable settings (go, Bullaburra!).
Ideally, I would have titled the book ‘Go your own way’ (after The Fleetwood Mac song), but I guess that would have made the ending obvious.
Thank you, Claire Zorn and Allen & Unwin.
Normally, I don’t read ‘fluffy’, romantic novels. Working with children, I read a lot of children’s books and generally read a handful of adult award-winners, etc each year.
But, I genuinely enjoyed this book.
Work had me put this book down unfinished, so I needed to go back and start again when I finally returned on my holiday break. Just as good as a reread.
The non-linear timeline and different points of view added to the cinematic qualities of this book. It really would make a great film.
The characters are fully-formed and defy cliches. Matriarch, Dorothy was my favourite - both a product of her generation, and a woman demanding agency.
Twists, turns and tunes. Great holiday reading, with local, recognisable settings (go, Bullaburra!).
Ideally, I would have titled the book ‘Go your own way’ (after The Fleetwood Mac song), but I guess that would have made the ending obvious.
Thank you, Claire Zorn and Allen & Unwin.
September 28, 2025
I enjoyed this book. From the blurb on the cover, I expected a light read, but it touches on some challenging themes about motherhood and mental health. I liked that it wasn’t all fully resolved by the end-there are hints of what might come. Keeps you pondering it. Great to see Claire Zorn writing adult fiction and I hope there’s more to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
I was given a d-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is what I've been waiting for. A good story well told.
Told in two parts one starting from Grace being at university and one from 'now' (2022) so we know where it is going the whole time, and it's all about the journey. Which is sometimes unexpected, but never twisty. It's just a delightful story about family and love and doing the best you can. There is a little bit of mental health stuff as well, but this isn't a book that sets out with an agenda. it's aim seems to be to tell Grace's story, and that it does.
And the ending! I'm not going to give anything away, but I will say that I thought it was perfect, other's may not. Read it and see.
This book is what I've been waiting for. A good story well told.
Told in two parts one starting from Grace being at university and one from 'now' (2022) so we know where it is going the whole time, and it's all about the journey. Which is sometimes unexpected, but never twisty. It's just a delightful story about family and love and doing the best you can. There is a little bit of mental health stuff as well, but this isn't a book that sets out with an agenda. it's aim seems to be to tell Grace's story, and that it does.
And the ending! I'm not going to give anything away, but I will say that I thought it was perfect, other's may not. Read it and see.
April 26, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: What-Ifs, Thoughtful, Working Motherhood Madness
- - -
I’m going to start this review by saying this honestly feels like a 5 star book. It was moving, gorgeously written and full of heart. The only reason I docked it slightly in the rating was because I’m someone who craves neat, tied-up endings and Better Days left a few threads floating in the breeze (my closure loving brain couldn’t quite let that go)
But the story itself was brilliant. Claire Zorn captured life, motherhood, the what-ifs, the sliding doors moments, the pursuit of happiness, family and love so perfectly. It was reflective and layered in the most beautiful way.
The characters were incredibly well crafted too. With the use of multiple timelines, each one felt real and familiar, like people I’d known and grown with for years. I particularly loved the reflections on relationships including the one between the main character Grace and her mum which carried so much emotional weight as the story unfolded.
This book really hit home the idea that what we see on the outside doesn’t always match someone’s reality. It was thoughtful, raw and honest in a way that lingers long after you turn the last page. Bonus points for the little touches of music/pop culture woven through!
If this sounds like your jam, or if you’re a fan of authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, I think you’re going to love this.
A big thank you to the kind folks at Allen and Unwin for sending this my way.
Vibes: What-Ifs, Thoughtful, Working Motherhood Madness
- - -
I’m going to start this review by saying this honestly feels like a 5 star book. It was moving, gorgeously written and full of heart. The only reason I docked it slightly in the rating was because I’m someone who craves neat, tied-up endings and Better Days left a few threads floating in the breeze (my closure loving brain couldn’t quite let that go)
But the story itself was brilliant. Claire Zorn captured life, motherhood, the what-ifs, the sliding doors moments, the pursuit of happiness, family and love so perfectly. It was reflective and layered in the most beautiful way.
The characters were incredibly well crafted too. With the use of multiple timelines, each one felt real and familiar, like people I’d known and grown with for years. I particularly loved the reflections on relationships including the one between the main character Grace and her mum which carried so much emotional weight as the story unfolded.
This book really hit home the idea that what we see on the outside doesn’t always match someone’s reality. It was thoughtful, raw and honest in a way that lingers long after you turn the last page. Bonus points for the little touches of music/pop culture woven through!
If this sounds like your jam, or if you’re a fan of authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, I think you’re going to love this.
A big thank you to the kind folks at Allen and Unwin for sending this my way.
March 17, 2025
So Better Days by Claire Zorn was a bit of fun.
At university, Grace falls in love with Trent an aspiring rock star. When he leaves her in the lurch she impulsively jumps on a plane to London where she falls into the music industry eventually building a hugely successful career. In London she meets and marries Ed and they live happily until they are called home to Australia to be with Ed's mother who is battling illness. Now twenty years after Trent she has two kids, an ex-husband, a complicated relationship with her mother and she has just run into Trent at a McDonald's.
The story jumps back and forth in time. We know where Grace is now but the jumps back in time show us how she ends up here. I liked her life in London the best. Watching her accidently create a career for herself as an agent for an up and coming singer was definitely fun. And seeing her relationship with Ed develop was sweet. I liked the present POV a bit less. The huge wealth that she had amassed and the pretentious way she used it kind of undermined the message for me. I did though enjoy how her catch up with Trent went!
Better Days is a tale of unrequited first loves and the impact this can have on future relationships. It's about daughters relationships with their mothers. It's about forging an identity through your work and the tension this creates with your identity as a wife and mother. It was warm with a light humour about it. I found it an easy and engaging read.
Thank you to @allenandunwin for my #gifted copy.
At university, Grace falls in love with Trent an aspiring rock star. When he leaves her in the lurch she impulsively jumps on a plane to London where she falls into the music industry eventually building a hugely successful career. In London she meets and marries Ed and they live happily until they are called home to Australia to be with Ed's mother who is battling illness. Now twenty years after Trent she has two kids, an ex-husband, a complicated relationship with her mother and she has just run into Trent at a McDonald's.
The story jumps back and forth in time. We know where Grace is now but the jumps back in time show us how she ends up here. I liked her life in London the best. Watching her accidently create a career for herself as an agent for an up and coming singer was definitely fun. And seeing her relationship with Ed develop was sweet. I liked the present POV a bit less. The huge wealth that she had amassed and the pretentious way she used it kind of undermined the message for me. I did though enjoy how her catch up with Trent went!
Better Days is a tale of unrequited first loves and the impact this can have on future relationships. It's about daughters relationships with their mothers. It's about forging an identity through your work and the tension this creates with your identity as a wife and mother. It was warm with a light humour about it. I found it an easy and engaging read.
Thank you to @allenandunwin for my #gifted copy.
April 16, 2025
An enjoyable holiday-type read with a fun Aussie tone from our local author Claire Zorn. I picked up a signed copy at Dymocks on a whim a month or so ago to support the Aussie.
This book is a thoughtful study of identity and relationships. The difficult topics are treated largely well, and overall lend a good amount of weight and complexity to the characters without making them too tropey.
A good pick if you’re looking to switch things up and support a local author ✍️
This book is a thoughtful study of identity and relationships. The difficult topics are treated largely well, and overall lend a good amount of weight and complexity to the characters without making them too tropey.
A good pick if you’re looking to switch things up and support a local author ✍️
April 16, 2025
This fun contemporary Australian story follows Grace who has fallen for musician Trent while she is studying at University. He breaks her heart and she impulsively leaves Australia for London in the hopes of moving on. By pure luck she lands a job in the music industry and by chance meets artist Ed and falls in love.
Fast forward 15 years and we now find Grace navigating a new dynamic in her life as a single working mum to two children as she has separated from Ed.
The story flows the key moments in Grace’s life that have brought her to this moment and how her friends, family and work has shaped her
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the Aussie references and locations, the music vibe and wonderful character development kept me hooked right from the get-go.
Thank you so much Allen & Unwin for my gifted copy
Fast forward 15 years and we now find Grace navigating a new dynamic in her life as a single working mum to two children as she has separated from Ed.
The story flows the key moments in Grace’s life that have brought her to this moment and how her friends, family and work has shaped her
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the Aussie references and locations, the music vibe and wonderful character development kept me hooked right from the get-go.
Thank you so much Allen & Unwin for my gifted copy
June 26, 2025
A good light read - the characters (particularly Grace and Dorothy) didn’t really work for me though - I don’t feel like either character really was fully realised.
April 6, 2025
This is a wonderful book. The characters are brilliant and thoughtfully written. A beautiful examination of the experiences of life.
April 19, 2025
This was really fun, light, but I really felt that female rage and determination. I think the premise of this being about Trent is an over exaggeration, I would like to think that Grace made her life because of herself not because of him not showing up to the airport. I enjoyed the rollercoaster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
4.5
i love auslit!
i love auslit!
June 21, 2025
I liked this one a lot, the multiple POVs and storylines really worked for it I feel. I would have possibly liked a bit of a more fleshed out ending, however the book still ended in a better direction than I thought we would end up, so I'll take the win!
July 21, 2025
Easy to read with some interesting twists and turns. Ending left abruptly and felt a bit unsatisfied - but overall v enjoyable!
February 9, 2025
This is like if 'Cleopatra and Frankenstien' was Australian and had less suicide.
Read through NetGalley.
Read through NetGalley.
June 6, 2025
Easy read, not sure about the ending
March 19, 2025
Business class flights. Palatial London flats. Luxury sports cars. These are a few of high-powered record exec Grace's favourite things. After taking a leap of faith, or a spiteful move against her mother’s advice, Grace leaves the Blue Mountains to board a plane to London to wallow in her despair with her broken heart before forcibly writing a new chapter of her life.
Grace had always been interested in music. It started with her father’s walkman, the world whizzing by to the sounds of Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix. She often saw songs as colours, associating each one with a particular hue or tint. Ironically, Purple Haze oozed with the chaotic vibrancy and freshness of lime green. Over time, this peculiar skill and raw, unfiltered emotion helped Grace become attuned to the talent of others. It was this penchant for discovering undeveloped creativity that skyrocketed her to success and that elusive corner office in London. Being popstar Ada Black’s manager. That was her calling.
That is, until she meets Ed the painter. Until her mother confronts the barista. Until the pandemic uproots Grace’s life. Until cancer shocks the family. Until Slinky the dachshund ends up at the vet. Until Ed almost drowns.
It doesn’t take long before Grace’s ambitions begin to dismantle her relationships with her friends, family and herself. Hiding away in the Park Hyatt, relenting to the children’s desire for McDonalds, holding her tongue in front of the in-laws. Zorn’s image of motherhood is coloured with a kaleidoscope of emotions, where some days you are raptured by the light and others leave you blinded. For Grace, it’s this experience that leaves her questioning how she can have it all. How can she be a boss, a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a friend, all at once? Grace expresses her desire to start anew, with no expectations, wanting to be “a cicada burrowed underground until it emerged with new wings” (p. 297).
But why does it feel like women are still trapped in this work/life bind? Grace’s mother Dorothy certainly felt this way, reflecting on her own ambitions:
“‘Where are you meant to be?’ Grace asked her.
‘Parliament, I think. But I suspect it’s too late for that’” (p. 305).
Dorothy wants more opportunity and success for her daughter, harbouring secrets and questionable actions that could unravel her relationship with her daughter just to ensure she has a bright future. But Grace is conflicted that Dorothy’s choices might all be in vain if Grace can’t prove that she can have it all and be it all.
Despite this, Grace and Dorothy are strongly tethered, with an unflinching capability to reveal each other’s strengths and support each other in their weakest moments. Certainly, Better Days (2025) reflects the sentiment of Ruth Handler’s character in the film Barbie (2023) when she said, “we mothers stand still so our daughters can look back and see how far they’ve come”. Grace needn’t feel ashamed or guilty of being imperfect. She is a reflection of the impossible standards placed on women, as well as our own internalised perceptions of feeling we need to meet them.
It is encouraging that when Grace is at her lowest, a push towards the light enables her to see how bright the rainbow of opportunity is in her life and how strong her tapestry of connections are. Better Days (2025) interweaves different perspectives, time periods and locations with ease to tell an empowering story about love, loss and learning.
Grace had always been interested in music. It started with her father’s walkman, the world whizzing by to the sounds of Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix. She often saw songs as colours, associating each one with a particular hue or tint. Ironically, Purple Haze oozed with the chaotic vibrancy and freshness of lime green. Over time, this peculiar skill and raw, unfiltered emotion helped Grace become attuned to the talent of others. It was this penchant for discovering undeveloped creativity that skyrocketed her to success and that elusive corner office in London. Being popstar Ada Black’s manager. That was her calling.
That is, until she meets Ed the painter. Until her mother confronts the barista. Until the pandemic uproots Grace’s life. Until cancer shocks the family. Until Slinky the dachshund ends up at the vet. Until Ed almost drowns.
It doesn’t take long before Grace’s ambitions begin to dismantle her relationships with her friends, family and herself. Hiding away in the Park Hyatt, relenting to the children’s desire for McDonalds, holding her tongue in front of the in-laws. Zorn’s image of motherhood is coloured with a kaleidoscope of emotions, where some days you are raptured by the light and others leave you blinded. For Grace, it’s this experience that leaves her questioning how she can have it all. How can she be a boss, a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a friend, all at once? Grace expresses her desire to start anew, with no expectations, wanting to be “a cicada burrowed underground until it emerged with new wings” (p. 297).
But why does it feel like women are still trapped in this work/life bind? Grace’s mother Dorothy certainly felt this way, reflecting on her own ambitions:
“‘Where are you meant to be?’ Grace asked her.
‘Parliament, I think. But I suspect it’s too late for that’” (p. 305).
Dorothy wants more opportunity and success for her daughter, harbouring secrets and questionable actions that could unravel her relationship with her daughter just to ensure she has a bright future. But Grace is conflicted that Dorothy’s choices might all be in vain if Grace can’t prove that she can have it all and be it all.
Despite this, Grace and Dorothy are strongly tethered, with an unflinching capability to reveal each other’s strengths and support each other in their weakest moments. Certainly, Better Days (2025) reflects the sentiment of Ruth Handler’s character in the film Barbie (2023) when she said, “we mothers stand still so our daughters can look back and see how far they’ve come”. Grace needn’t feel ashamed or guilty of being imperfect. She is a reflection of the impossible standards placed on women, as well as our own internalised perceptions of feeling we need to meet them.
It is encouraging that when Grace is at her lowest, a push towards the light enables her to see how bright the rainbow of opportunity is in her life and how strong her tapestry of connections are. Better Days (2025) interweaves different perspectives, time periods and locations with ease to tell an empowering story about love, loss and learning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2025
Better Days by Claire Zorn
Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for my gifted copy of this book!
Better Days by Claire Zorn is a beautifully written and deeply engaging novel about love, family, and the messiness of life. Told through multiple perspectives and timelines, it seamlessly weaves together past and present, making for a thought-provoking and satisfying read.
The story follows Grace, who once had it all—success, love, and a seemingly perfect life in London. But after heartbreak and loss, she finds herself back in the Blue Mountains with her kids and a particularly annoying dachshund, confronting the ghosts of her past—including her first love, Trent. It’s a novel filled with warmth, humor, and a deep exploration of how life rarely turns out the way we expect.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the music woven throughout. The song references added so much nostalgia and depth, making the story feel even more alive. The writing is sharp and witty, balancing heavier themes of mental health and grief with moments of humor and honesty. I also loved how the multiple perspectives and timelines unfolded, giving the story even more emotional weight.
I have such a soft spot for Australia-based novels, and Better Days captures that setting beautifully. It’s an easy read in the best way—one you can devour quickly, yet it lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page. And that ending? Absolutely perfect. It was the icing on the cake, bringing everything full circle in a way that felt both poignant and deeply satisfying.
This is a novel about love, family, and friendship, but also about resilience, regret, and the choices that shape us. Honest, humorous, and beautifully written—Better Days is a book that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for my gifted copy of this book!
Better Days by Claire Zorn is a beautifully written and deeply engaging novel about love, family, and the messiness of life. Told through multiple perspectives and timelines, it seamlessly weaves together past and present, making for a thought-provoking and satisfying read.
The story follows Grace, who once had it all—success, love, and a seemingly perfect life in London. But after heartbreak and loss, she finds herself back in the Blue Mountains with her kids and a particularly annoying dachshund, confronting the ghosts of her past—including her first love, Trent. It’s a novel filled with warmth, humor, and a deep exploration of how life rarely turns out the way we expect.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the music woven throughout. The song references added so much nostalgia and depth, making the story feel even more alive. The writing is sharp and witty, balancing heavier themes of mental health and grief with moments of humor and honesty. I also loved how the multiple perspectives and timelines unfolded, giving the story even more emotional weight.
I have such a soft spot for Australia-based novels, and Better Days captures that setting beautifully. It’s an easy read in the best way—one you can devour quickly, yet it lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page. And that ending? Absolutely perfect. It was the icing on the cake, bringing everything full circle in a way that felt both poignant and deeply satisfying.
This is a novel about love, family, and friendship, but also about resilience, regret, and the choices that shape us. Honest, humorous, and beautifully written—Better Days is a book that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!
July 8, 2025
Compelling story, well crafted writing.
Better Days by Claire Zorn allows the reader to dive deep into the life of Grace at multiple moments along her journey. From University to stardom to motherhood, I found myself wanting to know what move Grace would make next and would she be okay. Zorn's writing makes you care about every person in the story, even the ones that annoy you or that you might disagree with. All the characters are deep and relatable and it really feels like I was not simply reading characters on a page but was living life alongside these people that I got to know as the story continued. (As a man in his 50's, I found myself completely relating to the point of view of Dorothy, Grace's mum!)
There are insightful moments of philosophy that keep popping up into the character's dialogue. Some standing up for a woman living in a man's world. Some deeply healing, like the kind words of encouragement to the mum with postnatal depression. If you've read Zorn's YA novels you will know this is a key characteristic of her writing.
The ending (no spoiler alert necessary) is so sweet. I went back and read it twice again. A surprising twist that some readers - who perhaps may wish that the characters became filled with spite or revenge - may not like. The ending has a justice to it, but not one that you will see in the family law courts. It doesn't fit into how the world works according to the 6 o'clock news. But it does fit in with Grace's deepest inner desires and the way she knows (hopes) things are supposed to be. Through all the turmoil and dark times, Grace comes to a conclusion that is fitting for her name.
I highly recommend this book. It will encourage you. As for me I'm looking forward to the next album from Ada Black.
Better Days by Claire Zorn allows the reader to dive deep into the life of Grace at multiple moments along her journey. From University to stardom to motherhood, I found myself wanting to know what move Grace would make next and would she be okay. Zorn's writing makes you care about every person in the story, even the ones that annoy you or that you might disagree with. All the characters are deep and relatable and it really feels like I was not simply reading characters on a page but was living life alongside these people that I got to know as the story continued. (As a man in his 50's, I found myself completely relating to the point of view of Dorothy, Grace's mum!)
There are insightful moments of philosophy that keep popping up into the character's dialogue. Some standing up for a woman living in a man's world. Some deeply healing, like the kind words of encouragement to the mum with postnatal depression. If you've read Zorn's YA novels you will know this is a key characteristic of her writing.
The ending (no spoiler alert necessary) is so sweet. I went back and read it twice again. A surprising twist that some readers - who perhaps may wish that the characters became filled with spite or revenge - may not like. The ending has a justice to it, but not one that you will see in the family law courts. It doesn't fit into how the world works according to the 6 o'clock news. But it does fit in with Grace's deepest inner desires and the way she knows (hopes) things are supposed to be. Through all the turmoil and dark times, Grace comes to a conclusion that is fitting for her name.
I highly recommend this book. It will encourage you. As for me I'm looking forward to the next album from Ada Black.
May 9, 2025
Sometimes it's funny when you read a book whose main plot seems to not be entirely in sync with what it actually feels like it's about. The blurb of Better Days reads like it's a novel of love, broken hearts, missed opportunities and finding oneself. And nominally it is about that. But the more interesting thing is that it's about motherhood and mental health and doesn't seem to realise it.
Grace Harlow is at a falling apart moment of her, mostly outrageously successful life, when she runs into the man who broke her heart. Travelling back in time we learn how and why this happened and what Grace did after and why now, everything is spiralling out of her control. Parallel to this is Grace's relationship to her mother, Dorothy. Dorothy is an incredibly frustrating character that I had truly murderous thoughts about (and continued to have a lack of self awareness that I found truly baffling) while reading the majority of this novel but her own experiences and actions are intrinsic to Grace.
This was an easy read, the character's well crafted and the pacing brisk. I just felt like it should have leaned in harder to the motherhood and mental health aspect of the novel than it truly does while it's too occupied with the domestic drama of it all.
Grace Harlow is at a falling apart moment of her, mostly outrageously successful life, when she runs into the man who broke her heart. Travelling back in time we learn how and why this happened and what Grace did after and why now, everything is spiralling out of her control. Parallel to this is Grace's relationship to her mother, Dorothy. Dorothy is an incredibly frustrating character that I had truly murderous thoughts about (and continued to have a lack of self awareness that I found truly baffling) while reading the majority of this novel but her own experiences and actions are intrinsic to Grace.
This was an easy read, the character's well crafted and the pacing brisk. I just felt like it should have leaned in harder to the motherhood and mental health aspect of the novel than it truly does while it's too occupied with the domestic drama of it all.
April 18, 2025
*spoiler alert*
I loved this book. It flowed and engaged right from the start. Loved the POVs from Dorothy, Ed, Grace and Ada for a short chapter. The writing is sharp, my favourite. The characters were so full of life, Nish the best friend and the stories that weave the dual timeline together beautifully. The entire book we’re trying to figure out what happened with Grace snd Ed (who was my absolute favourite character and wish he was my husband lol).
Trent is such a minor character in the end, I’m so glad nothing happens with him — it just highlights to Grace what lengths Dorothy her mum would do for her.
Loved mum Dorothy and Dad Warren. Beautiful parents and such characters.
Connection and humour between Grace and Ed were priceless.
The ending — not really knowing if Ed and Grace get back together? But leaves up to the reader to interpret. It was actually a nice ending! Will be reading more Claire!
I loved this book. It flowed and engaged right from the start. Loved the POVs from Dorothy, Ed, Grace and Ada for a short chapter. The writing is sharp, my favourite. The characters were so full of life, Nish the best friend and the stories that weave the dual timeline together beautifully. The entire book we’re trying to figure out what happened with Grace snd Ed (who was my absolute favourite character and wish he was my husband lol).
Trent is such a minor character in the end, I’m so glad nothing happens with him — it just highlights to Grace what lengths Dorothy her mum would do for her.
Loved mum Dorothy and Dad Warren. Beautiful parents and such characters.
Connection and humour between Grace and Ed were priceless.
The ending — not really knowing if Ed and Grace get back together? But leaves up to the reader to interpret. It was actually a nice ending! Will be reading more Claire!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2025
Better Days follows Grace’s journey across two timelines—her past at university and her present in 2022. After being stood up at the airport by her first love, she makes a spontaneous decision that changes her life in unexpected yet successful ways.
While the dual timelines add intrigue, the frequent jumps can be frustrating. Still, the story is beautifully told, focusing on family, love, and doing your best. There are some mental health themes, but the book isn’t agenda-driven—it simply tells Grace’s story, and it does so well.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
#BetterDays #NetGalley #ladysnuffy #australianstory #lovestory #dualtimeline #books #bookgram #booktok #booknerd #arc #AtlanticbooksAustralia #romance #romancebook #secondchange #clairezorn
While the dual timelines add intrigue, the frequent jumps can be frustrating. Still, the story is beautifully told, focusing on family, love, and doing your best. There are some mental health themes, but the book isn’t agenda-driven—it simply tells Grace’s story, and it does so well.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
#BetterDays #NetGalley #ladysnuffy #australianstory #lovestory #dualtimeline #books #bookgram #booktok #booknerd #arc #AtlanticbooksAustralia #romance #romancebook #secondchange #clairezorn
April 19, 2025
Claire is a lovely friend of mine, and an even lovelier writer.
This is such a beautiful novel. I didn’t expect the story it told at all, there was so much depth and richness to each character and their story. Grace was a stunning, intriguing person. I loved how Claire told her story through different points in time. I loved the story of motherhood and work, passion and how work can dull its spark, and finding that spark again, often through hardship.
I loved the comedy throughout too, and the distinct Australian feel without it being tacky or over the top!
I loved this and would recommend it to anyone who’s a fan of literary fiction such as Normal People by Sally Rooney.
This is such a beautiful novel. I didn’t expect the story it told at all, there was so much depth and richness to each character and their story. Grace was a stunning, intriguing person. I loved how Claire told her story through different points in time. I loved the story of motherhood and work, passion and how work can dull its spark, and finding that spark again, often through hardship.
I loved the comedy throughout too, and the distinct Australian feel without it being tacky or over the top!
I loved this and would recommend it to anyone who’s a fan of literary fiction such as Normal People by Sally Rooney.
August 22, 2025
Had so much potential. Really enjoyed author's writing style. Liked most of the characters. Sadly though just felt like it really never went anywhere. Lots of talk on losing one's identity and difficulties of motherhood but fell flat. Ending was extremely disappointing. The whole first love thing didn't seem genuine either and really didn't add much to the storyline. Also her husbands personality seemed to completely change in later chapters seemed he went from overly kind to cold and emotionless..I have mixed feelings just feel it lost it's way could have been so much better.
January 19, 2025
Better Days tells the story of Grace, unfolding across two timelines: the present and her past. After being stood up at the airport by her first love, Grace makes a spontaneous decision that changes the course of her life, leading her in a completely unexpected—yet successful—direction.
The past timeline was particularly compelling, offering insight into the choices and events that shaped Grace’s future. The alternating timelines added a layer of mystery, making the story more engaging than if it had been told chronologically.
I was a bit underwhelmed with the ending, I wanted something a bit more. That said, overall it was still an enjoyable read.
The past timeline was particularly compelling, offering insight into the choices and events that shaped Grace’s future. The alternating timelines added a layer of mystery, making the story more engaging than if it had been told chronologically.
I was a bit underwhelmed with the ending, I wanted something a bit more. That said, overall it was still an enjoyable read.
February 1, 2025
This book was different, it followed the past and the current times throughout the story, but jumped between each often. The main character Grace is the main focus, so while we know where her story is going, we also read how it got there. The jumping around frustrated me at times as it was all over the place. That said the writing was very descriptive the whole way through.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
August 20, 2025
This book was definitely not what I expected.
I did find that the different POVs and time skips actually did work on this occasion,
my problem lies with the FMC. I just did not find her relatable or likeable and on many
occasions, she came across as selfish and rude.
The story itself was pretty good but the end was so abrupt, I would've loved to know
more about what happened after.
Thank
I did find that the different POVs and time skips actually did work on this occasion,
my problem lies with the FMC. I just did not find her relatable or likeable and on many
occasions, she came across as selfish and rude.
The story itself was pretty good but the end was so abrupt, I would've loved to know
more about what happened after.
Thank
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