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The Quitters Club
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26A hopeful and empowering novel about the messy beauty of female friendship and the deep courage it takes to rebuild a life at any age.
When four ride-or-die friends reunite for a getaway, they’re desperate for a break, a chance to reconnect. But each is hiding a deeper reason why. Marie feels like an impostor teaching “How to Say No” seminars while her marriage has evolved into something she never said yes to. Brooke’s most heartfelt goal—motherhood—is proving out of reach. Lucy’s dream career has broken her spirit, possibly for good. And Collins feels trapped in grief by her late husband’s legacy.
All their lives, they’ve encouraged each other not to give up—but they can’t do this anymore. Now, at a breaking point, they make a Quit. And help each other through the fallout.
At first, it’s positively liberating. A husband gets a much-needed wake-up call. A singles retreat is a widow’s perfect escape. A very public career exit becomes a never-too-late return to college. And a childless life becomes a bold new plan to travel the world. But letting go will be more complicated than they imagined. Confronting hard truths about love, loss, and starting over, these four women must discover what’s worth fighting for—and what’s truly best left behind.
When four ride-or-die friends reunite for a getaway, they’re desperate for a break, a chance to reconnect. But each is hiding a deeper reason why. Marie feels like an impostor teaching “How to Say No” seminars while her marriage has evolved into something she never said yes to. Brooke’s most heartfelt goal—motherhood—is proving out of reach. Lucy’s dream career has broken her spirit, possibly for good. And Collins feels trapped in grief by her late husband’s legacy.
All their lives, they’ve encouraged each other not to give up—but they can’t do this anymore. Now, at a breaking point, they make a Quit. And help each other through the fallout.
At first, it’s positively liberating. A husband gets a much-needed wake-up call. A singles retreat is a widow’s perfect escape. A very public career exit becomes a never-too-late return to college. And a childless life becomes a bold new plan to travel the world. But letting go will be more complicated than they imagined. Confronting hard truths about love, loss, and starting over, these four women must discover what’s worth fighting for—and what’s truly best left behind.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 1, 2026
2111 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Strawser
9 books1,711 followersJESSICA STRAWSER is the USA Today bestselling author of seven suspenseful book club novels featuring strong women put to the test, including ALMOST MISSED YOU, NOT THAT I COULD TELL (a Book of the Month selection), A MILLION REASONS WHY, and THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW (a People Magazine Pick). Her two most recent novels, THE LAST CARETAKER (a 2023 Amazon Editors First Reads Selection) and CATCH YOU LATER (new in October 2024) have both become instant bestsellers on the USA Today charts.
She is Editor-at-Large for Writer’s Digest, a contributing editor for Career Authors, and a popular speaker at writing conferences at reader-focused events.
Her work has appeared in The New York Times' Modern Love, Publishers Weekly, and other fine venues. She lives with her husband and two children in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is the recipient of a 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. She is a member of Tall Poppy Writers, Fiction Writers Co-op, and Women's Fiction Writers Association. Connect with her on Twitter @jessicastrawser and Facebook and Instagram @jessicastrawserauthor. Visit jessicastrawser.com to learn more.
She is Editor-at-Large for Writer’s Digest, a contributing editor for Career Authors, and a popular speaker at writing conferences at reader-focused events.
Her work has appeared in The New York Times' Modern Love, Publishers Weekly, and other fine venues. She lives with her husband and two children in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is the recipient of a 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. She is a member of Tall Poppy Writers, Fiction Writers Co-op, and Women's Fiction Writers Association. Connect with her on Twitter @jessicastrawser and Facebook and Instagram @jessicastrawserauthor. Visit jessicastrawser.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 7, 2026
Friendship at Its Best
This was a great First Reads choice! It tackles a number of issues - infertility, unresponsive spouses, widowhood, career change, etc. You’re left wishing you had a group of friends just like this to see you through all of the challenges. Plus, it makes you think about choices and what a valid choice quitting can be. It was entertaining AND thought provoking.
This was a great First Reads choice! It tackles a number of issues - infertility, unresponsive spouses, widowhood, career change, etc. You’re left wishing you had a group of friends just like this to see you through all of the challenges. Plus, it makes you think about choices and what a valid choice quitting can be. It was entertaining AND thought provoking.
May 6, 2026
From a detached reader perspective, The Quitters Club is well written and really dives into the nitty gritty of mid-life, choices that are both professional and personal, and the benefits of having a good support system. I appreciated the overarching theme of the story, even if at times it hit a little too close to home.
As an invested reader, someone who relates closely with one of the women, this was a tough read emotionally. It validated a lot of feelings I've experienced and right when I got to a point of almost solidarity, things took a surprising turn that left me honestly annoyed... Again, something I could relate to in real-life, but was bummed I had to witness it again in fiction. This is what makes books so awesome, in my opinion. Even though at times this was hard for me to read, I'm glad I read it. I'm glad books like this are out there that can help people feel a little less alone in life.
As an invested reader, someone who relates closely with one of the women, this was a tough read emotionally. It validated a lot of feelings I've experienced and right when I got to a point of almost solidarity, things took a surprising turn that left me honestly annoyed... Again, something I could relate to in real-life, but was bummed I had to witness it again in fiction. This is what makes books so awesome, in my opinion. Even though at times this was hard for me to read, I'm glad I read it. I'm glad books like this are out there that can help people feel a little less alone in life.
May 8, 2026
great idea, didn’t like some details
It’s not the book, it’s me, my opinions and everyone has them so others can disagree. I loved the idea and the storyline itself is well developed and thought out. But the political slant throughout the book takes a side which means that you’re always going to not satisfy half of all people. And at times the political slant even feels random like the author tried to hard to insert it just to have it. It could have been easily been a great book by staying neutral. Instead it ends up being an OK book. None of it had me at the edge of my seat, unable to put it down, but even at the end of the book I wanted to lecture some characters. So at the end of the day if someone asked if it was worth the read I probably wouldn’t say yes.
It’s not the book, it’s me, my opinions and everyone has them so others can disagree. I loved the idea and the storyline itself is well developed and thought out. But the political slant throughout the book takes a side which means that you’re always going to not satisfy half of all people. And at times the political slant even feels random like the author tried to hard to insert it just to have it. It could have been easily been a great book by staying neutral. Instead it ends up being an OK book. None of it had me at the edge of my seat, unable to put it down, but even at the end of the book I wanted to lecture some characters. So at the end of the day if someone asked if it was worth the read I probably wouldn’t say yes.
May 3, 2026
uplifting novel on the power of friends
Mature friends realize they are overwhelmed with personal challenges and are frustrated that they are allowing themselves a loss of themselves. And so a pact to quit being doormats and complacent in their lives. The result is a heartwarming story that friendship heals and does so in unexpected circumstances. It’s not predictable, and it is thoughtful.
Mature friends realize they are overwhelmed with personal challenges and are frustrated that they are allowing themselves a loss of themselves. And so a pact to quit being doormats and complacent in their lives. The result is a heartwarming story that friendship heals and does so in unexpected circumstances. It’s not predictable, and it is thoughtful.
May 3, 2026
How to say No
Liked the characters. They were just like real friends who connect,get upset, learn to accept, and learn to say no when too much is going on in your life.
Liked the characters. They were just like real friends who connect,get upset, learn to accept, and learn to say no when too much is going on in your life.
May 2, 2026
Not to be missed!
This book is especially for those of us who find ourselves overcommitted, making it work, keeping all the balls in the air somehow, and exhausted from carrying it all alone (or feeling like we are). I related to each character in some way—a woman carrying the full weight of the family plus working full time, another frustrated by her inability to conceive after years of extreme measures, a third struggling with disappointment in her writing career, and a fourth sinking under depression. Spoiler alert—together the four friends prevail, supporting one another as they each find their way back to themselves. This is a heartening story that reinforces the importance of true friends and found family. Highly recommend.
This book is especially for those of us who find ourselves overcommitted, making it work, keeping all the balls in the air somehow, and exhausted from carrying it all alone (or feeling like we are). I related to each character in some way—a woman carrying the full weight of the family plus working full time, another frustrated by her inability to conceive after years of extreme measures, a third struggling with disappointment in her writing career, and a fourth sinking under depression. Spoiler alert—together the four friends prevail, supporting one another as they each find their way back to themselves. This is a heartening story that reinforces the importance of true friends and found family. Highly recommend.
May 5, 2026
For women who want a change.
The best thing about fiction is it teaches you how to do something without giving advice.
Jessica Strawser has written a book for everyone who knows they need to change something and needs some girlfriends to go along for the ride. I read this book in two days. I wanted to know how each of the characters changed their life and how they coped with the aftermath. I devoured this book.
The best thing about fiction is it teaches you how to do something without giving advice.
Jessica Strawser has written a book for everyone who knows they need to change something and needs some girlfriends to go along for the ride. I read this book in two days. I wanted to know how each of the characters changed their life and how they coped with the aftermath. I devoured this book.
May 6, 2026
Friends unexpected reunion
An unexpected outcome for the friends after a long time apart. This story is about four women who reunite after years apart. When the women come together their lives change in a plan to make their lives better. You can hope for a change but you have to make that happen. This is a very good story about change and sacrifice.
An unexpected outcome for the friends after a long time apart. This story is about four women who reunite after years apart. When the women come together their lives change in a plan to make their lives better. You can hope for a change but you have to make that happen. This is a very good story about change and sacrifice.
May 5, 2026
Heartwarming and life affirming
I loved this story of female friendship and mid life crises. Like a warm hug or bright sunshine in the morning, it was good company while it lasted.
I loved this story of female friendship and mid life crises. Like a warm hug or bright sunshine in the morning, it was good company while it lasted.
May 7, 2026
Loved this
Great read, likeable real characters, great story line, kept me interested and I was sad when it ended and that doesn't happen often
Great read, likeable real characters, great story line, kept me interested and I was sad when it ended and that doesn't happen often
May 8, 2026
As a woman in her 40s this book spoke to me. I laughed. I cried. I commiserated. I celebrated. Sometimes you need to be reminded it’s okay to chart a new course
May 8, 2026
Lemons into lemonade
Great story showing how adversity can bring out strength. Loved the strong characters and the bonding between the women. I loved this book!
Great story showing how adversity can bring out strength. Loved the strong characters and the bonding between the women. I loved this book!
May 6, 2026
Felt Like I Knew Them
This book lets you live for a while with a wonderful, gritty, very human bunch of friends. I'm going to miss them.
This book lets you live for a while with a wonderful, gritty, very human bunch of friends. I'm going to miss them.
May 6, 2026
Excellent book!
This story was excellent and not at all what I expected. It's about finding the right things by giving up the wrong. I loved it!
This story was excellent and not at all what I expected. It's about finding the right things by giving up the wrong. I loved it!
Review of advance copy
BRILLIANT! OUTSTANDING! POWERFUL! OMG, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
Life is all about relationships and The Quitters Club by Jessica Strawser is the story of four female college students who began weaving their bonds of connection in the charming town of Athens, during their years at Ohio University. Fast forward a couple of decades, and these women once again find themselves together in the protective hills and idyllic brick streets of their alma mater. This time, however, each member of the group is facing a major decision and life changing crisis.
Jessica Strawser’s masterpiece focuses the spotlight on this chosen family. Change is never easy, and she invites us to examine the courage needed to take risks. It takes trust, confidence, and strength to take that leap and walk away from the familiar; that which no longer serves us. These delightful, loving, nurturing and beautifully flawed characters find support and sanctuary in one another. Their combined fortitude carries them through as they examine their lives, dreams, jobs, and relationships; when they look in the mirror and ask themselves, “What do I really want in my life?”
Strawser has written an empowering novel and one I highly recommend. Granted, l may be a bit biased having grown up in Athens and earned my graduate degree from O.U. I smiled as I recognized the names of familiar streets and businesses of my youth. Regardless, I related to the themes of the story and for the need to take a chance, pivot, and make major changes in my live. Leap and the net will appear! Grab this book!
Life is all about relationships and The Quitters Club by Jessica Strawser is the story of four female college students who began weaving their bonds of connection in the charming town of Athens, during their years at Ohio University. Fast forward a couple of decades, and these women once again find themselves together in the protective hills and idyllic brick streets of their alma mater. This time, however, each member of the group is facing a major decision and life changing crisis.
Jessica Strawser’s masterpiece focuses the spotlight on this chosen family. Change is never easy, and she invites us to examine the courage needed to take risks. It takes trust, confidence, and strength to take that leap and walk away from the familiar; that which no longer serves us. These delightful, loving, nurturing and beautifully flawed characters find support and sanctuary in one another. Their combined fortitude carries them through as they examine their lives, dreams, jobs, and relationships; when they look in the mirror and ask themselves, “What do I really want in my life?”
Strawser has written an empowering novel and one I highly recommend. Granted, l may be a bit biased having grown up in Athens and earned my graduate degree from O.U. I smiled as I recognized the names of familiar streets and businesses of my youth. Regardless, I related to the themes of the story and for the need to take a chance, pivot, and make major changes in my live. Leap and the net will appear! Grab this book!
Review of advance copy
This was an Amazon First Read book for me. I don't usually read what I think is called "Women's Fiction," but this was a very nice story about four college friends who remained close for at least the next 20 years, and about their various life changes. I enjoyed the author's writing style.
I found Marie's situation the most credible, and Kyle the most believable male in the story. Enzo, Mitch, Travis -- hah! not a chance of any men like those three.
The Amazon First Read books are often pretty okay, and it branches me out to read the kinds of fiction that I don't usually read. I'm about to start another one.
Hey I spent about 6 months reading romance novels which I had never done before and hope I never do again. Give me a mystery or a legal thriller or a spy novel or police story.
I found Marie's situation the most credible, and Kyle the most believable male in the story. Enzo, Mitch, Travis -- hah! not a chance of any men like those three.
The Amazon First Read books are often pretty okay, and it branches me out to read the kinds of fiction that I don't usually read. I'm about to start another one.
Hey I spent about 6 months reading romance novels which I had never done before and hope I never do again. Give me a mystery or a legal thriller or a spy novel or police story.
May 8, 2026
I actually would rate this book a 3.5. I hate how on Goodreads you can only write books set numbers.
This story is good and very entertaining. Four long ago friends reunite for a week vacation when they all turn 40. What follows is not only a rehash of the past but to come to Jesus moment when they all get down and dirty open and honest with each other about what they're not happy about in their life and make a pack to go back to their lives and institute change. Given the fact they make it a pact, It forces them to have some type of accountability for reevaluating their life and attempting to execute changes.
What follows is the story of each of the women and their interactions. After that vacation, things change dramatically for all four women and it takes a few bumps in the road of varying sizes to get themselves in a healthy place.
This story is good and very entertaining. Four long ago friends reunite for a week vacation when they all turn 40. What follows is not only a rehash of the past but to come to Jesus moment when they all get down and dirty open and honest with each other about what they're not happy about in their life and make a pack to go back to their lives and institute change. Given the fact they make it a pact, It forces them to have some type of accountability for reevaluating their life and attempting to execute changes.
What follows is the story of each of the women and their interactions. After that vacation, things change dramatically for all four women and it takes a few bumps in the road of varying sizes to get themselves in a healthy place.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No surprise, I loved The Quitters Club. I have yet to find a Jessica book I don't enjoy, but I think this one may have bumped up to the top of my list. Yes, it's a story about close friendship, kinship, mentorship, and support between a group of women, but with a completely original storyline and unfolding of their insights and struggles and secrets.
I loved the honesty, the arguments, the heartbreak, the hope. This isn't just easy summer reading or simple chick lit (although it fulfills both of those in different ways!), it's also gorgeous journey of finding your truth, living it, embracing it even when it's tough ... and how your tribe can be the catalyst for truly understanding it (and achieving it). Loved it. Highly reco!!
I loved the honesty, the arguments, the heartbreak, the hope. This isn't just easy summer reading or simple chick lit (although it fulfills both of those in different ways!), it's also gorgeous journey of finding your truth, living it, embracing it even when it's tough ... and how your tribe can be the catalyst for truly understanding it (and achieving it). Loved it. Highly reco!!
Review of advance copy
This book is not my usual fare, but I read a few sample chapters and it completely hooked me. I identified so strongly with Brooke and Lucy (and eventually Collins, too). I have buried so many dreams, and faced failure in so many areas of life. I know God has a perfect plan for me, but it's some days it's really hard to know how to move on from those things. This book was like a case study of ways to reframe your mindset and shift your goals. It contained a lot of truth about the illusion of control, the value of a good support system, the fear of change, and the need to regularly reevaluate and adapt when life isn't looking like you expected or hoped. It was a fantastic story, but it also left me with a lot to think about!
May 6, 2026
Four college best friends, all around age 40 now, make a pact to quit the things in their lives that are not working. Lucy will stop pursuing her writing career, Brooke will quit fertility treatments, Marie will consider ending her failing marriage, and Collins will stop wallowing in grief over her dead husband and move on. Egging each other on, they take steps toward quitting, but complications arise, and that’s what carries the story along. The ending is a little too pat, and the trope of girlfriends who are always there for each other is overdone, but I enjoyed this book and upended my schedule to keep reading. It certainly makes a person wonder what parts of our lives we might give up to make ourselves happier.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Can you change your life by quitting the thing that makes you unhappy? That’s the central question of this heartfelt and poignant novel. When a group of friends makes a pact to leave behind the biggest problems in their lives, they think they’re taking a step toward happiness. But quitting can have unintended consequences, and sometimes the things you abandon are what you need the most. I laughed AND cried.
Review of advance copy
Big fan of this book. Four women who decide to say NO. They are tired, try to please everyone all the time, living life for others, over extending themselves in all areas of life and they realize rhey can say no. The journey of life after they start to say no is an eye opener for them. There are topics of grief, infertility, marriage problems, cancer, accidents, amongst others topics that keep the book going and realistic.
May 5, 2026
“Maybe it’s because we all fantasize about quitting things from time to time,” she offered. “And if someone else goes through with it, that reminds us it doesn’t have to be fantasy. Quitting big stuff can be scary even when we want to, like leaping without a net. Maybe those reactions are more about other people’s fears and not about you at all.”
May 5, 2026
Thought Provoking
I started this book thinking it would be a quick, entertaining piece of chick lit. It totally surprised me with its depth of development of complex characters with thought provoking life issues. The strong women and their friendship was inspiring. I love the surprise of a really good story.
I started this book thinking it would be a quick, entertaining piece of chick lit. It totally surprised me with its depth of development of complex characters with thought provoking life issues. The strong women and their friendship was inspiring. I love the surprise of a really good story.
Review of advance copy
A great novel if you are at a place where you have choices to make, at a crossroads in your career, issues of loss, or just need to get out of your own reality. There is a great bound between the main characters. There will be a person everyone will be able to relate to. This is real life at its best and sure to help you through yours.
Review of advance copy
This would be a great book club read…. About women friends in their forties and all needing to discern when and how to pivot from prior life trajectories and how we need each other to get clarity and support in those moments. Thoughtful, relatable, challenging.
May 7, 2026
Love the concept
We should all have a how to say no class available! Interesting characters with different issues starting a pact together. Do we ever really know our friends whole story?
We should all have a how to say no class available! Interesting characters with different issues starting a pact together. Do we ever really know our friends whole story?
Review of advance copy
Just finished this book- it was hard to put down. The story shares the journey of friends through some challenges and the decisions they make. I immediately looked other books by the author I could read.
May 8, 2026
The Quitters has everything I love in a good read. Powerful female characters, friendship, crossroads, all mixed in with amazing storytelling. I loved it and will definitely check out the other reads by this author.
Review of advance copy
5⭐️s This was one of Amazon’s May First Reads. Title caught my attention and I’m glad I read this. It’s either leave you motivated or feel completely helpless. Real honest stories that women can relate to. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews