ארבעה גברים טובים

by Sara Goodman Confino, שרה גודמן קונפינו (Author's Hebrew Name), רחל פן (Translator)

חמות וכלה. כדי להמשיך הלאה, אחת מהן תצטרך לעזוב.

השנה 1963. שנתיים לאחר מותו של בעלה, ברברה פלדמן מתחילה סוף סוף להתגבר על האבל ולגדל לבד את שני ילדיה. ואז מופיעה על סף דלתה חמותה רות – עם חמש מזוודות ותוכניות ברורות. גסת רוח אך אוהבת, רות מתבססת בבית כאילו תמיד היתה שם, וברברה מגבשת תוכנית משלה: להשיא את רות במהירות האפשרית.

אך עד מהרה מתברר לברברה שרות מנסה לעשות בדיוק את אותו הדבר בשבילה.

ארבעה גברים טובים הוא רומן מרגש, מלא הומור ותקווה על אלמנות וחיכוכים משפחתיים ועל השאלה עד כמה רחוק אישה מוכנה ללכת כדי להחזיר לעצמה את חייה – גם אם הדרך עוברת דרך חמות שמכינה ביצים עם לזניה לארוחת הבוקר.

שרה גודמן קונפינו היא סופרת רבי־מכר אמריקאית. ספריה הקודמים – "אל תשכחי לכתוב", "חסרת תקנה" ו"מאחורי כל גבר מוצלח" – כבשו את לב הקוראות בישראל.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Romance, Grief, Chick Lit, Family

304 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2026

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog



I've never read a book by this author before, and I am so glad I started with this one. It takes place in 1963 and is a heartwarming and funny story about the surprising friendship between Barbara, a young widow raising her two children, and her mother-in-law, Ruth, who is very abrupt and outspoken. Ruth shows up unannounced with five suitcases in tow, under the pretense that she's there to help with the grandkids. It's been two years since Barbara's husband died, and she is ready to get on with things, but Ruth's visit is getting on her nerves, so Barbara wants to hook her up with an eligible bachelor. Ruth has the same idea for Barbara: she's out to find her a husband. These two women and their scheming ways really bring out the laughter.

This was such a delightful and uplifting read that perfectly blends humour, heart, and hope. I loved the 1960s setting. It was a joy to read about Barbara coming out of her grief and handling motherhood and her mother-in-law. Even though Ruth can be a meddling hot-air bag, she has a heart of gold. I loved how witty the book was, and the writing style was easy to read. I learned a lot about Jewish culture, and it was heartwarming to read a loving story of a family dealing with loss and moving forward. Every page was a joy to read, and the characters were well-rounded, real, and showed such growth. It felt authentic and was very inspiring. I loved this charming tale about finding light in the darkest of places and the power of family and friendship. This is my new favourite genre: realistic feel-good fiction, also known as up-lit. All. The. Stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodnight Barbara!
Goodnight Ruth!

I loved everything about this DELIGHTFUL novel starting with the whimsical book cover ! Sara Goodman Confino has a way of dropping you right into the story from page one, and I was engaged throughout!

It’s 1963, two years since Barbara Feldman’s husband died, and she is finally ready to let her mother return home, and start living life with her two young children on her own.

NOT SO FAST

Within days of bidding her mother goodbye, there comes a knock on the door. Her mother-in-law, Ruth, has invited herself to move in, arriving with five suitcases, and no plans to leave. I was reminded of one of my favorite insurance commercials when a newlywed couple has an “Aunt/Ant problem-knock knock-Aunt Joanie’s here! But I digress! 🤭

“Mother Ruth” is a “know it all” and fabulous cook (not!) and she is ready to help with the children. How can Barbara say no to her late husband’s lonely, grieving mother? But when days turn to weeks, Barbara realizes that Ruth has got to go!

Perhaps she can introduce Ruth to some fine gentlemen and marry her off to one of them?

But, soon enough, Barbara realizes that Ruth seems to have a similar plan of her own!

Q: “ How old does someone have to be before a Jewish mother stops trying to fix them up?”
A. “Dead” 😆

I loved spending time with these two women, and looked forward to picking up this HOPEFUL, HEARTWARMING, FUNNY book whenever I had the chance.

4.5 shiny stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I just added the author’s entire backlist to my TBR! And, it just may find a spot on my favorites list at year’s end!

A buddy read with Marilyn and DeAnn. Be sure to watch for their reviews!

AVAILABLE NOW!!

Thank You to Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara's books always grabs my attention. She has a way of writing about hard life topics while still telling a beautiful and catchy story.

I wouldn’t call this a tear jerker, but it did make me appreciate my husband a little more today. After losing her husband, Barbara just wants to be left alone and figure out how to stand on her own two feet while raising her two kids.

When her mother in law suddenly shows up, it’s the last thing she wants. But in the end, it turns out to be exactly what she needs. Her mother in law helps her see how strong she really is, how to face life as a widow, and how to fight for her kids.

It’s a good read. Maybe not as strong as some of Sara's other books, but it definitely gives you something to think about.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two years after the sudden death of her husband, Barbara Feldman is ready to emerge into the world again. When her mother-in-law, Ruth, arrives at her door, ready to move in, Barbara finds it impossible to tell her no. Soon Ruth is creating chaos trying to find a new husband for her daughter-in-law, while Barb is trying to find a way to politely kick her to the curb.

I always count on Sara Goodman Confino to deliver a laugh-out-loud story filled with humor and heart. Whether set in the present, like For the Love of Friends, or deep in the past like Behind Every Good Man, it is impossible not to find yourself utterly charmed with both the setting and the story, but even more so, with the quirky and relatable characters that fill the pages. And Good Grief is no exception.

The story of a widower and single mom living with her matchmaker mother-in-law felt so unique and ripe for a character-rich story, but one also filled with emotional depth. After all, both of our MCs are dealing with the grief they feel over the loss of one man, son, and husband. The comedy of errors that ensues, along with the mother/mother-in-law balancing act that many can relate to, made the story simultaneously entertaining and engaging. By the end, I found myself shedding tears, a sign that I had developed a significant connection to both Barbara and Ruth.

🎧 As is always the case with Confino’s books, Good Grief is equally fantastic on audio. The magnificent Helen Laser complements this already fabulous story brilliantly; her narration the added sparkle that makes this story shine even brighter.

Read if you like:
▪️1960s suburbia
▪️second chance at love
▪️stories about overcoming grief
▪️found family
▪️humorous fiction
▪️feel-good stories
▪️The Odd Couple


Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥

Thank you Amazon Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the advanced copies.

Buddy read ♥︎

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1963, Barbara Feldman has been a widow for two years, her husband Harry tragically dying incredibly young. She’s raising their two young children, Susie and Bobby and since Harry died she’s had the help of her mother and whilst Barbara is very grateful she now wants to stand on her own two feet. The day after she sends her mother home, her mother-in-law Ruth turns up on the doorstep, with five suitcases and a carpet bag. Now, Ruth is quite the tour de force and so Barbara decides that she’ll limit Ruths stay to two weeks. Will Ruth have other ideas? Quite probably and so Barbara will need to exercise all her ingenuity!

Dear me, Barbara is such a good tolerant person as I would have murdered Ruth within twenty four hours! Overstep much? Opinionated much? However, things do change and it’s entertaining watching the ebb and flow of their daughter-in-law/mother-in-law relationship. Some situations are quite amusing although not the roll around laughing kind. The two children add in some charm and humour too.

There’s a good sense of the time period as 1963 was of course a very pivotal year in US history. The situation for female workers in the 60s is well captured and is a very different world today. There are some good scenes set in the hospital in which Barbara works.

There are many likeable characters and even Ruth grows on me. It’s engaging and entertaining although both women have their grief it’s done very well. Barbara is a young woman and perhaps it’s time for her to move on – maybe Ruth will help her!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Lake Union for the early copy in return for an honest review.

[Jonetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

the setup…
Barbara Feldman’s husband passed away two years ago, leaving her with impossible grief and two young children. It’s 1963 and she now feels ready to handle her life on her own, allowing her mother to return to her own home. But not long after, Barbara returns home from her part time job at a hospital to find her mother-in-law Ruth waiting on her doorstep…with five suitcases. This doesn’t look like a temporary visit! Yes, Ruth plans to stay and now Barbara has to figure out how to get this woman out of her house.

the heart of the story…
As soon as I read the description, I wanted to read this book and it lived up to my expectations. Ruth is prickly but politely so and over the top overbearing. Of course she and Barbara have different notions about child rearing, cooking and just about everything else. Barbara’s scheming to find a husband for Ruth was hilarious, especially when Ruth turned the tables on her. Despite their differences, I liked how they were still respectful of one another and over time began to see each other differently.

the narration…
Helen Laser is one of my favorite narrators and her storytelling here was superb. I especially loved her voice for Ruth and she brought so much energy to the characters.

the bottom line…
While this was delightful and hilarious at times, underneath it all were deep seated emotions as both Barbara and Ruth were grieving widows and Ruth also lost a son. Unwittingly, these women provided a strange respite for each other that had a healing effect. The 1963 setting provides important context as well. I loved it all.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

[Jennifer Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, I'm in the mood for a neatly packaged feel-good story that fits perfectly between deeper works. In this regard, Confino never fails to deliver. She has perfected the art of developing characters that readers quickly become invested in. They are relatable, as are the trials and tribulations they navigate. Good Grief is another example of a story executed perfectly in this way.

Barbara and her two children are two years past the death of her husband and their father. Her mother had moved in to help her through the hardest part of the transition, but now she feels ready to lead her small family forward without outside assistance. However, as she says goodbye to her mother, her mother-in-law steps into the picture.

Ruth is the perfect yet imperfect mother-in-law from the start. Her crazy antics provide comedic relief, even as they drive Barbara to the brink of pulling her hair out. Beneath it all, there is a deep loneliness, as Ruth's husband also passed away young, and she wants Barbara to navigate this new life differently than she did.

I laughed at the funny moments and felt the sadness and grief when appropriate. This well-written novel is just what the "doctor ordered" if you’re looking for light humor and a good time. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Izzie (on pause) McFussy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I love Confino’s writing (Behind Every Good Man, Don’t Forget to Write) and 1960 settings. While this book was a pleasant read, it wasn’t quite as much fun as the previous two. Also, it didn’t add much real estate to the Confino universe.

This book significantly overlapped with BEGM:
🅱️ Similar protagonist’s names: substitute Barbara for Beverly.
🥀 Husbandless women. A young widow instead of a divorcée.
🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Both raising two young children.
👵 Beverly’s mother moved in to help after the divorce. Mother-in-law, Ruth, also a widow showed up unannounced with five suitcases to assist Barbara.

***Mild Spoiler Ahead***
Anyway, while this is primarily women’s fiction with the barest hint of romance to sunset the story on a rosy note, it didn’t quite work for me. I actually got attached to Harry, Barbara’s first husband, from her anecdotes. By the end I wasn’t sold that either woman was prepared to pursue serious relationships.

But what do I know? It’s fiction. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Em Lost In Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic book that encourages us to look outside ourselves for healing when consumed by grief. Barbara is overwhelmed, but when she realizes the importance of perspective taking and learns to lean on others (and vice versa), she opens up an opportunity for genuine connection and meaningful relationships. It’s so easy to stay insular and focused on ‘me’ when we are grieving. I think the author’s cautionary tale is needed as we’ll all experience being solo at one time or another. Being wrapped in humour makes the advice to pivot an easier ‘pill’ to swallow.

I also liked the message about finding common ground. It would have been so much easier to send Ruth on her way, but Barbara found an unconventional solution to her problem.

My takeaway: “take in more of the joy” - take mental snapshots of the experiences that make you smile and laugh so that you have a virtual scrapbook to look back on when the going gets tough.

I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Genni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
Kindle Unlimited with Audio

I adore this author and she continues to woo me as a reader with ‘Good Grief’. I think for many this would be a 5 star read and legitimately so. Unfortunately didn’t hit the coveted rating this time, but I can honestly say… ‘it’s me, not you’.

Sara can write. As always, her work flows so well from page to page, chapter to chapter. Her writing is clear, enjoyable, humorous, relevant, and entertaining. This book, as her others, is written in a way the reader keeps coming back for more- the engagement from reader to her work is solid.

Each character is well developed. She does a wonderful job writing even the young children’s characters, that are adorable - writing children into books is no small feat!

The relationships made and bonds strengthened throughout this story were so heartwarming and so beautifully done.

All that praise and not 5 stars you wonder? This is where ‘it’s me’ comes in… it is a book about Grief… (well duh, you say) and I guess grief and I don’t mix well. It’s not a trigger, rather I don’t understand it. So for me, having difficulty moving on after many years and constant repeting of the deceased husbands name took away from the story for me. I’ve read some great books with similar storylines but heavy focus on not being able to move on is what I struggled with. I think the late Harry’s name being mentioned so much along with the grieving widow not seeing the new budding relationship all but slapping her in the face- is what lost me. Again- it’s a me thing.

All in all I recommend Good Grief for the spectacular writing, witty humor, extra sweet ending and would highly recommend other books by this author.

Triggers: death of a spouse

Recommended if you enjoy:
Strong family bonding
1960’s history
Strong independent lead female characters
Jewish history
Humor with grief
Women’s rights

🧳 🧳 🧳

[Angie Miale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Grief is an engaging, female-centered novel that celebrates the connection between two women who both love the same deceased man. That is… a young widow and her mother-in-law.

The year is 1963 and the setting is the greater DC area. Barbara Feldman has 2 children, 6 and 4. Her mother moved in when her husband died very young of a massive heart attack. They realize that the time has come for Barbara and the kids to survive on their own, so her mother-in-law moves out.

They have exactly one day as a family of 3, when her Mother-in-law shows up on her porch with five suitcases. There is no room for argument, Ruth Feldman knows that Barbara’s mother has just left and she is taking her rightful place.

Hilarity ensues!

Okay- time for my trigger warning. What happens next is Ruth meddling and really going overboard on being intrusive. If you struggle with setting boundaries and/or are triggered by this, this is a major theme of the book and - I will admit - it raised my blood pressure a bit. I grew to really love Ruth in the end, but there were several times that I was full of anxiety at what she was doing. For example, Barbara has people coming to paint the kitchen a pale yellow and Ruth changes it to being pink. That kind of thing, over and over.

But all the while, you know that Ruth means well, and she really does love Barbara and her grandchildren. Barbara decides to play matchmaker to just get Ruth out of her house.

Historical fiction in the mid twentieth century can be a difficult plot for 2025 readers; authors make the mistake of making the characters unrealistic and having the culture/viewpoints of the typical 21st century reader. Authors also can make the time period overly nostalgic, but that isn’t the case here. The workplace is a hospital and very different than today’s society. You can change your own perceptions and see things through the eyes of characters who are
Immersed in another time.

It also made me grateful for the women of Barbara and Ruth’s time that made workplaces better for women and mothers like myself.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake House publishing for the ARC. Book to be published August 26, 2025.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Goodman Confino has another hit with Good Grief! When a book can make me both laugh and cry, you know that the story and its characters are ones that I will remember for a long time.

It’s 1963. Barbara’s husband died very young, two years before the book starts. This hit home for me, as I lost a dear cousin that way (his father also had a bad heart and he inherited it, just like in this book). Barbara has two young children and her mother came to stay with her (FOR TWO YEARS!!) while she tried to pick up the pieces of her life. Barbara is finally ready to resume life without her mother’s 24-7 presence, and then her mother-in-law Ruth shows up without warning - with a lot of suitcases. Ruth obviously plans to stay for quite a while, and Barbara initially can’t wait to get her out of her home. Of course, things change. Gradually.

Confino explores grief, of course, but also learning to accept help from others, the value of community, appreciating the little moments of joy, the value of empathy, and more. She explores the difficulties of single parenthood, which is still a concern today. She also illuminates the limitations put on women in 1963 and beyond, in both personal life and in the workplace. I’m significantly younger than Barbara, but I still remember how stinging some of these things were, when I was just starting out (like not being able to get a department store credit card in my name or having to start as a secretary despite by college degree) and the discomfort of having to wear things like stockings and a garter belt!

The misguided efforts at matchmaking truly made me laugh. Another plus for me was the matter-of-fact Jewish representation. So refreshing. And if you’ve read some of her other books, you’ll be delighted at the mentions of characters you know from those books - and an appearance by one of them!

My husband and I listened to the audiobook version during a recent road trip and we were both entranced and absorbed in the story. Helen Laser did a great job with all the accents and voices.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book and to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

[John Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one took me a while to warm to. Barbara is a widow with two young children, still grieving over the death of her beloved husband two years ago. Her mum has been staying with her and helping out, but when she goes back home, Barbara's mother-in-law shows up on her doorstep.

A prickly and often contentious relationship develops and takes a while to warm up. And it did warm up by the end. Set in the same time period as 'She's Up to no Good' even sharing a brief encounter with a couple of main characters from that book, the feel of 1963 is always present. 4 stars for me in the end.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable treat this book was! Quite relatable in certain ways with the MIL undermining and being critical of the DIL....Opening the shower curtain to ask her a questions, putting new wall paper on, getting a puppy without consulting her etc.....She was quite a character to say the least but yet she was someone who I would have liked to have as a friend however ;) Underneath she was actually kind although blunt (like myself) and did care about her DIL; had stated how her DIL was a wonderful mother and had well behaved kids. She defended her DIL and made up for her blunders. I liked how she was a no nonsense type person. The DIL Barbara was an endearing person who displayed patience and wisdom as she treated her MIL Ruth well despite the trying circumstances. They were both grieving really.

They relationships were quite engrossing as there wasn't any skimming done with this story:) It was decent without f-bombs etc. I also found it quite hilarious so many times with the banter that occurred for I literally had lol moments quite often!! :) A bit of a slice of life; even Sears was mentioned for I miss that store these years.....Well worth checking out as I am so glad that I decided to buy this for I will certainly will read more by this marvelous author ** I liked learning a bit more about Jewish aspects as well!**

[Andrea | andrea.c.lowry.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an uplifting story full of character growth, heart, and love! Good Grief will grab you and pull you into a world of dynamic female characters, the sweetest kids and a scheming mother and daughter-in-law duo trying to help the other find a way to live and love again.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?

This book absolutely had all the emotions! I was laughing, scolding characters, cheering, wanting to strangle characters and I could not get enough. It’s basically one of those stories where you feel like you become part of the family and want to experience everything with them.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:

Strong Women
Supportive Family
Second Chances
Hope after loss
The 50s
Humor

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

I absolutely binged this fast paced story. The fun banter between several characters also had me fully engaged and giggling during every chapter.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

This was a wonderful and rich story full of heart, life lessons, and quite a few humorous moments. I truly cannot recommend this book enough!

Thank you UpLit for this gifted copy in exchange from my honest opinions.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does everybody know this is my newest favorite author? How deeply I love her books and treasure every single one of them? I have literally bought like 15 copies of Don't Forget to Write and given them away. I have recommended this book and the audible to COUNTLESS people. We all agree, Sara Goodman Confino is a treasure! But what's even better is that when the books are set in 1963, these beloved characters come back. It wasn't until the last quarter of the book when beloved friends reappeared and in the most amazing way.

I feared the book's premise would be hard, and it wasn't easy. But this author has a way of dealing with hard things and also making it relatable and hysterically funny. God, was this book fun. And there were times I had tears rolling down my cheeks. Truth be told, I read Don't Forget to Write, but I have listened to every single other book on audio, and the voices, the narration, the accent, the phrasing and intonation - what a pleasure. Loved, loved, loved it! Cannot wait for the next.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished reading: August 21st 2025

"That was what Ruth and my own mother didn't understand: sure, I needed help, but I needed Harry's help, not theirs. More mothers were just too many cooks in the kitchen, quite literally sometimes."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

REVIEW

WARNING: it's another unpopular opinion!!

I was already worried this would happen to be honest. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVED my first two experiences with Sara Goodman Confino‘s writing reading her two previous books. Those two titles I cannot recommend enough, but when I decided to read a backlist title before tackling Good Grief it all turned south. This negative reaction came completely unexpected, and it made me worried what my reaction to her newest story would be... It is also probably why I waited this long to finally pick it up to be honest. I'm not sure if it is the reading slump, fickle Frieda or the fact that I experienced this story through a fever addled brain, but the fact is that Good Grief and me most definitely didn't get along.

I can't deny that the premise itself has a lot of potential and I loved the idea behind this book. With different main characters or at least with the characters behaving differently, this could have been SUCH a beautiful story... But as it is, there was nothing good or enjoyable about my experience reading about the two women overcoming their grief. I seem to be a true outlier so far though, because Good Grief has been receiving glowing review after glowing review... This is just me putting my two cents out there in case I'm not the only one struggling.

I have to give credit where credit is due, and say that Sara Goodman Confino does the 1960s period very well; the historical setting feels authentic and truly adds to the story. The same goes for the incorporation of the Jewish culture and community, as well as some of the issues they have to face. These elements are probably one of the main reasons I kept reading to be honest, because I can't say that I was a fan of how the rest of the premise was developed at all. Like I said, I still like the general idea, but not the direction the author decided to take with this story.

I'm sure we have all heard nightmare stories about mother-in-laws, and while I myself consider myself fortunate on that front, the whole situation in Good Grief is nothing short of trigger warning worthy. The mother-in-law Ruth basically had horns growing out of her head (or at least a poisoned apple at hand), and everything she did was just SO over the top that it pushed the story to the caricature section. Add the fact that Barbara is basically a human doormat and lets Ruth walk all over her, and this story mainly just made me want to hit my kindle against the wall. Oh yes, Barbara does get mad for about ten seconds, but then just takes the hit and offers her other cheek for more abuse... Definitely not the uplifting story with a message of hope I thought I was going to find.

I could write a whole book about why Ruth ruined the story, but let's just say that when she pulled the stunt at the hospital with that extremely unpleasant doctor who basically assaults all the female staff to boot, I was out. And then I mean literally, because by then my fever brain just couldn't deal with more abusive behavior on her part and more doormat behavior of Barbara... So I can't deny that I basically just skimread the rest of the book after that scene, and whatever improvement there was wasn't enough for me to change my mind about both Barbara, Ruth and this story. Add the fact that it was SO predictable where the plot would go from the very beginning, and the whole experience was even more disappointing.

As a whole, I'm kind of mad at myself for making myself suffer through this book and its characters when it was SO clear that Good Grief just wasn’t working for me. I’m glad this wasn’t my first Sara Goodman Confino book, because I would have missed out on some true gems like Behind Every Good Man and Don’t Forget To Write otherwise. Those books I CAN recommend with all my heart; sadly I can’t say the same for this one. I know I'm pretty much an outlier though, so take my ramblings with a grain of salt if you think this story could be for you. But just in case you also stopped reading more than once to check the reviews like I did: you are not alone.

[Sheila The Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

2-1/2 ⭐️ rounded up
Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino is a novel that delves into themes of grief, family dynamics, and the rich tapestry of Jewish culture and tradition. The story follows the protagonist as she navigates the complexities of loss and familial relationships, offering readers a blend of humor and heartfelt moments.

This was my first experience reading Sara Goodman Confino’s work, prompted by a friend’s high praise of her writing. I was eager to explore her storytelling and was fortunate to receive a copy from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The novel is imbued with Jewish culture and tradition, providing a rich backdrop that adds depth to the narrative. Confino’s writing style is engaging and often light-hearted, making complex themes accessible. However, I found the portrayal of the mother-in-law’s intrusive behavior particularly challenging. Having faced similar personal experiences with a meddling in-law, this aspect of the story was triggering for me, making it difficult to fully engage with the narrative. The lack of healthy boundaries depicted in the protagonist’s household added to my discomfort, and I struggled to find enjoyment in these parts of the book.

Ultimately, this one just wasn’t for me. I read for enjoyment, and this story, while well-written, didn’t provide that experience due to how strongly I reacted to the mother-in-law’s behavior. That said, I still appreciate Confino’s writing style and humor and plan to give one of her other novels a try—hopefully without a triggering, overbearing in-law in the mix.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I loved this author’s other two book that I’ve read, but this one was just a little too sweet and predictable for me. With all the five star reviews I’ve seen, I’m clearly in the minority here.

[Stacey B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Sara G-Contino is terrific and her humor is contagious.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED it. I laughed and I cried. A beautiful story with so much heart. ❤️

Good Grief is relatable, funny, and heartwarming! Sara transports readers back in time and you realize some situations are relevant in every era. If you’re looking for a feel good read with a bit of drama and a happily ever after, look no further.

[Debbie Gill-ty Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A feel good, humorous read.
Sara Confino, author, has managed to entertain me once again.
A daughter-in-law and mother-in-law living under the same roof?? No way!! I see trouble coming!
“A house is a woman’s domain” is the way I see it, and here comes Ruth the mother in law of Barbara, packed with suitcases and Unannounced…ready to move in! Barbara swears under her breath that she will not allow this woman to stay longer than two weeks. Ruth comes in like a bulldozer moving furniture, wallpapering the kitchen and manages to blow up the stove.
Now Barbara’s husband has died two years ago and truthfully she has not moved on from the griefing stage. She speaks to her husband daily. But now she will be faced with this added grief of dealing with a pushy mother-in-law. Barbara’s two kids are in heaven when grandma moves in.
A great adventure and secretly both women are trying to marry the other one off…no need to be lonely the rest of your life! It’s a fun journey with a little romance, and took me away from my daily grind.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sara Goodman Confino's sharp and witty writing, and Good Grief is her best novel yet and one of my top picks for 2025! This is saying a lot because all her novels are great and super enjoyable from beginning to end.

I found myself laughing and smiling so much, but also cried a few times. It's such a sweet story and I couldn't get enough of it! There were even cameos from Sara's previous novels. (Although this is a standalone, the cameos may include some light spoilers, so read her other books first.)

I loved all the interactions between Ruth and Barbara. Ruth meant well, but kept messing things up all the time, making things more challenging in Barbara's already chaotic life. Still, it was hard not to laugh all all the mishaps. I also loved how they were trying to set each other up with men for different reasons and all of the dating snafus that went along with these plans.

Really, there was nothing I didn't love about this novel and have been recommending it whenever possible. While a lot of novels explore grief, this one stands out. (There's another novel with this same title from the early 2000s that I also loved, but Sara's takes the cake!)

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Barbara: Zoey Deutch

Ruth: Jami Gertz

Eddie: Emory Cohen

Joseph: Steve Guttenberg

Janet: Billie Lourd
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TW: Sexual harassment, medical incidents

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @getredprbooks and @saraconfino for the gifted copy

GOOD GRIEF by Sara Goodman Confino | 07.26.2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sara Goodman Confino, HOW do you keep outdoing yourself?! I devoured Good Grief in a weekend and now I’m already missing Barbara and Ruth like they’re old friends. This book is everything I love about Sara’s writing: smart, funny, heartfelt, and packed with complicated, lovable women who feel so real.

Set in 1963, we meet Barbara, a young widow trying to find herself again, just as her hurricane of a mother-in-law, Ruth, blows in uninvited.

Ruth is blunt, overbearing, hilarious, and somehow still completely endearing. What starts as a total clash of personalities slowly becomes a story about healing, second chances, and building unexpected bridges.

I laughed out loud (multiple times), felt deeply for both women, and found myself rooting for their growth as much as any romance. There is matchmaking and potential love in the air (for both of them!) but the real heart of the book is the evolving relationship between Barbara and Ruth. It’s messy, honest, and ultimately beautiful.

If you love books that balance comedy and emotion, give you 60s nostalgia, and remind you that family is what you make it—Good Grief is a must-read. I’m still smiling thinking about some of these scenes!

QOTD:
Who’s your favorite fictional character - someone who drove you nuts on the page but stole your heart by the end?

#GoodGrief #SaraGoodmanConfino #BookReview #HistoricalFictionWithHeart #MotherInLawChronicles #FamilyDramaDoneRight #FunnyBooks #BooksILove #AutoBuyAuthor #BookstagramReads #FictionWithFeels #RetroReads

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and I loved it.

It is a feel-good book that will make you laugh and made you cry happy tears.

Add this to your TBR if you need some goodness in your life.

I bought this for a book club discussion.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 4.25 stars Narration 4.5 stars
This was another good listen from this author. And while this isn’t a series and you can read them in any order, we do get to see other characters from previous books. That’s always fun for me. This is also historical fiction and takes place in 1963. There’s mention of President Kennedy’s death and things like Ed Sullivan, but it’s strictly fiction. Since I was alive during this time period it was just that much more interesting to me.

Barbara has been a grieving widow for two years. Her mother stayed with her for those years. Barbara finally gets her to go home as she’s ready to be on her own. The next day her widowed mother in law comes with all her baggage to live there. No invitation to do so. Barbara has to try and figure out how she can get her to leave. Pretty hard to do when she’s lost her house to pay taxes. Definitely not how Barbara wanted to live, but as she has two children, she can use the help-temporary of course. The two have to learn how to live together and how to get the other one to move on with their lives. Of course there are some men involved. Plus a new job.

As always with this author’s books, I really enjoyed the listen. She really knows how to write good female characters in particular. Both women have fears and especially in Barbara’s case dreams of a new life. I really liked Barbara’s love interest. The ultimate nice guy and I was there for it. Recommended to anybody that likes a good well told story. No spice. Narration was good.

[MicheleReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year is 1963, and it's been two years since Barbara Feldman's husband, Harry, passed away, leaving her to care for their two young children. Her mother had moved in to assist, but Barbara informed her that she was prepared to manage things on her own, and it was time for her to move out. But then her mother-in-law, Ruth, shows up on Barbara's doorstep with five pieces of luggage. It's her turn to move in. Surely Barbara can handle the judgmental Ruth for a week or two. But Ruth has other ideas. 

In Good Grief, Sara Goodman Confino brings two widows together in this witty and heartfelt novel. The characters are endearing, even the exasperating yet well-intentioned Ruth, whose heart is in the right place. The author skillfully balances the journeys of two resilient women dealing with grief with some very humorous situations. Their attempts at matchmaking were especially amusing. It's a relatable and entertaining book about second chances that will put a smile on your face and may make you shed a tear or two.

Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing | Amazon Publishing for the advance.

4.5 stars.

Review posted on MicheleReader.com.

[Stephanie (TheBookishBoyMom) · Rating 2 out of 5]

As someone who loves a historical women’s fiction, I’m always eager to read Sara’s work. “Good Grief” is set in the 60’s and that’s a time period I’m a bit fascinated by. Especially when it comes to a woman’s role in society and her household. And Sara always delivers when it comes to this time in US history. Plus her leading ladies always have a bit of spice in them.

Before I jump into what didn’t work for me, I want to praise the Jewish representation in Confino’s books. I look forward to her writing as a Jewish author because I always take something new away from her characters and their cultural heritage.

Unfortunately, in “Good Grief” I absolutely loathed Ruth, the meddling mother-in-law, and struggled cheering for Barbara. I found her ability to tolerate Ruth’s interference time and time again in conflict with this very capable person. She would accept (what I see as) a lukewarm apology from Ruth only to turn around and deal with yet another incident of overstepping and disrespect. The back and forth felt very much like a never ending cycle of emotional sabotage.

I had thought this book would be more about Barbara growth and resilience after a heartbreaking loss, but it ended up being a story I found myself struggling to enjoy. I often thought to myself “good grief, not this again” which I don’t think was Confino’s intention for readers.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Grief is the fifth novel by American author, Sara Goodman Confino. It’s early 1963, Washington DC and, two years after losing her husband, Harry to a heart attack, thirty-two-year-old mother of two, Barbara Feldman feels like she’s emerging from her grief. Grateful as she is for her support, she sends her mother home to Philadelphia, determined to rejoin life: “It’s time that I try to figure out how to do this myself. Whether I’m ready or not.”

But less than twenty-four hours later, Barbara and her children arrive home to find Harry’s mother, Ruth is on the doorstep with five suitcases, come to stay for as long as she’s needed, wholly sure that she is. Barbara allows herself two weeks to convince Ruth that she and Susie and Bobby are coping just fine on their own. But Ruth has other ideas.

Ruth is abrasive and stuck in her ways, and over the course of the next few weeks, Barbara tries to be patient and tolerant as Ruth rearranges the furniture, undermines her method of parenting, sets the kitchen on fire, brings home a puppy, papers the repaired kitchen wall with loud wallpaper, and begins matchmaking her with unsuitable and occasionally, awful men. There are a couple of very good men waiting in the wings, though…

When she gets Barbara fired from her patient liaison job at the hospital, she’s just about ready to despair, but she doesn’t reckon on the might and influence of the sisterhood: her best friend, the nurses and candy-stripers she works with, and, yes, her mother-in-law.

Goodman Confino easily evokes the era and the public mindset at that time. There’s plenty of humour in the dialogue, and in Barbara’s (mostly) silent comments to heavenly Harry “You owe me for this one”. And many readers will wish they had thought of Bobby’s comeback when they were six: “Don’t talk with your mouth full,” I said. “Then don’t ask me questions while I’m eating,” he said, still chewing.”

The cameo by Beverly Diamond and Stuart Friedman from Behind Every Good Man will delight readers familiar with Goodman Confino’s earlier works. And if the romantic ending is a little predictable, that’s fine, because the journey there is so enjoyable.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.