The Book Club on Waverly Lane

Waverly Lane #1

by Rachel Hanna

Things aren't always what they seem on Waverly Lane...

After moving to the outskirts of Charleston, South Carolina, Shelby Anderson decides to form a book club to get to know her neighbors and build a new life after her old one imploded.

Little does she know that the women who show up with homemade cookies and perfectly manicured nails have a whole host of secrets of their own.

Will her new book club lead to lifelong friendships or put her in the middle of drama she doesn't want or need?

If you love funny, Southern women's fiction with maybe a hint of romance thrown in for good measure, you'll adore The Book Club On Waverly Lane!

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Book Club, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, Contemporary

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2022

About the author

Hey there! Before I tell you all about myself, can I invite you to join my private Rachel's Readers Facebook group? That's where my readers hang out, discuss my books, participate in giveaways and learn about new releases.

You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rache...

So who am I? My name is Rachel Hanna, and I am a wife, mother of three incredible kids (maybe I am a BIT biased?), two lovable doggies and one cat that lives outside and thinks he owns the world. Okay, I also have a gecko now too. Don't judge me.

I started writing as a young child, and I went into the field of Journalism for many years as an adult. Now, as a romantic fiction writer, I get to live out my own daydreams every single day and share them with readers around the world!

I'm a Southern chick living near Atlanta, so I say "yes, ma'm" and "ya'll", but I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are looking for an easy, fluff read, this is the book for you. Don’t get me wrong, I like a good beach read as much as the next reader, but this was just too fluffy for me. The writing is sophomoric and the story arc is predictable.
The writer wrote that her main character was “well endowed” - just like that with the quotation marks! Plus, our “well endowed“ heroine came off as just plain nosy, well meaning, but nosy. And, to have her literally fall into her handsome boyfriend’s arms just made me want to gag. I do not understand the four and five star ratings.
Not my cup of tea.

[Meghan Tomlinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I literally have no idea how this has a 4+ star rating

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why did I pick this book? If you have a Kindle- you know those ads that flash by when your kindle is in rest mode...this one kept popping up and the cover and title caught my eye.

General Summary The book features protagonist Shelby Anderson- a recently divorced real estate agent, who relocates to a charming community on the fringe of Charleston, SC. In hopes of making friends and creating a sense of community- she reaches out to her neighbors and proposes a weekly book club. The rest of the book centers on the friendships that start to blossom from this book club.

My thoughts-impressions That should teach me- judging a book by its' cover!

Seriously- the premise of the book was great- starting over, middle aged, how do you form new friendships and get to know the community? Add in a book club as the connecting link and set the story in the charm of Charleston- and yes, it's the makings of a great southern Chick Flick.

But in the end- I found it to be a disappointing read-Why? The writing style was way too "telling" for my tastes. Introduce the characters, show me what makes them tick instead of tossing everything at me at a rapid fire rate. Each neighbor had some demon they were wrestling with- and they were all able to set down their own worries to help these brand new friendships? Yeah- that's a big leap you want you readers to make without a lot of build up in the book.

Oh well....at least the cover and title hit my sweet spot...

[Kari Napier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but very very slow for me even though it was a short book. I did appreciate all the surprises towards the end!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!!💜💜

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelby is recently divorced. She moves into a historical house in Charleston on Waverly Lane. In hopes of making some friends, she invites the ladies on her street to join her book club. She learns all about her neighbors and even takes interest in a very handsome bachelor named Reed.

When I saw this book I knew I had to read it. I love Charleston, historical houses and, of course, books. This was a very cute story. I loved how it all played out and I enjoyed how all the friends came together for one another. I would like to note that this book is just under 200 pages, which was just perfect for a quick read.

This review will be posted to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

[Amy Kober · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a random ass read for me. This is the book i imagine bored housewives in red states read and eat up. I hope i am never so bored i become one of the women in this book LOL

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this I want to start a book club so bad. I want friends that are there for me no matter what. I want all the good food and all the talk about books. This is all a dream come true. Hanna writes the best stories.

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shelby Anderson, a newly divorced woman, moves to Charleston and forms a book club, makes friends, solves problems and finds love. Sounds pleasant enough and I guess it was, on the surface. But this short, predictable, completely unrealistic story had an underlying current of ugliness.

UPDATE: As I was typing out my "Examples of Ugliness" I realized that I truly dislike this book, so I went back and removed another star.

Examples of Ugliness [Spoilers]
- The most egregious example is the treatment of the character Willadean, Shelby's elderly neighbor. For the record, Willadean seems like a hoot. I would take her any day over the other twats in this stupid book club. Granted, sometimes elderly people can be challenging, but I have never seen one treated so badly by supposedly "nice" people.

Shelby tells Willadean about the womens' book club she's starting, but doesn't invite her. Then the poor thing says, "Ain't I a woman?" and Shelby reluctantly includes her, but always makes it clear that she's not welcome.

Shelby is always saying incredibly rude, dismissive things. "What are you doing here, Willadean?" "That's none of your business, Willadean." "Will you please go home, Willadean?" Lovely. Compassionate.

At one point, there is an escaped convict in the area, and when Willadean comes knocking on her door late one night saying she heard noises in her house, Shelby is all like, "I have to work tomorrow. You're being stupid, Willadean."

But the one that really broke my heart, Willadean brings a casserole to the book club. She says it's an old family favorite, and it sounds strange but everyone always likes it. NONE OF THESE HATEFUL BITCHES WILL EVEN TASTE THE DAMN CASSEROLE. I mean, would it have killed them? Put some on your damn plate and pretend you love it. Bitches.

- Shelby has just moved into her house. A neighbor, Lacey, comes over with a big welcome basket of homebaked goods. Shelby keeps her standing there on the doorstep, never invites her in. Who the hell does that?! While I was still annoyed by this, Shelby shortly thereafter goes to this same neighbor's house to ask if she'd be interested in joining her book club, and complains that it seemed like Lacey was rushing her out of the house!

- All of the book club ladies are hiding a secret. Joan has lost her beloved husband and is struggling mightily with grief. It triggers her to become a hoarder. Her only son, instead of doing anything to help her, decides to remove himself from her life until she gets herself together. Saint Shelby and the book club help Joan miraculously overcome her hoarding problem, because you know, it's that easy.

When Joan calls her ungrateful ratbastard of a son to tell him she's now acceptable to him again, he's "Oh, really? Well...I don't know. I'm busy with my baby. But maybe we can find some time to see you, someday." So he had a freaking kid and never told his mother she's a grandma. And she is SO grateful that she's getting this second chance. Pathetic.

Well, there are a LOT more things I could complain about but that's enough time spent on it.

[Lynne Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly enjoyable story about the true value and blessing of real friendship shared between women. Shelby Anderson is 40, divorced, and moves from Atlanta to Charleston in order to begin a new life- a clean slate. She explores her new area and comes across a bookstore that alters her life in several ways. When the clerk of the local bookstore suggests book clubs are popular in a neighborhood and a great way to make friends, Shelby begins a neighborhood book club in order to meet her neighbors and make new friends.

When the book club women get together, they begin to know each other, and truly begin to care for one another. They share their lives with one another as well as their love of books. At the bookstore where Shelby works, she meets many people including a love interest.
The story tells of real-life issues that are relatable. The group of book club ladies becomes loyal and steadfast friends. I enjoyed this book very much. I also think this could be a first of a series of these ladies because I feel they have a few stories to tell.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely delightful story about the value and blessing of friendship shared between women.

Shelby Anderson is 40, divorced and ready for a new start moves from Atlanta to Charleston to begin her new life. When the clerk of the local bookstore suggests book clubs are popular and a good way to make friends, Shelby decides starting a neighborhood book club is a good way to meet her neighbors and make new friends.

What happens next is the magic that happen when women get together and truly begin to care for one another, share their lives with one another as well as their love of books. This is a book that grabbed my heart from the first paragraph and after that I was hooked until the last page was turned.

Rachel Hanna brings to life her characters in a way that leaves a lasting impression. They struggle with real life issues that are relatable and they are loyal friends. This book is a beautiful example of such friendships.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun quick dramatic yet humorous story of unlikely friendship between several neighbors in a new book club. All the women bring their baggage, secrets and annoyances to the meetings and as each of their stories unfold it gets even more interesting. I feel like I've known each of these types of women at one time or another, especially Willadeene. We all could use a little Willadeene in our lives!
I just wouldn't want her to be my neighbor!

[Christy Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

So So Good!

I just love this author! Every single book I’ve read of hers has been fabulous! This book had my attention from the first page. ❤️

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, in my opinion, is one of the best books I’ve ever read!!! It was relatable and just overall a sweet story.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story and a quick easy read/listen. I liked this intertwining of the character’s and the secrets some of them had held my interest very well. Enjoyed this one!

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want a simple and lighthearted read, here you go. If you actually think and will pay attention to the plot, don’t bother.

I am so tired of books where people don’t communicate and then it creates unnecessary problems. Also, Shelby is a jerk. She was so mean to her neighbor. All these woman are catty and judgmental.

[Linda A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth and Confidence

This was a totally delightful read. Stories of women coming together and finding strength are wonderful. I am not a fan of people not confronting those they believe have wronged them even though this was pretty well remedied near the end of the book. Maybe Ms. Hanna should consider another visit to Waverly Lane to show the futures achieved by some of the other ladies.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read about a book club of women. I felt like this one was not timed very well. Rachel Hannah’s other books were much more enjoyable to read.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chick lit. Clean read. Contemporary time period. Predictable.

[Jen Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book that will get you out of your reading slump. It’s cute, comical and mysterious with a touch of romance. The characters grew on me the more I read about them. This is a light read about new friendships, secrets and making a fresh start in life.

[Rachael Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute fast read! If your looking for a small book to take on a trip, so to just get lost in, this is a good one.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars…It was a great, easy, chick lit read. Fairly predictable but a nice change of pace if you’re looking for a lazy day book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I read: The Book Club of Waverley Lane by Rachel Hanna

Why I picked it up: I was looking for audiobooks on Hoopla, and I love books about books, so I was delighted to find this one available.

How I read it: On audio in less than a day’s time. It’s only 5.5 hours (and at 1.75x speed… that goes by pretty quickly).

What it’s about: Shelby moved to Charleston after her divorce and needs to begin again. She decides to start a bookclub in her new neighborhood and discovers that everyone seems to be a stranger to each other. They’ve never gotten together like this before, but now it changes everyone.

What I liked: I really loved how the neighbors become friends and wanted to be part of each other’s lives. I also think this happened quickly because they met weekly and read 1-2 chapters each week.

What I disliked: I had a hard time following all of the character POVs. I don’t know if they were just poorly delineated or if I wasn’t paying enough attention.

Genre: Books about books, neighborhoods, book clubs, friendship.

Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and yes!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say...after reading the South Carolina Sunset Series, I am a Rachel Hanna fan. I plan to read all her books. My bookclubs tend to read a lot of heavy, historical fiction books. I love getting away into the small towns of Rachel Hanna. Maybe the book will be a bit predictable but I love having the feeling that all will end up the way I want it and the way it should be. I love the women that struggle but in the end they are strong and triumphant because of it.

[Reader007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

completed 8 27 25

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very light read. This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
Shelby Anderson, a newly divorced woman, moves to Charleston and forms a book club, makes friends, solves problems and finds love. Sounds pleasant enough and I guess it was, on the surface. But this short, predictable, completely unrealistic story had an underlying current of ugliness.

Alot of ugliness-but it was entertaining and alot of people just may think like this

Examples of Ugliness [Spoilers]
- The most egregious example is the treatment of the character Willadean, Shelby's elderly neighbor. For the record, Willadean seems like a hoot. I would take her any day over the other twats in this stupid book club. Granted, sometimes elderly people can be challenging, but I have never seen one treated so badly by supposedly "nice" people.

Shelby tells Willadean about the womens' book club she's starting, but doesn't invite her. Then the poor thing says, "Ain't I a woman?" and Shelby reluctantly includes her, but always makes it clear that she's not welcome.

Shelby is always saying incredibly rude, dismissive things. "What are you doing here, Willadean?" "That's none of your business, Willadean." "Will you please go home, Willadean?" Lovely. Compassionate.

At one point, there is an escaped convict in the area, and when Willadean comes knocking on her door late one night saying she heard noises in her house, Shelby is all like, "I have to work tomorrow. You're being stupid, Willadean."

But the one that really broke my heart, Willadean brings a casserole to the book club. She says it's an old family favorite, and it sounds strange but everyone always likes it. NONE OF THESE HATEFUL BITCHES WILL EVEN TASTE THE DAMN CASSEROLE. I mean, would it have killed them? Put some on your damn plate and pretend you love it. Bitches.

- Shelby has just moved into her house. A neighbor, Lacey, comes over with a big welcome basket of homebaked goods. Shelby keeps her standing there on the doorstep, never invites her in. Who the hell does that?! While I was still annoyed by this, Shelby shortly thereafter goes to this same neighbor's house to ask if she'd be interested in joining her book club, and complains that it seemed like Lacey was rushing her out of the house!

- All of the book club ladies are hiding a secret. Joan has lost her beloved husband and is struggling mightily with grief. It triggers her to become a hoarder. Her only son, instead of doing anything to help her, decides to remove himself from her life until she gets herself together. Saint Shelby and the book club help Joan miraculously overcome her hoarding problem, because you know, it's that easy.

When Joan calls her ungrateful ratbastard of a son to tell him she's now acceptable to him again, he's "Oh, really? Well...I don't know. I'm busy with my baby. But maybe we can find some time to see you, someday." So he had a freaking kid and never told his mother she's a grandma. And she is SO grateful that she's getting this second chance. Pathetic.

Epilogue

Six Months Later Shelby finished icing the cake and pulled the casserole from the oven. Today was going to be so much fun, but she was an anxious wreck, trying to make it all come together. “Did you finish icing it?” Lacy asked as she breezed back into the kitchen. Lacy was a godsend with party planning, cooking, and baking. She’d thrown so many dinner parties for her ex-husband that she could practically do them with her eyes closed. “I did.” Lacy looked at it and laughed. “Honey, you missed a whole chunk over here.” She grabbed the knife and took care of it herself. Lacy was now a divorced mother, but she was doing so well. She was writing more books, and had just signed a new seven-figure publishing contract. Shelby was so happy for her. “My brain is fried. Do you think he knows?” “No. Men are generally clueless, I’ve found,” Lacy said, already moving over to the pitcher of lemonade. She stirred it and breezed back out into the dining room. “I finished the balloons and got the banner hung,” Joan said, walking into the kitchen. “It looks so festive out there!” “Thank you so much, Joan. You’ve been a tremendous help. Where’s Cami?” “She just finished teaching her yoga class, but she’s walking across the street right now. And Randy will be coming in a bit.” Joan and Randy had been dating for almost six months, and Shelby was so happy to see Joan smiling and in love. She assumed they’d eventually tie the knot. Joan had mended fences with her son too, which was wonderful because that meant she got to be a grandma to little Andy. As for Cami, she was also newly divorced and trying to make a better life for herself. She had adopted an adorable boxer dog from the shelter, and she was looking at renting her own space to teach yoga. The business opportunity she was so excited about when Shelby met her had fallen by the wayside somewhere along the way. “When is this shindig going to start?” Willadeene asked so loudly that Shelby could hear her across the house. “When he gets here!” Shelby called back. Willadeene was definitely an acquired taste. She was ornery and often belligerent, but she was their friend by some weird miracle. The women of Waverly Lane all took care of each other. Nobody was alone, and they stuck together. Shelby was thankful for Gigi’s idea of starting a book club, because it had definitely changed her life for the better. Shelby and Reed had gotten more serious over the last six months. She felt like she knew more about him than she had learned about her ex-husband in over a decade. She felt safe and comfortable with him, and there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that her dating days were over. If she didn’t marry Reed Sullivan one day, she’d just be an old maid because they didn’t make men any better than him. “He’s driving down the street!” Lacy yelled from the front door. “Everybody hide!” Shelby ran out of the kitchen and into the living room, ready to surprise Reed for his birthday. Instead, all her friends were facing her, smiling. “What’s going on? Don’t we need to hide?” Everybody was grinning from ear to ear, and Lacy was already wiping her eyes. Shelby was utterly confused. “Where is Reed?” The crowd parted, and she saw Reed down on one knee, his eyes welling with tears and a small blue ring box in his hand. “Hey, Shelby.” “What’s happening?” A part of her knew what was happening, but the larger part of her couldn’t believe it. “I know it’s only been six months, but it’s been the best six months of my life. I’m tired of being Charleston’s oldest bachelor.” Everybody laughed. “Would you do me the honor of being my wife for the rest of my life?” He flipped open the box showcasing the most beautiful, yet tasteful, princess cut engagement ring she’d ever seen. “I don’t know what to say…” “Try saying yes!” Willadeene yelled out. Again, everyone laughed. “I’d appreciate that,” Reed replied, smiling. “Yes!” Shelby yelled, jumping up and down. “Of course, it’s yes!” Reed stood, put the ring on her finger, and hugged her tightly. Shelby had never felt the type of joy and love she felt in that moment. “I love you, Shelby Anderson,” he said, pressing his lips against her neck. “I love you too, Reed Sullivan, my soon-to-be husband.” And she loved the family she’d built on Waverly Lane. It really was a good life.

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose this book for a quick, light read in between some rather intense parenting and historical fictions. I gave it 2 stars because I did finish the book and enjoyed the setting and the overall theme of neighbors connecting through a book club. However, I never felt attached to any of the characters because the story went so quickly from first introductions to beginning to reveal major life crises. These skeletons of each of the neighbors were also so predictable. Overall, the book was dull and one that I will soon forget.

[Kate Benton · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so low level on so many fronts. I am baffled by the four and five star ratings. I should start by saying I read the book in about 90 minutes because that would be the best positive. There was no character development, no real plot, and so totally cheesy and predictable in every possible way. You never really get to know any of the characters well enough to care much about them. The love interest story line was beyond nauseating because we are supposed to be rooting for the heroine, who is starting her life anew after getting out of a bad marriage. She gives up her professional career to take a full-time job at the local bookstore, and immediately meets a handsome man. I was actually cringing when I read certain parts. I wouldn’t have finished the book except I was on a long flight and didn’t have other options. To call this fluffy would be an understatement!

[Dana Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book. 3 stars because of how basic it was however, it was an easy, breezy read which I enjoyed. I loved all the story lines intertwining and absolutely loved the love story. Though very predictable, I still enjoyed reading how it all unfolded. Truly the epilogue made the entire book worth it. Such a sweet ending.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

audiobook!