The Happiness Plan

What an incredible story of family, life and commitment. Tori, Daphne and Heather all had issues in their lives and it took a lot of resolve and fortitude to work through their issues and find their happily ever afters.

Wow! My reaction to this book is just go get it and read it for yourself because it is amazing! There are three female protagonists, all searching for happy and fulfilled lives but not really knowing how they expect to find it. Heather has a successful business but is afraid of love, even though she really does have deep feelings for Campbell but she is terrified of commitment. Tori is happily involved in a non-couple relationship with Grant and her walls come tumbling down (literally and figuratively) when she has to share a house with him after their condos flood. Finally, there is Daphne, a mom, a lawyer and a stepmom who is doing a good job of juggling all of her responsibilities, but what she really wants is her own baby with her husband Brody. All of the characters are friends which makes for some very interesting dynamics and advice giving. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between the characters and really enjoyed reading about Heather’s coping strategies (hint: it involves kittens). The characters were so realistic that I wanted to shake a few of them to get them to move away from the familiar and take a chance on love. I also wanted to kick Heather’s mom Amber to the moon and just let her stay there because she is thoroughly annoying and needy in a not so pleasant way. Like I said, the characters are completely realistic and present a fascinating character study of young women learning to be independent career women as well as capable of developing a lasting relationship. The plot moves smoothly and although it is plenty complicated with lots of the most intriguing kind of drama, it is easy to follow and laugh-aloud funny at times. The author knows how to tell a story that is captivating while also sparkling with romance. The end result is a powerful story that is delightfully readable. With characters that are rich and relatable and a plot that is brilliantly compelling, this is a book not to be missed. Because who doesn’t need a “happiness plan”? Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I also received a hard copy from the author as part of her review team. I was not required by anyone to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I can always count on Susan Mallery's book to immerse myselft in the troubled relationships of other people and how they traverse various situations. This book has a lot of characters, but they are all friends and gather together regularly. Some are single, some are married, but they all have their own problems. Of course they all want to be happy. The Description: Heather is happy . . . ish. She has a successful business, a cute but contemptuous cat, and best friends Daphne and Tori who know where she’s broken and love her anyway. So why does she feel crushed when her ex gets serious about someone new? No problem, she has a plan. More connections will hold her together while her world falls apart, so she finally reaches out to the stranger who might be her dad. Daphne isn’t having an emotional affair, despite what her husband believes. He started the rift in their marriage when he said they weren’t ready for a baby. They used to be the closest couple she knew. Can they find their way back to one another before it’s too late? When Tori forms an inconvenient crush on Daphne’s brother-in-law, she suppresses her feelings. Until her apartment floods, and she moves in with the dog-loving doctor. If things go wrong, she could lose her friends. . . but if they go right, she could lose her heart. My thoughts: Such a great group of friends. I loved the way they supported each other. Heather had such a crappy childhood I can see how it influenced every relationship in her life. Daphne seemed to have it all, but a perception problem theatened her marriage. I liked Tori's story the best - it was just more fun to read about. Relationships are difficult for everyone, but it's fun reading about how the characters each worked through their own situations. The plot kept my interest throughout. This book was just what I expect from a Susan Mallery novel and I enjoyed it. Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on June 20, 2023.

Another wonderful book by best-selling author Susan Mallery! Characters who are realistic dealing with struggles and trauma and everyday issues. Enjoyable read from start to finish.