The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley: A heartfelt and humorous story of overcoming loneliness and finding yourself

Written by Courtney Walsh

Narrated by Jorjeana Marie

She's out to prove that there's no such thing as choosing happiness. Full of heart, humor, and tenderness, The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is a story of found family with a slow-burn, kisses-only romance. Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and The Rosie Project.

Isadora Bentley follows the rules. Isadora Bentley likes things just so. Isadora Bentley believes that happiness is something that flat-out doesn't exist in her life--and never will.

As a university researcher, Isadora keeps to herself as much as possible. She avoids the students she's supposed to befriend and mentor. She stays away from her neighbors and lives her own quiet, organized life in her own quiet, organized apartment. And she will never get involved in a romantic relationship again--especially with another academic. It will be just Isadora and her research. Forever.

But on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora does something completely out of character. The young woman who never does anything "on a whim" makes an impulse purchase of a magazine featuring a silly article detailing "Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy"--which includes everything from smiling at strangers to exercising for endorphins to giving in to your chocolate cravings. Isadora decides to create her own secret research project--proving the writer of the ridiculous piece wrong.

As Isadora gets deeper into her research--and meets a handsome professor along the way--she's stunned to discover that maybe, just maybe, she's proving herself wrong. Perhaps there's actually something to this happiness concept, and possibly there's something to be said for loosening up and letting life take you somewhere . . . happy.

With humor, heart, and irresistible warmth, The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley reminds us that true happiness often arrives when we least expect it. As Isadora's carefully ordered world turns delightfully upside down, she discovers that life--and love--can't be measured, only lived. If you crave stories that make you laugh, tear up, and believe in second chances at joy, this one's for you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Jun 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9780840712912

Courtney Walsh

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, theater director, and playwright. She writes small town romance and women's fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns with her husband. She is the author of thirteen novels. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist. Her novel Just Let Go won the Carol in 2019, and three of her novels have also been Christy Award finalists. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written three craft books and several musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Connect with her online at courtneywalshwrites.com; Instagram: @courtneywalsh; Facebook: @courtneywalshwrites; X: @courtney_walsh

[randomacts101 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

You need a book to make you laugh and remember the joys of living. This is a great story to listen to.

[Galina Gula · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book gave me a lot of joy, it's sweet and positive. I didn't really like the part of self-sabotage closer to the end, but I guess it was necessary to make the right conclusions.

[Helen A · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderfully written clean novel! This is a book that is rare to find these days

[Annayiz_Z_Gout_5331 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a wonderfully written relatable story! One or several facets of Isadora could be you.

[ldoorenbos · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a wonderful book. It’s a 4.5 for me. I loved the sweet romance and I loved Isadora’s journey to happiness!

[Cari · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Light Hearted and sweet. I really enjoyed this story. The only thing that bugged me at times was the narrator sounded like she had a cold. Nothing to ruin the story though.

[Jami Dale · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An excellent read. We all get in a rut and get stuck in our own problems. This book helps you begin to search for ways to make you happy and content with your life by taking 31 steps.

[Zoey Mitchell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The best kind of book! Not only was the plot line compelling and the characters lovable, but it left me wanting to live a more fulfilling life and with ideas about how to do that

[Stacy Vrooman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a fun, light- hearted read that speaks to the awkwardness that so many of us feel, the value of good friends and to owning our own happiness.

[shelly Thrasher · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Such a fun book ! Loved the narration! I wanted to applaud Isadora on her completion of tbe 31 steps. Happiness truly is a choice!

[Nanette Oosthuizen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful story ❤️ A must read and an enjoyable one as well.

[Shannon Rice · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful, hilarious, wish I would have wrote down some quotes from the book about happiness and sadness ! Highly recommend. Took a minute for me to get into it but I’m so glad I stuck with it!!!

[Ann Bush · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fun story about what makes a person happy. The narrator was great and added a lot to the reading of this book!

[MLW · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ve only read (listened to) one other book (so far) by this author (which I also enjoyed), but this one is different in tone, which is not what I was expecting. That being said, with refreshingly honest, well-developed, and engaging characters, an interesting and not-so-predictable storyline that still has a happy ending (see what I did there?), and the *perfect * narration, I would recommend it to anyone looking for an uplifting, feel-good story, a sweet romance, a lesson in happiness, or just a genuine reason to smile.

[Carolyn Kline · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very cute. An easy, light summer read. I loved every single character!