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

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.

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Published Jun 13, 2023

368 pages

Average rating: 8.73

52 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Todd Katz
Dec 11, 2024
10/10 stars
I loved this book! Get past the first chapter, that was tough and it was my least favorite part. But the rest of it was just great! I found it to be a cross between A Man Called Ove and The love hypothesis just a PG version. The messaging was wonderful, the dialogue between the friends and daughter hysterical. Absolutely fantastic book!
Shelly Read
Aug 31, 2024
8/10 stars
4.25 stars. I really enjoyed this book. I struggled a bit with the first quarter only because I get frustrated when someone is so stubborn and views things incorrectly. However the author does such a good job of having the character self reflect and move forward that she redeems herself. A very thoughtful and enjoyable read that is good for the reader to also ponder the same thoughts the character has. Reader questions at the end are also excellent.
T Forkner
Jul 10, 2023
10/10 stars
I absolutely devoured this book. Isadora is not your average woman, and yet readers will find her extremely relatable. She walks to the beat of her own drum not realizing that her unique perspective on life might just be the most amazing thing about her. She is a breath of fresh air with her quirky ways and will be adored by every woman or girl who has ever wondered how they fit into the world. Funny, heartfelt, and serious in all the right moments, The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is a page turner.

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