The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley

By: Courtney Walsh

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

She’s out to prove that there’s no such thing as choosing happiness.

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.

• Christian women’s fiction
• Stand-alone novel
• Perfect for fans of Rachel Linden, Gail Honeyman, and Linda Holmes

©2023 Courtney Walsh (P)2023 Thomas Nelson

Loved it!!

This is seriously the best book ever! I think everyone can relate to Isadora at least in some point in your life. She’s just turned 30 and is gonna disprove this magazines article on finding happiness. She’s never had happiness and doesn’t believe it actually exists. Along the way she meets her neighbor and becomes friends with her and starts to actually believe happiness might exist.
Narration was perfect for this book too.

MUST READ (or listen!)

This was the most entertaining and profound book I have ever experienced. I was shocked pleasantly by the way Ms Walsh wove life lessons and nuggets of wisdom to live by in and throughout this funny, charming, and emotional story. The performance was spot-on and added to every emotion and heart felt twist by not distracting but emphasizing vulnerabilities and strengths. I cannot say enough good about this book!

Absolutely loved this book

I was skeptical early on, but with each coming chapter it just got better and better right up until the end. I loved the characters and the development of their relationships/friendships, the wisdom that was tied in with humor and reality- everything. I just loved this. The narration was excellent too, so fitting.

I LOVE YOU ISADORA BENTLEY

I relate so much to Isadora, her hopes & fears, how she has stood in her own way, and worked through her problems to become an active character in her own life. I may not be fully there yet, I’m working on it, but goodness, there were so many moments where I thought, “Hey, that sounds like me!” or “I have been in her shoes!” I would highly encourage anyone who is in the same place of low self-esteem, low self-confidence, believing the lie that you’re better off alone, read this book. And REALLY see if it can apply in your own life, and think how you can get out of your own way (may not apply to all, trauma and abuse are not the victim’s fault WHATSOEVER). Forgiveness really does set yourself free from the pain you’ve endured in life. Like Darby said, it helps you so you don’t get bitter and get brittle bones.

Loved this book

Great book! Uplifting story. Amazing writing. Everything about this story will make you smile. You will love it.

The words written and the voice spoken! Perfect!

I have never enjoyed a narrator’s voice more than with this book. I loved the combination of the beautiful writing style of the author and the narrator’s voice giving you an impression you literally sitting in Isadora’s brain experiencing life with her. Just perfection 🎉💯

Such a cute book!

This book was a cute one. The main character is quirky and honest to a fault, so different from other main characters in books like this. The story line good and growth in Isadora was there throughout the whole book.

Loved the whole book!

This book was so funny. And touching. I loved the characters and hated for the book to end.

Wholesome book!

Really enjoyed reading this! Light hearted, thoughtful and good life lessons! Would definitely recommend to friends for a happy read.

absolutely relatable and surprisingly deep

loved this so much! I lost count of how many times it made me weep…happy tears, relatable tears, tears over…I don’t even know, exactly. It was a joy to listen to! so, so well done!