05/09/2026
“Everyone blooms in their own time, even if it takes eighty-nine years. Sometimes we need a few false starts before we come into our element, but it’s never too late.”
Joy Bridport is 89 and has spent most of her life doing what was expected of her. She’s lived in the same small town for 70 years, raised her daughter and grandson, taught piano, and generally played by the rules.
Her best friend Hazel has always been the opposite, living a more adventurous life and never being afraid to take chances.
When Hazel tells Joy she has only a few months to live, Joy begins looking at her own life differently. While helping Hazel through her final months, she breaks a few of the rules she’s followed all her life. And once she gets a taste of “Bad Joy,” she wonders what she might have missed by always playing it safe.
The story moves between Joy’s past and present. I really liked Joy, and especially her friendship with Hazel. There are some sad moments and some less-than-sensible choices along the way, but overall, this was such a warm and hopeful read. And I mean, Joy is 89 and still living and figuring things out. I found that pretty damn wonderful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
