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The Beautiful Misfits
Eighty-four seconds can change your life. Or destroy it. Josie Nickels is an Emmy-winning news anchor, poised to rise through the ranks of television journalism. On a bitter March evening on live TV, the pressures and secrets burbling behind the closed doors of her ridiculous Victorian mansion explode and the overwhelmed journalist spills family secrets like a Baptist at altar call. The aftermath costs her much more than a career. It robs her of a beloved son—a preppy, educated millennial trapped in the deadly world of addiction. Desperate for a new start and a way to save her son, Josie packs up her pride, her young daughter, and accepts a new job slinging cosmetics at a department store make-up counter with other disgraced celebs. In the gorgeous mountains of Asheville N.C., known for hippies, healings, and Subarus, Josie is faced with a choice for her son: Take a chance on a bold, out-of-the-ordinary treatment plan for her son or lose him forever. This heart-wrenching and, at times, hilarious novel, will delight fans of book-club women’s fiction and inspire and give hope to those with addicted sons and daughters.
- GenresFiction
254 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2023
13 people are currently reading
5252 people want to read
About the author
Susan Reinhardt
9 books185 followersSusan Reinhardt is a best-selling author known for her gift of taking serious topics and infusing them with humor and heart.
Her novels are perfect for book clubs, the beach and vacations, or sitting on the couch with a good read.
She is especially praised for creating casts of unforgettable, quirky characters who stay in readers’ minds long after the final page.
Her debut novel, CHIMES FROM A CRACKED SOUTHERN BELLE, won “Best Regional Fiction” in the Independent Publishers Book Awards international contest, and was a No. 1 Amazon bestseller. The novel was a top summer reading pick and a book-club favorite.
Her second novel, THE BEAUTIFUL MISFITS, was named a Reader Favorite and was awarded an IPPY silver medal.
New York Times bestselling author Breanne Randall said this about THE BEAUTIFUL MISFITS:
"I don't know if I've ever gotten sucked into a book so fast! The writing is BEAUTIFUL, but it's so much more than that- there's an authenticity here that I don't see in a lot of books these days. I'll only expand it to say, you're going to have a lot of feels. You're going to LOVE this book. And it may just end up as one of your top reads this year. And I promise, I don't ever recommend books unless I truly, truly love them. — Breanne Randall, instant New York Times Bestselling author of The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.
Her latest novel, THE HALF WIFE, a romantic comedy and perfect beach read, is coming soon from Carolina Girl Press.
Reinhardt is a former syndicated columnist and has written for national publications, winning multiple awards.
She lives in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, N.C., and is on her second and final husband. She has two grown children, three steps, and can ride a unicycle and twirl a baton at the same time. But not very well.
Publishers Weekly reviewed her work, saying it was "Filled with “lyrical prose” that’s “fun and fresh,” and Booklist lauded her work as “ranging from side-splitting to achingly poignant. She's like a modern-day, southern-fried Erma Bombeck or Dave Barry, and her tales of the ordinary will resonate with women everywhere.”
Her novels are perfect for book clubs, the beach and vacations, or sitting on the couch with a good read.
She is especially praised for creating casts of unforgettable, quirky characters who stay in readers’ minds long after the final page.
Her debut novel, CHIMES FROM A CRACKED SOUTHERN BELLE, won “Best Regional Fiction” in the Independent Publishers Book Awards international contest, and was a No. 1 Amazon bestseller. The novel was a top summer reading pick and a book-club favorite.
Her second novel, THE BEAUTIFUL MISFITS, was named a Reader Favorite and was awarded an IPPY silver medal.
New York Times bestselling author Breanne Randall said this about THE BEAUTIFUL MISFITS:
"I don't know if I've ever gotten sucked into a book so fast! The writing is BEAUTIFUL, but it's so much more than that- there's an authenticity here that I don't see in a lot of books these days. I'll only expand it to say, you're going to have a lot of feels. You're going to LOVE this book. And it may just end up as one of your top reads this year. And I promise, I don't ever recommend books unless I truly, truly love them. — Breanne Randall, instant New York Times Bestselling author of The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.
Her latest novel, THE HALF WIFE, a romantic comedy and perfect beach read, is coming soon from Carolina Girl Press.
Reinhardt is a former syndicated columnist and has written for national publications, winning multiple awards.
She lives in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, N.C., and is on her second and final husband. She has two grown children, three steps, and can ride a unicycle and twirl a baton at the same time. But not very well.
Publishers Weekly reviewed her work, saying it was "Filled with “lyrical prose” that’s “fun and fresh,” and Booklist lauded her work as “ranging from side-splitting to achingly poignant. She's like a modern-day, southern-fried Erma Bombeck or Dave Barry, and her tales of the ordinary will resonate with women everywhere.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 16, 2023
A decent but kind of cloying read. Hit a little hard for me after losing someone to accidental fentanyl intake. I think this book was just longer than it needed to be, the readers didn’t need so much filler about the cosmetics counter.
July 17, 2023
2.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟(rounded up)
**"A woman is an indomitably unbreakable creature who can endure mountains of burdens until losing her balance at the top."
Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley for this EARC. Secondly .. this book was a hot mess rollercoaster.
The writing was scattered. The story was horribly depressing (rightfully so) and then took a complete 180 with an unbelievable happily ever after.
The relationship between Josie and Pog was weird. Also, the whole Ruby being some sort of Guardian angel? 🙄
If you want a book with a shit ton of horrible characters, pick this one up.
It had so much potential, but for me, it was just okay.
**"A woman is an indomitably unbreakable creature who can endure mountains of burdens until losing her balance at the top."
Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley for this EARC. Secondly .. this book was a hot mess rollercoaster.
The writing was scattered. The story was horribly depressing (rightfully so) and then took a complete 180 with an unbelievable happily ever after.
The relationship between Josie and Pog was weird. Also, the whole Ruby being some sort of Guardian angel? 🙄
If you want a book with a shit ton of horrible characters, pick this one up.
It had so much potential, but for me, it was just okay.
March 5, 2023
Josie Nickels, an Emmy-winning new anchor has an on-air meltdown. And by page 4, I can’t put this book down. How quickly life can change.
The Beautiful Misfits, by Susan Reinhardt, is a heart-wrenching story about mother Josie Nickels’ walk with her son through addiction. For those unfamiliar with the world of opiod dependence, this book is an education. And for readers who know the reality firsthand, Ms. Reinhardt’s words may rip open a fresh wound. The narrative is sensitive and raw but very true.
What a moving and emotional story, one that brings tears and laughter, frustration and relief, anger and joy. Josie, forced into a career change after her humiliating public display, is hired to sell makeup at a local department store counter. I loved this part, and the dialogue with co-workers and clients provided the humor needed to balance the seriousness of this book’s message.
Once again, we have the age-old story of the depth (and unrelenting tenacity) of a mother’s love. It’s a story of grace and of friendship, of loving and of letting go, and most of all, of never losing hope. Don’t miss it, a 5-star read.
The Beautiful Misfits, by Susan Reinhardt, is a heart-wrenching story about mother Josie Nickels’ walk with her son through addiction. For those unfamiliar with the world of opiod dependence, this book is an education. And for readers who know the reality firsthand, Ms. Reinhardt’s words may rip open a fresh wound. The narrative is sensitive and raw but very true.
What a moving and emotional story, one that brings tears and laughter, frustration and relief, anger and joy. Josie, forced into a career change after her humiliating public display, is hired to sell makeup at a local department store counter. I loved this part, and the dialogue with co-workers and clients provided the humor needed to balance the seriousness of this book’s message.
Once again, we have the age-old story of the depth (and unrelenting tenacity) of a mother’s love. It’s a story of grace and of friendship, of loving and of letting go, and most of all, of never losing hope. Don’t miss it, a 5-star read.
January 4, 2023
I don't know if I've ever gotten sucked into a book so fast! It usually takes me a few chapters to get into something, but I was so invested by literally the second page. The writing is BEAUTIFUL, but it's so much more than that - there's an authenticity here that I don't see in a lot of books these days. I won't give any spoilers or re-write the whole summary, because the book jacket does a perfect job on its own. I'll only expand it to say, you're going to have a lot of feels. You're going to LOVE this book. And it may just end up as one of your top reads this year. Please, please, please read it! You won't regret it. And I promise, I don't ever recommend books unless I truly, truly love them.
April 15, 2023
The Beautiful Misfits by Susan Reinhardt. Thanks to the author for the gifted copy and swag ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a story of a mother’s love for her son and finding herself during loss. Josie has been through and lot but doesn’t seem to realize how strong she really is. She is constantly harassed at work and is reminded of an embarrassing moment that changed her life. All she cares about is saving her son, who is lost in addiction.
I loved this look at addiction because it talks about different methods other than NA and Twelve Steps, which aren’t for everyone. It mentions Smart Recovery by name and the benefit of opiate blockers like Suboxone.. which are life saving. There are some twists that I totally wasn’t expecting in this book. Never a dull moment for sure.
“Every woman needed a vacation from self-scrutinizing. Life was too unreliable to spend it beating oneself down even if her past all but shouted for a Jerry Springer show.”
The Beautiful Misfits is available now.
This is a story of a mother’s love for her son and finding herself during loss. Josie has been through and lot but doesn’t seem to realize how strong she really is. She is constantly harassed at work and is reminded of an embarrassing moment that changed her life. All she cares about is saving her son, who is lost in addiction.
I loved this look at addiction because it talks about different methods other than NA and Twelve Steps, which aren’t for everyone. It mentions Smart Recovery by name and the benefit of opiate blockers like Suboxone.. which are life saving. There are some twists that I totally wasn’t expecting in this book. Never a dull moment for sure.
“Every woman needed a vacation from self-scrutinizing. Life was too unreliable to spend it beating oneself down even if her past all but shouted for a Jerry Springer show.”
The Beautiful Misfits is available now.
June 13, 2023
In this beautifully written novel, the power of a mother's love shines through the challenges of addiction and recovery. The story is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, filled with hope and joy. It's a book that resonates long after you've turned the last page.
December 13, 2022
this was a netgalley arc i recieved which i was a bit on the fence about. But i continued reading and watched the story unravel and it was heart breaking honestly. My experience of having a loved one with addiction is a bit second hand (i have a loved one who has a loved one with addiction) and? It was enlightening being put in her shoes as i always felt like her reactions never made sense. Now they do a little.
December 15, 2022
TW: alcoholism, addiction, drug overdose (mentions, the OD is not detailed)
4.5/5
I received a gifted copy of this from netgalley and I'm leaving a review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
I'ma be real, I don't remember requesting this book. 😅 But I really liked it. I come from a family of addicts, and the author wrote this according to the experiences she had in her own life, according to the authors note. Addiction can destroy families, and recovery is never easy--for the addicts or for their loved ones. Josie wakes up every morning dreading "the call" about her son. And she's an alcoholic herself. I found myself irritated at times with her character because of the way she acted about Finley's addiction, while not seeming to acknowledge her own. When she finally does, she starts to understand that if she wants Finley to get better she has to be supportive, letting him know she's there for him, but not budging and giving him money. This leads to backlash from her shitty ex husband, because he's also demanding money (dudes a dentist but isn't using his degree, so he's broke).
This book is a harrowing tale of what happens to families when addiction is involved, and I was glad to see Josie open up to the concept of harm reduction, which is a method that works in preventing relapse and saving lives.
Thank you again to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
4.5/5
I received a gifted copy of this from netgalley and I'm leaving a review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
I'ma be real, I don't remember requesting this book. 😅 But I really liked it. I come from a family of addicts, and the author wrote this according to the experiences she had in her own life, according to the authors note. Addiction can destroy families, and recovery is never easy--for the addicts or for their loved ones. Josie wakes up every morning dreading "the call" about her son. And she's an alcoholic herself. I found myself irritated at times with her character because of the way she acted about Finley's addiction, while not seeming to acknowledge her own. When she finally does, she starts to understand that if she wants Finley to get better she has to be supportive, letting him know she's there for him, but not budging and giving him money. This leads to backlash from her shitty ex husband, because he's also demanding money (dudes a dentist but isn't using his degree, so he's broke).
This book is a harrowing tale of what happens to families when addiction is involved, and I was glad to see Josie open up to the concept of harm reduction, which is a method that works in preventing relapse and saving lives.
Thank you again to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 8, 2023
Susan Reinhardt’s southern literary roots are on full display in her latest novel, The Beautiful Misfits. Her turns of phrase echo such greats as Flannery O’Connor and Fannie Flag with both laugh-out-loud moments and deeply painful ones that made me wince at their honesty. I loved this book!
My favorite line: “Josie had been at work an hour, ringing up the odd eyeliner and a couple of mascaras, when Pauline arrived wearing a rubberish skirt that nearly showed her religion and denomination.”
The Beautiful Misfits opens with Emmy-winning journalist, Josette (Josie) Nickels, overwhelmed by her family life. She’s about to read a story about a young woman who was killed by a heroin overdose. The young woman is also her son’s friend, and her son is missing.
When the cameras roll, Josie blurts out all her secrets in a disastrous eighty-four seconds. She loses everything, but the part that hurts most is she loses her son, who is an addict.
To rebuild her life, she moves with her daughter Dottie, who has Downs syndrome, to Asheville, where she works at a cosmetics counter and meets friends who convince her she's strong and let her know she's not alone. She also meets a man, who can help her son and make her happy -- if she lets him.
If you have loved ones who suffer from addiction, this heartrending story will ring true. Susan’s book is unflinching in its portrayal of what addiction can do to a family, but it also ultimately gives readers hope that those addicted to drugs or any other substance can get better.
My favorite line: “Josie had been at work an hour, ringing up the odd eyeliner and a couple of mascaras, when Pauline arrived wearing a rubberish skirt that nearly showed her religion and denomination.”
The Beautiful Misfits opens with Emmy-winning journalist, Josette (Josie) Nickels, overwhelmed by her family life. She’s about to read a story about a young woman who was killed by a heroin overdose. The young woman is also her son’s friend, and her son is missing.
When the cameras roll, Josie blurts out all her secrets in a disastrous eighty-four seconds. She loses everything, but the part that hurts most is she loses her son, who is an addict.
To rebuild her life, she moves with her daughter Dottie, who has Downs syndrome, to Asheville, where she works at a cosmetics counter and meets friends who convince her she's strong and let her know she's not alone. She also meets a man, who can help her son and make her happy -- if she lets him.
If you have loved ones who suffer from addiction, this heartrending story will ring true. Susan’s book is unflinching in its portrayal of what addiction can do to a family, but it also ultimately gives readers hope that those addicted to drugs or any other substance can get better.
March 14, 2023
The Beautiful Misfits is a heart-warming look at the power of a mother's love while also being a heart-wrenching story of a son's addiction and the effects that it has on family. The story is a beautifully written tale showing struggle and drama while also taking the reader on an amusing ride through the lives of Josie and her family, family that means the world to her.
This was a story that was at times a bit hard to read, with the whole drug addiction aspect, but also very enlightening because of those very same things. I came away with a little bit better understanding of how drug addiction affects all of those involved.
The Beautiful Misfits was a very enjoyable story and I highly recommend it.
This was a story that was at times a bit hard to read, with the whole drug addiction aspect, but also very enlightening because of those very same things. I came away with a little bit better understanding of how drug addiction affects all of those involved.
The Beautiful Misfits was a very enjoyable story and I highly recommend it.
November 11, 2022
Love this book! Susan Reinhardt delivers an important novel about the tragic opioid and drug addiction gripping our country with grace, humor, and honesty. Beautiful Misfits is the story of a mother’s unconditional love for her son and her unwillingness to give up on him. Weaving humor and heartbreak, Reinhardt reveals what it’s like for a woman to navigate the almost imperceptible lines between loving, enabling, letting go, and holding fast. This is a book with heart and hope. Don’t miss it!
December 15, 2022
This novel was an advance reader copy and I was blown away. This was a beautifully written novel that touched on the serious subject of young people dying from drugs laced with Fentany but it wasn't at all depressing. Instead, The Beautiful Misfits was at many times laugh-out-loud funny, but also offered hope and solutions. I loved this novel. Best I've read in years. Perfect for book clubs.
did-not-finish
March 11, 2023Let me start by saying this..the book has the possibility of being amazing for the right person. Unfortunately, I'm not that person. Maybe a few months or years down the road I might pick it up again and change my opinion. I struggled to get into the book and decided to dnf at page 70 due to several reasons. I will not be rating the book because I did not finish it.
The dynamics of the dysfunctional family in the story was something else. Yes, I was happy that the mother wanted a better life for her four year old, but instead of making her daughter a priority like she originally intended, her ex-husband and son were still the main focus. In my opinion, it was not alright and it made the 70 pages I did read unbearable.
To top it off, she let her ex-husband and her son gaslight her, let them demand thousands of dollars and blame her for their marriage issues and the son's drug problems, so I made the decision to dnf.
Do I think that this story has potential? Yes I do. I would have like to see her spending more time with her daughter and how she has grown and etc than reading about her being at work and being mistreated by bosses and her shitty ex and son. Maybe down the road, I will get to see that if I pick up the book again.
The story touches on some heavy topics like drug abuse, divorce, and gaslighting. So make sure and check your trigger warnings before picking this book up.
The dynamics of the dysfunctional family in the story was something else. Yes, I was happy that the mother wanted a better life for her four year old, but instead of making her daughter a priority like she originally intended, her ex-husband and son were still the main focus. In my opinion, it was not alright and it made the 70 pages I did read unbearable.
To top it off, she let her ex-husband and her son gaslight her, let them demand thousands of dollars and blame her for their marriage issues and the son's drug problems, so I made the decision to dnf.
Do I think that this story has potential? Yes I do. I would have like to see her spending more time with her daughter and how she has grown and etc than reading about her being at work and being mistreated by bosses and her shitty ex and son. Maybe down the road, I will get to see that if I pick up the book again.
The story touches on some heavy topics like drug abuse, divorce, and gaslighting. So make sure and check your trigger warnings before picking this book up.
March 8, 2023
I’m a huge fan of Southern Fiction so I’m disappointed in myself that it has taken me this long to find Susan and enjoy her books (both fiction and nonfiction).
In her Goodreads bio, Susan shares that her inspiration for BEAUTIFUL MISFITS came when she was laid off from her columnist job and became a makeup artist all while dealing with a son that was struggling through addiction.
So now that you know what the book is about I’ll tell you why I loved this book. Susan has handled the difficult subject of addiction with the accuracy, seriousness, and tenderness it deserves. She also portrays the helplessness of a mother who wants to do what’s best for her son and daughter.
Even though this sounds like a heartbreaking read, Susan has put in lighthearted moments and characters (like her coworker, Philly) that kept me engrossed.
Susan also has other family drama that takes place in the book which gives the book an interesting lift to it.
This is a perfect book that lets you chuckle through your tears, have your heart torn and brightened all in the course of the read.
In her Goodreads bio, Susan shares that her inspiration for BEAUTIFUL MISFITS came when she was laid off from her columnist job and became a makeup artist all while dealing with a son that was struggling through addiction.
So now that you know what the book is about I’ll tell you why I loved this book. Susan has handled the difficult subject of addiction with the accuracy, seriousness, and tenderness it deserves. She also portrays the helplessness of a mother who wants to do what’s best for her son and daughter.
Even though this sounds like a heartbreaking read, Susan has put in lighthearted moments and characters (like her coworker, Philly) that kept me engrossed.
Susan also has other family drama that takes place in the book which gives the book an interesting lift to it.
This is a perfect book that lets you chuckle through your tears, have your heart torn and brightened all in the course of the read.
March 13, 2023
This story of a mother’s love, addiction, recovery, forgiveness, found family, and so much more is beautifully written. I laughed, I cried, and I cheered the characters on as they navigated their experiences and went on the journey to living a joyful life. It's such a hopeful story with a hard-earned happy ending. It's a book that's going to linger in my mind and heart for a long time.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2025
The Beautiful Misfits is a heartfelt and beautifully written novel that explores addiction, redemption, and the power of second chances. Susan Reinhardt creates complex, relatable characters—especially Josie, whose journey is both painful and inspiring. The writing is lyrical and emotionally resonant, though the pacing lags slightly in parts. Still, it's a moving and ultimately hopeful read that lingers after the final page. #GoodreadsGiveaways
January 1, 2023
The Beautiful Misfits is a wild ride through the battle of addiction, family love/ disfunction and the joy of finding the people who come into our lives when we need them the most.
Josie is such a loveable character filled with rebellion and wrapped up in a big bow of southern charm. She will make you laugh and show you how deep a mother’s love can go for her children.
Josie is such a loveable character filled with rebellion and wrapped up in a big bow of southern charm. She will make you laugh and show you how deep a mother’s love can go for her children.
January 31, 2023
Susan never disappoints. You will laugh, cry and hopefully learn something about addiction and parenting a child suffering with addiction. I have read almost all of Susan’s masterpieces and enjoyed them thoroughly. The characters have so much character! And those Southernisms I will always love. If you need a good read that will suck you in, in a good way, this is the book for you.
December 16, 2022
This is written with meaning. It looks at a real life epidemic and makes it into a real possible solution. Entertaining, creative, motivating, and powerful all at the same time.
December 27, 2022
Oh, gosh- where do I even start with this story?! I absolutely loved it, and I am the BIGGEST fan of the lead character, Josie.
Have you ever felt like you have just been given more than you can handle? Well multiply that times 10, and then you might be caught up to Josie. After her fall from fame, she starts over and with the support of unlikely friends, she is able to not only survive but thrive.
This story provides all the southern laughs and fun, but it takes you inside addiction, enabling, and the roller coaster of loving someone you can’t “fix”- no matter how hard you try. It’s hard to watch, but you don’t want to leave Josie’s side even for a minute (or a page).
I love this book, and I simply can’t recommend it more! The Lit League Book Club recommends!!
Have you ever felt like you have just been given more than you can handle? Well multiply that times 10, and then you might be caught up to Josie. After her fall from fame, she starts over and with the support of unlikely friends, she is able to not only survive but thrive.
This story provides all the southern laughs and fun, but it takes you inside addiction, enabling, and the roller coaster of loving someone you can’t “fix”- no matter how hard you try. It’s hard to watch, but you don’t want to leave Josie’s side even for a minute (or a page).
I love this book, and I simply can’t recommend it more! The Lit League Book Club recommends!!
December 26, 2025
I got this book as a good reads giveaway. It took me 2 months to read it and I don’t think it’s that long of a book…… it was really hard to get into at first. But I generally enjoyed it.
February 13, 2023
Josie was once a well-respected tv news anchor. After an on-air meltdown, she and her daughter relocate from Atlanta to Asheville. In order to try to make a clean break, she had to leave behind her "artist" (with an unused DDS) ex-husband and her addict son. Now she is working at a cosmetics counter at a department store and wrestles with how to help her son from a distance.
I don't think the description of the book does it justice. This was heart-wrenching and so well written. I felt so awful for Josie. You could see how badly her childhood trauma affected her adult relationships. Since didn't want anyone, especially her kids to feel abandoned the way she had felt. She wanted to makes sure she as there for everyone, but it became too much and then she ended up self-destructing. To be fair, I thought that her on-air meltdown was pretty great, and would have expected it to have led to more opportunities for her career, but considering she seemed to shut-down from the world immediately after, that probably meant she probably missed hearing about some of those opportunities.
As a mother, it hurt to read the verbal abuse being spewed at Josie from her son. I also wanted to smack Pauline the whole time. A couple of things that I expected to be revealed and may (or may not) actually come to fruition (trying to keep this as spoiler-free as possible): 1. Vintage Crazy is a cult, 2. Pauline is actually a lesbian in a relationship with Josie's mom, 3. Philly is part of Pog's cult and that's why she always seems to be around when he shows up
I had a lot of trouble putting this one down. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I'd give this 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 out of 5.
I don't think the description of the book does it justice. This was heart-wrenching and so well written. I felt so awful for Josie. You could see how badly her childhood trauma affected her adult relationships. Since didn't want anyone, especially her kids to feel abandoned the way she had felt. She wanted to makes sure she as there for everyone, but it became too much and then she ended up self-destructing. To be fair, I thought that her on-air meltdown was pretty great, and would have expected it to have led to more opportunities for her career, but considering she seemed to shut-down from the world immediately after, that probably meant she probably missed hearing about some of those opportunities.
As a mother, it hurt to read the verbal abuse being spewed at Josie from her son. I also wanted to smack Pauline the whole time. A couple of things that I expected to be revealed and may (or may not) actually come to fruition (trying to keep this as spoiler-free as possible): 1. Vintage Crazy is a cult, 2. Pauline is actually a lesbian in a relationship with Josie's mom, 3. Philly is part of Pog's cult and that's why she always seems to be around when he shows up
I had a lot of trouble putting this one down. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I'd give this 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 out of 5.
March 27, 2023
Susan’s best yet.
I think that this book is Susan’s best so far. She develops the various characters well, and offers a good view into the struggles of parents of addicts.
I think that this book is Susan’s best so far. She develops the various characters well, and offers a good view into the struggles of parents of addicts.
March 15, 2023
Wow…just wow!!
This book hit me right in the feels. Such an emotional story with so many different parts to it. When I was reading “The Beautiful Misfits”, it played out like a movie in my head. Which is think is one of the greatest things that a novel can do. It just flowed and sucked me in, that it was truly hard to put down.
Josie Nickels, at one time a top news reporter, now turned department store cosmetics pusher, has struggled with her own demons. She has now taken on many other people in her families issues, which is tearing her apart. The character growth doesn’t start for Josie until much towards the end of the novel. Her stress about a mothers love, what is right and wrong for someone that you love so much and if you’re making the right choice, develops but not after numerous chapters of Josie droning on and on. But towards the end reality comes and smacks her in the face and she knows her choice is clear!
I absolutely give this novel a 5 star rating and would highly recommend it to others who are ok with the topics of addiction. Great work!!
Thank you to Net Galley and Regal House Publishing for the chance to read this book as an ARC.
This book hit me right in the feels. Such an emotional story with so many different parts to it. When I was reading “The Beautiful Misfits”, it played out like a movie in my head. Which is think is one of the greatest things that a novel can do. It just flowed and sucked me in, that it was truly hard to put down.
Josie Nickels, at one time a top news reporter, now turned department store cosmetics pusher, has struggled with her own demons. She has now taken on many other people in her families issues, which is tearing her apart. The character growth doesn’t start for Josie until much towards the end of the novel. Her stress about a mothers love, what is right and wrong for someone that you love so much and if you’re making the right choice, develops but not after numerous chapters of Josie droning on and on. But towards the end reality comes and smacks her in the face and she knows her choice is clear!
I absolutely give this novel a 5 star rating and would highly recommend it to others who are ok with the topics of addiction. Great work!!
Thank you to Net Galley and Regal House Publishing for the chance to read this book as an ARC.
January 20, 2023
Susan Reinhardt has produced a funny, sad, engaging, heartbreaking, soul searching novel that touched me as a mother and a professional who has worked with addictions. As per her usual writings, Susan, through the main character, Josie, throws some southern zingers out there that I can totally relate to. Josie addresses, from a mother’s perspective the pain, agony, and destruction a loved one (her son) can inflict on self and others. I could feel her pain, confusion, and frustration. Josie isn’t afraid to address her own insecurities and weaknesses. She doesn’t know the depths of her strengths until she has to be strong to save her son’s life. Josie is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
We are all touched in some way by addiction, whether it is a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, or ourself. Susan has obviously lived some of this and has done her research on the subject of addiction for she does an excellent job in describing so many aspects of this vile disease. She further shows how one has to continue on with life (Josie has a special needs daughter) through the devastation of addiction.
You will laugh and you will cry while reading this wonderful novel. You’ll be able to identify people you know who resemble the characters presented. Hopefully, you will do your own soul searching, prayer, or meditation for those in similar circumstances.
Do yourself a favor and read this book.
We are all touched in some way by addiction, whether it is a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, or ourself. Susan has obviously lived some of this and has done her research on the subject of addiction for she does an excellent job in describing so many aspects of this vile disease. She further shows how one has to continue on with life (Josie has a special needs daughter) through the devastation of addiction.
You will laugh and you will cry while reading this wonderful novel. You’ll be able to identify people you know who resemble the characters presented. Hopefully, you will do your own soul searching, prayer, or meditation for those in similar circumstances.
Do yourself a favor and read this book.
February 1, 2023
*SPOILERS*
This was amazing, I absolutely loved it! It was funny, sad, and hopeful all in one.
I think my favorite part about this book is how Josie spent almost the entire book cringing about those 84 seconds where she just went off the rails on live TV, and her model friend from Lancôme (forgot her name) kept telling her that Josie was just making a bigger deal about it than it was. And when we finally got to read/see the 84 seconds that changed her life, I audibly laughed. It was hilarious, and definitely something I wish would happen more on News broadcasts -- it remind me of that Sports Broadcaster who was sent out to cover the blizzard in some part of the Midwest, hilarious.
I loved that the book had a happy ending, but you weren't necessarily expecting it; it was back and forth of "will he get help, or won't he?" and "will she be able to move on from those 84 seconds, or won't she?"
Beautifully done, and LOVE the cover!
This was amazing, I absolutely loved it! It was funny, sad, and hopeful all in one.
I think my favorite part about this book is how Josie spent almost the entire book cringing about those 84 seconds where she just went off the rails on live TV, and her model friend from Lancôme (forgot her name) kept telling her that Josie was just making a bigger deal about it than it was. And when we finally got to read/see the 84 seconds that changed her life, I audibly laughed. It was hilarious, and definitely something I wish would happen more on News broadcasts -- it remind me of that Sports Broadcaster who was sent out to cover the blizzard in some part of the Midwest, hilarious.
I loved that the book had a happy ending, but you weren't necessarily expecting it; it was back and forth of "will he get help, or won't he?" and "will she be able to move on from those 84 seconds, or won't she?"
Beautifully done, and LOVE the cover!
March 13, 2023
Susan Reinhardt, in The Beautiful Misfits, provides readers with a story about family, with much of the focus on addiction. However, this one is told from the perspective of a parent, what their child’s addiction is like for them and dealing with their life amidst it. However, unlike many parent/ child addiction stories I have heard (fact and fictional accounts), instead of completely ridding oneself from the life of her child, in the “hopes” that this will help bring the addict’s bottom up sooner, force the addict’s life to get so bad that they have to seek out treatment, along with providing relief for the non-addict (or an addict themself) parent to be able to live their life without the burden of their child any longer (whatever the rationalization of the parent is for doing this), this mother, Josie, no matter what she has been told, the stressors she feels, what she sometimes thinks she has to do, remains there for her son. This is a mother that, when her son needs her, whenever he is ready to stop, no matter how many times, is ready to drop and answer his call when he is ready to change his life.
Finley is her son, her eldest, and even though he is grown, having finished college, drugs have been a big part of his life for almost a decade now. Unfortunately, the stress of her son’s addiction and then, with the stress of her marriage falling apart, her husband wanting to put their “later in life” daughter, who is four, in a facility, rather than raise her themselves; on air when she learns that a girl her son once dated has died from an overdose and, her dealer is being the first in the state ever charged with murder (for an overdose), the fact that she has no idea where Finley is, alive or dead, or, if he will be this way at any time, well, Josie unravels right on screen. At the time all this happens, she is working as a reporter for a news station and all of these actions that night, cause big life changes. Josie loses her job, has to move, everything having happened because of a mere eighty four seconds of losing herself.
Josie has some addiction issues of her own. While her on screen unravel was fueled with hard alcohol she was carrying on her person, she dealt with her own issues, having overcome them to take care of her children. And despite all her other problems (that come from everyone else in her life), she tries to construct a new life together for herself and children. While Finley is out using (well, Josie is really never sure of what her son is really doing, as he never seems to tell her the truth), each day she hopes for him to come home to her. After all, she is a mother who has two children who need her. And, with one that has severe addiction issues, another that will never mentally grow into an adult, the woman has a full plate along with her new job which seems more stressful than her old career.
However, what makes Josie a modern day heroine, and one of the best modern mothers, is that while many people would see her two children as a burden, after all, how many times have I (and others) heard that “your children are not your life”, for Josie there could be no other greater purpose for her, than raising her children. There is nothing more important in her life. And, even though she attends 12- step meetings for parents of addicted children there are some things she just will not do such as cutting herself completely off from her son, no matter how bad things get. And, the messages Josie receives from her son, they hurt. I am sure anyone, any mother, would be hurt by them, as they are some of the worst things I have ever heard said to a parent. However, Josie waits for her son, understanding this is his addiction; Josie, the ultimate expression of a mother and a person who does not blame the addict for their addiction. She solves this by finding a way to balance the things she can for her son during his addiction and things she will not do for her son, at this time.
Reinhardt brought up many issues within the book, things that I, myself, take issue with personally, so much so, I didn’t know if I even wanted to write a review, at one point. I have a hard time understanding parents who shut the door on their child completely while they are in active addiction; this “tough love” theory that I can’t seem to understand. To me, it has always seemed like a “cop-out”. But, that is why I, and other readers, must admire Josie. Because no matter what issues her children may have, Josie sticks by them. While she left her husband when he wanted to institutionalize the “late in life” daughter they just had, because she was born with a mental retardation, and very much wants to be by her son’s side while he rehabilitates, Josie is there. And, in the end, the results that her family receives are all because Josie is and was the type of mother who never gave up.
If readers want to learn a lesson in parenting, really, life in general, pick up The Beautiful Misfits by Susan Reinhardt. While the book very much includes some flawed individuals, even Josie herself, there are many powerful messages within its pages, especially for parents who are dealing with problematic children. Reinhardt has developed a story with characters who never give up, no matter what they are confronted with, and no matter how hard they may have fallen, during their troubles get up and find a way to go on.
No matter what, family should always remain. In the end, readers see that never giving up, how important that really is. After all, when someone has no one to turn to, what is left for them, but to give up? And maybe that is and was the problem for so many of those with troubles, that there was no one left to turn to. That “tough love” was actually too tough, after all; leading to a devastating end.
The Beautiful Misfits is a story about why giving up should never be an option. And, when you don’t, what kind of ending you can look forward to. While the ending may not be perfect, what in life ever is?
Happy Reading!
Finley is her son, her eldest, and even though he is grown, having finished college, drugs have been a big part of his life for almost a decade now. Unfortunately, the stress of her son’s addiction and then, with the stress of her marriage falling apart, her husband wanting to put their “later in life” daughter, who is four, in a facility, rather than raise her themselves; on air when she learns that a girl her son once dated has died from an overdose and, her dealer is being the first in the state ever charged with murder (for an overdose), the fact that she has no idea where Finley is, alive or dead, or, if he will be this way at any time, well, Josie unravels right on screen. At the time all this happens, she is working as a reporter for a news station and all of these actions that night, cause big life changes. Josie loses her job, has to move, everything having happened because of a mere eighty four seconds of losing herself.
Josie has some addiction issues of her own. While her on screen unravel was fueled with hard alcohol she was carrying on her person, she dealt with her own issues, having overcome them to take care of her children. And despite all her other problems (that come from everyone else in her life), she tries to construct a new life together for herself and children. While Finley is out using (well, Josie is really never sure of what her son is really doing, as he never seems to tell her the truth), each day she hopes for him to come home to her. After all, she is a mother who has two children who need her. And, with one that has severe addiction issues, another that will never mentally grow into an adult, the woman has a full plate along with her new job which seems more stressful than her old career.
However, what makes Josie a modern day heroine, and one of the best modern mothers, is that while many people would see her two children as a burden, after all, how many times have I (and others) heard that “your children are not your life”, for Josie there could be no other greater purpose for her, than raising her children. There is nothing more important in her life. And, even though she attends 12- step meetings for parents of addicted children there are some things she just will not do such as cutting herself completely off from her son, no matter how bad things get. And, the messages Josie receives from her son, they hurt. I am sure anyone, any mother, would be hurt by them, as they are some of the worst things I have ever heard said to a parent. However, Josie waits for her son, understanding this is his addiction; Josie, the ultimate expression of a mother and a person who does not blame the addict for their addiction. She solves this by finding a way to balance the things she can for her son during his addiction and things she will not do for her son, at this time.
Reinhardt brought up many issues within the book, things that I, myself, take issue with personally, so much so, I didn’t know if I even wanted to write a review, at one point. I have a hard time understanding parents who shut the door on their child completely while they are in active addiction; this “tough love” theory that I can’t seem to understand. To me, it has always seemed like a “cop-out”. But, that is why I, and other readers, must admire Josie. Because no matter what issues her children may have, Josie sticks by them. While she left her husband when he wanted to institutionalize the “late in life” daughter they just had, because she was born with a mental retardation, and very much wants to be by her son’s side while he rehabilitates, Josie is there. And, in the end, the results that her family receives are all because Josie is and was the type of mother who never gave up.
If readers want to learn a lesson in parenting, really, life in general, pick up The Beautiful Misfits by Susan Reinhardt. While the book very much includes some flawed individuals, even Josie herself, there are many powerful messages within its pages, especially for parents who are dealing with problematic children. Reinhardt has developed a story with characters who never give up, no matter what they are confronted with, and no matter how hard they may have fallen, during their troubles get up and find a way to go on.
No matter what, family should always remain. In the end, readers see that never giving up, how important that really is. After all, when someone has no one to turn to, what is left for them, but to give up? And maybe that is and was the problem for so many of those with troubles, that there was no one left to turn to. That “tough love” was actually too tough, after all; leading to a devastating end.
The Beautiful Misfits is a story about why giving up should never be an option. And, when you don’t, what kind of ending you can look forward to. While the ending may not be perfect, what in life ever is?
Happy Reading!
March 7, 2023
This book…. THIS BOOK. Oh my dear Lord, this book pulled at my heartstrings. This novel about addiction made me laugh, cry, and keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down.
Susan Reinhardt really drew from experiences and made this book highly relatable if you’ve ever had a loved one with addiction issues and/or dealt with addiction in your own life. She brought a subtle humor to many of the circumstances, many brought tears to my eyes from laughter and then from pain (being that addiction has happened in my life). This book is one I would HIGHLY recommend, especially as a Mother. Susan’s words throughout the novel were beautiful and (again) relatable, the thoughts from the characters and the relationships you got to become familiar with were amazing. I would definitely recommend this book as I very much love this author and her books. Fabulous and achingly, hauntingly beautiful story!!!
I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down.
Susan Reinhardt really drew from experiences and made this book highly relatable if you’ve ever had a loved one with addiction issues and/or dealt with addiction in your own life. She brought a subtle humor to many of the circumstances, many brought tears to my eyes from laughter and then from pain (being that addiction has happened in my life). This book is one I would HIGHLY recommend, especially as a Mother. Susan’s words throughout the novel were beautiful and (again) relatable, the thoughts from the characters and the relationships you got to become familiar with were amazing. I would definitely recommend this book as I very much love this author and her books. Fabulous and achingly, hauntingly beautiful story!!!
May 7, 2023
Beautiful Misfits is the perfect title for this gorgeous novel that has a cast of unforgettable characters. As the novel wades into the deep territory of drug and alcohol addiction, it keeps a lightness through the interactions of the strong-minded women who shine throughout the book. The protagonist Josie won my heart over from page one. I found myself fiercely rooting for her with each challenge she faced - which are many! Susan Reinhardt's skillful and impressive writing glows from sentence to sentence as she pulls the reader in with a southern charm that has a spicy bite to it. This is a perfect book club read. I absolutely loved it.
January 16, 2023
The Beautiful Misfits follows Josie Nickels, a former news anchor who finds herself working at a department store makeup counter after a career-ruining, on-air meltdown. She struggles to make a new life in a new town with her young daughter while her demanding ex-husband enables their adult son’s addiction.
Great depiction of the struggles of loving a child suffering from substance use disorder. However, I didn’t enjoy the book. All of the supporting characters felt very flat and added little to the story other than some setting, so it was hard to connect. I found it pretty tedious.
Thank you to Regal House Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Great depiction of the struggles of loving a child suffering from substance use disorder. However, I didn’t enjoy the book. All of the supporting characters felt very flat and added little to the story other than some setting, so it was hard to connect. I found it pretty tedious.
Thank you to Regal House Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
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