Better Luck Next Time

A Novel

By: Julia Claiborne Johnson

Narrated by: David Aaron Baker

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

"Do you want to read something funny? Let's say, a novel set at a divorce ranch in Reno in the 1930s? A book with memorably eccentric characters, sparkling dialogue, a satisfying plot twist, and some romance and sex? A feel-good literary comedy/western? Here it is, then, the book you've been looking for: Julia Claiborne Johnson's Better Luck Next Time."—Julie Schumacher, author of Dear Committee Members and The Shakespeare Requirement

The long anticipated second novel from the bestselling author of Be Frank with Me, a charming story of endings, new beginnings, and the complexities and complications of friendship and love, set in late 1930s Reno.

It's 1938 and women seeking a quick, no-questions split from their husbands head to the "divorce capital of the world," Reno, Nevada. There's one catch: they have to wait six weeks to become "residents." Many of these wealthy, soon-to-be divorcees flock to the Flying Leap, a dude ranch that caters to their every need.

Twenty-four-year-old Ward spent one year at Yale before his family lost everything in the Great Depression; now he's earning an honest living as a ranch hand at the Flying Leap. Admired for his dashing good looks—"Cary Grant in cowboy boots"—Ward thinks he's got the Flying Leap's clients all figured out. But two new guests are about to upend everything he thinks he knows: Nina, a St. Louis heiress and amateur pilot back for her third divorce, and Emily, whose bravest moment in life was leaving her cheating husband back in San Francisco and driving herself to Reno.

A novel about divorce, marriage, and everything that comes in between (money, class, ambition, and opportunity), Better Luck Next Time is a hilarious yet poignant examination of the ways friendship can save us, love can destroy us, and the family we create can be stronger than the family we come from.

©2021 Julia Claiborne Johnson (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

This book is a gem

Loved the combination of history and drama. Wonderful development of unique and interesting characters. The narrator was perfectly matched. Recommend this feel good read

Just the best

I fell in love with Ward. The characters were well developed and there was a big twist at the end. I was truly sad when this book ended. I would listen to a sequel in a heartbeat. It would have to be narrated by David Baker. it wouldn’t be the same without him

Delightful Storytelling

A charming narrator, unique narrative, spunky characters, sweet ending, a very enjoyable listen while taking a walk, doing the dishes or daydreaming.

An entertaining read

I got this because I absolutely loved the author’s first book. This one didn’t have as many laugh-out-loud moments as that one, but it did draw me in to the characters and the unique time and place in which it was set. The narration was enjoyable and engaging. I am looking forward to her next book!

nice enough comedy turns into a 3 hanky story

The first half was fun. I started listening at 1.5x speed by chapter 14. Even then I thought the last chapters could have been compressed. As it was they kind of dragged to the predictable ending.

Story for Understanding People

Good story with characters who had all too human traits in an interesting setting. Just good listening to a slower paced novel which encompassed the flaws and goodness of people.

Not worth your time!

The characters Nina and Emily did such silly things that had no real meaning or lesson from real life.
I very much liked Ward, the doctor, narrating the book.
I wouldn’t recommend this book.

Perfect reader for perfectively great book

I loved this, the narrator, Ward, is such a great character. The whole novel is told by him when he is an old man. When he was young in the late 1930s, he worked as a ranch hand on a "divorce ranch" outside of Reno, Nevada. The time period is fascinating, but the characters make the book. This was so, so enjoyable in every way.

This is just what you need right now

The author came to speak (on a webinar) at our local library and she was as delightful as her book. The characters welcome you into this engaging, clever and historically fascinating story and stay with you long after you’ve finished. The narrator is perfectly suited and made the experience even better.

Really enjoyed this book!

The narrator is great. This is a really sweet book full of funny and interesting characters.