A warm, intimate novel that reminds us of the richness that can be found all throughout our lives—by the New York Times bestselling author of The Story of Arthur Truluv and Open House
“This gentle story of appreciation for the people and things that make up a life will renew your spirit.”—Oprah Daily (Best Books of Spring)
As ninety-two-year-old Florence "Flo" Greene nears the end of her life, she writes a letter to Ruthie, the woman who grew up next door to her, describing the items Flo is leaving Ruthie in her will. But as it goes on, telling surprising stories about those “little” things Flo will leave behind (What could possibly be the worth of a rubber band kept in a matchbox tied up in red ribbon?), an unforgettable portrait of the life she has lived emerges.
The letter starts off as an autobiography in things, but it turns out to do much more than that: ultimately, it will transform Flo and those around her. In the time she has left, Flo decides to take herself up on tiny dares. She encourages Ruthie to reconsider her impending divorce by sharing a startling, long-buried secret about her own perfect-seeming marriage. Flo has never had a pedicure before now, and as long as she's going to a beauty parlor, she arranges to have a blue streak put in her hair, too. And as these adventures lead her to make new friends, Flo helps them, too, find the fulfillment that living a full life has led her to understand.
Full of Elizabeth Berg's characteristic mix of warmth, humor, and poignancy, Life: A Love Story is a reminder that whatever your circumstances, as long as you're alive, you can keep on investing in life. The joy will inevitably follow.
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"This is a beautifully written, sentimental story that features an elderly lady preparing to die. She is leaving her house to a woman who as a neighborhood child visited often and they remained friends as she grew up and much of the book is a letter to her. There is some humor and lots of advice about living, loving, marriage and overcoming fear, but it never feels preachy or forced. I really enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reading copy. 4. 25/5 stars."
— Mpcacher1 (4/5)
Captivating read
"Life : A Love Story is a captivating and compelling read that is almost impossible to put down . Its a story that will stay with you for a long time and is to be savoured. Flo is dying of cancer and in letters tells Ruthie a younger former neighbour why she is leaving her the house and the meaning sentimental or not of the items in the house. Flo doesnt give up though. She is still learning and having new experiences and meeting new people. Flo is a delightful character and I can only hope to have the grace and the wisdom that she does. Life: A Love Story will no doubt be the pick of quite a few Book Clubs."
— Judy1 (4/5)
Q&A
Published date: Mar 17, 2026
Language: English
No. of Pages: 208
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780593446829
Dimensions:
5.73" W x
0.95" L x
8.58" H
“[Inspires] readers to laughter and tears alike . . . Berg brilliantly injects profound thoughts on finding beauty amid life’s difficulties through the wise words of unforgettable Flo. Life resonates with relatable characters, consequential little things, and the power of forgiveness. Fans of Anne Tyler and Sue Monk Kidd will appreciate Flo’s evocative story. . . .The prolific Berg has a huge following, and this is the author at her heartwarming best.”—Booklist, starred review
“Bestseller Berg serves up a deceptively simple story with hidden depths [and] exhibits great range in her portrayal of the folksy Flo. . . . Readers will be charmed by this heartening tale.”—Publishers Weekly
“An unforgettable portrait.”—Chicago Review of Books
“Elizabeth Berg has spent her illustrious career crafting tender novels that open her readers’ hearts unlike any other. Life: A Love Story reminds us of the beauty of life and that new experiences are not limited to the young.”—Bookstr
“This gentle story of appreciation for the people and things that make up a life will renew your spirit.”—Oprah Daily
“Lovely . . . [a] feel-good novel.”—AARP
“A wise and wonderful novel from beloved author Elizabeth Berg, is a good reminder that it’s never too late to form new bonds and connections—and that those connections are far more important than the things we leave behind.”—Bookreporter
Elizabeth Berg is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including The Story of Arthur Truluv, Open House, Talk Before Sleep, and The Year of Pleasures, as well as the short story collection The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted. Durable Goods and Joy School were selected as ALA Best Books of the Year. She adapted The Pull of the Moon into a play that enjoyed sold-out performances in Chicago and Indianapolis, and three of her novels have been turned into TV movies. She is the founder of the reading series Writing Matters. She teaches writing workshops and speaks at venues around the country. She lives outside Chicago.
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