Musical Chairs

by Amy Poeppel
Musical Chairs cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Contemporary Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 4284
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781501176418
  • Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
  • Published: 2020-07-21
  • Reviews: 3

Bridget and Will have a friendship so strong it's often mistaken for romance, but their lives take an unexpected turn when Bridget's plans for a quiet summer are disrupted. With her twin children moving back home and her father announcing a sudden marriage, Bridget finds herself organizing a chaotic wedding and attempting to reunite her old music trio, the Forsyth Trio. The story is a delightful exploration of modern family dynamics, filled with humor and heart, as Bridget navigates the messiness and joy of real life. With her signature wit and insight, Amy Poeppel crafts a tale that celebrates the complexities of relationships and the sweet synchronicity of second chances.

Reviews
Kirkus Reviews · 2025-10-21
delightful 4.75

The reviewer praises the novel's well-thought-out plot and fully developed characters. They find the writing crisp and engaging.

This novel is a delightful celebration of the messiness of life, with a well-thought-out plot and fully developed characters. The reviewer appreciates the author's crisp and engaging writing style, which makes the story both enjoyable and thought-provoking. The exploration of family and friendship is handled with sensitivity and humor, creating a compelling narrative. The reviewer particularly likes how the author balances the various subplots and character arcs, making the story feel cohesive and satisfying.

Quick quotes

    Author Poeppel has created a story that is well thought out, well plotted, well written, and fully developed.

    A delightful novel that celebrates the messiness of life.

    The exploration of family and friendship is handled with sensitivity and humor.

Well Read Tart · 2024-10-11
charming 4.00

The reviewer appreciates the novel's exploration of family dynamics and personal growth. They find the characters relatable and the setting charming.

This coming-of-age story for adults resonates with its authentic portrayal of family and friendships. The reviewer enjoys the Connecticut setting and the way the characters navigate their lives. The novel's themes of love, loss, and self-discovery are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it a heartwarming read. The reviewer particularly likes how the story balances humor and emotional depth, creating a compelling and engaging experience.

Quick quotes

    Musical Chairs is a lovely coming-of-age story for adults about the friends and family of a classical musician in Connecticut.

    The novel's themes of love, loss, and self-discovery are woven seamlessly into the narrative.

    The characters are relatable and the setting is charming.

Seattle Book Mama Blog · 2020-06-12
insightful 4.50

The reviewer finds the novel funnier and more insightful than the author's previous works. They appreciate the well-developed characters and engaging plot.

This novel stands out for its humor and depth, making it a standout in the author's repertoire. The reviewer enjoys the well-developed characters and the engaging plot, which keeps the reader invested throughout. The story's exploration of family dynamics and personal growth is both insightful and entertaining. The reviewer particularly likes how the author balances humor with more serious themes, creating a rich and satisfying reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Her new novel, Musical Chairs, shares these attributes, but it's even funnier, and even more insightful.

    The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging.

    The story's exploration of family dynamics and personal growth is both insightful and entertaining.

Appears in Lists