Life: A Love Story
- Judith D Collins
- Jan 24
- 6 min read
By: Elizabeth Berg
Narrator: Elizabeth Berg
ISBN: 9780593446829
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: 03/17/2026
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: 5 Stars + (ARC)
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
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.
Praise
“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 . . . inspiring readers to laughter and tears alike.”
—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
About the Author
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. WEBSITE
My Review
In Elizabeth Berg's (favorite author) heartfelt new novel, LIFE: A LOVE STORY, we are introduced to the remarkable 92-year-old Flo Greene, who, confronted with a terminal cancer diagnosis, pens a deeply moving letter to her former young neighbor, Ruthie, the future heir to her beloved home.
The narrative beautifully unfolds as Flo reflects on her life, sharing the stories behind her treasured yet ordinary possessions. As she navigates her final weeks, Flo embraces the opportunity to forge meaningful connections, particularly with a compassionate death doula named Teresa.
A touching, heartfelt, and introspective exploration of aging and the bonds we share, presented in Berg's winning signature style, fans adore.
About...
Flo, Main Character:
Flo, 92 and widowed, receives a terminal prognosis and decides to put her affairs in order. She decides to spend her final weeks legacy-building through a heartfelt letter.
The Letter/Ruthie:
Flo writes a long letter to Ruthie, now grown, who used to live next door and was like a daughter to her.
Autobiography of Objects:
The letter details the stories behind various, seemingly minor items in Flo’s house, serving as a memoir of her life and marriage.
Dares and Joy:
Despite her illness, Flo actively engages in life, taking fun small dares and finding joy.
Teresa, death doula:
Flo befriends a new neighbor, Teresa McNair, a 51-year-old death doula.
Helping Others:
Flo encourages the cynical Teresa to try online dating and nudges Ruthie to reconsider her own troubled marriage.
Themes:
The story explores themes of cherishing memories, finding beauty in small things, and maintaining love and connection until the very end.
My Reflections on LIFE: A LOVE STORY
From the stunning front cover and every page in between, I found LIFE: A LOVE STORY to be an extraordinary journey—bittersweet, poignant, and deeply reflective. It masterfully captures the complex nature of terminal illness while artfully balancing the sorrows of life with unexpected moments of joy and wonder. This narrative is filled with nostalgia, wisdom, and a profound sense of introspection.
I have a special fondness for any uplifting and soulful stories by the talented storyteller, Elizabeth Berg, and LIFE: A LOVE STORY is truly exquisite! Berg excels in crafting deep characterizations, emotional depth, and engaging narratives that resonate long after the last page is turned.
The lyrical and heartfelt prose weaves together reflections and present moments, offering a heartwarming, often humorous perspective on embracing life to its fullest, regardless of the challenges we face.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was Flo's exploration of her cherished items and the significance they carry. This resonates deeply, especially in a world where many grown children overlook the importance of understanding their parents and elders, their possessions, and the legacies they leave behind. Flo's whimsical and witty little dares inject humor into the darker moments, creating a delightful balance that enriches the reading experience.
Messages
LIFE: A LOVE STORY specifically focusing on three final messages:
~"I forgive you,"
~"Do you forgive me?" and
~"I love you.
The novel beautifully captures the essence of love in its many forms, extending beyond traditional romantic relationships to include deep friendships and surrogate familial bonds. Flo’s relationship with Ruthie, the neighbor’s daughter to whom she passes on her cherished possessions, alongside her blossoming friendship with her “death doula,” Teresa, serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful connections can thrive at any stage of life and in any circumstance.
Understanding that a meaningful life is not solely characterized by monumental events is essential. Instead, it often thrives in the "little things"—the daily moments and cherished items that weave together the rich tapestry of our existence.
Berg thoughtfully explores several poignant themes related to human connection: the inherent value of everyday experiences, and the importance of making the most of our remaining time. True fulfillment often emerges from our ongoing commitment to help others find their happiness, highlighting that our impact on those around us is a vital part of our living legacy, enduring until the very end.
Themes
~The Enduring Power of Love and Connection
~Forgiveness and Making Peace
~The Significance of Small Moments
~Investing in Life, Always
~Honesty and Self-Discovery
Takeaway message
No matter your circumstances or age, as long as you are alive, you can—and should—keep investing in life.
Title significance
The title LIFE: A LOVE STORY signifies that a well-lived life is, in itself, an act of love directed toward the world, the people around us, and even oneself.
By framing "Life" as a "Love Story," Berg suggests that the true beauty of existence lies in the "intricacies of knowing and loving another person" and the meaningful memories attached to mundane, everyday objects. An emotional, resonant story about the power of human connection. I highly recommend all Berg's books.
Recs...
Readers who enjoyed Elizabeth Berg's Life: A Love Story will appreciate its poignant, character-driven storytelling that focuses on human connection, everyday wisdom, and making the most of life. Similar authors and books share themes of family, friendship, and finding meaning in ordinary life.
Similar Authors
Anne Tyle, Anna Quindlen, Adriana Trigiani, Ann Patchett, Catherine Ryan Hyde, and Fredrik Backman.
Similar books by Berg
~The Story of Arthur Truluv
~Never Change
Other similar books:
~Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
~The Next Thing You Know by Jessica Strawser
~A Measure of Time by Gillian Jackson
~When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén
~The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
Special thanks to Random House and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I am looking forward to listening to the audiobook (an auto-buy) narrated by Berg, which is always an immersive listening experience.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Mar 17, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars +
