Books like 'I Thought You Said This Would Work'
Readers who enjoyed I Thought You Said This Would Work by Ann Wertz Garvin also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary comedy action / adventure humor journey friendship drama lgbtq literary-fiction animals
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A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 86 ratingsIn this New York Times bestselling “charming debut” (People)—soon to be a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks—from one of Sweden’s most successful authors, a grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.Meet Ove... -
![Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton]()
Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsAn utterly wonderful debut novel of love, crime, magic, fate and a boy’s coming of age, set in 1980s Australia and infused with the originality, charm, pathos, and heart of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.The mind can take you anywhere you want to goEli Bell’s life is complicated... -
![The Midnight Gang by David Walliams]()
The Midnight Gang by David Walliams
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsWelcome to the Midnight Gang! Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for… the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning…When Tom gets hit on the head by a cricket ball, he finds himself at Lord Funt Hospital, and is greeted by a terrifying-looking porter... -
![She's Up to No Good by Sara Goodman Confino]()
She's Up to No Good by Sara Goodman Confino
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFor two women generations apart, going home will change their lives in this funny, poignant, and life-affirming novel about family, secrets, and broken hearts by the author of For the Love of Friends.Four years into her marriage, Jenna is blindsided when her husband asks for a divorce... -
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![Anxious People by Fredrik Backman]()
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 51 ratingsA poignant, charming novel about a crime that never took place, a would-be bank robber who disappears into thin air, and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imaginedLooking at real estate isn't usually a life-or-death situation, but an apartment open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes a group of strangers hostage... -
![Si llevas un raton a la escuela by Laura Joffe Numeroff]()
Si llevas un raton a la escuela by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThe Barnes & Noble ReviewBringing a plucky mouse to school isn't the wisest idea, no matter how much fun it might seem. Thankfully, the bestselling duo of author Laura Numeroff and illustrator Felicia Bond -- creators of If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie -- have teamed up to show us the hijinks a whiskered school guest could cause... -
![Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr, Guy Puzey]()
Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr, Guy Puzey
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPippi Longstocking meets Heidi meets Anne Shirley in this tale of an irrepressible girl in a mountain village who navigates unexpected changes with warmth and humor.Speed and self-confidence, that’s Astrid’s motto... -
![The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall]()
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWith over one million copies sold, this series of modern classics about the charming Penderwick family from National Book Award winner and New York Times bestseller Jeanne Birdsall is perfect for fans of Noel Streatfeild and Edward Eager.When summer comes around, it's off to the beach for Rosalind . . -
![The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters by Jaimie Admans]()
The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters by Jaimie Admans
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEscape to beautiful France this summer with this uplifting romantic comedy. Where dreams come true…? Wendy Clayton stopped believing in fairy tales a long time ago. Instead, she has a ‘nice’ life. Nice job. Nice flat. Absolutely no men... -
![The Wilder Widows by Katherine Hastings]()
The Wilder Widows by Katherine Hastings
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFour widows. Four wishes. One wild adventure.When Sylvie’s husband passed away, she’d barely hung her black dress back in the closet when three widows on Wilder Lane showed up on her doorstep... -
![Bayou Baby by Lexi Blake]()
Bayou Baby by Lexi Blake
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA heartwarming contemporary romance set in Louisiana's Butterfly Bayou from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake. Seraphina Guidry loves Butterfly Bayou. A young, single mom, she’s trying to find a place for herself in the town she cherishes, but past mistakes have made her wary. She adores her son but has sworn off men... -
![The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall]()
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThe Penderwick sisters busily discover the summertime magic of Arundel estate’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. Best of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, the perfect companion for their adventures. Icy-hearted Mrs... -
![Heartbreak Boys by Simon James Green]()
Heartbreak Boys by Simon James Green
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFaking the best summer ever is a lot harder than it looks...At the start of summer, Jack and Nate find themselves dumped as their respective exes, Dylan and Tariq, start up a new relationship together. Not only that, their exes start posting pics on social media, showing the whole world how fabulous their new life together is!Jack and Nate are reeling... -
![Vegas Sunrise by Fern Michaels]()
Vegas Sunrise by Fern Michaels
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA Powerful Legacy That Can Unite--Or Divide. . . Fanny Thornton Reed, proud matriarch of the Thornton dynasty, chooses her first husband's illegitimate son Jeff to run Babylon, her family's successful Las Vegas casino. For Jeff, this is a chance of a lifetime. For Fanny, it is a decision she will come to regret as it turns her children against each other... -
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![Mr Stink by David Walliams]()
Mr Stink by David Walliams
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsMr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well…” Chloe sees Mr Stink every day, but she’s never spoken to him. Which isn’t surprising, because he’s a tramp, and he stinks. But there’s more to Mr Stink than meets the eye (or nose) and before she knows it, Chloe has an unusual new friend hiding in her garden shed... -
![Picture Perfect by Holly Smale]()
Picture Perfect by Holly Smale
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratings"My name is Harriet Manners, and I'll always be a geek." It's the hilarious third book in the No.1 bestselling, award winning GEEK GIRL series! Harriet Manners knows more facts that most. She knows that New York is the most populous city in the United States. She knows that its official motto is "Ever Upward". She knows that 28% of Americans believe we never landed on the moon... -
![The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson]()
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA triumphant and touching debut about the unlikeliest superstar you’ll ever meet.Twelve-year-old Norman Foreman and his best friend, Jax, are a legendary comedic duo in waiting, with a plan to take their act all the way to the Edinburgh Fringe. But when Jax dies, Norman decides the only fitting tribute is to perform at the festival himself. The problem is, Norman’s not the funny one. Jax was... -
![Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes]()
Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 30 ratings“I like croquet and peanut butter and making my bed.”There is only one way for Chester to do things—his own way. “You definitely have a mind of your own,” said Chester’s mother. “That’s one way to put it,” said Chester’s father.Luckily Chester’s best friend, Wilson, likes doing things just the same way as Chester. When they cut their sandwiches, it's always diagonally...Categorized as:
animals family friendship humor realistic action-adventure anthropomorphism audiobook -
![The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan]()
The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA grand baronial house on Loch Ness, a quirky small-town bookseller, and a single mom looking for a fresh start all come together in this witty and warm-hearted novel by New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan.Desperate to escape from London, single mother Lottie wants to build a new life for herself and her son Raffie... -
![Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson]()
Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsIt was Sloane who yanked Emily out of her shell and made life 100% interesting. But right before what should have been the most epic summer, Sloane just…disappears. All she leaves behind is a to-do list.On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back?Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough.Dance until dawn? Sure... -
![Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren]()
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsAstrid Lindgren's story of feisty, red-haired Pippi has been given a sparkling new translation by award-winning Tiina Nunnally and engaging pictures by acclaimed Lauren Child.Pippi Longstocking was first published in the United States in 1950, and has been translated from the original Swedish into ninety-one languages... -
![Love You by Stacy Finz]()
Love You by Stacy Finz
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSexy, smart, and exciting, the Garner brothers have made Glory Junction, California, the country’s top extreme sports town—but there’s no shortage of thrills wherever they go . . . Darcy Wallace may be an employee at Garner Adventure, but the kind of excitement she’s looking for is more of the indoor variety... -
![Make or Break at the Lighthouse B&B by Portia MacIntosh]()
Make or Break at the Lighthouse B&B by Portia MacIntosh
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThirty-one-year-old matchmaker Lola James had it all – until she broke her leg at a wedding and discovered that her so-called ‘best friend’ was suddenly too busy to call, her flat had far too many steps, and her boyfriend replaced her quicker than you can say ‘crutches’... -
![Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman]()
Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsBritt-Marie can’t stand mess. A disorganized cutlery drawer ranks high on her list of unforgivable sins. She is not one to judge others—no matter how ill-mannered, unkempt, or morally suspect they might be. It’s just that sometimes people interpret her helpful suggestions as criticisms, which is certainly not her intention... -
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![I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black, Debbie Ridpath Ohi]()
I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black, Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThere is NOTHING boring about being a kid, but one little girl is going to have to prove it in this anything-but-boring picture book from comedian Michael Ian Black.Just when a little girl thinks she couldn't possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring... -
![All of Me by Leeanna Morgan]()
All of Me by Leeanna Morgan
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFour friends. Twenty-two bridesmaids dresses. One random act of kindness that will change their lives forever. Tess has given up looking for Mr. Right, but that doesn't mean she's given up on love. When she reads a newspaper story about a young couple who've had everything stolen from their home, including four bridesmaids dresses, she knows she has to help... -
![Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker]()
Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsClementine can't believe her ears her beloved teacher, Mr. D'Matz, might be leaving them for the rest of the year to go on a research trip to Egypt! No other teacher has ever understood her impulsiveness, her itch to draw constantly, or her need to play "Beat the Clock" when the day feels too long... -
![Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick]()
Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsFrom hot new talent Jordan Sonnenblick, a "Tuesdays with Morrie" for teens. Coincides with the publication of his new hardcover novel.16-year-old Alex decides to get even. His parents are separated, his father is dating his former third-grade teacher, and being 16 isn't easy, especially when it comes to girls...Categorized as:
family friendship humor literary-fiction realistic season-summer action-adventure audiobook -
![The Empty Nesters by Carolyn Brown]()
The Empty Nesters by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe worst of times calls for the best of friends in this sassy novel about starting over, from New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.Dear friends and army wives Diana, Carmen, and Joanie have been through war, rumors of war, marital problems, motherhood, fears, joy, and heartache. But none of the women are prepared when their daughters decide to enlist in the army together... -
![Rhythm, Chord & Malykhin by Mariana Zapata]()
Rhythm, Chord & Malykhin by Mariana Zapata
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsTwenty-six-year-old Gaby Barreto might be a lot of things (loyal, sarcastic, one of the guys and a pain in the butt depending on which family member you ask), but dumb isn’t one of them. When her twin brother invites her to go on tour as his band’s merch girl, she isn’t exactly screaming at the top of her lungs with joy... -
![Boomer's Bucket List by Sue Pethick]()
Boomer's Bucket List by Sue Pethick
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAuthor Sue Pethick presents a warm and fuzzy love story about a passionate pet owner, a smitten news man, and an unforgettable dog who steals everybody’s hearts . . . When her cuddly canine companion Boomer is diagnosed with a rare heart condition, Jennifer Westbrook decides to take a leave of absence from her busy PR job—and take Boomer on the greatest road trip of his life... -
![Burning Moon by Jo Watson]()
Burning Moon by Jo Watson
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThere's a very fine line between blushing bride and mascara-streaked sobbing mess. #beenthere Lilly Swanson has been planning her perfect life since she was twelve years old: Meet Mr. Right, have the big white wedding, buy a house in the burbs, and raise 2.5 picture-perfect kids... -
![The Risk Pool by Richard Russo]()
The Risk Pool by Richard Russo
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe Risk Pool is a thirty-year journey through the lives of Sam Hall, a small-town gambling hellraiser, and his watchful, introspective son Ned... -
![The Book of Polly by Kathy Hepinstall]()
The Book of Polly by Kathy Hepinstall
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratings"Delightful. . . funny and poignant." --People With a kick like the best hot sauce, this is the laugh-out-loud story of a girl determined to keep up with her aging, crazy-as-a-fox mother"If you ever pined for a mother who would take a hunting falcon as her wingman to a parent-teacher conference, Polly is the gal for you. Delicious... -
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![Love Me Sweet by Tracy Brogan]()
Love Me Sweet by Tracy Brogan
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsDelaney Masterson isn’t looking for fame.Yes, she has famous parents and a reality TV show, but she’s not the wild-child celebrity the paparazzi have painted her to be. Until…The Scandal. When an old boyfriend releases a private video, Delaney’s name becomes every comedian’s favorite punch line. To escape the media, she sneaks away to Bell Harbor, Michigan—during the worst winter in fifty years... -
![The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion]()
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 47 ratingsAn international sensation, this hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love.Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date... -
![Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo]()
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsTo Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig — she's a porcine wonder. And to the portly and good-natured Mercy, the Watsons are an excellent source of buttered toast, not to mention that buttery-toasty feeling she gets when she snuggles into bed with them. This is not, however, so good for the Watsons' bed...Categorized as:
animals family friendship humor realistic action-adventure anthropomorphism audiobook -
![Gimme Some Sugar by Kimberly Kincaid]()
Gimme Some Sugar by Kimberly Kincaid
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOut of the frying pan. . .and into the fire!Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she's running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves... -
![The French Escape by Suzie Tullett]()
The French Escape by Suzie Tullett
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"A fabulously fun and uplifting read. Loved it." --Sarah Hardy, By The Letter Book Reviews"Charming and thoroughly enjoyable . . ." --Rachel Gilbey, reviewerIt's fair to say that Flick has had a terrible year. Her beloved father died, she had the wedding of her dreams and only hours after the ceremony her husband ran out on her... -
![One Plus One by Jojo Moyes]()
One Plus One by Jojo Moyes
Rated: 3.98 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsOne single mom. One chaotic family. One quirky stranger. One irresistible love story from the New York Times bestselling author of Me Before YouSuppose your life sucks. A lot. Your husband has done a vanishing act, your teenage stepson is being bullied and your math whiz daughter has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t afford to pay for... -
![Best, First, and Last by Amy T. Matthews]()
Best, First, and Last by Amy T. Matthews
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIn this stirring, spirited, and ultimately joyful new novel from the author of Someone Else’s Bucket List, three generations of women in the same family, whose hearts have been broken in different ways, set out on a challenging journey to see one of the wonders of the world—and find themselves to be just as awe-inspiring. Perfect for fans of Josie Silver and Rebecca Serle... -
![Tatum Comes Home by Tatum Talks, Mica Stone]()
Tatum Comes Home by Tatum Talks, Mica Stone
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTatum from @hi.this.is.tatum, one of the TikTok and Instagram’s most beloved “talking” dogs, stars in this heartfelt and humorous story about a charismatic canine’s journey home... -
![Wrapped In You by Jules Bennett]()
Wrapped In You by Jules Bennett
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"Another page turner--I couldn't put it down!" - Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author The Monroe brothers found a home in Haven, Georgia, thanks to the big-hearted couple who adopted them all. Now, grieving their late sister, these three very different men will come together to honor her memory... -
![Four Bridesmaids and a White Wedding by Fiona Collins]()
Four Bridesmaids and a White Wedding by Fiona Collins
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDon’t tell the bride! Rose, Sal and JoJo have been looking forward to their best friend Wendy’s hen party for ages. A relaxing spa break is the perfect way to escape their crazy careers, grumpy husbands and stroppy children – even if the groom’s straight-laced sister, Tamsin, is coming too... -
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![Four for the Road by K.J. Reilly]()
Four for the Road by K.J. Reilly
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Perks of Being a Wallflower meets The End of the F***ing World in this dark young adult comedy about four unlikely friends dealing with the messy side of grief who embark on a road trip to Graceland.Asher Hunting wants revenge.Specifically, he wants revenge on the drunk driver who killed his mom and got off on a technicality... -
![How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles]()
How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsMoshav? What’s a moshav? Is it “shopping mall” in Hebrew? I mean, from what Jessica was telling me, Israeli stores have the latest fashions from Europe. That black dress Jessica has is really awesome. I know I’d be selling out if I go with the Sperm Donor to a mall, but I keep thinking about all the great stuff I could bring back home... -
![Just One Wish by Janette Rallison]()
Just One Wish by Janette Rallison
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsSeventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it's all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery... -
![The Leisure Seeker by Michael Zadoorian]()
The Leisure Seeker by Michael Zadoorian
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe unforgettable cross country journey of a runaway couple in their twilight years determined to meet the end of all roads on their own terms—a major motion picture from Sony Pictures Classics starring Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland.The Robinas have shared a wonderful life for more than sixty years. Now in their eighties, Ella suffers from cancer and John has Alzheimer's... -
![It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake: A Novel by Claire Christian]()
It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake: A Novel by Claire Christian
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat if you made yourself your number one priority?Of all the women and men Noni Blake has pleased in her life, there's one she's often overlooked--herself. After the end of a decade-long relationship, Noni decides it's time for that to change. She's finally going to prioritize her wants and desires and only do things (and people) that feel good in the moment... -
![Piglettes by Clémentine Beauvais]()
Piglettes by Clémentine Beauvais
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAwarded the Gold, Silver and Bronze trotters after a vote by their classmates on Facebook, Mireille, Astrid and Hakima are officially the three ugliest girls in their school, but does that mean they're going to sit around crying about it?Well..
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