New Release
The Dirty Birds' Book Club
They came for the books. They stayed for the friendship and best stories they’ve never told.
Out now
About the Book
Meet the Women of the Dirty Birds
Edna Stone is eighty-something, has buried five husbands, and reigns as the undisputed social queen of Searcy, Arkansas. When she invites eight women, ages twenty to eighty, into her home to talk about books, they all think they're coming for wine and paperbacks.
They're wrong.
The best part of book club starts after the discussion ends, when Mrs. Edna shares the stories of her five husbands. And honey, her past is full of secrets, surprises, and heartache.
But Edna isn't the only one with a broken heart. Joules Parker has kept hers under lock and key for twenty-five years after a devastating loss. Then Charles Randolph Raughlingsworth III walks back into her life, all history and heat. There's just one problem: Joules still wants a baby, and Charlie has already raised his kids and is ready for the empty-nest years. Is he her second chance, or her next heartbreak?
As the other women share their own stories, old wounds reopen, buried truths come out, and nobody leaves the way they came in. Somewhere between the second glass of wine and the final chapter, they stop pretending and start showing up for each other.
You'll Love This Book If You Love…
01
Southern fiction with multigenerational secrets
02
Banter that cuts both ways
03
Second-chance romance with real stakes
04
A book club that doubles as group therapy (with better wine)
A Note from Susan
Why I Wrote The Dirty Birds' Book Club
I wasn't ready to walk away from the women of The Carrington Affairs after Book 1, so I turned it into a series. Almost right away, I knew I had to tell Joules's story: her devastating heartbreak and her long affair with Dennis Harrison. I didn't know the details yet, but I loved the hours I spent letting her tell me her truth while I wrote it all down.
I also wanted to do something with Mrs. Edna. I'd loved her since Book 1, a true leader who used her power to lift others up. What I didn't know was that she'd had five husbands. I'll never forget standing in the shower, letting my mind wander, and hearing her ask me, "Did I ever tell you about my first husband of five, Artie Blue?" From there, it was a wild ride getting to know every one of them.
The challenge in Book 3 was weaving their stories together without making them compete. I hope I did it by giving both women deep heartache in common, and the courage to love again.
Buy Direct
Buy Direct from Susan
Order The Dirty Birds' Book Club straight from me and more of your purchase goes to the author. Reading on a Kindle or e-reader? The ebook arrives right in your inbox. Signed paperbacks and hardcovers ship from Arkansas, each with some extra book swag. Prefer to listen? The audiobook comes straight to your inbox too.
Pre-ordered the ebook, or from Amazon or another store? Claim your signed bookplate and bookmark.
Book Clubs
Bring It to Your Book Club
The Dirty Birds' Book Club was made for book clubs. When five or more members of your club buy the book, in any format, your club saves 10% with code SISTERHOOD, each member gets a signed copy and book swag, plus my Guide to Hosting and Entertaining, and your whole club gets a private 30-minute Zoom conversation with me. Questions? Email me at info@susangooch.com.
The Carrington Series
New to the Carrington Series?
No need to read the earlier books first. Just pull up a chair. The Dirty Birds saved you a seat. But if you'd like to start from the beginning, The Carrington Affairs is waiting for you.
Read the Series
Catch Up on the Series
There's never been a better time to fall in love with the Carringtons. Start at the beginning, keep reading for less, and grab the book everyone is talking about.
Book 1: The Carrington Affairs
When a decade-old secret surfaces, Senator Bennett Carrington loses his reputation, his seat, and the trust of the family he loves. Now he has to discover who he is without the title and whether what he broke can be repaired. With 235 reader reviews, it's the perfect place to begin.
Start Reading on AmazonBook 2: The Nonnegotiable
The story continues, and the stakes get higher. Save more than 80% on the ebook for a limited time.
Get It for $1.99The Dirty Birds' Short Stories
Meet the women of the Dirty Birds before they ever open a book together.
Read Now on Amazon
Book 3: The Dirty Birds' Book Club
Mrs. Edna Stone has buried five husbands and sugarcoats nothing. When she gathers eight women, ages 20 to 80, for a book club, wine and paperbacks crack open secrets, confessions, and real friendship. Messy, funny, and hopeful, this one can be read on its own. The Dirty Birds saved you a seat.
Buy NowSigned Copies, Straight From Susan
Order a signed copy of The Dirty Birds' Book Club, made out to whoever you choose, with bookmarks and stickers tucked in. Copies ship with a tracking email.