A Matter of Happiness

A Novel

By: Tori Whitaker

Narrated by: Kimberley Wong, Megan Tusing

A cherished heirloom opens up a century of secrets in a bittersweet novel about family, hard truths, and self-discovery by the author of Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish.

Melanie Barnett thinks she has it all together. With an ex-fiancé and a pending promotion at a Kentucky bourbon distillery, Melanie has figured out that love and career don’t mix. Until she makes a discovery while cleaning her Jordan MX car, a scarlet-red symbol of the Jazz Age’s independent women that she inherited from her great-great-great-aunt Violet. Its secret compartment holds Violet’s weathered journal—within it an intriguing message: Take from this story what you will, Melanie, and you can bury the rest. Melanie wonders what more there is to learn from Violet’s past.

In 1921 Violet Bond defers to no one. Hers is a life of adventure in Detroit, the hub of the motorcar boom and the fastest growing city in America. But in an era of speakeasies, financial windfalls, free-spirited friends, and unexpected romance, it’s easy to spin out of control.

Now, as Melanie’s own world takes unexpected turns, her life and Violet’s life intersect. Generations apart, they’re coming into their own and questioning what modern womanhood—and happiness—really means.

©2022 Tori Whitaker (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Critic reviews

“This witty and engaging story is about Melanie, an up-and-coming executive in the whiskey business in Louisville, Kentucky, and her ‘Grape Aunt Violet.’…The plot flows easily, and the characters, both modern and in the 1920s, are interesting people.”—Historical Novels Review

“This novel provides glimpses into the growing automobile industry in 1920s Detroit, where Violet lives. We also get to see the growth of the boutique spirits world in twenty-first-century Kentucky as Melanie tries to make a name for herself. Ultimately, A Matter of Happiness is a story about listening to and trusting yourself, while surrounded by family, friends, love and loss. [A]n entertaining historical fiction read.”—BookTrib

“A thrill of a ride and a beautiful read. Violet and Melanie are connected across generations by blood, bourbon, cars, and a great need for independence. Tori Whitaker unfolds the narrative with a deep sense of history imbuing every sensational page, weaving the women’s stories until the inspiring conclusion. This is a compelling story of women who understand that we can choose our happiness and we can choose our lives. Whitaker crafts a riveting read about strength, fate, and choice that you will not want to put down until the very last page.”—Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Surviving Savannah

Violet was fun.

I don’t usually read books like this and found Melanie trifling. Took awhile to get going. The ending of Violets storyline was good, but Melanie’s predictable.

Love this book!!!

Please give it a listen!! It is funny, sentimental and just a great book!! I want a sequel!!! PLEAZZZZ!!!

Loved it!

What a wonderful multi-generational, dual timeline and story of women fighting for independence yet discovering what love really means. First time I've read anything by this author and can't wait to look at her backlist.

Misandry Much?

I am all about female empowerment, but the “I don’t need a man” mantra throughout this book is annoying. Additionally, the mommy issues really indicate the need for professional counseling. It’s not a horrible book, and the historical research was well done, but it dwells too much on the protagonist’s neurosis.

Girls and their dreams

Back n forth time period stories aren't always easy to follow. This one took me back to a time period and the dreams of a young girl just wanting adventure and excitement. However, that was not acceptable for her in this time,she should accept her place and want nothing more. This kinda drive shows strength and determination, sometimes choices too.They don't always have complete happy endings but the risk of it does show what you was made of.

Great story

I enjoyed Violet and Melanie's story. A found journal in a vintage car leads to the life of a modern day woman in the twenties, her Great granddaughter whom inherited the car has her own modern dat story to tell in the 2000 . Bourbon and history are woven throughout the story of both woman. Really enjoyable read .If listen on audio both narration are unique to the woman whom TBE story is told by .

Interesting novel.

Enjoyed the prospective of both women. Story was wrapped up nicely. Life is so interesting.

Loved the story of bourbon

Loved this story of bourbon in Kentucky with Melanie and prohibition days with Violet . I have been to several distilleries including Woodford Reserve

Five stars

This is a delightful story. It is well written and the subject matter is very interesting. The characters are believable and the narration was great.

Couldn’t get past the accent

Violet’s accent is not southern. It’s what people think southerners sound like. It was awful and made me dread those chapters.