Shop Captain America
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
OR
$4.49 with 70 percent savings
Print List Price: $14.95

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $21.88

Save: $19.89 (91%)

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Bette Davis Club Kindle Edition

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 11,882 ratings

The morning of her niece’s wedding, Margo Just drinks a double martini and contemplates the many mistakes she’s made in her fifty-odd years of life. Spending three decades in love with a wonderful but unattainable man is pretty high up on her list of missteps, as is a long line of unsuccessful love affairs accompanied by a seemingly endless supply of delicious cocktails.

When the young bride flees—taking with her a family heirloom and leaving behind six hundred bewildered guests—her mother offers Margo fifty grand to retrieve her spoiled brat of a daughter and the invaluable property she stole. So, together with the bride’s jilted and justifiably crabby fiancé, Margo sets out in a borrowed 1955 red MG on a cross-country chase. Along the way, none of what she discovers will be quite what she expected. But it might be exactly what she’s been seeking all along.

From acclaimed humor writer Jane Lotter comes this madcap, laugh-out-loud adventure, The Bette Davis Club.

Revised edition: This edition of The Bette Davis Club includes editorial revisions.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jane Lotter was a Seattle-based writer and humorist whose work has appeared in national publications. Her hilarious column, Jane Explains, ran in the Seattle Sun, winning several awards, including one from the Society of Professional Journalists. Jane’s only novel, The Bette Davis Club, won first place in the Mainstream category in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B010FS494E
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (December 8, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 8, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 915 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 274 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 11,882 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Jane Lotter
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Me, in Seattle, standing next to a classic MG TF at the 2011 Greenwood Car Show. Sadly, the MG was painted white rather than red. Then again, white does match my hair.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
11,882 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and delightful. They describe the story as a mix of mystery, romance, self-discovery, and second chances. The book is described as a quick, smooth read with great characters and consistent voice. Readers appreciate the emotional satisfaction and touching moments. The book provides insights and life lessons.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

899 customers mention "Enjoyment"874 positive25 negative

Customers enjoy the book's entertaining plot and humorous characters. They find it a fun, whimsical read with unexpected events that keep them hooked.

"...love shows through every aspect of this book; crisp dialogue, well-paced plot, wonderfully engaging characters, and not a typo in sight..." Read more

"...so much, I must let you know that Ms. Lotter has put together an excellent, fun, wildly outrageous, tear-jerkingly deep and unforgettable novel...." Read more

"...I found the read engaging, I suppose, but a little choppy and relying too heavily on our culture's intrigue with the lifestyles of the rich and..." Read more

"...No sad moments which is nice for a change. Good fun read that is light." Read more

334 customers mention "Suspense"265 positive69 negative

Customers enjoy the book's suspense. They find the characters fascinating and the story engaging. The book offers a wonderful mix of mystery, romance, self-discovery, and second chances. Readers appreciate the unexpected twists and turns as well as the journey of self-redemption. The poignant backstory is revealed slowly, making you feel like you're getting to know the characters better. The story also deals with current issues and figuring out life.

"...It was simply complicated enough to keep me entertained and wanting to see what was around the corner." Read more

"...This is a wonderful mix of mystery, romance, self realization, second chances, and brutal honesty that adds very important pieces of the puzzle we..." Read more

"...The account of her life in bits and pieces was interesting and really shaped here character...." Read more

"...Her often poignant backstory is revealed slowly so you really feel as though you're getting to know her...." Read more

269 customers mention "Readability"240 positive29 negative

Customers find the book easy to read. They describe it as a quick, smooth, and light read with well-developed characters. Some find it suitable for relaxing at the beach or reading on Kindle. The synopsis provided a fast-paced romance.

"...captured by the title and downloaded the sample - what a great benefit to reading on Kindle! Well...." Read more

"...This is a book I could read over and over again. It went very fast, had so many good moments and several hilarious ones...." Read more

"...It was skillfully written with characters that were well developed. Margo, the central character, is wonderfully drawn...." Read more

"...It is a quick read; too quick, since you want to know her better...." Read more

232 customers mention "Character development"213 positive19 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging characters and consistent voice of the protagonist. They appreciate her wit and sarcasm, as well as the interesting plot about the old days.

"...This is a wonderful novel. Fun, engaging, entertaining, with a main character who you want to be friends with...." Read more

"...Tully is equally a brilliant character and both of them really make the book an absolute winner!..." Read more

"...account of her life in bits and pieces was interesting and really shaped here character...." Read more

"...It was skillfully written with characters that were well developed. Margo, the central character, is wonderfully drawn...." Read more

203 customers mention "Pacing"199 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it emotionally satisfying, with touching and humorous moments. The book is filled with reminiscing, realizations, and resolutions about love and growing old. Readers mention it has everything from humor to excitement and covers a wide range of topics.

"...Not surprised by the humor, the acceptance, and optimism she writes with, even as she writes about her own death...." Read more

"...This is a wonderful mix of mystery, romance, self realization, second chances, and brutal honesty that adds very important pieces of the puzzle we..." Read more

"...No sad moments which is nice for a change. Good fun read that is light." Read more

"...It went very fast, had so many good moments and several hilarious ones...." Read more

57 customers mention "Insight"57 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, witty, and thought-provoking. They appreciate the clever writing style that blends humor with serious themes and life lessons. The book is described as an easy read with educational moments.

"...Many interesting characters, interesting backdrop (architectural preservation as metaphor), and very satisfying ending. A very good read." Read more

"I almost didn't put this down once I started on it. Very well written. Smart, funny and fast paced...." Read more

"...It is a funny book but it sure packs a lot of meaning and life lessons...." Read more

"...It is delightful, insightful, humane, compassionate, thought-provoking, and has some of the funniest lines I have ever read...." Read more

35 customers mention "Movie references"31 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's movie references. They find it entertaining with interesting characters and a backdrop of the film industry. The book covers many topics including romantic love, family relationships, and greed.

"...It was a great story and I loved all the nuances and reminders to Hollywood's past. Also the reminders to America's past...." Read more

"...Many interesting characters, interesting backdrop (architectural preservation as metaphor), and very satisfying ending. A very good read." Read more

"This was a surprising little book full of humorous and delightful gems of insight...." Read more

"...It was, however, a accurate and revealing look into the world of film makers. My opinion of course...." Read more

33 customers mention "Lightness"33 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's lighthearted and carefree atmosphere. They find it a delightful read with an energetic story and twists.

"...No sad moments which is nice for a change. Good fun read that is light." Read more

"...I'm speaking of the experience of reading this. It has that same light, lovely and intoxicating mix of humor, drama and mystery...." Read more

"...It will cure your depression and will lighten your load...." Read more

"...But all and all a light and fun read." Read more

Enormously fun to read
5 out of 5 stars
Enormously fun to read
I am exploring novels that are about cars. I picked up The Bette Davis Club purely because it features a car on the cover. It is fun to read. I couldn't put it down. Towards the end of the novel, I was delaying reaching the end because I did want my enjoyment of it to end.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2016
    What an excellent read!

    I was browsing the Kindle store, searching for something fun to read. I didn't want to be challenged; I wanted to be entertained. I was captured by the title and downloaded the sample - what a great benefit to reading on Kindle! Well. The book starts with a letter to the readers, "Dear Whoever-You-Are." The letter is written by the author's daughter explaining how this book is the first and last book her mother published. Her mother, knowing she was dying, self-published her book on Amazon and was able to hold a copy of it on her last day on earth. Her mother was like a lot of us, people who write because we love to do it. We fit it in between raising our children, caring for our parents, working more jobs than we can juggle. We love to write. Jane Lotter wrote this book out of a love for the craft, and that love shows through every aspect of this book; crisp dialogue, well-paced plot, wonderfully engaging characters, and not a typo in sight (one of my huge pet peeves about self-publishing!). The novel was so well received that it was picked up by a publisher, every self-published author's dream.

    I have to admit that as I was reading the letter from the author's daughter I was expecting the novel to be ... weak. A self-published novel by someone who was rushing to get it out there? But the letter was captivating; the author's daughter is a wonderful writer in her own right. So I kept reading. I was hooked.

    This is a wonderful novel. Fun, engaging, entertaining, with a main character who you want to be friends with. If you're looking for a story that is a thousand times better than any Hallmark movie, this is it.

    My only regret? That there won't be any more Jane Lotter stories.

    Reading this book made me want to learn more about Jane Lotter. I have since read her self-authored obituary published on Huffington Post. Not surprised by the humor, the acceptance, and optimism she writes with, even as she writes about her own death.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/06/jane-lotter_n_3708141.html
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023
    Margo brings to light what many of us fail to recognize, how all our life events not only shape us but sometimes put us on a path we don’t need to be on. This novel leads you on an adventure with many twists and turns. It was simply complicated enough to keep me entertained and wanting to see what was around the corner.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2019
    No spoilers in my reviews

    As a bibliophile, reading is my drug of choice, and there are few genres that I don't read. Having read so much, I must let you know that Ms. Lotter has put together an excellent, fun, wildly outrageous, tear-jerkingly deep and unforgettable novel. This is a book that was a one sitting feast!

    The plot is amazingly well thought out, and never stalls for a moment. Margo is an excellent character, one whose past is given out like delicious literary truffles. Tully is equally a brilliant character and both of them really make the book an absolute winner!

    This is a wonderful mix of mystery, romance, self realization, second chances, and brutal honesty that adds very important pieces of the puzzle we are merrily reading about. It offers insights that are important, it gives what would be a lightweight humorous bit of fun the gravitas to make it an excellent novel.

    I sincerely hope to read more by Jane Lotter. She has a gift of wit and she knows how to write with passion while entertaining her audience. Since most of the people reading this review are also bibliophiles, I think I can safely say that this is a must-read. It's just so good.

    As Always I Wish Happy Reads to All From the Unapologetic Book Junkie!
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2016
    I liken this read to a fast food fix versus a sit down meal to savor. I found the read engaging, I suppose, but a little choppy and relying too heavily on our culture's intrigue with the lifestyles of the rich and famous....kind of like how fast food relies a bit too much on frying. While I read it in one sitting, it likely won't be especially memorable.

    Margo, a fifty something, is stuck in a rut ever since the demise of a relatioship in her youth. Also scarred by the loss of her parents, and being shipped to boarding school as youngster, she ddrowns her troubles in gin and martini's. She flies to CA for here nieces wedding except the bride takes off. Margo's older half-sister Charlotte, so concerned about appearances in the film industry, hires Margo to travel with the jilted groom and find her daughter who happened to lift some valued assets on her way out the door. Lo and behold, the chase ensues across a few states, encounters a drug lord, finds the spoiled niece and love along the way, and of course a happy ending complete with a mending of family fences.

    If you have the time and need an indulgent read, this is a good one for that. If you are looking for a book with great quotables and a story to ponder for a while, you may look for a new read.
    21 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2020
    This book was a fun read and the main character was fun and interesting. The account of her life in bits and pieces was interesting and really shaped here character. At times, it got just a little silly but reprieved it self and moved on. Learned some facts about what happens to pieces of historical buildings when they are destroyed and how valuable some of that debris can be. No sad moments which is nice for a change. Good fun read that is light.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on April 30, 2017
    This book was so entertaining...I couldn't put it down. It made me sad to think this was the only book that Jane Lotter ever wrote because of her untimely death.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful rollercoaster!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 19, 2016
    It was the cover of the book that piqued my interest first! And then reading plot just made me realise what a delightful romantic romp of a story this could be! And I was not wrong! What starts out as an all expenses paid job to locate her niece Georgia, takes the heroine of the story, Margot Just on a trip of self discovery along with Georgia's jilted ex-fiancee. As Margo does not fly and does not hold a driving licence she has to be driven by the fiancee in the classic of cars, an MG! This is a lovely and funny book to read that had me chuckling from beginning to end. There are some wonderful characters along the way and will suit anyone who wants a light easy read. It was very cleverly written and the references made concerning the title of the book makes an interesting talking point - which I am not going to give away! All I can say is that you will enjoy it. It should be noted that the author had since passed away which is with great sadness as I would have most certainly read any other novels had she had the chance to write them.
  • Rulingia
    4.0 out of 5 stars A rollicking yarn
    Reviewed in Australia on April 26, 2016
    Thoroughly enjoyable story, combining a road trip to self-discovery and almost slap stick humour. Very well written with a unique capacity to be both uplifting and sad at the same time. Well worth downloading.
  • Janie S
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 15, 2017
    This book is different. Nothing is quite what it seems, but the story rollocks along like the MG Roadster on Route 66. And I found it interesting, funny and sad in equal measure. The ending was a bit predictable but satisfactorily rounded off the book, and it would have got 5 stars if the obligatory obscenities had been edited out. I will read this again, but not yet. Recommended.
  • Gloria Barbetta
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun read
    Reviewed in Canada on September 10, 2016
    This I have to say made me laugh, chuckle and silently smile 90%of the time reading it. Very enjoyable read

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?