I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started this story, but it was definitely different from what I had expected. This story is full of feisty characters. Both Marilyn and her great aunt Ada with whom she goes to spend the summer are full of life and far from shy. They made me smile and laugh and I loved how their similarities were also why they clashed at times. It's hard to imagine a world where marriage and image is so important, but this story did a good job of introducing me to this time period and what people cared about then and how girls like Marilyn stood out for all the wrong reasons. Having read this story I could easily picture it all and I think it would make a lovely movie. Sweet, touching, will make you laugh but will also make you mad and in the end it will surprise you.

This was a delightful book! I could visualize every single scene in this book. It moved at a great pace and I adored Ada and Marilyn and the relationship between the two. I could totally see this being made into a movie! Anyone else picture Ada played by Shirley MacLaine!???

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

This is a story about Marilyn who father is not happy with the choices she hads made. soHer father sends her to live with her great Aunt Ada. Her Aunt Ada is a matchmater and Aunt Ada wants to help Marilyn.
Will helping Marilyn make her parents happy?

This book was one to be read.

This is one my my most favorite books I've read this year it is my top ten! From the story line, the characters, the way it made me feel while reading this and even days later. I will be buying a hard copybof this to keep, I have to have this to reread again. Loved this!
I just reviewed Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino. #DontForgettoWrite #NetGalley
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When Marilyn is caught in a risque act, her furious parents send her away for the summer to live with her strict great-aunt Ada. Being sent away feels like a prison sentence to Marilyn. Ada has strict rules and high expectations. But.... the more time Marilyn spends with Ada, the more she comes to respect her. As the summer comes to an end, Marilyn dreads returning home and wishes she could continue living with Ada. Marilyn dreams of being a writer, but her parents (especially her father) have other plans for her - go to college and find a husband. Marilyn dreads a future where she is slaving over a stove every day and taking care of a husband, but this is exactly what her parents have planned for her. Her summer with Ada made her see the possibilities of a different future and being an independent woman. How can Marilyn make her dreams come true without her parents disowning her?

I adored this book! I love books set in the past and the 1960 time period was so interesting to read about. The settings were also fun.- from New York, to Philadelphia, to the Jersey Shore. I so enjoyed the bickering and banter between Marilyn and Ada. Don't Forget to Write had all the feels - I laughed and shed a few tears. After finishing this book, I put all of the author's other books on my TBR!

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc!

Marilyn’s father is not happy with her choices, so she is sent to live with her great aunt, Ada. Ada, who works as a matchmaker, holds many secrets and lessons for Marilyn to learn along the way. Will she make her parents happy? Will she decide to live how she wants?

I enjoyed this book and finished it in a day! It kept me interested from the start all the way until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Sara Goodman Confino for a copy of Don’t Forget to Write in exchange for an honest review.

Yes, yes, yes! I absolutely loved this book! Ada, Lillian, Frannie, and our main character, Marilyn, were absolutely delightful to read about. A perfect matchmaking story that included love, trials, tribulations, and coming to know oneself. I don’t want to give much more away but this one was truly amazing. The ended had me pleasantly surprised and so so happy. If you’re a fan of books like Mrs. Nash’s Ashes, you definitely don’t want to miss this book! I cannot wait to read this authors backlog and see what she comes up with in the future!

I needed this book and I think any young woman who’s ever had dreams of being something other than what their parents or society wants for them will too. I really connected with Marilyn and understood her desire to be herself and forge her own path in life. Ada is a hoot and a wise, wise woman. I loved their relationship and how they learned so much from each other even when they were pushing each other’s buttons. 



Thank you publishers and netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me with advance copy ♥️

Just finished this book and I'm still reeling from the experience. Marilyn's tale is a wild ride that begins with a, ahem, memorable encounter in a most unexpected place. But what unfolds is a story that defies expectations at every turn, taking her (and me!) on a journey that's both poignant and hilarious. The characters are so vividly crafted, they'll linger long after you finish reading. And that summer with her aunt? Yeah, it's a game-changer. Let's just say this book is the perfect antidote to any predictable plots out there. 🥰


Aunt Ada's wit and sass stole the show for me - I need more of her sharp one-liners in my life! The dynamics between the characters reminded me of some of my favorite TV shows, but with a fresh and unique twist. I can't say too much without giving away the plot, but trust me when I say that this book is a standout😍

There was just so much to love about this book. I feel that it combines so many of my favorite elements and was true to the time period. I think it is fascinating to look back and see this time period for what it was. Woman were still under the thumb of men and the focus was on marriage no matter the cost. This is definitely a tough pill to swallow in our current time. This book was delightful, fun, and so endearing. I could not put it down and was so glad to get a chance to read this. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

I really liked this book, it was different than anything else I've read which was a breath of fresh air. I will be recommending this to my friends, and auto buy this author!

I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but this one was so good. I love a book with a snarky older adult, and great-aunt Ada definitely fit the bill. I really felt for Marilyn as she struggled with how to be herself despite her father's expectations. I loved how Ada built her up in her own crotchety way, and I wish Marilyn's mom was brave enough to do the same.

That ending!!

This book has quickly become one of my favorites that I plan to read and re-read over again. I easily fell in love with main character, Ada, and her unmatched spirit. She is vivacious while also going through real issues as a woman from a small town and a conservative family in the 1960s. I can’t recommend this book enough - 5 stars!

A delightful coming of age novel. Both Marilyn and Ada are wonderful and so relatable. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Perfect for a rainy day.

I loved this book! I've read and enjoyed Sara Goodman Confino's other books but there is something special about Don't Forget to Write!

I loved seeing Marilyn grow and absolutely adored her great aunt and all of the characters in this book. The mostly Jersey shore setting in the 1960 was brilliant and this book will make you laugh and cry and you need to read it!

5 stars!

I can''t believe I forgot to leave feedback!

I read this book a couple of months ago, and it's a testament to Sara Confino that I still remember Aunt Ida's name! What a character! If only we all had an Aunt Ida, to help guide us into adulthood!

As a history teacher, I often struggle with historical fiction, as anachronisms get in the way of my engagement with the story. While, I know Confino took liberties with historic figures and times, it was all in good fun.

Thank you so much to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this digital ARC in return for an honest review!

Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino offers a compelling narrative with rich character development. The blend of mystery and family dynamics creates an immersive experience that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. Sara’s writing style is captivating, and kept me eagerly turning pages. The satisfying ending left a lasting impression, making this novel a must-read for anyone looking for a truly exceptional literary journey.

All the stars for this book! I just love everything about it. Great writing and well developed characters. A fast paced and immersive read. I only wish I had read it sooner!

I know it’s only May, but I’ve already read my favorite book of the year, and you’re looking at it!

I’ve adored all of Sara’s books, but this one is my absolute favorite. Marilyn and Ada are both larger than life, with personalities that burst off the page and beg to be cast in a movie (** hint, hint Hollywood producers!!) Their sass, their courage, their proclivity to buck tradition and live their own lives unapologetically gave me chills and made me both laugh and cry (in fact, it had me smile-bawling, or “smawling” by the end! 🤣😭)

I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say this: PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY!!!! It hits shelves Sept. 1, so great news: You have three months and some change to read all of Sara’s books and fall in love with her before you stay up waaaayyyy too late binging this one!! You’re welcome!

Thank you a million times over to @saraconfino @lakeunionauthors and @netgalley for my gifted e-copy!!

Sara, reading this was an absolute honor and brought me insurmountable joy. I love you so much! Congratulations on this beautiful story - get ready, because I think you’ve got a future bestseller on your hands!! Mwah! 😘😘

This is my first book by this author but definitely won’t be my last. The way she writes her characters and storyline had me so engaged in the book that I would constantly tell myself, just one more chapter, when it came to turn the lights off for bed.

I loved the spunk that both the main characters had and the way they interacted with each other was just so fun to read. Not to mention I loved how the story came full circle in the end.

4.5/5