Once I hit the half way mark I could not put this book down. The first half was very slow. The main character was very flat and boring. However, the story changed drastically and was fascinating. Following a post WWII widow who had to return to the work world. She finds herself having to make choices between what is right and what is not. All while making a life for herself and daughter.

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reader copy.

Set in New York City in the aftermath of World War II, when the men were coming home, the women were exhaling in relief and everyone was having babies, this is the story of Fanny Fabricant. After her circumstances change and her life is turned upside down, she gets a job in radio serials (don't call them soaps!) and comes face-to-face with McCarthyism and the blacklist which is wrecking lives.

This book reminded me of some of those old movies produced in the 40s and 50s starring Cary Grant and the like. No bad language, cute wisecracks, and definitely any sex was behind closed doors and probably in twin beds! I enjoyed the book and the characters but it was a little predictable (probably from watching all those old movies). Simpler times but so much prejudice and so frightening for some due to HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee) and the "Red Scare". I enjoyed the characters as well as the story itself. I even got a little teary-eyed at the end.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for providing an advance copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication: February 20, 2024

Ellen Feldman, the Author of “The Trouble With You” has written an intriguing and captivating Historical Fiction Novel. The genres for this well written novel are Historical Fiction, Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Adult Fiction. The setting for this story is New York . The timeline for this story is set after World War Two, when men were returning from the War. Many women had to leave jobs that they had for the returning men. This was also the era of McCarthyism, and HUAC, House of Un-American Activities Committee. During this “Red Scare Period” the entertainment and many other areas were affected. People were “Blacklisted. This was also the period when parents were concerned about “Polio”, and children’s activities were restricted. The expectation was that men were the bread winners, and women should stay at home and take care of the children. Of course, this was not possible for many women.

Ellen Feldman vividly describes the historical significance, the setting, the landscape, and the dark and colorful characters. Fanny Fabricant and her young daughter return to New York City, after the death of her Physician husband. The protagonist, Fanny went to an esteemed college, and now faces the problems of going into the workplace, in what should be an appropriate job, with society’s expectations of her lifestyle at this time. Influenced by her free-spirited Aunt Rose, Fanny forms friendships and alliances. She works as a secretary in the entertaining industry during the time of “Radio Serials”.

Fanny loves her daughter and does want what is best for her, but is conflicted by doing what is expected, or what she feels is the right thing to do. I appreciate how the author discusses the conflicts and problems of the times. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable book .

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, yet I have grown a bit weary of the WWII era which has been popular for so long. So when I saw that The Trouble with You by Ellen Feldman was set in post WWII New York City, I was interested and excited to read about a character affected by the blacklist during the Red Scare. This book was everything I hoped for, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

With strong female characters, including Fanny who does not always recognize her own strength, Ellen Feldman has created a novel that illustrates the importance of our relationships, both family and romantic. It also shows the stark difference between expectations for men and women during the 1940's and 50's. I found it interesting, though not really surprising, the different reactions of people to a widowed woman with a child and a career. My favorite character was Fanny's aunt Rose, she was wise and interesting.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital ARC of The Trouble with You by Ellen Feldman. The opinions in this review are my own.

The Trouble with You is a post WWII historical novel focusing on the McCarthy era of blacklisting screenwriters of radio shows, television shows and actors and actresses and women's evolving roles in this era, Ellen Feldman has written a blend of historical fiction and romance.
The book is compelling and the characters are likeable and well-written. Fanny Fabricant is a relatable main character whose torn between her heart, her ambition and the "time" that she is living in.
I enjoyed reading this book and congratulate the author, Ellen Feldman for tackling a subject that little has been written about in the women's fiction category.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Griffin for the ARC!

The Trouble with You by Ellen Feldman is a stunning Historical Fiction novel set in post-WWII New York City. Families are reunited and started. But some aren't so lucky. Fanny's beloved husband Max survived the war only to die shortly after. His death tore Fanny into a million pieces but she had to learn to be present for their little girl, Chloe. Her resourcefulness, intelligence and stoic attitude led her to securing a job as a secretary in a radio serial company but she soon realized she was cut out for more. Accustomed to following rules, she learns to let go of things which hold her back. Chloe grieves her dad intensely and observes her mom's coping mechanisms with reticence.

Fanny eventually allows others to help her, including family and friends. I like the progression of her coming into her own as she re-discovers her self. Her courage and mettle are admirable and her raw sorrow really crushed me in the best way. Though characters don't always make the best choices, they are realistic in their flaws. Slow burns and character-driven stories like this are my wheelhouse, perfect to get lost in. Not for a second did the era feel unfeasible.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing and emotive novel.

This is an enlightening and thoughtful novel set in post WWII New York that explores not only attitudes toward women (especially widows) during the period but also the impact of the HUAC. Fanny's husband survived the war but dies tragically not long after they've settled into the house of their dreams with their little daughter Chloe. Luckily, she's got an intrepid aunt Rose who gets her an interview with the woman who writes three successful radio serials, setting Fanny down a path she never expected. Charlie, a writer, has a reckless attitude toward the HUAC- but it's Charlie who appreciates and engages Fanny. Fanny makes some tough choices (and you might not agree with all of them) but she's a realistic character. There are a few surprises here (both good and bad) so no spoilers from me. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Good storytelling about a period and issues that desire attention.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Trouble with You is extremely well written, Ellen Feldman painted Fanny' pre, during, and post-war lives very vividly.

For myself, I found the book a bit slow. I often went back to other books I was reading between the chapters.

Not to say the book wasn't wonderful, it was. Just not for me

I was able to relate in many ways to this story. This was the story of my parents in many ways. My father a medic returned from WW2 and married my Mother. They built a life together but she never reached her full potential as she remained home as a Mother. How women were viewed was quite apparent in the book
Good for Fanny for finding her way. However, how lucky she was to have such supportive family and friends. Not everyone has such resources.
It was very easy to read this book
Quite enjoyable

THE TROUBLE WITH YOU
Ellen Feldman

This is the third Ellen Feldman historical fiction novel I have read. It will be released tomorrow, February 20, 2024. Have you heard of it? Will you be picking it up?

In THE TROUBLE WITH YOU, we are following Fannie (Florence). She met and married her husband Max with a second world war on the horizon. Her job when he shipped off was to give him something to fight for and someone to return to.

While he is gone, she does her best to be what she is supposed to be. Do what she is supposed to do. Amidst the struggle, she takes a job. Over time, it starts to feel like a career and something she sees value in.

One day after the war he returns, and she finds herself fighting a war between who she wants to be and who she needs to be. Will she take the path others have laid out for her or will she make her own?


THE TROUBLE WITH YOU is a long story, spanning an entire life. It felt like a huge chunk of time because it was. For the story to span such a long time there wasn’t much to it. The plot points are there: A country rebuilding itself, a woman defying gender role stereotypes, and how those two concepts run parallel. Something in the building of the world and the characters felt hollow.

I’ve read Feldman before, and she usually keeps it interesting. This one felt a little like doing homework. By the end of the audiobook, I became bored, and impatient, and regretted picking it up. It could have been the characters; it could have been how the storyline played out, but I was overall disconnected from both.

Next time will be better.

THE TROUBLE WITH YOU will be released tomorrow, February 20, 2024.

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin, RB Media, and Recorded Books for the advanced copies!

THE TROUBLE WITH YOU…⭐⭐⭐

The Trouble With You was an enjoyable read about Fanny, a young, suddenly widowed American mother working in radio serials during the McCarthy years of blacklisting and persecution of suspected communists,. Fanny is faced with a choice between a life of risk or safety, as represented by her relationship with two very different men - Charlie, an unconventional playwright or Ezra, a doctor living by the social norms of the times.

It was very interesting to read about the McCarthy blacklisting of writers and actors, the fear it raised and the impact it had on lives, as well as the strict societal norms of the time about the role of women, including whether married women should work outside the home. Fanny’s conflicts between safety or independence, between self-acceptance or following the crowd made her a very likeable, believable character. The secondary characters, particularly her aunt and daughter, enriched the story.

I would note that this is more of a character-driven story and I found that the middle moved a bit slowly. I also found the changes in points of view a few times between the mother and daughter within the same chapter a bit jarring. However, these did not take away from my overall enjoyment of this story and I recommend this as a very solid historical fiction read.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

In THE TROUBLE WITH YOU, Ellen Feldman tells the story of Fanny, a young woman faced with the terrible dilemmas suffered by women of intelligence in the 1950s, to be that prototypical ideal woman as wife and mother or to think for themselves, work outside the home, and create a rich and fascinating life for themselves. From the moment we meet her as six year old flower girl until she is raising a younger daughter of her own, Fanny is lively, entertaining company for a reader living the life and times she never knew. The book was so vivid, so sensual in details, so well-plotted and told that I felt like I was there, facing the indignities, the pleasures, the horrors of the McCarthy era and the magic of radio and people who believe in you when you have no idea what you're going to do next. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

The setting is the U.S. after World War II. Fanny Fabricant is a happily married wife with a little daughter. The uncertainty and anxiety of whether her husband Max would return from the front is behind her and life is looking good, but unfortunately, not for long. Fanny is dealt a blow that will test her confidence and push her to embark on a career beyond being a wife and mother. On the personal level she is torn between the past and present and on making choices between her beliefs and the pressures of political and social conformity. I thought the book was slow paced and the main character Fanny wasn’t the strongest. If she had been more like her Aunt Rose, I would have liked her more. Overall, I’d put this book squarely in the average category. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

In this historical fiction story, set in the 1950s New York City, Fanny Fabricant makes her way in this world as a widow and a mother. She found that she enjoyed, and had a talent for, writing scripts for radio serials (never soaps) and then television shows. Fanny's aunt and cousin wanted her to remarry and she found some possible candidates but politics and the Red Scare got in the way.
I loved that she didn't conform to society norms and did not want to give up working, if and when she remarried. Fanny and her aunt were strong role models for Fanny's daughter, Chloe, to grow up to be a strong and independent young woman. I was entertained throughout the story and was always curious about the next chapter.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

In “The Trouble With You,” Ellen Feldman paints a vibrant portrait of post-World War II New York City, where societal norms are shifting, and individuals are faced with the daunting task of reinventing themselves. At the heart of the narrative is Fanny Fabricant, whose once-rosy future is suddenly thrown into disarray, forcing her to navigate the murky waters between safety and ethics, tradition and rebellion.

Feldman skillfully captures the essence of the era, vividly depicting the atmosphere of a city buzzing with newfound optimism yet plagued by lingering shadows of the past. Against this backdrop, Fanny’s journey unfolds, revealing her struggles, triumphs, and ultimately, her resilience in the face of adversity.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its portrayal of the roles and expectations imposed on women during this period. Fanny, initially content with her prescribed role as a wife and mother, finds herself compelled to forge a new path when tragedy strikes. Through her relationships with her cousin Mimi and her aunt Rose, both emblematic of conflicting ideals, Fanny grapples with questions of identity and agency, ultimately charting her own course.

Feldman deftly explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment, as Fanny confronts the dichotomy between conformity and authenticity. Her inner conflict resonates with authenticity, inviting readers to empathize with her struggles and root for her as she navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and morality.

Moreover, the novel delves into significant historical events, such as the Hollywood Blacklist, shedding light on the chilling repercussions of censorship and the erosion of civil liberties. Through Fanny’s encounters with the blacklist, Feldman underscores the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and the enduring struggle for freedom of expression.

In conclusion, “The Trouble With You” is a compelling and thought-provoking read, offering a poignant glimpse into a bygone era and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to defy convention. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and timely themes, this novel is sure to resonate with readers, particularly those with an appreciation for historical fiction and a keen interest in the evolving role of women in society. I highly recommend it.

I received a DRC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

"The Trouble with You" begins with the tragic death of Franny Fabricant's physician husband, who has returned safely from WWII to die of an aneurysm at 28. Franny, with her daughter Chloe, begins to pick up the pieces of her life, first getting a job, then as her daughter gets older, beginning to find a romantic life.

There wasn't anything really surprising in the development of the plot. The characters are certainly likable; Franny and her Aunt Rose, in particular, are strong, intelligent women. The setting, with its portrayal of the moral dilemmas in the entertainment industry caused during the McCarthy era, is becoming a more deeply trodden path in historical fiction.

This was a pleasant and easy read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Trouble with You by Ellen Feldman is the story of a woman coming into her own. Fanny is a product of the 50’s. Fanny and Max are married with a little girl, Chloe. All is good and they are happy. Then tragedy strikes and Fanny finds herself alone with a young child to raise. Once Fanny is over the initial shock of her circumstances, she sets out to support herself and Chloe. She gets a job in radio station which produces scripts for “soaps”, and from there everything goes well. At her job she meets a writer named Charlie. They seem to bring out the best in each other as far as their writing. When Charlie is “blacked listed, Fanny agrees to be Charlie’s front and sell his scripts under her name. Fanny’s Aunt Rose encourage her to try to write “soaps’ and when she does, she finds that she is good at it. Along the way Fanny meets Dr. Ezra. They begin a relationship and eventually Ezra asks Fanny to marry him. Now Fanny must make a decision. Will she be the woman she wants to be, independent, successful and happy with herself. Or will she marry Dr. Ezra and become a 50’s woman only defined by her husband and his career. This is a good book and I enjoyed it.

Post WW2, this book focuses on Fanny, a single mom and widow who is just trying to keep her little family afloat, supporting herself and being a good mom to her daughter. She finds herself working as a secretary , typing up scripts for radio soap operas. McCarthyism is going strong, and many are afraid of having secrets revealed that could devastate their professional and person lives. Fanny ultimately has to decide if she wants to to take the easy route or if she is willing to take a big risk and really go for the life she wants.

Parts of this book were a little slow, but ultimately Fanny became a character I really found myself rooting for.

I enjoyed reading this book about a young widowed Mother of a year old, right after WWII. Her path in life being nothing that she was raised and educated to do. So different than my own Mother and all the neighbor ladies of the 1950's. She enjoys working and meeting various people, including those who are effects by McCarthyism, which I admit to not really knowing anything about. Intriguing story of reading about her life's path and choices.

Thank you to Net Galley for this e copy of The Trouble With You by Ellen Feldman in exchange for a honest review.This is an interesting and enlightening book set in post war America when Fanny Fabricant’s husband who is a doctor returns home from World War2..When tragedy strikes, Fanny has to rely on her herself to provide for her young daughter Chloe. Thanks to help from her aunt and friends she is able to work as a secretary and later as a front for a writer for soap operas when Charlie , a writer, is blacklistedSparks fly between Fanny and Charlie but can she risk her heart or settle for the safe choice, Ezra a doctor like her late husband.Very interesting piece about a dark time in American history when people were being accused of being Communists and were blacklisted from their jobs and also women were not respected in the workplace and given equal rights.