Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Amazing story and characters! This author has a way of sucking her readers in from the first sentence, and this book is no exception. It was a pleasure to read.

Was this review helpful?

I was fortunate to get an ARC of this book, and so thankful, because this author is an auto-read for me.

Sara Goodman Confino is one of my favorite writers of complicated women and their relationships, and this book is no exception. Bev was a delight, and her relationship with her mother was relatable to me in a deep way. Bev’s was a story of moxie, perseverance, and self reflection. I found myself rooting for her, for Michael, and even for Stuart at the end.

What sets Goodman Confino’s writing apart is her incredible wit. I found myself laughing out loud at the banter. I throughly enjoyed this book until the last word!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of Behind Every Good Man! As with all of Sara's other books, I loved the story and the writing of this book. I enjoyed her others so much that I read all three within 1 week. This was no different and i finished it in two days. What i love about her stories is that the female lead is always growing and feeling empowered to do more.
Set in the early 1960s, Behind Every Good Man focuses on the main character going through a divorce after discovering her husband is cheating on her. Having lived a life in the shadows of men in politics, she takes it upon herself to work on the campaign of the Senator running against her soon-to-be ex's candidate. This was during a time when women didn't have jobs like campaign manager and I love that she demanded it and proved everyone wrong that she would do a great job.
One other part that I love about Sara's books is that she always has main characters whom are Jewish. During a time when anti-semitism is running rampant, I love reading about a main character who is proud to be a Jew. The story doesn't smack you int he face with it but there is the under-cover hatred that can be felt and that, too, is addressed.
Overall, I loved the book! It wasn't the 5-star read that Don't Forget To Write was but I totally enjoyed it and would recommend it. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next to read!

Was this review helpful?

This was my first book by this author. I have seen people rave about Sara Goodman Confino books but never understood. NOW I understand. This book was a quick read. It focused on Bev and her personal growth. It was an aspiring read. I think one of my favorite parts was how the romance was almost an afterthought. It wasn’t the main focus of the book - her story was. I will definitely be reading more books by Sara after this one!

I was given an Advanced Reader Copy by NetGalley for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

As usual, Sara Goodman Confino does not disappoint with her latest novel "Behind Every Good Man". Beverly has always put her husband first, catering to his every need before he even knows he needs it until one day he's caught in a compromising position by Bev herself. She vows to get revenge by joining the campaign trail with the rival of her soon-to-be-ex husband's senatorial nominee. This book made me laugh and it made me cry. I love how well Sara Goodman Confino always seems to write strong women who are still flawed and therefore relatable. I was rooting for Bev from the start, not just to win against her husband but just to get her feet beneath her and find her way. Thank you Netgalley!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Sara Goodman Confino for the advanced copy of the e-book.

"Behind every good man is an even better woman."

This statement holds true for the female characters in the book. The author portrays women with strength, independence, and perseverance, making "Behind Every Good Man" a must-read for anyone who loves stories about powerful female characters. The book is a perfect blend of humor and romance, earning it a five-star rating.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Behind Every Good Man" and finished it in just one day. Beverly Gelman Diamond's character captivates the reader from the first page. After discovering her husband's affair, Beverly decides to use her skills to help Michael Landau. Michael is the opponent of the incumbent senator, for which her husband works. The story revolves around Beverly's journey of strength, courage, and political savvy to steer Michael's campaign in a new direction.

The story of Beverly is an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt powerless or underestimated. Along with her mother and friends, Beverly becomes a force to be reckoned with, and the reader can't help but cheer for Beverly and Michael. "Behind Every Good Man" is a book for anyone who loves stories about strong women who overcome adversity.

Was this review helpful?

This book was perfectly done. This plot was very well written and it makes you feel for the main female character. I would highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! Sara Goodman Confino does not disappoint. Her writing is easy yet still smart. The characters are all so likeable and easy to root for. I thought the storyline as unique and refreshing, even a topic I would not normally think I would be interested in, yet I was so invested. Great writing, great book!

Was this review helpful?

A delightful read with powerful undertones of empowerment, connection, and living your purpose. The story is lighthearded but laced with relatable themes as the main character, Bev (a lady-boss for sure!) navigates a life that she didn't even realize she craved. I loved the character growth and the dynamics between Bev, her mom, her mom – and the "good" men in their life. I wished that aspiring Senator Landau was someone I could vote for in the present day.

Was this review helpful?

I had a lot of fun with this book. Bev’s quick wit makes me wish I had her sharp humor but sadly I don’t have clever comebacks ready like her. There’s never a dull moment with Bev. It’s like every conversation is a game of ping-pong. Bev skillfully hits the ball back and forth until she wins or faces an equally skilled opponent like her mother. Loved everyone else too. Bev may be the main character but her friends and family are just as amusing.

The story reads so smoothly that I didn’t realize how much I’d gone through until I needed a break. Every conversation played out naturally in my head but the build-up between Bev and Michael was perfect. I mean based on the blurb you can predict where it’s going, but it’s not like there was instant love or immediate attraction, it happened organically.

It was interesting to see what a woman’s support system might look like if she were getting divorced in 1962. Beverly was lucky enough to have friends, family, and legal connections through Michael to assist her. However, we do get a glimpse at what it would look like if Bev didn’t have such support through Fran, such as becoming a social pariah.

I guess I would’ve liked the side plot with Bev’s parents to play out a bit differently. I wanted to see what her dad’s big gesture would’ve been if her mom wasn’t arrested, because how does a man apologize to his wife for not properly showing appreciation? That’s a question I would’ve liked to see Bev’s dad answer.

But overall this was a great read. 4 stars from me! :)

Was this review helpful?

I was so thrilled to receive an ARC of Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino. After stumbling across Confino’s last novel Don’t Forget to Write, I have sailed through her books and this one is no exception. What a fantastic book to read beginning on International Women’s Day!

Bev is a character you root for and while the book is immensely readable, you really do pick up some history of the time period, and being from Maryland I especially enjoyed some of the references. I also loved the bits of crossover from DFTW, but you absolutely could read this as a standalone without the history of the other book.

My only complaint of reading this early is knowing how long it will be until the chance to read her next novel!

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely love the writing style of Sara Goodman Confino and have literally devoured every book she has written. This one is another 5 stars for me. The way Confino develops the characters makes you feel like you know them in real life and makes you sad when the books ends. Loved rooting for Bev while learning more about women's involvement in politics. Great story and of course, with every Confino book, I'd love a sequel! Highly recommend. You won't be disappointed!

Was this review helpful?

I am so thrilled to have received this ARC from NetGalley!

As part of the Peloton Mom's Book Club Sara Goodman Confino is superstar as she should be!!

I read,.. a lot, and her books are always my 5 Star reads, I can not recommend them enough! So with that being said I was excited to get my hands on this ARC, I finished it in less then 2 days as with her other books I could not put it down!
Beverly and her family give me a very "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" Vibe and I am 100% here for it. Bev Diamond proves to us woman are more than just the pretty little housewives that just clean and take care of the kids, She was breaking that glass ceilings in the 1960-something.
I absolutely love that both Ada is mentioned & Marilyn is intertwined through the story (from Don't Forget To Write")

Was this review helpful?

This is my third book by this author and if you have read and enjoyed any of her other books, you will love this one as well. Strong female main character that handles herself with grace. I loved Beverly's mother even if she could be a pain sometimes. I found myself getting so frustrated with Beverly's dad but I think that is the point so I get it. I loved seeing references to characters from her other work, and even if you don't know who they are, it will not be confusing in any way.
All in all I enjoyed this book and will continue to read works by this author. Well done.

Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Sara Goodman Confino for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
Sara did it again! I have read all of her books and I never have anything bad to say.
After finding her husband in the act with his secretary, Evelyn immediately kicks him out and files for divorce.. However doing so in the 60s isn't the norm. Evelyn isn't fully aware of her rights, so her husband Larry threatens to sell the house and force her into an apartment. Evelyn needs to find a job and fast, and what better way to stick it to her husband, who happens to be the campaign manager of incumbent Maryland Senator, then to sign on to help his opponent, the younger and handsome Michael Landau. Currently living in a country run by a young handsome president, Evelyn knows exactly what to do to sell her opponent.

Was this review helpful?

Sometimes the reality of our lives are every different than how we portray them to outsiders…and Beverly’s husband is definitely on the outside now after she finds him cheating on her. The truth is Beverly is the real powerhouse in this DC couple and she’s ready to break the glass ceiling in 1962. Sara Goodman Confino makes a lot of bold and impactful statements on the treatment and worth of women in this novel but delivers it in the most delightful and comical way. Beverly is a once in a lifetime character, who absolutely inspires and earns a special spot in the heart.

Review is on Goodreads and will be posted on Instagram closer to publication date!

Was this review helpful?

I can’t say enough great things about this book.

Beverly is a strong, formidable badass. Every character fit so well into the story, and the ending was perfection. Beverly’s ability to get shit done even when her personal life took a nosedive was inspiring. The nods to Marilyn and Ada from DFTW made me giddy each time they would come up, and I hope it’s not the last we hear of them. Or any character that Sara creates or real life people that she molds into these stories.

I already preordered my signed copy and was ecstatic to see it as an ARC because there was NO WAY I was waiting until release date if I didn’t have to. I’m still just as excited to receive it as before I knew this would be a possibility.

Now off to harass my Mom to preorder hers, too.

Was this review helpful?

This book is SO GOOD. I’m not always drawn to historical fiction but I tore through this. Honestly, it may take place in the 60’s but the journey of the main character is very much something that women still relate to today.

Was this review helpful?

I have loved every one of Sara Goodman Confrino’s books and while I don’t think anything could beat “Don’t Forget To Write,” this one comes in a close second. The character development is always amazing in Sara’s books and this one was no different. This book sucked me in right away. I finished it in about two days because it was that good. I highly recommend this book to anyone but especially to those women who have been able to “do anything, be anything, from a wife and mother to an astronaut” because of all of the trailblazers that Sara wrote about in this book.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN, Sara Goodman Confino's her latest gem, is a lighthearted, feel-good story with a healthy serving of romance and a powerful message of female empowerment. Bev is an irresistible heroine who perfectly captures the hopeful spirit of America in the early 1960s, when the burgeoning Civil and Women’s rights movements began to give a voice to the unheard and progressive thinking started shaking up affluent suburban idylls . Bev’s transformation from perfect housewife into deft political strategist, all while balancing motherhood, a collapsing marriage and lots of family drama, is a master class in how to be a strong, confident, lovable, and vulnerably human woman. With the perfect balance of humor, romance, and strong female characters you root so hard for you get goosebumps, I devoured this book in one sitting and then wished I could pick up and start again immediately.

Was this review helpful?