Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino was an absolute delight from start to finish. Set in 1962, the novel follows Beverly Diamond, a devoted housewife whose world is upended when she discovers her husband, Larry, in a compromising position with his secretary. Rather than succumbing to despair, Beverly takes charge of her destiny in a time when women’s options were limited.

Determined to assert her independence, Beverly becomes the campaign manager for Michael Landau, the underdog opponent running against the incumbent senator—who happens to be Larry’s candidate. Her political savvy and sheer determination breathe new life into Michael’s campaign, challenging societal norms and her own preconceived notions about her capabilities. The dynamic between Beverly and Michael is both professional and personal, adding depth to the narrative as they navigate the complexities of the political arena and their evolving relationship.

Confino’s writing is sharp, witty, and infused with humor, making Beverly’s journey both inspiring and entertaining. The novel offers a vivid portrayal of the early 1960s, highlighting the challenges women faced in a male-dominated society and the burgeoning feminist movement. Beverly’s character is richly developed, embodying resilience, intelligence, and a pioneering spirit that resonates with readers.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Behind Every Good Man delivers the perfect mix of humor, heart, and female empowerment. It is feel-good historical fiction that sheds light on what life was like in the 1960s, and the limited choices women had at the time. This book perfectly highlights the precarious nature of women economically, socially and within marriage.

I'd heard a lot of good things about Sara Goodman Confino's books before jumping into this one, so I had high hopes. I'm happy to say that this book lived up to my expectations - it was charming and funny and thoughtful. And as a woman of a certain age - it's very evocative of the good and the bad of the early 60s. I loved the characters, Beverly was a wonderful main character - bright and funny and so wasted on her dim bulb of a husband. The women shine here, smart and beginning to realize that it's time to shake things up in the "man's world" that is the early 60s. Don't skip the author's notes at the end, where she talks about the real-life women that inspired some of the characters in the book. Can't wait to dive into more of Confino's books - the bar is set high but I'm guessing that won't be a problem.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

*Behind Every Good Man* offers a deeply moving exploration of relationships, masculinity, and personal growth. The writing is honest, relatable, and packed with meaningful insights, shedding light on the importance of giving and receiving support. It’s a thought-provoking book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a powerful and heartfelt story!"

This was such a fun book, and I thought the female lead character was an absolute gem! I love a good strong female, and she had me cracking up throughout the book too.

The story is set in 1962 and I really enjoyed the historical and political aspect of it, especially while we were in the midst of campagin season. While I did enjoy the lead female character and her strong personality, I did also find myself wondering if woman in the 60s really were this outspoken or not though.

Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino is a book I found to be incredibly interesting and uplifting. Beverly Diamond really showed she had gumption and made some awesome lemonade from the sour lemons she was dealt. I loved how she didn't let the terrible situation her husband put her in get her down, she fought through and showed that making a success of yourself is true victory. This is my fourth book by SGC and she's been a consistently delight of an author to read. Her characters have depth, great backstory, and the "Easter eggs" in each book make the stories all that much more fun.

👉🏻 For my friends who want feel-good, fast-moving, female-empowerment historical fiction.

I love Sara’s writing, and she outdid herself with this one, hitting the gas on page one and not letting up until her satisfying ending. As one of our book club remarked, “That’s how I read it, too! I couldn’t put it down.”

Beverly's life goes off the rails after a typical morning (waking an hour before her husband so she can be fully showered, dressed, and made up before putting his perfect breakfast on the table). She catches her husband cheating on her, kicks him out, and after a series of failed attempts to earn money, takes the lead on her hubby’s political rival’s campaign for Senate.

The book is full of characters to root for, especially “not going to take it anymore” Beverly, her spunky mother, and her wildly capable best friend. It’s also one of those rare books you can love and then pass on to your 17-year-old daughter or 84-year-old mother confidently.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Everyone and their mom has said that Sara Goodman Confino books are amazing and let me tell you what. This book was an utter delight. I cried and laughed and felt so heard and understood as a mom, a daughter and just as a person. Beverly finds her husband, Larry, a senatorial campaign manager, having an affair with his secretary (ala Marvelous Mrs. Maisel but in a political world). Beverly finds herself, the daughter of a politician, looking for a divorce and also using her knowledge to help the opponent of her husbands boss. I know this book was written and published prior to our current election but there were just so many times I felt like we (women) needed a reminder that was provided in the book.

Some favorite quotes I highlighted:

"you may think women will vote how their husbands do, but I’ll tell you this much: behind every good man is an even better woman."

"For the first time in my life, I was speaking my mind for myself. Not someone else. And it felt like coming home."

"But I also remember what it’s like to put yourself last and put everyone else first.”

And LAST BUT NOT LEAST (and probably most important of all)

"I did this for her as much as for me. Because I wanted this little girl to grow up to know she could do so much more than just marry well and make the perfect brisket. I wanted her to see that she could do anything, be anything, from a wife and mother to an astronaut."

"Because she deserved to be the person she wanted to be, not just who the world expected her to be."

It’s a doozy of a bad day for Beverly Diamond when she catches her husband, Larry, in a compromising position with his secretary. What’s a DC suburban wife to do with a soon-to-be ex, two young kids, and no degree or financial support in 1962? Beat the louse at his own game, that’s what.

Larry runs the Maryland senatorial campaign for the incumbent candidate projected to win against his younger underdog opponent, Michael Landau. But Beverly has the pluck, political savvy, and sheer drive to push Landau’s campaign in a successful new direction, even if he already has a campaign manager who is less than pleased she has inserted herself into the race.

Now it’s rival against rival. She and Michael do make a great team…maybe in more ways than one. But with the election heating up, she needs to focus on one thing at a time. If Bev can convince Michael to go modern, pay attention to women’s issues, and learn how to dress himself properly, maybe she can show Larry exactly how much he has underestimated her their entire marriage—and make her own dreams come true in the process.

I freaking loved this. We need more Beverly in the world. She is such a fierce lady. Will recommend to others.

Set in a similar time frame to one of my favourite novels of the last few years, "Lessons in Chemistry", "Behind Every Good Man" was a delightfully escapist read. A woman scorned teaming up with her terrible husband's rival made for a fast paced, funny read. I really liked it!

This book is a delight! Perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Mrs. Maisel, the sharp wit will have you kicking up your heels and giggling. I loved seeing Beverly transform from dutiful wife to force to be reckoned with. The novel has tons of fun 1960s references., and provides a welcome break from the stressors of our modern world. Highly recommend!

A quick and fun read about a wronged woman in the 60's finding her place in the male-dominated world of US politics. I love Beverly's spunk and willingness to break out on her own. Great selection for book club discussions.

This was such a great read. I love a story about a woman who takes charge and fixes her life. Sara is such a great writer who knows how to keep audiences engaged. I loved the cameos from Don’t Forget to Write as well!

I absolutely flew thru Sara Goodman Confino’s newest novel and am so grateful to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of Behind Every Good Man! Once again, Goodman Confino created a book that hooks you quickly and you don’t want to put down - and for those who’ve enjoyed her other books, you’ll adore the Easter eggs that appear here (particularly from “Don’t Forget to Write”).

I had high expectations for the book given how much I’ve enjoyed her previous work (especially She’s Up To No Good) and while I liked this newest novel, I didn’t love it the way I have her previous books. In her previous novels, the closed door nature of the romance elements worked seamlessly in her plots; here the way it was handled felt awkward and seemed unnecessarily YA/juvenile and in my opinion, actually detracted from the plot rather than added to it. I never felt this way with any of her other books and usually appreciate that I can recommend them to a wide range of readers. Overall, this felt geared towards a younger audience to me and I wished for a bit more depth given the subject matter she chose.

If you’ve read her other books, I certainly recommend reading this one too (publication date: August 6, 2024) and if I am introducing someone to her work, I’ll recommend her other 3 first & then to read this after those rather than as an introduction to her work.

That being said, I really did fly thru this book and was picking it up every moment I could. Beverly was very likable, I appreciated the setting (both time period and geographical), and I always enjoy Goodman Confino’s style of writing. I recommend grabbing a copy when it’s officially released because even if I didn’t love it the way I’ve loved her other work, it’s a fun, quick read with likable characters and some laugh out loud moments.

*reviewed on Goodreads previously but didn’t realize I had to enter the review directly on NetGalley also and thought it automatically linked - I apologize for delay in recognizing that!

As Beverly Diamond navigates the cutthroat world of politics and her own tumultuous marriage, she finds herself drawn to Michael Landau, a man who may be her ally, her rival, or something more. With her sharp wit and determination, she takes on the challenge of turning his campaign around, all while proving to herself and others that she’s more than just a wronged wife.

I loved the bones of this one. I loved the idea of a woman fighting to be seen, to be considered, to matter. As a woman in 2024, I am often reminded of how little our voice matters to some.

While this wasn’t my favorite book from this author, I did enjoy my time within the pages of “Behind Every Good Man”. I also think this makes a great read during an election year in the U.S.

I really enjoyed this book! It felt new and refreshing, centered around politics without being political, and had a great romance storyline. It makes me want to go back and read the author’s other work!

i find this book super cool, the protagonist, Bev, was so interesting and smart and I loved watching her story go by. tysm for the arc

Everyone better look out for Beverly Diamond! She is here to make a difference! This book was written during one of the most interesting times in American history and politics, JFK. If you think you can’t change the world l, think again. I love Sara Goodman Confino’s writing style. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I absolutely loved this book! This was my favourite read for August. It was so interesting that I couldn’t stop reading. The chapters are short and it makes reading easier. The book is fun, smart, and leaves you happy and light hearted. I am looking forward to reading more of her works. This book may appeal to people who love politics, humour and romance.

Sara Goodman Confino writes some of the absolute best books! This story just sucks you in and you feel a part of it. Behind Every Good Man has so many good one-liners and also life lessons. I found myself rooting so hard for Beverly, and I also loved her mother! Definitely did not want this one to end but I loved how it all wrapped up.

4.5, rounded up to 5