What a fabulous, brilliantly written and inspiring read!

Don't let the political theme put you off, if that's not your bag; it's not my thing, but this book is about the people behind the campaigns, far more than the politics and really highlights the struggles of women in the 1960s.

When Beverly catches her husband being a total cliché and getting jiggy with his secretary, she realises that the best way to get revenge on him is to beat him at his own game. Up until now, she has run his work life for him, as well as their home and raising their children, so by transferring her skills to his political opponent, who is very much the underdog, Beverly knows she will hit Larry where it hurts.

A total feel-good read, with plenty of humour, despite the serious subject matter of adultery. The character development was excellent, I even loved Millie, Beverly's mother by the end, despite despising her at the start. The way Beverly storms in and almost bullies Michael to allow her to run his ailing campaign was hilariously brilliant too!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sara Goodman Confino and Lake Union for an ARC in return for an honest review.

🪷Don't Forget to Write by Sara Confino was among my top reada of last year. I was so excited to get my hands on this book. I completely devoured it in a few sittings and went back to read it again slower this time.

🪷Beverly was the perfect mother and wife until her husband Larry is caught in a compromising position, and then all bets are off. She kicks him out and decides she will be her own advocate from now on. This includes knocking on Michael Landaus door. She wants revenge, so she's going to fight to get Michael elected, so Larry's candidate loses. Growing up with a dad in politics, Beverly knows her stuff. Plus, Michael is the better candidate, advocating for change in many areas.

🪷This story has heart and humor and doesn't shy away from women's rights in a male dominated world. I loved how Sara weaved some of her past characters into this story in small ways. Such an incredible storyteller, Sara's books, grab you and discuss real issues while bringing in humor to lighten everything up. The side characters in this story were also fantastic, especially Beverly's mother. She was so strong-willed, and it was obvious where Beverly's gumption came from. I'd highly recommend this one, and it's out today!

This book was just so good. I don't know if I have the right words yet.
It kind of reminded me of if Marvelous Mrs. Maisel -with her boldness, quick thinking, sharp wit and ahead of the times nature- took on Maryland politics and the social club scene instead of comedy, with Mad Men gravitas? But that doesn't do this book justice.
If it's two things Bev Diamond knows, it's politics and how to make her household run flawlessly. Growing up in a political family, it does not phase her that her husband is also politics but it does phase her when she walks in on him and his secretary (as she comically points out) "taking dictation". After kicking him out, but listening to everyone else tell her to take him back, she's reading the news when she sees the congressman hopeful and can see how he needs a few tweaks to turn his grassroots attempt at overthrowing his opponent and be the best man for the job, And how she is just a person to get him there.
This book takes a look at 1960s, politics, gender roles and abilities of the time, those stepping out of the rolls, some of the racial movement, anti-Semitism, The movement of politics regarding how TV and media changed the way politicians campaigned and how they were presented to the public. It was supremely interesting how fully these characters seem to be part of the accurate representation of their time period.

#arc
#netgalley
#behindeverygoodman

Sara Goodman Confino's latest release is just wonderful. Strong Jewish women in 1960s politics, betrayal, a bit of romance and the most delightful cameos from her last book, which was also a favourite!

Behind Every Good Man starts with a 60s wife and mother catching her husband with his secretary. While that sounds a bit cliche, what she does next is anything but. When he threatens to take away her house she seeks a job in the area she knows best, politics. It was empowering to read about how she navigates all the social and legal limitations imposed on women in 1962 and I adored almost every single character by the end of the story. Even the villains in the story feel like real, flawed, relatable people. I am kind of sad now because I've read all Sara's books, but can't wait to see what she will write next.

I also listened to part of the book on audible since it is available with Kindle Unlimited and the narration by Helen Laser, who also narrated Don't Forget to Write, was fantastic! And the perfect ending to this story is the author's note which talks about the real life inspirations behind the story.

Beverly Diamond's life changes when she finds her husband Larry cheating behind her back. Beverly has two children, no degree and she knows that her husband is going to divorce her soon. So in order to support herself, she enrolls to support Michael Landau, a young and upcoming politician who is running against her ex-husband. Beverly with her experience in politics starts using her knowledge to help Michael with his own campaign that will hopefully beat her ex- husband's campaign.

I love Sara Goodman Confino's book and I was excited to get my hands on this book. If you are into women empowerment, 1960's setting, and the era when women hardly got into politics, then this book is one for you. Beverly is a very likable character and I like her overall courage and enthusiasm and her hardworking attitude to help Michael win the election. Not only that, I also like her relationship with her own mother and I like how the whole novel is based on how behind every good man there is a woman who will support you no matter what.

Overall this book worth 4.5 stars!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

Another fabulous story from this author!

In 1962, Beverley Diamond is expected to be the perfect wife and mother, obeying her husband - but all that goes out the window when she catches him cheating with his secretary. Beverley is not going to stand for it and, what's more, she's going to hit him where it hurts. Larry runs the political campaign for Maryland's senator agains the up-and-coming - and younger - opponent,Michael Landau. Beverley was raised in the world of politicals and has the know-how to succeed in that world so what does she do? She joins Landau's side, of course ...

This is such a fun read. To say that Larry is blind-sided is a bit of an understatement; he seems to have forgotten that not only is his wife beautiful but she is capable too - and she knows how to hit him where it hurts. Throw in her parents and their ongoing turmoil as well as the kids and this is a packed novel. I'm full of admiration for Beverley; she was a woman way ahead of her time and without these trailblazers, where would we be now? Another triumph for Sara Goodman Confino, who never fails to write a cracking tale! Five sparkling stars and my heartiest recommendation.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

This book is set in the 60s when women was expected to be a good housewife and take care of the kids. Beverly was raised in politics with her father and married to a campaign manager. She walks into her husband's office and catches him cheating. Rather than letting it slide, she decides to divorce him.

This story really portrayed the frustration of going through a divorce when women didn't have many rights and divorces were frowned upon.

Once she takes up a job as a campaign manager of her husband's rival, things really gets interesting. The casts of characters all played such an important role in the story and I love the humor brought into the story.

What I found was that this story is so relevant in our current political situation where women's rights are being taken away.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book.

I will read anything @saraconfino writes forever and ever, Amen! Her books are like old friends- so comfortable and fun! ⁣
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⁣Behind Every Good Man follows a young housewife who catches her campaign manager husband with his secretary. How is a women supposed to support herself in 1962 with two kids? Beverly decides to beat her ex at his own game- becoming campaign manager for her ex’s opponent.⁣
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⁣Things I loved about this book:⁣
⁣- Beverly is such a likable character. ⁣
⁣- Fun 60’s vibes. ⁣
⁣- Wonderful writing. ⁣
⁣- Jewish representation. ⁣
⁣- Cross-over characters from Sara’s other books show up. ⁣
⁣- Lots of humor that didn’t feel silly. ⁣
⁣⁣
⁣Five stars! I highly recommend Behind Every Man and Sara’s other books! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
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⁣Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Behind Every Man. It is out tomorrow- August 6, 2024.

I absolutely loved everything about this book! The era, the banter, the sarcasm, the empowering of women in a time when that was still so focused on what we couldn't do. Bev is my hero! This book is so well written and flowed so well. I read it in one day! I couldn't put it down! I look forward to reading all the books from Sara Goodman Confino.

"Behind Every Good Man" by the fabulous Sara Goodman Confino tells the captivating story of Beverly Diamond, a remarkable woman whose journey reminded me of the charm and strength found in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," a show I absolutely adore.

From the very beginning, I was captivated by Beverly Diamond’s story. Set in the 1960s, a time when societal norms were rigid, Beverly’s determination to leave her husband and prioritize her children’s well-being was both inspiring and revolutionary. I am always drawn to stories of women who take control of their lives, even when it means facing criticism and challenges from family and friends.

Beverly’s confidence in demanding a job she knew she was perfect for was truly admirable. Her dedication to her family, showing her children that a woman can be influential and successful in a male-dominated world, was deeply moving. She demonstrated that it’s possible to excel professionally while being present and nurturing at home.

This book is incredible, and I can't recommend it enough!

In Behind Every Good Man author Confino strikes the perfect balance between women lit and historical fiction. Beverly Diamond decides to divorce her husband after catching him cheating, but when he threatened to sell the house she needs to find a job. But in 1962 the job opportunities are limited, however as a daughter of a Congressman and the wife of a campaign manager she is equipped to be the junior campaign manager for the man running against her husband's candidate. What follows is wonderful blend of balancing the frenzy of a campaign with being the mom of two small children; plus navigating public opinion when divorce was new and infidelity was still largely looked past. Strongly Recommend!!

This is such an entertaining read. There are many laughs to be had and found within the pages of this book.
Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino was such a good read. I laughed so many times and basically read it in one sitting.
The characters are all vivid and realistic. The story development went along nicely, had a comfortable pace and let us get to know all the characters in a timely manner.

Again, what a winner of a story from Sara!

1960s-
Beverly, after finding her husband in a cheating situation, she decides to put her knowledge of politics (her dad was in and her cheating husband is in them) to use. This all while trying to get a divorce, keep mothering her kids, deal with her mother moving in and trying to get political candidate Michael his Senate seat.

I really liked Bev. Her having to deal with her mother (who I couldn't stand much at first but she slowly won me over!) just had me busting a gut laughing. She was not one to back down from a challenge. She was so great in getting Michael in front of women voters to show that they should have a say and not vote a certain way because "their husband tells them who to vote for". She went out of her way to get Michael in front of Black persons because their votes matter too. I love how she stood up for Fran and got her out of a toxic work environment for the antisemitism that was clearly there.

(If you have seen The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, this was totally in my head while reading.)

Sara Goodman Confino can do no wrong! Another hit from this author. Her characters are so well developed and engaging, you genuinely want to know what’s happening next.

BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN is my first Sara Confino book, but it won’t be my last.

After catching her husband in flagrante with his secretary, Beverly responds with the perfect form of revenge. She joins Michael Landau’s senatorial campaign. And she is a scholar at leading a political campaign, having been raised by a political-minded father and then helping to place her cheater husband in office. Beverly is sharp, witty, and determined. Michael’s poll numbers surge, lifting him above his opponent whose campaign is run by Beverly’s soon-to-be ex. Isn’t that a sweet turn of events? But nothing happens easily, so pay attention as the exchange of power shifts back and forth.

Beverly is a strong leading character, but her mother Millie made the story for me. Both women are strong-willed and sharp-tongued, and one need not underestimate either of them. For those who want a behind the curtain peak at politics, this is an accurate appraisal. But the strong underlying theme is how strong women can have an effect on the political culture. This book has it all: historical significance, a view of the social norm of the time, and some Jewish culture, all served with a side dish of laughter.

Sara Goodman Confino is the queen of writing smart and witty women who you root for the entire way through their stories.
In Behind Every Good Man, it’s 1962 in DC and we meet Beverly, whose world is flipped upside down when she catches her husband Larry in a compromising position with this secretary. She decides that she deserves better and kicks him out, but when he threatens to sell the house underneath them, she decides she’d rather make her own money. Using her own political savvy and motivated by the idea of financial security and revenge, she gets a job working for Michael Landau, who is running for Senate. The kicker? Larry works for Michael Landau’s opponent.
Beverly blossoms in her new role, although she struggles to find balance as a newly working mother of two young children. She finds strength and ability she didn’t know she was capable of, and love in unexpected places.
With an intriguing, fast paced plot, snappy dialogue, and wonderfully likable (and unlikeable!) characters, this book was a delight from start to finish. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a dash of romance and political intrigue.

After Beverly Diamond finds her husband in a compromising situation with his Secretary, she joins the campaign for her husband’s bosses political opponent. Separation in the 1960’s is not easy though.. and either is being a woman in politics.

Another hit by Mrs. Confino! I know I’m in for a treat every time I pick up one of her books. Beverly is a powerful character; funny, strong, and could be my new best friend. The time period is perfectly written and I can tell a lot of research went into it. I usually find fiction about politics boring, but this was far from it. Extra bonus points for taking place in my area - Montgomery County, MD.

“.. behind every good man is an even better woman.”

Behind Every Good Man comes out 8/6.

This novel is a great mix of historical fiction, drama, and romance. From the start the main character will draw you in and have you waiting to see what happens next. A true feel good story of feminism and finding yourself.

An absolute delight. Beverly Gelman Diamond is my hero.

Both the plot and the characters made this book for me. Bev standing up on her own two feet after walking in on her husband with his secretary?! Inspirational. But then you add that this was happening in the 1960s when women couldn't own property, take out credit cards, etc... the social commentary was so on point but done so subtly and with finesse.

Really loved the political backdrop and Bev's relationship with her mother. (Frankly, I thought her mother was a riot.) Also really enjoyed the romance aspect, but it was a genius move that it took the backseat to Bev's arc.

Confino delivered another must-read.

This was a captivating read overall but it unfortunately just wasn’t for me. I’d recommend to anyone seeking a read focused around women with a good dose of family drama.