Sara never disappoints!! What another incredible book.

Ah, I loved her last book Don’t Forgot To Write and this one I thought was even better.
What makes this better you even get an appearance from Marilyn and she mentions Aunt Ada!

I adored that it was set in the 60’s.
Beverly was a strong woman who was very empowering. All the characters were great in this and I found it hilarious.

Sara’s writing is amazing and how you can fly through her books so easily and you easily get lost in them.

Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC! I can’t wait to read the rest of her books now.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC! Sara Goodman Confinó does it again! When Beverly Diamond catches her husband in a compromised position with his secretary, she kicks him out. This not the norm in the early 1960’s with two kids and no job. At first her mother advises her to overlook the situation but Bev’s mind is made up! Being raised in politics and soon ex working for front winning politician she gets even by working for up and coming politician Michael Landeau. With fierce determination and know how she sets her sights on his win. Her plate is pretty full, campaign, mother moving in, divorce on the horizon and election day. This fun book shows determination to make it your way no matter what everyone will say. With huge helping of humor this book hits the spot and characters from Don’t Forget to Write making appearances only makes it better!

Beverly Diamond has been the perfect wife to her husband who is a campaign manager for a Maryland Senatorial candidate in 1962. Until, that is, she catches him in a compromising position with his young secretary when she delivers cookies to the office. She quickly begins to re evaluate her marriage, wondering if the only reason he married her is that she is the daughter of a very successful Maryland politician herself. In order to get back at him, she becomes the driving force behind the senate race of her husbands competitor, and the games and fun begin.

This novel is full of wonderful characters. Bevs mother, who moves in to watch Bev's precocious children in order for her to get her candidate elected is a hoot. Stuart, candidate Michaels original campaign manager is a very interesting character and I really liked how his character developed and Michaels character is the political candidate we all wish were real. Bev herself grows and develops throughout the novel and realizes the power she can have as a woman despite what the men around her have always told her. For fans of the authors previous novel, Don't forget to write, which was a five star for me, there are some Easter eggs from that book in this one.

I thought this was a delightful novel with some important things to say about how far women have come since 1962. So far this author is 2 for 2 for me and I need to find her other two books as well. Thank you to net galley and the publisher for the e galley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm grateful to Netgalley for giving me an early read of this book, because it was such a fun one! In the 1960s Beverly has been the perfect wife to Larry, who is a campaign manager for an incumbent senator of Maryland. Yet when Beverly catches Larry and his secretary doing things they shouldn't be doing, Bev kicks him out of the house and goes to work for the opposing senator.

Confino creates magnificent characters. They are real and funny and imperfect. The relationship between Bev and her mother is fantastic as they spar, collaborate, and support one another. Historical details are woven throughout seamlessly, and as much as I thought I knew of the limitations placed on women, I had no idea just how many there were.

As a bonus, if you read <i>Don't Forget to Write</i>, you'll spot cameos from a couple of characters. <i> Behind Every Good Man</i> is heartwarming, funny, thoughtful, and the perfect read when you need an escape!

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am delighted to say I enjoyed this book as much as Confino's other historical fiction book about the main character's cousin. This book was set in 1962, well before my time, but my mom was a teenager. Beverly Diamond is a housewife and mother who rises an hour before her husband Larry, who is the campaign manager for incumbent Senator in Maryland Sam Gibson. Beverly's children are young, 5 and 2 years old. She brings her husband's office cookies every Friday. One day, she comes on a Thursday and discovers her husband in a compromising position with his secretary.

Beverly kicks her husband out of the home and, threatened by the worry of losing her home, gets a job first at a makeup counter in a department store. Beverly's mom leaves her dad to stay with her and the kids. Beverly's mother is such a fun character in this book. The job at the makeup counter is short-lived, but Beverly finds an article about a challenger to Senator Gibson, Michael Landau. She decides to try and get a job working for his campaign, partly as revenge against Larry and also because it's what she's good at doing as a daughter of a former Congressman. Michael hires her first as a secretary, then as junior campaign manager, much to Stuart's chagrin. Beverly gets off to a great start and brings in student interns and speaking engagements.

Truly an inspiring story at a time when women barely voted except for who their husband's supported. It's an important reminder of how far we have come and how far we must go, as well as the importance of voting for an honest candidate who wants to change laws to improve people's lives. Beverly is a determined woman on a mission only Larry may get in the way. I very much enjoyed this book, and the ending was satisfying. Also enjoyed the side characters and seeing her cousin Marilyn.

5 out of 5 stars. 8/6/24, highly recommended. Enjoyed the Jewish rep.

If you’re looking for a book about one woman’s sweet revenge during the 1960’s then check this out.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, @getredprbooks and @saraconfino for a physical ARC and @netgalley for the e-arc copy. All thoughts are my own.


Beverly showed up to surprise her husband and his office with cookies, and she was surprised with his secretary in a compromising position.

Believing that her soon-to-be ex is going to take the house out from under her, Beverly goes to work…doing the only thing she knows, politics. Too bad the only other game in town is the man running against her ex.

She’s out to prove her ex underestimated her in more ways than one and maybe make her own dreams come through in the process.


This was a wonderfully well-done book. I was laughing out loud right from the beginning. There was a line about how Beverly even turned the beaters off before giving them to her kids because she was a good mom and boy did that make me laugh out loud because it was so relatable. The humor kept going throughout the book and it kept things nice and lighthearted. I was so engaged throughout this book as well; I didn’t want to put it down and finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed how with Sara Goodman Confino’s last book I read, this one wasn’t entirely made up and had veins of truth in it. While I didn’t grow up during this time, my grandma and I would have long talks about what it was like for her when she was a mom going through a divorce during this time.

This book is a truly engaging and interesting read and I think that it will appeal to a wide audience.

Sara Goodman Confino has done it again. With strong Mrs. Maisel vibes, Jewish representation, politics, and a workplace/forbidden romance, her new book, Behind Every Good Man, was everything I love and so so good!
It’s 1962 and housewife and mother of two, Beverly, has just discovered that her senatorial campaign manager husband, Larry, is cheating on her with his secretary. When Larry threatens to sell their house, Bev needs to find a job. So she decides not only to put her political knowledge (thanks to her former Congressman father) to work, but to get revenge on Larry at the same time, by working for his boss’s opponent in the upcoming Senate election, and actually really helping to get the campaign in fighting shape.
I love what this book says about the importance of voting, and especially about the important role that women play in the electoral system. In the 1960s, and still today, many women vote how their husbands tell them to. I’ve heard this time and time again while out door knocking on election campaigns. This book challenges that and says that not only can women have influence over their husbands (although in a very 1960’s way), but that women should vote according to their own issues and what’s important to them. One of they key elements that Bev brings to the campaign is explaining to women how politics affects them.
I could go on and on. This book gets all the stars. I could not get enough of Bev’s mother, Millie, and her bestie Nancy. I also loved the Marilyn cameos (iykyk). @saraconfino, I just have one question: Did Bev end up going to visit Key West??

Really enjoyed this - Mad Men crossed with The West Wing! I really rooted for Beverly, and her mum, and all the other women who've ended up on the wrong side of male ambition in this book.

While I DO NOT recommend getting the flu and being mostly non-functional for a few days as I did, I DO recommend scheduling a couple of “sick days” for August and the release of this book.

I consider myself reserved with my ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews, so you know if I rate that, I’ll be reading it again and talking to everyone about it.

Why?
For starters the plot is solid. Bev is a likable FMC, does not waver on her “kick the cheating man to the curb” position and delivers the kind of grit on-page that I certainly hope my kids develop IRL.

Not only are the plot and MC strong, there is SO MUCH WIT in this book. I laughed a lot, and felt really invested in Bev winning in the end. So much so that when the inevitable misstep happens (which you could see coming from a mile away), I really wanted to reach through my kindle and shake her a bit.

Additional strong points: the secondary characters are well-developed, add depth and have their own plot lines that add to the story. SGC does a great job of pulling you into their world with a balance of action, dialogue and interiority. This made the world of Bev was almost palpable.

I honestly enjoyed this book so much I quickly downloaded her third and first books, and am now reading her second.

Beverly Diamond is a heck of a character. Set in the world of politics in the 60's, Beverly makes the decision to leave her husband after finding him in a compromising position with his secretary. She shows her intelligence and passion as she takes a risk and pursues a job as a campaign manager for a man in competition for the same job that her husband is also promoting. Beverly is strong and passionate and hard working. This story takes you into the 60's and shows you a glimpse of that world and how it was for women. It also brings back the wonderful character of Marilyn from Don't Forget to Write. I adored this book and I loved this world. The story was filled with enjoyable characters, and Beverly's mother is one I won't soon forget! Confino has become a MUST read author for me. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

My favorite thing about this book was the tenacity of the main character Bev. After she discovers her husband cheating, she doesn’t wallow; she sucks it up and finds a job, manages her family, and finds the perfect job. She somehow manages to find time to be a good friend, mother, daughter while navigating a challenging new job. Bev handles the stress of life with grace and determination. Even though this book takes place decades in the past, these themes are still relatable and relevant to every woman and mom I know. I also loved the cameos of characters from the author’s past books as well. Another hit by Sara Goodman Confino!

The year is 1962- a time when Kennedy was in office and Marilyn Monroe became an icon, but it was also the height of the Civil Rights Movement and a time when women couldn’t even have their own credit card.

Beverly finds her husband Larry, a campaign manager for a senator seeking re-election, in a compromising position. During this time, a woman of a certain class was supposed to turn a blind eye on a husband’s indiscretions. Divorce during this time was still considered taboo and those who got one were ostracized. Beverly, however, was raised to be a strong, independent woman and instead of cowing to a cheating husband, she decided to get revenge. Revenge came in the form of helping the rival senate campaign and thus begins her crusade to get him elected.

I will admit that I was a little concerned at the beginning of this book. I thought the character started a little weak, but she proved to be a well-developed feminist character. I am also not a fan of the cheating trope, but all-in-all I thought she handled a sensitive topic well.  

This was my first Sara Goodman Confino novel, but it won’t be my last. Confino did a fantastic job of building a strong, feisty main character who was equal parts funny and vulnerable. Although this was a fast, easy read, she still brought the political realm of the 1960s to life. Shining a light on the injustices that still plague our society today.

If you are a fan of a feisty main character that has a backbone and who isn’t afraid to take charge, I think you will like this book.

Wowzers. Sara Goodman Confino has does it again with her newest book, Behind Every Good Man. Beverly is the idyllic stay at home wife and mom to two kids. When she is scorned by her husband, she doesn't follow 1960s behavior and take him back. Instead, she washes that man right out of her hair and takes on politics in a hysterical and meaningful way. You'll love this one as much as her earlier works. GREAT writing by this amazing author!!

I very much enjoyed this big-hearted novel! The story of a wife learning her husband is a cheater and deciding to participate in a political campaign as a result is fun and original! A great storyline!

Behind Every Good Man is a great title for a great book about female e.mpowerment. I adored Don't Forget to Write and am so happy that Behind Every Good Man is just as entertaining and enjoyable. Fellow Fans of Don't Forget to Write will be pleased that Marilyn plays a small role in this book and Great Aunt Ada is mentioned several times throughout the book. Sara Goodman Confino accurately portrays 1960s politics and expected gender roles. I especially enjoyed the ending when they were anxiously awaiting the election results. Bev and Michael get my vote!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Imagine this: gran from Gilmore Girls + Lorelai from GG x Mrs. Maisel in a '50s Maryland setting against an upcoming election race- how awesome is that?!
W a whopping, well deserved 4.73 rating on GR, Behind Every Man is a book justifying its praise. A wronged wife goes toe to toe w her cheating husband at the polls but this story is about SO MUCH MORE. 😳🤯

I adored the sweet revenge plot esp cause it's the empowering kind, written w/o any fluff = amazingly edited. W its themes of feminism, diversity, 1950s women's empowerment & A ROMANCE SUBPLOT, it's a whirlwind. It's impressive how the author managed to juggle so many elements w/o losing focus.

Literally the best aspect to this book - every character is worth your time; downright lovable. From Bev being a force of nature to her mom being the perfect 'can't live with em, can't live without em' clever supportive lady, this one's got PERSONALITY.
P. S. Someone get me a personal Nancy, please?🥹🩷

If you thought female relationships are good, the opposite gender dynamics will take you by surprise. Bev & her father made me long for non-daddy-issue-life, while Bev & Stuart made me howl w laughter. Their banter provides SO MUCH depth to an otherwise 'message-heavy' plot. Stuart is the perfect COCONUT.
LAST & THE BEST: MICHAEL 'QTπ' LANDAU. The standard. The definition of a good man, had me giggling at 3 AM. It hurts me he's in the 50s (& fictional). ❤️
(kudos to the author for not describing him as a hunk w muscles who never goes to the gym - like I said this one's pure substance & heart💜)
I found it so cute that along with the reader, the side characters root for these 2 too! In those stolen glances & moments of longing due to a forbidden romance, the author won me over.

Ultimately, somewhere in those short chapters written w impeccable wit paralleled by a wonderful conversation w the author @saraconfino , I realised I finished the book in under 4 hours. I knew at the 40% mark, this was a 5 ⭐ read for me & like every serial reader, I knew I wanted a physical copy. Surprise? The paperback is not available in India (slide 2). *SIGH*

Are you convinced yet or should I ramble on? PICK THIS BOOK UP NOW!!

This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be reading her backlist.

Mrs. Beverly Diamond comes from a political family. Her husband is now running for senator in Maryland. They have young two children, and she is the perfect 60’s wife. She makes sure her husband has dinner on the table, their children are taken care of and the house is run smoothly.

When she catches Larry in a compromising position with his secretary, changes are bound to happen. She finds herself a job with the help of her mother watching her children. She finds herself working for Larry’s opponent, Michael Landau.

Her background, attention to detail and her personal skills help Michael run his campaign.

I love how sophisticated, savvy and determined Beverly is. Can she help Michael win the campaign? Will she decide to get a divorce?
Thank you Lake Union/GetRedPr for this gifted copy. I really could see this as a movie. I love that era.

I've read several of this author's books and have never been disappointed. One thing that struck me while reading this one was the difference between women's roles and rights between then and now. This was 1962, when John F. Kennedy was president, there was talk of putting a man on the moon, yet women's options were still limited by custom if not by law. I felt grateful for all the women and men who worked to give women the options we have now.

Beverly Diamond is a stay-at-home mom with three children. Her family is Jewish. One day she walks into her husband's office, meaning to surprise him by bringing him lunch, and finds him in an unmistakable and compromising position with a young secretary. They were certainly all surprised.

Beverley herself is a surprise from the start. Her husband works as campaign manager for a man running for reelection for a state Senate seat. Beverley prefers his opponent and joins his campaign staff despite opposition from his official campaign manager, who disapproves of women in politics. Beverley proposes that they go after the women's vote.

It's a fascinating story and I enjoyed every word of it. The characters were unforgettable, and the campaign was exciting and close. I liked that Beverley was so clear-eyed about everything; for example, she helped the young girl who had an affair with her husband after he fired her.

I received an e-arc from Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

The main character of this book has Jessica vibes from Love is Blind: Season 6. That combined with Sara Goodman Confino's classic and clever style is all you need to know. I loved this one!

4.5 out of 5, loved it! Another book by Sara Goodman Confino you cannot put down, a ‘just one more chapter’ type of book and before you know it, it’s midnight. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors

“…Behind every good man is an even better woman.”

Beverly is a perfect 1960s homemaker and wife until she finds her husband Larry in a compromising position with his very young secretary. Larry is a campaign advisor to senator Sam Gibson, a career developed on the coattails of Bev’s family political ties and decades of connections. As a single mother, Bev now needs a job and uses her upbringing around politics to get back at Larry by (demanding to) join the political campaign for the competing new senator, Michael Landau. In a time when it’s a men’s world, how will the campaign team react to a strong, fiesty independent woman?

I was hesitant to read this as it’s hard to make politics fun and captivating, but this book delivers. SCG has such wonderful writing and storytelling with an dynamic, funny characters. I loved Stuart’s snark and we all need a supportive bestie like Nancy! This book has gentle uplifting undertones that you think about after the book is finished and makes you want to be a better person—to do more for your community, for what is right, to be a better friend. I loved the nods to Don’t Forget To Write, and while you do not have to read it beforehand as they are both standalone books, it makes the story so much better!

Great storytelling, with witty, dynamic characters with some sweet romance but no spicy scenes!

Thank you NetGalley and the Lake Union Publishing for this ARC, it made my day!
Pub date: Aug 6, 2024