While this is a fun uplifting story it did feel overwritten at times (especially the first chunk introducing Bernadette). The chapters from the dog’s POV felt really out of place and unnecessary for the movement of the story; it almost felt too silly amongst the rest. 2.5 rounded up.

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

This book was fun and encouraging, highlighting the strengths of women and their collective power. As much as this story was uplifting and motivating for women to stand firmly in their place and speak up about their potential and freedoms, it was also a very clean, predicable story that was all wrapped up with a bow. The characters weren’t terribly interesting and Graham was too perfect to believe. The story was good, but a little more realistic tension would have added to the overall message.

Oh dear me, the sexism of the sixties... you would think by now all of these issues would've been solved. Alas, which makes it even more interesting to be reading this book in this day and age. To keep reminding ourselves, that yes, there are those few people who dare to stand up and share their concern about the inequality between men and women. We all need to be advocates these days, for one thing or for another, but yeah, we might find it draining, let me admit.

Not the book though, as the characters are interesting yet not flawless, and of course there is Frank being frank with his zooming and his FRAPS from time to time. It was also fun finding out about words we use on a daily basis without giving it much thought, who knew the word bully came from the Dutch 'boele?'

This book is the movie theatre lobby before your Barbie screening where everyone was excited and wearing pink and complimenting each other's outfits with a dash of a sunglass wearing Peggy Olsen walking into her new job with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth and by that I mean an absolute total delight. Bernadette is great at her job, but because she is a woman she's constantly hazed for trying to break into the "boys' club." With some grit, determination and the help of the members of her clandestine book club (loved the RBG cameo!), Bernadette sets out to prove women are the backbone of the workforce. She also has a dog, Frank, and he gets his own chapters which are adorable. and I would be remiss to mention there is also hot dog loving hero. This is Lessons in Chemistry for women who did not do well in high school chemistry (me) and instead lost themselves in the words of the Brontës. Easily one of my top reads of the year. A great book club book, a great book if you're feeling lost and alone, just an all out charmer.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for my ARC.

This is a great historical fiction read about the copy editing world and how women fought to find success, equal pay, and respect in the workplace. Its protagonist, Bernadette, is a quirky grammarian with a brother in Vietnam, his dog, Frank, as her guard dog, and a wretched boss to fight off daily. This book is filled with amazing allusions, funny banger, female community building, and a satisfying ending that reminds us there are good people in the world, the workplace, and we sometimes had to work to find “our people.” I found the Frank POV endearing, but also unnecessary in parts.

I liked the time period the story is set in, it allows you to experience a different era (something the author explains in relatable details at the end of the novel). I thought it has a lot of merits based on the strong message it conveys (feminism, women's rights, strong female figures that deserve more recognition, etc.). I thought it depicted the social mores of the time in a vivid way. But the title made me think I would get a diary-like novel. Instead, Bernadette's perspective is rendered in a third person narrative which distances her from us, readers. Oddly enough, the dog narrates its point of view in the first person. I would have preferred to read Bernadettes's "confessions" directly to have a better more intimate access to her thoughts and feelings. A great concept but I found the execution a bit lacking in some areas.

The most charming and tenacious protagonist I’ve come across this year. Doesn’t hurt that we have the most joyful dog companion as well! Loved to see her rise with her skill and determination in the 60s, while also feeling entirely relevant to today. I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

loved this book about a women working in publishing and dealing with the boys club. she makes friends and find love and even has some of her dreams come true. loved fred point of view. loved that this happened in the 60's.

One dog, one gutsy woman in the early '60s publishing industry, and one gorgeously written novel that fans of histfic and women's struggle for equality will adore. Loved it!!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Confessions of a Grammar Queen
By Eliza Knight

Another advanced reader copy of a book given to me by @netgalley and another super fun read!

Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight is about copy editor Bernadette Swift, who is the only woman copy editor at publishing house, Lenox & Park. Determined to break the glass ceiling of 1963, Bernadette wants to be the first woman CEO of a major publisher. Encountering bumps at every turn, and with her faithful dog Frank at her side, Bernadette presses on and works towards her goals with determination and grace.

I really enjoyed this story. Bernadette was such a fun character to share a story with, and her determination was inspiring. There are so many characters I enjoyed, especially Frank the dog. His chapters were some of my favorites in the book! This is a fun, quick read, and anyone who enjoys grammar, women's equality, and dogs should pick it up. It is also not lost on me that I read this book about women fighting for their rights during Women's History Month.

#reader #netgalley #elizaknight #confessionsofagrammarqueen

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I want to thank NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an ARC.
Reading historical fiction is always a delight but books like this make it even better.
This story is set in 1960s though it's still applicable today. While it's appalling that women even now have to face chauvinistic behaviour and misogyny, the fact that there are courageous, wise, wonderful women who never give up. The fact that there are men who do agree with women and don't hesitate to stand against their own sex makes it even better.

Eliza Knight delivers a witty, insightful, and thoroughly entertaining read with Confessions of a Grammar Queen. This book is a delightful blend of humor, history, and wordplay, making it a must-read for language lovers and historical fiction fans alike.

From the start, the narrative voice is engaging and full of personality, making the story feel both intelligent and fun. The protagonist is sharp, endearing, and refreshingly unique, pulling readers into a world where grammar isn’t just a set of rules but a way of life. Knight’s ability to weave historical elements into a charming, lighthearted story is truly impressive, adding depth without making it feel heavy.

What I particularly enjoyed was how the book balances humor with genuine historical intrigue. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed grammar nerd or simply someone who enjoys a clever, well-crafted story, there’s something here to appreciate. The pacing is smooth, the writing is smart, and by the end, you’ll find yourself both entertained and maybe even a little more mindful of your own grammar!

A sweet and empowering read. Bernadette just might be the best copy editor in NYC. But as the only woman in her department, she is often tasked with making coffee and dry cleaning her boss’s stained shirts. Still, Bernadette is ambitious and resilient. With the help of her friends, and a distractingly handsome and supportive colleague, Bernadette sets out to secure equality for women in the workplace.

This was a lovely read with a cast of characters (many likable and a few terrible ones). Bernadette is a compelling lead, Wall a loathsome manager, and Graham a wonderful match. Recommended to anyone looking for a feel-good story with charming characters.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Book Review: April Fools by Jess Lourey
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

First off, big thanks to NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

April Fools is the sixth book in Jess Lourey’s Murder by Month series, following Mira James, a journalist turned sleuth who keeps stumbling into mysteries in small town Minnesota. This time around, it’s April, and she’s investigating a missing person case that, of course, turns into something much bigger (and more dangerous) than she expected.

I really liked Mira as a character, she’s funny, relatable, and definitely the kind of person I’d want to grab coffee with. The small town setting was also super charming, and Lourey does a great job balancing humor with suspense. Some of the twists were pretty solid, and the book kept me engaged for the most part.

That said, I had a few issues. The pacing was a little off, especially in the middle, and some parts felt repetitive. The mystery itself wasn’t as gripping as I’d hoped, and I saw a couple of the twists coming. I also felt like some of the side characters weren’t as developed as they could have been, which made it hard to really care about their involvement in the story.

Overall, April Fools is a fun, light mystery with a quirky main character and a good dose of humor. It’s not groundbreaking, but if you like cozy mysteries with a little snark, it’s worth checking out!

4/5!

It’s 1960’s New York, Bernadette is aiming for CEO of a big publishing house while navigating workplace harassment and protesting for women's rights.

This book is the definition of girl hood, women supporting women and I loved every second of it.We see Bernie’s amazing friendship with Melanie and the book club girlies as well as the relationship with her great family

Thank you to SourceBooks and NetGalley for the Arc!

i want to be bernie swift when i grow up

this book had me so enamoured that words are ironically hard for me to conjure right now

firstly, i am a sucker for a literary based book and secondly, i am also a sucker for books based in new york city so this for me was like dumping malteasers (pre gluten allergy) into my popcorn – a delicious combo

having this set in 1960s nyc during a height of women’s rights protests following an ambitious woman with fierce determination made me feel equal parts sad at the lives those before us had to endure, and proud of the resilience our matriarchs showed

i absolutely admire all the different relationships shown in this story; the love and loyalty between frank and bernadette you’d know first hand if you’ve had a dog, just sweet sweet baby graham in general, the friendship between bernie and melanie, but also all the women in the book club – i even admired her relationship with her family, but more importantly her mother; it was nice to see the big support system our fmc had around her during such a monumental time and all that was thrown at her

i think what i like most about this book is it didn’t veer into the tropes it could have, there was no white knighting or a fmc full of self doubt in her job and people had room to change and grow – some parts were predictable but not in the way i originally thought

side note; it was really refreshing to read a book based in the literary world and not have the writing feel pretentious, there are some words i admittedly had to google but given our main character it made perfect sense

if i had one small critique it would be that i wish we did have a few more book club scenes, even if were like some of the shorter ones that would lasted about a page, i really enjoyed the dynamics and perspectives of all the women

admittedly i am an epilogue hater, but the way eliza knight delivered hers was the cherry on top, it was so perfectly fitting

thank you to netgalley for the arc 💌