This one wasn’t for me. The narrator made it hard to get into and I didn’t feel an attachment to the characters.

Truly an outstanding piece of historical fiction. Filled with complex characters and realistic representations of life for women in the mid 1960s, this book is both heartbreaking and hopeful. The emotional growth these women experience together shows the power of true friendship and listening to one’s own heart. I love this book and these characters. It will stay in my heart for quite some time.

I am fortunate to have received both an eARC and an ALC for this wonderful book and enjoyed both immensely. The narration is perfect and definitely added to this brilliant book.

This was an interesting story that gave a real perspective in to women's rights. The narration was very good. I would recommend this book.

In the 1960's fifteen-year-old Betsy, who prefers basketball to nail polish, finds herself pregnant. And she isn't even sure how it happened. Her parents ship her off to Michigan from Ohio, telling friends and neighbors she is helping a sick aunt.

From the home for unwed mother's, Betsy is sent to help with childcare to the home of Lily Berg. Lily, a doctor's wife, is expecting her second child. It's an awakening and an education for Betsy. Lily takes the time to explain to her how pregnancy happens, how the baby gets out, and other mysteries of life.

Betsy learns a lot from the women of her employer's canasta club as well. In 1965 women aren't permitted to have a bank account of their own, a credit card, or even sign a rental agreement. Much less get birth control or an abortion. When Rose, Lily's sister comes to her for help after being beaten by her husband, Lily and her husband aren't sure what to do.

This book will fascinate students of women's history and educate those who don't know much about women's rights. In the afterword, the author refers to Gail Collins thoughtful and thought-provoking book, When Everything Changed.

This one is a must read for people who aren't aware of the progress of women's rights in the United States. Laney Katz Becker has done an excellent job portraying political issues of the 1960's in novel format that will hold the attention of even readers reluctant to delve into historical politics.

Narrators Gilli Messer, Laura Horowitz, and Laci Morgan bring the characters to life with just the right touches to keep listeners engaged.

I give it 4.5 stars, but rounded up to 5 for the audiobook narration. The voice actors truly created distinct personalities for the main characters. <i>In the Family Way</i>, an antiquated term used to refer to pregnancy, aptly describes the unifying factor that is the heart of the trials and tribulations of this novel’s main characters. Set during the 1960s in suburban America (which seems to be a theme this publishing season 🤔,) we are invited to see the ways in which pregnancy and women’s rights were regarded at that time. It is eye opening to see all the ways that women’s bodies and lives were restricted by laws and societal ideals. It’s frightening to see how closely those archaic, misguided beliefs are resurfacing into today’s society.

I am loving the recent historical fiction books set in the 1960s that focus on women's rights (or lack thereof), the challenges of motherhood, unwanted pregnancies and female friendship. This newest from Laney Katz Becker (a new to me author) focuses on a group of suburban women and their ups and downs with marriage, pregnancy and infertility. Fantastic on audio and highly recommended for fans of The book club for troublesome women. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

CW: rape, abortion, infertility, adoption, unwanted pregnancy