We love a book about books—and Confessions of a Grammar Queen absolutely delivers. Set against the backdrop of a male-dominated publishing world, this timely “I am woman, hear me roar” story had me hooked from the first chapter. Bernadette is bold, intelligent, and determined to prove herself, even as her male counterparts (and ahem Sarah) go to absurd and infuriating lengths to sabotage her.

There’s also a sweet side romance that never overshadows the main plot but adds a lovely touch of warmth and heart. And let’s talk about the real MVP: Frank the dog. Truly the icing on the cake to get his POV. Such a fun, unexpected addition.

The audiobook is well done overall, though I found the narrator’s voice for Bernadette to be almost too soft for such a fierce character—not quiet, but just a touch too gentle for her fire.

If you were a fan of Lessons in Chemistry, this one should definitely be on your radar!

This may end up being my favorite book of 2025!

They say to never judge a book by its cover. That is exactly what I did here - the cover caught my eye and reeled me in with that title. I am a teacher, and I love teaching grammar. This book was tailor-made for me!

Bernadette Swift is a copy editor at a publishing company. Her goal is to be the first female CEO of a publishing company in her lifetime. But, it is 1960s, and she and the other women she works with are viewed as glorified secretaries. That isn't going to stop this grammarian. She really is the Queen B.

This is a story of women fighting to be seen and heard. They are good at what they do, whether it is in the workforce or at home. But they all have something important in common: they want more. Bernadette is a strong voice for these women. She gets them to use their voices to be seen and heard. It isn't always easy. There are so many mountains to climb, but she never gives up.

I enjoyed the book club storyline of this one as well. So many of the books that are mentioned I have read, but others I added to my TBR. I loved Bernadette's love of words and grammar. This book is truly inspiring!

The reader is also treated to a few chapters from Frank's POV - Frank is Bernadette's dog, and he is incredible. I also loved the supporting characters.

I cannot express enough how much I love this book! Grammar, words, women's issues, and great history all wrapped up in a wonderful story.

The audiobook has two wonderful narrators. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is terrific!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this one! I also ordered a physical copy for my bookshelf because I will be sharing this one and rereading it! It is out now, and I highly recommend it!

Read this is one day while sitting outside. I highly recommend this book!
I enjoyed this book!
It was a nice, quick read, and I was able to stay engaged throughout the book.
Bernadette is a young copyeditor at a publishing company and her goal is to become the first female CEO of publishing.
Her problem, its the 1960's and she has to convince her male chauvinist boss that she is just as good, if not better, than her male counterparts.
Then there is her colleague Graham - who she has to pretend not to be attracted to in the slightest so that she can obtain her goal.
This would be such a cute short TV series.
Lots of themes and issues relevant to that time in history is seen in this book. Less wages for female workers, she is given more work, work not related to her actual job role, being asked to take her male coworkers shirts to the cleaners for them, and my least favorite - making her male coworkers cups of coffee - GAG!
You see some of the feminist movement that happened in the 60's.
I loved her friends and support system. Especially her BFF and roommate Frank (sweet boy).
Bernadette goes through it trying to work her way into the world of publishing. Leading to a run in with the chauvinist boss - I am sure you can imagine how that goes.
I don't want to give away too much.
The plot is well structured and the pace is perfect for this book.
The characters are well developed and relatable. I was able to stay engaged because I really enjoyed them and their growth!
This is perfect for your summer TBR and a poolside or backyard read!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Happy Reading!

Set in 1960s, Bernadette is a historical read while also bringing in humor. Fighting for equal pay and workplace equality, Bernadette brings insight and wit along with the story. The dog chapters were also cuye but I did not enjoy the narration of those parts … overall, I enjoyed the audio but do think it would be better to physically read.

I just finished listening to a great audiobook. Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight is available now. Check it out.

How could I not love a book where the main character is named Bernadette? It’s such a rare and wonderful surprise to hear my name in a story, and Eliza Knight made it extra special with a charming, quirky heroine I truly enjoyed spending time with. Bernadette is an absolute delight! Witty, warm, and just the right amount of dramatic.

That said, I was definitely caught off guard when the perspective suddenly shifted to her dog, Frank. While P.J. Ochlan’s narration of Frank was exactly what you’d imagine a dog’s inner voice to sound like, goofy and exaggerated. I’m not entirely convinced it worked for me. It felt a bit too hokey at times, and it momentarily pulled me out of the story.

Still, Stina Nielsen's narration carried the rest beautifully, and overall, the audiobook was great fun. If you enjoy lighthearted fiction with a dash of whimsy and the occasional canine commentary, this one's worth a listen.

Thank you to Eliza Knight, Stina Nielsen, P.J. Ochlan, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for sending me the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

i was very excited to read this book because of the premise. however, i got very little out of it.
this book is <i> Lessons in Chemistry </i> set in the publishing world, which seems promising, but it's way too similar. so much so, i could predict certain plot points.
the romance of it all is a little too strange- somehow the man is a fully formed third wave feminist who always said the exact thing she needed.
plus, some of the takeaways just seem obvious- there's nothing shocking/unexpected about anything that happens in this book.

the dog's POV was cute but so strange. a bit too uncanny valley-esque? i feel like i'd have enjoyed reading a whole book from his POV or none at all.
eventually, it felt like a slog trying to finish this book because nothing totally unexpected happens, even though they tried really hard to throw things at you.

This one is an enemies-to-lovers romance. Bernadette is a go-getter, and she works in the publishing business in the 1960s. She doesn't back down, she fights decided and gender discrimination. I loved this book. 5 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and Tantor Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was so ready to love this. A woman in 1960s New York trying to break the publishing world’s glass ceiling? A secret feminist book club at the library? A charming, supportive love interest? On paper, it had everything I usually enjoy.

But unfortunately, Confessions of a Grammar Queen didn’t work for me the way I hoped it would.

Let’s start with what I liked:
– The concept of an underground women’s book club empowering each other in the face of systemic sexism? Fantastic. I just wish it had been explored more deeply.
– The office politics and back-and-forth between Bernadette and her boss/co-workers had some fun moments. While not always realistic (it leaned more fantasy than historical fiction), it was still engaging.

Where it lost me:
The book tried to juggle a lot—office sabotage, feminism, romance, family drama, activism, a secret book club—and the pacing just didn’t allow those threads to land in a satisfying way. Conflicts were often resolved too quickly, and I found myself craving more nuance and depth.

A few things that took me out of the story:
– The title and cover gave off a lighter, rom-com energy than the book actually delivered. I expected diary entries or something more humorous in tone.
– Several elements combined to give the story a somewhat manufactured feel, almost like it was built to check off “bestseller” boxes. I won’t go into detail here to avoid spoilers.
– There were some historical inaccuracies—especially in word choices and phrasing—that stood out more than they might have otherwise, given that the protagonist is deeply invested in etymology and language.
-Many aspects of the book reminded me a bit too much of Lessons in Chemistry.
– There’s a scene that felt nearly beat-for-beat like something from Legally Blonde. I was tempted to pause the audiobook and pull up the movie script for a comparison.

About the audiobook:
Bernadette’s narrator was great—no complaints there. But the dog POV chapters? That’s where I struggled. I had to take breaks during those sections because the narration choice was just too jarring. Beyond the voice, I also didn’t think these chapters were necessary at all.

About the audiobook:
Bernadette’s narrator was great—no complaints there. But the dog POV chapters? That’s where I really struggled. I had to take breaks during those sections because the narration was so jarring. And beyond the performance, I’m not sure those chapters were needed at all.

Let’s break it down:
– Why was Bernadette’s POV in third person, but the dog’s in first? Structurally, it was a strange choice—especially for a book titled Confessions of a Grammar Queen.
– Frank’s knowledge level (how much he understood about language, tools, etc.) felt arbitrary. That inconsistency could have been smoothed out by switching to third-person narration.
– Most importantly, the dog chapters didn’t add anything emotionally or narratively. I love animal POVs when they’re done well, but this didn’t quite land.

I know I’m in the minority—this book has clearly struck a chord with many readers, and I’m glad it’s finding its audience. Sadly, I just wasn’t one of them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book truly stayed with me—it felt like stepping into a pivotal time in history when everything was beginning to shift. Set in 1960s New York, it brought to life the challenges women faced in the workplace, especially in industries like publishing where the glass ceiling was firmly in place.

It was both frustrating and fascinating to read about how women were expected to play supportive roles, often overlooked or underestimated, no matter how capable they were. Watching Bernadette navigate that world, using her intelligence and quiet defiance to stand out, made me root for her every step of the way. She wasn’t loud, but she was persistent, and that made her powerful. Her efforts to uplift other women—whether through her sharp skills at work or organizing a small book club focused on feminist voices—felt so impactful.

The story had its lighter, quirky moments too—especially with Bernadette’s dog, Frank, who even had his own perspective. While I adore animals, his inclusion sometimes distracted from the depth of the message, though I can see how others might find it charming.

I also appreciated the subtle weave of historical context, including early signs of the Vietnam War and quotes from remarkable women like Eleanor Roosevelt. The ending left me hopeful, reminding me that even small acts of courage can ripple out and create real change.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s New York, Confessions of a Grammar Queen is a spirited and inspiring tale of ambition, resilience, and the fight for equality. Eliza Knight introduces Bernadette Swift, a savvy and determined copyeditor who refuses to accept the glass ceiling in the male-dominated publishing world. Bernadette’s dream is bold: to become the first female CEO in publishing.

Narrated with warmth and energy, the audiobook beautifully captures Bernadette’s journey as she navigates workplace sexism, a toxic boss, and office politics—all while rallying support through a feminist book club that empowers women to challenge societal norms. The story blends sharp wit, heartfelt camaraderie, and a touch of romance, making it a compelling listen.

Confessions of a Grammar Queen is perfect for anyone who loves stories of strong women overcoming obstacles with intelligence and humor, and it serves as a timely reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further there’s to go.

I really enjoyed this book about Bernadette and her experience in the 1960's in the publishing world. This book gave me vibes of Lessons In Chemistry, which I really enjoyed. I listened to the audio version of this book and I really enjoyed it but did find the parts read in the voice of the dog Frank to be a bit unnecessary and took me out of the story. I don't think I would feel the same if I had read this versus listened to it. Although I loved Frank, I didn't find that his piece of the story was entirely necessary. All in all, I enjoyed this book and could see it easily turned into a TV series.

Bernadette Swift, a young copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, is determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry. But first she needs to take the next step up that ladder with a promotion that her boorish and sexist boss wants to thwart. Seeking a base of support, Bernadette joins a feminist women’s book club at the New York Public Library, and soon, she’s inspiring her fellow members to challenge the male gatekeepers and decades of ingrained sexism in their workplaces and pursue their personal and professional dreams.

I enjoyed all the vocabulary in this one. Believe me, with a copy editor as a main character, you learn a great deal!

I also enjoyed the premise of this story. I love ambition and Bernadette has it in spades. And trust me when I tell you she deals with a lot of discrimination and misogynistic issues. People can be so cruel.

But, I am in the minority on this one. To me, this book is a hot mess. There are quite a few historical inaccuracies…and trust me, I never catch these. But these are a bit obvious. (Barista…in the 60s?) I also found Bernadette to be very inconsistent with her reactions. One minute I am amazed at her strength and the next I am wanting to pinch her head off for not showing enough strength. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️.

I was also not a big fan of one of the narrators. She was a bit overly dramatic. However, there is a cute dog in this book. And he made the whole story. The narrator did fantastic for this furball!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

A feminist story including a dog’s point of view? I was sold immediately.

The themes - female friendship, workplace inequality, finding your voice are all powerful and gripping to read about. I appreciated how the story focuses on women supporting women.

That said, I found myself wishing the characters had more layers. Bernadette is admirable, but she often felt more like a symbol of empowerment than a real person with depth. Conflicts were usually resolved quickly, and everything seemed to unfold a little too smoothly. Everything almost too perfect, like - pre-processed. Even the romance, while sweet, lacked the complexity that would have made it feel more earned.

But still, I have to give 4 stars for the message and the topics alone.

This was a fun bit of historical fiction. I liked the main character. There was quite a lot going on. Side stories and other perspectives (the dog) were a bit much for me in some cases, and not very well fleshed out in others. That said, this was fun.

Set against the bustling backdrop of 1960s New York, Confessions of a Grammar Queen introduces readers to a determined young woman with her sights set high. Bernadette Swift is breaking barriers as the first female copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, with dreams of shattering the ultimate glass ceiling and becoming the industry's first female CEO. But ambition alone won’t cut it, especially not when she’s surrounded by immature colleagues and a condescending, sexist boss.

Looking for solidarity, Bernadette joins a feminist book club at the New York Public Library, where she not only finds community but begins galvanizing her fellow members to push back against the status quo in their own careers. As she navigates workplace sabotage, deflects her supervisor’s inappropriate advances, uplifts other women, and spends treasured moments with her clever dog Frank, she also can’t help but feel a growing spark with a certain editor who may just see her for who she truly is. And all this? It’s just the beginning of the week.

I found this book utterly charming. Bernadette, with her stylish headbands and sharp wit, completely won me over. Her brother’s deployment to Vietnam adds a layer of poignancy, especially as Frank, his mischievous and intelligent dog, now keeps Bernadette company. Frank is a standout character: from his habit of sneaking out the window and exploring the neighborhood while Bernadette’s at work, to his hilarious obsession with paper (he only tears up sheets labeled with a special “code” so he knows it’s allowed), he stole the show more than once.

The romance that slowly blossoms between Bernadette and Graham is sweet and believable, and I loved how the novel championed women's empowerment without ever becoming preachy. Bernadette is magnetic, ambitious, funny, and full of heart.

Told in alternating chapters from both Bernadette’s and Frank’s perspectives (yes, Frank gets a voice—and it’s a riot!), the story is full of warmth, humor, and heart. The audiobook narrator brought every character to life beautifully, especially Frank, whose perspective had me genuinely laughing out loud.

I can’t recommend this one enough. It’s empowering, funny, and full of heart. An absolute gem.

Thank you to NetGallye and Tantor for the advance ARC audio recording!

I've loved this peek behind the office doors at major publishing houses to see what things were like in general back in the 60s and especially what they were lie for women copy editors. Bernadette Swift is a character to root for despite the book feeling at time slightly too reliant on tropes, I mean every single thing that you might imagine happening to a woman in a men's professional world, really does that happen to our heroine. Despite that, the strong female friendships, the right suitor and partner for her when he does come along and the triumph over hardships really make for a great historical fiction.

For fans of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus or The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick.

Thank you Eliza Knight and Netgalley for this ALC.

First off, do not let the cover mislead you to think this is yet another chick-lit. It's not. If anything is a great historical fiction about a shy girl with determination for the right, then turn positive women movement. Bernadette not only is she standing up for herself very smartly in front of the ol' boys club, her tact and wording is like her name, Swift. The book showed how during that time, she had to stand up for herself for being treated unjustly, being treated unjustly by other women - even though they too are being treated unfairly. And the growth of how Bernadette feel passion enough to fight for what's right.

To be honest, I was surprised how much girl-power I feel about this book. Bernadette focus on the smart ways, the kind ways of working around the system. But she does work, which is the shine. But that said, I"m not going to lie, my favorite part are the chapters by Frank - the dog. He showed the domestic lives during that time, his point of view, and how he cared for Bernadette. How smart and wonderful this dog truly is.

THank you NetGalley & RBmedia for the audio ARC. I really enjoyed the narrators. Stina did the voices of the various male roles beautifully, has true distinction so you don't miss a beat. And Frank's voice, what can I say, he just made Frank that much more lovable.

This book had me ready to face another day in Corporate America with a red pencil in one hand and a feminist manifesto in the other. Oh, and a cute pink headband lol. 🙅🏽‍♀️✊🏽
Our girl Bernadette (the Grammar Queen herself) is out here fighting sexism, silencing haters, and correcting commas like her life depends on it (because sometimes… it does). She’s standing up to workplace harassment, pushing past glass ceilings, and doing it all while holding her own in a world that clearly wasn't ready for her brilliance. But guess what? She made 'em ready. Period. Full stop. No editing required.
The narration was absolute perfection! I was hanging on every word, and when her furbaby Frank made his adorable audio cameos my heart MELTED. 🐶💕
Also, there’s romance but make it empowering. Sis didn’t need love to thrive, she just happened to find it while thriving. So you know it’s real.
Eliza Knight wrote a heroine who isn’t just relatable, she’s a whole blueprint for showing up, speaking up, and knowing your worth. If you're looking for a smart, sassy, feminist-forward read with a side of puppy love and punctuation justice… this one’s for you.

I absolutely loved this book! Such an inspiring and captivating look women in publishing in the 1960’s, and the role of women in general during that time. And while it may feel at times as if little has changed on the equality front, stories like this remind us of how hard women have fought for the freedoms I have today. This book was also special as my Great Grandma was working her way up on publishing in Boston during that same time.

I absolutely loved Bernadette and Frank and Graham! Graham was wonderful! Eliza’s writing just captivated me from the very beginning and I loved the audiobook narration as well!