The Women's Rights era-set Confessions of a Grammar Queen isn't the first place my mind goes when I hear "historical fiction," but it should be. Bernadette Swift is a plucky, competent, and inspiring heroine who remains determined to shatter the publishing glass ceiling despite inferior men trying to keep her down. This feminist manifesto explores topics that are (unfortunately, still) so very relevant today, and it was a delight to read. The inclusion of Frank's POV was, in a word, perfection. The narration for this book was just as crisp and witty as the characters, and I highly recommend giving the audiobook a listen!

Thank you to Tantor Audio for gifting me with an ALC to review. All opinions are my own.

I love reading about strong woman that don’t let themselves be brought down by men that are misogynistic and think that that females are only good for taking care of the house hold.

In this story Bernie shows us just how she does it on her journey to become the first female CEO in NYC im the publishing industry.
Hearing the POV of Frank, her dog I think was the cuteees thing eveeeer. The narrator captured the spirit of the dog so perfectly!

This gave me big Lessons in Chemistry vibes, but in the world of publishing. As a woman in the 1960s, Bernadette long for change and has a lot of ambition. She’s a young copyeditor in a male dominated office (and field) who longs to someday be CEO. Unfortunately, she must deal with a rude, sexist boss for any chance at going up the ladder. She soon joins a feminist book club where she gets advice and inspiration to fight back, not just for herself but for equality for all women in the workplace. And when not working, she has the support of her trusty pup Frank, who we even get the occasional perspective chapters from.
I loved this book and could definitely see if the author took inspiration from Lessons In Chemistry (much of the same scenarios and timing, not to mention narrative from the main character’s dog at times, similar to Six Thirty in LIC), but enjoyed the spin Knight took. Felt empowered while reading!
Thank you to RBmedia for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book, historical fiction/women’s fiction. I love the time era, how women cope, how they stand up for themselves and gain independence in a world that’s built for men. Bernadette is an inspiration, an icon. Her drive to be seen and heard, and given equal rights is beyond impressive. She supports women. She starts a movement that has many tears but starts new friendships, relationships and work promotions. She has to suffer bullying in the workplace, sexual advances and being taunted by her male colleagues but she rises above it all. And beside her is her very large adorable,very clever and very loyal dog Frank - who BY THE WAY - has his own narrator in the book. Absolutely brilliant, funny and a proper New York accent, I loved that. It took the edge off the seriousness of it all. Both narrators were great. Fantastic book, an easy 5 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fantastic! This story had it all – an intriguing and accomplished main character (who is a grammar queen but without the annoying need to always be right, even when she is), a compelling and fascinating plot with a focus into editing in the 70s and women’s rights on the whole, and a cute, huge dog! The story centers around editing and working in the publishing industry and really dives deep into Bernadette’s everyday work, including how women were treated in the workforce at the time, always assumed to be secretaries and assistants, but also creates a nice balance with her concern about her brother in Vietnam and her blossoming romance with another staff member. I loved everything about this story and can’t wait to read more by this author.

With thanks to NetGalley & Tantor Audio for this ELC in return for this honest review with the fun colourful cover it gives the impression of being a humour packed book which it does provide but you get more than that with this book.

Bernadette is working in an era where it is a male dominated environment meaning she has to work extra hard to push herself forward and continue to do so to get to where she wants to better her career and life. It soon becomes more than just her career when she takes on board more women who she has bonded with through her book club.

It definitely wasn’t an easy task for her having a boss who made it difficult being a bit of a misogynist and another colleague who simply was downright jealous of Bernadette so I won’t comment on the overall outcome but safe to say she always had her long standing companion in her beloved frank…. Who says dog is a man’s best friend well in this case it’s woman’s best friend 🐶

Well narrated easy listen and flowed well with an absolutely loveable doggy as well as great characters!

Overall I enjoyed this. But two things really pulled me out of it. First, the use of modern phrases like “hulk out” and “default parent” in a book set in the 1960s felt totally out of place—especially strange in a story that references etymology. Second, the chapters narrated by the dog were just… baffling. They added nothing to the story, felt cartoonish, and clashed with the rest of the book’s tone. Likely would’ve been 4 stars without those chapters. Still, a unique read with a lot of charm.

If you love a witty, empowering story sprinkled with plenty of bookish charm, Confessions of a Grammar Queen is your next must-read! Bernadette Swift is like the superhero of the publishing world—armed with her copyediting skills and a fierce determination to shatter glass ceilings. She's got her sights set on becoming the first female CEO in the industry, but first, she has to navigate the treacherous waters of a sexist boss, jealous coworkers, and her own self-doubt. What makes this book a real delight is Bernadette’s hilarious and relatable journey as she joins a feminist book club at the NY Public Library. Not only does she rally her fellow members to challenge outdated workplace norms, but she also manages to keep her sense of humor intact while doing it. The supporting cast of women—each with their own quirks and dreams—adds a lively, heartwarming touch. Eliza Knight masterfully blends humor, heart, and a dash of romance (hello, charismatic editor!) to create a story that’s both inspiring and downright fun. Whether you're laughing at Bernadette’s snappy comebacks or cheering her on as she fights for equality, this book hits all the right notes. A fantastic mix of empowerment, wit, and a touch of romance—what’s not to love? Four stars!

as much as I don’t read much historical fiction, if any at all I decided to give this a go and have a very open mind about it.

I listened to this on audiobook however the MMC narrator was so bad I couldn’t get past it. I wasn’t a huge fan of this, the plot and story line was there but it wasn’t something that interest me if anything.

This wasn’t the best read unfortunately despite me keeping an open mind on it.

What’s that old saying? Oh yes, never judge a book by its cover, I was expecting a quirky little chick lit novel (which, of course there’s absolutely nothing wrong with) but Confessions Of A Grammar Queen provided so much more. Set in the 1960’s Bernadette Swift has landed a job as a copy editor at Lennox and Park Publishing. She is a master of her craft but is overlooked and ridiculed by her boss Mr. Wall and the majority of the men around her, and some of the women. Bernadette has a sharp mind a sharp wit and a dogged determination not to be pushed aside, along with her book club friends she’s about to start a revolution.

Frank the Great Dane has his own chapters and they are adorable. If you don’t love him I’ll be shocked.

This is an absolute win, I loved every minute, and it’s screaming to be made into a movie.

4.5 shiny stars ✨

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Huge thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

I LOVED this book so so much! Honestly I'm so grateful to have discovered this audiobook--I have not heard a word about it prior to publication. It is somehow fun and frothy but also deadly serious. Based on three powerhouse women who have shaped the publishing industry, Bernadette Swift fights her way up the ladder blocked by men blinded by insecurities, misogyny and tradition. She and her friends explore the feminist writings of the era and work together to discover their places in a shifting world. As a lover of feminism and the written word, I enjoyed the references to everyone from Wollstonecraft to Austen, Friedan to Kinsey. The cultural references slay--I wasn't born until 1070, but (for example) my mother's favorite perfume was Estes Lauder Youth Dew--the appearances of details like these evoked such nostalgia. And there is still a wonderful romance--and that really is the full swing of the pendulum, isn't it? We don't have to give up romance . . . men can love women who love themselves . . . friendship and personal growth can still be recognized. Women are lovers and fighters and mothers and friends and bosses and colleagues and neighbors and all elements in between. My smallest quibble was that I didn't love the parts with the dog speaking--maybe too much similarity to another formula--and just not needed in my view. But those chapters are short and few and don't diminish from the wonder from the rest. I believe they are there to keep it on the lighter side. Also they should have a bouffant and not a bob on the cover LOL. Highly recommend. Fantastic audiobook. Thank you to RB Media, Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the advanced copy and the opportunity to share my review.

Set in 1960s New York, Confessions of a Grammar Queen follows Bernadette Swift, an unmarried woman on the verge of thirty who works as a copyeditor at a major publishing house. When workplace sexism threatens to stall her career, she finds strength and support through a women’s book club, where conversations spark personal and professional change.

I had the pleasure of listening to this one on audiobook ahead of its release, and it was truly delightful. Give me a story with a talking dog and I’m in! Frank, Bernadette’s sweet Great Dane, shares his own perspective in alternating chapters. His audiobook voice gave off more of a shifty, street-smart terrier vibe than a gentle giant, but honestly, it worked and gave the story even more charm.

This is a feel-good read, one that ties things up with a satisfying bow. Sure, we know the progress of women’s rights didn’t move quite this quickly in real life, but I don’t fault the story for that. It’s exactly the kind of warm and hopeful escape I enjoy between heavier reads.

What I really appreciated was how Bernadette’s choices were treated as valid and unremarkable within the story, even though we know how unconventional they would’ve been for the time. The book also celebrates how different women make different choices and still find purpose and belonging in society.

It’s thoughtful, lighthearted, and quietly empowering. I definitely recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.