I adore Sara Goodman Confino's writing - this is a fantastic book! My first tendency is to say this is a beach read, but it really is more. I loved the story, I think the depiction of women in the 60’s is very accurate. Women having political knowledge was unnecessary, the men were to take care of “all that stuff.”

As far as the writing, the story was fast paced and characterizations were good. An easy read, but also a cultural lesson.

4.25 ⭐️. Sara Goodman Confino is easily becoming one of my favorite authors. I was so excited for this book after Don’t Forget to Write, and I was not disappointed! Being from the DC area myself, this particular novel was very entertaining and honestly, felt like a breath of fresh air.

After Beverly catches her husband at his office with his pants down behind his desk being 'assisted' by his secretary, she has an awakening and takes a stand making choices about her life and her role as a wife and mother that were not common in the 60's. I'm not typically a fan of historical fiction but I love stories about a woman's journey and subsequent empowerment and this is just that. Funny, heartwarming, charming, serious - it's got it all including an appearance from Jackie Kennedy. Another winner for #saragoodmanconfino

Thank you for the ARC! #netgalley #behindeverygoodman #lakeunionpublishing #saragoodmanconfino

Beverly Diamond for president!! Goodman Confino’s ability to create such a lovable and realistic protagonist is remarkable. This story wouldn’t have worked if readers weren’t able to root for Beverly so passionately. I fell head over heels for this historical fiction title and highly recommend it.

Okay, this book is everything! I honestly can’t get enough of her writing. Her stories pull you in from the start and don’t let go. Confino has this incredible way of capturing emotions and family dynamics in a way that feels so real.

Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino is classified as contemporary fiction, specifically falling under the genres of women’s fiction and literary fiction. The novel explores themes of relationships, personal identity, and societal expectations, focusing on the dynamics between a woman and her family as they navigate life. It blends emotional depth with real-world issues, making it relatable for readers interested in character-driven stories. She writes flawed, real characters who feel like people you could know in real life, which I absolutely love as a reader.

I first discovered Confino through a Facebook group I’m in, where everyone was raving about her, and honestly… they were spot on. Every book I’ve read by her has been a hit. Her storytelling is captivating, her characters are so well-developed, and the way she weaves themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery is just amazing.

Her books deserve WAY more attention— if you’re not reading Sara Goodman Confino, you’re seriously missing out. I highly recommend this one, and every other book she’s written.

Behind Every Good Man is a powerful and emotional exploration of love, sacrifice, and identity. Confino’s writing pulls you into the characters’ lives, making you reflect on the complexities of relationships.

Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino is a witty and empowering tale of a woman’s rise from personal betrayal to political success. When Beverly Diamond catches her husband in a compromising position, she channels her anger into helping a political underdog, Michael Landau, run for office. With sharp intelligence and determination, Beverly not only challenges her husband’s career but also begins to carve out her own path. This engaging, fast-paced story offers a smart and humorous take on second chances, women’s independence, and the 1960s political landscape, all while exploring the complexities of love, betrayal, and self-empowerment.

I absolutely loved the book Don't Forget to Write by this author and had hoped to love this book just as much. It took me awhile to finish this book. I put it down for awhile then picked it back up, determined to finish it, and I'm happy that I did. While it was slow to start, I appreciated that the author discusses the importance of women's rights, sisterhood, family, friendship, and the emotional support, love and hope that those qualities provide. I'm not a fan of book about politics but this author made the story entertaining by showing us the transformation of a sidelined wife to a powerful force in the political arena. It shined a light on the strength and resilience of women. I loved the sweet taste of personal victory this story brought to us!

🗳️ Ok, if you loved ‘Lessons In Chemistry’ you’ve got to pick up ‘Behind Every Good Man’ by @saraconfino. Thank you to @amazonpublishing for the free look at this. It’s out now! I finished this in the final hours of 2024 and it was such a fantastic way to wrap up my reading year.

🗳️ This book got swept up in the shuffle of my never ending TBR and I didn’t get to it before its pub day and then I just didn’t prioritize it— but just before the end of the year I wanted something light and fun and decided to try this and I’m so 👏🏼 glad 👏🏼 I 👏🏼 did! I loved it!

🗳️ This is all about female empowerment, challenging the status quo, and the transition of women into the workforce beyond secretaries in the 1960’s. It’s got a political flair with a message that unfortunately still resonates today. It’s also chock full of great characters who bring the sass which I LOVE. And if you’re read Confino’s previous novel ‘Don’t Forget to Write’ then you’ll recognize some of your old favorites!

🗳️ This is light and airy but at the same time, pretty darn powerful. It kept my attention from the first page and I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and can’t recommend it enough! Is this on your radar at all? Have you read it, or is it on your TBR? Thoughts?

Sara Goodman Confino can do no wrong! Behind Every Good Man is the third book of hers I've read and I loved it. The book had me in my feels, smiling, laughing, and not wanting it to end.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Oh my gosh, this book is such a treat! From the very first page, it had me hooked with its humor, heart, and ridiculously relatable moments. The main character is so lovable—flawed but fierce—and her journey feels so genuine. It’s one of those stories where you laugh out loud one minute and then get hit with all the feels the next.

The writing is sharp and witty, and the dialogue? Perfection. I couldn’t get enough of the clever banter and the way the relationships unfolded—especially the marriage dynamics, which are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. It’s such a refreshing and honest take on love, partnership, and all the messiness that comes with it.

If you’re looking for a fun, uplifting read that also sneaks in a few life lessons, this one’s a total winner. It’s like chatting with a good friend who just gets you. Seriously, don’t miss it!

I love a political book set in DC with a side of female empowerment. Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino is such a gem.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

Sara Goodman Confino brings her characteristic wit to 1960s Washington, DC with this delightful novel about a wronged wife who uses her political savvy to navigate her way to a new life.

Like many women of the era, Beverly Diamond is a devoted mother and wife who rises every morning at 4:59 am to see her campaign manager husband, Larry, off to work and help him become the best he can be--until the day she delivers cookies to Larry's office and finds him in a compromising position with his secretary. Bev has two choices: pretend it never happened, or find a way to gain her independence and get even with her philandering husband at the same time.

The daughter of an influential retired senator, Bev is well-versed in playing the political game and maneuvering among Washington's elite. She uses her charm and intelligence to become the de facto campaign manager for the underdog candidate in the upcoming senatorial race, Michael Landau, which puts her toe to toe with her estranged husband Larry, who manages the incumbent senator's campaign. It's a battle of the wits and sheer grit as Bev transforms Michael's shoestring, grassroots campaign into a powerful machine.

But as tensions rise and the stakes intensify, Bev is forced to reckon with her burgeoning feelings for Michael--and what those feelings might cost her.

A lighthearted and inspiring novel that accurately portrays 1960s gender inequities as well as social and political matters of the day--from civil rights to antisemitism, but never belabors the issues or becomes preachy. Highly recommend!

Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino was an absolute delight from start to finish. Set in 1962, the novel follows Beverly Diamond, a devoted housewife whose world is upended when she discovers her husband, Larry, in a compromising position with his secretary. Rather than succumbing to despair, Beverly takes charge of her destiny in a time when women’s options were limited.

Determined to assert her independence, Beverly becomes the campaign manager for Michael Landau, the underdog opponent running against the incumbent senator—who happens to be Larry’s candidate. Her political savvy and sheer determination breathe new life into Michael’s campaign, challenging societal norms and her own preconceived notions about her capabilities. The dynamic between Beverly and Michael is both professional and personal, adding depth to the narrative as they navigate the complexities of the political arena and their evolving relationship.

Confino’s writing is sharp, witty, and infused with humor, making Beverly’s journey both inspiring and entertaining. The novel offers a vivid portrayal of the early 1960s, highlighting the challenges women faced in a male-dominated society and the burgeoning feminist movement. Beverly’s character is richly developed, embodying resilience, intelligence, and a pioneering spirit that resonates with readers.

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

Behind Every Good Man delivers the perfect mix of humor, heart, and female empowerment. It is feel-good historical fiction that sheds light on what life was like in the 1960s, and the limited choices women had at the time. This book perfectly highlights the precarious nature of women economically, socially and within marriage.

I'd heard a lot of good things about Sara Goodman Confino's books before jumping into this one, so I had high hopes. I'm happy to say that this book lived up to my expectations - it was charming and funny and thoughtful. And as a woman of a certain age - it's very evocative of the good and the bad of the early 60s. I loved the characters, Beverly was a wonderful main character - bright and funny and so wasted on her dim bulb of a husband. The women shine here, smart and beginning to realize that it's time to shake things up in the "man's world" that is the early 60s. Don't skip the author's notes at the end, where she talks about the real-life women that inspired some of the characters in the book. Can't wait to dive into more of Confino's books - the bar is set high but I'm guessing that won't be a problem.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

*Behind Every Good Man* offers a deeply moving exploration of relationships, masculinity, and personal growth. The writing is honest, relatable, and packed with meaningful insights, shedding light on the importance of giving and receiving support. It’s a thought-provoking book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a powerful and heartfelt story!"

This was such a fun book, and I thought the female lead character was an absolute gem! I love a good strong female, and she had me cracking up throughout the book too.

The story is set in 1962 and I really enjoyed the historical and political aspect of it, especially while we were in the midst of campagin season. While I did enjoy the lead female character and her strong personality, I did also find myself wondering if woman in the 60s really were this outspoken or not though.

Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino is a book I found to be incredibly interesting and uplifting. Beverly Diamond really showed she had gumption and made some awesome lemonade from the sour lemons she was dealt. I loved how she didn't let the terrible situation her husband put her in get her down, she fought through and showed that making a success of yourself is true victory. This is my fourth book by SGC and she's been a consistently delight of an author to read. Her characters have depth, great backstory, and the "Easter eggs" in each book make the stories all that much more fun.

👉🏻 For my friends who want feel-good, fast-moving, female-empowerment historical fiction.

I love Sara’s writing, and she outdid herself with this one, hitting the gas on page one and not letting up until her satisfying ending. As one of our book club remarked, “That’s how I read it, too! I couldn’t put it down.”

Beverly's life goes off the rails after a typical morning (waking an hour before her husband so she can be fully showered, dressed, and made up before putting his perfect breakfast on the table). She catches her husband cheating on her, kicks him out, and after a series of failed attempts to earn money, takes the lead on her hubby’s political rival’s campaign for Senate.

The book is full of characters to root for, especially “not going to take it anymore” Beverly, her spunky mother, and her wildly capable best friend. It’s also one of those rare books you can love and then pass on to your 17-year-old daughter or 84-year-old mother confidently.