BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN is my first Sara Confino book, but it won’t be my last.

After catching her husband in flagrante with his secretary, Beverly responds with the perfect form of revenge. She joins Michael Landau’s senatorial campaign. And she is a scholar at leading a political campaign, having been raised by a political-minded father and then helping to place her cheater husband in office. Beverly is sharp, witty, and determined. Michael’s poll numbers surge, lifting him above his opponent whose campaign is run by Beverly’s soon-to-be ex. Isn’t that a sweet turn of events? But nothing happens easily, so pay attention as the exchange of power shifts back and forth.

Beverly is a strong leading character, but her mother Millie made the story for me. Both women are strong-willed and sharp-tongued, and one need not underestimate either of them. For those who want a behind the curtain peak at politics, this is an accurate appraisal. But the strong underlying theme is how strong women can have an effect on the political culture. This book has it all: historical significance, a view of the social norm of the time, and some Jewish culture, all served with a side dish of laughter.

Sara Goodman Confino is the queen of writing smart and witty women who you root for the entire way through their stories.
In Behind Every Good Man, it’s 1962 in DC and we meet Beverly, whose world is flipped upside down when she catches her husband Larry in a compromising position with this secretary. She decides that she deserves better and kicks him out, but when he threatens to sell the house underneath them, she decides she’d rather make her own money. Using her own political savvy and motivated by the idea of financial security and revenge, she gets a job working for Michael Landau, who is running for Senate. The kicker? Larry works for Michael Landau’s opponent.
Beverly blossoms in her new role, although she struggles to find balance as a newly working mother of two young children. She finds strength and ability she didn’t know she was capable of, and love in unexpected places.
With an intriguing, fast paced plot, snappy dialogue, and wonderfully likable (and unlikeable!) characters, this book was a delight from start to finish. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a dash of romance and political intrigue.

After Beverly Diamond finds her husband in a compromising situation with his Secretary, she joins the campaign for her husband’s bosses political opponent. Separation in the 1960’s is not easy though.. and either is being a woman in politics.

Another hit by Mrs. Confino! I know I’m in for a treat every time I pick up one of her books. Beverly is a powerful character; funny, strong, and could be my new best friend. The time period is perfectly written and I can tell a lot of research went into it. I usually find fiction about politics boring, but this was far from it. Extra bonus points for taking place in my area - Montgomery County, MD.

“.. behind every good man is an even better woman.”

Behind Every Good Man comes out 8/6.

This novel is a great mix of historical fiction, drama, and romance. From the start the main character will draw you in and have you waiting to see what happens next. A true feel good story of feminism and finding yourself.

An absolute delight. Beverly Gelman Diamond is my hero.

Both the plot and the characters made this book for me. Bev standing up on her own two feet after walking in on her husband with his secretary?! Inspirational. But then you add that this was happening in the 1960s when women couldn't own property, take out credit cards, etc... the social commentary was so on point but done so subtly and with finesse.

Really loved the political backdrop and Bev's relationship with her mother. (Frankly, I thought her mother was a riot.) Also really enjoyed the romance aspect, but it was a genius move that it took the backseat to Bev's arc.

Confino delivered another must-read.

This was a captivating read overall but it unfortunately just wasn’t for me. I’d recommend to anyone seeking a read focused around women with a good dose of family drama.

Beverly Diamond is the quintessential 1960s housewife. Rising before her husband to get herself, their kids, and his breakfast ready, she is the definition of dedication. Then one day, Beverly decides to visit her husband, Larry, at his job in DC only to find her philandering spouse in the act. But while Beverly has always been devoted, she’s also no shrinking violet. Now with the tables turned, she’s no longer just a wonderful housewife, but a woman scorned.

That’s how Beverly comes to do the unthinkable in 1962- ask for a divorce. She knows the whisperings and hardship that comes along with such a decision, but she’ll be damned if she takes Larry back. But she doesn’t stop there. Larry works as a campaign manager for Maryland’s incumbent senatorial candidate, and growing up in a political family, Beverly has picked up a thing or two about politics. Armed with this knowledge and a need to carve out her own career, Beverly approaches the other candidate, Michael Landau, offering her services.

While at first her decision to support Landau comes from a place of revenge, the more she works with Michael, the more she begins to believe together they can really make a difference. Oh and it doesn’t hurt that he’s not bad to look at either. 😉 But as the campaign progresses, so do their feelings. Can Beverly prove that a modern day woman can really have it all, even if it means risking what she currently has in the process?

Well, Sara Goodman Confino has done it again, folks. Although I still need to read her first few titles, with this and her previous release, Don’t Forget to Write, she’s quickly carving out a historical fiction niche full of both humor and heart. Also, just like in her previous release, the supporting characters are just as memorable. In Behind Every Good Man we see a lesser, yet just as important focus on Beverly’s bossy mother, a force to be reckoned with in her own right. And although this book is set in the 60s, its political pulse still seems relevant all these years later- making this book both relatable and an unfortunate reminder of all the women’s work yet to be done.

If you enjoyed Don’t Forget to Write, don’t sleep on Behind Every Good Man. And if you didn’t read either book yet, what are you waiting for???

I found it very difficult to stay involved in the plot or be sympathetic to the characters- the writing style was not for me.

It’s 1960s Washington DC and Bev is married to Larry, the campaign manager of the incumbent senator and daughter of the retired senator and has always tried to be the perfect political wife, until she discovers him cheating with his secretary. After kicking him out Bev realizes she needs a job; realizing she has all the political savvy that Larry has, if not more, she walks into the underdog candidate's office and offers up her services. Now the two rival campaign managers are fighting both on the political field and in divorce court and things are about to get ugly. But Bev has a secret weapon - she knows that women are a great demographic that men have been ignoring for far too long, and this is the 1960s and it's time for women to be the powerful electorate that they deserve to be!

This was like Mrs. Maisel goes to Washington! How had I not read one of her books before?!? This was just a joy to read, it was funny and fun and exhibited the humor that Sara had on the call and I just adored it! I loved the Jewish representation, the optimism about politics (which we can all use right now), the feminism, the close family and the family drama (because every family has drama!). This is a fun historical novel with great characters. I cannot wait to read all of her other novels!

4.25 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for the ARC to review

Thank you to @netgalley for the advance copy.

This book takes place in the early 1960’s. Beverly is a model stay at home mom while her husband is a campaign manager for a Senate candidate.
One morning, she stops by to bring cookies to the office and walks in on her husband and his secretary. She throws him out, and to get even with him, she goes and begins working for the opposition as a campaign manager.
This was a quick read and very enjoyable!

Behind Every Good Man was my first Sara Goodman Confino book and I will be reading all of her books! I loved Beverly the strong female main character for her strength and tenacity. I loved the premise and how Sara weaved the story in and out of her professional and personal life.

Thank you Net Galley, Sara Goodman Confino and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to preview this book that will be available Aug. 6, 2024. The options expressed are my own.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5

This may be an unpopular opinion but I don’t love so-called “feminist” books. I actually dislike most books (esp lit fic) books that feel like I’m being preached at from a so-called feminist view. Being “told” how I should think or feel because I’m a woman, is something that grates on my nerves.

And that runs into my reading choices.

I am a woman. But I’m also an educated woman who doesn’t really need political feminist views in my books. Maybe others love it. But I don’t.

And that’s what I’m stating publicly before I review this book which is a genre blend of historical fiction, feminist rom com….

And for me.. it was perfection.

I stated how I normally shy from books that synopsis state as feminist ones but I trust in @sara that her books are equally fun, light hearted and spoken without pressure about what I should be thinking or feeling.

It’s got historical facts, women from history in politics, romance, women in families and women in work. Can I also say how refreshing it is to read a book that doesn’t trash a woman wanting to raise her kids and equally lifting a woman who is fully in the workplace.

This book isn’t “just” a feminist historical fiction. It is rom com lightness with a dash of romance and family dynamics all while taking in a political backdrop. I read it in one sitting, both smiling and laughing. Honestly, a breath of fresh air from me.

Wow. This book is phenomenal. I was blown away by the reminders of everything women have fought for so valiantly to make the lives of future generations better and how far we still have to go. Small victories add up to big wins and the wheels of time turn slowly, but they do turn. I loved Beverly and her relationship with her mother. You could really see the generational differences in some of the things they fought about, but also the love of a mother and the many sacrifices mothers will make for their children. I adored the camaraderie Bev found in her job despite a rough start and the way she just kept going for what she wanted. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the amazing Helen Laser, and it is a fantastic way to read this incredible story.

This was a whirlwind read for me! The first by Sara Goodman Confino.

Beverly is a privileged wife who puts her husband before all else - until she has a rude awakening that turns her life upside down. As she starts looking for purpose beyond being a homemaker, she quickly finds that her exposure to politics as a daughter of a congressman gives her a voice she can amplify.

I loved that while fictional, several of the characters were based on real individuals in the early 1960s. Honestly it was more progressive than I realized, and this novel brought it to life. It also resonated with the tenuous election cycle coming... that we all have a say in what matters.

Multidimensional characters, family drama, politics, love gone awry... highly recommend this!

Thank you to Netgalley and to Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.

This book was a delight. Set in the 1960s, Beverly is a character who readers will be rooting for. Instead of retreating when faced with adversity, Bev fights back.
When her marriage is ending, Bev finds herself looking for a job. She talks her way into working on a senate campaign for the candidate that is running against the candidate her soon to be ex-husband works for.
Being a working mom in this time period was not easy and Bev faces many obstacles. Bev’s strength in the face of a challenge is admirable. This story highlights the struggles women faced during this era, but also the impact one determined woman can make. The characters were so well written, from Bev’s parents to her best friend and her campaign co-workers.
If you read “Don’t Forget to Write” there is also a delightful cameo from Marilyn! Another must-read story from Sara Goodman Confino.

Sara's books get better with each other. I didn't think she could told her others, but she did with Behind Every Good Man.

I love Beverly. She is one of my favorite FMC I've read. She finds her husband cheating on her and instead of letting it break her, she decides to do what she can to stick it to him. She is hilarious, strong, brave, determined, a good mother, a good friend, a good daughter and a hard worker. She took care of everyone but herself through the book which is relatable to most wives and mothers. She's everything I want to be when I grow up, and I'm older than she was in the book.

Michael was just an upstanding man. He's what every woman wants. He was a good hearted man trying to make a difference in his state and country. I just loved Michael and how he was one of the only people to really listen to Beverly and take her advice. He was the sweetest.

And of course, Sara always kills it with her side characters. Mille, I really enjoyed her and her one liners, advice and at the end but I won't spoil that for you! Nancy, she's the best friend you'd want on your side always! I loved her and her attitude. She reminded me of Ada and Evelyn!

This book was just so good, Sara's best yet and I cannot wait for more!

Make sure you either read or listen to it when it releases on 8/6! 🇺🇸

An endearing, uplifting and entertaining novel. Set in Maryland in the early 1960s when life and relationships were entirely different than today. It’s a great reminder of the strides women have made in our society, including education, the workplace, politics, race and religion.
What an incredible cast of characters and I cried with Beverly. Wonderful book!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beverly Diamond has spent her entire marriage trying to be the perfect wife. So, she's in for a shock when she catches her husband Larry having an affair with his secretary. Logically, the only way Beverly can get back at him is by beating him at his own game - by becoming Michael Landau's campaign manager. Yes, the Michael Landau who's running against Sam Gibson, whose campaign is run by Larry. By convincing Michael to go modern, pay attention to women's issues (not very common in 1962!), and learn how to dress himself properly, Beverly can prove to Larry just how much he underestimated her, and make her own dreams come true in the process.

This was a fun one! I liked this a lot more than I thought I would, especially with the political setting in the background. Beverly was a strong main character, who wasn't afraid to stick up for herself and other women, which is something I always enjoy from this author. I didn't love the way the romance played out and it felt a little unnecessary at times, but there's no denying the chemistry between Beverly and Michael. Overall a very solid read, and I'm looking forward to reading what Sara Goodman Confino writes next!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

A totally fun smart read. I loved the time period and the attention to detail. It's one of the best political rom com's I've ever read.

"Behind Every Good Man" by Sara Goodman Confino is a captivating journey into the tumultuous world of 1960s politics and one woman's quest for empowerment. Set against the backdrop of a Maryland senatorial campaign, this novel is a thrilling blend of personal redemption and political intrigue.

Beverly Diamond’s transformation from betrayed suburban housewife to savvy political strategist is nothing short of inspiring. Caught in a heartbreaking situation, Beverly decides to take control of her destiny, proving that there’s more to her than meets the eye. Her journey is not just about revenge; it’s about rediscovering her worth and realizing her full potential in a male-dominated world.

Confino’s writing is sharp and evocative, transporting readers effortlessly to a time when societal norms were rigid and expectations for women were limiting. Beverly’s determination leaps off the page as she navigates the complexities of campaign strategy, challenges the status quo, and finds an unexpected ally in Michael Landau, the underdog candidate with whom she forms an unlikely partnership.

The dynamics between Beverly and Michael are electric, blending professional ambition with a simmering tension that adds depth to their collaboration. As they clash and cooperate in equal measure, their relationship evolves organically, offering a refreshing portrayal of a woman’s role in both politics and personal fulfillment.

"Behind Every Good Man" is more than just a tale of triumph over adversity; it’s a celebration of resilience, intelligence, and the indomitable spirit of women. Sara Goodman Confino has crafted a masterful story that resonates long after the final page is turned, making this novel a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of political drama, historical fiction, and empowering narratives. Five stars without question—a compelling and unforgettable journey of a woman who refuses to be underestimated.