This was a fun read. I love historical fiction about the decade before I was born. We meet Maggie, who becomes a television personality, hosting a show for housewives about cooking, which is ironic since she is not your classic American Housewife and doesn't really cook. She is married to a man who is supportive of her not being the stay-at-home wife and on the surface, everything seems ideal. However, it was normal to have a morals clause and there is a secret from Maggie's past that threatens her livelihood and her marriage. While I feel like there could have been a little more depth to the book, it was revelatory of the time period and it was engaging. I also felt like I wanted to have a better sense of Maggie than I did. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read.
Thanks to NetGalley and to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this novel.

A cozy novel set in the 1950s..I enjoyed the whole book but it was quite slow, and repetitive.

thanks lake union and netgalley. all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

“There was no point in trying to explain her feelings, Teddy wouldn’t understand. How could he? He might be in love with her and want her to be happy, but he was a man.” - i love when the first sentence hooks me!

This was a quick read. Set in the 50's, cozy, low stakes.
i read it in one or two sittings.

I enjoyed Dolly's story. It shows the expectations for women to be a certain way. As an actress, Dolly was under pressure and in her personal life she put pressure on herself to be someone she wasn't. Her and Maggie's friendship was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The author did a great job of really setting the scenes for this book. There are so many references to stars, products, and pop culture! the nostalgia was a great touch.

At first, I thought this book had so much potential, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The beginning introduced a flood of characters, but without many memorable moments, they felt difficult to connect with.

I initially enjoyed the flashbacks to the protagonist’s past life—they added depth and intrigue. However, as the story progressed, the narrative became clunky, especially with the third-person perspective, which made it harder to stay engaged. And then came the gaslighting at the end, which left a sour note.

On the bright side, the book was short, making it a quick and easy read. But overall, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

What a unique reading experience. If you like Lessons in Chemistry, you’re going to love this. I cannot wait to get my hands on a shelf trophy!

Set in New York City in the 1950s, American Housewife is about hopes and dreams, secrets, societal and gender roles, love, wealth, and fame.

Newlyweds Maggie and Teddy naturally experience their joys and sorrows. In an age when many women don't pursue their dreams, Maggie becomes the host of Maggie Lane Baking Show on television. She must sign a morality clause which she does reluctantly as she has a secret past. America wants someone squeaky clean to look up to. Though she personally doesn't bake at home, she instructs millions of housewives how to do so. Even more importantly, she reads some of their letters on the air and offers advice on various topics. Meanwhile, her paycheck grows and the couple's lifestyle changes. It turns out Maggie isn't the only one who has secrets.

This era is fascinating to read and learn about. I especially liked the food and other historical descriptions which added authentic flair, enabling me to envision scenes. Characters are realistically flawed. Maggie frequently gave in too easily which is frustrating but typical of the time. There are a few unnecessary brief spicy mentions I did not care for. However, I am sufficiently intrigued to explore this author's back catalogue.

Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Anita Abriel for the opportunity to read and review American Housewife.
I love the 1950’s New York setting - great descriptions of clothing, food and buildings of New York along with what it takes to be successful during this time period.
The Maggie Lane Show reminds me of Julia Child and her difficulties as a woman trying her hardest to please everyone. The main conflict seems to be communication and honesty. The story is quite repetitive with the secrets of the past. Not much really happens; only should have would have and could have.
Most of the characters are fully developed but many, especially the devious ones, seem only to show their flaws. This would make a TV show, the visuals would be outstanding but just as a novel it fell a bit flat for me. I was hoping for more intense conflict with twists and turns but there was just more of the same until all the puzzle pieces fit too nicely together.

American Housewife by Anita Abriel is set in 1950’s New York. We meet Maggie, a radio personality who just got a big break and is now thrust into the new, exciting world of television. Maggie hosts ‘The Maggie Lane Baking Show’, and viewers everywhere are falling in love with her girl next door persona. Of course, not everything is as it seems and her past soon threatens her future as an old lover makes an unexpected return.

I have so many great things to say about this book but I think my favourite part was just how engaging it was from start to finish. I connected with every word on every page, my attention not once waning, which is a remarkable achievement especially since due to the nature of this book I did not expect this.

Maggie was such a likeable and relatable protagonist, even though this is set 75 years ago, and you truly come to understand the struggles she faces as a woman living during this time. As a reader I became very frustrated for Maggie as Abriel really shows the inner turmoil and the back and forth that happens in Maggies thoughts. You get a clear idea about what it was like back then trying to make sense of what is ‘right’ and still trying to allow yourself your own freedom, desires, hopes and dreams.

I was particularly fond of how the flashbacks were done, with an almost ominous feel, I had no idea what would come to fruition and it almost gave these scenes a bit of a thriller element which was quite exciting! A beautiful, cosy, insightful read, I really enjoyed this! I would love to see an adaptation one day.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my ARC.

I loved "American Housewife". The way it jumped between Maggie's life as a 1950s TV star and her past was so clever and kept me hooked. I couldn't wait to see how it all connected. The 1950s setting felt so real and nostalgic, and the writing was easy to get into. The ending felt a little rushed, but it didn't bother me too much. Overall, it was a really enjoyable, gripping read with a great mix of hope and reflection.

American Housewife is a quick and interesting story about a young lady making her exciting career aspirations come true in New York City. There is love, loss, romance, drama, cultural conflicts, and jealousy which all keep the story moving forward.. The major twist of the book is extended from the beginning to the end which drags it down a bit but still good for a fast, entertaining read. .

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

The star of the Maggie Lane Baking Show can't cook. She's newly married herself and suddenly she's advising the women of 1950s America, hoping that the skeletons in her closet won't be revealed as her fame grows. I really enjoyed this novel, which provides a quick glimse into a time gone by. I found myself looking up some details that didn't sound right (and discovering that they were accurate.) There's lots of attention given to the furniture and food and fashions, but if you're looking for details about the early days of television you won't find many.

A well-paced novel that takes a look at celebrity and the necessity of lies and the toll they take. Entertaining.

Maggie in American Housewife feels like someone most women can relate to. A beautiful show of the mess that is life.

This book is a quick read, easily done in one day. Similar vibes to Lessons in Chemistry and other 1950s set books. Loved the different timeline writing style and Maggie was my favorite character

I enjoyed this book. It always amazes, and enrages me that there was (and I guess still) such a percieved notion that a women's only job is to take care of the house and kids and that if the women is actually more 'successfull' than the husband, all hell breaks lose. even if the husband says he is ok with it.

Easy read. Good character development. 3.5 stars

I did just read this on the backswing of Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus so I felt that the concept was very similar. Smart women. Tv Show. So that may have influenced my read of it.

3.5 🌟

A light and easy read, very sweet and very cozy. I loved the 1950s New York setting, and I thought the author did an excellent job of setting the stage just right and immersing us in that time period. Conflicts are easily resolved and nothing is ever incredibly dire - it wasn't exactly my cup of tea but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

New York City, 1950. Dreams come true for radio personality Maggie Lane when she gets her big break in the exciting new world of television. The Maggie Lane Baking Show is on the air.

All she has to do is act like the ideal housewife, create sumptuous desserts, charm the show’s sponsors, and sign a morality clause to ensure that her girl-next-door image remains untarnished. Although newlywed Maggie has never baked so much as a cookie, and knows even less about maintaining a home, keeping up appearances is a necessary ingredient for success. Easy. She has a supportive husband and a legion of fans who can’t wait to know her better and better, week after week.

That’s what she’s afraid of. Off camera, cracks are showing in her marriage, an old lover makes an unexpected return, and there are secrets from the past that could ruin everything Maggie has worked for. With every dream on the line, Maggie wonders if she can still have it all when the truth about what it really means to be an American housewife comes to light.

Loved it. Will recommend to others

American Housewife touches on so many small and poignant pieces of history for Americans comng out of WWII. I loved Maggie Lane and wanted to spend more time with her, especially as she tried to reconcile her own life and ambition with the persona she embodied on TV.

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this sweet, cozy read set in 1950s New York. It was very readable, just a bit slow for my tastes given the low stakes and the dreaded lack of communication trope which, you know, resolved everything as soon as the secrets came out.

The main characters felt a little bland as well. The letters between Maggie and her audience were actually my favourite parts of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read an eARC copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Anita Abriel for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I was very fortunate to have read this book, and while I find it extremely lovely it certainly had its flaws. This is one of three books I have recently read set in the backdrops of the World War era, and it's very entertaining to see how different people tell the stories.

① Plot and writing - Following our protagonist, Maggie Lane, the host of the Maggie Lane Baking Show, we're thrust into the world of daytime television. But problems are brewing at home, with her boyfriend- now husband - Teddy, who suffers from night sweats and is hiding something about his past from Maggie, the only problem is Maggie has secrets of her own.

The writing was entertaining, especially with the switching between two timelines. It was very seamless and somewhat predictable, but very enjoyable.

② Characters - All the characters were so interesting and being able to flesh out distinctive characters in less than 300 pages, especially for modern books is amazing. I loved Maggie, Dolly, Alan and even Teddy, despite his flaws. The side stories of Maggie's listeners and Dolly were so entertaining.

Maggie is very sceptical, and as you read along you'll discover why. She's also smart and hardworking and deserves everything she has. She is not perfect and makes missteps but that's what makes her likeable. Her genuine concern and love for everyone around her, especially Teddy is heartwarming.

Despite Teddy being closed off and sometimes having a mean streak it's clear he cares about Maggie he just doesn't know how to express himself properly.

③ Conclusion - This was a three-half star read for me. I enjoyed it but I wish there was more to it, the main conflict was resolved in a chapter and a simple conversation and truthfully that's all it takes sometimes but the secret was made to be bigger than it actually was. But I would definitely recommend this to anyone who's looking for a quick easy, sometimes heartwarming read.


Reading Progress