When I got this ARC I was so pleased to have a book by Ellen Feldman to savor on July 4th, but here I am writing this review on July 3rd. I made the mistake of looking at the book and I could not put it down until I finished it! Such a lovely novel and so timely now.

It is the story of Fanny Fabricant who triumphs during a period when everything was stacked against her. “Poor Fanny” lost her husband after he returned from WW II, and left her with a six year old to raise. With the support of her remarkable Aunt Rose, she manages to rebuild her life and become a success as a writer.

Fanny managed to meet men, as well. But, Fanny was ahead of her times and made many brave choices, and became a truly independent woman. I’m so tempted to go into more details, but I want every reader to enjoy the book as I did. I must admit to visualizing a cast for this story when it becomes a film or miniseries. (Okay, Luke Kirby should be Charlie!)

Feldman did her research about the social and political climate of America was during the 1950’s. I must admit to loving the connection to the HUAC and McCarthyism. Obviously, I loved this novel and I can’t wait to share it with book groups. It really has a place in a woman’s studies seminar since it will lead to many fascinating discussions about the roles of wives, mothers and career women.

Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful novel. I highly recommend it and predict it will enthrall many readers.

Thank you to netGalley and St Martin's Griffin for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review.

The book is written during a period after WWII. The main character is Fanny Fabricant, who has a proper up bringing and even went to college and studied English. However, life doesn't always go according to plan. Fanny finds herself a widow and has a girl named Chloe.

Fanny starts to work as a secretary to the Queen radio of soap operas, Alice. Charles Berlin works there as well, and writes the script for the radio program serials. However, politics at place blacklist him.

Fanny is not alone and has friends and family Mimi, also a widow, marries Howard, with daughter Belle, provides advice and Chloe has a close friend. There is Rose, who is always there to provide the proper guidance. Charles likes Fanny but friends tell her be careful..

Fanny, starts getting her life together and starts to move up in the job. She meets a doctor and goes on a date.But starts working closer to Charles.

Fanny is faced with many decisions as she moves forward. The question is does she do as expected, or does she build a life she wants according to her heart.

I found this an excellent book. It moves quickly and you can follow the story. I enjoyed it, so give it a read!I