Member Reviews

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy.

This was my first book by Confino but i look forward to many more.

Interesting and intelligent premise, inspiring and deep characters and witty banter. I greatly enjoyed it all as i followed Beverly on her journey from scorned housewife to empowered senatorial campaign manager. I loved this book focused on becoming all you want to be not necessarily all you are expected to be.

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Beverly Diamond is having a bad year. She finds her husband, Larry, has been cheating on her with his secretary. Instead of staying with him, like many women did back then, she gets even. Larry is running for senator of Maryland. Beverly decides to become the campaign manager for his rival, Michael Landau. Beverly has experience in this field, as her father was a congressman. What she lacks in an education, she makes up in grit and grace.

As the campaign goes on, she teaches Michael how to dress but also about modern issues like women and POC rights. As the two continue to work together, they realize they have chemistry.

The second half of the book read really fast for me, as a few secrets about her husband's campaign comes out and things take a turn.

I would recommend this for anyone who enjoyed the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or books set on the 1960s.

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In Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino, readers are swept into the tumultuous world of Beverly Diamond, a suburban wife facing a marital betrayal in the politically charged atmosphere of 1962. As she grapples with the shock of her husband's infidelity, Beverly transforms from a seemingly ordinary housewife into a force to be reckoned with, seizing control of her destiny by diving headfirst into the cutthroat world of political campaigns. With wit, determination, and a keen eye for opportunity, Beverly embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, challenging both societal expectations and her own limitations.

My experience with 'Behind Every Good Man' was a refreshing departure from my usual genre preferences. Sara Goodman Confino masterfully crafts a compelling narrative populated with well-rounded characters who feel remarkably authentic. Beverly Diamond's journey resonated deeply with me, as she navigated the complexities of love, ambition, and self-worth with courage and grace. This novel is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative potential of embracing one's true self, making it a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring read.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Sara Goodman Confino can do no wrong! I absolutely loved this book and am recommending it for my bookclub! Such a fun read!

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A wronged wife goes toe to toe with her cheating husband at the polls in this hilarious and heart-lifting novel. Sara Goodman Confino has done it again. Praise for the strong female characters in a time when woman’s rights were just beginning to emerge. Love the historical events mentioned and swooned over the appearance of beloved characters. Great read!

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I had a long travel day ahead of me earlier this week, so I knew I needed to start a great book to keep me sane. Behind Every Good Man was an excellent choice. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for early access in exchange for my honest opinion.
Sara Confino writes engaging historical fiction with strong female characters showcasing wit and humor. Taking place in 1962, Bev walks in on her husband and his secretary in a compromising position. Shocked by the event, Bev doesn’t let Larry, her husband, convince her it was just since the second child was born. Instead, she gets herself a job working on the Senate campaign for a young politician, who happens to be the rival of Larry’s employer. Having grown up with a Senator father, Bev knows what matters in the campaign, maybe more so that Michael, the candidate, and his campaign manager, Stuart. What follows is a mix of events, agendas, and a bit of romance. While the main focus of the book is politics, it doesn’t shy away from including issues of racism and anti-Semitism in addition to sexism, in historical context that can sadly still apply today. Although heavy topics, the tone of the book remains upbeat. I had tears in my eyes through the final chapters, loving the way it concluded.
If you’ve read Confino’s previous books, you will be excited by cameos from beloved characters. This is a standalone, but since it doesn’t come out until August, you have plenty of time to enjoy her writing in Don’t Forget to Write, She’s Up to No Good, and For the Love of Friends. I have been lucky enough to read early copies of all of these books and highly recommend them. Sara, thank you for another great read - the only problem with reading this one three months early is that I will have to wait even longer for your next book! I’ll be sure to remind you about this one closer to publication day, but you can preorder it now everywhere, and signed copies are available to preorder through Park Books in Maryland

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Beverly, mother of two young kids, and wife to Larry, who works for a senator tries very hard to keep everything perfect for Larry.... Until she walks into his office at work and catches him with his secretary. It's the early 1960's, but that doesn't stop Beverly from insisting on divorce and getting a job, as the new campaign manager for the guy running against Larry's boss. I loved Beverly and this is another great book by Sara Goodman Confino.

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This is my first exposure to this author, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I have already headed to Amazon to track down her previously published novels.

When Beverly Diamond surprises her husband in a stereotypical tryst with his young secretary, she decides she will create a life without the cheating louse – a bold step for 1962 when being a divorcee carries a huge stigma. Beverly has no job experience but has one skill set forged over a lifetime of living with her father, a well-respected Congressman who served for decades including as Speaker of the House. Beverly sets her sights on working for a young and upcoming politician; her primary motivation is to get this underdog elected in revenge for her husband’s infidelity and to humiliate him as the opposing candidate’s campaign manager.

I thoroughly enjoyed Beverly’s transition from unappreciated homemaker to savvy campaign strategist. Her character is supported by an equally well-developed group of characters – especially her mother, the underdog candidate, and his campaign manager. While the outcome is predictable, the journey to the conclusion is peppered with smart, witty dialogue and insightful commentary about politics and elections. Kudos to the author for an entertaining, well-paced novel with a refreshing focus.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

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I loved this book. I read it in one day. I don’t want to say very much but it was amazing to read about a strong female lead character.
5 stars plus

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Picture this: It's the 1960s and you just found out your husband was cheating on you with his secretary. You don't have an education or job experience but suddenly find yourself needing to take care of your children on your own. What do you do? This is what Beverly had to figure out when she caught her husband. She turned to what she knew best and worked really hard to turn her life around.

Sara did it AGAIN! I was immediately drawn into this story and did NOT want to put the book down. I was cheering for Beverly from the first page and was so proud of everything she accomplished.

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Despite a bit of a slow start, this turned into a fantastic read that I could not put down. Once again, the author has given us a very unique story in a 1960's setting. I loved the plot, the characters, and all of the twists and turns. The fact that it has a political backdrop during an election year made it even more relevant. This is my second book by Sara Confino and definitely not my last.

Thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

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Behind Every Good Man is my first read by Sara Goodman Confino, but it won't be my last! I truly enjoyed this book. Set in the 1960s, the details and dialogue felt like a peek back in time. Between her relationship with her parents and her worries about trying to balance home and work, Beverly is a character that I wanted to know better and cheered for the whole way through. I'm looking forward to reading Sara Goodman Confino's backlist and seeing what's next!

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This is my first Sara Goodman Confino book, but it definitely won’t be my last! Strong characters and an empowering storyline that makes you cheer for the women and underdogs in life. As the saying goes, Behind Every Good Man…

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Sara Goodman Corfino's "Behind Every Man" hooked me from the first chapter. The kick ass protagonist is relatable and inspiring. The book balances wit and depth perfectly, making it a total page-turner.

One of things I loved most was how the main character evolves throughout the book while staying true to herself. It was wonderful to watch the character grow without compromising her values.

The storyline was a refreshing change from the typical rom com formula. Instead of following the tired trope of an insecure woman finding confidence through a broody man, Corfino shows us a confident protagonist who slays from start to finish. It's a welcome deviation from the norm.

Behind Every Man is a must read for anyone craving a smart, funny, though provoking story with a feminist twist.

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this book was so good and i could not put down. i was laughing and it made me feel good. the cover is so pretty and goes with the story

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Sara masterfully crafts a narrative that captivates the reader from the very first page. Beverly, is a force to be reckoned with—a hardworking and determined woman who fearlessly takes on the challenges life throws her way.

Set against the backdrop of a political campaign, Beverly navigates the complexities of both her personal and professional life with unwavering determination. As a single mother raising two children, she embodies the essence of resilience, balancing the demands of parenthood with her aspirations for a better future and INDEPENDENCE.

What sets this book apart is its portrayal of a strong, independent woman who refuses to be confined by societal norms. Through Beverly's journey, the author sheds light on the struggles faced by women in positions of power, highlighting the importance of standing up for oneself and advocating for gender equality.

The character development in this novel is exceptional, with Beverly's growth and evolution serving as a testament to the power of perseverance. Readers will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way, cheering on her victories and empathizing with her setbacks.

Moreover, the book's exploration of themes such as feminism, leadership, and social justice adds depth and substance to the storyline, making it not only an engaging read but also a thought-provoking one.

Overall, "Beverly's Resolve" is a fantastic book that celebrates the strength and resilience of women. It is a compelling narrative that inspires and empowers, leaving a lasting impact on its readers. Whether you're a fan of political dramas or simply enjoy stories of triumph over adversity, this book is a must-read.

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I was thrilled with a chance to read “Behind Every Good Man,” because I love Sara Goodman Confino’s work. She is a master is creating lovable, intriguing main characters as often weaves in slices of history into her stories.

Here, Beverly refuses to stand by her man when she discovers Larry, her jerk of a husband, is cheating on her. Seeking to find a way to support herself and her two kids while getting back at Larry. Though we’re in the early sixties where few women work outside the home, Beverly finds herself as campaign manager for Michael Landau, who is running against Larry’s boss, the incumbent Senator.

Like many of the author’s characters, Beverly is determined heroine with a lot of heart as well as humor. I also appreciated the setting in the male-dominated area of D.C. politics. I loved the cameos from characters from Confino’s earlier works. I highly recommend this novel to Confino fans as well as readers looking for a plucky heroine who can laugh at herself but not take no for an answer.

Five stars for this empowering read. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a chance to enjoy this book.

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Okay, just like every Sara Goodman Confino book, 3% in and I was hooked. The opening scene of our heroine Beverly, the perfect mother and wife, making breakfast was relatable. Moms do it all.

Beverly finds her husband cheating and throws him out. In 1962 this was a huge deal. Bev’s mom also leaves her husband (a politician) and moves in to help Bev with the children because, again, moms do it all. Beverly begins working for the campaign running against her soon-to-be ex-husband’s campaign and makes changes to their strategy. She also appeals to women and brings out thousands of women to campaign events because moms do it all.

There is some romantic interest in the candidate for whom she works, but it took a back seat to Bev’s story of finding her independence and girl power.

And, with every Sara book, the end left me in crying, happy tears.

Did I squeal at cameos from other Sara characters? Yes. Did I sequel at all the MoCo references? Also yes.

This was my favorite read so far this year, especially with a heated Senate race here in MD. 🦀

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an eARC of this book.

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Sara Goodman Confino has been a name I have been hearing often lately (looking at you, Pelo Book Club!) but until this book had not read any of her work. When I got my hands on a copy of Behind Every Good Man I knew it was time to put every other book down and simply binge. And man, was it worth it.

After catching her husband with his secretary, Beverly is looking for revenge.. and a paycheck. She signs up to help Michael Landau’s senatorial campaign. Beverly comes from a political background (of men, of course) and uses her knowledge and wit to lead Michael’s campaign in a new direction - one that works to include those who are not powerful white men.

This book also had these short little popcorn chapters - love! It made the book so easily consumable. The dialogue was fast-paced, witty, and enjoyable. The characters were well-developed and interesting. The female leads grit shone through the pages, and it was a joy watching her determination knock down every obstacle (looking at you, Larry) in her way.

This book is filled with female empowerment, politics, and a hint of romance. I truly loved every thing about this book with no negatives.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

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This is the third book that I have read by Sara Goodman Confino and each book keeps getting better and better.

Beverly is a young, married, mother who finds her husband in a compromising position and then takes it upon herself to change her life. She is determined to make a life for herself outside of who she became in her marriage and uses her knowledge from growing up with a father in politics to do so. This book has a strong female main character in the 60s when it was so much harder for women to do anything on their own without a man. Confino's main characters are all strong women but I think Beverly will be my favorite (besides Aunt Ada- IYKYK) because she did what she had to do to make sure she could support herself and her children without a man helping her.

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