Member Reviews
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! 🇺🇸
I really enjoyed this book about an independent spirited and very motivated woman back in the early 1960s who worked hard to fight for her family in the miss of a divorce.
I really enjoyed this book about an independent spirited and very motivated woman back in the early 1960s who worked hard to fight for her family in the miss of an ugly divorce.
I connected with the characters and really thought it was a fun look at the dynamics of the early 1960s. I enjoyed the political background more than I thought I would.
I was a little bit disappointed by the ending because I felt like it was very cliché That she would end up with the guy and go back to being a Stay at Home Mom after she had worked so hard to break free of the ex-husband.
Overall thought this was a great read and will recommended to others.
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.
I have heard nothing but rave reviews for Sara Goodman Confino’s other books, so when I saw this book available, I knew I had to read it. WOW I was blown away. A perfect combo of women’s and historical fiction with a sprinkle of romance. It’s awesome to see this strong female lead take charge of her life and the opposing campaign to her cheating husband’s candidate.
Behind every good man is an even better woman.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this amazing book.
Beverly Diamond catches her husband, Larry (who runs the campaign for the current MD senator), in a compromising position with his secretary..so what does she do? What any daughter of a former congreman would do, get a job for the opponent.
Fantastic frun read! I love Sara Goodman Confino. Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy.
4.5 Cheaters Never Win
Beverly Diamond is a top-notch mother and wife. She’s just baked a batch of cookies to deliver to her husband’s office of hard-working aides for a Maryland senator. She should have called ahead because what she discovers changes her whole world. However, maybe it was the best thing to happen instead of being in the dark about how her husband spends his time at the office with his secretary.
I admire Beverly for kicking her cheating husband to the curb and fighting back. Of course, Larry wants her forgiveness and promises it won’t happen again. Beverly gets back in the best possible way by using her political skills to go to work for the competition. She learned it all growing up in a political family herself.
This one featured a lot of behind-the-scenes of how campaigns work, and I loved that part of the book. I rooted for Beverly to succeed with this campaign job and navigate a new world of divorce where she had to prove infidelity by getting someone to testify about it. What on earth?
Beverly is working for a candidate named Michael. I loved the banter between Beverly and Michael’s Campaign Manager. It was also fun seeing how Beverly helped shape Michael into a winning candidate, going after women and minority voters. Plenty of other great characters in this one, including Beverly’s mom, who moves in to help Beverly!
This was another winner from Sara Goodman Confino. I loved “Don’t Forget to Write,” and I now want to read her whole backlist!
Author Sara Goodman Confino writes another mashing hit with Behind Every Good Man featuring Beverly, a 1960s housewife who walks in on her cheating husband and finds herself a job in politics as revenge against her soon-to-be-ex-husband, Larry. I loved how well researched Confino's books are, how each character plays such a vital role in the storyline no matter how big or small a part, and the ease in which it is to read her writing. Time just passes and I become so engrossed in the book that I don't even think to come up for air. I thought the mother and daughter relationship between Beverly and Millie was a standout in the book, and I love how Confino weaves in characters from her other books in such a seamless way.
I could write for days on how much I loved this book, but I'd be writing for hours and frankly, I just think everyone should read it! Thank you Lake Union for the gifted ARC.
When Beverly finds her husband Larry in an unfavorable position with his secretary, what is a good housewife to do in 1962? Well, she decides to beat him publicly. Since Larry is the campaign manager for the incumbent Senator, Beverly decides to join the opposing campaign of underdog Michael Landau. As she gets Michael to appeal to the needs of women, she might just get the recognition she deserves. Beverly is a whip smart protagonist that I was rooting for the whole time.
Like all of Sara’s books, this novel is smart, heartfelt and hilarious. If you have not yet read any of Sara’s books, please run to do so asap! I promise you will love them! Of all the books I have read (and you know it’s a lot of them!) these are my most loved, the books I recommend most, and the ones I have bought multiple copies of for friends and family.
4-4.5 stars. If only modern political races were like the one in this book. Beverly Diamond did all the right things a wife was supposed to do and yet her husband still cheated on her. Thankfully Beverly is intolerant of Larry's infidelity and takes matters into her own hands. In the era of President John F. Kennedy, this historical fiction has a wit and charm about it that made it hard to put this book down because I was advocating so hard for Beverly. She's the kind of heroine we could all aspire to with her forward thinking, moxie and poise.
Not wanting to settle for being a stay at home mom, especially now that she may need a job to support her children, Beverly relies on her upbringing as a powerful senator's daughter to champion her cause as campaign manager for Michael Landau, who is running opposite of the senate candidate that her soon-to-be ex husband works for in the state of Maryland. What better way to prove herself by helping this underdog rise up to the occasion and secure more votes to win the election, in addition to making positive changes for the citizens in the state.
There are a lot of issues tackled in this story, including stereotypes of women, other religions and races and the perception of marriage. I loved how Beverly advised Michael in garnering more support, especially in the voting populations that previously received less focus. Beverly could single handedly run the whole show, but it truly does take a village and a team, and Beverly's mom Millie deserves credit, too. As for Michael, I appreciated his progressive thinking and open mindedness and if we had candidates like him now, it would be no contest. Sara Goodman Confino does not disappoint and is quickly becoming one of my auto-read authors.
Behind Every Good Man is part historical fiction/part romance. Set in the early 1960s, the main character, Beverly, finds out that her husband is cheating on her. Larry, her now estranged husband, is the campaign manager for the incumbent state senator. Beverly decides to join the underdog's campaign in part to seek revenge against Larry. There's a great mix of laughter, tears and heartfelt moments in this book. It tackles heavy topics, like women's rights and antisemitism, but there are plenty of lighthearted moments in there as well. If you loved Sara's other books, this one will not disappoint! Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of this book!
Set during the 1962 Maryland senatorial election, Behind Every Good Man was a heartwarming story that was hard to put down. Early on I feared it was going to be predictable, but I should know better with Sara Goodman Confino - there were plenty of twists I did not see coming. I just love how Sara writes confident, witty, inspirational woman that are so much fun to root for.
Be sure to read Don’t Forget to Write first or some major plot points will be spoiled.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
I think I can now officially say that Sara Goodman Confino is one of my favorite authors. If she writes it, I'll read it.
In Behind Every Good Man, we get everything we've come to expect and love from Sara's novels: a strong, witty female character set on knocking down gender barriers, a heartwarming familial relationship and joyful Jewish representation. But the novel's 1960s DC setting and the conflict of ex-spouses turned political rivals gives it a fresh and exciting spin.
Look no further for the perfect summer read. Fans of the TV show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel will especially love this one.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. Behind Every Good Man will be out 8/6.
Behind Every Good Man is an incredible read that takes place in 1962. It combines women's fiction and historical fiction.
The book focuses on a Maryland senatorial campaign. And it features amazing Jewish rep.
The main character is 27 year old Beverly Diamond. She is a wife and mother. Honestly I would not have thought that I would have loved a book taking place in this time period and focusing on politics. But somehow I could not put this book down. I loved absolutely everything about this book. It was just amazing.
The characters were so great. I was obsessed with Bev. But I also adored all of the supporting characters, especially Michael Landau (running for senator), Stuart (running his campaign), Nancy (Bev's best friend) and Mildred (Bev's mother).
The book has quick short chapters. And amazing cameos from some favorite characters from Don't Forget To Write. There is also some romance, which was perfection.
Overall, I just loved getting to see Beverly thrive. This was such a good book! I highly recommend it!
4.5 ⭐️ Behind every good man… is an even better woman! Sara Goodman Confino is my go-to for strong, sassy, independent FMCs, and Beverly was no exception! After catching her husband with his pants down (literally!), she seeks revenge in the best way she knows how— to stick it to him in the upcoming election. This book gave major Mrs. Maisel vibes, which I loved. Some of the election/political pieces resulted in my attention and investment dipping (perhaps due to my anxiety about the upcoming election?). Still, this was another stellar book from SGC with all of the girl power!
Sara Goodman Confino has quite the following of fans in a Facebook group that I belong to, so when this book became available as an option to read, I jumped at the chance. I found Behind Every Good Man to be an easy and enjoyable read. Sara writes with her voice and makes her characters relatable. I enjoy books that are based in the past, so I appreciated the 1962 timeframe of this story. If you are looking for something light, that has some history to it, and want to feel reminded about the power of women, please read this book!
Behind Every Good Man, is an even better Woman. (The secret to his success)
It’s 1962 and Beverly Diamond has decided to deliver fresh baked cookies 🍪 to her husband Larry at his office! But, when she opens his door- the surprise is on her! Larry has his pants around his ankles and his secretary is providing more than dictation. Oops!
What a cliché!
Larry may run the Maryland senatorial campaign for the incumbent candidate, Sam Gibson, but Beverly’s father had been a popular Congressman until he retired two years ago, so she grew up in the Political World.
And, she has some ideas of how his younger, underdog opponent can win.
So, she asks her Mom, Millie (a scene stealer!) to watch her two young children-planting them in front of the 📺 where “Captain Kangaroo” will keep them occupied, and sets out to get herself a job as the campaign manager for the opposition-Michael Landau.
REVENGE is a dish best served cold, but Beverly might just serve hers in a Corning Ware Cornflower casserole dish!
May the best man or WOMAN win!!
This FEEL-GOOD historical fiction read, is full of humor and 60’s nostalgia!
Though I have had my fill of today’s Politics, this was one candidate I could easily cast my vote for! 🗳️
Be sure to read the AUTHORS NOTE at the end of the book to learn who the REAL WOMEN were who inspired this book!
AVAILABLE August 6, 2024.
A buddy read with DeAnn so be sure to watch for her review!
Thank You to Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!