Behind Every Good Man - by Sara Goodman Confino (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A wronged wife goes toe to toe with her cheating husband at the polls in this hilarious and heart-lifting novel by the bestselling author of Don't Forget to Write.

It's a doozy of a bad day for Beverly Diamond when she catches her husband, Larry, in a compromising position with his secretary. What's a DC suburban wife to do with a soon-to-be ex, two young kids, and no degree or financial support in 1962? Beat the louse at his own game, that's what.

Larry runs the Maryland senatorial campaign for the incumbent candidate projected to win against his younger underdog opponent, Michael Landau. But Beverly has the pluck, political savvy, and sheer drive to push Landau's campaign in a successful new direction, even if he already has a campaign manager who is less than pleased she has inserted herself into the race.

Now it's rival against rival. She and Michael do make a great team...maybe in more ways than one. But with the election heating up, she needs to focus on one thing at a time. If Bev can convince Michael to go modern, pay attention to women's issues, and learn how to dress himself properly, maybe she can show Larry exactly how much he has underestimated her their entire marriage--and make her own dreams come true in the process.

Review Quotes

"[A] delightful cast of well-rounded secondary characters and sprinkled with a dash of romance, the novel shows the power of blazing one's own trail, even against frightening odds. Readers who love strong female leads won't want to miss this one. Highly recommended." --Historical Novels Review, Editors' Choice

"Politics and passion make for a heady combination in Sara Goodman Confino's new rom-com, Behind Every Good Man. Revenge, empowerment, and, of course, romance converge with ease, and readers will cheer for Beverly as she engineers the political campaign of her philandering husband's handsome rival. Run, do not walk, to sip and savor this smart-yet-funny cocktail of a novel, the style of which is rapidly becoming Confino's signature drink." --Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of Code Name Sapphire

"Behind Every Good Man is the political rom-com we need! A smart and funny novel that blends female empowerment, humor, motherhood and brilliant political strategizing. Beverly should run political campaigns today! At a time when women were not prominent in politics, Beverly deftly handles a cheating husband, two young children and a fledgling campaign. Propulsive plot and nuanced characters are clearly Confino's trademarks." --Jo Piazza, bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance

"Author Sara Goodman Confino has established herself as a major voice in humorous historical women's fiction. Her work has all the charm of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel--and twice the wit. But with Behind Every Good Man, Confino takes her craft to new heights. Though rife with her signature humor, the novel has a serious undertone that illustrates how few rights women had in the early 1960s. Behind Every Good Man is a rollicking fun political novel that exemplifies the best of the genre. Not to be missed!" --Aimie K. Runyan, bestselling author of The School for German Brides and The Memory of Lavender and Sage

"In the 1960s, there were probably many women who dreamed of escaping their marriages and finding truer passions, but Beverly Diamond actually has the guts to try it. Behind Every Good Man is the story of one woman's journey toward the power she didn't know she had. Told in an upbeat, lighthearted, and thoroughly engaging prose, this story will hook you from page one. Confino writes with humor and insight as she shows Beverly navigating unexpected circumstances and figuring out how to outsmart one obstacle after another. Behind Every Good Man is just the kind of feel-good read we all need right now. Another triumph from Confino that you most assuredly will not want to miss!" --Jacqueline Friedland, USA Today bestselling author of He Gets That from Me

"Confino has done it again! Though we take a step back in time, we step right into Bev's life and what it means to be an empowered woman...no matter where you're from, what your circumstances are, or how idiotic your husband is. The message? Women always prevail. With sharply written prose that makes you laugh, cry, and root for our heroine, Confino has created a charming, empowering masterpiece. A read for everyone." --Rea Frey, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Don't Forget Me and The Other Year

"If Midge Maisel gave up comedy for politics, she'd be Beverly Diamond in Behind Every Good Man. Sara Goodman Confino's fourth book is another winner: smart, sharp, funny, and feminist. What a fun ride!" --Meredith Schorr, author of Someone Just Like You

"Behind every good book...is well, a terrific writer. Sara Goodman Confino does it again with her latest, Behind Every Good Man. It's got all the inside Washington DC goodies...political hubby caught with his pants down and his scorned wife (our fabulous protagonist) is not going to take the betrayal lightly. Instead, she is going to beat the cheater at his own game, with some tricks of her own. Beverly Diamond goes for the gold--a woman ahead of her time, she takes on her husband and Capitol Hill with her own savvy political maneuvers, and in the process lands the winning punch. Confino's page-turner is full of laughs, feminine mystique, endearing characters, Jewish-isms, and lotsa heart." --Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire

"The votes and been counted and the results are in...when it comes to writing novels with the perfect blend of humor, romance, and strong female characters you root so hard for you get goosebumps, Sara Goodman Confino is the clear winner. Behind Every Good Man, her latest gem, is a lighthearted, feel-good story with a healthy serving of romance and a powerful message of female empowerment. Bev is an irresistible, Midge Maisel-like heroine who perfectly captures the hopeful spirit of America in the early 1960s, when the burgeoning Civil and Women's rights movements began to give a voice to the unheard. Bev's transformation from perfect housewife into deft political strategist, all while balancing motherhood, a collapsing marriage and lots of family drama, is a master class in how to be a strong, confident, loveable, and vulnerably human woman. With a quick wit, a page-turning plot, and broad and likable cast of characters, this is one of those books that you'll read in one sitting and then wish you could pick up and start again immediately. Spend a few delightful hours with Bev, and you'll be sure to never underestimate a woman again." --Samantha Greene Woodruff, bestselling author of The Lobotomist's Wife

"Bold, empowering, and deliciously entertaining...Behind Every Good Man is a fierce tale about women reclaiming their power in the halls of power. I absolutely loved it!" --Jean Meltzer, international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball

"Set in the 1960s with a clever plot, quick pacing, and a cast of whip smart, witty women with a no-nonsense female lead, Behind Every Good Man, is wickedly funny and easily devoured. Not to be underestimated, politically savvy Beverly Diamond is a heroine to cheer for as she serves up a healthy dose of revenge to her no-good, womanizing husband. An empowering, hilarious must-read written by Sara Goodman Confino, who is quickly becoming the queen of feminist fiction." --Annie Cathryn, multi-award-winning author of The Friendship Breakup

"Behind Every Good Man is the most satisfying story of personal reinvention imaginable. I absolutely loved it!" --Annabel Monaghan, USA Today bestselling author of Summer Romance