Book Blurb:
She’s Up to No Good by Sara Goodman Confino: Four years into her marriage, Jenna is blindsided when her husband asks for a divorce. With time on her hands and her life in flux, she agrees to accompany her eccentric grandmother Evelyn on a road trip to the seaside Massachusetts town where much of their family history was shaped. When they hit the road, Evelyn spins the tale of the star-crossed teenage romance that captured her heart more than seventy years ago and changed the course of her life. She insists the return to her hometown isn’t about that at all—no matter how much she talks about Tony, her unforgettable and forbidden first love. Upon arrival, Jenna meets Tony’s attentive great-nephew Joe. The new friendship and fresh ocean air give her the confidence and distance she needs to begin putting the pain of a broken marriage behind her.
My Review: 4.5 stars
She’s Up to No Good by Sara Goodman Confino was a multigenerational story that made me laugh out loud and happy cry tears for the sheer goodness of family. I know this author teaches creative writing, and I’m certain, her students are benefiting from her tutelage.
Although the humor, Jewish representation and storyline were great, it was Confino’s skill at characterization that really blew me away. Her use of nuance and quiet clues about the characters allowed the reader to really get inside their heads. I loved both Jenna and Evelyn, however Evelyn was probably the most relatable. Whether it’s an aunt, grandmother or sibling, everyone has probably run into an “Evelyn” in their time. Deeply loyal to those she loves, hardworking and an absolute hoot.
Romance, second chances, family and the choices we make in the name of love were seamlessly woven together in this heartwarming and fun read. I’m looking forward to see what’s next from this author.
Quotes I liked:
It was like Instagram. You post all the good stuff and don’t let anyone see that it’s held together with tape and safety pins and not really anything special at all.
“You can worry about the small stuff, or you can live your life.”
“She wished that she had found the words to explain to Vivie that it was possible to love two different people in entirely different ways without one being more or less than the other.”
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