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Sara Goodman Confino
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She's Up to No Good: A Novel Kindle Edition

by Sara Goodman Confino (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 35,970 ratings

For two women generations apart, going home will change their lives in this funny, poignant, and life-affirming novel about family, secrets, and broken hearts by the author of For the Love of Friends.

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.

As the secrets and truths of Evelyn’s past unfold, Jenna discovers a new side of her grandmother, and of herself, that she never knew existed—and learns that the possibilities for healing can come at the most unexpected times in a woman’s life.

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  1. Print length
    395 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Lake Union Publishing
  4. Publication date
    August 1, 2022
  5. File size
    7.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. “I’m scared of things every day. But you have to make a choice: Do you let fear win, or do you go out there and look it in the eye and say, ‘You will not defeat me today’?”
    Highlighted by 1,032 Kindle readers
  2. “You can’t let it break you. Things don’t work out the way you want sometimes, but you have to keep going.”
    Highlighted by 850 Kindle readers
  3. “You can worry about the small stuff, or you can live your life. Papa believed in living.”
    Highlighted by 715 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“You can almost taste the lobster rolls and smell the warm salt air in Sara Goodman Confino’s latest, which will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page. When Jenna agrees to a road trip with her sassy grandmother, Evelyn, she never could have imagined how her life would change. Confino deftly weaves together two time periods to tell a charming and funny story of true love, second chances, and why we should always be open to new beginnings.” —Susie Orman Schnall, author of We Came Here to Shine

“A heartfelt and endearing story where generations of women do what women do best—keep one’s feet firmly planted while simultaneously moving forward with love.” —Ann Garvin, author of I Thought You Said This Would Work

“Brimming with voice and wit, Sara Goodman Confino’s She’s Up to No Good is as heartfelt as it is hilarious. This beautiful story sweeps you up in its magic and doesn’t let go—much like the vivacious main character, Evelyn, a feisty force of nature who teaches her granddaughter what it truly means to live and love without fear. Their adventures—and Evelyn’s tales—will have you laughing, crying, and cheering them on, and you’ll be transported to the setting of the charming seaside town of their family’s roots. This is a gem of a novel and a fantastic follow-up to Confino’s outstanding debut, For the Love of Friends.” —Elissa Grossell Dickey, author of The Speed of Light and Iris in the Dark

From the Publisher

If you are a reader who loves armchair travel, Sara Goodman Confino’s She’s Up to No Good has you covered. Not only will this charming, funny novel sweep you away to the present-day Massachusetts seaside amid the sweet salt air, but this dual-timeline gem will also transport you back in time to the 1950s on an incredible journey of first love and sisterhood.

When Jenna’s marriage falls apart and she agrees to accompany her grandmother Evelyn on a cross-country road trip, she doesn’t fully grasp what she’s signing up for. Evelyn is a firecracker, and she has vague ulterior motives for returning to the hometown of her youth, not the least of which is helping Jenna move on from her impending divorce. Over the course of this heartfelt novel, the mysteries of Evelyn’s past and her reasons for the road trip are slowly unraveled, and with each other’s support and a healthy dose of sunshine, the two women may just find the closure and healing they are both searching for.

Confino’s signature humor shines through in Evelyn’s mischievous nature, her sense of atmosphere envelops the reader like toes sinking into warm beach sand, and her penchant for romance unfolds with not one but two delightful love stories. She’s Up to No Good is, simply put, the ultimate summer read, perfect for fans of Jennifer Weiner and Emily Henry. I wholeheartedly invite you to take this trip to Hereford, MA, to discover its joy for yourself.

—Alicia Clancy, Editor

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09J8JSJL5
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (August 1, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 1, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 395 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 35,970 ratings

About the author

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Sara Goodman Confino

Sara Goodman Confino

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Sara Goodman Confino is the bestselling author of five novels: Don’t Forget to Write, Behind Every Good Man, She’s Up to No Good, For the Love of Friends, and the upcoming Good Grief. After spending more years than she’s willing to publicly admit teaching high school English and journalism, she is currently writing full time and trying to make a living off of the crazy stories in her head. She lives in Montgomery County, Maryland with her husband, two sons, two miniature schnauzers, and a goldfish that seems to be vying for the world record of longest living fish. When she’s not writing or frantically parenting, she can be found on the Peloton, at the beach, or at a Bruce Springsteen concert, sometimes even dancing onstage.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
35,970 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this novel for its great story and cross-generational character development, particularly appreciating the sassy grandma character and the grandmother-granddaughter moments. The book provides a hearty laugh with its humor, and customers find it easy to read with no bad language. They appreciate how the narrative alternates between past and present, creating an emotional roller coaster that makes them cry.

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1,049 customers mention "Story quality"1,040 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, finding it really satisfying and fun to read, with one customer noting it works well as a great start-of-summer read.

"...Easy to read, easy to follow, and a fun and comforting story about moving on." Read more

"...But she was more cautious. Her story was nice, but I'll admit it didn't standout, other than me wanting to hire Joe (the great-nephew) as a..." Read more

"Lighthearted, funny and absorbing. A lighthearted and sweet book with real, quirky, yet well rounder characters. I always welcomed the time flip...." Read more

"...The characters are strong and the story leaves you holding your breath as you process the final turn of events. This book will stay with you!..." Read more

376 customers mention "Character development"360 positive16 negative

Customers enjoy the character development in the book, particularly appreciating the sassy grandma character and the cross-generational approach.

"I started this book in the audio version and quickly fell in-love with the characters...." Read more

"...He came alive for me and was such a believable character...." Read more

"...A lighthearted and sweet book with real, quirky, yet well rounder characters. I always welcomed the time flip...." Read more

"...This book is very complex, yet so simple. The characters are strong and the story leaves you holding your breath as you process the final turn of..." Read more

303 customers mention "Humor"298 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, finding it lighthearted with many funny moments that make them chuckle.

"...I loved learning about Evelyn. The romances were a bit basic, bit sweet and old-fashioned...." Read more

"Lighthearted, funny and absorbing. A lighthearted and sweet book with real, quirky, yet well rounder characters. I always welcomed the time flip...." Read more

"...Evelyn is a hoot and a half. Wild as a teenager and hilarious as a senior, she tries to set Jenna up with the grandnephew of her teenage..." Read more

"...In unexpected ways told with great warmth and humor, the darker times of the past yield a bittersweet and loving future for both Evelyn and Jenna." Read more

300 customers mention "Love story"296 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the love story in the book, describing it as a heartwarming tale of family and lasting love.

"...She was mischievous, charming and stubborn. The romance with Tony was sweet, but fairly standard as far as parents wouldn't approve forbidden love..." Read more

"...It is about love so pure that one is willing to push away the love of their life because that sacrifice is what seems, and apparently is, best for..." Read more

"...Beautiful little love story of forbidden love..and all the little twists and turns." Read more

"...The Grandmother was a great character. True love never dies, even if you move forward. Everyone always has that one true love." Read more

230 customers mention "Writing quality"230 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is clean, easy to read, and free of bad language, with one customer describing it as a real page turner.

"...Easy to read, easy to follow, and a fun and comforting story about moving on." Read more

"...This book is very complex, yet so simple...." Read more

"...went back and forth between past and present it was endearing and an easy read. I recommend it" Read more

"This book was not life changing but it was a good easy read. Kind of a slow start but toward the middle/end had me wanting more" Read more

212 customers mention "Heartfelt story"187 positive25 negative

Customers appreciate the heartfelt story of the book, which is mixed with deep emotions and love stories that make readers cry.

"...I always welcomed the time flip. It was poignant, insightful and bitter sweet...." Read more

"...is amazing that one book can take you on a journey with such a wide range of emotions,...." Read more

"Made me laugh & cry, so many twists & turns. I never wanted to put it down. A true love story!" Read more

"...The story, the families, the situations- it all felt real to me...." Read more

164 customers mention "Storytelling"164 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, which follows the history of three generations through alternating chapters between present time and the past.

"...The dual timeline makes it intriguing to go between present day and past. You are following the love story of Jenna and her grandmother, Evelyn...." Read more

"...I always welcomed the time flip. It was poignant, insightful and bitter sweet...." Read more

"I really enjoyed the stuory it went back and forth between past and present it was endearing and an easy read. I recommend it" Read more

"...Alternating chapters, the author takes us back in time where we fall in love with Evelyn and her big family, where we experience her heartbreak and..." Read more

130 customers mention "Grandmother romance"124 positive6 negative

Customers love the grandmother-granddaughter relationship in the book, particularly the spunky and entertaining grandmother character.

"...I loved learning about Evelyn. The romances were a bit basic, bit sweet and old-fashioned...." Read more

"...This book flows quickly through the lives of a bold, outspoken grandmother and her somewhat timid granddaughter, and is a testimonial as to how past..." Read more

"...I loved all the characters but the grandmother was my favorite. You never know what people live through and her story seemed so beleiveable." Read more

"...Great story told as seen by a very wise old lady." Read more

A Fun Read!
4 out of 5 stars
A Fun Read!
“Life is complicated and messy for everyone. It took me a long time to learn that lesson.” What is a lesson you wish you had learned earlier? This was such a fun read! When 34-year-old Jenna is surprised by her husband’s request for a divorce, she spends the next 6 months wallowing in her childhood bedroom at her parents’ house. Finally, desperate to get away from her mother’s constant urging to go out, she agrees to drive her grandmother, Evelyn, to the old family home in Massachusetts to take care of ‘family business’. As the road-trip begins, Evelyn surprises Jenna with a tale about Tony, a man she was involved with in a forbidden romance before she got married. When Jenna and her grandmother arrive in Massachusetts, they are greeted by Joe, who happens to be Tony’s grand-nephew. Joe is tasked with entertaining Jenna while Evelyn is busy. Jenna experiences life in a beautiful seaside town and learns some lessons about love, loss, and sacrifice. This one is told through two viewpoints (Jenna and Evelyn) and two timelines (1950 and the present). Everyone should have a grandmother like Evelyn! Past the age where she cares what people think, she says and does some eccentric things! My favorite quote from Evelyn: “I should have thrown my drink in his face. Let that be a lesson to you. You get so few opportunities in life to throw a drink. Take them.” Jenna is a little hesitant to trust and be happy at first, but she gradually experiences healing through the fresh ocean air, friendship, and love. She comes to the realization that she had not been happy in her marriage for awhile. “And I had spoken up, said what I wanted, and made it happen. It had been a long time since I was whole enough to do that.” Read this if you enjoy stories about life that come full circle. My sincere thanks to @saraconfino @amazonpublishing @getredprbooks @letstalkbookspromo for my advanced digital copy. My thoughts are my own.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Batel Miller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Secrets Unveiled: Read This Heartfelt Tale of Love, Loss, and Redemption
    Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I started this book in the audio version and quickly fell in-love with the characters. The dual timeline makes it intriguing to go between present day and past. You are following the love story of Jenna and her grandmother, Evelyn. Jenna lives a picture-perfect life, or so she thinks, until one day her husband says he is living her for another woman. Her world comes crumbling down, she is forced to move back home, and figure out what her next steps will be.

    Seeing her misfortune and the spiral that Jenna is undergoing, Evelyn coaxes Jenna to drive her back to her original hometown, apart from that we don’t know must else.

    Evelyn has a secret plan for Jenna, which is slowly revealed throughout the book. She meets a young man, who is an artist/photographer, and the connection slowly builds. I love the male characters that Sara writes in her books, because they are always so real, they are “walking green-flags”, the small things he does to uncover the layers of mistrust and misguidance that Jenna has built around her, will have you falling in-love with this duo.

    At the same time, we are driven back in time to Evelyn’s childhood, where she falls in love with two different men, and the heart-breaking journey that she goes through because of her background, Jewish, and times. When Evelyn falls for a non-Jewish boy, she is faced with the ultimatum to choose between the family she loves and her soulmate.

    This book was my favorite by Sara Goodman Confino and I highly recommend it for all the hopeless romantics out there.

    Read this book if:
    - You love older MMC and MFC (everyone is over 30)
    - You like historical fiction
    - You love strong female characters
    - Golden-retriever MMC
    - Stranger-to-lovers stories

    This was a 5/5 for me and probably any book by Sara will be a 5 star for me. Easy to read, easy to follow, and a fun and comforting story about moving on.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Samantha Slack
    4.0 out of 5 stars Forbidden Love- Past, Renewed Faith in Love- Present
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Jenna agrees to drive her grandmother back to her hometown for reasons unknown. Along the way she learns the story of Evelyn's first love, Tony. A man she was forbidden to marry because he wasn't Jewish. Jenna is still coming down from her recent divorce but she finds herself captivated by Evelyn's story, the hometown and Tony's great-nephew. But what is it that brought Evelyn back? Told in two PoVs- past as Evelyn and present as Jenna.

    This was Evelyn's story. She stole the show, just as captivating as she wanted you to believe. She was mischievous, charming and stubborn. The romance with Tony was sweet, but fairly standard as far as parents wouldn't approve forbidden love. However, she made her storyline stand out because of her charm and pluck.

    Jenna was also sassy like her grandmother- once she relaxed. You could see it slowly coming out in her. But she was more cautious. Her story was nice, but I'll admit it didn't standout, other than me wanting to hire Joe (the great-nephew) as a photographer! The town tour days were fun and I wanted to be traveling with them.

    I loved learning about Evelyn. The romances were a bit basic, bit sweet and old-fashioned. I think one of my favorite things was the introduction of Evelyn's future husband and how he came into the story and was added. He came alive for me and was such a believable character. The way he added himself to her life even knowing Tony was her love made you want to have a conversation with him because he was confident enough in himself to keep at it and go for what he wanted and accept each situation. I wish he had more space in the book because he was who made me the most curious. I also wanted more of Vivie, Evelyn's youngest sister. But wanting even more of side characters is a good sign in a book for me.

    Thank-you so much, Get Red PR, for my advanced copy of the book. I enjoyed it so much!
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Bonnie Ermalinski
    5.0 out of 5 stars a good read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Lighthearted, funny and absorbing. A lighthearted and sweet book with real, quirky, yet well rounder characters. I always welcomed the time flip. It was poignant, insightful and bitter sweet. While lighthearted it was never trite and the author never insulted our intelligence.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Complicated, but simple!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    It is amazing that one book can take you on a journey with such a wide range of emotions,. This book flows quickly through the lives of a bold, outspoken grandmother and her somewhat timid granddaughter, and is a testimonial as to how past generations influence the present ones. It is about growing up and about the tough love of parents. It is about love so pure that one is willing to push away the love of their life because that sacrifice is what seems, and apparently is, best for them. It is about lives lived fully but that are not quite complete. It is about the strength of family, especially in Jewish homes.It is about timing, and how if love is meant to be, then it will be. This book is very complex, yet so simple. The characters are strong and the story leaves you holding your breath as you process the final turn of events. This book will stay with you! Wonderful read!
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Retired and loving it
    4.0 out of 5 stars Didn't put it down
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was a First Read book that I am so happy I choose. I loved all the characters but the grandmother was my favorite. You never know what people live through and her story seemed so beleiveable.
    Helpful
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  • suzhaus
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this story. Loved the characters, was aggravated at a few of them..shed a few tears laughed at Evelyn boldness and antics and loved the ending. Beautiful little love story of forbidden love..and all the little twists and turns.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lighthearted and heartwarming
    Reviewed in Canada on September 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The characters are enchanting and fun, and you know someone just like them. Such an enjoyable read, I had a smile on my face through most of the book.
    Report
  • Maria da Graca
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!
    Reviewed in Brazil on June 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    So rich and deep, so many lives with all complexities and suffering they all contain.
    One person with gumption and love enough to stir all others around her. Beautiful lifetime and life lessons! Loved it!
    Report
  • T.P. Down Under
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in Australia on February 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    First I read this book and then I bought the audio and listened to it.
    The narration was absolutely perfect and the storyline brilliant, funny and romantic.
    A GREAT BOOK
    Report
  • Mrs Llo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and sentimental
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I often read murder mystery books, some of which can be quite gruesome. Every now and then, to sooth my soul , I like to read something a little more gentle. This was the perfect book for that. It was predictable but I didn't mind that. I loved the way the story travelled back to the past and back again. I loved all the characters,especially Evelyn. It's a perfect easy read about lost love and families.
    Report
  • Tanya N
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in Australia on October 30, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The narrative weaves two distinct storylines: one belonging to Evelyn, recounted through flashbacks, which portrays a forbidden romance unfolding within the embrace of a large and affectionate 1950s Jewish family, while the other revolves around Jenna's experiences in the present day. Evelyn's story exemplifies the timeless saying that the path of true love is never without its challenges.

    Goodman Confino introduces the reader to a fantastic array of characters, with Evelyn taking the spotlight. We first encounter her as a somewhat manipulative octogenarian, yet we soon learn that in her late teens, she was a strong-willed and determined daughter who was accustomed to having her way, firmly rooted in her self-confidence and free from self-doubt.

    The focus of her teenage affection, Tony, reveals himself to be a young man of integrity and wisdom. His heartfelt conversation with Evelyn's father, Joseph, is profoundly moving, and it's not the only moment in the story that might bring tears to the eyes and a lump to the throat, so be sure to have tissues at the ready. The banter between Evelyn and her prospective spouse, as well as between Jenna and Joe, is highly entertaining, as are many of Evelyn's escapades. This is an exceedingly enjoyable romantic read.
    Report

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