Confessions of a Grammar Queen

by Eliza Knight

There are no female publishing CEOs in 1960's New York. And that is exactly what savvy, ambitious Bernadette Swift plans to change.

Bernadette Swift, a young copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, is determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry. But first she needs to take the next step up that ladder with a promotion that her boorish and sexist boss wants to thwart. Seeking a base of support, Bernadette joins a feminist women's book club at the New York Public Library, and soon, she's inspiring her fellow members to challenge the male gatekeepers and decades of ingrained sexism in their workplaces and pursue their personal and professional dreams.

And that is precisely what Bernedette does on a daily keeps her eye on the prize—equality for women in the workplace, and a promotion—while fending off the ire of her boss and the sabotaging efforts of a jealous coworker. With the support of her book club buddies and a certain charismatic editor at Lenox & Park who has completely fallen for her, maybe, just maybe, Bernadette will prove able to claim victory for herself and the young women coming after her.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Books About Books

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2025

About the author

Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast. Eliza also writes contemporary women's fiction as Michelle Brandon.

While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.

CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN out now! LOST IN THE SUMMER OF '69 out June 9, 2026!

For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com

If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...

To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction

Reviews

[Kate Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whip-smart Bernadette Swift has brains, style, and ambition to burn, determined to work her way up the 1960s New York literary scene from first female copyeditor in her office to first female CEO of a publishing house. On her side she's got an army of friends in her feminist book club, a handsome senior editor paying court, and a devoted Great Dane named Frank—but with a spiteful boss and an army of snickering co-workers determined to see a woman fail at any cost, will Bernadette ever be able to crack that glass ceiling? CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN is just a delight from start to finish.

[Katherine Reay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read this early.... What fun! Here's what I wrote...

A compelling story of breaking down walls, the power of words, strength in determination, the primacy of friendship, and, last but not least, the love and devotion of a Great Dane who will steal your heart — and perhaps your dinner. I highly recommend this absolute delight!
— Katherine Reay, Bestselling author of THE LONDON HOUSE and THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

New York City, 1963. Bernadette Swift is a copy editor at Lenox & Park Publishing, she’s determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry and she knows it’s not going to be easy. Despite legislation being passed for women to be paid the same amount as men, her pay rise was small and her boss Mr. Wall is a rude and an obnoxious person and his secretary is just as bad.

Bernadette decides to do something about the inequality in the work place, she speaks to her friends and holds a secret meeting New York Public Library. Here the ladies stand up and share their stories and they decide to read The Feminine Mystique and other books.

Bernadette is a force to be reckoned with, don’t underestimate an impeccably dressed lady, from the top of her perfectly styled hair and cute headband, coordinated outfit and mandatory pantyhose without ladders and kitten heels. Bernadette's surprised by the support she receives, not just her friends and members from her book club, but a couple of men at work, the handsome editor Graham Reynolds and she starts a revolution.

I received a copy of Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight from Sourcebooks and Edelweiss plus in exchange for an honest review. I adored everything about this novel, from the wonderful characters, like Bernadette and Frank her Great Dane and Mrs. Norris and Mr. Bass and meaning of the whole narrative.

A story about the struggle working women faced and still do, discrimination, sexism, the importance of female friendships and building a likeminded community and supporting one and another and five stars from me and a must read.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight
Historical fiction.
Bernadette Swift is one of the only female copy editors at Lenox & Park Publishing. She’s treated more as an assistant and gofer though her skills are well above all her male coworkers. It’s 1964 and the equal wage and pay law was passed the prior year but Bernadette’s boss just gives her more manuscripts and takes the credit for himself.
After joining a feminist women’s book club that’s held in secret hidden areas of the New York public library, Bernadette is encouraging her female coworkers to challenge the decades of sexism in the workplace. Her personal goal is to be the first female CEO of a publishing company and she’s determined to make that goal.

Bernadette is an incredibly talented grammarian. I had to admire her professionalism even in the face of nasty bosses and coworkers. I had no idea the law was passed that long ago having experienced the inequality in my own work experience. The book is told with a light tone but has a significant amount of detail on the women’s moment in the 60’s. I enjoyed the story immensely. Frank, her canine protector is a wonder.

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧

What’s that old saying? Oh yes, never judge a book by its cover, I was expecting a quirky little chick lit novel (which, of course there’s absolutely nothing wrong with) but Confessions Of A Grammar Queen provided so much more. Set in the 1960’s Bernadette Swift has landed a job as a copy editor at Lennox and Park Publishing. She is a master of her craft but is overlooked and ridiculed by her boss Mr. Wall and the majority of the men around her, and some of the women. Bernadette has a sharp mind a sharp wit and a dogged determination not to be pushed aside, along with her book club friends she’s about to start a revolution.

Frank the Great Dane has his own chapters and they are adorable. If you don’t love him I’ll be shocked.

This is an absolute win, I loved every minute, and it’s screaming to be made into a movie.

4.5 shiny stars ✨

Do you have a favourite word?

Huge thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Kristina Clement · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considering this book is about a top notch copy editor, you would think someone would have taken the time to edit it. There were several spots in the book that were contradictory and distracting. The basic story was filled with so many tropes that it took away from what could have been a decent book.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

One dog, one gutsy woman in the early '60s publishing industry, and one gorgeously written novel that fans of histfic and women's struggle for equality will adore. Loved it!!!

[Mitzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a tough one for me to rate. I really loved the premise. It's about a female copyeditor in NYC in the 1960's who has a goal of becoming a CEO of a major publishing house. She experiences so much workplace inequality but she does find support in her book club plus she has a boyfriend straight from heaven! The only thing that kept me from giving the book 4 stars was the narration. Normally I think listening to books can add another whole dimension. In this case, however, Bernadette (the protagonist who was a strong woman and wasn't afraid to advocate for herself) was not represented by a voice that exuded strength and determination. Picky, I know, but it did affect me. The story is definitely worth a read though.

[Micha Goebig · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish.
I was just looking for a cute and entertaining weekend audiobook, so I was willing to overlook all the phrases and things that did not exist in the 1960s where the story is set. But it just got too much. Too bad because I loved the premise of a feminist copy editor fighting for women’s rights.
Also, the dog chapters are terrible (at least in the audiobook) and absolutely unnecessary.

[Tilly Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a Lessons in Chemistry shaped hole in your life, then I’d highly recommend picking up this empowering and uplifting novel! Whilst it’s not quite as dark or tragic as Lessons in Chemistry, this still has all those strong feminist vibes (and even a talking dog, which was probably the only part I wasn’t so sure about, although I did love Frank!).

It’s also set in the publishing industry (specifically the copy-editing department) in 1960s New York, so perfect for readers and grammar perfectionists. And the most satisfying ending to leave you cheering 🙌

(Also loved the audio narrator who may be a new favourite).

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry, you will love this book!

Set in the publishing world in the 1960s, we follow Bernadette and her desire to run a publishing house one day. However, she has to get past the misogynist men of that time, especially her boss, Mr. Wall.

This book flew by! I was engrossed in Bernadette's life, her Great Dane Frank, seeking women's rights, and so much more. I rooted for Bernadette on every page. I loved her usage of the English language. She was not afraid to use words we may not use every day. She was proud of her copy editing skills, and who can blame her? Editing is hard work, ensuring that the right words and phrases are used, not to mention that the sentences make sense. I love that her red pencils have a B on them for Queen B.

The men portrayed in this novel are typical of this time period. However, not all men wanted to keep the women at home in the kitchen. There are a few good men sprinkled throughout. I also thought it was interesting when she learned something about her mom's ambitions when she was younger. You can't keep a good woman down for long.

There are chapters from Frank's perspective that are sweet. He cared for his girl, Bernadette, and others in the neighborhood. He is an intelligent dog. He loved ripping up paper, too. He has a code word for when it is okay to shred whatever paper is given to him.

There is an epilogue that brings everything together in the present day. It was intriguing to read and ponder how these women charted their path in life.

We give this book 5 paws up.

[Christine Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to be completely honest, I did not understand why we needed Frank’s POV. He’s fine, just I never gained a strong understanding of the story based on his POV.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a pick for a book club I participate in. If it wasn't, I would have DNF'd it about twenty minutes into the audiobook. It did get better around the 40% mark, although it still wasn't something I'd really recommend or read again.

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It's as if the author read Lessons in Chemistry and tried to emulate it. 1960s. Check. Woman fighting her way daily through a male led workforce. Check. Talking dog. Check. Neither book works well.

The lead character is obsessed with self-decorated headbands. It's mentioned a LOT. It doesn't make sense to me that she'd wear these to work regularly while the rest of the book emphasizes the difficulty she had as a woman in a male dominated industry.

The audiobook narrator for the dog is silly, and not necessarily in a "wow that dog is so cute" kind of way. So much more could have been done with the trigger word used for the dog. Much was made of that throughout the book so you knew something was coming with that, but when it happened it was just lackluster.

The character does have a feminist book group and while it's discussed quite a bit in the start of the book it really doesn't get delved into until almost 40% through the book. It turns out that these meetings are pivotal to the major plot line of the story.

I felt like this book, ironically about a copy editor who is excellent at her job, seemed to have an awkward title, odd aspects that just didn't make sense in the storyline, and unclear focus throughout. I sped up the audiobook just so I could be done with it faster!

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's very frustrating at times because of misogyny but it was an interesting read to travel back in time before proper respect for women in the workplace. It was slow though so 3/5 stars

[Jackie Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story to embrace. It reminds us of the power of the 60s with the profound changes in our country.

Some of us remember the days when women were hired as secretaries pouring coffee for male workers. Even when they had comparable jobs, the pay wasn’t equal for years. Most men felt like women should be at home taking care of the children, cooking dinners and cleaning. They never thought women were smart and powerful enough to be in leading roles of companies.

This story took place in NYC with the publishing industry just six decades ago. All along, I was cheering for Bernadette who took risks at her copy-editing job to make an impact for equal rights for women. She used her knowledge of rarely-used words and strength with proofreading to show a superior intellect at her work place. In her free time, Bernadette encouraged women to attend a book club at the library with feminist literature.

The plot was fun and quirky with romance on the side. It was almost too peculiar with a big dog, Frank, who belonged to Bernadette. He had his own chapters and a voice for how he felt. I love dogs and it made me pause thinking about them. However, I felt like Frank took away from the importance of what the author was trying to convey.

The author also included historical presence at the time with the early military presence in South Vietnam. There were some inspiring quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt and a few others. At the end, readers were left with a positive note for the progress made by a few women for a lot of women.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with the expected release date of June 10, 2025.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book cannot make up it's mind what it wants to be. The main character battles sexism in the workplace, but magically finds the big boss and her new love interest are on her side to smooth it over. Most women did not have that support. It felt like it made the real woman struggle to equality seem like a pool noodle fight.
She also brings up a brother in Vietnam. He adds nothing to the story and there is no background of the vitriol the Vietnam vets had to go through. There is no mention of protests, no mention of any anti-war sentiment.
I HATED the dog chapters. What was the point of them? I kept reading them thinking there would be an epiphany about her life in them, but they were obsolete, changed the tone, and did not endure me to him. If she was wanting to do one of those from the dog perspective to endear us to that bond, she missed it. There was just way too much going on in this novel to do anything well.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This story had it all – an intriguing and accomplished main character (who is a grammar queen but without the annoying need to always be right, even when she is), a compelling and fascinating plot with a focus into editing in the 70s and women’s rights on the whole, and a cute, huge dog! The story centers around editing and working in the publishing industry and really dives deep into Bernadette’s everyday work, including how women were treated in the workforce at the time, always assumed to be secretaries and assistants, but also creates a nice balance with her concern about her brother in Vietnam and her blossoming romance with another staff member. I loved everything about this story and can’t wait to read more by this author.

I received a copy from #NetGalley and #TantorAudio for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for this great read for those who loved Lessons in Chemistry. A single editor and her dog take on the publishing world in the 1960s! A little bit of rebellion, a little bit of protest, and a whole lot of being better at the job than their male managers, this book could probably be placed in today's office as well, despite supposed equal rights. I loved how Frank, the dog, gets his own chapters. I love the tie-in with the politics of the times. This really added to the depth of the story. Just as Bernadette straddles the line between a perfectly put together woman and an ardent fighter of her own rights, this book straddles the line between a fluffy beach read and a deep intense thought provoking novel. I think it would be perfect reading anytime!

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Lisa Penninga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great historical fiction read about the copy editing world and how women fought to find success, equal pay, and respect in the workplace. Its protagonist, Bernadette, is a quirky grammarian with a brother in Vietnam, his dog, Frank, as her guard dog, and a wretched boss to fight off daily. This book is filled with amazing allusions, funny banger, female community building, and a satisfying ending that reminds us there are good people in the world, the workplace, and we sometimes had to work to find “our people.” I found the Frank POV endearing, but also unnecessary in parts.

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everything worked out a little too easily.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own unless otherwise noted.

I couldn’t resist this book – the title, the cover, and the author! With a feminist women’s book club and the setting of New York in the early 1960s, this was a book I had to read.

It pretty much lived up to its promises – with a likeable main character, a sweet romance, a workplace drama and a historic setting “about women’s rights, women’s importance in the workplace, women opening up and talking about things that they’ve never shared before as well as the importance of female friendships and building a community.”

I think there will be plenty of readers who are young enough to be newly aware of the treatment of and attitude toward women during this time period – “the 1960s Equal Pay Act, the lack of maternity leave, being overlooked for promotions, and being told by their male counterparts that they didn’t belong.” I began to work in an office in the mid-1970s, and even though the National Organization of Women was then 10 years old, most women were as powerless as those in “Confessions.”

In addition to the growth of women’s rights, I agreed with the emphasis that reading and book clubs create a bonding experience and a supportive community.

If you liked Lessons in Chemistry and The Book Club for Troublesome Women, this is the book for you.

[Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really inspirational book about pursuing your dreams no matter the obstacles.

Pros:
Bernadette was an amazing lead. Smart, witty, and chic. She knew what she wanted and attacked her goal with zeal to be the best in the industry.

Graham was a little too perfect of a guy, but someone who I could envision getting a beer with. He was incredibly supportive and never tried to take credit for Bernadette's achievements.

Frank was probably the star for me - getting inside a dog's head was clever and incredibly well written.

Cons: for a book about someone who starts their career as a copy editor and moves up the ranks, there were a surprising number of mistakes that I caught and likely some I missed. Easy to find these things on the Kindle.

1. Chapter 4 - Mrs. Morris is referred to as Mrs. Miller.

2. Start of Chapter 14 - "... followed by the hiss of the bus's breaks ..." That error made me cringe.

3. End of Chapter 20 - "That was the first time she'd not called him Mr. Reynolds." Not true - in Chapter 17, Bernadette says, "I don't need a fixer, Graham. Just a friend. But thank you for the whiskey."

4. Chapter 14 - the reader gets introduced to the other members of the book club. Ruth is a law professor at Rutgers and she went to Columbia with Julie. Jenny worked with Penelope at Doubleday Publishing. Safe to assume based on that information that Julie is a lawyer too, but Jenny is the one who keeps getting mentioned as helping Patty with her divorce. "'Have you talked to a lawyer? We have a couple right here.' She hooked her thumb toward Ruth and Jenny."

These obviously aren't deal breakers for me in terms of my overall enjoyment of the book. I hoped and expected given the subject matter that the editors would have done a better job of catching mistakes that are easily detected by an attentive reader.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had something of a love-hate relationship with Confessions of a Grammar Queen, which lands it solidly in 3 star territory.

Let’s start with what I loved:
*The Title: I picked out this book solely because I loved the title and completely related to it.

*The Premise: Mad Men meets Younger. A female copy editor, Bernadette Swift, in 1963 NYC is trying her darndest to climb the ranks at a publishing company. She’s constantly being thwarted by men who are significantly less competent than her. She also attends clandestine female-centric book club meetings and organizes women’s rights demonstrations, ruffling feathers as she goes.

*The Romantic Interest: Ooh we love a man who stands up for his woman (but not in a condescending way) and Graham Reynolds fits the bill.

*Frank: Ok some people would probably find the inclusion of 2-3 page chapters told from the dog’s perspective to be silly and unnecessary. I however, found them to be silly and delightful.

Ok now to what I didn’t love:

*The copy editing: Ironically it was just awful. I found so many mistakes. Really diminished the book.

*The writing: honestly it was hit or miss. Some parts were great other parts dragged and were fairly sophomoric. The whole book could have been prolly 100 pages or so shorter.

*The Ben of it all: Ben was Bernadette’s brother doing a tour in Vietnam. His side story was totally unnecessary, added nothing, popped up here and there to remind people that the story takes place in the sixties. Then when he returned state side following a plane crash, he was completely fine. Stop.

*Baseball: Graham is a Yankees fan. Bernadette is an Orioles fan. For some reason Ben’s contribution to the conversation was that he roots for Army. What?

What does it all mean?

Bottom line, this was a charming little summer read, as long as you can set your grammar hat aside and come along for the story, not the brilliance of the prose.
⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Christie Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Knight delivers a witty, insightful, and thoroughly entertaining read with Confessions of a Grammar Queen. This book is a delightful blend of humor, history, and wordplay, making it a must-read for language lovers and historical fiction fans alike.

From the start, the narrative voice is engaging and full of personality, making the story feel both intelligent and fun. The protagonist is sharp, endearing, and refreshingly unique, pulling readers into a world where grammar isn’t just a set of rules but a way of life. Knight’s ability to weave historical elements into a charming, lighthearted story is truly impressive, adding depth without making it feel heavy.

What I particularly enjoyed was how the book balances humor with genuine historical intrigue. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed grammar nerd or simply someone who enjoys a clever, well-crafted story, there’s something here to appreciate. The pacing is smooth, the writing is smart, and by the end, you’ll find yourself both entertained and maybe even a little more mindful of your own grammar!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work as an Instructional Designer and studied Journalism at Texas A & M and I am by NO means a Grammar Queen.

The setting of NYC in the 60’s is a challenge to women. I love the show Mad Men, and this novel reminds me of the stereotypical times of some men in power who think of women as secretaries and the possibilities of more. NOT all men are like this and I am thankful there is a man who does not look at Bernadette in this role.

Bernadette is a copy editor who aspires to be a CEO in the publishing world, and her time in the field is challenging while she has to deal with discrimination, sexual innuendo and more. Her boss is one of those men who does not value her work and is condescending. She also deals with jealousy in the office.

She finds understanding with her book club and finds her voice. I really enjoyed this one. This cover drew me in and I enjoy this authors novels as she writes in several genres.

[Sarah Boselovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that just felt like a warm hug the entire time you were reading? That’s what this book was for me and thank goodness my sister pulled it from the racks at a local bookstore one day. This book was a perfect showcase of a woman’s struggle to feel seen, heard and acknowledged in a man’s world. Fans of Lessons in Chemistry will like this book, but even more. A wonderful reminder of how powerful women can be, particularly when we remember that we are so much better when we work together than when we tear each other down.

[Rituja · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ This was such a great read! If you loved Lessons in Chemistry, don’t miss this gem.

There’s a lot to appreciate including:
- a delightfully rebellious and resilient female lead you’ll root for until the end!
- a cutesy, feel-good romance!
- a secret feminist book club filled with wit and uplifting female friendships.
- amusing chapters from the dog’s perspective that add plenty of ‘aww’ moments.

I kinda didn’t want this book to end. It was equal parts funny, empowering, and comforting!

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Made it to Chapter Six before abandoning it. I’m sorry to bail because the premise was a good one. Unfortunately, there were a lot of errors—wrong apostrophes, misused words, missing commas—that really took me out of a story about a copy editor. The historical errors were the final straw, not to mention the chapters from the dog’s perspective. This one’s not for me.

[Jessica - How Jessica Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indubitably adorable. Full review coming for Shelf Awareness!

[Christi Barth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an exquisite, immersive leap into 1960s Manhattan. I feel as if I've actually taken a time machine back there. you'll be rooting for Bernadette, and all women, the whole way through!