What do you think?
Rate this book
Off the Record
An aspiring newspaper reporter comes across a mystery that threatens to turn the Cold War hot in a funny, thrilling, and strictly undercover romantic comedy by the bestselling author of Don’t Forget to Write.
In 1962, opportunities are typically few for nice Jewish girls clacking away at ninety words per minute in a newspaper typing pool. Except Judy Greenberg isn’t typical. An aspiring reporter in DC, she’s aiming for journalistic greatness—not finding a husband. Just don’t tell her mother.
Then one day she answers her boss’s private line. The message is curiously cryptic. It’s also delivered in a Russian accent. Judy is certain she has stumbled upon a scoop. Charming reporter Jack Fields isn’t one to dismiss Judy’s instincts. Perfect. A seasoned ally she can trust, not to mention pass off as a pretend boyfriend around her relieved parents. Together, they’re following the leads—from a clandestine hotel bar to the dressing room of a slinky Cuban nightclub singer to an exhilarating underground of secrets and spies stretching from Moscow to Havana to Texas.
Now Judy must choose between the safe life expected of her or one hell of a dangerous story that could make her career. She might even fall in love for real. If her ambitions don’t get her killed.
In 1962, opportunities are typically few for nice Jewish girls clacking away at ninety words per minute in a newspaper typing pool. Except Judy Greenberg isn’t typical. An aspiring reporter in DC, she’s aiming for journalistic greatness—not finding a husband. Just don’t tell her mother.
Then one day she answers her boss’s private line. The message is curiously cryptic. It’s also delivered in a Russian accent. Judy is certain she has stumbled upon a scoop. Charming reporter Jack Fields isn’t one to dismiss Judy’s instincts. Perfect. A seasoned ally she can trust, not to mention pass off as a pretend boyfriend around her relieved parents. Together, they’re following the leads—from a clandestine hotel bar to the dressing room of a slinky Cuban nightclub singer to an exhilarating underground of secrets and spies stretching from Moscow to Havana to Texas.
Now Judy must choose between the safe life expected of her or one hell of a dangerous story that could make her career. She might even fall in love for real. If her ambitions don’t get her killed.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews
June 16, 2026
3.5⭐️ Dragging my feet on this one. Love Confino’s books, but lately they have left me a little conflicted.
Have only 😍 for her use of DC and Maryland in the Kennedy era for her settings.* With it comes an Airstream-full of my memories dragging behind. Like dangling from the bars of a jungle gym during recess as my friends and I traded intel on whether our parents would vote for Kennedy or Nixon. It was a carefree but shadowed time. One neighbor took to quietly digging a hole in his backyard after dark… was it a gopher problem or the start of a bomb shelter?
But I digress. As always the cast of characters were 👏👏👏. I couldn’t get enough of Judy’s sphere of friends and family. And the budding romance between her and Jack had me on pins and needles.
And then there was the business side of the story which occupied the second half. Judy, an aspiring journalist, was stuck in the typing pool. When she accidentally heard a mysterious message she was sure following up on it would be her golden ticket into the boys’ club, otherwise known as the newsroom. Jack stuck to her side as her “Watson.” Welp, to me, her pursuit of the scoop was more Lois Lane than Woodward and Bernstein. I didn’t buy it, even after reading the Author’s Notes.
As for the ending, I suppose it was meant to be a humorous flourish to finish off the story, but it felt like a magician’s hat trick, all show, no substance.
*Honorable mention goes to using real locations, like Duke Zeibert’s and Manger Hay-Adams Hotel.
Have only 😍 for her use of DC and Maryland in the Kennedy era for her settings.* With it comes an Airstream-full of my memories dragging behind. Like dangling from the bars of a jungle gym during recess as my friends and I traded intel on whether our parents would vote for Kennedy or Nixon. It was a carefree but shadowed time. One neighbor took to quietly digging a hole in his backyard after dark… was it a gopher problem or the start of a bomb shelter?
But I digress. As always the cast of characters were 👏👏👏. I couldn’t get enough of Judy’s sphere of friends and family. And the budding romance between her and Jack had me on pins and needles.
And then there was the business side of the story which occupied the second half. Judy, an aspiring journalist, was stuck in the typing pool. When she accidentally heard a mysterious message she was sure following up on it would be her golden ticket into the boys’ club, otherwise known as the newsroom. Jack stuck to her side as her “Watson.” Welp, to me, her pursuit of the scoop was more Lois Lane than Woodward and Bernstein. I didn’t buy it, even after reading the Author’s Notes.
As for the ending, I suppose it was meant to be a humorous flourish to finish off the story, but it felt like a magician’s hat trick, all show, no substance.
*Honorable mention goes to using real locations, like Duke Zeibert’s and Manger Hay-Adams Hotel.
July 8, 2026
4.5⭐️ I am now completely convinced that Sara Goodman Confino can do no wrong. From her debut novel to her newest release, her books are filled to the brim with lovable, engaging characters, storylines that captivate, and pacing that is a chef’s kiss. There are some books that are fantastic but can sometimes be a slog to complete, and then there are others, like SGC’s, that are joyous entertainment throughout.
I am not sure which element of this story I loved best. The romance between Judy and Jack was deliciously slow burn and oh so swoon-worthy. But equally, the mystery at the center of this 1960s Cold War caper felt almost cinematic at times, and was easy to get completely caught up in. And yet, there was a fantastic third element-- the Greenberg family dynamic and the juxtaposition of each woman’s life goals, often at odds with one another, particularly for Judy who is determined to make a career for herself while being true to her Jewish identity. All combined to make a very unique story that has a little bit for everyone, regardless of genre preference.
Read if you like:
▪️genre mashups
▪️1960’s Cold War history
▪️D.C. setting
▪️multigenerational family drama
▪️workplace romance
▪️mystery subplot
▪️fantastic characters
Thank you Amazon Publishing and Get Red for the advanced copies.
I am not sure which element of this story I loved best. The romance between Judy and Jack was deliciously slow burn and oh so swoon-worthy. But equally, the mystery at the center of this 1960s Cold War caper felt almost cinematic at times, and was easy to get completely caught up in. And yet, there was a fantastic third element-- the Greenberg family dynamic and the juxtaposition of each woman’s life goals, often at odds with one another, particularly for Judy who is determined to make a career for herself while being true to her Jewish identity. All combined to make a very unique story that has a little bit for everyone, regardless of genre preference.
Read if you like:
▪️genre mashups
▪️1960’s Cold War history
▪️D.C. setting
▪️multigenerational family drama
▪️workplace romance
▪️mystery subplot
▪️fantastic characters
Thank you Amazon Publishing and Get Red for the advanced copies.
June 21, 2026
Judy Greenberg is determined to make it as a reporter in 1962 DC, with very little interest in following the traditional path society — and her mother — have in mind for her. Already quite a feat, accomplishing this goal gets even more complicated when she intercepts a cryptic message meant for her boss, launching readers into a plot that's entertaining, if a little far-fetched.
The novel was a little slower and harder to sink into than I'd hoped going in, but Sara Goodman Confino still delivers exactly what her readers come back for: 60s nostalgia, sharp-edged family humor, and a FMC who refuses to play by the rules expected of her. Longtime fans should walk away satisfied.
Read this if you like:
* historical fiction centered around feminism
* fake dating
* Cold War intrigue
* romantic comedy
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy for honest review.
The novel was a little slower and harder to sink into than I'd hoped going in, but Sara Goodman Confino still delivers exactly what her readers come back for: 60s nostalgia, sharp-edged family humor, and a FMC who refuses to play by the rules expected of her. Longtime fans should walk away satisfied.
Read this if you like:
* historical fiction centered around feminism
* fake dating
* Cold War intrigue
* romantic comedy
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy for honest review.
July 3, 2026
Sharp Wit, 1960s Nostalgia, and a Fearless Heroine You Can't Help But Root For 💼
3.75 ⭐rounding up for GR
I always enjoy a solid historical fiction novel by Sara Goodman Confino, and Off the Record is no exception. It perfectly balances an engaging Cold War mystery with romance and that signature comedic grandma that Confino always blesses her audience with.
Judy Greenberg is a sharp, ambitious college graduate who wants nothing more than to be a reporter. Unfortunately, mid-century sexism has other plans, and she finds herself sidelined to her newspaper’s typing pool. Determined to break out, she teams up with Jack Fields, a charming newsroom reporter. In a hilarious twist of events, Judy is finally given the go-ahead to investigate an impending scandal by her overbearing mother—who just wants her to find a husband—after Judy and Jack enter into a genius fake dating scheme. Let the comedy and crazy antics ensue! Readers will be pleasantly surprised with a twist or two along the way.
I read a lot of 1950s–1960s historical fiction and felt the core plot—an educated female fighting to get ahead in a man's journalism world—was a bit overdone and very similar to Renee Rosen's 'White Collar Girl' (2015). However, the story was still incredibly accurate and intriguing. I would love to see a slightly fresher take on the basic premise, but regardless, I had a great time reading it and brushing up on my Kennedy-era scandals! Available on Kindle Unlimited.
🗞️1960's DC
📝Jewish rep
🗞️Cold War
📝Kennedy/Johnson Scandal
🗞️Journalism
📝Women breaking barriers
🗞️Marvelous MMC!
📝Mystery, romance (no spice), comedy, history
3.75 ⭐rounding up for GR
I always enjoy a solid historical fiction novel by Sara Goodman Confino, and Off the Record is no exception. It perfectly balances an engaging Cold War mystery with romance and that signature comedic grandma that Confino always blesses her audience with.
Judy Greenberg is a sharp, ambitious college graduate who wants nothing more than to be a reporter. Unfortunately, mid-century sexism has other plans, and she finds herself sidelined to her newspaper’s typing pool. Determined to break out, she teams up with Jack Fields, a charming newsroom reporter. In a hilarious twist of events, Judy is finally given the go-ahead to investigate an impending scandal by her overbearing mother—who just wants her to find a husband—after Judy and Jack enter into a genius fake dating scheme. Let the comedy and crazy antics ensue! Readers will be pleasantly surprised with a twist or two along the way.
I read a lot of 1950s–1960s historical fiction and felt the core plot—an educated female fighting to get ahead in a man's journalism world—was a bit overdone and very similar to Renee Rosen's 'White Collar Girl' (2015). However, the story was still incredibly accurate and intriguing. I would love to see a slightly fresher take on the basic premise, but regardless, I had a great time reading it and brushing up on my Kennedy-era scandals! Available on Kindle Unlimited.
🗞️1960's DC
📝Jewish rep
🗞️Cold War
📝Kennedy/Johnson Scandal
🗞️Journalism
📝Women breaking barriers
🗞️Marvelous MMC!
📝Mystery, romance (no spice), comedy, history
January 17, 2026
Thank you Lake Union Publishing for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Judy is a fresh-out-of-college, Jewish woman trying to get her foot in the door in the male-dominated field of journalism. She is quick-witted, sassy, and determined to make a name for herself in a career she loves despite her parents (and society) wanting her only aspirations to be that of marriage and child-rearing.
Confino writes in a way that draws you in right away by straddling serious situations with humorous quips in conversation and Judy’s internal monologue. The world of the 1960s is alive in well on the lines of this book, and our main character takes strides and follows her intuition to navigate her way through coded messages and less than “above board” situations to get to the bottom of the hot news story that is about to break. Yet despite the fact it’s set in the past, there are a multitude of themes that make this charismatic woman relatable in a modern setting as well.
I have read every single book by this author, and this one was refreshingly different and yet just as enjoyable as her others. It was a genuine delight to read. Be sure to grab a copy when it’s released on June 9, 2026!
Judy is a fresh-out-of-college, Jewish woman trying to get her foot in the door in the male-dominated field of journalism. She is quick-witted, sassy, and determined to make a name for herself in a career she loves despite her parents (and society) wanting her only aspirations to be that of marriage and child-rearing.
Confino writes in a way that draws you in right away by straddling serious situations with humorous quips in conversation and Judy’s internal monologue. The world of the 1960s is alive in well on the lines of this book, and our main character takes strides and follows her intuition to navigate her way through coded messages and less than “above board” situations to get to the bottom of the hot news story that is about to break. Yet despite the fact it’s set in the past, there are a multitude of themes that make this charismatic woman relatable in a modern setting as well.
I have read every single book by this author, and this one was refreshingly different and yet just as enjoyable as her others. It was a genuine delight to read. Be sure to grab a copy when it’s released on June 9, 2026!
March 2, 2026
Book Review
Off the Record by Sara Goodman Confino
June 9 2026
Lakeview Publishing
Whats its Got
✅ New to me author
✅ Historical Fiction 60’s
✅ Rec by @flowerfavouritefiction
✅ Political
✅ Feminism- educated women lead increased demand for more jobs /careers
✅ Journalism in Washington DC
✅Jewish family- pressure to love up to cultural and family expectations
MCs
Jack aka Jacob- political reporter and charmer, he respects Judy for her talent and drive
Judy- recent journalism grad newly hired by a local paper; she’s vibrant and bright and just so damn Likeable
Thoughts
📕 Didnt see the twist at the end coming but duh- Makes complete sense
📕 Judy’s Bubbe is a gem; I loved her relationship with Judy, the banter, her nosiness, she is sassy
📕 Judys is driven, ambitious and firecely independent and trying to carve a path for herself- loced following her journey
📕 Fluid writing that captures the political landscape of time tines balanced/blended with societal norms ( the clothing, current wvents, Duke’s, Off the Record etc)
Thanks to the @netgalley, author and publisher for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are m own
Off the Record by Sara Goodman Confino
June 9 2026
Lakeview Publishing
Whats its Got
✅ New to me author
✅ Historical Fiction 60’s
✅ Rec by @flowerfavouritefiction
✅ Political
✅ Feminism- educated women lead increased demand for more jobs /careers
✅ Journalism in Washington DC
✅Jewish family- pressure to love up to cultural and family expectations
MCs
Jack aka Jacob- political reporter and charmer, he respects Judy for her talent and drive
Judy- recent journalism grad newly hired by a local paper; she’s vibrant and bright and just so damn Likeable
Thoughts
📕 Didnt see the twist at the end coming but duh- Makes complete sense
📕 Judy’s Bubbe is a gem; I loved her relationship with Judy, the banter, her nosiness, she is sassy
📕 Judys is driven, ambitious and firecely independent and trying to carve a path for herself- loced following her journey
📕 Fluid writing that captures the political landscape of time tines balanced/blended with societal norms ( the clothing, current wvents, Duke’s, Off the Record etc)
Thanks to the @netgalley, author and publisher for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are m own
June 19, 2026
Romance was average but the plot makes up for it. Could’ve done more POC and in touch cultural characters ngl.
June 5, 2026
Off the Record by Sara Goodman Confino is a delightful, genre-bending story that perfectly marries historical fiction, rom-com charm, and cozy mystery. The well paced plot features 22-year old Judy Greenberg, an aspiring Jewish journalist in 1962, who accidentally intercepts a cryptic, Cold War-era message. Judy wants desperately to get out of her Washington D.C. newspaper’s typing pool and be a professional reporter. With that in mind, she teams up with Jack Fields, the adorable assistant White House correspondent, in order to get to the bottom of the mystery message.
This book was a joy to read. It hit just about every one of my favorite genres. I enjoyed the 1960’s timeline, despite the glaring misogyny and antisemitism. Judy is a wonderful, headstrong protagonist. And I loved the fake dating storyline with Jack, especially when the lines start to blur into a real romance. Judy’s marriage obsessed family added comedic relief, especially her sassy grandmother who left me cackling as she stole every scene. While certain plot points required a bit of imagination, the book as a whole was highly satisfying. It's a genuinely entertaining read that I strongly recommend 4/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own
This book was a joy to read. It hit just about every one of my favorite genres. I enjoyed the 1960’s timeline, despite the glaring misogyny and antisemitism. Judy is a wonderful, headstrong protagonist. And I loved the fake dating storyline with Jack, especially when the lines start to blur into a real romance. Judy’s marriage obsessed family added comedic relief, especially her sassy grandmother who left me cackling as she stole every scene. While certain plot points required a bit of imagination, the book as a whole was highly satisfying. It's a genuinely entertaining read that I strongly recommend 4/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own
March 12, 2026
Off the Record
By: Sara Goodman Confino
Pub Dat: June 9, 2026
Publisher: Lake Union
Tour: Get Red PR
Another fun one from Confino. The setting is 1962 on the verge of the Cold War.
Judy Greenberg is wanting a career, much to her mother’s dismay. She is always trying to get her married to a nice Jewish boy.
She wants to be a reporter, but sometimes just getting in on the ground floor can lead to “being in the right place, at the right time.” Currently she gets a job in the typing pool.
She ends up filling in for a secretary to the boss. She takes a private call and the message is unsettling. What is her boss hiding? She has an ally in Jack Fields and they might be more alike than she ever thought.
Mystery, intrigue, a little romance and danger. Confino writes books that I always look forward too. Delighted to be on tour with Get Red PR and the author.
By: Sara Goodman Confino
Pub Dat: June 9, 2026
Publisher: Lake Union
Tour: Get Red PR
Another fun one from Confino. The setting is 1962 on the verge of the Cold War.
Judy Greenberg is wanting a career, much to her mother’s dismay. She is always trying to get her married to a nice Jewish boy.
She wants to be a reporter, but sometimes just getting in on the ground floor can lead to “being in the right place, at the right time.” Currently she gets a job in the typing pool.
She ends up filling in for a secretary to the boss. She takes a private call and the message is unsettling. What is her boss hiding? She has an ally in Jack Fields and they might be more alike than she ever thought.
Mystery, intrigue, a little romance and danger. Confino writes books that I always look forward too. Delighted to be on tour with Get Red PR and the author.
January 21, 2026
Thank you to netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. What an incredible story! Loved everything about it from start to finish.
January 20, 2026
True to Sara Coffino Goodman’s style, this is another witty, fun, fast-paced novel. I always get a kick out of the overprotective, matchmaking Jewish mothers. Judy, an aspiring journalist, is trying to make it in a man’s world during the 1960s, facing setback after setback. Still, her grit and determination make her easy to root for.
The meet-cute and fake-dating romance was genuinely heartwarming. That said, I didn’t love the main storyline itself. It felt improbable that a single message would lead to such a major attempt of assassination discovery, and the ending—complete with a brand-new career path—was a bit of an eye-roll for me.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC to get another SCG fix ☺️
The meet-cute and fake-dating romance was genuinely heartwarming. That said, I didn’t love the main storyline itself. It felt improbable that a single message would lead to such a major attempt of assassination discovery, and the ending—complete with a brand-new career path—was a bit of an eye-roll for me.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC to get another SCG fix ☺️
June 21, 2026
Book Title: Off the Record
Author: Sara Goodman Confino
Publishers: Lake Union Publishing + Brilliance Audio
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: June 17, 2026 – June 21, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I have now read all but one of Sara Goodman Confino’s books, and she hits it every.single.time. As always with an SGC read, Off the Record gives us a strong female lead in Judy, and a great cast of supporting characters, including her hilarious grandmother, who never ceased to crack me up. To be sure, this is also not without some VERY close calls, both with situations and people, and at times, my heart was racing. There is also a bit of romance, but it doesn’t take center stage, which is one of the many things I love about SGC’s books. Judy and Jack’s relationship builds as the book goes on, but all Judy really wants to be is a journalist, not a SAHM like her sister Betty. The mystery in the book is very exciting, and it was incredibly fun to watch Judy & Jack chase the story together with all that entailed. This is a funny, heartwarming, and exhilarating read that takes us into the world of early-1960s newspapers and Washington, DC. I will never forget it!
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: I couldn’t have asked for a better narrator for this book than Helen Laser, and she made it such a wonderful and noteworthy experience! I actually checked, and she has narrated all but two of SGC’s audiobooks, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. She hit all the right notes with every character and was a perfect fit to be the voice of our Judy. At one point, I listened while following along in the book, and that was just as fun as listening to it. This is a great combo if you enjoy doing that, but I would absolutely recommend the audiobook on its own as well.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 📰🚬🥃☕✡️
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🚫 (none)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Sara Goodman Confino
Publishers: Lake Union Publishing + Brilliance Audio
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: June 17, 2026 – June 21, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I have now read all but one of Sara Goodman Confino’s books, and she hits it every.single.time. As always with an SGC read, Off the Record gives us a strong female lead in Judy, and a great cast of supporting characters, including her hilarious grandmother, who never ceased to crack me up. To be sure, this is also not without some VERY close calls, both with situations and people, and at times, my heart was racing. There is also a bit of romance, but it doesn’t take center stage, which is one of the many things I love about SGC’s books. Judy and Jack’s relationship builds as the book goes on, but all Judy really wants to be is a journalist, not a SAHM like her sister Betty. The mystery in the book is very exciting, and it was incredibly fun to watch Judy & Jack chase the story together with all that entailed. This is a funny, heartwarming, and exhilarating read that takes us into the world of early-1960s newspapers and Washington, DC. I will never forget it!
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: I couldn’t have asked for a better narrator for this book than Helen Laser, and she made it such a wonderful and noteworthy experience! I actually checked, and she has narrated all but two of SGC’s audiobooks, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. She hit all the right notes with every character and was a perfect fit to be the voice of our Judy. At one point, I listened while following along in the book, and that was just as fun as listening to it. This is a great combo if you enjoy doing that, but I would absolutely recommend the audiobook on its own as well.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 📰🚬🥃☕✡️
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🚫 (none)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 27, 2026
*paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
“I’m working on a story. Is it taking place on a street corner with that lipstick?” 😂😂😂
“I knew I picked the right girl for the job.”
I love Sara’s writing style.
It was like a fusion of Devil Wears Prada and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Judy doesn’t want a the typical 1950-1960s traditional life of a woman…marriage and babies. She wants something different, she wants to be a reporter. She lands a job at a newspaper but unfortunately, the position is for someone in the typing pool. Not what she was looking for but she’s got her foot in the door. She stumbles upon a lead for a story and develops a friendship in an unexpected place….her male dominated workplace.
The only downside to finding a good scoop is that it can’t really truly be hers because she is a woman in a time where women were not reporters and we’re not respected. So she has no choice put the share the story and that friendship she made turned into more than she ever could’ve expected or hoped for…something she didn’t even know she wanted.
I really like the way this book came together for the HEA at the end. Everything played out so nicely and when it all came together, I almost gasped because I knew it was coming, but I was so excited for it. I loved how the timing worked out and no one had to make any sacrifices that would compromise who they are inside. I love one of romance book does that and does it well
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
“I’m working on a story. Is it taking place on a street corner with that lipstick?” 😂😂😂
“I knew I picked the right girl for the job.”
I love Sara’s writing style.
It was like a fusion of Devil Wears Prada and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Judy doesn’t want a the typical 1950-1960s traditional life of a woman…marriage and babies. She wants something different, she wants to be a reporter. She lands a job at a newspaper but unfortunately, the position is for someone in the typing pool. Not what she was looking for but she’s got her foot in the door. She stumbles upon a lead for a story and develops a friendship in an unexpected place….her male dominated workplace.
The only downside to finding a good scoop is that it can’t really truly be hers because she is a woman in a time where women were not reporters and we’re not respected. So she has no choice put the share the story and that friendship she made turned into more than she ever could’ve expected or hoped for…something she didn’t even know she wanted.
I really like the way this book came together for the HEA at the end. Everything played out so nicely and when it all came together, I almost gasped because I knew it was coming, but I was so excited for it. I loved how the timing worked out and no one had to make any sacrifices that would compromise who they are inside. I love one of romance book does that and does it well
June 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Sara Goodman Confino has become an automatic-read author for me, and Off the Record is now firmly in my top two favorites of hers.
Set in 1962 Washington, D.C., this story follows Judy Greenberg, an ambitious young reporter determined to be taken seriously in a newsroom that expects far less from women. When a mysterious phone call pulls her into a world of Cold War intrigue, secrets, and unexpected romance, Judy finds herself chasing the story of a lifetime.
I absolutely loved Judy. She is smart, determined, funny, and impossible not to root for. Like all of Confino’s books, this one delivers that feel-good reading experience I have come to expect from her writing, but it also kept me completely invested in the story from beginning to end.
I listened on audio, and Helen Laser’s narration was phenomenal. She captured Judy’s voice perfectly and made an already wonderful story even more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a smart, charming, feel-good read to add to your summer reading list, pick this one up.
Sara Goodman Confino has become an automatic-read author for me, and Off the Record is now firmly in my top two favorites of hers.
Set in 1962 Washington, D.C., this story follows Judy Greenberg, an ambitious young reporter determined to be taken seriously in a newsroom that expects far less from women. When a mysterious phone call pulls her into a world of Cold War intrigue, secrets, and unexpected romance, Judy finds herself chasing the story of a lifetime.
I absolutely loved Judy. She is smart, determined, funny, and impossible not to root for. Like all of Confino’s books, this one delivers that feel-good reading experience I have come to expect from her writing, but it also kept me completely invested in the story from beginning to end.
I listened on audio, and Helen Laser’s narration was phenomenal. She captured Judy’s voice perfectly and made an already wonderful story even more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a smart, charming, feel-good read to add to your summer reading list, pick this one up.
July 1, 2026
4.5 rounded up I was obsessed!!!!! Need a sequel for this and don’t forget to write PLZ
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a good one by one of my favorite authors! Confino's books always have the best characters. Judy and Jack were so fun to follow. I feel like she could do a series with these characters. I would read it!
My one complaint about this book is that I thought mystery message and the ending were a bit of an eye roll. None the less, I loved this book.
Thank you to Net Galley for the arc!
My one complaint about this book is that I thought mystery message and the ending were a bit of an eye roll. None the less, I loved this book.
Thank you to Net Galley for the arc!
May 30, 2026
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is my first Confino book. I had heard good things about her writing from fellow bookish people and wanted to give her a try. Unfortunately, this book just didn't work well for me. I have a hard time connecting with many historical fiction books but I liked the idea of the timeline for this one plus it had a mystery attached to it so I thought why not.
Judy Greenberg is an aspiring journalist. But in 1962 it's hard for women to break into that field. When she gets a job in the typing pool at a newspaper and ends up answering a call that ultimately puts her on the path to using her journalistic talents, she jumps at the chance. Even though it might put her in jeopardy. When a fellow journalist, Jake Fields, insists on helping her, she accepts it, only to find herself in a fake dating scheme. When she uncovers truths about Jake, and about the newspaper where she works, the safe life her family wants for her is put in danger and she and Jake must figure out the truth before people get hurt.
Judy was an ok character for me. I liked that she went against the norm of her time: not wanting to marry and have kids right away but wanting a career for herself. Her character was developed well in that way. She made me connect with the plight of women trying to find their equality during this time period. But she also just annoyed me. While she just graduated from university, it doesn't feel like she's only 22. She feels much older and that was confusing for me. And even though she vows not to fall for a man, it happens so easily and I feel like she let go of her true desires to do exactly what was expected of her.
Jake was an ok character though I didn't feel like I truly knew him since we only get to see him through Judy's eyes. He did seem fun and came up with some good banter that had me chuckling at times. But I didn't truly feel any chemistry between him and Judy. There was no build to their budding romance.
The side characters gave some good depth to the story. Though Judy's one friend, Patricia, seemed kind of off to me. Judy, who is definitely more on the naive side, gets thrown into situations that I don't think she can handle and much of that is due to Patricia who flaunts herself to a married man. It was just such a shock to see how this particular character acted. How blasé she was about what she was doing, like it was not big deal. And despite the fact that fraternization at the newspaper is forbidden, Patricia jumps right in from the start with offering up a doctor to Judy so she can get a diaphragm. While I see where the author was going with this, trying to show women becoming more independent and taking control over their lives, it just didn't work well for me. But Judy's grandmother, Sylvia? I loved her so much. She was funny and quirky and I loved that she supported Judy, even if it was in a round about way.
The pacing was ok, a little on the slow side at times. The mystery felt like a bit of a stretch as did the investigating of said mystery. I felt like the characters came to conclusions about things rather quickly and too easily figured out some of the bad guys in the story. There are a lot of historical references in the book including The Bay of Pigs Invasion, Communist Cuba, and things that happened with the President at that time (though they never name him directly, which is weird because they name Castro). I enjoyed seeing the Cold War elements because I grew up in the 80s and many of the fears were known to me at that time. It was easy to understand this particular aspect of the book for that reason.
The ending just seemed totally unrealistic to me. Granted, I have no idea how recruitment for the FBI works, but it just didn't seem like what happened would be true to how things work for that government agency.
Overall, the book was just ok for me. I liked the writing enough but honestly was more bored than not with the story line. It wasn't exciting and didn't move fast as I would have expected it to. Some areas dragged a lot and I had to push my way through. I seem to be in the minority with this though as far as ratings go. Perhaps I just didn't connect to the historical fiction aspect of the book as much as I could have I did like the writing and would be interested in maybe trying another title from this author in the future. If you're looking for a story that relies heavily on 1960s history and the women's movement with a bit of a mystery twist, you may just want to pick this one up!
This is my first Confino book. I had heard good things about her writing from fellow bookish people and wanted to give her a try. Unfortunately, this book just didn't work well for me. I have a hard time connecting with many historical fiction books but I liked the idea of the timeline for this one plus it had a mystery attached to it so I thought why not.
Judy Greenberg is an aspiring journalist. But in 1962 it's hard for women to break into that field. When she gets a job in the typing pool at a newspaper and ends up answering a call that ultimately puts her on the path to using her journalistic talents, she jumps at the chance. Even though it might put her in jeopardy. When a fellow journalist, Jake Fields, insists on helping her, she accepts it, only to find herself in a fake dating scheme. When she uncovers truths about Jake, and about the newspaper where she works, the safe life her family wants for her is put in danger and she and Jake must figure out the truth before people get hurt.
Judy was an ok character for me. I liked that she went against the norm of her time: not wanting to marry and have kids right away but wanting a career for herself. Her character was developed well in that way. She made me connect with the plight of women trying to find their equality during this time period. But she also just annoyed me. While she just graduated from university, it doesn't feel like she's only 22. She feels much older and that was confusing for me. And even though she vows not to fall for a man, it happens so easily and I feel like she let go of her true desires to do exactly what was expected of her.
Jake was an ok character though I didn't feel like I truly knew him since we only get to see him through Judy's eyes. He did seem fun and came up with some good banter that had me chuckling at times. But I didn't truly feel any chemistry between him and Judy. There was no build to their budding romance.
The side characters gave some good depth to the story. Though Judy's one friend, Patricia, seemed kind of off to me. Judy, who is definitely more on the naive side, gets thrown into situations that I don't think she can handle and much of that is due to Patricia who flaunts herself to a married man. It was just such a shock to see how this particular character acted. How blasé she was about what she was doing, like it was not big deal. And despite the fact that fraternization at the newspaper is forbidden, Patricia jumps right in from the start with offering up a doctor to Judy so she can get a diaphragm. While I see where the author was going with this, trying to show women becoming more independent and taking control over their lives, it just didn't work well for me. But Judy's grandmother, Sylvia? I loved her so much. She was funny and quirky and I loved that she supported Judy, even if it was in a round about way.
The pacing was ok, a little on the slow side at times. The mystery felt like a bit of a stretch as did the investigating of said mystery. I felt like the characters came to conclusions about things rather quickly and too easily figured out some of the bad guys in the story. There are a lot of historical references in the book including The Bay of Pigs Invasion, Communist Cuba, and things that happened with the President at that time (though they never name him directly, which is weird because they name Castro). I enjoyed seeing the Cold War elements because I grew up in the 80s and many of the fears were known to me at that time. It was easy to understand this particular aspect of the book for that reason.
The ending just seemed totally unrealistic to me. Granted, I have no idea how recruitment for the FBI works, but it just didn't seem like what happened would be true to how things work for that government agency.
Overall, the book was just ok for me. I liked the writing enough but honestly was more bored than not with the story line. It wasn't exciting and didn't move fast as I would have expected it to. Some areas dragged a lot and I had to push my way through. I seem to be in the minority with this though as far as ratings go. Perhaps I just didn't connect to the historical fiction aspect of the book as much as I could have I did like the writing and would be interested in maybe trying another title from this author in the future. If you're looking for a story that relies heavily on 1960s history and the women's movement with a bit of a mystery twist, you may just want to pick this one up!
June 9, 2026
Judy Greenberg is going to be a journalist. She is a recent university graduate, although her parents envisioned a very different future for her. In the 1960s, many women were sent to university to earn their “M.R.S. degree” rather than pursue a career. It was a time when women did not enjoy true equality in society, and antisemitism was still prevalent. Being both Jewish and female created significant barriers, making Judy’s dreams seem almost impossible to achieve. However, she refuses to let those obstacles stand in her way.
Judy is fortunate to land a job in the typing pool at a newspaper, and she sees it as her opportunity to break into the world of journalism and build the career she has always wanted.
The storyline with the espionage kept me engaged, and I was eager to discover what was really happening. I liked Judy and found her relatable in many ways. I adore reading about a sassy character. As well she is a strong female lead who knows exactly what she wants and is determined to achieve it.
Although working in the typing pool isn’t particularly challenging, Judy throws herself into the job and views it as a stepping stone toward becoming a journalist. Unlike her parents, who hope she will focus on marriage and children, Judy has other ambitions. Through a surprising turn of events, she uncovers the possibility of a story that could propel her career forward and give her the chance she’s been waiting for.
I also enjoyed the Jewish representation in this book. Reading about Judy’s family, their Friday night dinners, and the lively chaos that surrounds them added warmth and authenticity to the story.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy strong female characters pursuing their goals against the odds. I admired Judy’s determination and resilience. The story was engaging, with an intriguing mystery at its core and just a touch of romance. While there is a romantic element, I would not classify this as a romance novel.
If you haven’t read anything by Sara Goodman Confino yet, now is the perfect time to start.
Washington 1960s
Strong Female character
Historical Fiction
Cuban/US Tension
Judy is fortunate to land a job in the typing pool at a newspaper, and she sees it as her opportunity to break into the world of journalism and build the career she has always wanted.
The storyline with the espionage kept me engaged, and I was eager to discover what was really happening. I liked Judy and found her relatable in many ways. I adore reading about a sassy character. As well she is a strong female lead who knows exactly what she wants and is determined to achieve it.
Although working in the typing pool isn’t particularly challenging, Judy throws herself into the job and views it as a stepping stone toward becoming a journalist. Unlike her parents, who hope she will focus on marriage and children, Judy has other ambitions. Through a surprising turn of events, she uncovers the possibility of a story that could propel her career forward and give her the chance she’s been waiting for.
I also enjoyed the Jewish representation in this book. Reading about Judy’s family, their Friday night dinners, and the lively chaos that surrounds them added warmth and authenticity to the story.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy strong female characters pursuing their goals against the odds. I admired Judy’s determination and resilience. The story was engaging, with an intriguing mystery at its core and just a touch of romance. While there is a romantic element, I would not classify this as a romance novel.
If you haven’t read anything by Sara Goodman Confino yet, now is the perfect time to start.
Washington 1960s
Strong Female character
Historical Fiction
Cuban/US Tension
June 16, 2026
I have some mixed feelings about this latest book by Ms Goodman.
Judy Greenberg is fresh out of journalism school in the early 1960s. She is a very determined young woman who wants to be a REAL news reporter, not just a writer of cooking and cleaning tips. During the 1960s, this was very difficult to accomplish as a Jewish woman. She manages to land a job in the typing pool at a minor newspaper in Washington, DC, hoping it will be a foot in the door.
This is where the story takes off into the world of espionage, intrigue, lies, dangerous plotting. Definitely not my favourite theme in books. My eyes get glassy trying to keep up with the plotted strategies, political aspects and details.
But, conversely, I loved Judy's strong character, her tenacity and determination. I enjoyed the family dynamic of the Greenberg family. I liked the sparring between Judy and her co-worker Jack. That relationship turned out to be predictable, but that’s OK. The atmosphere at the newspaper was interesting. There were a few surprising twists by the end of the book.
Ms Confino gives the reader a detailed description at the end of the book of how she came up with the storyline. It was very informative and interesting.
So, there were many things to enjoy about this story. If I could rate with partial stars, this one would be a 3.9. But, because I did not enjoy the most important portion of the storyline, I cannot promote this to 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
Judy Greenberg is fresh out of journalism school in the early 1960s. She is a very determined young woman who wants to be a REAL news reporter, not just a writer of cooking and cleaning tips. During the 1960s, this was very difficult to accomplish as a Jewish woman. She manages to land a job in the typing pool at a minor newspaper in Washington, DC, hoping it will be a foot in the door.
This is where the story takes off into the world of espionage, intrigue, lies, dangerous plotting. Definitely not my favourite theme in books. My eyes get glassy trying to keep up with the plotted strategies, political aspects and details.
But, conversely, I loved Judy's strong character, her tenacity and determination. I enjoyed the family dynamic of the Greenberg family. I liked the sparring between Judy and her co-worker Jack. That relationship turned out to be predictable, but that’s OK. The atmosphere at the newspaper was interesting. There were a few surprising twists by the end of the book.
Ms Confino gives the reader a detailed description at the end of the book of how she came up with the storyline. It was very informative and interesting.
So, there were many things to enjoy about this story. If I could rate with partial stars, this one would be a 3.9. But, because I did not enjoy the most important portion of the storyline, I cannot promote this to 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
January 16, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 Sara Goodman Confino does it again. Am I surprised? Absolutely not. Does she make me once again want to travel back to the 1960’s to smash the patriarchy in the tiniest pair of heels paired with pristine fashion? One hundred percent.
Global tensions might be cold, but Judy Greenberg is fresh out of college and her ambition is hot. Armed with an impressive resume of journalism experience from her alma mater, she lands a gig in DC amongst the other typing gals with dreams of something bigger. Life has a funny way of giving us possibilities and when she answers the boss’s phone, she might just be on to a breaking story.
With the help - and some pesky hindrance - of handsome reporter Jack Fields, Judy sets out to crush this story and break glass ceilings. Sara Goodman Confino writes novels that speak to readers across generations, highlighting the power in our shared connection. While this latest novel is set in the 1960’s, when women were hardly in journalism, the themes Confino writes are no less relevant today. Off the Record is a beautiful examination of where we’ve been, our current milieu, and a hopeful glimpse to the future…all wrapped up in Sara Goodman Confino’s superbly flawless flair for historical fiction and all around fabulousness.
📖 Book Review 📖 Sara Goodman Confino does it again. Am I surprised? Absolutely not. Does she make me once again want to travel back to the 1960’s to smash the patriarchy in the tiniest pair of heels paired with pristine fashion? One hundred percent.
Global tensions might be cold, but Judy Greenberg is fresh out of college and her ambition is hot. Armed with an impressive resume of journalism experience from her alma mater, she lands a gig in DC amongst the other typing gals with dreams of something bigger. Life has a funny way of giving us possibilities and when she answers the boss’s phone, she might just be on to a breaking story.
With the help - and some pesky hindrance - of handsome reporter Jack Fields, Judy sets out to crush this story and break glass ceilings. Sara Goodman Confino writes novels that speak to readers across generations, highlighting the power in our shared connection. While this latest novel is set in the 1960’s, when women were hardly in journalism, the themes Confino writes are no less relevant today. Off the Record is a beautiful examination of where we’ve been, our current milieu, and a hopeful glimpse to the future…all wrapped up in Sara Goodman Confino’s superbly flawless flair for historical fiction and all around fabulousness.
June 19, 2026
Thank you to @saraconfino and @amazonpublishing for the #gifted e-book.
I have devoured every one of Sara’s books, and this one was no different, absolutely captivating.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Washington D.C. in 1962, the story follows Judy, a new college graduate with big dreams of becoming a journalist. She lands a job as a typist at a local newspaper, but when she accidentally intercepts a mysterious message that could lead to a major scoop, her adventure really begins. Partnering with reporter Jack Fields, Judy dives into a world of secrets and suspense.
Judy is a delightful, spunky character. She is focused, ambitious, and daring in pursuit of her goals. I adored her chemistry with Jack, especially their playful fake dating scheme as they go undercover on a daring assignment. Her Jewish family added humor and heart. Her mom hilariously trying to marry her off, her dad quietly supportive, and her grandmother, a lively force who loves stirring up trouble.
The plot is packed with mystery, intrigue, and hidden secrets. The twists at the end caught me off guard, providing satisfying closure. There’s plenty of room for Jack and Judy’s story to continue in future books.
I also appreciated the author’s note at the end, where she shares her inspiration and research, adding an extra layer of depth to this engaging tale.
I have devoured every one of Sara’s books, and this one was no different, absolutely captivating.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Washington D.C. in 1962, the story follows Judy, a new college graduate with big dreams of becoming a journalist. She lands a job as a typist at a local newspaper, but when she accidentally intercepts a mysterious message that could lead to a major scoop, her adventure really begins. Partnering with reporter Jack Fields, Judy dives into a world of secrets and suspense.
Judy is a delightful, spunky character. She is focused, ambitious, and daring in pursuit of her goals. I adored her chemistry with Jack, especially their playful fake dating scheme as they go undercover on a daring assignment. Her Jewish family added humor and heart. Her mom hilariously trying to marry her off, her dad quietly supportive, and her grandmother, a lively force who loves stirring up trouble.
The plot is packed with mystery, intrigue, and hidden secrets. The twists at the end caught me off guard, providing satisfying closure. There’s plenty of room for Jack and Judy’s story to continue in future books.
I also appreciated the author’s note at the end, where she shares her inspiration and research, adding an extra layer of depth to this engaging tale.
May 17, 2026
Another easy five star review for Sara Goodman Confino’s newest book! Set in the early 1960s during the Cold War, Judy wants to make a name for herself as a reporter in a time when women are not allowed to do anything aside from be in the typing room. This book has suspense and almost becomes a cozy mystery at times which I love. We still have the authors signature Jewish heroine and feisty grandmother duo, which I always love reading about. The story was so fun and the Easter eggs (we’ve gotta find a Jewish term for this) always exciting to spot, but my absolute favorite moments were some of the quiet (and not so quiet) moments between Judy and Jack as they pulled back layers of themselves and especially the Shabbat scenes. I laughed so hard and even found myself reading out loud and acting out all the characters lines. And for anyone keeping track, yes, this one has moments that parallel my life again, so don’t worry about it haha I also loved that the women’s rights in this book went beyond just in the workplace, but also in other aspects of women lives.
A great book I can’t wait for others to read and talk to about! I was sent this ARC by NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Get Red PR in exchange for my honest review.
A great book I can’t wait for others to read and talk to about! I was sent this ARC by NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Get Red PR in exchange for my honest review.
June 30, 2026
A historical romance set in the late 1960s frames its relationship against a period marked by social change and shifting expectations. The setting adds weight to the characters’ choices, where personal connection develops alongside a broader sense of time and place.
The romance unfolds with an easy, engaging flow, blending emotional warmth with a backdrop that feels distinct from modern storytelling. The atmosphere of the era influences how the characters interact, giving their relationship a grounded, period-specific tone.
Beyond the romance, the story carries a wider sense of life during that decade, using the setting to shape mood and context without overwhelming the central relationship.
The romance unfolds with an easy, engaging flow, blending emotional warmth with a backdrop that feels distinct from modern storytelling. The atmosphere of the era influences how the characters interact, giving their relationship a grounded, period-specific tone.
Beyond the romance, the story carries a wider sense of life during that decade, using the setting to shape mood and context without overwhelming the central relationship.
June 11, 2026
1962 Washington DC
Judy Greenberg has graduated from college and wants to be a journalist. Unfortunately, the only way to get her foot in the door is taking a job as a typist. She is asked to fill in for the secretary for one of bosses upstairs and determines to do her best. After her boss leaves for the day, his private line rings and she decides to answer it. She receives a very intriguing call that sounds like something she wants to investigate for herself. She shares this with reporter Jack Fields and together they decide to look into this....as long as he knows this is HER story!
True to Confino's style, she tells a great story with her humor and the backdrop of being Jewish and following Jewish traditions which she is often trying to avoid.
A quick and fun read!
Judy Greenberg has graduated from college and wants to be a journalist. Unfortunately, the only way to get her foot in the door is taking a job as a typist. She is asked to fill in for the secretary for one of bosses upstairs and determines to do her best. After her boss leaves for the day, his private line rings and she decides to answer it. She receives a very intriguing call that sounds like something she wants to investigate for herself. She shares this with reporter Jack Fields and together they decide to look into this....as long as he knows this is HER story!
True to Confino's style, she tells a great story with her humor and the backdrop of being Jewish and following Jewish traditions which she is often trying to avoid.
A quick and fun read!
July 9, 2026
Idk if it’s audiobooks in general or just the plots but I have yet to really really love an audiobook 🤷🏼♀️
This book reminded me a lot of How to Lose a Guy in 10 days - not for the plot of that - but simply Andi’s character. How she works for a magazine as an editor. Ok also reminded me of Jenna’s character in 13 Going on 30. Because she wanted to be something more than just a gossip magazine writer. Idk read this if you like that sort of thing lol. This review is not great 🤪
This book reminded me a lot of How to Lose a Guy in 10 days - not for the plot of that - but simply Andi’s character. How she works for a magazine as an editor. Ok also reminded me of Jenna’s character in 13 Going on 30. Because she wanted to be something more than just a gossip magazine writer. Idk read this if you like that sort of thing lol. This review is not great 🤪
January 18, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
This was a 10/10 and I stayed up way to late to finish reading it.
I was pulled into the plot quickly and thoroughly connected with the man characters. It was the perfect amount of character development, intrigue, social commentary (1960s smart women trying to make their way in a male dominated workplace and negotiating societal expectations of marriage and kids) and romance wrapped into a well-written and engaging book.
If you see a fan of Sara Goodman Confino’s books, you’ll love this one.
This was a 10/10 and I stayed up way to late to finish reading it.
I was pulled into the plot quickly and thoroughly connected with the man characters. It was the perfect amount of character development, intrigue, social commentary (1960s smart women trying to make their way in a male dominated workplace and negotiating societal expectations of marriage and kids) and romance wrapped into a well-written and engaging book.
If you see a fan of Sara Goodman Confino’s books, you’ll love this one.
April 5, 2026
SGC never fails to write a fun, captivating novel and this one is no exception! She writes colorful characters with ease, beautiful familial bonds and relatable romances. Off the Record adds a little mystery, a little thrill to a formula that works well and it’s a fun one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was honored to get an ARC copy of this book from one of my favorite authors and this did not disappoint. Thank you NetGalley! I loved following Judy along her journey in the newspaper world in the 1960's.
July 1, 2026
3.8 …a cute light story
June 25, 2026
I enjoyed Off the Record and the genre mashup…historical fiction, romance and a bit of mystery. This is my second novel by Sara and I really appreciated this adventurous story that was centered around feminist themes. To me the, the ending was a little far fetched but overall, I really liked this novel.
I received a complimentary ebook ARC from Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews