Off the Record

by Sara Goodman Confino

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Adult, Jewish, Contemporary, Historical Mystery

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 9, 2026

Reviews

[Genny · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jenn (burlingtonbiblio) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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.

[Sarah Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. What an incredible story! Loved everything about it from start to finish.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Pinkish Perla · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kristy Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 ☺️

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a fan of fellow Peloton Mom Sara Goodman Confino and all her feel-good books. Her writing is the perfect palate cleanser reading - a consistent mix of beautiful character development, fast pacing, light heartedness, and a touch of important and era-appropriate women’s history. Set in the 1960s and centered around the political tensions with Russia and Cuba at the time, SGC took a fun new approach with this book!

In her newest book, Off the Record, new Journalism graduate Judy Greenberg is looking for the break that’s going to enable her to build her journalism career - and is not looking for a job that’s going to land her a husband and end her aspirations. When she finds herself working in the typing pool at the Washington Digest, it’s not exactly the big break she was hoping for but it’s a step in the right direction. She’s determined to prove herself and become a real journalist - and when an opportunity presents itself, she jumps at it.

Judy’s career comes with new friends, unexpected romance, complicated family dynamics, and a foray into dangerous territory that requires skill and trust.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My review: I love Sara Goodman Confino! I waited anxiously for this ARC and was not disappointed. Confino writes strong, determined women who are trapped (sometimes momentarily!) by their times.
Judy is a sheltered, Jewish, typing pool girl in 1962 DC who is working to rise in the ranks and be a real journalist. Except, women are not hired to do real reporting. But when she accidentally answers the phone in a boss's office, she takes a message that intrigues her. A voice with a Russian accent says something about Havana, what could that mean?? With the help of Jack, a politics reporter who appreciates Judy's instincts and editing skills, they rush into investigating the phone call.
Could it be dangerous or could it be nothing? And how long can they pretend to be secretly dating to stay out of trouble with Judy's friends and family?
There's enough suspense and intrigue in this book that I held my breath a couple of times. Paired with the humor of Judy's pushy family I was hooked from chapter 1. As all of Confino's books: highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance digital copy. These opinions are my own.

[Jenna]

3.75 ⭐️

I will literally read anything this author writes because she does Historical Fiction in such a light and entertaining way.

This book was about Judy, an aspiring writer, who takes a job at The Washington Digest as a typist. Does she want that… nope.. but she figures it’s the first step to getting what she really dreams of.

You couldn’t help but root for Judy. And sink in to the 60’s and all its societal “norms”. But two things: the mom was annoying with her quest to get Judy a man😂. Totally intentional by the author but she still annoyed me. And second, I loved Sylvia. She was hilarious. In fact I need a book about Sylvia and her antics.

I enjoyed it. Didn’t knock my “fav” of the authors off the top of the list (aka ‘Don’t Forget to Write’) but still a good one

[Alisha Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the pre read!

Solid 3.5 stars. I love everything Sara Goodman Confino writes. Her main characters are always so empowering but fun at the same time. I enjoyed the story line and the inclusion of certain political figures. Loved Slyvia, she's the best! The ending was a fun surprise but it felt abrupt. I want a sequel to this because I am pretty invested in where Judy's (& Sylvia's) story goes.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off The Record was a fun and quick read! The story was written in a way that “just one more page” quickly turns into 50 and then somehow you’ve finished the book. It’s a fast paced story of an aspiring reporter who finally gets a job with a newspaper but has to work her way up from just simply typing the stories that the “real reporters” find- that is until she gets a call that gives here the story of a lifetime. The story and storytelling pull you in immediately- however the middle seemed a bit rushed and I wish the book was a bit longer!
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Record by Sara Goodman Confino
Publishing date - 06/09/26
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Sara Goodman Confino, Netgalley, & Lake Union for the opportunity to read this one prior to it being released! Off the Record was a fun read! Memorable characters - Jack & Judy make this novel a must read! I would love to see a sequel to this one in the future.

[kesy_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing this ARC and exchange for my honest review.

The story is so cute as usual because this Author always has good books. The narrator also did a really good job with portraying each character and emotions.

You have a Jewish FMC who has high aspirations of becoming a reporter or journalist in the 60s where women did not have the same rights. Her parents were very religious and pressured her to get married and have kids, but she wanted a career.

She got a tip and started investigating and in that journey, she fake dates her coworker and they go through this adventure together

Tropes:
Fake dating
Historical
Mystery
Strong family
Strong culture

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off the Record by Sara Goodman Confino

I enjoy Sara Goodman Confino's stories so much! Once again we are in the world Confino created and throughout her books that I have read I seem to be able to find some mention of a character from another of her books. Nothing that requires having read the other books, just little cameos, often mentions of happenings to relatives that we've met in the past. This makes Confino's world seem real, as if it is ongoing even when we aren't looking.

1962 Washington DC Judy Greenberg wants to be a reporter. She IS going to be a reporter and nothing is going to stop her. Not her mom wanting her to get married, not marriage, not babies, not being shoved to the "women's features" niche for women who want to write. Judy wants to be a real journalist, a journalist who reports on the news that matters, a journalist that who makes it to the top of her profession even if that is a "man's" profession.

Judy manages to get a job at a newspaper although it's in the secretarial pool because that's all she could get. But she's going to show them and actually does show them when she does massive edits on the copy of funny, cute, charming reporter, Jack Fields. Does Jack mind that she makes changes to his stories that make them much better? Not at all, he thinks Judy is all kinds of awesome, smart, talented and pretty to boot. Judy has to knock Jack down a few notches, she's not going to be his friend, she's not going to flirt with him, and she's not going to let him take credit for her improvements of his articles and get away with it.

When Judy get temporarily bumped up to the top floor and answers one of the top dog's phones, she hears something she's not meant to hear. Something, something, something that could mean really bad things for the nation, with the Cold War and other things going on at this time. Judy and Jack team up to break this story but it's not going to be easy and it's not going to be without its dangers and chances of losing their jobs. Along the way, Jack proves he's not just a flirt and a skirt chaser, in fact, he's a pretty good guy. I loved the interaction between Judy and Jack, they are both funny, so very attractive, smart, and reaching for the stars when it comes to being good at their chosen career. Of course, Judy has to get out of the secretarial pool to be working her chosen career. But maybe if they can break this huge story, if it really is a huge story, she may get the job she's been craving.

Confino is a MUST READ for me every single time and this was another clever story. The family dynamics are always so funny, with the mom who wants only the best Jewish marriage for her daughter, complete with lots of babies. The highlight is Judy's grandmother, who is a lot more than she seems. I read this with Jayme and DeAnn so be sure to check out their thoughts on the story.

Expected publication June 9, 2026

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1961, Barbara Walters joined the Today show, giving hope to the women who were clacking away on their typewriters at ninety words per minute in the newspaper’s typing pools, that perhaps one day-there would be a chance of joining a News room as “something more”than a typist.

Judy Greenberg was one of those “aspiring reporters” in DC- more interested in getting a byline than a husband-much to her Jewish mother’s chagrin.

IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME

One day while subbing for the Boss’s Secretary she answers his private line. She jots down a cryptic message from a man with a Russian accent, and becomes convinced that she has stumbled upon a scoop.

But women CAN’T write news articles at her newspaper.

Fortunately, reporter Jack Fields CAN write news stories and as the Junior White House correspondent he feels what she has learned could be a matter of National Security. After all, The Soviet Union was currently the United States biggest threat, installing nuclear missiles in Castro’s Cuba, only 90 miles off of Florida’s shores.

The pair team up to do some undercover investigating at “Off the Record” the basement bar of the Hay-Adams hotel (a real place which served as a Speak-Easy during the days of prohibition.)

But she could have NEVER been able to do so without the help of her new typing pool friends or without being able to pass off Jack as a pretend boyfriend around her relieved parents, and (scene stealer) Grandmother Sylvia.

Will she get her Byline by the book’s end-or even more?

Sure, it’s a bit far fetched but I enjoyed the surprising and satisfying ending.

I love Sara Goodman Confino’s books! They are filled with 60’s nostalgia and STRONG women who are fearlessly breaking down the barriers that previously had held women back. But, with that substance you also get a clean romance filled with witty banter.

And, look at that GORGEOUS BOOK COVER!

Be sure to check out the reviews of DeAnn and Marilyn as well to see if they enjoyed this one too.

You can check this one out on June 9, 2026.

Thank You to Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh SGC made me drop everything and read again! This would have been a one-sitting read for me if I didn't have family obligations to fulfill. Instead it was two :) This time we transport back to 1962 DC during the Kennedy administration and the Cold War. The Bay of Pigs operation had failed. Women struggle to make inroads into male-dominated careers (despite a college degree), families have deeply engrained notions about who their daughters should aspire to become. Don't skip the Author's Note at the end because although this is fiction, much of the historical aspect of the story is rooted in fact and common..."practices" at the time.

Judy has a journalism degree, but was relegated to the typing pool where reporter Jack Fields latches on to her for his edits (remember...typing pool, not Editor ;) ) and even takes credit for her work after she essentially rewrites his pieces. When Judy finds herself filling in as a secretary on the 7th floor, she answers a phone call and realizes she may have stumbled into an exclusive scoop that could change her career. Thankfully she mended fences with Jack fairly quickly as they follow leads through DC nightlife. She pretends Jack is her boyfriend to appease her meddling family, as well as help her get to the bottom of the dangerous lead.

Faking dating and close proximity tropes can get old for me, but SGC freshened them both up with her signature wit, historical facts mixed with fiction, and interesting characters you can't help but root for. The added mystery made this even more fun to read. Sara brings new energy to historical fiction with her unique voice. I swear I can hear all of her female main characters voices as Midge Maisel! And yes, there is a FABULOUS grandma in this one who provides the readers with many laughs, while making Judy eye-roll and smile.

Thanks to Sara Goodman Confino, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 'Off the Record' was such a delight to devour!

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, where do I even BEGIN with this book?!?! Sara, you are hands down one of my most favorite authors of the moment. The minute I hear you have a new book coming, I try to get the ARC but also buy a copy for myself and my mom (because I now have her sooooo HOOKED on you)!! Off the Record was another winner for me, and one that did NOT disappoint!

Before I even get into my review, I have to admit that more often than not I don't take the full time to appreciate and read the Author's Notes at the end but this time I am so glad that I did! I loved reading how you came up with this idea, the research that you did to bring it to life and then the absolute joy you had writing it - because I LOVED reading it!!

Judy was such a fun character, strong, independent, ready to take on the world and go against the grain - I just loved reading about her! Jack was a perfect balance with Judy's tenacity and he stood by her in her need to find the truth and take the risks to get the story and get her name out there. I felt like he really supported her, but at the same time worried about her and while he did try to stop her to protect her, Jack would then allow Judy to take the lead and tell him what she could and couldn't handle. I don't want to spoil the story and the investigation, but each turn kept me wanting to read more and all of the outlying characters added to the fun of the story! I especially loved Judy's grandmother and the other typing pool girls, it just added so much more depth to the overall plot.

Another winner from Sara Goodman Confino!! I love how Sara's books always have strong female heroes who aren't afraid to take on daunting challenges to prove themselves. As I said in the beginning I know when a new SGC book is coming out - I have to get it in my hands! I thoroughly enjoyed Off the Record and cannot wait for the next book. Please, please, PLEASE keep writing, you are simply the best!


Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judy Greenberg was born in the wrong era. A modern young woman who went to college for the degree; and not the MRS version, she dreams of being a serious reporter writing groundbreaking articles for a newspaper. She does not envision being tossed into a Women's Section column that focuses only on how to get a stain out or how to raise a child; of course, even a women's section may have been better than the typing pool at The Washington Digest. Mere blocks from the rooms where it happens, Judy is stuck retyping articles written by men. And, not just any men, but one man in particular that she can't seem to stay away from. Jack Fields may turn out to be the only ally Judy has when she stumbled onto a lead. How big a lead? Life altering, and highly dangerous, if July and Jack can just figure out what "mass hole" means, anyway.

Sara Goodman Confino is one of my favorite auto buy authors because I absolutely devour every word she writes. From seeing inside the antics of Jewish mothers which always bring humor and levity into her pieces to intelligent dialogue among her characters, I always know that the moment I start reading I won't want to put the novel down. Off the Record is no exception; a historical fiction with romance and a thrilling twist, I truly enjoying seeing the ying and yang dynamics between Jack and Judy. A headstrong FMC who knows what she wants even if she does have a nagging mother, is wholly relatable and endearing. Jack is magnetic and the twist midway through the book, was absolute perfection.

If I had to give any critique it would be that the novel finished abruptly. I would have liked to see an additional scene or maybe even a wider berth for the epilogue. Of course, Judy and Jack (and Sylvia) are setting off on such a unique and fun journey that maybe Off the Record becomes a series, in which case, the open ended epilogue makes total sense.

What I do know is, if Sara Goodman Confino writes it, I'm going to read it and love it.

Thank you Lake Union for the gifted ARC.

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Reporting Stars

Sara Goodman Confino has spun another feel-good story here, with all the nostalgia and politics of 1960s Washington, DC.

Judy Greenberg graduated from college without getting her Mrs. degree, much to her mother’s disappointment. Judy wants to become a journalist, but she has a tough road ahead. Women are typically relegated to the typing pool and secretarial roles. She does land a job in the typing pool at The Washington Digest, with aspirations to become a reporter, not just covering women’s issues. She wants to cover compelling issues.

Jack Fields is the junior White House correspondent, and he soon discovers that Judy can type and edit his articles so that they fly past the editors. Judy’s boss, Miss Kelly, isn’t pleased that Jack routinely brings his work to Judy. And she’s not supposed to edit, just type what is given to her. Soon, sparks fly between Judy and Jack, but she could never bring him home to her Jewish family.

A short-term stint as secretary to an editor changes the course of the book. Judy answers a phone and receives a cryptic message that puts her hot on the trail of political intrigue regarding Cuba and the seat of power. She teams up with Jack, and they visit some of DC's hot spots on the trail of a story.

Judy struggles with the typical woman’s path. She’s not totally opposed to marriage and children, but she doesn’t want to give up her career. Can she have it all? Or does she have to sacrifice something? A timeless theme for women!

I loved Judy’s family in this one. Her mother just wants to get her married, her father quietly supports her, and her grandmother is a hoot! Her sister, pregnant with baby 3, represents what Judy fears is her future. But she loves them all! This one had a satisfying ending!

This was a fun buddy read with Jayme and Marilyn. Did they enjoy it too?

My thanks to Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one. Scheduled to release on 6.9.2026.

[Angie Miale · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is Washington, DC, we are with a buttoned up high-powered newspaper publication and our heroine, Judy, has just graduated with a 4.0 from the University of Maryland. Like a good Jewish girl, she lives at home with mom and dad in Silver Springs, but commutes into the city and accepts a position in the typing pool at the second-best newspaper. It isn't editing, or the sharp reporting she longs for, but at least it isn't a secretarial job at her uncle's law firm. Her parents are very invested in her finding a husband and settling down to have kids and make a home with a good Jewish boy. Judy is fine with marriage AT SOME POINT but her priority is making an impact- her writing career comes first! Also it seems like there is no other Jewish folks at the paper at all.

This is a sparkling and page turning story of international intrigue, the background setting is so intriguing and absolutely engaging. When it comes to Sara Goodman Confino's books, this is the kind of heartwarming yet flawed strong female character we have come to expect. I found this latest to be lighthearted and sparkling, not exactly YA but written more like a hopeful YA historical fiction can be. This definitely has Hallmark-vibes and there is a sweetness here that I REALLY was craving in the midst of a real world situation that terrifies me daily. There is a little romance and the reveals at the end are positively Pixar-esque. Give me all the wholesome.

Three adjectives to describe our main character: Determined. Hard working. Intelligent.

Hollywood cast
Miss Kelly- Allison Janney
Judy Greenfield- Hailee Steinfeld
Jack Fields- Zach Efron

thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the ARC. Book to be published June 9, 2026

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced Book Review! Thank you @netgalley for sending me this book for review. Opinions are my own.
“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.”
Set in 1962, Off the Record follows Judy Greenberg, an ambitious, sharp, and determined young woman stuck in a newsroom typing pool but dreaming of bylines. When she intercepts a mysterious call with a Russian accent, she’s convinced she’s stumbled onto something big…and she’s not wrong.
I loved the deep dive into the inner workings of a 1960s newsroom and the way this story highlights the gender barriers Judy faced simply for being a woman. On top of that, the Jewish representation felt honest and nuanced. Within Judy’s family, her mother’s hopes for her to marry a Jewish man and the expectations placed on her felt in direct contrast to Judy’s own career ambitions, given the time period. At the same time, the story also touches on antisemitism in the workplace, from missed opporutnities to the pressure of hiding (or not hiding) one’s identity.
The whole story is set against the backdrop of the Cold War with the tension of the Bay of Pigs Invasion still lingering. I loved how there were subtle references to the President and Vice President without ever naming them. It added to that “off the record” feel. I really appreciated the author’s note at the end breaking down what was real vs. fictional. It added a lot of context to the story.
The mystery kept things moving, and the romance added a fun layer. The fake dating trope (which I love) gets a twist here – Judy and Jack have to pretend they are dating for some situations, and definitely aren’t in others.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I have loved most of Confino's books, Off The Record may be a new favorite of hers, and definitely on my best books of 2026 list. I may be biased because I have met her, will see her again this weekend and absolutely love everything she writes. especially her historical books set in the 1960s.

It's wasy to forget it wasn't that long ago that women's rights were very limited. Getting a job in a newspaper as a reporter would have not happened, much less after marriage and babies. Women needed their husbands permission to go in birth control, open a bank account or use a charge card. Judy Greenberg is a spunky, plucky heroine who wants to write a story and get her start as a reporter, shortly after finishing college. She lives at home, her parents want her to marry a NJB and settle down. Not at all what she wants yet as a 22 year old in 1962.

Jack Fields is everything I imagine and was so pleasantly impressed, even though I predicted his name was a pen name. Judy reminded me a little of the rabbit named Judy in Zootopia, in a good way. She gets a tip that's very suspicious and has to trust Jack enough so he can help her investigate. While no names were mentioned of the president or VP, and liberties were taken, I could very well imagine. In politics & scandals, not much has changed, only the players.

While the ending may be a little far fetched, I loved it. I enjoyed the cameos of other characters from previous books as well. Well worth the wait as this book comes out June 9. A+ Jewish representation and realistic portrayal of lurking antisemitism in the 60s. I would love to see this book adapted on the screen.

[Michael Gizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Goodman Confino's books get characterized as women's fiction, jewish fiction, historical fiction. They are all of the above, but they are more. They are great literature. She is a fantastic writer, with the ability to draw you in. Her lastest, Off the Record, takes her into new territory. Yes, the book tells the story of the challenges women face for equal treatment. Yes, it provides a glimpse into the world of Jewish families. This book adds something new, it introduces two characters, Judy Greenberg and Jack Fields, and introduces us to the Cold War intrigue of the 1960s. Judy is a newly graduated journalism major from the University of Maryland who is forced to take a job in the typing pool at a Washington DC newspaper. She is determined to make her way as a journalist, and not take the expected route of getting married and becoming a house wife. Jack is a young reporter at the paper, working the White House beat. Their paths cross almost immediately, and yes sparks fly, but so does the recognition of Judy's skills as a writer (and editor). The story then takes a dramatic turn when Judy inadvertently uncovers what she believes is a coded message, and together she and Jack work to uncover the meaning of the message and break the story.

Off the Record quickly becomes a story driven to solve the mystery. The pace moves quickly, the pieces come together, but not without great character development and some family drama. By the end of the book, Sara Confino has provided us with a truly enjoyable tale, and sets up the possibility for sequels and further adventures. I hope we get see more of these characters.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judy Greenberg wants to be a journalist, which isn't easy for a Jewish girl in 1962, so when she gets offered a job in the typing pool at a Washington DC newspaper (despite having a degree in journalism) she takes it hoping to be spotted and given her big break.

Miss Kelly who runs the typing pool with an iron fist warns Judy against fraternising with the journalists and editors, saying that's what got her predecessor fired, but Judy has not intention of looking for a husband.

The junior White House reporter Jack Fields is particularly irritating, constantly hanging around Judy's desk and getting her into trouble with Miss Kelly. The galling thing is the leads for his articles are never right - Judy could (and does) do far better. But rather than being angry with Judy for editing his articles Jack encourages her, whilst taking all the credit ... until Judy calls him out for it.

Nevertheless, when Judy takes a very strange message for one of the editors after hours while temporarily filling in for his secretary Jack is the only person she can turn to for help in investigating what the message means.

This book is set shortly after the Bay of Pigs incident. Height of the Cold War, think Russia, Cuba, Kennedy. Women were still expected to get married and churn out lots of children, even Judy as a twenty-two year old woman had her hair, make-up and clothing monitored by her mother.

This had it all, politics, intrigue, women's issues, spies, and romance. A great read and fascinating to find out how much of the story is based on real happenings and people and places (whilst obviously also being fictitious).

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've thoroughly enjoyed all of Sara Goodman Confino's books so far, so I was excited to see Off the Record on NetGalley!

📖: Judy Greenberg is determined to become a journalist. In the 1960s world, that's easier said than done. For now, she'll take a position in the Washington Digest typing pool. One day as she's subbing for a higher up's secretary, she gets a suspicious phone call from a man with a thick accent. Could this have to do with the high tension between Russia, Cuba, and the United States? While this could be a dangerous lead to follow, Judy also sees this being an opportunity to prover herself. With a little help from the cute but annoying reporter, can Judy get the full story?

🤝: This may be a good fit if you enjoy:
- ambitious female protagonists
- a splash of romance
- historical fiction

💭: I love Sara Goodman Confino's books. I appreciate how they focus on the strength of women working through or overcoming obstacles like grief, family pressures, or here, pushing through societal norms. I appreciate Judy's grandma has Confino's signature sass, one of my favorite elements throughout her work. This book felt different than her others in terms of how has an element of mystery and lots of tension with the current events of the time. It didn't click for me like some of her others, but I definitely recommend it. If you prefer historical fiction that balances a lighthearted voice, determined women, and some serious happenings of the 1960s, this could be a great fit!

3.5 rounded to 4

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for early access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Pub Day: 6/9/2026

[Brittany | BrittanyIsBooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judith Greenberg doesn't want to be a housewife whose sole purpose is to have babies and please her husband. But that is what her parents want. So, instead of going to Uncle Gil's lawfirm to meet a nice, respectable, Jewish man... Judy goes to the newspaper to pursue her goal of becoming a journalist. Judy is not given a journalist job, but she is placed in the typing pool with the other women. And Jack Fields take a particular interest in her. One day, when Judy is filling in for an editor, she answers the phone and receives a mysterious phone call which can only be one thing: the lead that is going to give her the break she needs to make it as a journalist. Together with Jake Fields, Judy uncovers the mystery and tries to make a name for herself. Judy is punchy, and tenacious, and everything we women in 2026 hope that women in 1966 (or, 1962) were like, even if the world was telling them to sit down, hush up, and make babies.

I am a person who reads to completion - I will read the prologue, epilogue, author's note, and acknowledgements because I need to know it all. But, I think there is something extra special in the author's note for a historical fiction that just really should not be missed. This book is no exception, and I think it explained why the characters were written the way they were and why they were all so amazing.

Judy is Confino's best FMC, and I will not be taking any arguments. Thank you to Sara, NetGalley, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.