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Second Fiddle: Love, Identity, and the Untold Strength that Powers a CEOs World
134 pages, Paperback
Published January 19, 2026
4 people want to read
About the author
Kate Benson
53 books14 followersThere is more than one author with that name - make sure you use the right one
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 21, 2026
I’ve known Kate since elementary school—I still remember when her family first moved to Indiana and we went over to meet our new neighbors. While we haven't been close since high school, I loved reading about the strong, beautiful woman she has become in her adult life! A definite glam up from the silly, awkward middle school years I remember. 🙂
I ended up devouring this book in one sitting; it’s an incredibly smooth, well-written read. Kate carries the "Second Fiddle" theme, which is the heartbeat of this book, through every chapter with impressive consistency. For anyone who has ever felt like they’re playing a supporting role in someone else’s spotlight, this hits home.
The standout for me was Chapter 11. Her description of navigating spouse-related corporate events—the mental gymnastics of separating the "behind-the-scenes" from the "performance" required at a shareholder gala—was spot on. She perfectly captures that specific tension of authentically putting on a public face.
The book shines brightest in its moments of raw vulnerability. While there are some flashes of her successes, they are balanced by a genuine look at the more challenging, less-glamorous emotions and experiences.
Because the themes are so cohesive, the messaging can feel incredibly intentional and consistent. While I devoured it in one sitting, this is a book that might be better savored slowly to really let the nuances of each section sink in.
Final Verdict: A well-written, vulnerable, and deeply relatable look at the roles we play for the people we love.
I ended up devouring this book in one sitting; it’s an incredibly smooth, well-written read. Kate carries the "Second Fiddle" theme, which is the heartbeat of this book, through every chapter with impressive consistency. For anyone who has ever felt like they’re playing a supporting role in someone else’s spotlight, this hits home.
The standout for me was Chapter 11. Her description of navigating spouse-related corporate events—the mental gymnastics of separating the "behind-the-scenes" from the "performance" required at a shareholder gala—was spot on. She perfectly captures that specific tension of authentically putting on a public face.
The book shines brightest in its moments of raw vulnerability. While there are some flashes of her successes, they are balanced by a genuine look at the more challenging, less-glamorous emotions and experiences.
Because the themes are so cohesive, the messaging can feel incredibly intentional and consistent. While I devoured it in one sitting, this is a book that might be better savored slowly to really let the nuances of each section sink in.
Final Verdict: A well-written, vulnerable, and deeply relatable look at the roles we play for the people we love.
Displaying 1 of 1 review