Book Review: She’s Up To No Good by Sara Goodman Confino

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

Four years into her marriage, Jenna is blindsided when her husband asks for a divorce. With time on her hands and her life in flux, she agrees to accompany her eccentric grandmother Evelyn on a road trip to the seaside Massachusetts town where much of their family history was shaped.

When they hit the road, Evelyn spins the tale of the star-crossed teenage romance that captured her heart more than seventy years ago and changed the course of her life. She insists the return to her hometown isn’t about that at all—no matter how much she talks about Tony, her unforgettable and forbidden first love.

Upon arrival, Jenna meets Tony’s attentive great-nephew Joe. The new friendship and fresh ocean air give her the confidence and distance she needs to begin putting the pain of a broken marriage behind her.

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

My Thoughts: 4 Stars This story follows Jenna who’s husband suddenly asks for a divorce and leaves her moving back home with her parents.  Seeing that Jenna is stuck in a rut her grandmother Evelyn, decides it would be nice to visit her hometown in Massachusetts and the two embark on a roadtrip.  Along the way Evelyn tells Jenna all about growing up there and a history that Jenna knew nothing about.  This is told in alternating timelines of present day and then in the 1950’s with Evelyn’s story.  Typically I am not a huge fan of alternating storylines but this one worked really well for me.  Both were very engaging and I was always disappointed when we would jump back and forth because both stories left you wanting to know what happened next!  This one is full of family friends and romantic relationships and I loved all of them equally.  Evelyn was such a fun character and I loved her personality and can only hope I am like her when I am older.  Thank you GetredPR, Lake Union Publishing and Sara Goodman Confinofor my gifted copy for review!  I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future! This one publishes today!