She's Up to No Good

A Novel

By: Sara Goodman Confino

Narrated by: Holly Linneman

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 Sara Goodman Confino (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“You can almost taste the lobster rolls and smell the warm salt air in Sara Goodman Confino’s latest, which will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page. When Jenna agrees to a road trip with her sassy grandmother, Evelyn, she never could have imagined how her life would change. Confino deftly weaves together two time periods to tell a charming and funny story of true love, second chances, and why we should always be open to new beginnings.”—Susie Orman Schnall, author of We Came Here to Shine

“A heartfelt and endearing story where generations of women do what women do best—keep one’s feet firmly planted while simultaneously moving forward with love.”—Ann Garvin, author of I Thought You Said This Would Work

“Brimming with voice and wit, Sara Goodman Confino’s She’s Up to No Good is as heartfelt as it is hilarious. This beautiful story sweeps you up in its magic and doesn’t let go—much like the vivacious main character, Evelyn, a feisty force of nature who teaches her granddaughter what it truly means to live and love without fear. Their adventures—and Evelyn’s tales—will have you laughing, crying, and cheering them on, and you’ll be transported to the setting of the charming seaside town of their family’s roots. This is a gem of a novel and a fantastic follow-up to Confino’s outstanding debut, For the Love of Friends.”—Elissa Grossell Dickey, author of The Speed of Light and Iris in the Dark

Clean and cute

Adorable story. It was refreshing to listen to a clean story that was funny and heartwarming.

Wonderful story!!!!

Loved this book!! Great story! Full of hope!!! Lovable characters that feel like friends, and when it is over you still want more.

Sweet story through time

The story bounces between the past and the present is an easy to follow format. It is an easy listen and I was a bit sad when it ended, I wanted it to continue.

Loved it! Definitely take the time to read this!

Devoured this in a day. Such a great story! I loved the mix of past & present. And the mixture of several lov stories. It was just lovley. Jenna was a great character, but Evelyn past & present definitely stole the whole story.

Good story

I got this as the deal of the day and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would! Really enjoyed the narrator’s storytelling although as a Bostonian, the accents were a bit much.

Can’t Miss This Brilliant Story & Performance!!

I started the book thinking it was a topical romance novel but the author unpacks so much more history & mystery. Simply put, Ms. Confino’s story is brilliant and captivating, and Ms. Linneman’s performing is fantastic!!! I can’t wait to go back and read Ms. Confino’s first book! Bravo! 👏 🙌 👏

New favorite!

Loved this book so much and could not stop listening. It has everything you could want. Likable characters, a story that kept you interested and perfect narration!

This story will refresh your soul.

This story will refresh your soul. Just listen. It is a nice multi generational story that may make you laugh and cry and cheer. Such a great listen.

a feel good story

this is a sweet story, though it did have some elements of potential on the heavy side. I'm glad the book didn't dwell too much on the history of the politics within the story. this book was a nice pallet cleanser in-between my psychological thriller reads

Evelyn!

What a beautiful story revolving around Evelyn and her family. I just don’t understand why Jenna was necessary. She brought nothing to the story which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.