I really loved this book and feel it gave a real insight into life for women in the 60s. I loved the length of the chapters because it meant I could pick them up and read in between doing stuff! I was so glad Rose didn’t go back to Marty but reading the law from those times was crazy. I also enjoyed the story being told from different viewpoints - that’s not a great love of mine but I found it easy to remember who twas who in this case!! All in all a great read

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading this book.

When ladies were pregnant in America, in 1965 but not married, they were sent away so that others weren’t aware of them being pregnant.

For Betsy, it was lucky for her that a family invited her to stay with them to help with the housework and the couple were expecting their second child were able to help Betsy.

Her sister, Rose was there too and the pair had some lovely times together.

The story was an insight into what women faced years ago. It does cover topics such as abuse, rape, abortion and miscarriage.

I highly recommend this book.

A very thought provoking read about American women in the 1960’s and the the way pregnancy was viewed and sadly sometimes dealt with
Emotive and unshying of history and the fact women were often treated shockingly
There is all aspects of pregnancy covered inc abortion and it really made me stop and think and realise,hopefully,how far things had progressed
Female friendship and its importance is also a big theme

A group of women getting through life together during the times when they had little to no rights even on their own bodies. Lily takes in a pregnant teenager to help out until she's ready to give birth and it starts a change in both their lives.

Wow what a powerful and thought provoking book this was. There are a few triggers in this, miscarriage, abortion and domestic violence so be aware. They are handled in the way of the times this book is written about. Although fiction there is a lot of truth in this and its terrible to think what women went through in those times. The plot is well written and told through a mix of characters mostly Lily, Rose and Betsy. I enjoyed seeing their takes on different things. The ending was so brilliant and brought the story to a full circle almost, finishing any doubts and loose ends about the characters. A really though provoking read.

A lovely story of friendship and family in the most surprising circumstances. What goes on behind closed doors is often hidden from us all and it takes guts to admit things aren't as rosy as they seem.

An emotional and evocative foray into the lifestyle of American women in the 1960s. It demo the inequalities faced in their society and through the individual storylines covers a range of emotional topics and highlights the bonds found in female friendship

This brilliant book made me very glad I was not a young woman in the 1960s. A group of neighbours meet to play a regular game of cards, each with their own worries and problems. Their kindness to each other is very touching, and I liked the way the story jumped 20 years at the end. It should provide a lot for discussion at book clubs, and hopefully make some people think about the situation in some American states regarding women’s rights over their own bodies.

This was the first novel I’ve read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. It was an interesting and well written story that gave some interesting insights into the lives of pregnant women in 60’s America. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy.

This is a really well written book about the taboos surrounding pregnancy in the 1960s. Women were expected to leave their jobs as soon as they married and pregnancy should follow soon after. Those unfortunate to get pregnant outside marriage were often shipped off to unwed mother’s homes and then sent to act as helpers to local mothers.
The novel charts a group of women, all married and some with children as they deal with the narrow expectations of society. There is much happening behind closed doors that they are able to disclose to even their closest friends. When a very young pregnant girl comes to stay with one of the women, a chain of events is set in motion that will change them all.
This is a detailed and beautifully written novel about a time in the not so distant past when women had very different life expectations. Much food for thought and much to be grateful for.

Billed as "For fans of Lessons in Chemistry or The Help", "In The Family Way" is a moving and thoughtful look at motherhood, what it is to be a woman and what secrets lie behind closed doors.

Set in 1960s suburban America, we are introduced to a group of women who are carving out their path in life bound by the strictures of patriarchal society. They are all well realised and are brave, compassionate, foolish and flawed all at the same time.

Whilst the tone of the writing is generally light-hearted don't let it fool you, this story deals with difficult topics including domestic violence, sexual assault, underage pregnancy and abortion. It doesn't shy away from the facts and the reality of life for many women during this period so some readers may struggle during the middle third because of that (I know I certainly did). But, as I found, it is worth sticking through those sections as the final third is a wonderful wrap up for all of our characters.

This is a thought provoking, insightful and well written story that draws you in and doesn't let go and comes highly recommended.

It’s 1965 in America and unwed pregnant woman were sent away to hide their pregnancy. Betsy was very fortunate that a family took her in to help with chores, her family was lovely David and Lily who was expected their second child helped Betsy. Rose Lily’s sister was also around and they had some great times together. This story is all about friendship, repairing yourself and helping others. It’s a powerful message for what woman faced years ago. It’s has triggers, abortion, miscarriage, abuse and rape. A very strong book that will leave you thinking. 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, following the stories of a group of young women. Set in Ohio, during the mid-1960s, the story revolves around pregnancies- wanted pregnancies, miscarriage, unmarried mothers and lastly abortions. I loved the way the author told the story of women's reproductive health during this period. We follow the young girl who doesn't know how a baby got into her tummy or how it's going to get out-the need for her to hide away from society in order to hide her shame. Then there are the married women who seek out illegal abortion as their only options - for different but highly valid reasons and the aftermath of those procedures. The very human characters tell their stories well, and you find yourself sympathising with their differing situations and wondering what you would do in their shoes. It feels like they are people that you know already.
This book strikes a particular chord during this time when abortion is being abolished across America, forcing women to seek solutions that are not necessarily the safest for them. It is a frightening prediction of a huge backward step for women's reproductive health.
I found this a fascinating story of a historical period which is sadly being relived today. Highly recommended.

Four women with secrets. It’s 1963, a time when models like Twiggy and authors like Germaine Greer promoted women’s rights but many women still lived in traditional households. Having a child out of wedlock was frowned upon, as were extra-marital affairs committed by women. In this book, four women meet for a weekly card evening and a natter, safe in the knowledge that any secrets divulged will be kept. When you hear their stories, you realise just how much attitudes have changed. A powerful story.

Wow, this was really a trip down memory lane. How attitudes have changed since those days. I suppose that, for this generation, it might help with the understanding of how things were and how fortunate they are to live in 5his generation!
It is well worth reading and I thoroughly recommend!

Wow such a powerful and thought provoking story from 4 women all with secrets in 1965 and the attitudes of men and unmarried young girls who were forced to give up their babies. The 4 women meet every week to play cards and talk in confidence about any problems they have.
Lily is married to a Ob gyn and has a daughter and another on the way when she takes in 15 year old Betsy from a unmarried women's home until her baby is due.
Becca is the next door neighbour of Lily and is messy and has 3 kids but when she falls pregnant she despairs as they can't afford another child and she turns to Lily for advice as her husband is a doctor and asks if he could arrange a abortion. Lily is horrified as he could get into serious trouble as it was illegal so says no.
Rose is lily's little sister and has a perfect modern marriage which does not include children but she is hiding a secret about her husband .which comes to a head one night.
This is a eye opener and powerful and opens your eyes to how attitudes have changed.

Ohio 1965

Every week a group of ladies meet for a card game. They and their husbands all have secrets which they want to keep secret. However, all it takes is one person to upset the apple cart.
Women of this generation must be seen and not heard. Stay at hom women without views and experience.
But all that is changing ......

Firstly thank you so much to the publishers & Netgalley for this amazing arc!

An unbelievable, hard hitting, emotional, heart warming read that I absolutely adored. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this read but it blew me away. It was easy to read, fast paced, captivating and heart wrenching all in one. I loved every single one of the characters (apart from Rose’s husband & betsy’s family/housemother obvs) and the unity between them all made the story all the more better. While it discussed very important topics of the struggles women faced and continue to face, the author wrote and presented it in such an amazing way making it feel a-lot less heavy than it is when you really think about what women had/have to deal with but without discrediting or dumbing it down. Just well presented facts & how friendships can help through the most stressful times. Whilst also showing how we can make a difference. There were times I wondered if the societal ugliness of the past would rear it’s head and Rose (& other women) wouldn’t get the help they needed or for example her dad wouldn’t of been as supportive as some would expect but at every turn I was pleasantly surprised and it made me love the book all the more.

The female friendships & empowerment throughout the book is the real highlight. I felt like I was there listening to old friends, being part of the community and the support & love they gave each other made my heart feel so full, even if they didn’t see eye to eye on all subjects. That is how friendship should be. Seeing the progress made in society throughout the book all the way to the end & Lily’s growth alongside it for Jo-Jo, herself and future women made me feel so proud.

The unexpected ending was also absolutely perfect. The insight into Jo-Jo’s life and reconnecting with Betsy was the ending we 100% needed with the happy life updates from everybody, it wrapped it all up so so well. I was crying sad and happy tears at Lily’s letter, my heart broke for her, Jo-Jo & Jen but it was so bitter sweet.

Highly highly recommend this read for anyone looking for an inspiring, female empowerment novel that will leave you feeling heart warmed

This book sent me on an emotional rollercoaster, I could not put it down. The characters of Lily, Rose and Betsy were brilliantly portrayed and I really felt empathy towards them. The plot was interesting and beautifully written and incredibly thought provoking.. The struggles that these women had to go through makes me very sad. Set in 1960’s Ohio it deals with the hard subjects of fertility, pregnancy, abortion and abuse., all of which can be quite triggering but it was written so well.
To say I enjoyed this book would make light of its contents but it is definitely worth reading.

Quite a different genre of book for me but I did enjoy it. It certainly opened my eyes to the lives of women in America in the 1960’s and in particular, the way they were treated and viewed, especially around having children. A very different world to the one we live in nowadays so interesting to see what they had to deal with back then.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

Although set in the mid 1960’s this book is sadly relevant today. My first impression was that this was not going to be my kind of book but how wrong I was. Serious and sensitive issues are covered with a light and insightful touch. I would hope that younger women might read this as it is so important to understand what misogyny can do to the lives of women.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for this ARC