I very much enjoyed this, the backdrop of a literary agency was lovely for a change and well depicted. The three main characters too, each of them likeable in their own ways, This is a lovely light tale that bounces along, an easy summer read - I enjoyed it very much.
Searched for the author on gr to share there also, but couldn't find this book. A definite thumbs up from me.

As we have family holidays and reunions this summer, there’s nothing better at looking at someone else’s family drama unfold.
Every family has its dysfunctional members and problems that are being skilfully ignored… until they can’t be ignored any more. The Fitzroy’s are no different.
Ah yes, the in-laws! Unless you are as lucky as my dad, who absolutely adores his in-laws, you might sigh reading the title. Except this isn’t about the in-laws you are thinking of: in her book, Sinéad Moriarty brings us into the world of three daughters-in-law—Katie, Amanda, and Melanie—who have little in common except for having married into the Fitzroy family (and having to deal with their mother-in-law, Nancy).
Moriaty’s writing is as readable and compared to previous books, this one focuses more on lighter drama and humour. Rather than burdening us with deep emotional journeys, it’s all about tricky family dynamics and clashing egos with a touch of passive aggression.
It does mean that the characters are drawn with very clear lines. There’s no guessing what their challenge will be, you don’t need to do much reading between the lines—everything’s right there on the surface. That can feel a little on-the-nose at times, but it also makes the book a super easy and satisfying read.
This is the perfect summer read; a book you can bring along to a chilled weekend with the extended family (ironically) and laugh, wince, and recognise some of your relatives in the process.

This was such a fun read! The In-Laws dives into the chaos of family life with three very different women—Amanda, Katie, and Melanie—who are all trying to survive their overbearing mother-in-law, Nancy. It’s sharp, witty, and surprisingly heartfelt.

I loved how each sister-in-law brought something unique to the story, and watching them go from barely tolerating each other to forming a real bond was really satisfying. There’s plenty of drama (of course), but also lots of laugh-out-loud moments and some touching reflections on marriage, motherhood, and finding your voice.

It’s not super deep, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s the kind of book you breeze through with a smile. Perfect for fans of warm, character-driven stories with a bit of bite.

The In-Laws is a deeply moving, emotionally rich novel that captures the complexities of family dynamics with empathy and warmth.

From the first few chapters, Moriarty’s storytelling feels like a comforting presence. The characters are layered and deeply human, and there’s something surprisingly safe about being in their world. Even when that world tackles difficult subjects such as grief, addiction, self-harm, and emotional abuse (handled with sensitivity and kept mostly off-page).

Despite its heavier themes, the novel radiates hope and healing. It speaks to the messy, beautiful truth of relationships and the quiet strength found in forgiveness and understanding.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC. This is Sinead Moriarty at her finest - warm and wise with characters fall for.

"The In - Laws" - the hilarious and heartfelt novel...oops, we have a problem here, right at the beginning. Personally, I didn't find this book neither hilarious, nor heartfelt. It was actually very stereotypical and predictable and I really like Sinead Moriarty, so it really pains me to say this, but I was hoping for something more.
But altogether it is not a bad book, no, it deals with family relationships and business, with family dynamics, betrayal, addiction and many more, and it would be great, but it all felt so superficial and I missed depth to this story, it was simple and predictable. Some of the characters' behaviour felt too grotesque to take them seriously.

Altogether, it was a neasy and undemanding read and I liked the growing relationship between the three sisters - in - law. Also. the way the author has dealt with Melanie and her motherhood's issues was a brilliant idea - I think Melanie was the one that felt the most real. Like I said, it's not a bad book, it has its moments, but I expected more execution and twists.

Meet Amanda, Katie, and Melanie are in-laws. Each of them is juggling their own chaos, and just to spice things up, they also have to deal with Nancy, the impossible mother-in-law who seems to thrive on drama.

Amanda’s just moved back from London with her family and lands straight into Nancy’s house (which, as you can imagine, doesn't help an already tricky situation). Melanie’s the dependable one, holding the family business and her own household together with barely a moment to breathe. And then there’s Katie the sharp, fiery one and never quite on the receiving end of Nancy’s approval. A bit of wine at a family lunch loosens her tongue, and let’s just say things unravel fast.

They’ve never been particularly close, but as they start navigating their messy lives together, something shifts. Secrets are shared, truths confronted, covering everything from affairs, motherhood to substance use.

Despite the heavier topics, the story never felt too heavy. It was a really easy, engaging read with just the right mix of heart and drama. I especially loved Katie, her relationship with her husband felt the most real to me. Amanda and Melanie both had strong story arcs too, and I enjoyed getting each of their perspectives through the alternating chapters.

It’s been a while since I picked up a Sinéad Moriarty book, and this one reminded me why I love her writing, relatable, warm, and so readable.

Thanks to NetGalley for the early copy!

As a fan of Sinead Moriarty I am delighted to have this opportunity to read and review her latest offering which I,must say is most enjoyable with very likeable characters. Would very much recommend and I have no doubt this will be a top seller.

Always like Sinead Moriarty books and this was no different, brilliant style of writing. A fantastic light read book which keeps you wanting to turn the pages. One of those books that a lot of people could relate to with all the family drama.

Family life is enough of a juggle without ... The In-Laws

Amanda. Katie. Melanie.

Three wildly different women with one big problem – their impossible mother-in-law, Nancy.

When an unexpected crisis hits the family business, the sisters-in-law find themselves navigating stormy waters. Amanda is back in town and ready to reclaim her spot at the top. Katie, the feisty outsider, knows she'll never earn Nancy’s approval – and has stopped caring. Melanie, ambitious and savvy, is more than capable of running the business, if only Nancy would loosen her iron grip.

Forced to confront messy truths about marriage, motherhood, succession and family loyalty, the three women soon realize their greatest strength might just be each other.

This was another brilliant read by one of my favourite Irish authors Sinead Moriarty. I loved the characters and how they all each had their own problems and at first wanted to keep their various problems to themselves. It was great to see them all develop as the story moved on . This is a lovely easy read perfect summer reading.

I thought this book was a bit slow to start, but when I got stuck into it I couldn't put it down. A funny and heartfelt read about family dynamics. A perfect summer read!
This is my first book by Sinéad but it definitely won't be my last!

Was very glad to have this quick read funny tale about family dynamics when my holiday flight was delayed. Probably not my favourite ever but it was an easy read.

Another heartfelt family read by this author, another one that I will be recommending to others. A Sinead Moriarty is always a book to be enjoyed and this one is no different.

My thanks to Penguin General UK, Sandycove and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The In-Laws’ written by Sinead Moriarty in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Due to a family crisis, Amanda with her husband Ross and son Theo have to leave their life in London and move to Dublin staying with her mother-in-law Nancy Fitzroy. The brothers Jamie, Ross, Frank and his wife Melanie all work for Nancy’s literary agency that she rules with a fist of iron, and when at home she can be difficult but especially with Jamie’s wife Katie who she doesn’t approve of although she idolises their nine-year-old daughter Lucy.

‘The In-Laws’ is the story of the Fitzroy family as the daughters-in-law, Melanie, Amanda and Katie, decide between careers or motherhood. As the story progresses these three women grow to appreciate, support and love each other as they decide what they want out of life while rising up against Nancy and her disparaging remarks. The characters are nicely described and come across as true to life, and we learn later on the reasons behind Amanda and Ross leaving London and whether they can overcome their problems. This is an enjoyable novel, nicely written and relatable, that has a lovely ending full of promise and hope.

The title of this book drew me in — and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Each of the three daughters-in-law has her own personal battles to face, but the way they find strength and solidarity in each other was really moving. Their individual journeys and growth brought the characters to life for me, and I found myself rooting for them all the way through. A heartwarming and engaging read!

My first book by the Author and it did not disappoint! Really enjoyed the different dynamics of this book and the different characters within it. A really enjoyable read right from the first few pages. Great writing style. The perfect book to escape into! Looking forward to reading more by this Author in the future!

I love Sinead's novels so I was really looking forward to reading her latest release. This had everything I like in a novel romance, intrigue and family rivalry. It was one of those sorts of books where you are screaming at the characters terrible decisions.

A fun and interesting read that will have you questioning if you should really work with family.

It’s been several years since I last read a Sinead Moriarty novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the “Baby Trail” series, so I was eagerly anticipating receiving an advance copy of her forthcoming book, “The In-Laws.”

The novel follows the intertwined lives of three sister-in-laws, each married to a Fitzroy brother. Their mother-in-law, a formidable figure, leads the family literacy agency business. The in-laws’ find each other through the web of family life, secrets, the family business and their respective relationships with the brothers. They learn that blood isn’t always thicker than water!

The book features a compelling cast of strong, likeable female characters who navigate the challenges of life with resilience.
“The In-Laws” is an enjoyable read that I highly recommend. Out in July.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Penguin General UK for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#book18in25 #sineadmoriarty #theinlaws #netgalley #arc #bookreview #bookrecommendations #sisterinlaws #familyties #strongfemalecharacters #booklove

Amanda Katie and Melanie the three Fitzroy in laws. They find themselves treading stormy waters with their husbands, children not to mention their formidable mother in law.
Throughout all the struggles they soon learn that together they are the force to be reckoned with.
Brilliantly written as usual from Sinéad loved the book

Sinead is one hell of a writer. i come across her name on her beautiful covers and i know its a must read from me. its a must read all the way. and there is never a doubt in my mind that i will enjoy her book. but i do have to get my heart ready. because her books are ones that usually pull, tug or heal the heart, sometimes all three!
and once again this book smashed it. i loved it so much. and i really liked how this was from the three daughter in laws perspective. i know and have witnessed this dynamic in wider family so it was fascinating.
we are bought to the story of our three woman and their shared common flaw in life. that being their mother in law! and its something that does indeed bring them together and allows a deep friendship to grow between them. the matriarch in question is Nancy.
the trouble is its hard to keep things separate or cordial all the time because all the sons and one of the wives work together in the family company. and all under the watchful eye of head Nancy. but she doesnt have her handle on all thats going on between the family. and her sons have far more personal things going on than she knows which tend to bubble up or just simmer deeply under the surface. but the wives should be loyal to each husband right? this isnt so easy, not when they have their own things going on not least because not all their marriages are as strong as they show to the world.
i love how it truly depicts what a family can look like. the inner turmoils, the breakups, the little bickers and big fall outs. the support so strong it could fell anything in its way and the ability to truly "see" those you love in ways you cant amongst others. but also the ability to not want to see whats right in front of you for fear, protection or survivor of a family.
because most families, make the decisions they do in order to keep a family afloat. or make decisions based on the strongest love their is. that for our family.