And Now There's Zelda

I read this author's first book, "And Then There's Margaret", about Allison's relationship with her mother-in-law and how it evolved over the years after both parties learned tolerance so I was anxious to read this new book to see if it was just as good. And it did not disappoint. This book deals with the main character's relationship with a future daughter-in-law and how it evolved. It was interesting to see how long it took her to realize that now the shoe is on the other foot and see how she would handle that dynamic. A very enjoyable read.

I read And Then There's Margaret and loved the characters. When I saw that Carolyn Clarke wrote And Now There's Zelda I had to grab it and start reading. How fun it was to visit with old characters and be introduced to new ones. The writing was witty and fun and Margaret was just as intriguing. In this setting we get to see new sides to each family member. The ending leaves me hoping for another story to emerge.

Although I've never read anything by this author, I was very intrigued by the book. From the family drama and their personal relationships, to the well described and consistent characters, which I will not go into some detail here, otherwise would be giving away spoilers.
In my opinion as a reader, the book is well done, especially because we're talking about "in-law" relationships that often become important to understand, especially when a stranger joins the family. The effort to prevent a potentially disastrous relationship makes the plot even more addictive and comical.
The descriptive detail, the touching and funny dialogues, the different personalities, as well as the whole space and time captivate and hold the reader to the book.
Even thought all the plot is nice and attractive in terms of reading, I felt a bit of judgment from the mother’s side, giving a bit the idea that mothers-in-law from the man side never like potential daughters-in-law.
Nevertheless, it gives to the reader an insight about the way mothers have concerns about their children happiness.
I recommend it.

“And Now There’s Zelda” by Carolyn Clarke is a witty sequel to “And Then There’s Margaret”. In the first book (Margaret), Allison Montgomery needs to deal with her sticky relationship with her mother-in-law after her father-in-law dies. Against all odds, they reconcile their differences and learn how to coexist together. The tables have turned when Allison’s son brings home his fiancé, Zelda. Exactly who is this person and why have they gotten engaged so quickly? Now it is Allison who acts a bit like the (future) mother-in-law from hell. How can she not? After all, she is only protecting her son.

It is possible to read “And Now There’s Zelda” as a stand-alone book, but I believe the background story from the first book is important to really get Allison’s struggles. Many thanks to Net Galley and to the publisher for an ARC. My opinion is my own.