Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino

 Good Grief

Book Summary

A mother- and daughter-in-law. To move on, one of them will have to move out in a hopeful and hilarious novel about widowhood and family friction by the bestselling author of Don’t Forget to Write.

It’s 1963, two years since Barbara Feldman’s husband died. Raising two kids, she’s finally emerging from her cocoon of grief. Not yet a butterfly, but she’s anxious to spread her wings.

Then one day her mother-in-law, Ruth, shows up on her doorstep with five suitcases, expecting a room of her own with a suitable mattress. Abrasive and stuck in her ways yet well meaning, Mother Ruth arrives without warning to help with the children. How can Barbara say no to a woman who is not only a widow herself but also a grieving mother? As Ruth’s prickly visit turns from days to weeks to what seems like forever, Barbara realizes Ruth has got to go. But Barbara has an ingenious plan: introduce Ruth to some fine gentlemen and marry her off as fast as she can.

Soon enough, something tells Barbara that Ruth is trying to do the same for her. At least they’re finding common ground—helping each other to move forward. Even if it is in the most unpredictable ways two totally different women ever imagined.

My Thoughts

Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino is uplifting, amusing, and entertaining.  I was not sure what to expect when I began reading Good Grief.  I was delighted that it was not a sad story (and it could have been).  I found the characters to be well rounded, likeable, and relatable. The story was easy to read with steady pacing.  The dialogue was natural and suited the time period.   I understood how Barbara felt when her mother-in-law, Ruth, moved in without  an invitation.  Barbara has been grieving the loss of her husband for two years.  She felt fortunate to have the help of her mother during this time, but she is ready for her family (Barbara and her two children) to move forward on their own.  A bossy mother-in-law who is a terrible cook is not in the plans.  Ruth is a delightful character.  I could understand why Barbara found her annoying, but she provided many laugh out loud moments for me.  Ruth had a heart of gold and an iron stomach.  Everyone deals with grief differently as we see in Good Grief. Good Grief is a heartwarming and uplifting story with humor, heart, and hope.

Good Grief is available from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free.  You can find Sara Goodman Confino's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I really do appreciate it.  Yesterday afternoon, I went outside to get the Amazon packages that had just been delivered.  I opened the screen door to the patio, and, a couple of seconds later, I heard little feet slapping against the paving stones that lead to the backyard.  The ducklings came zipping around the corner and onto the porch.  That's when I noticed that the food bowl (it is actually a large plate with a big lip to keep the food on the plate) was empty.  I filled the plate and a feeding frenzy started (I wish I had taken a picture).  It gave me a good chuckle.  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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