the setup…
Barbara Feldman’s husband passed away two years ago, leaving her with impossible grief and two young children. It’s 1963 and she now feels ready to handle her life on her own, allowing her mother to return to her own home. But not long after, Barbara returns home from her part time job at a hospital to find her mother-in-law Ruth waiting on her doorstep…with five suitcases. This doesn’t look like a temporary visit! Yes, Ruth plans to stay and now Barbara has to figure out how to get this woman out of her house.
the heart of the story…
As soon as I read the description, I wanted to read this book and it lived up to my expectations. Ruth is prickly but politely so and over the top overbearing. Of course she and Barbara have different notions about child rearing, cooking and just about everything else. Barbara’s scheming to find a husband for Ruth was hilarious, especially when Ruth turned the tables on her. Despite their differences, I liked how they were still respectful of one another and over time began to see each other differently.
the narration…
Helen Laser is one of my favorite narrators and her storytelling here was superb. I especially loved her voice for Ruth and she brought so much energy to the characters.
the bottom line…
While this was delightful and hilarious at times, underneath it all were deep seated emotions as both Barbara and Ruth were grieving widows and Ruth also lost a son. Unwittingly, these women provided a strange respite for each other that had a healing effect. The 1963 setting provides important context as well. I loved it all.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 26, 2025
- Narrator: Helen Laser
- Audio Length: 7 hours, 55 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
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Blue Mood Café 
Excellent review! Gah I’m very independent and have my own ideas and wouldn’t do well with my mother or MIL telling me what to do. I left home at 17 and never lived there again. My daughter and I get on well and are independent in the same house. We’ve both made adjustments over the years though.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 I left home after college and when Mom would come visit, it would be for two weeks! I became a child again.
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This sounds like a great read and I love this historical period. Great review Jonetta.
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Thank you, Jodie💜
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Super review, Jo. I still have this on my list to track down. 💖📚
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Thank you, Sandy💜 I think you’ll be pleased.
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This sounds really good Jonetta!
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It very much lived up to my expectations, Joanne💜
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Excellent review, I’m drawn to the 1960s setting.
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Thank you, Sarah💜
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Fab review! I’m glad this story worked so much better for you… I’m suspecting I just wasn’t in the right mood for it. xx
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Thank you, Yvo💜 I was definitely in the right mood.
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I’ve not seen this book around at all, Jo, but it definitely sounds like one that I would enjoy. Not at any of my libraries, but it is on my TBR shelf now.
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You’d definitely enjoy this one. I believe it’s on KU.
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Thanks, I’ll check it out.
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It is read/listen, so that’s a bonus.
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