Good Grief
Barbara’s life turned upside down when her husband suddenly passed away, leaving her to raise two small children on her own. Now in 1963, after having her mother live with her for two years, she finally feels strong enough to be on her own, maybe even a little optimistic about the next chapter of her life. But a few days after her mother leaves, an unexpected guest arrives, Barbara’s mother-in-law, Ruth. Convinced she is needed and not willing to take a polite no for an answer, Ruth moves in and upends the calm home Barbara has worked so hard to create. Days turn into weeks, and Barbara is at her wits’ end. Gentle nudging and outright pleading won’t get Ruth to leave, so Barbara will have to be more creative. What if she can find her widowed mother-in-law a new husband? Finding someone who could tolerate Ruth seems like a long shot, but Barbara is willing to try anything. Little does she know that Ruth has similar plans for her.
Good Grief is a heartwarming story about two mothers brought together by a shared loss who discover they have much more in common than they thought. Although Barbara finds Ruth’s antics exasperating, the reader will sympathize and see Ruth’s good intentions and charm. The dueling matchmaker’s storyline is funny, and there are inspirational moments as Barbara comes to rely more on her Jewish faith. Perfect for readers who appreciate well-developed characters and are looking for a humorous story about complex family dynamics.
