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Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
Allison had experienced her fair share of woes, including the untimely death of a beloved father-in-law and unwelcome intrusions from an overbearing and opinionated mother-in-law. However, she believed that the trying times were over as she eventually managed to form a truce with Margaret. Unfortunately, life threw another curveball when Allison’s son, Cameron, introduced them to his fiancée, Zelda. Wasn’t it too soon for her baby to commit to such a serious relationship? What if, like his previous girlfriend, Zelda also broke his heart? Can Allison make everyone see sense and protect Cameron? Will Margaret become her ally in this project? Find out in And Now There’s Zelda, a hilarious piece of contemporary fiction penned by Carolyn Clarke.
Although this book is a sequel to Carolyn Clarke’s novel, And Then There’s Margaret, it can also serve as a stand-alone. Clarke incorporated just enough details from the previous book to shed light on the chemistry between the characters. She did an excellent job of portraying Allison’s fears and insecurities. Despite the irrational thoughts and biased judgments, we can empathize with her fiercely protective nature. I loved how Clarke drew a parallel between Margaret and Allison, showing how becoming a prospective mother-in-law might change one’s perceptions. It was admirable how each character evolved in their own way, modulating and mending their bonds with others. There were plenty of heart-warming scenes that made this a feel-good read. The bizarre crises Allison faced created a humorous backdrop. Through this comedy, Clarke conveys a profound message that one must be accepting and open-minded to nurture meaningful relationships. I recommend And Now There’s Zelda to anyone looking for a light-hearted yet thought-provoking family saga.
