And Now There's Zelda - by Carolyn Clarke (Paperback)

About the Book

And Now There's Zelda takes readers on another relatable 'slice of life' ride, as Allie realizes the only way to survive the angst of family, is to let go... and let be.

Book Synopsis

For fans of the international bestselling and award-winning author of AND THEN THERE'S MARGARET comes the perfect family 'dramedy'. AND NOW THERE'S ZELDA takes readers on another relatable 'slice of life' ride as Allison Montgomery realizes the only way to survive the angst of family is to let go....and let it be.

"Perfect for women's fiction book clubs." -Lorne Park Book Club

Dealing with a controlling, manipulative, and self-absorbed mother-in-law can be a challenge. But when your child brings home a fiancé who's completely unworthy, and the shoe is suddenly on the other foot, do you take the high road, or get down and dirty?

It's been five years since Allison Montgomery's beloved father-in-law, George, passed away and her cantankerous mother-in-law, Margaret, moved in. After nearly killing each other during their initial adjustment period, Allie and Margaret have finally buried the hatchet and have even launched a thriving home staging business together.

Today, Allie is enjoying life. That is until her twenty-two-year-old son, Cameron, unexpectedly brings home Zelda, his new fiancé. The problem is, no one has ever met or even heard of her. And when Zelda's first impression raises more than a few red flags, Allie finds herself in unfamiliar territory.

Facing the prospect of becoming a mother-in-law far sooner than expected, and to someone unworthy of her darling baby boy, Allie's protective instinct kicks in. And who better to turn to for guidance and support than Margaret, her former nemesis and master of the mothers-in-law's dark arts.

Allie and Margaret launch Project Zelda, an intervention of sorts designed to show Cameron who Zelda really is and to prevent him from making a catastrophic mistake. However, with Zelda's ingratiating behavior, Margaret's occasional disappearances, and Allie's doubts about turning into her own mother-in-law, will Allie find a way to reconcile her protective instincts or will history repeat itself?

Review Quotes

2024 NYC Big Book Awards Winner - Humor

2024 Maxy Awards Finalist - Literary & Humor

2024 Bedside Reading - Best Books of the Summer

2024 Chick Lit Book Cafe - CLBC Book Excellence Award - Winner Women's Fiction/Humor2024 Bedside Reading - Best Books of the Summer

"Fans of Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng and The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan will adore Clarke's novel. It is filled with heart and drama." -The Book Commentary

"A funny, uplifting story about one woman's lesson in letting go-even though this means she has to make peace with her mother-in-law AND a potential daughter-in-law who just might be her sweet son's biggest mistake." -Maddie Dawson, Washington Post bestselling author of Matchmaking

for Beginners

"A roller coaster ride of three generations finding their place in the world, laced with acute observations, great descriptions and a satisfying denouement." -Maddie Please, bestselling author of The Old Ducks' Club

"And Now There's Zelda is a funny and warm-hearted take on contemporary life for the contemporary woman." -Cary J Hansson, bestselling author of The Midlife Trilogy

"There were plenty of heart-warming scenes that made this a feel-good read." -Readers' Favorite (5-star review)

"Guaranteed to make you laugh, And Now There's Zelda is the perfect pick-me-up book, offering a front-row seat to entertaining self-inflicted family drama and because at this point, sabotaging your son's engagement is practically family tradition and definitely funny." -Chick Lit Book Cafe

"This is a fabulously enjoyable and relatable novel which I highly recommend." -Annie Elliott, Left on the Shelf Book Blog

"There is much drama that goes on in the book that will definitely keep one glued to it. A five-star rating is my rating for this adorable dramedy." -Sylvia Jacobs, Books and More with Jewish Ladies

"This novel is more than a story, it's a life lesson for the human heart." -Lorraine Lundqvist, Blogging Midlife Blog