"The Daughter in Law" is a book about family drama, deep family secrets and the repercussions of the secrets. The book is very well written, although a little predictable, it still hit the mark for me for being an easy page turner.
It also hit various emotions very well for me; sadness, regret, anger and happiness are all portrayed exceptionally and had me reading long into the night.

When I see the name Fanny Blake on a book’s cover, I know that the book is one that I will want to read. Ms. Blake tells involving stories about people with whom I enjoy spending time. That is definitely the case here.

This is a novel about family and about relationships. It is also about the choices that people make and the consequences that arise as a result.

The cast of characters includes Hope who is divorced, a mother, grandmother, cold water swimmer and owner of a cooking company that is cleverly called Booking the Cooks. She has a son Paul, a woodworker, and generally low key kind of guy. He is married to the rather high strung, career oriented Edie. They have two young children.

Both Edie and Hope have things from their pasts arise. No spoilers so readers will have to find out on their own.

Hope and Edie have a relationship that can be tenuous at times. Will they find a way to better understand one another?

Those who enjoy women’s fiction and good stories will want to give this title a look. It is excellent on family relationships and dynamics.

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

The Daughter in Law by Fanny Blake is a story about families and the secrets they keep. Hope is the mother of Paul and her husband Martin and her are divorced. Hope has been keeping a secret from the two of them that will no longer be a secret.
Paul and his wife Eddie have two delightful children and Eddie is ready to return to work, as a barrister. Eddie is also keeping a secret, one that will have repercussions for many years to come.
A fascinating insight into family dramas and the secrets we keep.
Highly recommended

Mother-in-law Hope is persuaded to come on holiday with son Paul and wife Elodie to help look after the young children. Hope is eager to get to know Elodie, who, although perfectly polite, seems to hold her at arm's length.

Meanwhile Elodie, a barrister, is finding that two young children and dependable Paul is not the recipe for contentment and happiness that she expected.

Both women have secrets they don't want Paul to know. But they're moving further apart.

An engrossing read, perfect for holiday reading.

This book is published on 1 May 2023. Thanks to Netgalley and Simon Schuster UK for the advance reader copy.

This book took me a bit of time to get into but once I had I felt hooked on finding out the secrets of hope and edie and whether edie would eventually be found out. As someone who has worked in family law, I feel it reflected the situations faced in this job extremely well. There's nothing I love more in a book then the last chapter where it doesn't leave you on a cliff hanger. I'm so glad I got the closure I need after reading a good book. Beautifully written

A wife, mother, daughter-in-law, children, a husband, and a mother-in-law...family dynamics with ups and downs...this is a novel, written by a talented author, that is intriguing. Working together as a family...trying to respect each other without taking advantage. ...The story starts out with the five taking a vacation...mother-in-law has an accident, and this does not set well with the daughter-in-law...she seems selfish from day one...that is the mystery...what happens next? How do they work out their dynamics? What works for them? This is intriguing...this book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Enjoy...The story does move somewhat slowly at times.

A well-written exploration of relationship between a mother and daughter-in-law who are very different and have clashing child-rearing ideas. Both women have secrets that are threatening to blow up and change things. I could relate and sympathize with both women, I appreciated that the author didn't take the easy way out and presented a realistic ending.

Hope's only son Paul is married to Edie who is still on maternity leave from her job as a barrister. Hope is trying her best to be a good mother in law and grandmother. She is trying to be there when she's needed and not interfere but Edie's way of child rearing is just so different from hers and it causes problems.
Edie is frustrated that her mother in law interferes and doesn't think Edie's way of child rearing is the right way, She is also bored being at home with a baby.
Both women have secrets that are about to explode.
One has had a secret for many years and one has a secret right now. What will happen when they find out each other's secret ? Will it bond the families together or tear them apart?
I love all of Fanny Blake's books and this is no exception. Good page Turner filled with secrets.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book by Fanny Blake the first I've read by this author and I'll definitely be looking for more of her work.. When Hope discovers a secret about her son's wife Edie that could potentially shatter his world she is torn with indecision. However this isn't the only secret that bubbles under the surface of this family, threatening to destroy lives. A brilliant read that kept me turning the pages. Relatable characters, with real life choices that will leave you not hating anyone but partially sympathising with tough choices they have to make. Do yourself a favour a pick up a copy.

Fanny does it again. If you are new to Fanny's books then this one is a great place to start and if you are a returning reader like me then you will love being amongst the pages of a new fanny Blake storyline. This is another good book, full of family drama and has a great cast of characters.

This is a story of family secrets, and not the usual happy ending. Fanny Blake is anew author to me and I will look out for more of her work.

Another great read by Fanny Blake, family secrets, family dynamics and revelations from the past!
How society has changed over the years for the better empowering women to make informed choices and decisions!
The value of friendship particularly amongst females as confidantes, support,and understanding should never be underestimated!
Family relationships and dynamics built upon an omission of truth, the consequences when revealed having far reaching consequences for all involved but gradually leading to an enhanced understanding and acceptance of the situation as the new dynamic becomes embedded and new relationships ships are forged and cemented!
A great read that really illustrates the importance of family, friends and acceptance! Would highly recommend.
Thank you netgalley fir this early read.

To be honest I was expecting more of a mystery but this is a fairly straightforward story of family secrets and the upheaval they cause. My sympathies were definitely with Hope as she negotiated the revelation of her own secrets and the lies and secrets of her daughter-in-law.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Simon and schuster UK for this ARC

One of my favourite authors, so was thrilled to get this to read. Absolutely loved it...great characters..Edie, very much a career woman and not very maternal, married to Paul, with two lovely daughters. Hope Edie's mother in law...who wants the best for her son. Both women are harbouring secrets which will have a devastating effect on their families. An excellent read...which didn't have the formulaic happy ending but rather a realistic resolution to the events happening within the families.
Another triumph from Fanny Blake! Highly recommend