A review by shelleys_book_nook
Who Loves You Best by Marilyn Simon Rothstein

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was such a fun yet serious read, my first by this author. Jodi is asked by her daughter to fly to the Berkshires to look after her 8-year-old granddaughter and Jodi jumps at the chance to play Grandma for a while; except when she gets there two other grandmas are vying for the granddaughter’s attention. Over the next few days, Jodi and the other grandmas compete to be the grandma who loves their granddaughter best.

This story has such a unique premise, that was executed wonderfully, showing the many different ways to parent and grandparent a child. The book also asks what is family…It isn’t necessarily being related by blood. I also like that Jodi was a doctor and that she decided it was time to put herself first. You know the rules of an aircraft, always put your mask on first before you help anyone else. How can you possibly be a good wife or parent if your own needs aren’t met as well? And even though Jodi finally had to do for herself she stayed kind and thoughtful throughout. I was so pleased with the fact that the granddaughter was written so realistically in both behaviour and dialogue.

I just adored the fact that there were older people as main characters in this book and there was even a bit of romance for one of them. If you enjoy books with a lot of heart and humour then this is the book for you, it was very charming and full of family conflict but most of all there was a lot of love between these pages. As I said earlier this is my first by the author but it won’t be my last. I want to check out Husbands and Other Sharp Objects for the title alone.