The Real Mrs. Tobias

by Sally Koslow

“Sally Koslow channels Nora Ephron in this lively tale of obligation versus desire and the politics of family power. Deftly written with equal parts intelligence, pathos, and humor, The Real Mrs. Tobias is a pure pleasure to read.”—Therese Anne Fowler, New York Times  bestselling author of  It All Comes Down to This A sharply funny and big-hearted multi-generational story about the deeply complicated relationships between mothers- and daughters-in-law, told through three women who marry into the same family, a treat for fans of  The Nest  and  Fleischmann Is in Trouble.  It’s 2015 in New York City, and three women all known as Mrs. Tobias—Veronika, the matriarch, her daughter-in-law Mel, and Mel’s daughter-in-law Birdie—are trying to navigate personal difficulties, some of which are with one another.Veronika and Mel, despite having little in common, are both psychotherapists who are more skilled at helping other people than solving their own problems. Birdie, still dealing with the culture shock of moving to New York City and marrying into the Tobias clan, is pushed to her limit when her husband gets into trouble. No amount of badgering from his steely grandmother, smart-mouthed mother, or disillusioned wife can convince him to own up to what he’s done. Overwhelmed, Birdie bolts—along with the couple’s young daughter—to her Midwestern hometown, hoping that space, warmth and wisdom from her own feisty grandmother will help her find a path forward. And though Birdie begins to find comfort in unexpected places—a local bookstore and the arms of her old boyfriend—her absence stirs up long simmering troubles back home forcing the Tobiases to reconsider their relationships to each other, and ultimately, what it means to be a family. Will the three Tobias-women-by-marriage ever find themselves—and a way back to one another? A timely look at how women hold families together. “With a shrewd eye and a light touch, Sally Koslow weaves a story about three strong women whose memories, dreams, and desires conflict and intersect as they navigate a series of family crises. Warm, witty, and heartfelt, The Real Mrs. Tobias is a cinematic, fast-paced treat.”—Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Exiles and Orphan Train "With razor-sharp prose, witty humor and depth, Sally Koslow’s The Real Mrs. Tobias takes us down the MIL Road . . . the one that  should  come with a warning. You will laugh, you will cry, you will empathize—and if you happen to be a Daughter-In-Law—you will say,  Better her than me.  Yet just when you think there is no way back, Koslow's page-turner will prove that while family ties can strangle, they also can keep you bound together through love, loss, secrets, and healing."—Lisa Barr, author of Woman on Fire

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Family, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Drama, Adult Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2022

About the author

THE REAL MRS. TOBIAS, Sally Koslow's forthcoming novel (September 2022--Harper Perennial) is a smartly funny story about mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law who are trying to navigate personal difficulties, some of which are with another. In ANOTHER SIDE OF PARADISE, Sally Koslow brings to life the tender, torrid tale of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Hollywood love affair with the Gatsby-esque Sheilah Graham, a gossip columnist and fascinating self-invention. Her other novels include the international bestseller, THE LATE, LAMENTED MOLLY MARX, THE WIDOW WALTZ, WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE, and her debut, LITTLE PINK SLIPS, an insider’s view of the magazine industry (which she knows only too well, as the long-time editor of McCall's Magazine.) She is also the author of one noon-fiction book, SLOUCHING TOWARD ADULTHOOD. Her books have been translated into 14 languages. Sally has contributed essays and articles to numerous magazines, newspapers, websites, and anthologies, including MOMS DON'T HAVE TIME TO and ALONE TOGETHER: Love, Grief, and Comfort in the Time of Covid-19. She lives in Manhattan but was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota.

Reviews

[Stacey B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you JB Council for a copy of this book.
I loved it, and think the author is just terrific.
Multi-generational- and full of emotion.
No family is exempt from the topics in this book.
And.. curious if my family sees me as one of the characters in this novel :)

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Real Mrs. Tobias is a multigenerational family drama ‘on steroids!’ I was lucky to receive an advanced readers edition & couldn’t put the book down, loving every chapter … so well written, as I laughed, cried & could identify with the antics!

Book review clubs will find a plethora of themes to discuss! Brava talented author, Sally Koslow! Read it!

[Sally Koslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my book, and I’ll humble-brag if I want to because I love this novel. THE REAL MRS. TOBIAS tells the story of a complicated family from the point of view of three women who have married in: Veronika, the matriarch; Mel, the wife of Veronika’s son and Birdie, the wife of Mel’s son. It’s 2015 in New York City and all three women are trying to navigate personal difficulties, some of which are with one another. Veronika and Mel, despite having little in common (Mel was born in Minnesota and Veronika—born in Europe--is the child of a Holocaust survivor) are both psychotherapists more skilled at helping other people than solving their own problems.

In this novel, I’ve drawn on my own personal experience to create facets of all three characters. I’m a mother-in-law myself, with two strong daughters-in-law. I also have a mother-in-law who—at 98—has outlived my own mom by many years. In this novel, I have tried to honor all these relationships while creating a fictional portrayal that reflects how deeply complicated the dynamics can be between women who are related by marriage, not by blood.

When readers describe THE REAL MRS. TOBIAS as witty, I’m flattered, because life is tough, and we all need to laugh. But I’ve also tried to bring warmth and heart to this story, which addresses painful issues within the family. Most of all, I hope you enjoy this book, and if you are or have a mother-in-law or daughter-in-law, that it inspires you to reflect.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: September 13, 2022

“The Real Mrs. Tobias” is a foray into the complex and complicated relationships of mothers and daughters- in law. Sally Koslow’s multi-generational tale covers marriage, divorce, Lewy body dementia, in vitro fertilization and, the shadow over it all, the heartbreak of unachievable expectations.

The three women known as “Mrs. Tobias” are; Veronika, the matriarch and psychotherapist living with her husband, David in New York City, Mel, Veronika’s daughter-in-law, a social worker who always feels unable to meet the expectations placed on her since becoming a Tobias, and Bertie, Mel’s daughter-in-law from the Midwest, who feels like a fish-out-of-water in bustling New York City. All three women are desperate to live their own lives, but also feel the need to incessantly involve themselves in the lives of their family members. When each female is struck with their own personal tragedy, only the strong will of all three Mrs. Tobias’ can pull the entire clan through it all.

Koslow’s mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship story is the story from which all such stereotypes derived from. An overachieving mother, who disapproves of her son’s choice in a wife, and the women who feel the need to meet her expectations, while never quite being able to reach them (and avoid their own disapprovals as well). This story had me reeling, laughing, crying and sighing- sometimes all at once.

The characters are completely honest and relatable, with their quirks and eccentricities. Each chapter was narrated by one of the Tobias women, so it was easy to build a rapport and camaraderie with all of them. When Veronika, Mel and Birdie reveal their vulnerable, emotional sides, it only made me love them more.

“The Real Mrs. Tobias” is a charmingly heart-wrenching read, and I flew through the pages. The plot was easy to invest in, and Koslow’s ending delivered on all fronts.

[Jessica Paige (Exercise_Read_Repeat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Synopsis: The Real Mrs. Tobias is a family drama at its finest. It is told from the point of view of three women who married into the Tobias family: Veronica, the matriarch, her daughter-in-law Mel, and Mel’s daughter-in-law Birdie. Across the three generations, each woman is grappling with their own personal problems and issues within the family.

Thoughts: This was my first book by Sally Koslow and she did a great job balancing the humor and drama with the sensitive topics. Living on the UWS myself, I loved all the references and Jewish terminology. The narration was great, and the audiobook felt like I was watching an episode of This is Us.

Read if you’re interested in:
-Multi-generational stories
-Mother and daughter in law relationships
-Jewish representation
-Character driven books
-NYC setting (UWS)

[Rochelle Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Real Mrs. Tobias, Koslow channels literary greats Claire Lombardo and Elizabeth Strout with exquisite prose and a lush blend of humor and humanity. The novel brilliantly captures the nuances of mothers and mothers in law with keen insight and lots of heart.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very few relationships are as complicated than a mother and daughter, that would be the mother in law and daughter in law relationship. Complicated relationships, situations and family life. Loved this novel

[Stacy40pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Real Mrs. Tobias by Sally Koslow. Thanks to @harperbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Three women in New York City are all known as Mrs. Tobias: Veronika, her daughter in law Mel, and Mel’s daughter in law Birdie. They are all different and have their own difficulties within the family.

I wonder why I haven’t read more books about the relationships between mother in laws and daughter in laws. It certainly makes for dramatic family dynamics in stories. Especially with this one and the generational differences. I saw this likened to Fleishman is in Trouble, which is one of my favorite books. While it didn’t really have the wit Fleishman had for me, it was just as realistic and true to life.

The Real Mrs. Tobias comes out 9/13.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 3 out of 5]

A multigenerational story of the relationships between Mother and daughter and daughters in-laws.

The story is told by three women who marry into the same family.

I won this ARC book for Harper Publishing.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story about female in-law relationships. I loved all the characters and the story flowed well.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I found myself totally engaged from start to finish with this wonderful family drama. Koslow has a remarkable light touch, even with life’s most serious issues.

The book centers around the 3 Mrs. Tobias’ from 3 different generations. Chapters define the Mrs Tobias who is the focus, Mel, Veronika or Birdie. These 3 generations face many issues, including the rapid, severe mental deterioration of the elder Mr. Tobias.

Koslow has written several novels that I loved, and this is another winner. Upper Westside Jewish families are certainly familiar to me and she does a wonderful job drawing them, without making them caricatures.

I highly recommend this to all my readers. It’s a really great read for any season. Thank you Netgalley for this very special ARC.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ The Real Mrs. Tobias is a character-driven multi-generation story about the relations between daughter-in-laws and mother-in-laws. It features solid New York City, specifically UWS, and Jewish references that readers might enjoy. The story was well written, though I personally prefer a little more plot than this offered. Still, the characters were thoughtfully developed, and I appreciated how this story had both humorous and heartfelt moments.

Thank you Harper Perennial for my final copy in exchange for my review.

[Susie Schnall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Sally Koslow's books!

[Barbara Willensky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be given a galley of Sally Koslow’s terrific new novel and am happy to give it five stars. I related to most of the characters and laughed and cried as they struggled to be their best selves in a complicated, multigenerational family. The author has many writing strengths but chief among them is her ability to show what the characters say and do vs. what they are thinking. Polite society requires us to stifle so many snarky and vulnerable thoughts, but I feel many authors fail to display authentic thoughts. There are two therapists in this book. I am a psychologist and trained psychoanalyst in private practice. So, I was eager to learn how the author would depict their practices and personal lives. Nailed it! Yes, our thoughts stray, and yes our personal lives sometimes unexpectedly overlap with our patients’ lives. The art lies in knowing limits and boundaries, and of course, in full disclosure. One character fails to disclose, and I feared it would be at her peril. Yet, in my opinion, she’s a “good enough” therapist which is apparent from other cases. The heart of this book lies, I believe, in a deep and multifaceted exploration of the limits and delimits of in-law relationships. Again, like some characters, I was a daughter-in-law and am a mother-in-law twice over and howled with laughter a dozen times as struggles to help were experienced as hinder. There is also a very intriguing mystery in this novel which created interest and tension throughout. The mystery made me ponder ethical and moral questions I had not considered before. I did not even come close to guessing it’s outcome and that was a pleasant surprise. While reading this novel I was deeply moved and laughed out loud dozens of times. If you are looking for a “can’t put it down” memorable novel this one will be sure to enrich and delight.

[Chelsea Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded up

What a special story! Thank you so much to Harper Collins for sending me a gifted advanced copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, by Sally Koslow! It’s out September 13th!

They say write the book you want to read, and I think Koslow did just that. I can’t think of many other books that focus on the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship.
So, I hit the jackpot when it comes to MIL’s. I adore mine (and all of my in-laws really). She’s taught me how to cook her special recipes, provides her home as a retreat to spend quality time, makes homemade gifts for her children and grandchildren, and is an all around good time!

But what I liked most about this book is that it lays out reasonable expectations for this relationship. The MIL/DIL relationship, or ANY relationship borne from other people’s decision to marry, is a relationship that’s built over years, not days. It’s something to be patient with, and put time into— and expecting an instant bond may be setting yourself up for disappointment.

Read this if you like…
- family drama novels
- character-driven books
- Jewish representation
- books set in NYC

I highly recommend reading this when it comes out in September!

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Real Mrs. Tobias is a family saga of three generations told from the perspective of three women who've married into the family. A matriarch, Veronika, is seventy-four years old, a psychotherapist, and an analyst. She lives in New York and is a Holocaust survivor. Then there is her daughter-in-law, Melanie, a therapist with an MSW degree. Mel is both a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. Her daughter-in-law, Birdie, is from Iowa and married Micah, the son of Mel, after a whirlwind romance. All three of these women got married young.

I loved that the author focused on the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship because I don't think many people focus on it in books. The idea is that you marry into a family, and you're supposed to love them and treat them as your own, but they're not the family you grew up with. The author also dove into the relationship between grandmothers and granddaughters and how the grandparent relationship differs from the parental one. It made me think about how important and exciting these relationships are and challenging.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Jill Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a subset of authors of fiction who write primarily of Jewish characters and concern. They don’t write historical fiction, though there are plenty of good books out there using history as the basis for their writing. No, the writers I’m talking about - like Elinor Lipman, Cathleen Schine, Jami Attenberg, Susan Isaacs, and, of course, the late, great Laurie Colwin - write about contemporaneous times, the problems of today, and the ways to live and contribute to society. These books are always humorous (at least, mostly) and I’d call them “elevated Chick-lit”.

Sally Koslow has been writing these books for a few years. While perhaps not as well written as Elinor Lipman’s finest, Koslow writes interesting stories with interesting characters. Her latest, “The Real Mrs Tobias”, is a story about mothers-in-law and grandmothers, generations extending from Great grandmothers, Dr Veronika and Joy-Ellen down to great granddaughter, 3 year old Alice. Husbands and fathers come in and out of the story, but they really play second fiddle to the women.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like family dramas – especially those addressing the relationships between mothers-in-laws and daughters-in-law – this is the book for you. This novel tells the multi-generational story of a complicated Jewish family from the point of view of three women who have married in: Veronika, the matriarch; Mel, the wife of Veronika’s son and Birdie, the wife of Mel’s son. As the book jacket describes: “It’s 2018 in New York City and all three women are trying to navigate personal difficulties, some of which are with one another.” I found myself sympathizing with first one, then another, but the more I read, the more it was revealed how deeply complicated the dynamics can be between women who are related by marriage, not by blood.

The mothers-in-law each have prickly relationships with their daughters-in-law, though everyone seems justified in their own thoughts and behaviors. In addition to the drama, there are humorous moments as well as warmth and heart, while addressing painful issues within the family. This is a story of love, loss, secrets, and healing.

This novel successfully illustrates how women hold families together even when acknowledging that what is most important is forgiveness, understanding, and insight. I really enjoyed reading about these women and their dynamics as they reconsider their relationships to one another and discover what it means to be a family.

[Reyna Gentin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Koslow has given us a funny and intimate portrait of a highly functioning dysfunctional Jewish family. No matter who you are, you will recognize elements of your own life in these parents and children. While some of their interactions may make you cringe, you will root for the characters to find peace with themselves and each other. The author doesn't propose too many happy endings, but there is hope abounding. And she also takes a stab at the age-old question: what is my therapist really thinking about when I'm babbling on about my problems? A very fun, light read with lots of depth as well.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Real Mrs. Tobias by Sally Koslow is a highly recommended domestic drama about mothers- and daughters-in-law.

This mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship story is set in NYC in 2015. The plot follows three women in the Tobias family. The matriarch, Veronika, is a psychotherapist; Melanie (Mel) is both a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law and a counselor; and Birdie who is newly married to Mel's son, Micah,is mother to Alice. When Micah does something irresponsible and stupid, all the women chime in with their opinions on what he should do and how he should respond. Since they have already been having marital problems, after a visit from the police, Birdie takes Alice back to her parents house in Iowa.

This is an entertaining look at how strong, determined women ostensibly keep families together but the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship story is also full of stereotypes. For the most part, each chapter was narrated by one of the Tobias women, Veronika, Mel, or Birdie. The focus on a multi-generational family and all the problems inherent in their lives allows for the plot to build drama and tension. The characters are portrayed as real people with flaws and shortcomings, but with a rather light touch.

Those who love family dramas will likely enjoy The Real Mrs. Tobias. The writing is excellent and Koslow does a good job providing drama and humor in the plot. Since I enjoyed it but didn't love it, I'm a bit of an outlier. Admittedly, I'm becoming rather tired of novels that are set in NYC, let alone portraying all Mid-Westerner's as stereo typically stoic. This could be a good choice for books clubs that focus on women's fiction since there are plenty of topics and plot points in the novel that beg discussion.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of HarperCollins via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/0...

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Koslow's work and this one is no exception. Having been to NYC this summer, I especially enjoyed the setting and could visualize it all. I also liked that Birdie (the third Mrs. Tobias) was from Iowa and came back home for a visit.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family saga. My favorite. Loved it.
Great character development.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a multi generational story told from the point of view of three women, Veronika, Mel, and Birdie. They have all married into the Tobias family. Veronika is the matriarch, Mel is her daughter in law and Birdie is Mel’s daughter in law. I found the story well written and the characters engaging. Family dynamics play a central role. I read this in two days because it was a really enjoyable read. I was left wanting to know what would happen next to these women, always a sign that the book is a keeper!

[BookWormBecky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Mother-in-law, expectations, not on brand…

“Good people make bad choices in haste.” “ The incident” is the crisis of the moment for the Tobias family. What did Micah do and what choice did he make? How will his decision affect the entire family?

The extended family tale of three women— Veronika, her daughter-in-law Mel, and Mel’s daughter-in-law Birdie.
They are dealing with personal issues and family angst. “The incident” and David’s (Veronika’s husband) health condition are currently traumatizing all in the family. How will each react?

A tale of family relationships and how women are the glue who hold the family together.


* I loved it from the beginning! Easily among my top favorites for 2022. Glad I bought it!

* Engaging characters with identifiable behaviors.

* Author paints a vivid picture!

* Delicate, humorous handling of family issues. I laughed out loud throughout this book! 😁

* I would buy/read other books by this author. Suggestions?

* Very creative! I’ve not read any books similar to this!

[Passion Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of three women who marry into the Tobias family. A story of the relationships between mother- in - laws and daughter in laws. Honestly, the main character is the sons wife, Mel.
.
Anywho, the story comes together mostly when an incident happens and the youngest Tobias man, Micah, has an accident. This really shifts the nature of the relationships with the women. It brings out the traits of wanting to be in control. Mel and Veronika, the wives of the older men really but heads - both are therapists / counselors. They both aren’t trying fond of Micah’s wife, Birdie.
.
Birdie is a mother, and has ultimately placed her dreams aside. But after her husbands accident, she starts to see things differently. Packing up and going out of state to spend time with her family, she sees and appreciates how her people aren’t as demanding and controlling.

Along with all of that Mel’s daughter is planning a baby with her girlfriend. Veronika’s husband is losing his memory, and Mel is faced with an old fling that wants to offer her a job.

Plenty of action here, plenty of changes happening. I think the funniest part of this story is when Veronika’s husband, memory loss - dementia, thinks Mel is his wife.
.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. Relationships well developed. I also carry the same name, so it made my reading experience more enjoyable. Was really excited when I discovered this book. MIL’s and DIL’s do have boundaries they must consider🤪

[KrysWhit · Rating 4 out of 5]

“despite grumbles and gripes, irritation and incompatibility, I believe we are a family united in optimism.”

The Real Mrs Tobias is a witty, sometimes gritty, easy yet poignant read… a multigenerational revealing of the intricately complex relationships of mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law (lol, all sharing the name Mrs Tobias!). It’s a wonder more books don’t showcase this relationship… it’s ripe for storytelling!

As in any family, there are interesting dynamics in the relationships between the MILs/DILs as well as with their husbands and sons, which especially come to the forefront when the family gathers together. The story is told from 3 POVs (Melanie, her MIL Veronika and her DIL Birdie) and over time you see that as much as the characters are different, they are also often the same…all strong yet flawed. As the stories progress, their relationships grow, especially between Veronika and Melanie. They learn how to slowly let go of control and expectation, realizing they’re all on the same team, allowing themselves to become vulnerable and develop respect for one another. Some of the more touching moments are the beautiful snippets where you see real respect develop betw Veronika and Melanie.

One thing I loved was the painting of relational contrasts throughout the book: mother/daughter vs mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, MOTHER-in-law/daughter-in-law vs FATHER-in-law/daughter-in-law; mother/daughter vs grandmother/granddaughter. There were also comparisons highlighted in regional personalities (midwest Iowa vs northeast NYC) and in religious tradition (Jewish and Christian).

The book is funny, but with some serious storylines as well that cover topics like dementia, infidelity, finding yourself and facing responsibility. Maybe there were too many to delve into fully, but then again, it adds to the chaos of family drama so in a way it works.

I have to say, this book had a wonderful family cadence that made me think of one of my favorite movies, “Moonstruck”. I’m thinking this would make a fun movie too!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Weina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Real Mrs. Tobias, Sally Koslow pulls aside the curtain of one of those glittery wealthy upper-class families in New York City, the Tobias, centering on three generations of women that instantly hypnotize readers.

The story is set in 2015; the characters feel so real: the matriarch is Veronika Tobias, a prominent psychologist in New York City, now in her seventies. A Holocaust survivor who grew up fatherless, she’s tough and proud and rises to her eminence through hard work. Her daughter-in-law, Melanie Tobias, in her forties, is witty and overly protective but doesn’t think this is something she needs to change. Being a counselor without a Ph.D., Melanie suffers the inferiority syndrome and believes her mother-in-law holds an unflattering view of her, which may or may not be true. However, Melanie judges her young daughter-in-law, Birdie, just as critically. A dropout of the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, Birdie is a stoic Mid-Westerner, whom Melanie dismisses as a sexpot. The novel brims with humor and self-deprecating wit, and honesty. I guarantee you’ll laugh until your tears come out, especially when you read an assessment like this: “I try not to let in middle age, but like any woman who is almost forty-four, with her first reading glasses and mammogram appointment to prove it, who claims not to obsess about dimpling thighs and a libido at risk of going AWOL, I am lying.”

The Real Mrs. Tobias has it all: a clash of cultures, finely wrought language, loving and funny characters, and a touch of rivalry running through the vein of a dysfunctional family. Another winner from Sally Koslow!

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

The three women in the Tobias family - Veronika Tobias ( the matriarch), Mel (wife of Veronika's son Jake), and Birdie ( wife of Micah, Veronika's grandson) are as different as they could be. Veronika is cold as ice and no one dares to cross her. She loves her husband passionately, even more than she loves being a mother to Jake. Now that her husband is showing signs of dementia, her icy facade is starting show cracks and she is afraid her husband will forget who she is. Mel wants to be in control and has never met a problem she can't fix, except for her children that is. Her endless pushing and prodding in their lives is not only pushing her daughter away but is doing nothing to help her son's marriage. Micah made a mistake and Birdie is unable to forgive him for it. Granted, he hasn't exactly owned up to that mistake and tried to make things right. Until he does, Birdie isn't sure if she can move forward in this marriage. Three strong-willed Tobias women.... only time will tell if they will remain a family or scatter to the winds.
This book was excellent. This was family drama at it's best. This was reminiscent of "This Is Us" and books by Barbara Delinsky, Elin Hilderbrand, and Jane Green. There was not only conflict between each mother-in-law & daughter-in-law, but also within each family. This book will appeal to anyone, I think, because we all experience some sort of family bond.... be it through blood, marriage or friendship. I highly recommend this one!

[Lani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Real Mrs. Tobias is a family drama that focuses on the relationships between Mothers-in-law and Daughters-in-law. The Tobias family lives in Manhattan. Veronika is the matriarch of the family--a successful psychiatrist who calls most of the shots in the family. Her daughter-in-law, Melanie, is a counselor, mother of two, and grandmother of one. Birdie is married to Melanie's son, Micah, and gave up her writing dreams to move to Manhattan to be with Micah, The women are forced to examine their relationships when the family faces a series of challenges, including a hit-and-run accident, a terrifying medical diagnoses, and relationship drama.

I struggled for much of this book and honestly had a hard time relating to and/or liking these characters. Additionally, there were a lot of storylines to follow and I felt like the book was going in too many directions. But I felt compelled to finish the book and I'm glad I did. I thought the author tied up a lot of the storylines very well. And, ultimately, I really enjoyed the focus on the Mother-in-law/Daughter-in-law relationships.

I thought the author's note at the end, in particular, was insightful and a good reminder to the reader of the overall theme of the book.

Thank you to Netgalley, BiblioLifestyle and the publisher for the advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest reivew.