Divided Loyalties - Patricia Scanlan

Shauna and Greg Cassidy's marriage is under pressure. She wants another baby. Greg doesn't. She also has to endure her obnoxious in-laws, 'The Freeloaders', (as her sister calls them) Della, Eddie and their spoilt kids. They arrive at her home at the drop of a hat, stay as long as they like, and eat and drink all around them without lifting a finger to help. Shauna's glad to be moving abroad - she'll be free of them at long last. Or will she?

But three thousand miles won't stop the determined Della. Free holidays in an exotic location. Perfect! Carrie, Shauna's sister, can't help feeling put upon. The burden of looking after their elderly, hypochondriac father rests on her and she's fed up of it. Is it too much to ask that the burden be shared? Resentment builds, even though she loves her siblings, Can Carrie put her foot down and stand up for herself?

Bobby, the youngest, has a poisoned relationship with his father who blames him for the premature death of his wife. A bitter confrontation leaves them estranged. Can they ever settle their differences? Or are some rifts just to painful to resolve?

Noel feels that Twiskers his little cat is the only one who loves him. His daughters, especially Shauna make him feel like a nuisance. His son is a grave disappointment to him. But when you point a finger in judgement three fingers point back at you. Is he at fault as much as Bobby? Noel has to do some serious soul-searching and he doesn't like what it brings up.

The last Christmas the family got together was a disaster, but circumstances change. Can the family turn things around and finally put the past behind them as they prepare for another family gathering?

Random House Australia
Patricia Scanlan
ISBN: 0593055993
RRP: $32.95

Review:
Even wanted the courage to stand up to your inlaws? Patricia Scanlan fiction has a perfect mix of love, friendship and of course betrayal.