Next of Kin (by Joanna Trollope)

(Amazon UK link)

'Next of Kin' is a modern novel by Joanna Trollope.

This is a character-based book, as with most of the author's other novels.  Robin's American wife Caro has died, and their adopted daughter feels estranged from him. She meets and befriends someone called Zoë, who becomes intrigued by Robin. She is also interested in his farm, and his various relatives.

As financial problems loom, Zoë provides a breath of fresh air. She tries to help them unburden their emotions, particularly after the family is hit by a tragedy. I thought there was a realistic and hopeful conclusion.

Recommended if you like contemporary women's fiction.

(You can also read my longer review of 'Next of Kin' written after re-reading in 2009)