The story picks up about 5 years after the first book, and while it can be read as a stand alone, events from the first book are mentioned frequently, so reading it first will provide a deeper understanding of the back story.

Having read and enjoyed The Guncle, I was a little surprised at Greg remarrying. I mean people do move on after the death of a spouse and there is nothing wrong with it, but after the first book focused so much on the grief, this just felt like a huge jump, even though 5 years have passed in their lives. This does not mean that I didn’t like the book, far from it, it just felt fast.

I love Patrick. His personality, the way he interacts with the children, his ego, his jealousy of Palomina, all of it is perfection. He actually reminds me of a dear friend in many ways. I wanted him to find his happily ever after at the end of the first book, so I was sad that he and Emory were no longer together in this one.

Maisie and Grant are so much fun as well, though Grant feels more like he’s still 6 and not the 11 he should be now. Maisie, on the other hand, is now a teen and is just the right amount of angsty.

Greg still seems just as clueless as he was in the first book (I kind of have a problem with Greg, but it’s not really relevant here). Clara, on the other hand, is much more likeable now.

The new characters were ok. Palomina was a great foil for Patrick and I enjoyed their rivalry.

We’re given a little teaser in the opening about the ending, and I am so happy that I guessed right! I love the way this story ended so much! And I definitely wouldn’t mind any additional Guncle stories down the road.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC for review consideration though NetGalley, on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.