I had very high expectations for this book, and while it did meet some of these expectations, the book dragged on for me. It was very slow at parts, and I had to force myself to continue reading. I could appreciate their relationship, however, and it felt very real - definitely relatable for people that have gone through similar traumas. Overall, it was a quick read that I enjoyed, but wouldn't pick up again.

This book... was totally talked about me. I enjoyed it so much, even though it's not my favorite. But still, the ratings on goodreads don't do its justice

This book was well-written and would def qualify as women's fiction, but by the blurb, somehow I didn't assume that's what it would be at all. So, while I enjoyed the book, it wasn't really what I was looking for and is nothing against the author.

This book was slow to get off of the ground and sometimes I felt it dealt a tad too much with Gwen's problems while Iris was just avoiding her problems. However, I liked it like that. Too many times we get the glamourous second/third wife's perspective and forget about the 'frumpy housewife'. This book showed us that Gwen's problems were just as important as anyone else's.

This was a great read. Exploring the lives, problems, and struggles of characters all at different stages in their lives. I loved it! Very interesting and great writing!

Being in the late thirties myself, I could relate quite well to the protagonists in this novel. It is the story of childhood friends who have moved apart over the years as life happens. One of them moves to the fast paced New York world where she struggles with alcohol and the other who chose to stay back in their small town faces a different set of challenges while raising a family. There are contemporary issues of alcohol addiction, body image, modern domestic challenges etc. that are laid bare without much sugar-coating. However, the sad truths of modern life are balanced out by the beauty of long time friendship. I really enjoyed how the characters were built up and their interactions seemed relatable to me. I would definitely recommend this novel.

I really liked the story, how we followed Gwen and Iris and their path to find themselves.
They also found a way to change their lives, say no say stop and change things that was unhealthy for their lives for example Gwen`s mother and Iris`s Julian. Gwen and Iris was not perfect and i really enjoyed to see all of their sides.

I adored this book. The plot, the characters, the humor, the situations are all so grounded in the hilarity, sweetness, and despair of real life. The author's writing style is down to earth and filled with so many funny little observations about life that are relatable in some way for anyone reading the book. I just loved it and it's the perfect escape from your own life for a little while.

A story of two friends reconnecting after many years both thinking the other has the perfect life but taking a while to really understand each other and themselves. Interesting reading a true woman's fiction book that many can relate to in some form or other

A good ole girl story. A perfect life that suddenly isn’t as perfect as it appears. That’s Gwen , beside her is Iris, a bit freer , a little looser, able to take the curves of life and right the ship. Together their story of renewed belief In those truths of youth take us with them as they rediscover life with all its faults with an embrace. Happy reading

Gwen is married with three kids, a dog, and a home, a future she always wanted. The picture perfect family is not realistic, and of course, there are issues with her husband and her kids, as well as her controlling mother. Iris was Gwen’s best friend, but Iris left their hometown hoping to make something of herself, after being raised by an alcoholic single mother. When Iris comes home, it takes a while for her and Gwen to face some harsh truths and move forward with their friendship. I recommend this book for lovers of women’s fiction and stories of searching for one’s truth. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Mother-of-three Gwen is writing her Christmas letter, putting a shine on her family. But things are far from domestic bliss, especially with husband Michael out of work and her party-plan cosmetics business struggling to make any sales.
Meanwhile her former friend Iris struck it rich, moving to Manhattan and marrying a wealthy man. But now, after being shipped off to rehab for her drinking, Iris returns to her hometown and asks to stay with Gwen. The pair are about to find out that the picture-perfect life the other portrayed was all a facade.
This was an entertaining and totally relatable tale about two women who reconnect when times are tough, finding their friendship and self-confidence again.

This story about two friends who have lost touch but due to troubling circumstances are back in touch was an easy read but I just couldn't connect with the characters at all. I found it difficult to get into the story when a few simple conversations would have avoided a lot of the runaround in the book.

Review ⭐️ - Thanks to net galley for a pre released copy of this book! Set in Morocco, and alternates between back in 1941 - following Josie’s family who have had to flee France, and have stopped in Morocco awaiting safe passage to America and then, seventy years later when Zoe is struggling with her new life in Morocco, when she stumbles across the journal that belonged to Josie in 1941. The Storyteller of Casablanca follows Zoe’s journey to settling into Morocco while she unravels the story that Josie wrote all them years ago…

I love anything with a dual timeline and this was honestly the loviest, and sometimes heartbreaking historical fiction novel! Josie’s story was so captivating, and the ending was so heartwarming for both Zoe and Josie despite the heartache that they so obviously felt deeply throughout the book - This wasn’t my first Fiona Valpy novel, and it mostly certainly won’t be the last.

Quote 💌 - “You need to go to the ocean. Write the names of the things you’ve lost on stones you will find there and then cast them away into the waters. The ocean is big enough to take your grief and keep it safe for you, freeing up space in your heart for other things. The dream seller says this is an important lesson for you to learn now and you must remember it. It will help you later in life.”

I enjoyed this book about two friends who grew up together. One moved away and their friendship lapsed until they found they needed each other in more ways than one. The characters were believable and the life of a midwestern housewife was a typical one. that I could relate to..There were some parts that left me hanging and I wondered what happened, but overall an enjoyable read.

This was such an interesting book on friendship and on how who we truly are can be so so different than the persona we put out into the world. Gwen and Iris grew up as best friends but as often happens grew apart. One seems to lead a glamourous life and the other is a suburban housewife with a loving family. They come together after many years and through alternating perspectives we learn (as do they) who they really are and how they need eachother still after so many years. A truly wonderful tale of friendship.

An excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I would recommend this book.
I received this from Netgalley as an ARC for an honest review.

This book was so well done. There were times I loved both characters and times I hated them. (In the right way). This book shows how what you see online isn’t always real life. You are seeing the highlight real and sometimes even a downright lie. The story was so well done.

Gwen and Iris. Each in family situations that they never saw for themselves, despite getting "what getting what they dreamed of". One got the "perfect" family and the other got the heck outta dodge and was living the "glamorous life". Funny how "what we want" isn't always what its cracked up to be - and then we feel the pressure to make sure that everyone knows that we have it all together and that life is just fabulous!! While I breezed through this one - I struggled to like either character - and I detested Gwen's mother (she was awful!). This story had so much potential with sub stories, spent too much time on the make up parties and what not - that could have gone more in depth on the relationships (Gwen and her husband). I've given an honest review for this book in exchange for a advanced reader copy courtesy of Netgalley.

Overall, I enjoyed this book! It touched on complex friendships and how life can get in the way of friendships but circumstances can always bring people back together. However, I was unfortunately unimpressed with the weight-related comments in the book and felt frustrated with the characters at times which is why I only rated it 3 stars.