Thank you NetGalley, Adele Griffin and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC of The Favor. This is my personal review.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am grateful I got to read it. I will now look for other books by her.
As I started the book, I had a good idea of what to expect but the further I read the more I saw it had a depth to it that I did not see coming.
The characters were written so perfectly that they all fit together. I wanted to get to know more about Nora and Evelyn as they grew closer together.
This is a perfect beach read. Publication date is June 13.

The Favor is a beautiful story about two women from different spheres who find an instant kinship from a chance encounter. Nora and Jacob desperately want a baby, but have had no luck conceiving. Nora meets Evelyn at her job at an upscale consignment store and they immediately bond over similar taste. Evelyn comes from family money and is dazzling and impulsive. Evelyn decides to be Nora's surrogate. I really enjoyed the relationship between Nora and Evelyn. I liked reading how their relationship evolved throughout the book. It was a very heartwarming story despite the ups and downs in any relationship. There is also a bit of fashion and decor, with sumptuous descriptions. I listened to the audiobook, which was perfectly narrated by Kirsten Sieh. She's one of my favorite narrators because her voice is so warm and emotive.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for providing this ebook / audiobook ARC. All thoughts are my own.

This was a book that I really enjoyed reading. It's a very interesting take on modern life.
The book was well written and engaging. I loved Nora and Jacob as characters and was wholeheartedly rooting for them. Can't say as much for Evelyn- her character left me cold and shaking my head about the evils of too much money.
I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the vintage clothing in the store where Nora works.
I also enjoyed the truthful story of infertility and how it might play out in the modern world. Gloria truly captured my heart as a neonatologist. (Spoiler)
This was a quick read as I could hardly put the book down.
Congratulations on a book that will appeal and educate the current generation of parents in waiting!
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an ARC to read in exchange for a honest review.

This is a fantastic read. The author has knocked it out of the park with this book. It has a little of everything from friendships, problems, to victories.. This story will warm your heart and invoke tender feelings for the couple that longs for a child of their own. A stranger ends up saving the day and the end will shock you. The book was so good I couldn't stop reading it. I was given an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley and wanted to share my thoughts. You won't be disappointed!!

I enjoyed how The Favor explored the female friendship between Nora and Evelyn. Issues of trust, power imbalance, and compassion are explored and I liked how it made me think about my feelings on each. When Nora meets Evelyn, she is immediately feels connected and is drawn to Evelyn. So when she gets the opportunity to become closer to her, she jumps at it. The difference in the woman's social situation is striking. This would be a great book club read to discuss the way the relationship changes overtime and how it impacts Nora and her husband Jacob's lives. The character of Evelyn was incredibly interesting to read. Her motivations, and personality were hard for me to fully nail down. The author handles the topic of infertility and surrogacy in a kind and clear way.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I also really love the cover, I think it is beautiful. This is a story about the rich, friendship, fashion, surrogacy, and the struggles that surround infertility. I wasn't a huge fan of Evelyn but she was a product of her environment and I don't think I could really blame her for how she acts. It started out slow but really picked up about 25% in. It could be a difficult read if infertility is a struggle for you, but the beauty and troubles with surrogacy are written in beautifully. I really enjoyed seeing how different things affected the different characters and their relationships with each other. The ending was also an added little bonus of fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Landmark for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5538427075

When someone gives you a gift or does a favor for you, what do you owe them in return? The Favor seeks to answer this question, but it is also a character driven story of friendship, family, and love.

Nora Hammond works at I'll Have Seconds - a vintage thrift clothing store. She has longed for a family of her own with her husband Jacob. They have tried everything, and as a result, are in deep debt. In swoops Evelyn Elliot, a wealthy socialite and heiress. Money is no object for Evelyn as she sees Nora's talent for styling and tailoring the vintage clothing both women love. Their acquaintance grows into a friendship. Their growing relationship puts Nora at odds with her husband as he points out the vast difference in their lifestyles. Despite their differences, they get along like sisters and find common ground in their love for art, culture, and clothing.

I really enjoyed this novel. Deeper questions on morality, class, loyalty, and money are examined, but the story itself is heartwarming and makes you think about what really matters in life.

Nora and Evelyn are both sympathetic characters, and the theme of giving and receiving favors is strong throughout the story of their friendship. I also loved all the vintage fashion, Nora's styling sessions and the shop I'll Have Seconds. Evelyn's lavish lifestyle and influencing career are as fun for the reader as they are for Nora. The supporting cast of friends and family lead to well-wrought emotionally charged situations that accurately convey the anxieties of infertile couples and how love truly carries us when we need it to.
4/5 stars to this compelling addition to women's fiction.

This story was incredibly heartwarming, well-researched, and funny. I found the characters quite nuanced and multi-faceted, and I actually enjoyed both of the main leads immensely.

I have to admit that this book wasn't what I expected it to be, and I wouldn't say it's up my alley at all. However, I'm happy I read it, especially because it tells such an important story about friendship and womanhood. I was scared where the plot was going and afraid i wouldn't like the ending, but it was all a pleasant surprise.

I didn't know a lot about surrogacy and the entire process of it prior to reading this, but I think this book handled it quite well and respectfully.

The highlight for me were definitely the characters, as well as how the author subverted our expectations of who is usually the surrogate in the real world. All in all, this was very enjoyable!

My initials perception of this book was that it was going to be a book about being a surrogate, and it was that; however, this was an unexpectedly great and heartwarming story about two very different women who make a connection..

Nora lives as a polar opposite in her simplistic lifestyle with her husband Jacob. They have suffered ups and downs with infertility leaving a mountain of debt. When Evelyn throws money right and left to Nora for nonsensical items and jobs, she realizes their friendship is more about Evelyn taking her under her wing out of love.

The story has a whimsical Cinderella story, but Evelyn takes it to another level when she offers to carry a baby for Nora and Jacob. A beautiful women’s fiction delivering so many laughs and tears. I was intrigued by Evelyn’s personality and her compassion, yet she keeps the story on edge with what she is going to do next. Kudos to this gifted author who has two books as National Book finalists.

Thank you to Adele Griffin, NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest and unbiased review.

This is the first book I have read by Adele Griffin. I was excited to start it and it dove right in. The book follows Nora, who works at a vintage boutique in New York City. She wants to start a family with her husband, but there are complications. She soon develops a friendship that will forever change her life. A very rich Eleanor, is an extroverted socialite who buys out the inventory of a vintage boutique for her closet. She forms a new friendship and offers to help this friend. This book is a story about unlikely friendships, unconditional love, found family, fertility struggles, and surrogacy. Fertility issues are real and are a real struggle, this helps a little to explain some of the pain and struggles surrounding with emotions as well as financial strain. The book definitely looks at the risks and worries involved with infertility and surrogacy in a more realistic way. Some parts of this book simply fell flat for me unfortunately. Some of the characters were very frustrating at times, particularly at the beginning. Although I liked that the chapters were nice and short, I felt like some scenes dragged on a bit while others, especially the end, could have been elaborated a bit upon. I do appreciate the opportunity to review and provide feedback. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity.

Who doesn’t need a wealthy, eccentric friend like Evelyn! Her wealth is old money living a lavish lifestyle among the influential and infamous! When she walks into “I’ll Have Seconds” high end vintage shop, she meets Nora. Nora is blown away by everything about Evelyn and their friendship blossoms as she becomes her stylist and confidante. The shop has history with the vintage items costing thousands of dollars.
Nora lives as a polar opposite in her simplistic lifestyle with her husband Jacob. They have suffered ups and downs with infertility leaving a mountain of debt. When Evelyn throws money right and left to Nora for nonsensical items and jobs, she realizes their friendship is more about Evelyn taking her under her wing out of love.
The story has a whimsical Cinderella story, but Evelyn takes it to another level when she offers to carry a baby for Nora and Jacob. A beautiful women’s fiction delivering so many laughs and tears. I was intrigued by Evelyn’s personality and her compassion, yet she keeps the story on edge with what she is going to do next.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC sin exchange for my honest review.

Having had 3 children myself, I understand how strong the desire for a baby can be for a woman. And the lengths you would go to to make that happen. The basic story is about a woman who isn't able to have a child who is befriended by a very wealthy woman who volunteers to be a surrogate for free. Free is good, right? Well free is never really free. And so goes the story of the relationship between Nora who wants a baby and Evelyn who is willing to carry one for her but expects a lot of the friendship in return. As you can imagine there are a lot of ups and downs in the relationship and a couple of really interesting plot twists. Very enjoyable book.

If you enjoy reading about (female) friendship and vintage clothing, set in New York City, you'll definitely enjoy this book! The characters are very well written and I loved the ending. Go check this book out! 💕

Whoa. Can we say suspenseful? The pretty cover belies what’s really happening in this story. I never thought this would have me on the edge of my seat wondering is this going to work out in the end. And the writing is so delicious I just gobbled it up. At about the 50% mark I was getting tired of the antics but I decided to stick with it and boom the storyline picked up again. Nothing like I imagined it would be.

Nora works in a vintage clothing shop. One evening, Evelyn waltzes in and purchases multiple items from the shop. Nora immediately feels a kinship with Evelyn. As they become closer, Evelyn pays Nora to source clothing for her, stage dinners/parties, etc. Evelyn also gifts Nora a priceless cloak made by Dior and worn by a poet that Nora admires. Nora tells Evelyn that she and Nora's husband, Jacob, have been trying unsuccessfully for a child. Nora offers to carry their child, but Jacob and Nora wonder if they should accept.
This is a novel that examines the complexities of friendship, and what it means to be a friend. It highlights trust, love, concern for others. While I thought the connection between Evelyn and Nora seemed to be a bit unbelievable, I did enjoy the story and hoped for a true friendship and connection between the two. Nora's reveal at the end was interesting and surprising.

GENERAL INFO

Year Pub: 6/13/23

Date read: 5/14/23

Format: Kindle

Source: e-ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Page Count:316

Setting: Manhattan

Genre: Women's Fiction

Tropes: female friendship, opposites attract, rich vs poor

Standalone/Cliffhanger/Part of a Series: standalone

HEA/HFN ending: HEA

Epilogue Included: yes, Gloria turns 1

Character(s)POV Spoken: h Nora

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Synopsis/Plot Summary: Nora is happily married with a job she loves. If only she could have a baby. Enter Evelyn, a wealthy gregarious woman with a good heart. She hires Nora to work as her stylist and even agrees to be her surrogate.

Contains Children: yes, their daughter Gloria

Jealy/Possy/OTT H/h: Nora is more in awe of Evelyn's lifestyle-designer gowns, trips, and expensive cars

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

Heroine: Evelyn Elliot

Heroine Description: Wealthy socialite from "old money'. She befriends and hires Nora to be her stylist. She has a larger-than-life personality with a brand on social media. She had a fragrance business.

Heroine Likability Rating: 4

Heroine: Nora Hammond

Heroine Description: Married, works @ I'll Have Seconds-a high end vintage dress shop and finds rare antiques. She and her husband want a baby. They are in debt due to several failed IVF treatments. She starts to work for Evelyn, at times feeling powerless to say anything to upset her.

Heroine Likability Rating: 4

Secondary characters:
Barb-Nora's boss
Frankie-works w/ Nora
Jacob-Nora's husband

CONTENT WARNINGS/TRIGGERS
infertility, surrogacy

AUTHOR OVERVIEW
Adele Griffin
New or read before & any favorites: new author

PERSONAL OVERVIEW

Overall Rating: 4*

Do You Recommend This Book: yes

Will You Re-read This Book: maybe

Would You Read More Books by this Author: yes

COMMENTS/NOTES: A serious subject told with care and a bit of humor. An example of the bounds of friendship-what you take and what you give.

This book hits a little too close to home for me with the topics of IVF and infertility. It is emotionally heart wrenching and financially devastating, which this book gets correct. Unfortunately, having been through the experience of unsuccessful fertility treatments, I just could not finish this one. I would recommend to others who have not struggled with infertility or who were able to find success through fertility treatments, it may not cause the raw emotions that I experienced.

My IRL book club met the other night to discuss The Favor by Adele Griffin. This novel is women’s fiction at it’s finest, friends. It explores female friendship, marriage, motherhood, and the complexities of all three. It really dives deep into the dynamics of power, class, and social status between two new friends, Nora and Evelyn. These women are by no means perfect, and have their own individual quirks and flaws. I especially loved that for the mere fact of how realistic they both seemed. I’m not a fan of squeaky clean characters. I prefer them on the grittier side, thank you very much. Their personalities provided tons of tension, drama, and entertainment from start to finish.

Infertility, IVF, and surrogacy all play a major role in this story. Please use caution before picking this novel up if those subjects are triggering for you. One woman in my book club has been a surrogate twice! Her first time was for a set of twins! We were all very curious about her journey, so we asked question after question after question! Ha! It was quite fascinating to learn about her experience—especially after reading a novel on surrogacy. Thanks for sharing so much with us, friend.

As for star ratings, the majority of us gave this novel a four, a few gave it a three. I personally thought it was a solid piece of women’s fiction, and cannot wait to read more from the author. The story was insightful, heartfelt, and complex. The Favor releases on June 13th! I give it 4/5 stars! Highly recommend!

I loved this story about two women from different worlds connecting with friendship.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Nora Hammond works at a high-end vintage shop in Manhattan. She and her husband, Jacob, have been struggling to conceive for years. Socialite Evelyn Elliot comes into Nora’s life through the shop and it changes her life forever. At first, Evelyn is paying her to do PA work when her assistant quits. Then, she decides to do a favor for Nora—act as her surrogate.

This ended up being a very interesting read. It talked about the real issue of infertility struggles. Delved into friendships and the class/power divide between Nora and Evelyn. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked Evelyn. I couldn’t tell what her intentions were. But I really ended up enjoying her character! The entire book had very ominous vibes. Nora was so paranoid about upsetting Evelyn that I was constantly wondering if something was going to happen—was Evelyn going to run away? Was she going to keep the baby for herself? I didn’t expect the book to have that vibe at all but I found that I really enjoyed it. I also did not see the plot twist at the end coming! Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.