I did better listening to this book than I did reading it. Four women join together for the Friendship Club and rely on each other to get through life. Bella is pregnant after undergoing IVF and a little psycho toward her husband. She is obsessed with eating healthy and freaking out that her husband is cheating. Seems a little over dramatic to me. Bella proves she has been strong though in the past with abuse and is going to help women everywhere by speaking up. Sophia starts dating a guy that she can't get rid of. She sees the abusive signs, but he will not go away. He goes as far as to break in and send himself things from her phone. The girls come help her and call the police. Marni is just a very strong women that is sure of herself and always willing to offer help! These four all discover there is more to life than they are content with, and rely on each other to find out what they really want in life.

As is typical for Carr, her latest emotional read combines engaging, realistic, and multigenerational characters with tough topics, such as domestic violence, love, and widowhood.. It's a journey of self-discovery for each of the female leads as they navigate the challenges life throws their way They learn to lean on each other for support.

A fabulous story about adult women all living their lives and dealing with whatever comes their way with the love and support of each other. They’re all at different stages of their lives dealing with myriad serious real world/life issues and their bond is what gets them through it all. It’s an emotional and not the easiest read, but worth every moment. I truly appreciated a book about women being friends in the true sense of the word and not competing or doing anything other than wanting the best for each other. I adored every moment of this book. Be prepared though. Once you start you’ll want to keep going so clear plenty of time and settle in for a wonderful read.

What a great book about these special women. I love the feelings they have for each other. It was fun to watch Marnie and Ellen change their minds about a certain aspect of their lives. Poor Bella, I’m sure many of us can relate and sympathize with what she was going through. I hope no one has had to deal with what Sophia had to go through. Thank goodness for good support systems! I loved the story and the characters. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

I am a huge fan of Robyn Carr stories, whether stand alone or series. Love her character development. Story is about 4 co-workers each at different stages of life. Facing changes and growth. It really is very relatable! A great book to read on a cold Winter, or really any day!

A book about four women, who are at crossroads in their life. As they navigate life, they face challenges, decisions, and the women share their stories. It helps to know someone else has gone through things that you are going through. It was a nice reminder, not only to be supportive of others, but when needed ask for it. Sometimes life gets in the way, and we forget we don't have to go it alone.
I received an ARC from MIRA through NetGalley.

Warmhearted book of contemporary friendships

I really love Robyn Carr's books, her series and her standalone novels. "The Friendship Club", as described in the listing, is about four co-workers each at a turning point in their lives. Ms Carr doesn't shy away from some of the darker issues in our lives, the stalkers, gaslighters and abusers. Some of the characters are mature and ready for a new challenge, should I even suggest love? Others are young and more vulnerable. Definitely a book to read beside a fire during the next blizzard or in a recliner by the beach or pool, anywhere you can just settle down and enjoy your reading.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

"The Friendship Club" by Robyn Carr is a heartwarming tale that explores the unbreakable bonds of friendship among four diverse women facing life's challenges. Centered around celebrity cooking show host Marni McGuire and her friends, the novel delves into the complexities of love, loneliness, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Robyn Carr masterfully crafts characters with distinct personalities and life experiences. Marni, a widow turned TV personality; Bella, Marni's pregnant daughter navigating the complexities of marriage and career; Ellen, Marni's devoted assistant seeking a quiet life after caring for her ill husband; and Sophia, entangled in an abusive relationship. The narrative skillfully weaves their stories, addressing serious issues like domestic abuse and loss with sensitivity.
As the women form an informal friendship club, Carr beautifully portrays the strength that arises when friends support each other through life's twists and turns. The novel is a celebration of the power of friendship, offering a poignant reminder that, even in the face of adversity, having a solid support system can make all the difference.
Carr's storytelling, however, captivates, delivering a compelling narrative that resonates with the realities of modern life and the enduring strength found in genuine connections.
Very grateful to the publisher for this review copy, opinions are my own.

Perfect for lovers of women’s fiction with a small side of romance. I enjoyed the strong bonds in the story and was rooting for them all. A solid read that would be perfect for a sunny day!

A read about friends and abuse whether it is emotional or physical. The interactions of the friends and their significant others is great. It is a feel good story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.

I always love reading a new book by Robyn Carr, and this one did not disappoint! The Friendship Club tells the story of Marni, a tv chef, her daughter, and two of her employees, who are also friends. I enjoyed reading about the close-knit group, and the women all seemed like people who could be friends of mine. All of the women were well-developed and relatable characters. Thank you, NetGalley and Mira, for the advance reader copy of this great book!

This new novel from Robyn Carr hits the mark with all women that have or wish to have a group of friends to share ups and downs, go out on the town or stay in and have a glass of wine. From the start we meet four of these women, all of them with different careers, personalities, hopes and dreams:

Marni – A TV personality, she becomes a widow early in life and finds herself cooking on TV for millions of people.

Bella – Marni's daughter, she never met her father but was raised by Marni and is now married, pregnant and trying to reconcile her career as a powerful lawyer, her marriage and what her body is going through.

Ellen – Marni's assistant, has been with Marni for years and all she wants is to live a quiet life after caring for her ill husband for years.

Sophia – Younger than the other three, she engages in an abusive relationship that turns her life upside down.

Through the book we learn how life can throw you a curb ball and how friends and family can help you along the way. As the women form an informal friendship club, they will come to the rescue when they need each other the most.

Although this might look like the perfect beach read, be aware that it touches on serious matters like domestic abuse, gaslighting and losing a partner to illness. If you are triggered by any of these subjects make sure you read it when you feel mentally prepared.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my honest review.

A beautiful story about new beginnings.
The story is about four women coming together at a tumultuous time in their lives.
They form a bond that will leave them all forever changed.
Dating, marriage, loneliness and love….bring them together.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

My initial thought upon finishing this book is I'm so glad it's over. I am huge fan of Robyn Carr and have read everything she has written, but this book was a big disappointment. I found this book boring and repetitive. Scenes from some character's pasts are told and retold. It seems so different than her usual books. I will not be recommending this book to friends or library patrons.

Marni has her own cooking show. And she is too busy for a new man in her life. However, her pregnant daughter, Bella, is determined Marni needs to start dating. Then there is Ellen. Ellen is Marni’s best friend and colleague. They both have issues with being with someone new right now. Neither are looking for a relationship. But as we all know, that is when a relationship finds you. There is also a sweet young intern, Sophia. Marni is worried Sophia is in a toxic relationship. Marni pulls out all stops to protect her.

Usually when a story has this many main characters, it can get confusing. But Robyn Carr has worked her magic and these characters meld so well together and the storylines intertwine and create an appealing tale.

I especially enjoyed Bella and Sophia. Bella and her pregnant hormones!!! She does not make life easy. And Sophia, she is so mild mannered and polite. So, when she gets into this abusive relationship she truly does not know how to handle it. I love how Marni guides and protects her.

Need a good story about friendship and family…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Robyn Carr brings us this moderately paced book with an engaging plot involving four women who are different generations but who all suffer from relationship problems. They either don’t have a special someone in their lives, don’t want one but are being pressured to try to date again, have a someone who is not suited to the responsibility of a committed relationship, or just have no luck with men at all. The characters were realistic and entertaining. It was a lighthearted read and a total delight, just as Carr's works always are. Highly recommend!

The Friendship Club by Robyn Carr is an highly engrossing and superbly written new novel.
Robyn writes a passionate and touching book on friendship, family, mental health, and second chances!
The pace of the book is perfect as you enjoy the development of each character and can't help falling in love with them.
This was an engaging story about new beginnings for a group of friends.
I enjoyed their friendship, love life, family life and all around I enjoyed them.
The characters are so authentic and you feel connected to their stories.
I just loved how they are well designed and authentic, people you can imagine knowing and wanting to have as friends.
This story is all about friendship and relationships and the life lessons are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission.
The Friendship Club is a perfect story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down!
I am always left with a warm and sweet smile after reading one of Robyn Carr’s books and this story did so much more than that!

Thank You NetGalley and MIRA for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

What a great story! While reading the book, I felt like I was part of the club. I love stories with women who have great friends who wholeheartedly support them. The friendships in this one, felt very real and were heartwarming. The stories of each friend in the "club" were interesting. The story switching perspectives worked well and let us get to know each character. I really enjoyed the book. It's a great one to curl up with when you have some time to get lost in it. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is one of those books that I did not necessarily feel compelled to read daily because the characters and their dilemma stayed with me between reading sessions. It is a moderately paced book with an engaging plot involving four women who are different generations but who all suffer from man problems. They either don’t have a man in their lives, don’t want one but are being pressured to try to date again, have a man who is not suited to the responsibility of a committed relationship, or just have no luck with men at all. I enjoyed getting to know the realistic characters, especially chef and talk show host Marni. She seemed the most realistic and relatable of all of the characters and I really enjoyed her brilliant dialogue with her ex-husband as well as with her pregnant daughter Bella. Marni is wise and sarcastic at the same time, so the parts of the story that featured her were the most addictive for me. The plot did not rush towards a solution for any of the women as it meandered its way through different scenarios and possibilities, entertaining me with the generally serious and at times lighthearted tone. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the setting, but I recommend this book because of the tongue-in-cheek wisdom that it imparts as the story unfolds to a brilliantly satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

While I’m a huge fan of RC and especially Virgin River, this one just didn’t do it for me. I felt like I had read it before. Kind of repetitive in spots. A good story about friendship. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review