Did not read. Have way too many books on my shelf - need to cut back. Hoping to get to it in the future though.

Lucy, in the aftermath of her divorce, while out with some other divorced women meets Elle in the ladies room. The two begin talking, realize they have a lot in common and quickly begin a very close friendship. Lucy comes to depend on the younger Elle and the friendship for so many aspects her life and sees her as the little sister she never had. When Elle makes a comment about another mom, Lucy wonders if she really knows the true Elle. This is a friendship that blazes hot and fast - can it really last?

When We Were Friends by Jane Green is a heartfelt and emotionally rich story that explores the complexities of lifelong female friendships. The novel centers on a group of college friends who reunite after years apart, each carrying their own secrets, regrets, and hopes. I found the characters incredibly relatable—flawed, vulnerable, and beautifully human. The author does a great job of showing how time can both heal and complicate relationships. The emotional tension, nostalgia, and warmth throughout the book made it hard to put down. It reminded me of how deeply friends can impact our lives, even after years of silence. This book is a tender, reflective read that made me think about the friendships I’ve let go—and the ones worth holding onto.

This short story was charming and carried a meaningful life lesson. However, I found the characters a bit too immature at the beginning, which made it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the intense focus on the best friend dynamic felt somewhat exaggerated and could have been more balanced with deeper plot development.

** Thank you NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and Jane Green for an eARC copy of ‘When We Were Friends’.

A heartfelt and emotionally charged exploration of friendship, loss, and the complexities of life’s transitions. Green’s writing is tender and relatable, capturing the deep bonds that define our past and shape our futures. It’s a poignant, beautifully crafted story about the healing power of love and the courage it takes to move forward.

I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads but forgot to review it after I read and I can’t remember anything about it.

Good, fast paced short story. It was well written and didn't have holes, but I was not a fan of how everything turned out.

When We Were Friends by Jane Green is a heartfelt novel that beautifully captures the ups and downs of friendship over the years. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and their journeys feel authentic and engaging. Green’s writing draws you in, making you reflect on your own friendships and the impact they have on our lives.

The story flows well, though there were moments where I wished for a bit more depth in the character backstories. Still, the emotional resonance and relatable themes of love, loss, and personal growth make it a worthwhile read.

This was an interesting, quick read. Gave me a lot to think about on female friendships. But it felt real. Jane Green really captured that.

This quick read by Jane Green (a 44pp short story) was just enough to leave me wanting for more, but I will take any and all Jane Green that I can get. When We Were Friends is a story of friendship and betrayal.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

This was a good short story, but could have been so much more! I definitely wanted more from this story but otherwise it was a good, quick read!

In this short story -- or novella, maybe? -- we meet Lucy, who is recently divorced and although coping very well, really misses having close female friendships in her life. Enter Ellie, who instantly bonds with Lucy, even though they are of different ages and backgrounds. Their friendship is super close and incredibly involving and fulfilling right from the start, and Lucy is so happy. Eventually, and unfortunately, we soon learn why the friendship might not be exactly what Lucy thinks it is. A great read!

Always love Jane Green books …it’s story was wonderful and enthralling. As usual the story is timely.
Y.

I really liked this story. Lucy is a single mom trying to rebuild her life after her divorce. She meets Elle in a restroom and the two bond pretty quickly. Their friendship gets tight pretty quickly and the two become best friends. Lucy shares a lot about herself and her old life with her husband with Elle. Is easy to relate to someone like Lucy who is lonely and wants to please everyone. Then, Elle does something that disturbs Lucy and the friendship falls apart. Will the two be able to find their way back to the close friendship they had?

I thought the character development was good. The story of the friendship started very sweet but it seemed like it got a little too codependent and creepy very quickly. There's a twist that I did not see coming. I was glad we got to wrap up the story at the end. Overall, this was a wonderful, quick read.

Story of my life 😨😨

I loved how relatable this novelette was. For some reason, I kept expecting something explosive and completely awful to happen. But it was more a slice-of-life story that explores issues I struggle and resonate with. Not only was this an enjoyable read, it was also just what I needed after my own turbulent year.

When We Were Friends is an absorbing tale of friendship, trust, and the secrets that lurk beneath even the closest bonds. Jane Green masterfully weaves a story that starts with the warmth of newfound companionship and slowly unravels into a gripping exploration of doubt and betrayal.

Lucy, the protagonist, is easy to root for—a relatable mix of hopefulness and vulnerability as she rebuilds her life post-divorce. Her connection with Elle feels almost magical at first: the perfect antidote to loneliness, an instant and seemingly unshakable bond. Green captures this stage beautifully, evoking the joy of a friendship that feels like it was meant to be. But as Elle’s true colors start to emerge, Lucy’s journey shifts from one of connection to a darker, more introspective struggle.

What makes this book shine is its ability to keep you on edge. Green peels back the layers of Elle’s character at just the right pace, keeping the reader hooked as Lucy wrestles with her growing suspicions. The tension builds quietly but steadily, culminating in a few twists that feel both surprising and inevitable.

While the novel is undeniably compelling, it occasionally feels like it holds back when it could delve deeper into the why behind Elle’s behavior. Some aspects of her character are hinted at but not fully explored, leaving questions that linger after the final page. That said, the story’s emotional depth and the authenticity of Lucy’s voice more than make up for it.

4 stars for a compelling, slow-burn drama that asks us to consider how well we really know the people we let into our lives. When We Were Friends is a must-read for anyone who’s ever had a friendship that wasn’t quite what it seemed.

I’m always eager to pick up a Jane Green book, and this short story was a delightful treat. It’s a quick, engaging read that delves into the dynamics of friendship, showcasing the heartbreak that comes from poor decisions and the strength it takes to stand by your beliefs. This story truly emphasizes something I believe—losing a best friend can hurt more than losing a romantic partner. Best friends are soul mates in their own way, a bond that runs deeper than love. I highly recommend this one.

This is a short story that is indeed very short. It didn't work for me, as I felt no connection with Lucy or Elle, and so had a rough time with this. If they book had been longer, perhaps I could have warmed to these women but as it stands, it wasn't for me.

I will never turn down a Jane Green book. This being a short story is even better. A short quick read that goes through a group of friends and shows you the heartbreak of bad choices and standing your ground on what you believe is right. I firmly believe and this book highlights that losing a best friend is more painful than losing a significant other. Best friends are true soul mates and deeper than love. Highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The only thing wrong with a really good short story is that you want it to last longer. This little gem had everything: friendship; love; family; and the challenge of maintaining all three as we get older. Get to know Lucy and Elle in this quick read that packs a punch.