Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. The writing was well done in a way that makes for a quick read. The premise of life at 40 works well and I think that with a few minor tweaks, this would be great on a big screen.

Enjoyable read. Friendship, becoming adults and how relationships change and grow. A story for all women.

Despite an interesting book synopsis, this novel was disappointing on several levels.

Carmen and Ally, best friends since childhood, are both turning forty and taking stock of their lives against the hopes and aspirations of their youth. Each has followed a vastly different life path in terms of family and career which has strained their connection geographically and personally. As with most relationships there is a complicated mix of emotions – love, respect, admiration, envy, jealousy, and criticism – to name a few.

All the above could have made for a thoughtful examination of friendships, but it was tarnished by repetitive whining by the two main characters about their respective circumstances. While their perspectives were valid, the immaturity displayed by these two did not engender much empathy as the story unfolded. After persevering through 90 % of the book waiting for the redemption, I was dismayed that ending happily-ever ending was revealed in the last two or three chapters with no realistic bridge from the discontent to the resolution. I would have preferred more detail about their successes and less annoying handwringing over children, significant others, and career satisfaction.

From the author’s note at the conclusion, it appears much of the content was drawn from her own life. I wish her well, but the book left much to be desired.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

I wanted to like this book--I loved the description-but I found both main characters stereotypical and uninteresting.

As a woman in her forties, this book about friendship was a fantastic read. I found the exploration of the main characters and their friendship over the years to be written authentically. I enjoyed this book so much. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.