Holy cow, THE FRIENDS WE KEEP is one crazy story! There are three friends involved here: Gabby, Hayley, and Nicole and the way they interact with eachother was so interesting. I was instantly hooked. Gabby is the mother of two young twins and a stepmother to 15 year old Makayla. Gabby is happily married to her husband Andrew and can’t wait to go back to work when her two little girls start school. Be prepared to be on quite the emotional rollercoaster while reading!

THE FRIENDS WE KEEP is exactly why I love Susan Mallery’s books. She had me sad on one page and giggling out loud on the next. This story is all about family and the past and the life lessons are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to these three friends and all the secondary characters. Hayley is a woman who is determined to be a mother. Unfortunately, she can’t stay pregnant. After her fifth miscarriage, her doctor warns her that trying again would likely kill her. THE FRIENDS WE KEEP 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!

In THE FRIENDS WE KEEP, all of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. Nicole is dealing with a very non-present ex-husband who wants nothing to do with their son. Her son is 6 now and obsessed with Brad the Dragon books. She hates the author because she’s heard he’s just in it for the money and she really hates the dragon. Susan Mallery has me longing to find friends just like her characters. There are times of laughter, heartache, anger, sadness, and joy and everything that comes in-between. There is so much heart in Susan’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart happy. Susan Mallery is the queen of writing heartfelt stories about sisters and family drama. If you are looking for a quick, family drama story, you can’t go wrong with THE FRIENDS WE KEEP!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Mira through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I couldn't put the book down as I was constantly wondering what happens next. Perfect book to read when you don’t have anything pressing to do

I appreciate Susan Mallery books. I know that I will enjoy a strong story with engaging characters; in short, the perfect escape. This second offering in the Mischief Bay series does stand alone, but as there are characters from the first book, you might prefer to read in order. The friends We Keep is a feel good story of friends and the folly of thinking you will get whatever you want out of life. I enjoyed the story, and will read the rest of the series. It was definitely a light, easy, gentle, fast read.