Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review #thefriendshiplist #netgalley

Ellen's never had an adult relationship after getting pregnant at 17 and raising her son as a single parent whilst her best friend Unity is a widow in her 30's. They soon realise life is not stopping for their sorrow and decide to each make a list of things to achieve. Will they fulfill their list?

The title and light coloured airy cover drew me to this book.

The concept of the story is great and is a predictable easy read. It opens up passageways for the most unlikely friendships to occur through mutual understanding and life experience. As well as showing that sometimes being around like minded people and helping others, in whatever capacity, gives you some meaning to what could be a very lonely existence otherwise.

However I found the book to have a confusing start due to the amount of characters which are thrown in together. With each character giving their own story with little joint self exploration between characters.

Furthermore the book was very two dimensional. The characters told you rather than showed you any of their emotions, lives or history. It was almost like two books in one and I think to allow each character to explore their lives and show emotions and development this would have worked better as a series. So that Ellen and Unity were able to go full pelt into their friendship lists.

I am no prude and enjoy reading romance books but this author mentioned the word "sex" a lot including in places that wasn't needed and no value was added. It felt in the end like the author was tasked with adding rhe word as many times as they could with little else sexual happening until later on.

Not sure how I feel about this book. I’ve given it 3 stars because it had enough to ensure that I finished it, but it wasn’t one of the best books I’ve read. A big thing for me is connecting with the characters and I don’t think I particularly liked any of them. I found Ellen far too unbelievable, or maybe that’s just because I’m British? The character was so frank with her conversation and comments that I just felt awkward; I’m not a prude, but we’re not that straight talking in the UK. There was also a really random chapter that had no relevance to the book and included 4 characters that were completely unknown - I’m presuming a publishing error - but it was very off putting because I thought I’d missed something entirely.

The Friendship List by Susan Mallory

The life long friendship of those who find themselves in their mid thirties and in a rut. They make a list of things that will widen their current horizons and make a bet. The first to complete their list is given a luxury spa weekend by the other.

A rather heartwarming story with laughter , sadness and the difficult parts of the women’s journey. A story of true friendship .

A thoroughly enjoyable read that leaves you with a smile.

Two friends create a list of things that they want to do in order to get them out of their comfort zones.

This was an enjoyable read although sadly not a new favourite. It took me a while to get into this one and I felt that the story move very slowly. I didn't particularly love the characters in this book and the romantic interests weren't my favourite. I did find that I lost interest in some places because I didn't feel invested in the characters and their stories.

I felt that the initial plot of creating the list was quickly lost and the story became more focused on the character's relationships.

Overall this book was ok but I didn't love it. I have read from this author previously and preferred some of her other books. I look forward to reading more in the future.

This was a lovely, heart warming read which I thoroughly enjoyed. As we follow the story of best friends Ellen and Unity, who have both become isolated from life for their own, personal reasons, they decide that something has to change. They set each other a challenge to change their lives, and they then create a list of things that are out of their comfort zone's and in turn should have a positive affect on their life.
A gorgeous story about friendship which I loved..

I was so looking forward to this, a story about friendships and living your best life. I think at some point or another all of us have becoming complacent in life and could do with a change.Well Ellen and Unity are the real epitome of that.

Ellen is a single mother, having raised her son since she was 17 on her own. Its always been the two of them against everyone else. That has been fine, she has never needed to have her own life. However, one day she over hears her son talking to his friend about how he cannot attend his dream college because he cant leave his mother. She needs to prove she is fine alone and has her own life.

Unity is a widow, and is struggling to get past the loss of her husband three years ago and still sleeps in the childhood bed of his, but lately - more and more people are telling her she needs to change, start dating again, move on and put herself out into the world.

Unity and Ellen have been best friends forever, but when the pair come to blows over each of their issues, its the catalyst for The Friendship List. A chance for the pair to do things beyond their comfort zone and prove to others that they are fine. Something that starts as fun, soon allows feelings into the mix.

I really enjoyed this, it was friendship - realistic friendship, with its flaws, honesty and real bonds. Unity and Ellen were both stronger than they believed and i loved getting to discover them as they pushed themselves. I loved watching the changes ahead of them but also as they battled with their feelings about their old lives and their new ones. A wonderfully honest, uplifting read that is a real story of transformation.

I was gifted an e-arc for the review.

A very charming read, sweet, engaging, great characters, and a wonderful story that flowed wonderfully and kept me interested until the very end.

A really lovely read.

I enjoyed this heart-warming story of best friends. The main characters are great, and there's plenty going on to keep those pages turning. I'll be looking out for Susan Mallory's next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This one wasn't for me.

I really struggled to get into this unfortunately.

I wasn't able to finish this book.

This book consists of 27 Chapters (+ an Epilogue) and tells the story of Ellen and Unity. They are both on a journey, for different reasons but also have their similarities. They are the kind of best friends that we all want our friendships to be like. There for each other no matter what, and really can't stand it when you have an argument.
The main theme of this book is friendship as well as a personal journey that the characters embark on. However there is an underlying theme of romance which brings an extra something to an already amazing book. Throughout the book the point of view switches between the main characters, giving the reader an insight into their personal journeys and the things they are fighting to change. During these periods the readers get to see how Single Mum Ellen and best friend Unity personally handle the challenges that can crop up.
This book will leave the reader wanting to write their own list or simply give them courage and drive to fulfill their bucket list. Whether the list is made or still needs to be written, this book will give you the courage to make the changes or simply step out of your comfort zone.
The book is well written and the character interactions are brilliant. This book is the prime example of a feel good read, that the reader can easily do in one sitting if they choose. The book will leave the reader wanting more from the author and checking out other books they have written.
Overall this is the type of book where the reader quickly falls in love after the first chapter. The kind of book that brings on an internal debate because you want to read and finish this book because it is so good. However at the same time you want the book to last forever

Best friends since childhood, Ellen and Unity, have become isolated from life for their own personal reasons. They decide to set each other a challenge to change their lives. They each create a list of out of their comfort zone challenges to enable them to grow.
The book follows their funny, emotional and life altering journey.
Really good read.

The stories of best friends Unity and Ellen. They haven't really realised it, but both are in a rut and the friendship list is supposed to help them get out of it.
I like how the book is told from multiple points of view, not just those of Ellen and Unity.

A great read - looking forward to reading more from this author.

Ellen is a single mum who has brought up Cooper on her own. She had him when she was 17 and has never really had a boyfriend. Her friend Unity was widowed when her husband . was killed in the army and has never got over his death. They both decide to make a list to do things they've never done before

Note to self: don’t leave it so long between Susan Mallery reads again!

What can I say about Ellen and Unity’s story? It was a ray of sunshine which really brightened my day. The Friendship List was like a gift that kept on giving.

Life is a funny old thing, isn’t it? Sometimes, without even meaning to, we find ourselves in a rut. You never know what curveball is going to get thrown at you next, but you deal with it and learn to adapt and survive. Yet, life is about more than survival. Surely, life is for living and embracing every moment? *sigh*

I defy any reader of TFL not to identify with at least one of the characters – I certainly did! And let me tell you, introspection does not look good on me... *blushes*

I lived, laughed, and loved (and dare I even say it, cried) every moment of this book with Ellen and Unity. What fun was to be had, but also the facing of some hard truths. The ying and the yang of life, huh?

The two women who set out on their journey of discovery to challenge themselves at the start of the book, and step out of their comfort zones, are very different to those at the end. Two words – girl power! *snorts* (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)

My kindle notes are a colourful collection of some of my favourite moments in TFL. But, boo, I can’t share them here with you as they may give too much away. I know *shrugs* – I’m such a tease.

I can’t count how many times I laughed out loud when I least expected it. Spontaneous humour at its best! I’m giggling to myself just now thinking of those scenes. You know where I am if you want to compare notes later, lol.

It doesn’t happen to me very often, but on occasion, I come across a character that has me wanting to slap myself. Why you ask? Well, it’s all due to The Swoon. I was swooning and sighing with the best of them over Thaddeus. I’m sure my friends will be saying they know the reason why once they hear a certain piece of his backstory. However (am I stressing this enough?), it was his quiet intensity that drew me in – honest! Ack *shrugs*, believe what you want... *laughs*

Susan Mallery has done it again, and as the tag line says, The Friendship List is the perfect feel-good read. I think we could all do with a little escape right now.

Fabulous, fabulous and fabulous!
Ellen and Unity are best friends but when Ellen overhears her son saying that he doesn’t want to go to college because she doesn’t have a life, her and Unity decide to come up with a list of things that they should do to convince Ellen’s son that he can leave her and maybe help Unity move past the death of her husband 3 years previously. What follows is almost a coming of age book where both Ellen and Unity learn about themselves and start to work out what they want
I liked both Ellen and Unity and they are so clearly best friends and the one they turn to if they need anything, the kind of friend we all wish we had. They are also able to start to push each other into making changes and I loved the idea of a friendship list to challenge yourself.
One thing that is on both of their lists is to be with a sexy man and Ellen already has a male friend called Keith who she is willing to break the rules to be with when they are on a road trip. I really enjoyed seeing Keith and Ellen’s relationship develop, they both sort of know what they want and the reader can almost predict what may happen before it happens to them!
Unity is introduced to Thaddeus by her friend and his grandmother who is also determined to see her move on from her perpetual grief. Unity and Thaddeus’ relationship is so different to Ellen and Keith’s and it takes them a lot longer to understand what they want. Although their first date was skydiving (indoors) which I’m not going to lie sounds pretty awesome and seemed like a great way for them to break the ice and get to know each other in a safe setting
I’m not going to lie, at times I mixed Ellen and Unity up especially when they with their men and it took me longer than it should have to get them straight in my head
I did absolutely love the idea of a friendship list however and I think that it has made me consider what I would want to do to push me out of my comfort zone so here’s an example of some of mine:
Get my ears pierced (again)
Get a tattoo
Go to a nightclub
Meet a fabulous man who I can fall in love with
Continue with therapy to make sure I’m getting better and in the right place
Travel, at least round the UK but also aim for round America, Russia (I’ve always wanted to go on the trans Siberian railway!) Australia and possibly Italy
What would yours be?
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a different kind of romance with huge character development and the strength of best friends

A lovely book of two friends who after years of being single and unloved they decided to write a list each of things they would like to do/ achieve. They are apart for 3 weeks and soooo much changes in this time. People who they thought were just good friends begin to realise that there is more to friendship. A retirement village full of older people who find it so easy to give advice even if it causes hurt and pain. But really they can see what you cannot and that you need to open doors and let love in.

Sometimes the only thing you need in your life is a good friend to push your boundaries!
This is the story of two friends: Ellen Fox and Unity Leandre, they’ve been friends since they were young so when there’s a problem they can trust each other for help. But this time it’s not an easy problem, they both have frozen their personal life for a long time and the only way to defrost their hearts is with a bold list to fulfill before the end of the summer. Will they break all their imaginary walls and be free or will stay frozen in the past? It’s time to discover it, ready?
I read this book while I was on holidays and I’ll admit that I looked more at the book than the landscape, it was so addictive! You can expect that this will be a happy book, so possibly a happy ending, but it’s not the end that matters in this case but how both characters try to conquer their fears and break the walls to be better persons. It was an interesting way to put the reader on the same situation and make them realize how they can change and try to improve their own life.
I loved this story, the friendship between both characters and how they try to make the things on their list even if they are scared to make them, because as you can expect some of them are “easy”: skydiving, tattoo… but letting your son to meet his father or trying to overcome the death of your husband are not so easy. They are hurtful and with a long bag of emotions included. That’s why the Friendship List is made, to help Unity and Ellen change, but in the end the change has to be from the inside, we’ll see if they are ready for it!
If you are looking for a happy, deep and emotional read, this is your book, it will give you the trip of the summer. Ready?

This is my first book by Susan Mallery and I enjoyed it. It was light, fun and what I'd call 'fluffy', it was an easy read, perfect beach read during summer. Will recommend.

The friendship list by Susan Mallery - 3.5 ✴

Summary 📖 - What would be on your list, that would ultimately change the ways you're currently stuck in?

Well this book will give you a number of ideas - The friendship list follows two childhood best friends - who have been through everything with each other, but now need to step outside of their comfort zones.

Ellen, who's a single mum and feels content with the way her life is going, until she realises her son is worried about leaving her to go college..

Unity, who is stuck in the past - and hasn't made any changes to her life since her husband died years before..

Together they make seperate bucket lists, and work towards a future that they definitely weren't expecting!

Review ⭐️ - Firstly thank you to both Susan Mallery and Net gallery for the opportunity to read this copy before release date - it's released today - 4th August 2020 and it's definitely an easy read! Exactly what i needed to finish the month of July off last week!

This book is such a feel good read - I loved following the friendship of Ellen and Unity! Their friendship really reminded me of some of the friendships I've been lucky enough to grow up having by my side ❤ - Friendships are always the key to growth, and this book shows such a clear understanding of the importance of that.

If you're looking for an easy quick read, that will make you smile this is it! 😊 - I'll definitely be looking out for more Susan Mallery books in the future.

Unputdownable!!!

It’s been a long time since I was compelled to stay up into the early hours of the morning to finish a book, but wow, it just had to be done!!

This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last.
Everything about this book held me captive, I fell in love with all the characters and rooted for them at every opportunity.
I felt like I was there, living in the small town with them.
The author brought everything and everyone to life, making all the characters so real.
I don’t want to give much away about the story, but I’ll just say, read it!! It’s got friendships, relationships, family and some sadness but what a journey Ellen and Unity go on. You wanted to give them a hug when things didn’t go to plan and celebrate with them when they did.

Again, I won’t give much away, but the epilogue at the end was perfect, just to round off the story completely, it really finished the story for me.

I will be seeking more from this author, this was a book I just couldn’t read fast enough, but at the same time, never wanted it to end!!

Thank you to Netgallery, the publishers and most importantly the author, for the chance to read this book, in exchange for an honest review.