Friends and a secret is a trope I enjoy. Morgan, Paige Emily and Tiff were friends but the years have gone by. I enjoy books with a road trip in them, and Morgan was abandoned by her son Olly’s father, the man she thought would be the father of her baby.

Will she be able to find him? I adore Samantha Tonge’s books, and When We Were Friends was a great combination of emotions and the mystery of if friends would help her out or not.

Thanks to Samantha Tonge, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars.

This is a very emotional read, lots of secrets and twists most of which I never guessed. It really held my attention. There was some heartbreaking moments but also some heartwarming moments too. It was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's difficult to talk about the storyline without giving away any spoilers, so I will just say that you have to read it, I definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.

I absolutely loved this book it was a total emotional rollercoaster, that I won't forget in a hurry. I loved the writing style and the fantastic character development. I think the slow-burn narrative helps us to get to know the characters and have empathy for their struggles. I couldn't read this book fast enough and was sad when it ended. The characters are so varied that every reader will find one to relate to.
If you looking for a heart-warming narrative that feels so authentic then this is perfect.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming, this is a lovely story about teenage friendship exploring the conflicts that ended it and the ties that bind it. Morgan, Emily, Paige and Tiff were inseparable as teenagers until a devastating reveal broke them apart. Years later, Morgan, a single mum, needs her friends again to help find her son's father. The women's conflicts, emotions, and issues are believable, giving insight into their characters and immersing the reader in their lives. The characterisation is complex, and the conflicts in finding their lost friendship are considerable. The mystery takes the reader to some glamorous destinations, but it's the dynamic between the women and the emotion that makes this so good.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This a great story that highlights how the actions of our teenage years can truly effect the rest of our lives. Four estranged friends reluctantly reunite to help find the father of Morgan's child; essentially the guy who broke up their friendship. I won't give you the spoilers but the journey helps them reevaluate what happened in the past and how it can be reconciled today. Join their journey and learn their dirty secrets.

In their school days, Morgan, Paige, Emily and Tiff were inseparable – with the help of their “superpowers”, which were the different character traits they each possessed, they felt stronger together and stood up to the bullies, setting up the Secret Gift Society to solve others’ problems too. Until, on the night of their prom, their friendship was blown apart by a boy with his own agenda – turning on each other too, the hurt was deep, and their estrangement has lasted for nineteen years.

In that time, their lives have moved in very different directions. Morgan became a mother – her ambitions to be a maths teacher abandoned, but the wonderful relationship she has had with her growing son largely making up for that. But now he’s on the verge of university himself, and their relationship is faltering a little – he needs to know more about his father, but he disappeared before Morgan even told him she was expecting. She needs help, and reaches out to her former friends – one last job for the Secret Gift Society, if they’re willing, and if they’re able to let each other into their lives again and put aside the issues that divided them.

While they all agree to engage, the path to renewing their friendship proves to be a difficult one. Their lives have been complex, and they each have secrets they’re unable or unwilling to own up to or to share with the others. Added to that, they need to try and understand what happened all those years ago. And those different elements make it a totally compelling read – and a particularly difficult one to review, because it’s so very important that every reader should share their separate journeys.

These were four women I really took to my heart – not immediately with some, but as their stories emerged and those secrets were slowly uncovered (sometimes with substantial shock waves attached – there’s one that I defy anyone to see coming!) I really felt for every single one of them. And while the women themselves are wonderfully drawn, so are the supporting characters – the men of the story, the childhood bully now in an unexpected role, and the fondly remembered teacher who shows the same warmth in the present day as she helps and supports their efforts.

This is such wonderful writing – the complexity of the characters who are entirely real and live on the page, the wholly unexpected twists and turns of the story, the exceptional degree of emotional engagement. I absolutely loved this book, and couldn’t recommend it more – impossible to put down, and totally unforgettable.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW



Review for 'When We Were Friends' by Samantha Tonge.



Read and reviewed for Samantha Tonge, Boldwood Books, Book & Tonic, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.



Publication date 4th October 2023.



This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely won't be my last!!


This novel consists of a prologue and 39 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!


'When We Were Friends' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Samantha discusses/includes bullying and violence to a child.


This book has fantastic descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.


Where the heck have you been hiding all my life Samantha!!! Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely beautiful page turner!! An absolute must read!!!




OMG!!! I to get stuck in to all of Samantha's previous books!! They are just guaranteed to be stunning!! I absolutely adored the unique storyline which is hard to come by when it comes to books as there are so many out there but Samantha has created an absolutely beautiful storyline!!!! Many people have had close friends as children that they no longer have has adults for several different reasons. You may have just lost touched, moved away or fallen out. Do you ever think how life would have been different if you were still friends? Do you regret losing touch? This book tells the story of four friends who were humiliated at their school prom by someone who broke their close friendship apart. As adults one of those friends, Morgan, decides to bring the friends back together as adult. When they were school friends they had formed the 'The Secret Gift Society' where they would each use their gifts of logic, kindness, empathy and a sixth sense to solve problems and mysteries of their fellow students. Morgan reaches out to Tiff, Paige and Emily to ask for their help in solving one last mystery 'The Case Of The Missing Father'. However, it wasn't just as children these friends kept secrets from each other but they are still hiding things. Can these friends put their past behind them to help Morgan or will history repeat itself? An absolutely stunning book that takes you from Manchester to France to Cornwall on more and take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This is a story filled with friendship, secrets, forgiveness and a few unexpected twists!!! I was completely invested in this book from the very first page and was hooked throughout. I just could not put it down and ended up devouring it in one sitting!! Samantha's stunning evocative writing skills really do bring the locations, emotions and the characters to life!! This is one of those books that is very easy to read and perfect for any reading situations whether you are laying on a beach or curled up in front of a fire. It is an absolutely ideal read for anyone who is looking for a beautiful and heart warming read that will have you hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely LOVED the realism of this storyline which made it so easy to picture everything that was going on which had been helped by Samantha's fantastic evocative writing skills. I cannot wait to get hooked into more of her books so I hope she is busy writing her one while I get stuck into her previous books!! This is definitely one of those books that will turn a frown upside down and make life seem a lot brighter. Grab your copy today and fall in love with The Secret Gift Society today!!!



Well done Samantha on an absolutely beautiful book!!! This may be the first book I have read by her but I cannot wait to get hold of more books by this extremely talented author!!!


The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them all. It also makes them more realistic, believable and made me feel even more for them than I normally would. They each had their own unique personalities with positive and negative behaviours. Morgan is a single mum who has devoted her life to her teenage son Olly. She works in a supermarket and has put her dreams of going to university on the back burner so her son can go. She was the logic of the gang. Emily used to work as a nurse but is currently on sick leave and is seperated from her husband. Emily brought kindness to the group. Tiff used to get bullied for being on the larger side but is now a well known actress and brought empathy to the society. Paige owns her own business helping companies make money through learning others body language and signals. She is married to Felix and had a 'sixth sense'. I absolutely loved all of these women and each brought out many different emotions as I was learning more about them but one thing they had in common is that they are all strong women, they just don't all know it yet. I loved learning about them as individuals as well as seeing their interactions with each other and seeing their friendships and relationships change and develop throughout.
There were just so many amazing characters that I loved getting to know that I could write about them all day but I don't want to bore you so I'll start to wrap it up here. Each of the characters are memorable and unique in their own ways and they are a group that I wont be forgetting any time soon! Before wrapping this up though I do want to mention 'Madam Moo Moo' who I absolutely loved and she just goes to show how much of an impact a kind adult can have on a child and I also want to say that this book just goes to show that you should never take someone for granted or judge them until you know everything about them and what they are going through!! A thought provoking and amazing group of unforgettable characters!!!


Pick up this book and get lost in this absolutely gorgeous page turner! This has got to be one of the most heartwarming books I have ever read 💜!!!




Congratulations Samantha on an absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! I am absolutely mind blown that I have never read any of your absolutely gorgeous books yet!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! Welcome to my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂



Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Samantha's 'The Memory Of You' which promises to be just as gorgeous as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!




Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with holidays, regrets, memories, forgiveness, friendship and so much more!! A perfectly relaxing, thought provoking and stunning unique read!!!!



317 pages.



This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!



Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.



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Four friends on prom night, nineteen years ago
A revelation then, away their friendships go.
They've not been in touch for all those years
After that night ended with them all in tears.

Now Morgan's son is determined to meet his Dad
He's eighteen and the news makes Morgan sad.
She's brought him up alone for all those years
And meeting his father again is something she fears.

A school reunion newsletter, a chance rifts to heal?
But Morgan isn't sure how her old friends now feel.
Each have problems of their own but will they solve the mystery
Of where her child's father is or should she really let it be?

A story of strong friendships torn maliciously apart
And the opportunity now for a fresh start.
Will searching for someone they used to hate
Reconnect them now - could this be fate?

A moving story of secrets, friendships and regrets
Along with relationships that time hasn't let them forget.
A moving story with a mystery to solve, too,
And rifts to heal to help them all pull through.

A story filled with emotions and family dramas to explore
With relationships and secrets along with so much more.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

So I don't know... Brilliant synopsis, great expectations, and then came the reality of reading the book... Meh.
Starting with the Hugo's huge secret. Gah. So long building up to the great revelation that went "pop" and what? That's all? That was it?
The friendship between the girsl/woman so predictable. The whole story so predictable. Writing tending in the direction of very clever, very thoughtful, smart and enlightening, the golden mottos and one - liners felt so flat and forced and not genuine. No real people speak like Olly with his mother.
The plot feels like going in circles, repeating the same things over and over again. I waited for something that will make go wow, but allegedly. Please don't take me wrong, it was an easy, light - hearted, not demanding read in the end that already has tons of praising reviews, I probably expected too much from this book, hoped for something that will make the synopsis justice. It just doesn't hit the mark, it feels too forced and more than once I felt tired with the secrets that almost came out, but no, not yet.

I am really generous with my ratings today.

When you were a teenager did you have a friendship that was so strong that you just knew was going to last forever, and yet it didn't. I did. I became friends with her at a church camp and once we clicked we totally clicked. We spent a lot of time together and we talked about everything, especially her love life (mainly because I didn't really have one), past future, everything. In our first jobs we ended up working quite close to each other so we would meet for lunch. And then we went on holiday together, came back, and that was it. We were no longer friends. Even now I can't tell you what happened, and I have thought about it a lot over the years.

Morgan, Paige, Tiff and Emily had a friendship like that. They were thick as thieves all through high school. Together, they were the Secret Gift Society, always having each other's back and solving small mysteries for others as well. They were inseparable. The difference between them and my friendship is that they all know exactly what happened to end their friendship. It was explosively, spectacularly destroyed in public at their school dance and they have never spoken since

Nineteen years later Morgan needs their help. Her 18 year old son really needs to know who his father is, a secret that Morgan has never told anyone. She puts a coded message in the alumni newsletter asking The Secret Gift Society to meet up, not knowing if any of them will see the message, let alone show up. They do, although it is reluctantly as the hurt that was caused on that night so long ago has left a lasting impact on all of them.

This book covers a lot of ground. As the story unwinds we learn about the issues that each of them are facing as adults, ranging from infertility to divorce, to the impact that working as a frontline nurse during Covid has, and more. The women are all wary to share their truths with each other, which is understandable given the distrust that they all feel. We also learn what happened in the lead up to the argument that destroyed the friendship, and the things that they all kept from each other then, some of which are really big issues in themselves

There is a lot going on in this book as the women look back at their past, and then evaluate their current lives. In an effort to help Morgan, the group travels to the south of France and then to Cornwall and we gradually see each of them coming to some kind of realisation about the part that they played in the destruction of their friendship, and about the current issues that they are facing, as well as deciding if their is any future for them as friends now. I particularly liked the way the author addressed the fact that there are often things that we don't tell anyone, even the people we tell everything too. There is also a big twist towards the middle of the book that I must confess I did not see coming. When I finished the book I was like, okay, I can see how that happened but when I was reading it definitely came out of the blue.

I like Samantha Tonge's books. They always have that little bit extra than just a run of the mill book in her genre. I already know I will be looking for the next one from her!

I loved this story - 4 women who were best friends in HS and then reconnecting 18 years later. This was like a hug I didn't want to end. I loved the little surprise twists in the book - some were sad, some were happy and some surprised me! The perfect amount of twists that fit into the story. They didn't feel like they were in there to manufacture drama - they were well placed and made sense in the story.

I enjoyed the multiple POVs and that the story followed the woman outside of their time reconnecting too. It helped me get to know the characters and added to the flow of the story.

What a nice read!!!
This was such a good story.

Thank you Boldwood Books, Samantha Tonge and netgalley for my arc.

I really wanted to read this one so when I got the arc I was super excited and it didn't disappoint!!! Really enjoyed each of the personalities offered by the author in the group of friends!!! How each of them offered something to their friendship, was lovely, and so realistic.
I recommend it for all the women's fiction fans out here who love a good deep story with great characters that you'll be able to connect with. Each character with a different background and trying to go through adulthood with their traumas and their secrets. I really loved that. Maybe the friendship wasn't the most important thing for me, but the way the author represented their trauma and how people and events that happened when they were teenagers can still hurt and affect them as adults. And how we all can change to be better and don't allow what hurts us to make us someone we are not. What matters is inside of us, what makes us US

An enjoyable read. Loved the believable friendship between the characters.

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

When We Were Friends is a story about four women who meet after 19 years of not speaking to each other in order to help one find the father of her son. This was a good read, interesting premise.

This was a cute story about four friends and their journey to healing old wounds while they are trying to find out where the father of one of the girls son is. It is very well written and easy to flow, The twists kept turning and were so unexpected. All characters were enjoyable in their own. The main twist I couldn't fully understand why the author chose to do it but it still worked and didn't make the book less enjoyable. I will say I wish the way the girls had stopped being friends was more dramatic as it didn't feel like it would cause them never to talk again.

Over a quick, easy read that I could not put down.

This is one of those books that you can't put down. A totally absorbing story of four friends of years ago, who had lost touch but manage to come back together at a crucial time.

Left feeling a little bit disappointed by this one. It has a rather slow pace to it and I don't think it really lives up to her other books. But it's enjoyable none the less

When We Were Friends by Samantha Tonge

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Four friends, one big secret... and the journey of a lifetime. It’s nineteen years since they stopped speaking to each other, but now Morgan needs to contact her three best friends from Paige, Emily and Tiff. Her teenage son wants to meet his dad and Morgan can’t ignore his requests any longer. And Paige, Emily and Tiff all knew what actually happened back then. Even if that was what led to their friendship group falling apart, they’re the only people Morgan can think of who might be able help her find the man who disappeared without a trace before she could tell him she was pregnant. Can Morgan persuade her old friends to go on a road trip to track him down? As adults – with marriages, children and a whole bucket-load of their own problems – will they be able to work together to solve the mystery? And if so – just when forgiveness for the past looks like it might be possible – how will they cope with the biggest shock of all? A story about love, families and how the people who know you best are the ones you will always need in your life.

My Opinion

There is no doubt about it, if Samantha Tonge has written it I am going to be reading it. I was hooked from the opening pages of the book, in fact I was almost late for work as I didn't want to put it down. I really enjoyed the way that Samantha revealed secrets, dripping them out to keep the reader interested.

If you want drama, then this is the book to read. If you have lost touch with your high school friends then you will really appreciate the contents of this book. With a great deal to unravel, make sure you have plenty of time when you start reading this book as you will not be putting it down.

Rating: 4/5

This latest release by Samantha Tonge delves into the intertwined lives of four individuals who share a deep and meaningful bond. However, their relationship is put to the test as they gradually reveal their innermost secrets to each other, resulting in a gradual deterioration of their once-solid connection. This deterioration leads to heartbreaking loss and separation, highlighting the devastating impact that secrets and misunderstandings can have on even the strongest of friendships.

In the midst of this turbulent backdrop, one of the women featured in the story finds herself in a desperate situation - she needs to locate her child's biological father, who vanished before she even knew she was pregnant. This quest for answers takes the reader on a suspenseful journey, full of twists and turns, as the woman and her close friends engage in some detective work to uncover the truth.

Throughout the novel, the reader is presented with a raw and honest portrayal of the complexities of growing up and the importance of having a reliable support system amidst life's inevitable messiness.

Although I found this read enjoyable, I must admit that the slow pace of the storyline left me feeling somewhat disappointed. Specific segments appeared to linger unnecessarily, and their composition could have improved.

Despite this, I recommend this to anyone who appreciates a tale of friendship, love, and the power of human connection, or for a small book club read within your circle, as I am sure there are many readers who could relate to these characters.

What a warm, fun book about friendship. Each of the four best friends have a secret and a struggle that needs working through. They find a way back to each other after a riff at their senior prom. They learn that sometimes all you need is a friend. By your side. Thank you NetGalley for this advance reader copy. This is the second book I’ve read and I must admit, I am a fan!