This story has its moments of intrigue and depth, offering an enjoyable experience despite some uneven execution. The premise is interesting, and there are flashes of strong writing that keep the reader engaged. However, certain elements—whether pacing, character depth, or thematic exploration—could be more fully developed to create a more immersive and impactful narrative.

Exploring universal themes of motherhood and female friendship, this fun and relatable read was both thought-provoking and entertaining. Well written with an interesting premise, and complex characters, I really enjoyed this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union for access to the e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

This book is a very enjoyable read about secrets and friendships. It had me hooked from the first page.

Friends with Secrets explores an unlikely friendship between two stay-at-home mothers—Ainsley, the poised wife of a gubernatorial candidate with a past she’s desperate to keep hidden, and Nikki, a former investigative reporter struggling to redefine herself after losing her career. When blackmail threatens Ainsley and an old murder case resurfaces, the two women team up to uncover the truth. I found Ainsley and Nikki compelling, and their dynamic kept me engaged. The plot took time to build, but once it did, I was hooked. My only gripe was the reveal about a long-buried secret—it didn’t quite sit right, especially that someone involved only learned the truth a decade later. The novel’s setting in D.C. and suburban Virginia felt spot-on, adding authenticity to the story. The ending was satisfying, even if a bit idealistic. While not perfect, this was a gripping read that kept me turning the pages.

*3.5 stars

I love books about women friendships and coming together to solve a problem! Nikki and Ainsley are opposite in many ways, but circumstances align and they become friends. Parenting, secrets, spouses and a great plot made this book one fantastic read. This book is a combination of chic lit meets mystery. It's not all light-hearted, but still remained humorous. I really felt Nikki and Ainsley were so relatable. The characters sometimes surprised me with their decisions, but that just kept it entertaining! The author developed the characters well and the pacing was steady.
The best thing I loved about this book is the friendship and strength of these two women. The power of women coming together is a beautiful thing. It most certainly does take a village!

I'm not usually a fan of mom-lit, but this was a fun read and the writing was strong. There are better mysteries out there but I don't regret reading this one.

Friends With Secrets by Christine Gunderson is a tense and engaging drama that explores the hidden lives behind seemingly perfect façades. Ainsley, a mother of two married to an aspiring politician, appears to have it all, but harbors deep fears about her past. Nikki, a stay-at-home mom of four, struggles with her own insecurities and long-lost career dreams. When a dangerous figure from Ainsley’s past resurfaces, the two women form an unlikely alliance to protect their families. Gunderson skillfully weaves themes of friendship, secrecy, and self-discovery, creating a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers invested in both the characters’ personal journeys and the unfolding mystery. Friends With Secrets is a compelling read about trust, survival, and the complexities of modern womanhood.

I love a book set in DC, and Christine Gunderson's Friends with Secrets is an engaging book about friendship and secrets.

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

Friends with Secrets is an engaging read that blends humor and suspense, exploring themes of motherhood, friendship, and the secrets we keep. The story is full of heart and relatable moments, though it occasionally feels a bit predictable. While the characters' dynamics are enjoyable and the suspense keeps things interesting, there are times when the pacing slows down, and the plot becomes a bit too familiar. Nonetheless, it’s an entertaining novel with moments of genuine warmth and humor.

Beautiful, perfect Ainsley seems to have it all but is worried her life will come crashing down when her husband decides to run for office. Former news reporter Nikki is at her wits end being a #stayathomemom when she gets a #freelance gig to train Ainsley how to do interviews. As they become fast friends, they realize that together their opposite talents can be used for good to take down a predator at their kid’s school. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read on your @amazonkindle. 📚📚📚 #netgalley #netgalleyreads #friendswithsecrets #my2024readingchallenge #bookstagram #bookrecommendations

Nothing wow-ing me, but it was a good read. A bit of a twist at the end. Chick-lit mystery is what I enjoy reading during autumn.

In Christine Gunderson's compelling narrative, "Friends with Secrets," the author explores the theme that outward appearances often mask deeper realities. Through the contrasting lives of Ainsley and Nikki, Gunderson delves into the complexities of motherhood, the pressures of societal expectations, and the fragility of friendship. The novella serves as a poignant reminder that what we see on the surface may not reflect the truth hidden beneath. Ainsley embodies the quintessential image of success: a beautiful home, a devoted husband, and two children thriving in an affluent neighborhood. Her husband, Ben, aspires to enter the political arena, carrying with him the weight of a prestigious lineage tied to a candy fortune. However, beneath her carefully curated exterior lies a woman plagued by insecurity and fear. Ainsley’s façade is a protective barrier against her past, a past replete with secrets that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect life. This duality is a powerful representation of how society often imposes unrealistic standards on women, compelling them to maintain appearances while concealing their struggles. In stark contrast, Nikki presents a raw and relatable portrayal of motherhood. As a stay-at-home mom of four, she is overwhelmed, exhausted, and battling the chaos of daily life. Her identity has become entangled in the demands of family life, leading her to long for the professional validation she sacrificed when she left her career in television news. Nikki's external struggles reflect an internal yearning for recognition and purpose, underscoring the theme of self-worth that resonates with many women. While Ainsley’s life appears idyllic, Nikki’s reality is a mess, yet both women grapple with feelings of inadequacy and the desire to be seen for who they truly are. The pivotal moment in the story occurs when Ainsley's past resurfaces in the form of a dangerous figure—a coach at her children’s school. This encounter forces Ainsley to confront her darkest fears and ultimately seek help from Nikki. In their shared vulnerability, a powerful bond forms between the two women. Ainsley’s willingness to confide in Nikki marks a turning point in the narrative, as it illustrates the strength found in friendship and the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity. Together, they embark on a mission to expose the coach’s true nature, intertwining their lives in a complex web of loyalty, protection, and newfound trust. As they navigate the challenges before them, Ainsley and Nikki discover that their friendship is as much about safeguarding their children as it is about healing their own wounds. The story serves as a poignant reminder that true strength lies not in maintaining an immaculate image but in embracing vulnerability and authenticity. By sharing their secrets with one another, Ainsley and Nikki dismantle the barriers that isolate them and reveal the power of unity in the face of fear. In conclusion, "Friends with Secrets" by Christine Gunderson deftly illustrates the notion that the world is not always as it seems. Through the lives of Ainsley and Nikki, readers are encouraged to peel back the layers of appearances to discover the realities that lie beneath. The narrative unfolds as a testament to the importance of connection, empathy, and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges. Ultimately, Gunderson leaves us with a lasting message: that friendship can illuminate the path through darkness, revealing that sometimes what we need most is simply someone to share our secrets with.

What you see isn’t always what you get.

Take Ainsley. The gorgeous mother of two lives a picture-perfect life with her husband, Ben—aspiring politician and heir to a candy fortune—in suburban Washington, DC. But in reality, Ainsley has no idea what she’s doing and is terrified someone will figure out who she really is and where she came from.

Nikki’s fighting to keep afloat as a stay-at-home mother of four, subsisting on chicken nuggets and very little sleep. She’s a mess on the outside, and inside yearns for the validation—and the paycheck—of the television news career she left behind.

When a dangerous figure from Ainsley’s past becomes a coach at her kids’ school, she fears the worst and confides in Nikki, spilling every detail of her former life.

Together, they devise a plan to expose the coach and safeguard their kids. But can they protect their own lives—and their new friendship—in the process?
I really enjoyed the story. I thought it was carefully crafted and well-written.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I am not a huge fan of books about motherhood so when this book started with a woman debating formula for her newborn, I just knew the book was not for me. I am a mother of small kids so this was just hitting a bit close to home and I don't like reading books like that when I am going through it. That is totally just a preference for me and was not the fault of the books.

This book was definitely not a bad book or anything, it is just not for me.

I hope others love it.

Didn't really grab me, but was competently written nonetheless.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

Ainsley and Nikki could not be more different. Ainsley is the perfectly coiffed, expensively dressed wife of the uber wealthy candy bar heir who is running for Governor. Nikki is a disorganized, recently fired TV anchor, mother of four children five and under, looking for freelance work. This and some bonding over their children’s school experiences puts her in Ainsley’s living room as her media coach. The two form an unlikely friendship which leads to Ainsley sharing some secrets from her past that she is desperate to keep hidden. That’s all I can say without spoilers. Friends with Secrets is a book you won’t be able to put down and the subjects it covers will remain with you long after you have finished the final page. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Christine Gunderson for this ARC.

4.5 ⭐️ rounding up.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book! I got it late and am a bit delayed in getting to this review but I LOVED THIS BOOK

This was a thriller I wasn’t expecting to love as it deviates from my usual genre but omg I WAS the audience.

As a busy mom with a career she loves always feeling behind, Nikki was my spirit animal.

The friendship between Ainsley and Nikki and the mystery of what they were trying to uncover… I just loved it. Looking forward to reading more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the book drew me in but once I started reading it, I just couldn’t get into it at all.
I wish the author, publisher and all those promoting the book much success and connections with the right readers.

The book is good, especially when it shows the social expectations and demands that mothers constantly need to meet despite being exhausted. I recommend reading!

The book started all really strong and I loved the friendship that developed between the two women. Ainsley’s story was particularly interesting and had a level of dimension I wish that Nikki’s did. While I definitely enjoyed the book, I was surprised that everything was revealed so quickly and then we still had 30% of the book to go. Good book from a first time author though!