I am constantly on the lookout for hilarious cozy mysteries with a Finley Donovan vibe, and Friends With Secrets fits the bill. Two unlikely friends team up to take down a sinister adversary, and discover they have a lot more in common than they knew. This is a story about women supporting women, female empowerment, and taking down the patriarchy. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

4.5* rounded up to 5.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn’t the fast-paced, page-turner I typically go for, but I do enjoy a good chick-lit kind of book every now and then and this was exactly that. I loved the unlikely friendship between the two main characters and enjoyed each of their individual stories and the mission they went on together. Think ‘Bad Moms’ on a mission to right a wrong in the world with the same mom/woman humor that makes them relatable, but none of the wild partying and raunchiness. This was a fun escape and the type of book I would bring on a vacation to leisurely read on a beach or by the pool.
With thanks to Christine Gunderson and NetGalley for the free copy of this book to read and review.

This book is an homage modern motherhood, and what a great homage it was!

I absolutely adored everything about this. I loved Nikki. I loved Ainsley, and -surprisingly- I loved their husbands. This book encapsulates the struggles of modern parenting, wrapped up in gripping plot and an overall great story. I loved the way that this author set up the "mystery/thriller" aspect of this book and still somehow managed to keep it respectful to the very real and difficult issues that it touched on, but still light and enjoyable.

Both FMCs were relatable and real. Their friendship was raw and real. It highlighted how lonely and isolating parenting can be, and just how big of a difference a village can make. Special shout-out to Lady Godiva- I hope people like you exist. She just might have been my favorite character in the entire book.

Also, and this was what took this book from a 4 star to a 5 star, I absolutely loved the ADHD rep. It actually brought tears to my eyes at some points, I could relate to this character so much.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for the release. I want the actual copy of this book on my bookshelf to re-read whenever I get overwhelmed with life and motherhood.

A story about two moms who look entirely from the opposite ends of a spectrum but ending up being the best thing they’ll ever need from the kindergarten pick-up line (well, except their own children).

I did not expect to breeze through this book but the way the story unraveled was really good I ended up reading up to 40% in one day. The characters are well-fleshed out especially Ainsley. Her dynamic with Nikki was really something I really like and the way the author wrote their dialogues and thoughts really showcase their personalities and issues. They felt realistic and reliable. The twists are also nice since they really made me think though some are quite easy to see from a far but still I don’t think it takes a way much from the story since it is still enjoyable.

I would love to see where this duo is going next though! Thank you for the ARC !

This is an awesome book about two friends, Nikki and Ainsley who both have children in elementary school and are busy with playdates and what snacks to bring to school. But behind the scenes Nikki--who used to be a tv anchor/reporter--is now a "media trainer" as she wants to put her talents to good use. And Ainsley's husband, Ben is running for governor so the only thing these two women have in common--ostensibly--is their children. But when they get together, they realize there is something "odd" about the new athletic director/coach, Wyatt and they are determined to get to the bottom of it. There are some dirty secrets lurking in everyone's closet and when they are unearthed, the town will be reeling!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Timeless, BEAUTIFUL, relevant, laugh-out-loud, FUNNY book about parenting and friendships, as well as the complexities of doing it all as a woman in America!

We could apply a version of this storyline to any era in recent history as there are some undeniable truths in this highly addictive tale… you’ll have to read to find them out!

I WOULD recommend this book to ALL my friends, including those who don’t even necessarily love reading… and trust Nikki and Ainsley would have them BEYOND hooked by Chapter 3!!!

A select few (of my friends) may appreciate a disclaimer regarding some instances of strong language. Note: Despite the best of intentions, I have heard these same words come out of the mouths of women who are MASTERS at maintaining UNMARRED, occasionally malleable, and ALWAYS congenial masks. Therefore, I think the harsh words add to the authenticity as we consider these realistic and well-developed characters.

#friendswithsecrets #funny #thriller #suspense #perfectmommyth #netgalley #lakeunionpublishing #pubday07162024 @gunderchristine @bookshell_f

So many twists and turns! I love thrillers that keep you guessing and this is definitely one of them. The characters are complex and interesting. This was a good, fast read.

Friends with Secrets had me hooked from the beginning. Ainsley and Nikki were both relatable characters in different ways. The story was interesting and compelling and had me reading long into the night as I didn't want to put it down.

“You have no idea how awful it is to be someone you’re not, someone you don’t even want to be, just to fit in.”
I feel like Ainsley did and still do.
Truth of the matter is it's tiresome to pretend. I get this story I really do.
People aren't going to like you even if you pretend or even just being the real you. Every person has a story.
I also loved this quote from Ben to Ainsley
“I live my life for an audience of one, and that one is you. And I know you feel the same way about me. So I understand the impulse to hide something because you’re afraid it will make that the only person who really matters see you in a different way. It doesn’t make it right . . . but I understand it.” just goes to show you that you shouldn't keep secrets especially one this big.
I really loved and admired Ainsley.
This new to me author has done a marvelous job in bringing Ainsley to life and making her "human" so to speak.
She's also shown us what true love from your spouse looks like or supposed to look like.
I truly enjoyed this novel to the fullest.
I was swept away for an evening of entertainment from the bit of mystery that was added along the way.
5 stars for a well written story that kept me turning the pages long into the evening.
I highly recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.