I so enjoyed the layered narrative of this book! Successfully getting across the history of the friendship group and unravelling what's going on in the present moment is a hard feat. One that Francesca Hornak really pulls off! It is my first of her's I have read and I shall definitely be going back for more!

So good to see you is a read that fully enveloped me; it's a story with many layers as it tells the tales of a group of university friends who are reunited at at a wedding years later. How the stories are interwoven and how things are revealed is very cleverly done, with the reader slowly finding out how each person remembers things differently.
It very quickly becomes a compelling read as their personalities and stories interweave; the characters are believable and largely likeable, there's a bit of glamour and a lot of reality that makes it easy to engage with too.

I'd say it's similar in a small way to 'One Day' but with a happier ending!

Such a great book that details the complexities of past relationships, but make it raw and full of heart.

Francesca Hornak’s ‘So Good to See You’ is an emotionally engaging and intricately woven story about friendship, change, and the unexpected twists that life throws our way. The novel centers around three university friends — Sophie, Will, and Lucy — whose lives and relationships have evolved in ways none of them could have anticipated since their time together at university.

One of the things I loved about the book is how Hornak masterfully builds her characters, turning those who could easily have been grating or one-dimensional into individuals you care about. Each character’s journey is both compelling and complex, and even though their actions may not always be likable, you can’t help but feel invested in their growth and personal struggles. The portrayal of their changing relationships — from their youthful university days to their adult lives — feels authentic, and the slow burn of tension between them kept me hooked.

The interwoven timelines — flipping between present-day moments and flashbacks to their university years — work well. Hornak uses this technique to reveal how the characters have transformed over the years, and it’s fascinating to see how their past selves contrast with the people they have become. This back-and-forth storytelling gives a deep sense of the characters’ histories, their motivations, and how the friendships that once seemed so simple now feel much more complicated.

I also appreciated how Hornak doesn’t shy away from addressing social issues through the various perspectives of the characters. These themes resonate on a deeper level, adding layers to the narrative and making the characters feel more relatable. As the story progresses, there’s a palpable sense of growth in each protagonist, and it’s refreshing to see how Hornak explores the nuances of adulthood, including the shifting dynamics of friendships and personal identity.

What makes this book stand out, however, is its sense of drama. Each character is carrying their own burdens, and their interactions bring about moments of tension and catharsis that are as captivating as they are unpredictable. The unraveling of long-held secrets and the drama surrounding their past and present is riveting.

If you’re looking for a novel that explores the complexities of friendship and personal growth, while offering a dose of relatable drama and heartfelt moments, ‘So Good to See You’ is definitely a book to pick up. Francesca Hornak has proven her talent for creating characters that linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy of the book.

I really enjoyed this fresh and original take on what I think of as the 'summer friendship novel'. A perfect poolside read in the sunshine

i didn't know what to make of this one at the start but by the midway mark, I thought it really hit it's stride. It was really moving to follow the characters from when they've graduated and how they overcome (or not) their issues. For the most part, I thought that actually, the characters were really realistic and empathetic! A great read for the summer for sure.

Will a group of friends who have lost touch rekindle their friendship some fifteen years later at a wedding in France? The answer lies in this tale of the dynamics of the group and their relationships. Am not usually a fan when a story dips in and out of past and present, but this author seemed to make that work. Enjoyed it.

So Good to See You by Francesca Hornak is such a cozy, easy read—perfect for a rainy day with a cup of tea in hand. I really enjoyed the friendship dynamic between the characters; it felt super relatable and real. Even though the book touches on heavier topics like addiction, miscarriage, and privilege, it’s done in a respectful, straightforward way without being too intense. Overall, it's the kind of book that feels comforting but still has some depth to it. Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for something light but meaningful.

I really enjoyed this book. It starts in 2004, where a group of friends are enjoying their last week at Oxford. 15 years later they are all back together at a wedding in Provence. As the champagne flows, old grievances surface. This is a great coming of age story, with the friends hiding their secrets until now.
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

Hornak does a great job capturing the awkwardness of reconnecting with old friends when the people you once were no longer match who you’ve become. I enjoyed the insightful moments about ambition, adulthood, and the expectations we place on ourselves.

I also really loved the cover!

Francesca Hornak’s So Good to See You is a beautifully crafted and insightful exploration of the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the pressures of modern life. This poignant, and at times hilarious, novel follows the journey of three former university friends—Serge, Rosie, and Daniel—who reunite for a lavish wedding in Provence, fifteen years after their time together at Oxford.

In 2004, Serge, Rosie, and Daniel were young, full of hope, and inseparable. They shared dreams, ambitions, and an optimistic outlook on the future. Fast forward to 2019, and while they are reunited at a wedding, their friendship has splintered, and they no longer share the closeness they once had. Life has not unfolded as they had imagined. Serge is a successful filmmaker but is drowning in debt and struggling with a fractured relationship. Rosie appears to be effortlessly sociable, but beneath the surface, she is heartbroken. Meanwhile, Daniel, now famous, is grappling with severe anxiety, a far cry from the confident young man he once was.

Throughout a three-day celebration, filled with wine, laughter, and forced social interactions, all three characters are determined to keep their emotions in check, adhering to the unspoken rule of "do not bring up the past." But, as the Champagne flows, the layers of self-control begin to slip, and the true feelings and unresolved issues emerge.

Hornak’s writing is sharp, witty, and deeply empathetic, capturing the bittersweet nature of reconnecting with the past while navigating the disillusionment of adulthood. The novel delves into themes of class, privilege, and creative ambition, offering a candid look at the societal pressures and personal struggles that often lie beneath the surface. The interactions between the characters are wonderfully drawn, full of nuance and authenticity, making it easy to become deeply invested in their individual stories.

So Good to See You is an exploration of how time and experience change us, often in ways we don’t expect. The humour is balanced perfectly with moments of deep emotional reflection, offering a captivating blend of drama and nostalgia. The richly developed characters will stay with you long after you finish reading, making this a highly recommended read for anyone who enjoys beautifully observed character-driven fiction with plenty of heart.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I really enjoyed this! I thought that the relationships between the characters were very well crafted and I liked how there were a few chapters that flicked back to their time at university, showing how the groups’ dynamic had changed. The social issues included in each POV really helped to make the characters relatable and allowed the reader to feel sympathetic towards all three protagonists (even if they aren’t always likeable) at different points in the story. Overall, loved all the drama that took place!

Thank you NetGalley for the early copy!

So Good To See You focuses on a group of friends, who met studying at uni in Oxford, and reconnect years later in the run up to a wedding.

The book is set in the present day, alongside flashbacks to their uni days. The reader is taken on a journey as the group navigates a myriad of ups and downs, including fame, privilege, relationships, friendships, family, and fall outs.

The pace and overall story is good, and it’s an easy read. I liked how the story focused on different perspectives throughout, I think it really helps the reader to get to know the main characters on a deeper level.

With thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for the ARC.

A wedding in France is our setting, and we see the relationship dynamics between Serge, Daniel, Casper and Rosie.
Many years after their time together at the uni, how close are they?
Their life struggles and relationships were interesting to read about, sometimes relevant and relatable too.
As for the writing, I tried to get past my apathy for it, and focus on the story, but to be perfectly honest, the writing style was not for me.
Plot and characters 3.5
Writing 3
Themes 3.5

Francesca Hornak’s So Good To See You is a compelling, multi-layered novel that deftly weaves together the lives of old friends reuniting at a wedding in the South of France.

With a richly drawn cast of characters and an insightful exploration of class, privilege, and personal struggles, the novel offers a captivating blend of drama, nostalgia, and self-discovery.

At the heart of the story are Rosie, Serge, and Daniel- three protagonists grappling with significant personal challenges.

Rosie is still reeling from her break-up with Serge while also worrying about her future.

Serge, drowning in debt, is attempting to navigate a trial separation from Isla, his fiancée and the mother of his twins.

Meanwhile, Daniel, battling addiction, harbours resentment toward Serge over a past betrayal and struggles with the elitist culture of Oxford and the film industry.

Each of these characters is given a deeply engaging narrative, making their chapters particularly absorbing.

Rosie is endearing, and her character growth - especially her increasing confidence during the wedding festivities - is immensely satisfying to witness.

Daniel’s backstory is poignant; his experiences with privilege and exclusion make him a sympathetic and complex figure.

Despite his poor choices, he remains a dedicated, self-made creative with an undeniable passion for film.

Serge, in contrast, begins as an unlikeable character, yet Hornak skillfully peels back his layers, allowing the reader to understand and even sympathise with him as the novel progresses.

Like Daniel, he is flawed but not irredeemable.

Similarly, Isla his fiancée and a working-class makeup artist; provides a grounded, refreshingly different perspective.

Her struggles with motherhood are portrayed with care and nuance, adding another emotional depth to the story. I felt like I understood Isla's struggles with identity and losing part of herself to motherhood.

Although much of the novel is set during Caspar’s wedding, Hornak enriches the narrative with flashbacks to the characters’ university days at Oxford, as well as more recent events in Provence.

This shifting timeline adds depth, revealing past relationships and tensions that continue to shape the present.

Hornak’s ability to make each character feel fully realised and accessible ensures that by the end, the reader feels like an honorary guest at the wedding, intimately connected to the friend group.

Overall, So Good To See You is a sprawling, immersive novel that balances humour, heart, and sharp social commentary.

Hornak’s writing is intelligent and compelling, offering an entertaining yet thoughtful look at love, ambition, and the enduring power of friendship. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Usually I love books like this but I'm settling somewhere in the middle with this one. Firstly, I didn't enjoy any of the characters. In some ways that's on purporse but I deeply need at least one main character to root for, whether it's for good or bad reasons. It also jumped around a jarring amount for my taste. That said, it sets the scene beautifully and gives each of the characters a pretty rich life and backstory. A wedding is a perfect place to drop characters and see how their past emerges. I can imagine people who enjoy stories of friendship throughout the years enjoying this one a lot.

3.5. This is a good book, especially in terms of how it represents the friendships/relationships. Felt very honest and raw.

I really enjoyed Francesca Hornak's first novel Seven Days of Us, which I read 8 years ago when it came out. I was surprised she never followed it up, as I thought it was a great debut. So Good to See You follows a similar plotline with a group of old friends gathering together for a wedding, necessitating several days in one another's company, and coming to terms with the past. I especially like the way she swings the point of view between all the characters, it works well narrating a scene from different perspectives (and should transpose very well to a screenplay should the need arise).

Hornak's creation is very much the Oxbridge "set" with a sprinkling of characters from privileged and humble backgrounds, most working in the film industry. The difference in upbringing leads to much of the friction between the characters, as does gender. The women in the novel very much have to operate within the constraints of its male-dominated world, although artistic licence perhaps gives the women a happier ending than the men. All the characters have made bad choices in their careers, love lives or both, and the wedding represents a chance for all of them to make peace with themselves or one another.

There are no villains, every character is treated sympathetically. They all have their flaws and their prejudices, each has their own struggle to find their true vocation in life. If you like happy, resolved endings then you'll probably like this book,

I enjoyed this book, and it's the sort of read you just want to immerse yourself in and enjoy. It's funny and places and sad in others, and it's the sort of book that stays with you for a long time. I hope we don't have to wait as long for the next one.

A fun and interesting read following the paths of a group of friends who reunite for a wedding. I thought the characterisation was well done (yet the characters were pretty unlikeable!) and overall I really enjoyed this.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

You think that you'll be friends with your university gang for life.

But it doesn't always work out the way you planned.

Rosie, Serge and Daniel are at Oxford in 2004.

Fifteen years later, they come together at a wedding.

There's an awful lot of baggage, unresolved issues.

And how you see things isn't necessarily how they see things - or indeed how things are...

Brilliant