I always love a novel by Samantha Tonge and her latest, When We Were Friends lives up to expectations. It was published by Boldwood Books on October 4th.
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 school:
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. Totally heartbreaking,
brilliant, uplifting fiction for fans of Jill Mansell, Paige Toon and Sheila
O’Flanagan.
My Thoughts
You can tell by the title that friendship is absolutely central to the story. Four school friends, mow grown up and estranged, come together to solve a mystery which shocks them each. Dredging up memories from the past, you see how they all had secrets at the time and in fact, have secrets now, which gradually percolate to the surface. Each of the characters are quite different in personality and talents and it is interesting to see how their lives have panned out.
Family is also linked into the story, in all sorts of ways, not always good. The girls, as school friends, had a tight bond but it is surprising how quickly that seemed to dissolve. One of the points of the story is to see how resilient friendship can be. You soon realise that people had different motives for their behaviour and often were trying to protect themselves. Teenage insecurities around behaviour and appearance were so important at the time. I did find that there are several genuinely surprising elements to the story and one huge shocker of a secret which I had not seen coming.
In short: highly recommended for well -drawn characters and an entertaining plot.
About the Author
Samantha Tonge is the bestselling and award-winning author
of fifteen romantic fiction titles published by HQ, and most recently Aria. Her
first book for Boldwood, Under One Roof, will be published in February 2022 and
marks a broadening of her writing into multi-generational woman’s fiction. She
lives in Manchester with her family.
Thanks to Samantha Tonge, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the event.
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