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You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert
Best friends forever… until life got in the way. Katherine Hill left her small New England hometown in pursuit of a dream. Now, twelve years later, she’s a high-powered cosmetics executive in Manhattan and a much glossier version of her former self, unrecognizable to her family and old friends. Not that she would know—she hasn’t been home in over a decade.
Laney Marten always swore she’d never get "stuck” in Manchester, Vermont. No, she was destined to live out her glamorous big-city dreams. Instead, she wound up a young wife and mother. That was when her best friend ran out.
When Katherine receives word of an inheritance from former neighbor Luella Hancock, she reluctantly returns home to the people and places she left behind. Hoping for a second chance, she’s met by an unforgiving Laney, her former best friend. And there’s someone else who’s moved on without her—someone she once loved.
Tethered to their shared inheritance of Luella’s sprawling Victorian mansion, Katherine and Laney are forced to address their long-standing grudges. Through this, they come to understand that while life has taken them in different directions, ultimately the bonds of friendship and sisterhood still bind them together. But are some wounds too old and deep to mend?
Laney Marten always swore she’d never get "stuck” in Manchester, Vermont. No, she was destined to live out her glamorous big-city dreams. Instead, she wound up a young wife and mother. That was when her best friend ran out.
When Katherine receives word of an inheritance from former neighbor Luella Hancock, she reluctantly returns home to the people and places she left behind. Hoping for a second chance, she’s met by an unforgiving Laney, her former best friend. And there’s someone else who’s moved on without her—someone she once loved.
Tethered to their shared inheritance of Luella’s sprawling Victorian mansion, Katherine and Laney are forced to address their long-standing grudges. Through this, they come to understand that while life has taken them in different directions, ultimately the bonds of friendship and sisterhood still bind them together. But are some wounds too old and deep to mend?
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First published September 3, 2013
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About the author
Emily Liebert
13 books985 followersEmily Liebert is the USA TODAY Bestselling Author of seven books.
PERFECTLY FAMOUS, her newest novel, was released on June 2, 2020. Prior to that, PRETTY REVENGE published on July 2, 2019. Both with Gallery/Simon& Schuster.
Her first narrative non-fiction book, FACEBOOK FAIRYTALES, is available across the globe.
In 2012, Emily wrote her debut novel, YOU KNEW ME WHEN, which published on September 3, 2013. Her second novel, WHEN WE FALL, published on September 2, 2014. THOSE SECRETS WE KEEP, her third novel, released on June 2, 2015, and her fourth novel, SOME WOMEN, came out on April 5, 2016, all with Penguin Random House.
Emily is featured often in the press, by outlets such as: Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Anderson Cooper, FOX News, Good Day New York, The Couch, Oprah Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, InStyle, OK!, Nylon, Ladies’ Home Journal, Woman’s World, WWD, Woman’s Day, The New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and The Huffington Post.
She has also served as a spokesperson for Microsoft, appearing on TV and radio stations nationwide.
PERFECTLY FAMOUS, her newest novel, was released on June 2, 2020. Prior to that, PRETTY REVENGE published on July 2, 2019. Both with Gallery/Simon& Schuster.
Her first narrative non-fiction book, FACEBOOK FAIRYTALES, is available across the globe.
In 2012, Emily wrote her debut novel, YOU KNEW ME WHEN, which published on September 3, 2013. Her second novel, WHEN WE FALL, published on September 2, 2014. THOSE SECRETS WE KEEP, her third novel, released on June 2, 2015, and her fourth novel, SOME WOMEN, came out on April 5, 2016, all with Penguin Random House.
Emily is featured often in the press, by outlets such as: Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Anderson Cooper, FOX News, Good Day New York, The Couch, Oprah Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, InStyle, OK!, Nylon, Ladies’ Home Journal, Woman’s World, WWD, Woman’s Day, The New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and The Huffington Post.
She has also served as a spokesperson for Microsoft, appearing on TV and radio stations nationwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
September 5, 2013
4.5/5
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads winner.
I'm going to start off by saying that this isn't normally my type of book. I don't even completely know why I entered the giveaway other than the fact that it's a book about friendship. BUT now, I really love this book.
The premise of the novel is actually pretty interesting (the synopsis is extremely long so I'm not pasting it here), and although I don't normally like books that switch perspectives much less time frames, it's extremely well done in the book. The switching of POVs allows you to look at each situation from both sides, and it makes you ache for Katherine and Laney's (lost) friendship even more. The changing time frames was well done because it not only added to the story, but as the period changed, so did the POV, not in terms of the characters but rather from first to third person. It made the transitions smooth, and you always know whether you're in the past or the present. It worked favorably because the past moved in the opposite of the present so that only by the end of the novel do you know the entire story of what split the girls up, and it has a much more powerful impact.
This book really made me think about the friends that I have and how friendships work. We always wonder whether or not we'll stay friends with the people we're friends with now, and this book makes you possibly rethink that answer. The book may be considered chick-lit, which I usually don't read, but it's fantastic. I'll be honest; I cried during certain parts of this book. I wasn't expecting to, but it's just so real, especially if you've ever lost a childhood friend along the way. (Also, there's a really cute (sort of) couple, and I just want to squeal over them, but that's a different matter.)
My one concern is that while the main and major characters are extremely complex and well thought out, the minor characters (this doesn't include Grant, Laney's husband (whose name I'm blanking out on), or Laney's daughter (whose name I'm also forgetting at the moment)) are much more bland and one-dimensional. Of course, this can be expected, given that they are minor characters, but Emily Liebert does such a great job of crafting the important characters that the others just felt...empty. Also, you could basically piece together what happened between Katherine and Grant in the past, but maybe that's not such a bad thing. ;)
All in all, I'd recommend this book, perhaps not to someone that only reads fantasy, adventure, and action books, but I'd suggest trying it out even if it's not normally your type of book.
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads winner.
I'm going to start off by saying that this isn't normally my type of book. I don't even completely know why I entered the giveaway other than the fact that it's a book about friendship. BUT now, I really love this book.
The premise of the novel is actually pretty interesting (the synopsis is extremely long so I'm not pasting it here), and although I don't normally like books that switch perspectives much less time frames, it's extremely well done in the book. The switching of POVs allows you to look at each situation from both sides, and it makes you ache for Katherine and Laney's (lost) friendship even more. The changing time frames was well done because it not only added to the story, but as the period changed, so did the POV, not in terms of the characters but rather from first to third person. It made the transitions smooth, and you always know whether you're in the past or the present. It worked favorably because the past moved in the opposite of the present so that only by the end of the novel do you know the entire story of what split the girls up, and it has a much more powerful impact.
This book really made me think about the friends that I have and how friendships work. We always wonder whether or not we'll stay friends with the people we're friends with now, and this book makes you possibly rethink that answer. The book may be considered chick-lit, which I usually don't read, but it's fantastic. I'll be honest; I cried during certain parts of this book. I wasn't expecting to, but it's just so real, especially if you've ever lost a childhood friend along the way. (Also, there's a really cute (sort of) couple, and I just want to squeal over them, but that's a different matter.)
My one concern is that while the main and major characters are extremely complex and well thought out, the minor characters (this doesn't include Grant, Laney's husband (whose name I'm blanking out on), or Laney's daughter (whose name I'm also forgetting at the moment)) are much more bland and one-dimensional. Of course, this can be expected, given that they are minor characters, but Emily Liebert does such a great job of crafting the important characters that the others just felt...empty. Also, you could basically piece together what happened between Katherine and Grant in the past, but maybe that's not such a bad thing. ;)
All in all, I'd recommend this book, perhaps not to someone that only reads fantasy, adventure, and action books, but I'd suggest trying it out even if it's not normally your type of book.
June 18, 2013
Reader beware: this book contains an extensive use of profanity. I found the swearing to be totally unnecessary and bordering on offensive. It actually detracted from the story. There is one occasion of drug use, which I also felt was unnecessary, offensive and detracting. While the story idea of 'You Knew Me When' is good, the writing is cliche and the characters are shallow. This author obviously thinks that women are only valued for their appearance. Women who are skinny with perfectly applied makeup and designer clothes are good. Women who are chubby with no makeup and the wrong clothes are not good. Yuck! I wouldn't recommend this book.
July 7, 2015
The story isn't bad..... jumping back and forth in time we follow the friendship and estrangement of Laney and Katherine (Kitty) from when they meet at age 11 through the present at age 34 when they are reunited as heirs to the estate of their former neighbor. My two main issues with the book were:
1) the book builds up to the event that caused the estrangement and I just don't think what happened was so awful. The character made the right decision for herself, albeit handled sharing that decision with others poorly. I couldn't believe that this is what caused a twelve year silence between such close friends.
2) the writing - something about the writing felt awkward or unpolished. I don't think I've ever read a book and been aware of so many adjectives. I understand the author wants to paint the image in the reader's mind but sometimes she should ask is this adjective really adding to the reader's understanding of the character or the story? To me it felt like a book written for a writing class, rather than ready for final publication.
That said - easy read, cute story. Would make a good beach book.
1) the book builds up to the event that caused the estrangement and I just don't think what happened was so awful. The character made the right decision for herself, albeit handled sharing that decision with others poorly. I couldn't believe that this is what caused a twelve year silence between such close friends.
2) the writing - something about the writing felt awkward or unpolished. I don't think I've ever read a book and been aware of so many adjectives. I understand the author wants to paint the image in the reader's mind but sometimes she should ask is this adjective really adding to the reader's understanding of the character or the story? To me it felt like a book written for a writing class, rather than ready for final publication.
That said - easy read, cute story. Would make a good beach book.
April 20, 2020
"You Knew Me When" tells the story of best friends, Katherine and Laney, in alternating points of view, as their lives come together after a huge falling out years ago. The book, described perfectly by the synopsis, is a light, fun read and I loved the two lead characters in their own ways as they led completely different lives but both played strong female roles in the book. I wanted to blame one of them for what happened in the past but I kept wavering back and forth, ultimately forgiving them both. These are great characters that I would have loved to be friends with in real life!
The timeline of the book switches between the present and the past, back to when Katherine (or "Kitty") and Laney first became friends at age 11, but that is where the problem was to me. I enjoyed the timeline but found the flashbacks to 11-year-old conversations a little too much for my taste.
A tale of friendship and love, and the bonds that hold us together, I thought the ending was simply perfect and it truly touched my heart. I look forward to reading more books by Emily Liebert!
The timeline of the book switches between the present and the past, back to when Katherine (or "Kitty") and Laney first became friends at age 11, but that is where the problem was to me. I enjoyed the timeline but found the flashbacks to 11-year-old conversations a little too much for my taste.
A tale of friendship and love, and the bonds that hold us together, I thought the ending was simply perfect and it truly touched my heart. I look forward to reading more books by Emily Liebert!
September 9, 2013
When the book begins, you might think you’re reading an adaptation of "The Devil Wears Prada", the 2006 film with Meryl Streep as a powerful fashion magazine editor. In this book, Katherine Hill is a cosmetics executive, and she is only 34, but her persona is the same. She is excessively driven; self-preoccupied; all about appearances; mean; and a bully to her employees. There are also references thrown in to a loosely parodied version of the Kardashians, and you start thinking this will just be a boring derivative chick-lit book.
Fortunately, the story soon diverges from its heavily referential beginning. The chapters alternate between Katherine, or Kitty, and Laney, her best friend from age 11. They were so close that Laney’s family treated Kitty like one of their own. In fact, Kitty ended up romantically involved with Laney’s cute older brother Grant. But something bad obviously happened, because the three of them haven’t seen each other or communicated for twelve years.
When a mutual friend (and Kitty’s mentor) Luella Hancock dies, both Kitty and Laney are called to the reading of the will, and in another common trope, they are forced to work together to obtain their inheritance.
Discussion: This book did manage to engage me, and I even shed a few tears at the end, but some of its themes - as mentioned above - were quite hackneyed, and some of it just didn’t cohere. Kitty, for example, is a total witch. Her deteriorating attitude toward Grant and treatment of him twelve years earlier were as you would expect from her behavior in the present day. In fact, it was a total mystery to me why Grant liked Kitty in the first place. Or why anyone did. Or why they liked her later. The basis for their reconciliation didn’t seem sufficient to me; Kitty was still Katherine, for whom being skinny, having the right clothes and makeup (and the money to afford them), and being a mover and a shaker are all still at the top of her priority list.
But my negative reaction to Katherine is of course a product of my own biases. Other readers will find her resilient and admirable.
Rating: 2.5/5
Fortunately, the story soon diverges from its heavily referential beginning. The chapters alternate between Katherine, or Kitty, and Laney, her best friend from age 11. They were so close that Laney’s family treated Kitty like one of their own. In fact, Kitty ended up romantically involved with Laney’s cute older brother Grant. But something bad obviously happened, because the three of them haven’t seen each other or communicated for twelve years.
When a mutual friend (and Kitty’s mentor) Luella Hancock dies, both Kitty and Laney are called to the reading of the will, and in another common trope, they are forced to work together to obtain their inheritance.
Discussion: This book did manage to engage me, and I even shed a few tears at the end, but some of its themes - as mentioned above - were quite hackneyed, and some of it just didn’t cohere. Kitty, for example, is a total witch. Her deteriorating attitude toward Grant and treatment of him twelve years earlier were as you would expect from her behavior in the present day. In fact, it was a total mystery to me why Grant liked Kitty in the first place. Or why anyone did. Or why they liked her later. The basis for their reconciliation didn’t seem sufficient to me; Kitty was still Katherine, for whom being skinny, having the right clothes and makeup (and the money to afford them), and being a mover and a shaker are all still at the top of her priority list.
But my negative reaction to Katherine is of course a product of my own biases. Other readers will find her resilient and admirable.
Rating: 2.5/5
October 18, 2015
Audio edition: 3.5+ stars - Audio was narrated really well which I think led to 4 rating than it may have been if I read it. I did enjoy the story and listening to it despite it being on the predictable side and several times getting the feeling that I've read something like this before. I liked most of the characters, but Laney, esp. for being the one not new to town and being pretty and well-liked, came across as way too needy for new friend/best friend. Although when I moved to a new town during 3rd grade, I would have liked a Laney next door or nearby, and I wasn't motherless like Kitty in this book. However, Laney is spoiled and becomes too self-centered and unforgiving (even though there shouldn't have been any forgiving needed, she is the one who got pregnant and changed the plans). There was a lot of miscommunications, but that's typical in many books and movies, as well as in real life. Anyway, even with some cliches and predictability, there are some really nice moments, esp. with the older neighbor, Luella, next door and, overall, it's a sweet, enjoyable quick read/listen.
November 9, 2013
Kitty Hill and Laney Marten become best friends after Kitty and her father move near the Marten family in Manchester, Vermont, following the untimely death of Kitty's mother. Later their relationship becomes strained as they go to different universities and end up living completely different lifestyles. 12 years later they are both notified that they have been included in the will of their kindly widow neighbor, Luella and both unaware of the other's involvement , are summoned to claim their inheritance. What will happen when they meet again after such a long time? This is a heartwarming book about returning home, forgiveness, and renewing old friendships.
I still meet yearly with a group of friends with whom I graduated highschool about 35 years ago. A few of us were neighbors and have been friends for almost 50 years. We always have a great time and always have plenty of memories to share. As the old saying goes , " I can still see the girls we were in our grandmother faces ." ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I still meet yearly with a group of friends with whom I graduated highschool about 35 years ago. A few of us were neighbors and have been friends for almost 50 years. We always have a great time and always have plenty of memories to share. As the old saying goes , " I can still see the girls we were in our grandmother faces ." ⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 13, 2014
I recieved this book as an advanced readers copy and honestly dont know why it took me so long to read it. Im not going to give a recap of this story as most ratings do.....I am just going to tell you what I thought of it. I really enjoyed the book. It was very predictable, there were really no surprises and I knew where it was headed the entire time.....that being said, I loved reading it, couldnt put it down really......its an enjoyable, easy read. I enjoyed the characters, even though I didnt always like them. the story moved at a good pace. It wasnt one of those wordy, descriptive books that seem to go one and on....it was a very good, down to earth story about friendship, how it can go wrong and how it can go right again. great job emily.....i hope to be able to read a book by you again....
June 9, 2015
This was my first book by Emily, and it definitely will not be my last!
I loved “You Knew Me When” and found it hard to put down-- as grabs you from the cover, and never lets you down throughout- to the ending. An ideal setting of Vermont and New York and could imagine the love within these three homes side by side in the neighborhood years ago. The author does an outstanding job of looking at each individual character in order for the reader to see all sides.
The characters were nicely developed (loved Katherine), and as could so relate to her in every way, and thought Laney (brat, small minded, and very immature). I happen to be the one who left for the big city, and family or friends sometimes do not understand if they live in the same place throughout their lives. I was excited for Kitty/Katherine and glad she took this path in order to get where she wanted to be in the end.
I really enjoyed Emily’s writing style, disclosing just enough to keep you hanging from Kitty’s childhood, teen years, to her NY successful career with Blend --seamlessly blending past with present. I very much enjoyed the character Luella, as it added much depth to the novel, as could envision her as glamorous, sophisticated, and the ideal role model for Kitty/Katherine.
A poignant story of friendship and the struggles of sacrificing yourself for your friends, or staying true to your heart to do the right thing. Realistic choices, challenges, and obstacles we face when we leave our friends, as not everyone is the same, each with different goals and journeys. Both girls are sent on a different journey which was fitting for their individual personalities. Sometimes it takes moving away and maturity to make dreams come true.
As the two friends come together with their shared inheritance (Luella’s Victorian mansion), they are forced to address their past and differences. I loved the beauty, fashion, cosmetics and style—with three different generations of women and families, reminiscent of childhood days.
A novel of relationships, the bonds of friendships and family, redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and starting over. Definitely shows friendships can be closer than family at times and the power of true BFFs. An engaging read, I highly recommend for women of all ages. Emily has been added to my favorite author list --definitely a talented writer you will want to follow!
Those Secrets We Keep 6/2/2015
When We Fall 9/2/2014
I loved “You Knew Me When” and found it hard to put down-- as grabs you from the cover, and never lets you down throughout- to the ending. An ideal setting of Vermont and New York and could imagine the love within these three homes side by side in the neighborhood years ago. The author does an outstanding job of looking at each individual character in order for the reader to see all sides.
The characters were nicely developed (loved Katherine), and as could so relate to her in every way, and thought Laney (brat, small minded, and very immature). I happen to be the one who left for the big city, and family or friends sometimes do not understand if they live in the same place throughout their lives. I was excited for Kitty/Katherine and glad she took this path in order to get where she wanted to be in the end.
I really enjoyed Emily’s writing style, disclosing just enough to keep you hanging from Kitty’s childhood, teen years, to her NY successful career with Blend --seamlessly blending past with present. I very much enjoyed the character Luella, as it added much depth to the novel, as could envision her as glamorous, sophisticated, and the ideal role model for Kitty/Katherine.
A poignant story of friendship and the struggles of sacrificing yourself for your friends, or staying true to your heart to do the right thing. Realistic choices, challenges, and obstacles we face when we leave our friends, as not everyone is the same, each with different goals and journeys. Both girls are sent on a different journey which was fitting for their individual personalities. Sometimes it takes moving away and maturity to make dreams come true.
As the two friends come together with their shared inheritance (Luella’s Victorian mansion), they are forced to address their past and differences. I loved the beauty, fashion, cosmetics and style—with three different generations of women and families, reminiscent of childhood days.
A novel of relationships, the bonds of friendships and family, redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and starting over. Definitely shows friendships can be closer than family at times and the power of true BFFs. An engaging read, I highly recommend for women of all ages. Emily has been added to my favorite author list --definitely a talented writer you will want to follow!
Those Secrets We Keep 6/2/2015
When We Fall 9/2/2014
April 22, 2014
I am a sucker for this kind of book. From the first pages you know that this story is well written, well paced, and populated with characters that you know and like. I’ve always believed the author’s job is to reflect life and help us see sense in what otherwise seems like nonsense. Emily Liebert does just that in this lovely coming of age book (yes, you can still be coming of age even into your thirties—wisdom is a work in progress). If you’ve ever had that feeling of Where did I get lost along the way? This book is for you. Liebert allows us to see exactly where the fork was in the road for these two characters and the ill-advised choices they made to get there.
You Knew Me When bounces back and forth between the teenage angst years and the thirty-something angst years of the two main characters Kitty/Katherine and Laney. Twelve years separate them from each other and from themselves. But You Knew Me When also allows for the redemption that so many of us seek, but don’t’ have the gumption to go find.
Both Laney and Kitty are ballsy women in their own right. And both are scared to death of the rejection they’ve suffered in the dozen years of isolation from each other. The unspoken questions, the silent suffering of both characters has molded them into versions of themselves that their younger selves would not recognize. Enter the meddling little old lady—there has to be one—and an opportunity for mending and healing. Luella is an interesting character, a woman who speaks profoundly and orchestrates an emotional coup from the grave. How can you resist a woman like that?
This book is a great read for these cooler, longer nights. Curl up with this one. Things aren’t always as they appear; and it is possible to go home again.
(As published on ChickLitPlus.com; I received a copy of You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert in exchange for an honest review.)
You Knew Me When bounces back and forth between the teenage angst years and the thirty-something angst years of the two main characters Kitty/Katherine and Laney. Twelve years separate them from each other and from themselves. But You Knew Me When also allows for the redemption that so many of us seek, but don’t’ have the gumption to go find.
Both Laney and Kitty are ballsy women in their own right. And both are scared to death of the rejection they’ve suffered in the dozen years of isolation from each other. The unspoken questions, the silent suffering of both characters has molded them into versions of themselves that their younger selves would not recognize. Enter the meddling little old lady—there has to be one—and an opportunity for mending and healing. Luella is an interesting character, a woman who speaks profoundly and orchestrates an emotional coup from the grave. How can you resist a woman like that?
This book is a great read for these cooler, longer nights. Curl up with this one. Things aren’t always as they appear; and it is possible to go home again.
(As published on ChickLitPlus.com; I received a copy of You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert in exchange for an honest review.)
July 21, 2020
"You Knew Me When" by Emily Liebert was a sweet little read!
It's about about loss, friendship, first-love, conflict, embracing change & forgiveness It’s a good light read to distract......remembering back to your youth and revisiting & rekindling the bonds with your childhood BFF’s as an adult.
I enjoyed it cover to cover and recommend it as a delightful summer read for the beach!
It's about about loss, friendship, first-love, conflict, embracing change & forgiveness It’s a good light read to distract......remembering back to your youth and revisiting & rekindling the bonds with your childhood BFF’s as an adult.
I enjoyed it cover to cover and recommend it as a delightful summer read for the beach!
November 11, 2013
Read more reviews at What Danielle Did Next
I adore books based on female friendships particularly when the characters are in their 20's and 30's as I have day to day experience of the connections and tensions that come with such bonds and the realisation that things really haven't changed much since we were teens.
YOU KNEW ME WHEN tells the story of Katherine (Kitty) and Laney - bonding as 11-year-old girls over lemonades in sunshine, their friendship deepened through the emotionally fraught hormone driven teenage years until post-college when everything changed. Kitty moved away leaving best friend Laney behind altering the course of their lives. Brought back together by the death of old neighbour and confidant Luella the two must finally face their pasts in order to move on with their futures. Can broken friendships ever truly recover or will past grudges always keep them apart?
There's always something about contemporary novels set on the east coast of America that attract me, whether it's the descriptions of the countryside or the society and politics but I always love this setting and YOU KNEW ME WHEN was no different. Emily Liebert's story about the dynamics of friendship was compelling. Her prose describing the emotions and hurt that have simmered under the surface for years suddenly spilling over despite the best efforts of our two main characters was excellent and kept me hooked from start to finish.
At its very heart this book is a story of could've and should've. The regrets we carry with us as we get older, the sacrifices we make in order to end up where we are, not always by our own hand but sometimes the one dealt us by sheer circumstance.
Katherine, a high powered executive in a cosmetics company in New York left Vermont as an uncertain and timid girl, lacking confidence but willing to take the chance to shoot for her dreams despite the cost to her personal relationships. Now older and married to her job she carries with her an air of cynicism that jars with the young Kitty we meet in flashbacks.
Laney who as a child was a firecracker, determined to escape dreary, boring life in Manchester and live a sparkling, sophisticated life in New York finds herself a mother, lacking the spark she once cherished so fiercely, put-upon at work and nowhere near the person she thought she'd be at 22 although she can't deny the joy her husband and child bring her and while she may not be wealthy she is rich in other ways.
Thrust back together by the death of Luella, the mysterious, glamorous neighbour who guided her charges in ways they never realised affected the course of their live, they are forced to confront both each other and themselves and examine how life carried them so far away from each other and their dreams.
I loved how the novel alternated between the present and the past as we gained an insight into how Laney and Kitty's friendship both evolved and disintegrated as the events that led to Kitty's eventual departure unfolded. The emotion that fuelled their behaviour towards each other then and now was compelling to read about and it showed the fragility of friendship when in times of stress words uttered in the heat of the moment can change the course of a person's life forever.
YOU KNEW ME WHEN is a sweet, captivating tale of friendship and the wishes, wants and stumbling blocks that direct its path through life's many avenues and turns and how with desire, trust and love it can evolve into something more than was once thought possible.
I adore books based on female friendships particularly when the characters are in their 20's and 30's as I have day to day experience of the connections and tensions that come with such bonds and the realisation that things really haven't changed much since we were teens.
YOU KNEW ME WHEN tells the story of Katherine (Kitty) and Laney - bonding as 11-year-old girls over lemonades in sunshine, their friendship deepened through the emotionally fraught hormone driven teenage years until post-college when everything changed. Kitty moved away leaving best friend Laney behind altering the course of their lives. Brought back together by the death of old neighbour and confidant Luella the two must finally face their pasts in order to move on with their futures. Can broken friendships ever truly recover or will past grudges always keep them apart?
There's always something about contemporary novels set on the east coast of America that attract me, whether it's the descriptions of the countryside or the society and politics but I always love this setting and YOU KNEW ME WHEN was no different. Emily Liebert's story about the dynamics of friendship was compelling. Her prose describing the emotions and hurt that have simmered under the surface for years suddenly spilling over despite the best efforts of our two main characters was excellent and kept me hooked from start to finish.
At its very heart this book is a story of could've and should've. The regrets we carry with us as we get older, the sacrifices we make in order to end up where we are, not always by our own hand but sometimes the one dealt us by sheer circumstance.
Katherine, a high powered executive in a cosmetics company in New York left Vermont as an uncertain and timid girl, lacking confidence but willing to take the chance to shoot for her dreams despite the cost to her personal relationships. Now older and married to her job she carries with her an air of cynicism that jars with the young Kitty we meet in flashbacks.
Laney who as a child was a firecracker, determined to escape dreary, boring life in Manchester and live a sparkling, sophisticated life in New York finds herself a mother, lacking the spark she once cherished so fiercely, put-upon at work and nowhere near the person she thought she'd be at 22 although she can't deny the joy her husband and child bring her and while she may not be wealthy she is rich in other ways.
Thrust back together by the death of Luella, the mysterious, glamorous neighbour who guided her charges in ways they never realised affected the course of their live, they are forced to confront both each other and themselves and examine how life carried them so far away from each other and their dreams.
I loved how the novel alternated between the present and the past as we gained an insight into how Laney and Kitty's friendship both evolved and disintegrated as the events that led to Kitty's eventual departure unfolded. The emotion that fuelled their behaviour towards each other then and now was compelling to read about and it showed the fragility of friendship when in times of stress words uttered in the heat of the moment can change the course of a person's life forever.
YOU KNEW ME WHEN is a sweet, captivating tale of friendship and the wishes, wants and stumbling blocks that direct its path through life's many avenues and turns and how with desire, trust and love it can evolve into something more than was once thought possible.
May 27, 2016
my thoughts:
I did not want this book to end! This is the type of book that I love to read, strong friendship, love and reconciliation along with a great plot. Katherine aka Kitty Kat leaves behind a small New England town , her best friend and boyfriend for the glamorous New York City and an even more glamorous job. I love NYC and the thought of a high-powered career in a cosmetics company. I liked and related to Katherine much more that Laney, while I did like Laney, I was rooting in Katherine's corner the whole time. The setting , small town Vermont and the plot, best friends now enemies, was great. I loved the small surprises along the way as well. Laney's boss Tina was one of those characters you love to hate and want to see get what is coming to her. Luella, the rich older neighbor who left Laney and Katherine the inheritance was one of those characters you wished you knew but unfortunately you cannot, however the author writes her character so well that you feel like she is with you.
The book ends on a nice note with a few surprises. I hope to read more from this author soon.
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July 18, 2013
This just wasn't my cup of tea. It's very girly and shallow.
I knew how the book would end only after a few chapters, so there were no surprises. I've read this story before only with different characters and settings, I didn't feel that there was anything new here. One thing that annoyed me was all the brand-dropping (Gucci, Droid, etc...), if it would have only been a few times I wouldn't have even noticed, but there were brand names dropped in damn near every description.
Laney is spoiled, manipulative,and immature. I was expecting her to pay consequence and realize her shallowness but instead, the other characters were constantly apologizing to her. She behaved like a teenage girl through-out the entire book, there was no development.
There were a lot of over-dramatized exclamations used (ex. "as if!") that made the dialog less natural, especially for 2013.
If you are looking for a beach-read, something light to pass the time, this is the book for you. If you are looking for a unique story with substance, this will likely be a disappointment.
I knew how the book would end only after a few chapters, so there were no surprises. I've read this story before only with different characters and settings, I didn't feel that there was anything new here. One thing that annoyed me was all the brand-dropping (Gucci, Droid, etc...), if it would have only been a few times I wouldn't have even noticed, but there were brand names dropped in damn near every description.
Laney is spoiled, manipulative,and immature. I was expecting her to pay consequence and realize her shallowness but instead, the other characters were constantly apologizing to her. She behaved like a teenage girl through-out the entire book, there was no development.
There were a lot of over-dramatized exclamations used (ex. "as if!") that made the dialog less natural, especially for 2013.
If you are looking for a beach-read, something light to pass the time, this is the book for you. If you are looking for a unique story with substance, this will likely be a disappointment.
November 5, 2017
A very engaging story. I felt the storyline was a bit unreal and somewhat predictable. But I do like a book that puts a smile on my face It was a easy read and some teachable moments in the book. I loved the epilogue!
August 11, 2016
Book Description:
Kitty and Laney have been like sisters since grade school and have always had a master plan. They are going to college, move to NYC, and become famous. But things change when Luella, a elderly neighbor who has taken an interest in Kitty since her mother is dead, gets Kitty an interview with NYU. The master plan has changed and Kitty veers off path leaving Laney and her boyfriend, who happens to be Laney's older brother Grant, behind. Kitty attend NYU while Laney and Grant stay in Vermont and go to UVM. Kitty's life changes when she is in New York. She has new friends, difficult classes and doesn't have as much time as she wants or needs to go back to Vermont to visit regularly. Her relationships with both Grant and Laney change drastically.
The last week of their summer before they "officially start their lives" after graduating, Kitty, Grant, Laney, and her boyfriend Rick spend a week in Nantucket. Laney is sick all week, Grant and Kitty seem to be "off kilter" and the week just doesn't go as planned. When Kitty gets back to Vermont, she is surprised by a job offer where she has been interning, the only catch is that she starts the next day in Naw York. Uncomfortable with telling Laney the news, she goes to her house to find her still sick and with surprising news of her own. Laney is pregnant. And she wants Kitty to stay in Vermont, decline the job offer, and wait for Laney because Laney thinks the "master plan" will still work. When Kitty says no, Laney has a fit and Kitty leaves on bad terms.
Now it is 12 years later and Kitty has completely immersed herself in her work. She has risen to the top of the cosmetic company and has ignored everyone back home for years. Kitty receives a letter that Luella has died and she must be present at the reading of the will. So Kitty returns home to the surprise of her life. Luella has left her Victorian mansion and its contents to both Kitty and Laney. However, there is one stipulation. They must clean out, organize, and get the house ready for sale together or they will not get the inheritance. This is clearly going to be a problem since Kitty and Laney haven't spoken in 12 years. Laney is stubborn and unwilling to ever let go of a fight and Kitty has a company to run in New York. Then there is the problem of Grant. If Kitty, now Katherine, is honest with herself, she still has feelings for him. What will it be like to face him after leaving without a word after all these years?
As an avid mystery reader, sometimes I love a break and read some fun chick lit. This book fit the bill perfectly. I have never read anything by this author before but this book fit challenge requirements so I ran with it. It was a fast fun read. Yes the women were catty and could be super nasty to each other at times. At first I was going to write that they were over the top but then I thought about it. I have a few friends who are like sisters to me. And we have had some big fights over the years. And boy oh boy can we be mean, nasty, catty women to each other. But that is what sisters do...right? They fight mean and hard and eventually the realize they are acting stupid and come to a stand still. So Kitty and Laney's fight is a heck of a lot bigger than any fight I have had with one of my friends' and I think (if we as women reader's can be truly honest with ourselves and not stand on our soapboxes for a minute) Liebert wrote exactly what real women who are like sisters to each other would react in a situation like the one they are facing.
So for me, the book was good. I like it. It was fun and I liked the characters and felt like they were real. I'm not going to stand on a women's lib soapbox about their catty fight and behavior as they figured out their way back to each other. For me, this is the way sisters and very close friends act when they gave extremely disappointed each other. I would recommend this author and I am planning on checking out what else she has written. 4 stars.
Kitty and Laney have been like sisters since grade school and have always had a master plan. They are going to college, move to NYC, and become famous. But things change when Luella, a elderly neighbor who has taken an interest in Kitty since her mother is dead, gets Kitty an interview with NYU. The master plan has changed and Kitty veers off path leaving Laney and her boyfriend, who happens to be Laney's older brother Grant, behind. Kitty attend NYU while Laney and Grant stay in Vermont and go to UVM. Kitty's life changes when she is in New York. She has new friends, difficult classes and doesn't have as much time as she wants or needs to go back to Vermont to visit regularly. Her relationships with both Grant and Laney change drastically.
The last week of their summer before they "officially start their lives" after graduating, Kitty, Grant, Laney, and her boyfriend Rick spend a week in Nantucket. Laney is sick all week, Grant and Kitty seem to be "off kilter" and the week just doesn't go as planned. When Kitty gets back to Vermont, she is surprised by a job offer where she has been interning, the only catch is that she starts the next day in Naw York. Uncomfortable with telling Laney the news, she goes to her house to find her still sick and with surprising news of her own. Laney is pregnant. And she wants Kitty to stay in Vermont, decline the job offer, and wait for Laney because Laney thinks the "master plan" will still work. When Kitty says no, Laney has a fit and Kitty leaves on bad terms.
Now it is 12 years later and Kitty has completely immersed herself in her work. She has risen to the top of the cosmetic company and has ignored everyone back home for years. Kitty receives a letter that Luella has died and she must be present at the reading of the will. So Kitty returns home to the surprise of her life. Luella has left her Victorian mansion and its contents to both Kitty and Laney. However, there is one stipulation. They must clean out, organize, and get the house ready for sale together or they will not get the inheritance. This is clearly going to be a problem since Kitty and Laney haven't spoken in 12 years. Laney is stubborn and unwilling to ever let go of a fight and Kitty has a company to run in New York. Then there is the problem of Grant. If Kitty, now Katherine, is honest with herself, she still has feelings for him. What will it be like to face him after leaving without a word after all these years?
As an avid mystery reader, sometimes I love a break and read some fun chick lit. This book fit the bill perfectly. I have never read anything by this author before but this book fit challenge requirements so I ran with it. It was a fast fun read. Yes the women were catty and could be super nasty to each other at times. At first I was going to write that they were over the top but then I thought about it. I have a few friends who are like sisters to me. And we have had some big fights over the years. And boy oh boy can we be mean, nasty, catty women to each other. But that is what sisters do...right? They fight mean and hard and eventually the realize they are acting stupid and come to a stand still. So Kitty and Laney's fight is a heck of a lot bigger than any fight I have had with one of my friends' and I think (if we as women reader's can be truly honest with ourselves and not stand on our soapboxes for a minute) Liebert wrote exactly what real women who are like sisters to each other would react in a situation like the one they are facing.
So for me, the book was good. I like it. It was fun and I liked the characters and felt like they were real. I'm not going to stand on a women's lib soapbox about their catty fight and behavior as they figured out their way back to each other. For me, this is the way sisters and very close friends act when they gave extremely disappointed each other. I would recommend this author and I am planning on checking out what else she has written. 4 stars.
September 8, 2013
Kitty Hill and her father moved to Manchester, Vermont in the 1990s after they lost Kitty’s mother. It was just the right thing as Kitty quickly realized when she met a young girl exactly her age, Laney Marten, who lived two doors away from Kitty’s new home. In between lived a single woman, Luella Hancock, who also became a wise, loving presence in Kitty’s life and who allowed the girls to swim in her pool, eat her food, and just visit. Her home was their home. Kitty and Laney immediately bond as best friends, “sisters” as they quickly realized. Reading of how their friendship forms and deepens is delightful and how seamlessly Luella shares their lives as well. But when Kitty falls in love, that all changes so quickly that it seems their bond is irrevocably broken until years later a second chance is given to them by Luella!
In between the missing years, Kitty has become a high-powered executive at a Manhattan, New York cosmetics company. She’s a definite Type A personality who works around the clock, rarely sleeps more than a few hours, and has forgotten all about Laney and Luella in that small New England town. But she is quite shocked to receive a letter with a message that forces her to return to Vermont and interact with Laney. It initially isn’t pretty at all as caustic barbs and nasty comments fly, with each trying to either avoid or hurt each other. Little by little, however, they learn to connect again but it’s a long, arduous journey at times. As difficult as it seems, Emily Liebert knows exactly where to insert fluctuate scenes that forebode disaster one minute and hope the next. Ironically, it’s not unbearable at all to read; in fact, it’s mesmerizing and the reader is rooting for a positive outcome, never sure where it will all unwind or mesh together.
You Knew Me When: A Novel is a novel about the often-heard phrase, “forgive and forget.” So many words have been written about others in which one will claim it’s impossible to do both, others who claim one can do only one, and others who say one can choose to do both. Katherine’s journey leads her to discover the blend of Kitty and Katherine she is meant to be, and Laney realizes one can focus on dreams and betrayal of same that one totally misses what could really be even better than the original, ideal vision for the future.
This is a wonderfully constructed novel that will astonish, fascinate, and grip readers to every page. The characters are vividly portrayed and interact with such dynamic dialogue that you won’t want to put the book down. There’s an additional feature about style in dresses, jewelry and cosmetics that is unique in its own way that will appeal both to those who love beauty and style and those who’ve never quite given much attention to it. Most of all, it’s about what it takes to mutually heal in a relationship, without any tragic drama. A sense of humor and openness to the meaning of love in real, everyday situations is vital and Liebert masterfully presents the perfect blend. This reviewer loved this novel and highly, highly recommends it to everyone!
In between the missing years, Kitty has become a high-powered executive at a Manhattan, New York cosmetics company. She’s a definite Type A personality who works around the clock, rarely sleeps more than a few hours, and has forgotten all about Laney and Luella in that small New England town. But she is quite shocked to receive a letter with a message that forces her to return to Vermont and interact with Laney. It initially isn’t pretty at all as caustic barbs and nasty comments fly, with each trying to either avoid or hurt each other. Little by little, however, they learn to connect again but it’s a long, arduous journey at times. As difficult as it seems, Emily Liebert knows exactly where to insert fluctuate scenes that forebode disaster one minute and hope the next. Ironically, it’s not unbearable at all to read; in fact, it’s mesmerizing and the reader is rooting for a positive outcome, never sure where it will all unwind or mesh together.
You Knew Me When: A Novel is a novel about the often-heard phrase, “forgive and forget.” So many words have been written about others in which one will claim it’s impossible to do both, others who claim one can do only one, and others who say one can choose to do both. Katherine’s journey leads her to discover the blend of Kitty and Katherine she is meant to be, and Laney realizes one can focus on dreams and betrayal of same that one totally misses what could really be even better than the original, ideal vision for the future.
This is a wonderfully constructed novel that will astonish, fascinate, and grip readers to every page. The characters are vividly portrayed and interact with such dynamic dialogue that you won’t want to put the book down. There’s an additional feature about style in dresses, jewelry and cosmetics that is unique in its own way that will appeal both to those who love beauty and style and those who’ve never quite given much attention to it. Most of all, it’s about what it takes to mutually heal in a relationship, without any tragic drama. A sense of humor and openness to the meaning of love in real, everyday situations is vital and Liebert masterfully presents the perfect blend. This reviewer loved this novel and highly, highly recommends it to everyone!
October 4, 2013
2 ½ stars
When I read the blurb for You Knew Me When, I thought I was going to be reading a heartwarming tale of two best friends/sisters finding their way back to each other. I wanted to have that story. Unfortunately, I found the story to be a little flat. I didn’t have a problem with the writing and I actually liked the switching POVs between adult Katherine and Laney and their childhood counterparts. It added insight into the relationship between them when they were younger, leading up to the big fallout.
As mentioned earlier, I found the story, or to be more precise the tone/emotional depth, to be flat or missing. Logically I know Katherine/Kitty have a sister-like bond with Luella in the middle, but somehow I didn’t completely feel it. It was more as if I was being told about it. And frankly I was left wondering how Katherine/Kitty and Laney remained friends. There were moments I can see why they were, but for the most part I questioned their friendship.
I was also surprised that I didn’t read as many close interactions between the girls and the eccentric woman that connects them, Luella. Considering how the narrative talks of how much they spend in her house, I would’ve liked to have a more in depth telling of the relationship between those three, if not at least between Kitty and Luella.
Since Laney and Katherine/Kitty haven’t spoken to each other for over a decade, one would expect for the fallout between them to have been a huge one and therefore the whole process of reconciliation would be slow and intense. I was expecting for the majority of the book to be dedicated to these two former best friends trying to find their way back to each other. I was disappointed to find this aspect of the story to be lacking. They did spend time together and there were moments where they were thawing, but I just thought it didn’t go deep enough. It was more a series of events in which they talked to each other, but it lacked the heart and emotion. I didn’t feel that connection rebuilding. I just felt the reconciliation happened too easily and occurred because it was getting near the end of the book and it had to happen.
Overall, I was disappointed in the book. I wanted to read this book because I thought I was going to be reading a very moving story between two women who were once so close, torn apart, and trying to find their way back to each other. Instead, where I expected to feel the emotional depth and connection the can story can provide, I was left feeling as if something was missing. The story didn’t leave an imprint on me, other than my negative opinions on Laney. The book had its moments, but as a whole it fell flat for me.
When I read the blurb for You Knew Me When, I thought I was going to be reading a heartwarming tale of two best friends/sisters finding their way back to each other. I wanted to have that story. Unfortunately, I found the story to be a little flat. I didn’t have a problem with the writing and I actually liked the switching POVs between adult Katherine and Laney and their childhood counterparts. It added insight into the relationship between them when they were younger, leading up to the big fallout.
As mentioned earlier, I found the story, or to be more precise the tone/emotional depth, to be flat or missing. Logically I know Katherine/Kitty have a sister-like bond with Luella in the middle, but somehow I didn’t completely feel it. It was more as if I was being told about it. And frankly I was left wondering how Katherine/Kitty and Laney remained friends. There were moments I can see why they were, but for the most part I questioned their friendship.
I was also surprised that I didn’t read as many close interactions between the girls and the eccentric woman that connects them, Luella. Considering how the narrative talks of how much they spend in her house, I would’ve liked to have a more in depth telling of the relationship between those three, if not at least between Kitty and Luella.
Since Laney and Katherine/Kitty haven’t spoken to each other for over a decade, one would expect for the fallout between them to have been a huge one and therefore the whole process of reconciliation would be slow and intense. I was expecting for the majority of the book to be dedicated to these two former best friends trying to find their way back to each other. I was disappointed to find this aspect of the story to be lacking. They did spend time together and there were moments where they were thawing, but I just thought it didn’t go deep enough. It was more a series of events in which they talked to each other, but it lacked the heart and emotion. I didn’t feel that connection rebuilding. I just felt the reconciliation happened too easily and occurred because it was getting near the end of the book and it had to happen.
Overall, I was disappointed in the book. I wanted to read this book because I thought I was going to be reading a very moving story between two women who were once so close, torn apart, and trying to find their way back to each other. Instead, where I expected to feel the emotional depth and connection the can story can provide, I was left feeling as if something was missing. The story didn’t leave an imprint on me, other than my negative opinions on Laney. The book had its moments, but as a whole it fell flat for me.
October 21, 2013
Katherine and Laney were best friends from the time Katherine moved to Laney's street when they were 12 years old and they considered each other to be sisters. A fight between the two right after college graduation leaves the two estranged and while they both move on with their lives, the death of Luella, an adored neighbor, brings them together again. Forced to spend time together one-on-one, will Katherine and Laney forgive each other or are some wounds too deep to heal?
I would give this book six stars if I could. I absolutely devoured it! I can't remember the last time I was as vested in the lives of each character to the point that I did not want to put the book down. What I loved the most about the book was the authenticity of the characters. They were far from perfect and full of depth. While reading the first few pages, I hated Katherine in the present tense but I warmed to her younger self ("Kitty") in the flashbacks. Similarly, while I initially loved Laney in the present, she annoyed me in the flashbacks. Eventually, I warmed to both of them and wanted so badly to see them reconcile. I especially liked Katherine and wanted her to be happy. Sometimes switching from past to present confuses me in a book but it really worked in this case and I found the voices of teenagers Laney and Kitty to be very believable.
I have nothing bad to say about this book and recommend it to everyone who enjoys books about friendship, forgiveness, sisterhood, a little bit of fashion and a touch of romance.
I would give this book six stars if I could. I absolutely devoured it! I can't remember the last time I was as vested in the lives of each character to the point that I did not want to put the book down. What I loved the most about the book was the authenticity of the characters. They were far from perfect and full of depth. While reading the first few pages, I hated Katherine in the present tense but I warmed to her younger self ("Kitty") in the flashbacks. Similarly, while I initially loved Laney in the present, she annoyed me in the flashbacks. Eventually, I warmed to both of them and wanted so badly to see them reconcile. I especially liked Katherine and wanted her to be happy. Sometimes switching from past to present confuses me in a book but it really worked in this case and I found the voices of teenagers Laney and Kitty to be very believable.
I have nothing bad to say about this book and recommend it to everyone who enjoys books about friendship, forgiveness, sisterhood, a little bit of fashion and a touch of romance.
September 29, 2013
Most of us have friends that we've had almost our entire lives. But then there are the friends that we grew up with, but then drifted apart as we moved on with our own lives. I know I do and I remember most of them fondly and some I still miss. With You Knew Me When, this is also the case, but with a slight twist.
Kitty (Katherine) and Laney are best friends but they both have different dreams. Kitty leaves home to pursue hers and Laney, although also having big dreams, is left behind as a young wife and mother. The two drift apart and they don't see one another for over a decade. Then Katherine comes back home, to claim an inheritance left by a neighbor. She reaches out to those she left behind, but everyone is not the same as they once were, as life usually is.
Laney and Katherine's story is told is alternating points of view from then and now, and it's an easy read to follow. The characters are complex and easy to relate to, and the bonds of friendship that often seem tenacious are sometimes thicker than one would assume. If you enjoy books about friendship, love, or going home, then You Knew Me When is for you. A recommended read!
Kitty (Katherine) and Laney are best friends but they both have different dreams. Kitty leaves home to pursue hers and Laney, although also having big dreams, is left behind as a young wife and mother. The two drift apart and they don't see one another for over a decade. Then Katherine comes back home, to claim an inheritance left by a neighbor. She reaches out to those she left behind, but everyone is not the same as they once were, as life usually is.
Laney and Katherine's story is told is alternating points of view from then and now, and it's an easy read to follow. The characters are complex and easy to relate to, and the bonds of friendship that often seem tenacious are sometimes thicker than one would assume. If you enjoy books about friendship, love, or going home, then You Knew Me When is for you. A recommended read!
September 10, 2013
YOU KNEW ME WHEN by Emily Liebert is an interesting Chic-Lit/Women's Fiction. Debut author Emily Liebert has written an interesting tale of love,lost,grief,friendship,forgiveness,healing and going home. If you have ever longed for a true friendship,an old friend or going home than YOU KNEW ME WHEN is definitely the story for you to read. Well written with characters who are realistic,engaging and will challenge your heart. The storyline is interesting as well as captivating. If you long for a sisterhood,and the theory that best friends are forever, or until life gets in the way, whichever comes first, than you will not regret picking up this title for it is all about friendship,bonds,sisterhood and the bonds that holds them together. Some bonds can not be broken. Well written. If you enjoy Chic-Lit,Women's Fiction and a good read than "You Knew Me When" is the story for you. An enjoyable read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: Mild
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: Mild
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
July 14, 2013
I received thanks to a Goodreads giveaway, as an advanced copy of this book. Publication for mass market is set for September 2013 publication.
I truly loved this book! Two very strong female lead characters. Ms. Liebert has written a very beautiful and poignant story of friendship, heartbreak, the trials of both growing up and growing apart, yet finding your way back to what matters most. Her main characters jumped off the page as real life women. They are relatable, multi-dimensional, and I loved how we went back and forth in their journey and the tale was not told linear. For me, that made the book more of a page-turner.
I truly loved this book! Two very strong female lead characters. Ms. Liebert has written a very beautiful and poignant story of friendship, heartbreak, the trials of both growing up and growing apart, yet finding your way back to what matters most. Her main characters jumped off the page as real life women. They are relatable, multi-dimensional, and I loved how we went back and forth in their journey and the tale was not told linear. For me, that made the book more of a page-turner.
December 1, 2013
Kitty & Landholder best friend forever and then life takes over college, career, and general stuff. Interesting how life can bring people together and tear them apart to throw them back together to see how they deal with the choices they have made.
September 2, 2016
A wonderful and fun-to-read book about friendship - complete with all its drama. I could not put it down!! I loved the way the characters unfolded and developed, and I could totally relate!! I laughed out loud. I cried. I smiled. I sighed. It was awesome!
February 28, 2015
This was a fun work of women's fiction. I needed it to cleanse my palette after reading too many thrillers.
November 3, 2014
I enjoyed this book. I would actually give it 4 1/2 stars. I liked how it went back and forth in time, and I felt a connection to all the characters. I would definitely recommend this book!
September 15, 2013
Quick, light read. It kept my interest, although it was a bit predictable and things were tied up a bit too neatly at the end.
October 23, 2013
Decent beach read , predictable but interesting relationship twists, though not complex.
Want to read
December 1, 2013Bought this at Barnes & Noble this weekend. Looking forward to beginning it!
November 15, 2013
Loved it!!! Particularly loved the setting!!! Practically in my backyard!!! I love visiting Manchester, VT!!! Awesome!!!
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