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The Four Lindas #4
Here's to Friends
In the final book in Melody Carlson’s popular series, the four Lindas learn that life doesn't stop for the holidays and even a cruise can rock your boat.
Here’s to Friends carries our favorite fifty-somethings through the holidays to a New Year cruise to a romantic hometown wedding with plenty of bumps in between. As they struggle to reinvent themselves at midlife—coping with marital woes, a creative crisis, a financial tsunami, a prodigal child and (scariest of all!) a home remodel—Abby, Janie, Caroline and Marley must all come to terms with the need to give their worries over to God. And they learn once more that in your fifties, friendships aren't just fun. They're an absolute necessity!
Here’s to Friends carries our favorite fifty-somethings through the holidays to a New Year cruise to a romantic hometown wedding with plenty of bumps in between. As they struggle to reinvent themselves at midlife—coping with marital woes, a creative crisis, a financial tsunami, a prodigal child and (scariest of all!) a home remodel—Abby, Janie, Caroline and Marley must all come to terms with the need to give their worries over to God. And they learn once more that in your fifties, friendships aren't just fun. They're an absolute necessity!
377 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
About the author
Melody Carlson
431 books3,381 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 20, 2019
Another fun outing with the four Lindas. Sorry to see this series end.
August 11, 2017
Predictable but I enjoyed the light reading of all four books in this series.
December 21, 2012
Title: HERE’S TO FRIENDS
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: David C. Cook
September 2011
ISBN:
Genre: Women’s fiction
Once upon a time in a little town on the Oregon coast lived four Lindas—all in the same first-grade classroom. So they decided to go by their middle names. And form a club. And be friends forever.
Decades later, they're all back home in Clifden and reinventing their lives, but the holidays bring a whole new set of challenges. Abby’s new B&B is getting bad reviews and husband Paul is acting strange. Still grieving for her mom, Caroline is remodeling the family home, but boyfriend Mitch keeps pressuring her to go away with him. Artist Marley, distracted by a friend's family drama (and a touch of jealousy), can't find her creative groove. And Janie’s drug-addicted daughter has just appeared up on her doorstep! When a long-planned New Year's cruise turns into a bumpy ride, they learn once again that, in your fifties, friends aren’t just for fun—they're a necessity!
HERE’S TO FRIENDS is the fourth book in Ms. Carlson’s The Four Lindas Series. This book does not stand alone. Readers will want to read As Young As We Feel, Hometown Ties, and All for One first before starting this story, so they are not completely lost.
Ms. Carlson is a very prolific author, with the ability to write in many different genres. I like some of her books a lot more than others, and this series wasn’t one of my favorites. Maybe because the characters are so much older than I am, I just couldn’t completely relate.
The book is well written, and engaging, the characters facing realistic struggles. I probably could relate to Marley best, as sometimes real life does affect the creative groove. Fans of women’s fiction and women in their mid-fifties or older might enjoy HERE’S TO FRIENDS or this series. $14.99. 320 pages.
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: David C. Cook
September 2011
ISBN:
Genre: Women’s fiction
Once upon a time in a little town on the Oregon coast lived four Lindas—all in the same first-grade classroom. So they decided to go by their middle names. And form a club. And be friends forever.
Decades later, they're all back home in Clifden and reinventing their lives, but the holidays bring a whole new set of challenges. Abby’s new B&B is getting bad reviews and husband Paul is acting strange. Still grieving for her mom, Caroline is remodeling the family home, but boyfriend Mitch keeps pressuring her to go away with him. Artist Marley, distracted by a friend's family drama (and a touch of jealousy), can't find her creative groove. And Janie’s drug-addicted daughter has just appeared up on her doorstep! When a long-planned New Year's cruise turns into a bumpy ride, they learn once again that, in your fifties, friends aren’t just for fun—they're a necessity!
HERE’S TO FRIENDS is the fourth book in Ms. Carlson’s The Four Lindas Series. This book does not stand alone. Readers will want to read As Young As We Feel, Hometown Ties, and All for One first before starting this story, so they are not completely lost.
Ms. Carlson is a very prolific author, with the ability to write in many different genres. I like some of her books a lot more than others, and this series wasn’t one of my favorites. Maybe because the characters are so much older than I am, I just couldn’t completely relate.
The book is well written, and engaging, the characters facing realistic struggles. I probably could relate to Marley best, as sometimes real life does affect the creative groove. Fans of women’s fiction and women in their mid-fifties or older might enjoy HERE’S TO FRIENDS or this series. $14.99. 320 pages.
October 23, 2020
This second book in the series was even better in my opinion. The four Linda's and their assortment of problems and /or concerns show these four long time friends supporting and helping each other in a variety of ways. This book has more references to God and praying which I like. In the end, each of these women have found true satisfaction with their lives, which is how we all wish our own lives could be. My thanks to the author.
April 26, 2018
I would love to be part of the inner circle of the Four Lindas. Too bad I'm a Sue. The Lindas feel like friends I have had & now have. Not a sugary sweet read, but does have some interesting insights into life & what friends mean in our lives. There trials are real, as well as they way they challenge & support each other. Definitely worth the read time!
July 25, 2018
Fun, Realistic and Riveting!
Melody Carlson knows how to write a great read with interesting characters, some riveting experiences and the down-to-earth details of living life day to day expertly woven together! AND God gets mentioned, and prayer, and faith!
Lovely, just lovely.... I am sad to say good-bye to the Four Lindas...
Melody Carlson knows how to write a great read with interesting characters, some riveting experiences and the down-to-earth details of living life day to day expertly woven together! AND God gets mentioned, and prayer, and faith!
Lovely, just lovely.... I am sad to say good-bye to the Four Lindas...
January 12, 2020
Enjoyable
I always enjoy this author’s books but this one was a definite favorite for me. It was real and watching the friends work through real life difficulties was nice for a change. They each worked through them and they helped each other out. Although the book was fiction it was nice to see some real people who had real problems and how they worked them out.
I always enjoy this author’s books but this one was a definite favorite for me. It was real and watching the friends work through real life difficulties was nice for a change. They each worked through them and they helped each other out. Although the book was fiction it was nice to see some real people who had real problems and how they worked them out.
April 12, 2020
As a woman who just turned 50, it was refreshing to read about characters my own age, with real life issues. Not only was the book entertaining, but also dished out sage wisdom.
As a woman who just turned 50, I found it refreshing to read about characters my own age, with real life issues. Not only was the book entertaining, but also dished out sage wisdom.
As a woman who just turned 50, I found it refreshing to read about characters my own age, with real life issues. Not only was the book entertaining, but also dished out sage wisdom.
April 3, 2025
Four friends who've been friends since school days. They're all middle-aged and dealing with the trials of everyday life. This book was a Christian based book. There is no foul language or sex scenes. The women seemed a little immature for their age. It was a little bland but would be good for an older person looking for an easy read.
June 23, 2017
Not my favourite Melody Carlson series (which could have something to do with the fact that I'm about 40 years younger than the main characters which makes it harder to relate), but all in all a good book and series.
December 11, 2017
The final book of the 4 Lindas.
Abby’s bed and break is u and running.
Janie’s law practice is starting.
Caroline is having her house remodelled.
Marley’s art career is taking off.
Abby won a cruise for 4 at the end of book 3. This trip is in the book.
Lovely conclusion to the series.
Abby’s bed and break is u and running.
Janie’s law practice is starting.
Caroline is having her house remodelled.
Marley’s art career is taking off.
Abby won a cruise for 4 at the end of book 3. This trip is in the book.
Lovely conclusion to the series.
June 24, 2018
Another Delightful Chapter in the Four Lindas series
Melody Carlson has done it again. Another installment in the Four Lindas series that enchanted and delights as the Four friends continue to find their ways together as they enter the 55 plus chapters of their lives.
Melody Carlson has done it again. Another installment in the Four Lindas series that enchanted and delights as the Four friends continue to find their ways together as they enter the 55 plus chapters of their lives.
August 7, 2018
Friendship
In a day and age where schoolmates are scattered around the world, four friends have hung together through thick and thin. Their faith in God and each other help them to overcome daily struggles and Satan's lies.
In a day and age where schoolmates are scattered around the world, four friends have hung together through thick and thin. Their faith in God and each other help them to overcome daily struggles and Satan's lies.
December 24, 2018
A great -take-me-away read
I love realness of these women. We obsess, we indulge, we love, we live, we hurt, we come out on top. This is the best read to reach all those deep parts that you hide.
I love realness of these women. We obsess, we indulge, we love, we live, we hurt, we come out on top. This is the best read to reach all those deep parts that you hide.
June 23, 2019
This was an okay book about 4 friends who all are named Linda, so they go by their middle names. Its a fun look at life in your 50's and how friends help you deal with all of lives problems that arise. there is a spiritual tone to the book, which was fine with me.
April 18, 2020
A fun story of friendship
I liked how the friends were always therefor each other. All 4 led different lives, with different struggles, but still could support each other through thick and thin.
I liked how the friends were always therefor each other. All 4 led different lives, with different struggles, but still could support each other through thick and thin.
September 22, 2020
This was the last of a four book series. The first have of the first book was a struggle but as soon as the chapters started with naming each chapter after one of the four Linda's I could hardly put the books down.
August 1, 2017
Great time spent amongst friends!
September 4, 2017
I will miss the Four Lindas!
Thank you for a fun, light read. I definitely recommend the series and the author. I look forward to reading her other series.
Thank you for a fun, light read. I definitely recommend the series and the author. I look forward to reading her other series.
March 14, 2018
Friendship at its best !
I loved how the four Linda's stayed together through thick and thin. Lifting each other up as needed, caring, sharing and giving.
I loved how the four Linda's stayed together through thick and thin. Lifting each other up as needed, caring, sharing and giving.
August 10, 2018
Great story line
Four separate yet connecting storylines. Well written. Plenty of believable drama. Fun to find a book about middle aged women.
Four separate yet connecting storylines. Well written. Plenty of believable drama. Fun to find a book about middle aged women.
August 10, 2018
A pleasant and enjoyable read. I haven’t read the previous books in the series but that didn’t seem to matter.
August 20, 2018
Couldn’t put it down
Relatable characters. Intriguing plot. Enjoyable, easy, and fun to read. I started with Book 4, but now I want to go back and read the first 3.
Relatable characters. Intriguing plot. Enjoyable, easy, and fun to read. I started with Book 4, but now I want to go back and read the first 3.
June 1, 2019
4th book in the series I loved it. It was fun to read stories about women that were more my age than someone younger. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
July 19, 2019
Not my cup of tea
April 27, 2021
I'm glad this series is over! I almost didn't continue this book, because early on, it was such a pity party. Quit complaining and fix your damn life!
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February 13, 2022A season of forgiv
September 21, 2024
So down to earth and refreshing!
May 7, 2025
Such a good series, I wish it didn't stop at 4!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews