No Reservations: A Novel of Friendship

by Sheryl Lister

True friendship never ends.

Best friends forever. That’s the vow Joy, Diane, Rochelle and Yvette made when they were children, and even in their mid-thirties, the friends have always been there for each other—through the highs and lows of life and love. Until forever comes up against a terminal cancer diagnosis. Nothing could have prepared them for what life would look like when four became three.

But Yvette was prepared.

Her final gift to her girls is an all-expenses-paid trip to Jamaica like they had always talked about but kept putting off as life got in the way.

The Jamaican getaway seems to come at the perfect time as the remaining friends deal with their grief, dashed hopes, and unexpected relationship drama. Sick of putting her dreams to open a spa on hold, not to mention her husband’s lack of support, Joy decides she’s moving forward with her new business—with or without him. The thunderous ticking of Diane’s biological clock has her wondering if her desire to have a baby will ever come true, and her husband’s bizarre behavior has her questioning if he’s still on board. And after witnessing her friends’ imploding relationships, single mother Rochelle is content to do life on her own, but her heart doesn’t seem to get the memo when a new man unexpectedly enters the picture.

Guided by Yvette’s spirit, the friends must lean on each other now more than ever before as they learn to navigate their new normal, take unexpected risks and live life with no reservations.

Praise for No Reservations:

“At times both deeply emotional and heartwarmingly funny, No Reservations encapsulates the beauty of the unbreakable bond of enduring friendships and true sisterhood.” 

—Farrah Rochon, New York Times bestselling author of The Hookup Plan

Stand-alone novel with a blend of heart and heartbreak and strong cast of diverse charactersPerfect for fans of Jane Green, Nancy Thayer, and Kimberla Lawson RobyIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, African American, Friendship, Chick Lit

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2024

About the author

Sheryl Lister has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She been nominated for an Emma Award and RT Reviewer’s Choice Award and named BRAB’s 2015 Best New Author. When she’s not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-sized desserts.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting and inspiring story of friendship, love, loss and challenges. A reminder that times may be hard, but surviving is something we do better together. Highly recommend.

My thanks to the author, Sheryl Lister, and the publisher, Harper Muse, for my copy of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway

[Wobilba · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

An inspiring story about love, loss, friendship and sisterhood. I really loved and enjoyed the story. The characters were amazing and lovable, the plot was great and the narrator did an excellent job.

Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Narrator: Adenrele Ojo
Narration Rating: 5 stars

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC

[DeannaReadsandSleeps · Rating 3 out of 5]

very cute and sweet. i feel it could have been a bit shorter but overall i enjoyed it. may we all have friendships this strong and filled with love.

[WHTTR (Who Has Time To Read?) · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://youtu.be/12S4Un80fuM?si=SGQ7I...

In No Reservations, Sheryl Lister crafts a heartfelt tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery. The story follows Joy, Diane, Rochelle, and Yvette—lifelong friends who have shared their dreams and challenges since childhood. As they navigate personal struggles—Joy's deferred ambitions, Diane's yearning for motherhood, and Rochelle's recovery from an abusive marriage—their bond is tested. Yvette's terminal illness and her final wish for them to take a long-awaited trip to Jamaica become the catalyst for transformation, pushing each woman to confront her fears and embrace life's possibilities.


Join our AI hosts, j(AI)n and d(AI)n, as we delve into the complexities of enduring friendships, the courage to pursue one's dreams, and the resilience found in sisterhood. How do these women's journeys inspire us to live authentically and cherish our bonds? Let's explore together.

📖 Purchase No Reservations on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QZ3YIY
🎧 Listen to the audiobook on Audible: https://amzn.to/4iv6Zwo

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[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this one expecting a romance and it may have done a disservice to my reading experience since this was definitely more of a women's fiction story about female friendship, the hardships of marriage/relationships and infertility/found family. Good on audio, it was still an entertaining book that I would recommend. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Teonna Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly had about 50 more pages to read.
I am disappointed in this book. The characters behaviors and conversations were more in line with mid to late 40 year old women than mid to late 30 year old women. The Jamaican get away seemed like a major driving point but with less than 50 pages to go the women still had not arrived. This book felt flat and was not as exciting as I hoped.

This is an overall boring read and I do not recommend.

[Melanated_booklover]

I finished this book a few weeks ago and sat with my thoughts on this review, because I really wanted to love it but I didn't and that that was really disappointing. I was drawn to the cover of this novel and the premise of 4 life long friends and how they navigate their paths forward after one passes away. My issue was the story telling was so disjointed and just wasn't a cohesive experience as a reader. Some of the stories felt as if the author invested more in than others like Joy - I loved her character and it felt full and fleshed out vs. Rochelle whose story didn't connect with me and I really sped through to get to Diane or Joy's stories which just felt more full and interesting.

The overall novel also didn't go in the direction I expected. The trip to Jamaica was such a small part of the novel literally at the end, so if you blink, you'll miss it! Going into this book, I thought the trip to Jamaica would be the main story line and that the trip would be transformative for the characters with action, dialogue, etc. The trip portion of the book read like a normal trip anyone would take: massages, dinners, etc. I think this was a missed opportunity because it took forever to get to the Jamaica trip. At one point one of the characters mentions that the trip is like 8 weeks away and I literally said oh my God out loud lol.

Overall this book is ok. I got invested in Joy and loved her character - especially when she punched her husband in the face. That was some good writing. I also felt for Diane and her struggles as well. So Yes I would recommend, but don't go into this novel expecting the trip to be the focal point. Surprise: it's not.

[Qua'Tesha Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisterhood. Love. Grief. Redemption. Wow! Such an amazing story.

[Breeee Ranae⚜️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, sisterhood, grief, & new beginnings.
I truly enjoyed this book & the cover ? BEAUTIFUL.

Joy, Diane, & Rochelle are navigating life after losing their dear friend to cancer. Out of all their stories of divorce, infertility, and heartbreak Rochelle’s story was my absolute favorite. Warren is the standard!!!! I was kicking my feet smiling every scene he was in.

All of these characters are in their late 30s so I couldn’t relate to any of them so keep that in mind. Even with that I really enjoyed reading this it was a breath of fresh air fr.

[Kkaaccyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this book a five-star read but it is officially in my top 10 books of all time.

This will not be for everyone The writing may seem a little elementary It may have too much dialogue for some readers but the love, the grief, the joy, the ups and the downs made this worthwhile.
As someone who is significantly blessed to have a friend group like this this was so heartwarming refreshing and exciting to experience.
Sisters of the heart!!
I enjoyed the age range of everyone, the dialogue, the storyline and I love that there wasn't a twist for shock value. It was what it was, a story of best friends who are closer than sisters

[Rayna Swan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great value waiting to exhale.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty decent for the most part. The pacing was rather up and down for me but Lister is definitely an excellent writer without a doubt. It was a lighthearted read mainly surrounding three women Joy, Diane, and Rochelle and the power of their friendship as they cope with the loss of their lifelong friend Yvette. Each character takes the reader on a different journey as they navigate through the struggles of daily life, relationships, marriages, and their careers.

The tension between Joy and her husband Robert really carried the book in my opinion. Robert was really nonchalant and gave off a idgaf attitude from the beginning. I thought it was hilarious when Joy hit him with those divorce papers. He wanted to talk and work things out then. 😂

Diane and her husband Jeffrey were also giving off a bit of drama in the beginning. Diane was going through pre-mature menopause at 38, unable to get pregnant, and was considering adoption. Jeffrey was being inconsiderate asf about everything but later in the book we see why.

Rochelle was presented as the insecure overweight friend with low self-esteem who was navigating motherhood and life after leaving an abusive marriage. There was a budding romance between her and Warren. Which I thought Warren was a charmer just a little corny but perfect for her.

Overall, I think the book is worth reading. I loved the fact the characters were older in age and the author explored different aspects of each woman’s life. Nothing drastic really happens but it was enjoyable getting to know these characters and exploring the depths of their friendship. Yvette was mentioned a few times throughout just wish we could’ve gotten more backstory on her character. Special thanks to the author & @harpermusebooks for my gifted copy‼️

Rating: 3.75/5⭐️

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This is a book about sisterhood, failed marriages and navigating life through hardships. I wish I had a group of close friends like them. I wish Yvette was in the book a little more before she died. I would have loved to see her relationship with the other girls. The memories were just as good though! Yvette left the girls tickets and money to go on a trip to Jamaica before she died. Throughout the book it kept mentioning the trip and when the trip happened, it was barely touched on and I felt like it could have been left out of the book.

I feel like I could relate to Rochelle the most in this book. She was a single mother who ultimately found her happily ever after! The men that came in and out her life werent good for her and it took her almost giving up to find that man she needed. She was such a good mom to her daughter tho, man or no man. I loved their relationship.

Joys husband was trash! He never supported her and it was all about him. He did some shady shit in this book and she should’ve gotten her brother on him! Seeing their relationship, it makes so much sense about mens mindset. She tells her husband she’s done and then all of a sudden he’s more affectionate and wants to make things work but.. for all the wrong reasons. Joy has a lot of patience because that little husband of hers would have been kicked to the curb sooner!

I felt so bad for Diane. She couldn’t get pregnant and wanted to adopt a baby so bad but it seemed like her husband wasn’t on board. He was pissing me off throughout the book with his little attitude. A lot of sad things happened in the book but I don’t want to spoil it.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved the theme of this book. Friendship, the unbreakable bonds of strong friendships and sisterhoods, and holding each other accountable! I loved how each woman checked in with each other and encouraged each other. Another theme was making sure that you didn't waste time on frivolous things or things that didn't bring you joy, which I try to live my own life by.

I would highly recommend this book to others! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Donnakay'sBookWorld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and timely book about friendships that evolved into sisterhood. I loved all of these characters and enjoyed all the unique stories of their relationships. I personally related to Rochelle the most. Her journey to loving herself and opening her heart at her own pace while being a wonderful mother was beautiful to watch. Warren was so perfectly patient for her. I felt so much for Diane and appreciated the way the author handled her husband's feelings about his perceived shortcomings. I don't think the effects of that type d situation are always addressed, but the honesty and redemption were done well. Joy's story is one we've all probably seen or heard about, but thankfully, she was in a position to make the changes she needed in order to live a happy and fulfilling life.

The support these friends give to each other is a beautiful reminder for us to always appreciate our circle and not waste time on the things that don't really matter. My only critique is that i wished the actual trip portion had either occurred earlier on or lasted for a longers period during the story. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Muse for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book.

[Dionne Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book about friendship and sisterhood. No Reservations took me back to my days of reading Terry McMillian and Eric Jerome Dickey. I loved everything about No Reservations and would highly recommend it.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a window into what it looks like when friendships support your development and growth, unconditionally. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys lighthearted books about friendships, romance, personal development, and unconditional love.

[Coni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this a 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Overall, it was a lovely book covering the friendship between four adult women and how it intersects with their romantic and professional lives. It really dives into the drama almost immediately, even while I was trying to keep the characters straight due to the shifting points of view. Even when it lagged a bit, I pushed through and then found the ending very heartfelt.

I did love the friendship between the women in the story. I loved how they made time for each other and would drop everything to support one another. It becomes harder to do that with your friends as you get older, get married, have kids and careers, but they made it work. The problems and life experiences all the women had were very well written and realistic.

While I did love these women, I felt that times that they were almost too perfect. Any self-doubt they had was really their self-esteem affecting them, which could be true, but I think I wanted to see them lash out a little bit more in anger before getting their emotions under control. It would make them more human. At one point, I thought it was hinted at enough that someone might have a shopping problem, and I was expecting it to turn into an actual issue, but it was just a funny quirk for that character.

I do think the author did a great job with the men. Some were frustrating, some were wonderful, and others had some growing and maturing to do. The struggles experienced by all the women were very realistic, but I did find the wrap up to the Diane adoption storyline to be rushed. I thought there would be more to it, but I guess the book was over so it was time to clean up the loose ends.

Overall, this was a perfect summer read. It didn't go too deep under the surface, but there was enough drama to keep me reading and wanting the best for these women. It also makes me want to reach out to my friends to make sure we stay in touch like we should be doing.

[PrincezzBookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh this book tore me apart and put me back together. It was so relatable, I felt like I empathize with each character. They are in their late 30s and life is doing what life does. It explores those relationships with close friends and makes me value my besties. Beautifully written.

[Nia Been Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows the aftermath of 3 best friends following the loss of their 4th bestfriend Yvette. In this book you get multiple POV’s from Rochelle, Diane, and Joy. Rochelle a divorced single mother who is afraid to let a man in due to past experiences. Diane a daycare owner with the dream of being a parent of her own but her Husband is making it rather difficult. Joy a dream of owning her own business with only one thing standing in her way, her Husband. Yvette short lived but departs with words she hopes her girls will stay true to.

Character Break Downs
Rochelle: “Let that man in he you deserve the love he could provide.” This lady was everything idk what about her life made be love her more. She was the scared one out of the bunch. After being with her ex husband she did vow she can’t trust men nor would she ever let one back in. But in comes Warren a high school teacher who screams Black excellence. Due to her past dating history turning him down was never hard, but with Yvette’s departing words she is starting to think about what dating warren could look like. Let me start by saying Warren was everything that man was so patient. From when he was asking her out to when he finally had her he never pushed but always made sure to let her know he understands her past and this may take a minute for her but he is willing to wait. That man showed her and her daughter nothing but love. The minute she said yes he said ohhhh yea time to lock it in and boy did he lock it in.


Diane: “Jeff will come around give him time.” This one hurt me bad but I fell in love with their story a lot more than the others. Diane is a daycare owner. She is married to her husband Jeff with no kids of their own. Diane has always seen that as apart of their plan. With having her own kids out the equation she turns to adoption and fostering ( which in my opinion is always a great option ). In the beginning everything was great Jeff was deeply supportive and actually showed his excitement, but something changed for him and it started to reflect on there marriage. Diane started to feel as though she was forcing it on him. Or he didn’t want the kids, the marriage, or her and thats what was breaking her heart. Then came Tomiko, a child that was attending Diane’s daycare since the age of 3, her parents died one night in a car accident on their way to pick up Miko. In the process Diane and Jeff just received their fostering licenses so she agrees to take Miko until other family is found. And thats where I believe Jeff started to come around. He started to see that just because the child didn’t share their DNA, didn’t mean they couldn’t be loved. The way he flipped the script and started to come as her husband I became obsessed with him. Like I was rooting for that man soooo bad. Then the way he was with Miko OMG it was everything. I want a part 2 with just how their life is going now lol.


Joy: “Start the business friend. You’ve put it off long enough, that man can get on board or get left.” Joy was the definition of boss as bitch in any season. She started this as a woman who just wanted to talk to her husband regarding her dreams of opening a spa but that took a nasty turn towards divorce and it was no turning back. Joy set her foot down and didn’t look back cuz not only was that man trynna stop her bag but he was also lying to her, cheating on her, and using her name to buy other business but kept her out of the loop. In the end she damn sure did prosper!!!! My sis divorced that man, started her own business and fell in love with life. I loved that she rekindled with her family and everything started work out for her.


My final thoughts are this : Yvette was that friend/soul sister okay. No way did she not only buy her girls tickets to Jamaica to make sure they took a break but she left them with words that would open them up to a whole new world and it was like she saw in the future what the girls would go thru and made sure to leave them with something to shine light. Even though we didn’t get a lot of her the snippets we did get was everything to show how they were as a group. I want me a lil girls group now that can stay locked in cuz this was everything. Even the way the girls would go to check on Joe and the kids to make sure they were okay you can literally see the genuineness seeping from off the pages. I ate this book up..

10/10 I recommend it. Im starting to love books like this sooooo please drop the recs thank youuuuu
Definitely adding this to my reread pile because its one of those that you just read to just meet with them again man seriously. This book altered my brain chemistry and im not even mad at it at all.

[chasc.taylor_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The friendship between the women was genuinely enjoyable to read. The story itself was interesting, and I was curious to see how everything would ultimately unfold. That said, the writing style leaned more toward telling rather than showing, and it felt quite simplistic. There were moments that should have carried significant emotional weight, but for me personally, the writing didn’t quite evoke those feelings.

My biggest issue with No Reservations was the lack of distinct narrative voices. All three friends sounded so similar that it became difficult to keep their POVs straight. It wasn’t until about halfway through that I could easily remember who was who — who was married to whom, who had kids, etc.

Also, I expected more of the story to actually take place during the Jamaica trip. The entire book builds up to this major event, but it doesn’t feature as prominently as I thought it would.

Still, if you’re looking for a quick, engaging story about female friendship that doesn’t overstay its welcome, No Reservations is worth picking up. Plus, the cover is absolutely gorgeous!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a feel good read on sisterhood, family and love. I really enjoyed listening to each of the ladies lives as they navigate their new friendship dynamic, the highs and lows of their love life and challenges they have to face. My favorite character was Rochelle, moreso because I could resonate with her more than the other 2 ladies. Joy and Diane were also likeable in my opinion and in general I loved how the ladies were there for one another and it wasn't a drama filled relationship between them. There was drama of course, but that comes with life, and having a solid sisterhood to help you get through those difficult times is a blessing. The men in the book, whew, they had me going through different emotions over them though. From side-eyeing them to having hope to cussing them out under my breath lol. But there were a couple men to balance out the bad vibes. The only things stopping me from rating it 5 stars, I would have liked was to have more background on Yvette and a more clearly defined timeline of events.

[Katrice Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly probably one of the best books I’ve read this year. A story on friendship, grief, desires, and growth. Soulmates are more than romantic partners. It’s rare to come across friends who feel more like family. Through the good and bad, you know they’re always there! I do wish more of the story actually took place during their girls trip but this fact didn’t take away from the story at all. 10/10

[KarynReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasnt expecting to cry a bit but I did! The friendships and how they guided each other through their life journeys really touched me. Sisterhood was really highlighted in this book. Yvette wanted her friends to live their lives with No Reservations. I understood why they took their trip at the end of the story. So much changed for all of them and having them gather in Jamaica as a finale and last wish for Yvette was extremely beautiful. Adenrele Ojo did a beautiful job with this audiobook. It amazing how in the blink of an eye your life can change for the better or worse. It’s a comfort to have a sisterhood of friends to lean on when you need them. Enjoy!

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful tale of friendship and found family. An emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, No Reservations is packed with love, loss, strength and the beauty of true friendship.

Method Read: 🎧
Adenrele Ojo did a fantastic job narrating and bringing the story to life!

Thank you Harper Muse for the gifted copy!

[Brenda Larnell]

The New Year welcomes this blockbuster women’s fiction story that is “un-put-downable”! Multi-award-winning author, Sheryl Lister gets us started with an engrossing story that chronicles true friendship between three women and one beautiful spirit who learn to live life with “no reservations”. The prologue ushers us into the story with a very emotional and poignant scene that is set in a hospital room. The four devoted friends, Yvette, Joy, Diane, and Rochelle are together. However, only three of the friends will walk out that room, leaving one to rest in eternal life.
The story is brilliantly told from the point of view of each of the remaining friends with the chapters named after them. Ms. Lister masterfully exposes, unravels, and resolves all of the issues, stumbling blocks, dreams, and plans of these three amazing women who are left to navigate the world without the 4th member of their group. In spite of not physically being with them, Yvette’s spirit is guiding them and inspiring them to “go for it”. Her last gift to them is an all-expenses paid trip to Jamaica. I love those chapters that highlight that trip.
NO RESERVATIONS is a masterpiece of women’s fiction that will surely start your 2024 reading journey off to a fantastic start. I highly recommend it for your reading pleasure.

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

No Reservations by Sheryl Lister (2023)
vii+328-page Kindle Ebook

Genre: Women's Fiction

Featuring: Friendships, Multiple POVs, Sister-Besties - Sisters of the Heart, Terminal Illness - Cancer Mentioned, Death of Friend, Girls Trip, Jamaica, Tricenarians, Marital Conflict, Infertility, Businesses - Daycare, Renovation Company; Divorcée, Self-Actualization, Secrets, Sacramento, California, High School Freshman, April, Dental Hygienist, Drama, Violence, Sex, Food, Insecurities, Growth, Author’s Note, Discussion Questions, Author's Links, Praise for Sheryl Lister

Rating as a movie: R

Songs for the soundtrack: "Boombastic" or "Mr. Boombastic" by Shaggy, "Jamming" by Bob Marley, "Love Me to My Soul" by Joe Leavy, "A Long Walk" by Jill Scott, "That Was Then" by Lalah Hathaway, "Good Morning Sunrise" by Maysa, "Love Don't Love Me" by Eric Benét, "If You Could See You (Through My Eyes)" by Kenny Lattimore, "Complicated" by Leela James, "Candy Rain" by Soul For Real, "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly & Maze, "Girls Nite Out" by Tyler Collins, "I Lose Control" by Penny Ford, "Don't Waste My Time" by Usher featuring Ella Mai, "I Wanna Be Loved" by Eric Benét, "Real Love" by Eric Benét, "Spend My Life With You" by Eric Benét featuring Tamia, "Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige, "All Of Me" by John Legend, "Murderer" by Barrington Levy, "This Is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan, "Pull Up To The Bumper" by Patra, "Ting-A-Ling" by Shabba Ranks, "Never Let You Down" by Aloe Blacc and Gentleman

Books and Authors mentioned: The Bluford Series, Snow Place Like Home by Lacey Baker, Island Queen and Queen of Exiles by Vanessa Riley, The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon, Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson, The Replacement Wife by Tiffany L. Warren

Memorable Quotes: She figured more than one person must have been up for a promotion since his boss wouldn’t have been able to tell a good joke even if Bernie Mac walked up and handed the man a script. She had never been so glad to end a dinner in her life . . . unless she counted the last four times they’d hosted Jeffrey’s work colleagues.

Joy followed him to the kitchen, and her mouth fell open when she saw the fried pork chops, broccoli with cheese sauce and sautéed potatoes. “How did you know this was my favorite meal?”

“The dentist will come in and do her examination, then I’ll clean your teeth.”

“Do I still have to wait until I’m sixteen to wear makeup?” Rochelle paused with her fork halfway to her mouth. “I mean I’m not asking about foundation, fake eyelashes and stuff,” she rushed to add before Rochelle could comment. “Just lipstick and eyeliner.” “Sixteen, Haley.” They’d had this conversation more than once, seemingly more often in the past few months. Haley slumped back against the chair and pouted. “All my friends’ moms let them wear it. I’m the only one in high school who can’t. Just like being able to go on social media.” She didn’t believe that for a minute. “I’m not everybody’s mama, and I don’t care what they let them do. You have an Instagram page, and that’s enough for now. In this house, I set the rules, and the rules are no makeup until you’re sixteen.” Taking in the mutinous glare on her daughter’s face, Rochelle tried to explain. “Sweetheart, you are only fourteen, and I don’t want anyone thinking you’re anything other than that.” “Are you talking about boys? I don’t like any of the boys in my class.” “Maybe not now, but remember what happened to your friend Pam?” She dropped her head and slumped farther in her seat. “I’m not going to do that. It’s not like I’m on there all the time anyway.” Wearing a full face of makeup, Pam had opened a second, secret Instagram account and pretended to be eighteen years old. A sexual predator doing the same had befriended her and convinced the teen to meet him at a local coffee shop. Pam had bragged to her friends, Haley included, about the hot senior she planned to hook up with after school. She might have been lost forever had it not been for a family friend who happened upon the man trying to force Pam into an unmarked van. “You don’t have to go on those apps all the time. All it takes is one time, and these days, they’ll just approach you on the street, engage you in conversation and tell you how pretty you are. If they think you’re older, they may push a little harder, and I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Rochelle reached over and covered her daughter’s hand. “You have your whole life to be grown up, so just enjoy where you are for now.” A wry smile curved her lips. “In about ten years, you’re going to come whining to me about wanting to go back to being a kid. Being an adult isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Trust me.”

It was the same every family reunion. Colette, Keisha and Lisa typically showed up late, ate enough for three people each, then left early with to-go plates piled high. They had come early today only because their grandmother demanded it.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½💔🚫🤰🏿💘

My thoughts: 🔖Page 68 of 328 Chapter 7 Diane - So not one of these girlfriends is having a good time right now? I don’t like it when every character's life falls apart at once, I need doses.
🔖110 Chapter 11 Rochelle - Robert is full of it! Who examines dirty teeth? I guess all dentists aren't the same. I'm disappointed the trip is 2 months away.
🔖228 Chapter 21 Joy - This book has been dangling Jamaica endlessly and the trip keeps moving farther away. It was 2 months away then 3 weeks later it was 4 weeks away, now it's the 3rd week of May, started in April, and it's still seems far away.

When get to June and it was still 3 weeks away. In the end, 3 chapters were set in Jamaica and they weren't very recreational. This book was okay. I prefer the Firefly Lake books but this was a good girlfriend group going through ups and downs story. FYI everything says 2024 but the publication page says 2023.

Recommend to others: Sure. It was recommended to me.

[Orsayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside expectations and enjoy the story for what it is - a great tale. ❤️❤️❤️

[Gaelle10k · Rating 3 out of 5]

How does a book about a trip to Jamaica not have an actual trip to Jamaica until the book is nearly over?