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Weekend Friends
For girls, middle school is practically The Hunger Games—for their mothers, it can be even worse.
Food photographer, Rebecca, and her tween daughter, Willow, move from Alaska to Boca Raton, leaving behind their terrible secret about the death of Rebecca’s husband. They’re ready to start anew in the warmth of the sunshine state, hoping it will help vanquish Willow’s night terrors.
As her daughter becomes controlled and bullied by the popular group, Rebecca is drawn closer to the charismatic head of school, Mr. Brady. A hot and steamy—though uncertain—relationship begins. Soon, lies, deception, and secrets cause everything to spiral out of control and both mother and daughter find themselves on the wrong side of their gated community with devastating repercussions.
Full of dark twists and turns, Weekend Friends makes you grateful you’re no longer a tween…or the parent of one.
Food photographer, Rebecca, and her tween daughter, Willow, move from Alaska to Boca Raton, leaving behind their terrible secret about the death of Rebecca’s husband. They’re ready to start anew in the warmth of the sunshine state, hoping it will help vanquish Willow’s night terrors.
As her daughter becomes controlled and bullied by the popular group, Rebecca is drawn closer to the charismatic head of school, Mr. Brady. A hot and steamy—though uncertain—relationship begins. Soon, lies, deception, and secrets cause everything to spiral out of control and both mother and daughter find themselves on the wrong side of their gated community with devastating repercussions.
Full of dark twists and turns, Weekend Friends makes you grateful you’re no longer a tween…or the parent of one.
- GenresThriller
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2023
7 people are currently reading
1206 people want to read
About the author
Bella Ellwood-Clayton
7 books48 followersDr. Bella Ellwood-Clayton writes twisty domestic suspense about the secrets we hide from those closest to us. Her novels include The Tradwife's Lie, The Swimming Group, and Weekend Friends, praised as “unputdownable” by bestselling author Nicola Moriarty.
Born in Canada, Bella now lives in Melbourne with her family and a small dog who has delusions of grandeur.
Get a free short story when you join her newsletter at www.drbella.com.au
Instagram: @BellaEllwoodClayton
Born in Canada, Bella now lives in Melbourne with her family and a small dog who has delusions of grandeur.
Get a free short story when you join her newsletter at www.drbella.com.au
Instagram: @BellaEllwoodClayton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 23, 2024
Don’t let that summery, rom com style cover fool you, this is one incredibly dark book. The story of a mother and daughter starting over after the sudden death of Theo, the husband and father. Moving from Alaska to sunny Florida was meant to help them both, but they find themselves caught up in a dangerous web of secrets and toxic relationships.
This is a highly emotional story, with many dark themes. Growing up is tough, and ai am glad not to be doing it now in this world of social media. These girls are mean girls to the extreme. And it is not just the kids. The mothers are guilty of trying to fit in, turning a blind eye and looking out for themselves.
For me, this book had a bit too much steam and sex for my liking. I really didn’t enjoy this part of the book, but each to their own.
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book to read.
This is a highly emotional story, with many dark themes. Growing up is tough, and ai am glad not to be doing it now in this world of social media. These girls are mean girls to the extreme. And it is not just the kids. The mothers are guilty of trying to fit in, turning a blind eye and looking out for themselves.
For me, this book had a bit too much steam and sex for my liking. I really didn’t enjoy this part of the book, but each to their own.
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book to read.
January 29, 2024
Weekend Friends is a bingeable, fast paced domestic drama that centers around Mother, Rebecca, and her tween daughter, Willow, who have made the move from Alaska to Florida after the death of their husband/father.
A new town and a fresh start to sort through their grief, make new connections and mend their broken hearts. Unfortunately, this isn't the reality of their new life. Cue the popular girls, yikes!😳
Don't let the bright cover fool you, Weekend Friends is not a warm fuzzy read. It hits on heavy topics and all too real situations. I found this book to be very thought-provoking. Having raised two teenagers, I think the author did a great job with the storyline and events/situations that take place.
My thanks to the author, Bella Ellwood-Clayton and publisher Post Hill Press for this gifted copy.
Potential spoilers ahead, continue reading at your own risk :)
Content Warnings: Terminal Cancer/Death Of Parent/Death Of Child/Drug Use/Grief/Bullying/Fat Shaming/Rape/Abortion/Suicide/Pedophilia
A new town and a fresh start to sort through their grief, make new connections and mend their broken hearts. Unfortunately, this isn't the reality of their new life. Cue the popular girls, yikes!😳
Don't let the bright cover fool you, Weekend Friends is not a warm fuzzy read. It hits on heavy topics and all too real situations. I found this book to be very thought-provoking. Having raised two teenagers, I think the author did a great job with the storyline and events/situations that take place.
My thanks to the author, Bella Ellwood-Clayton and publisher Post Hill Press for this gifted copy.
Potential spoilers ahead, continue reading at your own risk :)
Content Warnings: Terminal Cancer/Death Of Parent/Death Of Child/Drug Use/Grief/Bullying/Fat Shaming/Rape/Abortion/Suicide/Pedophilia
April 17, 2024
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Weekend Friends by Bella Ellwood-Clayton was so entertaining, it’s hard to believe this is a debut! Definitely worth picking up!
After her husbands death food photographer Rebecca and her twelve year old daughter Willow move from Alaska to Florida to make a new start, hopefully it will help with Willow’s night terrors.
This story is about modern day motherhood, friendships, peer pressure, subtle bullying, suicide and power games. Both Rebecca and Willow find themselves in situations with dire consequences and plenty of secrets and drama.
I really liked the tagline ‘For girls middle school is practically The Hunger Games - for their mothers, it’s worse’, I’m so glad my daughter is grown up and I don’t have to deal with the teenage girl issues Willow and her mother are dealt. I really loved the author’s writing style, If you love drama, a little bit of darkness and an addictive read you’ll devour this one! Fans of Big Little Lies you need to read this.
Publication Day 06 November 2023
Publisher Post Hill Press
Thank you so much Bella Ellwood-Clayton for sending me a copy of your book to read and review.
Weekend Friends by Bella Ellwood-Clayton was so entertaining, it’s hard to believe this is a debut! Definitely worth picking up!
After her husbands death food photographer Rebecca and her twelve year old daughter Willow move from Alaska to Florida to make a new start, hopefully it will help with Willow’s night terrors.
This story is about modern day motherhood, friendships, peer pressure, subtle bullying, suicide and power games. Both Rebecca and Willow find themselves in situations with dire consequences and plenty of secrets and drama.
I really liked the tagline ‘For girls middle school is practically The Hunger Games - for their mothers, it’s worse’, I’m so glad my daughter is grown up and I don’t have to deal with the teenage girl issues Willow and her mother are dealt. I really loved the author’s writing style, If you love drama, a little bit of darkness and an addictive read you’ll devour this one! Fans of Big Little Lies you need to read this.
Publication Day 06 November 2023
Publisher Post Hill Press
Thank you so much Bella Ellwood-Clayton for sending me a copy of your book to read and review.
January 5, 2024
An endearing story about grief, motherhood and navigating the horror that is teenage girls’ friendship groups.
Weekend Friends makes you entirely too grateful that you aren’t a tween anymore or the parent of one – unless of course, you are me, who has two of them in her household. Those years are crazy – both for the parent and for the child. There’s so many big emotions to navigate and as the parent it can be hard to keep that in the forefront of your mind, especially when they scream ‘I hate you.’ Every inconvenience seems like the end of the world, and maybe, for them it is.
At its core, it’s a thrilling book. Within its pages, twists, turns, and significant revelations unfold. Friendship groups are formed and lost, relationships commence and conclude, and life, in its peculiar way, demonstrates that change is indeed beneficial.
Rebecca, a food photographer, and her daughter Willow have just moved from Alaska to Florida. Life hasn’t been kind to them. They are still recovering from the loss of her husband Theo, who died from colon cancer. Being surrounded by all the things they did together as a family is too much, so Rebecca decides to move them back to a place where she had fond memories as a teen. It’s there that she bumps into her childhood friend, Odelle, and her daughter Stella. Can the pair heal a rift that is decades old?
‘We can’t stop living. When someone we love dies, we have to honor them by appreciating our life.’
This debut book was so enticing, I was captivated by both the girls’ relationships and the mothers. An emotionally charged novel, a Mean Girls story for adults.
‘For girls, middle school is practically The Hunger Games—for their mothers, it can be even worse.’
Weekend Friends examines with crystal clear clarity just how cruel kids can be. No scrap that. Kids are just evil, let’s not beat around the bush. Some of them get off with absolute carnage. They pick, tease, and berate they’re so-called friends until they break. Now of course, with the added complication of social media – there is no escape from it. I do feel parenting in the age of social media is a bit like avoiding a landmine.
This thriller delivers. The protagonists are believable, flawed and brave. Addictive.
Weekend Friends makes you entirely too grateful that you aren’t a tween anymore or the parent of one – unless of course, you are me, who has two of them in her household. Those years are crazy – both for the parent and for the child. There’s so many big emotions to navigate and as the parent it can be hard to keep that in the forefront of your mind, especially when they scream ‘I hate you.’ Every inconvenience seems like the end of the world, and maybe, for them it is.
At its core, it’s a thrilling book. Within its pages, twists, turns, and significant revelations unfold. Friendship groups are formed and lost, relationships commence and conclude, and life, in its peculiar way, demonstrates that change is indeed beneficial.
Rebecca, a food photographer, and her daughter Willow have just moved from Alaska to Florida. Life hasn’t been kind to them. They are still recovering from the loss of her husband Theo, who died from colon cancer. Being surrounded by all the things they did together as a family is too much, so Rebecca decides to move them back to a place where she had fond memories as a teen. It’s there that she bumps into her childhood friend, Odelle, and her daughter Stella. Can the pair heal a rift that is decades old?
‘We can’t stop living. When someone we love dies, we have to honor them by appreciating our life.’
This debut book was so enticing, I was captivated by both the girls’ relationships and the mothers. An emotionally charged novel, a Mean Girls story for adults.
‘For girls, middle school is practically The Hunger Games—for their mothers, it can be even worse.’
Weekend Friends examines with crystal clear clarity just how cruel kids can be. No scrap that. Kids are just evil, let’s not beat around the bush. Some of them get off with absolute carnage. They pick, tease, and berate they’re so-called friends until they break. Now of course, with the added complication of social media – there is no escape from it. I do feel parenting in the age of social media is a bit like avoiding a landmine.
This thriller delivers. The protagonists are believable, flawed and brave. Addictive.
November 22, 2023
⭐️ Weekend Friends - Bella Ellwood-Clayton ⭐️
“For girls, middle school is practically the Hunger Games—for their mothers, it can be even worse.”
Don’t let this fresh, sunny cover fool you. This compelling, debut book by author Bella Ellwood-Clayton is emotionally charged.
Rebecca and her daughter Willow relocate from Alaska to Florida after the sudden death of their husband and father Theo. Rebecca tries to hide the awful truth about Theo’s death from Willow … but it seems both are hiding secrets.
Settling into their new hometown, Rebecca is surprised to bump into an old school friend, Odelle. While trying to navigate her new relationship with her old friend, Willow becomes a part of a new friendship group that includes Odelle’s daughter and things start getting complicated. Even more so when Rebecca starts a relationship with the head of school.
This book is a darker take on Mean Girls. There are some pretty heavy topics including suicide, terminal cancer, bullying and pedophilia. While difficult to read at times, it was also a story of family bonds, friendships and love. The tween age is difficult to navigate, regardless of sex, and I felt Bella did a wonderful job of getting into the characters and writing believable scenes.
Overall, a well written, thought provoking novel that not only had me tearing up, but also smiling. Thanks so much to Bella for reaching out and offering me her book baby to read.
“For girls, middle school is practically the Hunger Games—for their mothers, it can be even worse.”
Don’t let this fresh, sunny cover fool you. This compelling, debut book by author Bella Ellwood-Clayton is emotionally charged.
Rebecca and her daughter Willow relocate from Alaska to Florida after the sudden death of their husband and father Theo. Rebecca tries to hide the awful truth about Theo’s death from Willow … but it seems both are hiding secrets.
Settling into their new hometown, Rebecca is surprised to bump into an old school friend, Odelle. While trying to navigate her new relationship with her old friend, Willow becomes a part of a new friendship group that includes Odelle’s daughter and things start getting complicated. Even more so when Rebecca starts a relationship with the head of school.
This book is a darker take on Mean Girls. There are some pretty heavy topics including suicide, terminal cancer, bullying and pedophilia. While difficult to read at times, it was also a story of family bonds, friendships and love. The tween age is difficult to navigate, regardless of sex, and I felt Bella did a wonderful job of getting into the characters and writing believable scenes.
Overall, a well written, thought provoking novel that not only had me tearing up, but also smiling. Thanks so much to Bella for reaching out and offering me her book baby to read.
November 20, 2023
Bella Ellwood-Clayton, has caused quite the stir with the release of her debut thriller, Weekend Friends.
If just for the cover alone, this book is irresistible ! What I would do to be floating around in a pool on a giant watermelon float, Pina Colada in hand.
This is the kind of book that will send chills up your spine and make you extremely thankful you are no longer in middle school or have a middle school child.
Kids, are evil.
There is no sugar coating it.
Don't be fooled, this is not a YA thriller. Jam packed with secrets, lies and deceit, you'll barely catch your breath without being thrown for another twist.
Check out this teaser :
For girls, middle school is practically The Hunger Games—for their mothers, it can be even worse.
Food photographer, Rebecca, and her tween daughter, Willow, move from Alaska to Boca Raton, leaving behind their terrible secret about the death of Rebecca’s husband. They’re ready to start anew in the warmth of the sunshine state, hoping it will help vanquish Willow’s night terrors.
As her daughter becomes controlled and bullied by the popular group, Rebecca is drawn closer to the charismatic head of school, Mr. Brady. A hot and steamy—though uncertain—relationship begins. Soon, lies, deception, and secrets cause everything to spiral out of control and both mother and daughter find themselves on the wrong side of their gated community with devastating repercussions.
Full of dark twists and turns, Weekend Friends makes you grateful you’re no longer a tween…or the parent of one.
If just for the cover alone, this book is irresistible ! What I would do to be floating around in a pool on a giant watermelon float, Pina Colada in hand.
This is the kind of book that will send chills up your spine and make you extremely thankful you are no longer in middle school or have a middle school child.
Kids, are evil.
There is no sugar coating it.
Don't be fooled, this is not a YA thriller. Jam packed with secrets, lies and deceit, you'll barely catch your breath without being thrown for another twist.
Check out this teaser :
For girls, middle school is practically The Hunger Games—for their mothers, it can be even worse.
Food photographer, Rebecca, and her tween daughter, Willow, move from Alaska to Boca Raton, leaving behind their terrible secret about the death of Rebecca’s husband. They’re ready to start anew in the warmth of the sunshine state, hoping it will help vanquish Willow’s night terrors.
As her daughter becomes controlled and bullied by the popular group, Rebecca is drawn closer to the charismatic head of school, Mr. Brady. A hot and steamy—though uncertain—relationship begins. Soon, lies, deception, and secrets cause everything to spiral out of control and both mother and daughter find themselves on the wrong side of their gated community with devastating repercussions.
Full of dark twists and turns, Weekend Friends makes you grateful you’re no longer a tween…or the parent of one.
November 26, 2023
Thank you Dr Bella Ellwood-Clayton for reaching out to me and providing me with an eARC of your book. I knew after reading the synopsis that I’d devour this!! And I did!! I read this in 2 days!! The tag line “unputdownable” is accurate!!
Pls check triggers for this book. WOW!! What a debut! It’s Desperate Housewives meets Real Housewives with a bit of mystery and scandal!
Rebecca and her daughter Willow flee their life in Alaska after the death of her husband / father. They settle in Boca Rattan which is filled with scandal, bullying girls and privileged families. Rich, beautiful and caddy! This book made me laugh at times, it made me feel sick at times and I definitely cried. I love when a book makes me feel all the emotions.
So many twist and turns I did NOT see coming. Loved this. A must read.
Again check triggers
Pls check triggers for this book. WOW!! What a debut! It’s Desperate Housewives meets Real Housewives with a bit of mystery and scandal!
Rebecca and her daughter Willow flee their life in Alaska after the death of her husband / father. They settle in Boca Rattan which is filled with scandal, bullying girls and privileged families. Rich, beautiful and caddy! This book made me laugh at times, it made me feel sick at times and I definitely cried. I love when a book makes me feel all the emotions.
So many twist and turns I did NOT see coming. Loved this. A must read.
Again check triggers
February 24, 2024
Thank you Bella for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Weekend Friends is a debut, complex and engaging tale about motherhood, bonds, and sussing out your new friends and keeping up with your teens volatile friendships.
Rebecca and her teen daughter, Willow arrive in a new town leaving behind a secret.
Ready to start a new chapter in their lives and hopefully leaving nightmares there.
Both Rebecca and Willow venture into new territory with dire consequences.
Willow starts at a new school and befriends the popular group only to end up being bullied.
Rebecca gets involved with the charismatic principal Mr Brady and a group of similar mothers.
Finding themselves on the wrong side with overwhelming impact.
Who’s your ally or who’s your enemy………
Packed with deception, secrets, lies and cruelty, this book has shades of thriller and lots of drama with deep issues and themes tackled.
Bella has written a complicated mother/daughter relationship and the powerful effects of female friends, that works really well.
The setting is spot on, the plot is addictive and the characters are on point, making this one book to remember.
Go in for the melodrama, stay for the entertainment.
Weekend Friends is a debut, complex and engaging tale about motherhood, bonds, and sussing out your new friends and keeping up with your teens volatile friendships.
Rebecca and her teen daughter, Willow arrive in a new town leaving behind a secret.
Ready to start a new chapter in their lives and hopefully leaving nightmares there.
Both Rebecca and Willow venture into new territory with dire consequences.
Willow starts at a new school and befriends the popular group only to end up being bullied.
Rebecca gets involved with the charismatic principal Mr Brady and a group of similar mothers.
Finding themselves on the wrong side with overwhelming impact.
Who’s your ally or who’s your enemy………
Packed with deception, secrets, lies and cruelty, this book has shades of thriller and lots of drama with deep issues and themes tackled.
Bella has written a complicated mother/daughter relationship and the powerful effects of female friends, that works really well.
The setting is spot on, the plot is addictive and the characters are on point, making this one book to remember.
Go in for the melodrama, stay for the entertainment.
November 4, 2023
This was a hard one for me to rate, so I finally settled on three stars because that’s how I personally felt after reading it, but that in no way reflects on this authors ability to write.
This author has a great future in writing, and I enjoy her style of writing, and her weaving of the storyline.
The content of the storyline were just not for me, even though I thought they would be.
I thought it would be more of a lighthearted romp through the trials and tribulations of a mother and daughter finding their way on a new adventure in a new place with new people, etc.
It went a little bit too deep for me, so if you are into wanting to read about the nitty-gritty feels of life’s hardships then this book would be for you, for sure.
So I would say well done to the author, because I think her intention came through in the story, it just wasn’t my favourite story to read.
With this being a debut novel, I think that I am going to look forward to reading more from this author, even though this story in particular wasn’t for me.
Thank you to author Bella Ellwood-Clayton, NetGalley and Post Hill Press for the opportunity to read this book before the publication date.
Charlene @lastnownext 🌸📚🤗
This author has a great future in writing, and I enjoy her style of writing, and her weaving of the storyline.
The content of the storyline were just not for me, even though I thought they would be.
I thought it would be more of a lighthearted romp through the trials and tribulations of a mother and daughter finding their way on a new adventure in a new place with new people, etc.
It went a little bit too deep for me, so if you are into wanting to read about the nitty-gritty feels of life’s hardships then this book would be for you, for sure.
So I would say well done to the author, because I think her intention came through in the story, it just wasn’t my favourite story to read.
With this being a debut novel, I think that I am going to look forward to reading more from this author, even though this story in particular wasn’t for me.
Thank you to author Bella Ellwood-Clayton, NetGalley and Post Hill Press for the opportunity to read this book before the publication date.
Charlene @lastnownext 🌸📚🤗
November 10, 2023
Weekend Friends by Bella Ellwood-Clayton is the compelling, smart & fast-paced debut you won’t want to miss.
After her husband’s passing, which is shrouded in mystery, Rebecca moves from Alaska to Boca Raton with their daughter, Willow, start over. There, she encounters an old friend, Odelle, who acquaints her with a group of women. Rebecca seizes the opportunity for ready-made friends, primarily because they have preteen daughters too. But the preteen group (they call themselves KISS) are a hard group to crack. As if pretentious mothers and their toxic daughters aren’t enough, Rebecca complicates her life further when she falls for the girls’ school principal.
Ellwood-Clayton tackles tough issues like bullying, death, suicide. If you love Mean Girls meets Big Little Lies, this is the book for you. Weekend Friends, poignant, mysterious, witty, and steamy, will keep you turning the pages to the end that you won’t see coming.
After her husband’s passing, which is shrouded in mystery, Rebecca moves from Alaska to Boca Raton with their daughter, Willow, start over. There, she encounters an old friend, Odelle, who acquaints her with a group of women. Rebecca seizes the opportunity for ready-made friends, primarily because they have preteen daughters too. But the preteen group (they call themselves KISS) are a hard group to crack. As if pretentious mothers and their toxic daughters aren’t enough, Rebecca complicates her life further when she falls for the girls’ school principal.
Ellwood-Clayton tackles tough issues like bullying, death, suicide. If you love Mean Girls meets Big Little Lies, this is the book for you. Weekend Friends, poignant, mysterious, witty, and steamy, will keep you turning the pages to the end that you won’t see coming.
November 9, 2023
Well, that was an excellent surprise!
Dr. Bella Ellwood-Clayton reached out to me via tiktok and asked if I’d like to read an ARC of this book. Of course I said yes! (This came out Nov 7)
This is a family drama/thriller that held my focus from the start! Normally I’m not a fan of books chronicling rich people and their privileged lives, but this is from an outsiders perspective and I was hooked.
Rebecca and her 12 year old daughter, Willow, have recently moved from Alaska to Florida, after Rebecca’s husband (and father to their daughter) had passed from cancer. There’s some information from Alaska to slowly unpack as the story goes on. In Florida, Willow struggles with finding friends and being bullied all while grieving the loss of her father.
There’s a lot of trigger warnings, stalking, suicide, cancer, bullying, to name a few.
I couldn’t put this down. Once I made it to the halfway mark, I was determined to finish. The pages flew by and there were some jaw dropping moments to be had.
I definitely recommend reading this book!
Dr. Bella Ellwood-Clayton reached out to me via tiktok and asked if I’d like to read an ARC of this book. Of course I said yes! (This came out Nov 7)
This is a family drama/thriller that held my focus from the start! Normally I’m not a fan of books chronicling rich people and their privileged lives, but this is from an outsiders perspective and I was hooked.
Rebecca and her 12 year old daughter, Willow, have recently moved from Alaska to Florida, after Rebecca’s husband (and father to their daughter) had passed from cancer. There’s some information from Alaska to slowly unpack as the story goes on. In Florida, Willow struggles with finding friends and being bullied all while grieving the loss of her father.
There’s a lot of trigger warnings, stalking, suicide, cancer, bullying, to name a few.
I couldn’t put this down. Once I made it to the halfway mark, I was determined to finish. The pages flew by and there were some jaw dropping moments to be had.
I definitely recommend reading this book!
November 17, 2023
After losing her husband, Rebecca decides the best thing for her daughter, Willow, would be to start afresh. Moving across the country, Willow's new school comes with new challenges - how can she get the cool girls to like her? How far is she willing to go to fit in?
Don't let that summery cover fool you! I encourage you to seek trigger warnings if there is anything you can't read about because this story is much darker than it seems. I love a good, twisted, academia based read and this one got more and more shocking the further I got into the book. Be prepared to experience all the emotions as you read this one! I am impressed at how Bella Ellwood-Clayton managed to get so much into this storyline and look forward to reading what she comes out with next.
Don't let that summery cover fool you! I encourage you to seek trigger warnings if there is anything you can't read about because this story is much darker than it seems. I love a good, twisted, academia based read and this one got more and more shocking the further I got into the book. Be prepared to experience all the emotions as you read this one! I am impressed at how Bella Ellwood-Clayton managed to get so much into this storyline and look forward to reading what she comes out with next.
November 1, 2023
WOW! This book was a hell of a ride. The first chapter instantly grabbed me with that dark, intriguing opening image. Poor Theo. :-( The mysteries sparked by that first scene kept the pages turning well past bedtime. As things progressed, I found myself wondering if I was rooting for the right character or if they’d turn out to be a baddie - I LOVE when authors can keep me guessing. If you are or have ever parented a tween (or had an obnoxious mother-in-law), you will definitely relate to the struggles, heartbreaks, and sweet moments in this book.
December 10, 2023
“For girls, middle school is practically the Hunger Games-for their mothers, it can be even worse.”
Weekend Friends by Bella Ellwood-Clayton reminds me of a modern day mean girls and real housewives combined. This book is filled with mystery, gossip, and many twists and turns. Although it might sound like a light read, there are some heavy topics brought up throughout the course of the text. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on your toes, has some spice, and many twists and turns you won’t see coming, Weekend Friends is the book for you!
Weekend Friends by Bella Ellwood-Clayton reminds me of a modern day mean girls and real housewives combined. This book is filled with mystery, gossip, and many twists and turns. Although it might sound like a light read, there are some heavy topics brought up throughout the course of the text. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on your toes, has some spice, and many twists and turns you won’t see coming, Weekend Friends is the book for you!
May 24, 2025
Reading Weekend Friends by Bella Ellwood-Clayton was an emotional journey. It’s a beautifully written story, but it’s also heavy and intense, dealing with themes like abuse, suicide, and bullying. Be mindful of these triggers if you decide to pick it up. Despite the challenging topics, the author’s storytelling drew me in, making me feel the fear, hope, and heartbreak along with the characters.
The story follows a mother and her 12-year-old daughter as they try to rebuild their lives after losing their husband and father. Moving from Alaska to Florida should have been a fresh start, but it’s filled with uncertainty and tension. Told from both the mother’s and daughter’s perspectives, the narrative captures their struggles with loss, new beginnings, and reconnecting with old friends who seem a bit distant and strange. The way the author weaves their grief with a sense of unease makes the story gripping and real.
What touched me most was how raw and honest the emotions felt—grief, confusion, and the faint glimmer of hope. It’s not an easy read, but it’s one that stays with you long after the last page.
The story follows a mother and her 12-year-old daughter as they try to rebuild their lives after losing their husband and father. Moving from Alaska to Florida should have been a fresh start, but it’s filled with uncertainty and tension. Told from both the mother’s and daughter’s perspectives, the narrative captures their struggles with loss, new beginnings, and reconnecting with old friends who seem a bit distant and strange. The way the author weaves their grief with a sense of unease makes the story gripping and real.
What touched me most was how raw and honest the emotions felt—grief, confusion, and the faint glimmer of hope. It’s not an easy read, but it’s one that stays with you long after the last page.
November 17, 2023
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC
Rebecca, and her tween daughter, Willow, relocate from Alaska to Boca Raton, after the death of Rebecca's husband in an attempt to leave the past behind and to help Willow overcome her night terrors. Meanwhile Willow ends up with the mean girls, under their control & bullying which become the forefront of the story.
Middle school girls are horrible, and their moms aren’t any better.
The story has mother/daughter dynamics, romance and much more.
Rebecca, and her tween daughter, Willow, relocate from Alaska to Boca Raton, after the death of Rebecca's husband in an attempt to leave the past behind and to help Willow overcome her night terrors. Meanwhile Willow ends up with the mean girls, under their control & bullying which become the forefront of the story.
Middle school girls are horrible, and their moms aren’t any better.
The story has mother/daughter dynamics, romance and much more.
July 19, 2025
Fitting into the right crowd in the right school is hard enough for middle-school girls. It's even harder for the moms. Rebecca is newly widowed, and she and her daughter move to Florida from Alaska. Dark themes about bullying, body shaming, and teen suicide along with a few twists and turns that have a mystery element to them. A decent enough read but the ridiculous moms were a bit much for me, personally.
February 20, 2024
This was an incredible difficult read for the subject matter alone. There are tones of bullying, suicide, and grooming to say the least. However, it is incredible well written and engrossing. The mystery was a good one and the resolution was very satisfying. I only recommend it if you are okay with the above trigger warnings!
March 2, 2024
Anyone who’s had a middle school daughter knows the drama that finds them, but when that drama is coupled with a traumatic experience, it can reach through every part of your lives. Weekend friends is a story with some dark twists and turns that pulls you through on a thread of hope. Thoroughly enjoyed!
November 20, 2024
The cover of this book will make you think this book is light and airy. However, Bella Ellwood-Clayton knows how to write a novel and deliver a punch. I devoured this book. I loved it so much. I loved the mother-daughter relationship, the characters, the contrasts in lifestyles, the grit. This book was everything and more. WOW.
November 9, 2023
The phrase, I was glad I didn't have a middle school student, was so true for me. Wow, crazy ride of navigating parenting, through both of their eyes, parent and child. Couldn't put the book down because I cared enough about what was going to happen next!
January 13, 2024
This book checked all the boxes! It had romance, suspense, mystery, spice, and plenty of drama! I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 21, 2023
I did not want this book to end - couldn’t put it down. The characters could have a bit more developed, but overall, this is a wonderful read with an unexpected ending.
March 11, 2024
The author captured my attention and kept me engaged throughout. A style of writing that I appreciate. It did feel like high school.
July 4, 2024
A fantastic debut from Bella Ellwood-Clayton. Highly recommended!
March 31, 2024
.....📚 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 📚.....
Weekend Friends by Bella Ellwood-Clayton is a domestic drama that looks at a number of challenging topics, including grief, euthanasia, bullying, eating disorders, stalking and harassment, suicide, and sexual abuse. I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of this from the author @bellaellwoodclayton in exchange for my honest review.
Following the death of her husband Thèo, food photographer Rebecca makes the decision to move with her tween daughter Willow from Alaska to Boca Raton, Florida. Rebecca cannot run from the terrible secret about the death of her husband though, or the grief that she and Willow still carry.
Settling into Boca Raton is harder than Rebecca thought it would be. As her daughter Willow becomes controlled and bullied by the popular group, Rebecca is drawn into a steamy secret romance with the head of school, Mr Brady. Soon, lies, deception, and secrets threaten everything Rebecca is trying to build, and Rebecca and Willow find themselves on the wrong side of their gated community with devastating consequences.
Weekend Friends was not the novel I was expecting. Despite the rom-com styled cover, this book was much darker than I thought it would be, and I loved it. This book is terrifying as the mother of two tweens and plays on each and every one of my fears as a mum. It's a great read for those who like twists (and have read the trigger warnings). ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5).
Weekend Friends by Bella Ellwood-Clayton is a domestic drama that looks at a number of challenging topics, including grief, euthanasia, bullying, eating disorders, stalking and harassment, suicide, and sexual abuse. I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of this from the author @bellaellwoodclayton in exchange for my honest review.
Following the death of her husband Thèo, food photographer Rebecca makes the decision to move with her tween daughter Willow from Alaska to Boca Raton, Florida. Rebecca cannot run from the terrible secret about the death of her husband though, or the grief that she and Willow still carry.
Settling into Boca Raton is harder than Rebecca thought it would be. As her daughter Willow becomes controlled and bullied by the popular group, Rebecca is drawn into a steamy secret romance with the head of school, Mr Brady. Soon, lies, deception, and secrets threaten everything Rebecca is trying to build, and Rebecca and Willow find themselves on the wrong side of their gated community with devastating consequences.
Weekend Friends was not the novel I was expecting. Despite the rom-com styled cover, this book was much darker than I thought it would be, and I loved it. This book is terrifying as the mother of two tweens and plays on each and every one of my fears as a mum. It's a great read for those who like twists (and have read the trigger warnings). ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5).
April 7, 2024
Deceptively scintillating, packed with drama, powerful themes
I was immediately sucked into this action-packed family drama featuring weighty themes and powerful, timely topics. The racing plot and colourful characters of WEEKEND FRIENDS grabbed me from the first page – the pink girly cover art did not prepare me for the deceptively scintillating storyline! I particularly loved the layers of intrigue and the vivid drawn oppositional settings of Alaska and Florida.
I was immediately sucked into this action-packed family drama featuring weighty themes and powerful, timely topics. The racing plot and colourful characters of WEEKEND FRIENDS grabbed me from the first page – the pink girly cover art did not prepare me for the deceptively scintillating storyline! I particularly loved the layers of intrigue and the vivid drawn oppositional settings of Alaska and Florida.
October 24, 2023
Weekend Friends delves into the complex world of middle school, where it can feel like a battle not only for the girls attending but also for their mothers. Rebecca, a food photographer, and her tween daughter, Willow, relocate from Alaska to Boca Raton, carrying a hidden secret about the death of Rebecca's husband. Their move is an attempt to leave the past behind and to help Willow overcome her night terrors. However, Boca Raton doesn't provide the fresh start they were hoping for. Willow falls under the control of the popular group, enduring bullying and isolation. Meanwhile, Rebecca forms a dangerously close connection with Mr. Brady, the charismatic head of the school. Their relationship, though passionate, is fraught with uncertainty. As lies, deception, and secrets weave an intricate web, chaos takes over, and both mother and daughter find themselves on the wrong side of their gated community, facing severe consequences.
Weekend Friends is a rollercoaster of dark twists and turns, portraying the challenges faced in the turbulent world of middle school. It explores the dynamics of both mother-daughter and romantic relationships, taking the reader through a tumultuous journey filled with secrets, drama, and the struggles of middle school life.
It is a gripping and emotionally charged novel, focusing on the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the trials of adolescence. The book promises a rollercoaster of emotions, dark secrets, and intense drama that will keep readers engrossed from start to finish. It is a gripping exploration of the trials and tribulations that both mothers and daughters face during the tumultuous middle school years. This book delves into the challenges of relocating to a new environment, as Rebecca and Willow leave behind their past in Alaska for the warm embrace of Boca Raton, Florida. Rebecca, a talented food photographer, seeks to provide her daughter Willow with a fresh start and escape the haunting memories of her husband's tragic death.
As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into the complex world of middle school dynamics, where popularity and bullying are at the forefront. Willow's struggles with the popular group cast a stark light on the challenges many tweens face, and Bella Ellwood-Clayton portrays these difficulties with authenticity and empathy.
The narrative takes an unexpected twist as Rebecca becomes entangled in a compelling yet uncertain relationship with Mr. Brady, the charismatic head of the school. Lies, deception, and secrets further entwine mother and daughter, propelling the story into a rollercoaster of emotions. They soon find themselves on the wrong side of their gated community, facing devastating consequences.
Full of dark and unpredictable twists and turns, Weekend Friends keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the tumultuous world of adolescence. Ellwood-Clayton's storytelling skillfully captures the challenges and secrets faced by both tweens and their parents, making it a poignant exploration of the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships during these trying times. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to delve into the ups and downs of middle school and the complex world of female friendships.
Weekend Friends is a rollercoaster of dark twists and turns, portraying the challenges faced in the turbulent world of middle school. It explores the dynamics of both mother-daughter and romantic relationships, taking the reader through a tumultuous journey filled with secrets, drama, and the struggles of middle school life.
It is a gripping and emotionally charged novel, focusing on the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the trials of adolescence. The book promises a rollercoaster of emotions, dark secrets, and intense drama that will keep readers engrossed from start to finish. It is a gripping exploration of the trials and tribulations that both mothers and daughters face during the tumultuous middle school years. This book delves into the challenges of relocating to a new environment, as Rebecca and Willow leave behind their past in Alaska for the warm embrace of Boca Raton, Florida. Rebecca, a talented food photographer, seeks to provide her daughter Willow with a fresh start and escape the haunting memories of her husband's tragic death.
As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into the complex world of middle school dynamics, where popularity and bullying are at the forefront. Willow's struggles with the popular group cast a stark light on the challenges many tweens face, and Bella Ellwood-Clayton portrays these difficulties with authenticity and empathy.
The narrative takes an unexpected twist as Rebecca becomes entangled in a compelling yet uncertain relationship with Mr. Brady, the charismatic head of the school. Lies, deception, and secrets further entwine mother and daughter, propelling the story into a rollercoaster of emotions. They soon find themselves on the wrong side of their gated community, facing devastating consequences.
Full of dark and unpredictable twists and turns, Weekend Friends keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the tumultuous world of adolescence. Ellwood-Clayton's storytelling skillfully captures the challenges and secrets faced by both tweens and their parents, making it a poignant exploration of the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships during these trying times. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to delve into the ups and downs of middle school and the complex world of female friendships.
March 25, 2024
Weekend Friends was described as Big Little Lies meets Clueless, and I think that is the most accurate and perfect description for this book. For a debut novel, you would never know that this was the case. It was very well written and had the ability to keep me interested and flipping them pages until I ended up binging this in an afternoon. This book will take you back to the middle school and all the drama that came with it. What lengths would you go to fit in, how much are you truly willing to endure. While you do grow up, graduate school, and move on in life, the drama never seems to stop, regardless of age, nor does the bullying and still trying to find your niche and fit in. Rebecca and her daughter Willow moved from Alaska to Florida. They both are trying to fit in and make friends. Rebecca does know people because she grew up here, but it doesn't make it any easier, especially for Willow. The KISS girls were vile, and honestly, I wanted to yell at all of them to grow the F up and get over themselves. But hey, they were part of what made this book, and I really did enjoy it. Just go read it, this would be a great by the pool, summer relaxation book.
November 27, 2023
Bella has taken the struggles of parenting, growing up, and many MANY hard subjects (suicide, bullying, death, abuse, pedophilia, etc.) and put them together in a very well written, captivating novel.
I can't wait to read more by her and FIRST, the biggest thank you to Bella for reaching out and giving me an advanced copy of this book :)
Plot: I gave 4/5 starts to the plot because it felt long to me, but well done. I switched between reading and listening and when I was listening, I left like I was watching a twisted episode of Real Housewives lol.
The "oh shit" moments here are insane and there are SO many. I always felt like I knew where the story was going, and I was mostly wrong. I was pleasantly surprised at every twist and turn. The only reason I'm not giving 5/5 is because of the length. It's not a long book by any means (370 pages I believe) but at times I felt like there were so many details that again, felt like an ongoing TV show just waiting for the plot twist. Not in a bad way! I just prefer something quicker when it comes to plot twists.
Characters: 5/5. There are a lot of characters that make for a good story, but only necessary details are given to those needed. I thought every character was beautifully written, described, and narrated (if you're listening). I loved seeing the character development and hurt, pain, happiness each character feels. Bella truly makes you feel every emotion with every character.
Audio v Reading: I preferred listening to this book because the narrator, Alexandra Cohler, absolutely crushed it. She did amazing with every character voice and added the perfect amount of emotion.
Writing: ^^ This however, is nothing negative to Bella's writing. I think for this to be her first novel, the writing was incredible. I had many moment where I was like wow this is good for a first book. I truly look forward to more of her stories! For comparison, I felt her story telling was very dark Elin Hilderbrand (in the best way possible!)
I can't wait to read more by her and FIRST, the biggest thank you to Bella for reaching out and giving me an advanced copy of this book :)
Plot: I gave 4/5 starts to the plot because it felt long to me, but well done. I switched between reading and listening and when I was listening, I left like I was watching a twisted episode of Real Housewives lol.
The "oh shit" moments here are insane and there are SO many. I always felt like I knew where the story was going, and I was mostly wrong. I was pleasantly surprised at every twist and turn. The only reason I'm not giving 5/5 is because of the length. It's not a long book by any means (370 pages I believe) but at times I felt like there were so many details that again, felt like an ongoing TV show just waiting for the plot twist. Not in a bad way! I just prefer something quicker when it comes to plot twists.
Characters: 5/5. There are a lot of characters that make for a good story, but only necessary details are given to those needed. I thought every character was beautifully written, described, and narrated (if you're listening). I loved seeing the character development and hurt, pain, happiness each character feels. Bella truly makes you feel every emotion with every character.
Audio v Reading: I preferred listening to this book because the narrator, Alexandra Cohler, absolutely crushed it. She did amazing with every character voice and added the perfect amount of emotion.
Writing: ^^ This however, is nothing negative to Bella's writing. I think for this to be her first novel, the writing was incredible. I had many moment where I was like wow this is good for a first book. I truly look forward to more of her stories! For comparison, I felt her story telling was very dark Elin Hilderbrand (in the best way possible!)
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