What do you think?
Rate this book
A Questionable Friendship
Brynne Ropert and Portland Dolish have been best friends since being paired as roommates in college. Seven years later they are now twenty-five, married, and living in Maine–– but the two women couldn’t be more different. Brynne finds fulfillment in her life as a wife, mother and owner of a small café and bookshop, but is struggling to expand her family. Portland is still coping with her mother’s death during her childhood, and her marriage is unraveling before her eyes. Portland envies her friend’s seemingly stable and easy life while Brynne doesn’t understand the growing distance between them and cannot begin to guess what secret Portland is hiding about her husband and crumbling marriage. While one woman feels shut out, the other enters into a web of lies to protect herself.
A Questionable Friendship explores what really makes someone a true friend, a support system, a sister. How much trust goes into a friendship and when is being a friend not enough? Brynne and Portland’s story will attempt to answer those questions, and show that happily ever after isn’t in the cards for everyone.
A Questionable Friendship explores what really makes someone a true friend, a support system, a sister. How much trust goes into a friendship and when is being a friend not enough? Brynne and Portland’s story will attempt to answer those questions, and show that happily ever after isn’t in the cards for everyone.
- GenresWomens Fiction
216 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2014
19 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Samantha March
13 books477 followersSamantha March is a published author, blogger, and has been passionate about creating stories since a young girl. After starting her blog ChickLitPlus in 2009, she set out to make a childhood dream a reality, and published her debut novel in 2011. She now has six published novels – Destined To Fail, The Green Ticket, Up To I Do, A Questionable Friendship and Defining Her – and one holiday novella, The Christmas Surprise, and Kristy, book 1 in The Six series. In addition to her bookish pursuits, she is also a beauty blogger with a growing Youtube channel and shares her love for makeup and beauty in review and tutorial videos. When she isn’t reading, writing, or creating videos, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Samantha currently lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla Aries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 18, 2014
March has really evolved as a writer. With each new book her voice because so much more defined, polished. A QUESTIONABLE FRIENDSHIP is one of her best books to date. I love that March does not fear difficult topics. She takes these topics on head first and creates a wonderful backdrop for her story. She seems to find a way to make you feel connected to the characters; to their struggles and to their joys. A QUESTIONABLE FRIENDSHIP is an emotional read, but one that causes you to become retrospective about your own friendships and relationships. 4 stars
February 19, 2014
I loved this compelling story is about the friendship between two women who appear to have very similar lives. Portland and Brynne have been best friends since they were in college. Brynne is married to her college sweetheart and the mother of an adorable three year old. She owns her own business, a bookstore and café, and is eager to add to her happy family. Portland is also married, to a successful gym owner, and although she doesn’t need the income, she works for Brynne at the bookstore (much to the chagrin of her husband). The two couples get together at least once a week and vacation together – they’re family. Everything seems perfect, except of course it’s not.
Brynn has a health scare that she initially keeps from Portland. Portland hides her growing dissatisfaction with her marriage from Brynne. For reasons I can’t reveal in a review, both woman are reluctant to confess their fears to each other, which causes them to drift apart.
The book is well written, especially the dialogue, and cleverly plotted. Although it’s different from Samantha March’s previous books, it’s still an engrossing story that you’ll have difficulty putting down – in fact, I read it over two snowed in days, with four children bustling about! I really liked both Brynne and Portland, who are well developed characters. I understood their motivations, even as I was frustrated by one woman’s inability to ask for help. The author really broke my heart in some scenes and I know that this story will stay with me for quite a while. It’ll make you look at your own friends and wonder what secrets they may be keeping from you.
I give it a 4 1/2 stars.
Brynn has a health scare that she initially keeps from Portland. Portland hides her growing dissatisfaction with her marriage from Brynne. For reasons I can’t reveal in a review, both woman are reluctant to confess their fears to each other, which causes them to drift apart.
The book is well written, especially the dialogue, and cleverly plotted. Although it’s different from Samantha March’s previous books, it’s still an engrossing story that you’ll have difficulty putting down – in fact, I read it over two snowed in days, with four children bustling about! I really liked both Brynne and Portland, who are well developed characters. I understood their motivations, even as I was frustrated by one woman’s inability to ask for help. The author really broke my heart in some scenes and I know that this story will stay with me for quite a while. It’ll make you look at your own friends and wonder what secrets they may be keeping from you.
I give it a 4 1/2 stars.
February 19, 2014
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Looking for a realistic read with drama and heart? If you are, this one’s for you. I’m not typically a fan of realistic fiction, preferring instead to escape into the otherworldly, but A Questionable Friendship drew me in. For me, the most engaging part of the novel was Brynne’s brush with mortality. Recently, I had a very challenging episode when I had my first mammogram. I spent the day draped in a wraparound gown with a room of other anxious women awaiting results from my scan then chewing my nails and texting my husband when I was given a more diagnostic test. By the time we moved on to an ultrasound, I was in tears, thinking how unfair it was that women spend their lives dealing with boobs and Pap tests. I also sympathized with her need to and inability to conceive. The tension, the pressure, Brynne experienced really resonated with me. And who hasn’t dealt with friendship issues? We’ve all had those friends that we really loved become distant and drift from us. The love and eventual distance between Portland and Brynne dredged up some regrets of my own.
I have to admit I was a little envious of the love between Aaron and Brynne. He was perfect, maybe bit too much, but hey, everybody loves a romance! I was surprised by the twist with Portland, but I had some difficulty actually seeing the event as completely plausible even seeing all the problems she and Trent were having, and I’d rather the epilogue have been Brynne sometime in the distant future, possibly seeing her a few years distant from the climax. Overall, though, this was is a great, chick read.
4 Stars
Looking for a realistic read with drama and heart? If you are, this one’s for you. I’m not typically a fan of realistic fiction, preferring instead to escape into the otherworldly, but A Questionable Friendship drew me in. For me, the most engaging part of the novel was Brynne’s brush with mortality. Recently, I had a very challenging episode when I had my first mammogram. I spent the day draped in a wraparound gown with a room of other anxious women awaiting results from my scan then chewing my nails and texting my husband when I was given a more diagnostic test. By the time we moved on to an ultrasound, I was in tears, thinking how unfair it was that women spend their lives dealing with boobs and Pap tests. I also sympathized with her need to and inability to conceive. The tension, the pressure, Brynne experienced really resonated with me. And who hasn’t dealt with friendship issues? We’ve all had those friends that we really loved become distant and drift from us. The love and eventual distance between Portland and Brynne dredged up some regrets of my own.
I have to admit I was a little envious of the love between Aaron and Brynne. He was perfect, maybe bit too much, but hey, everybody loves a romance! I was surprised by the twist with Portland, but I had some difficulty actually seeing the event as completely plausible even seeing all the problems she and Trent were having, and I’d rather the epilogue have been Brynne sometime in the distant future, possibly seeing her a few years distant from the climax. Overall, though, this was is a great, chick read.
4 Stars
August 5, 2014
I like to joke that I can tell my life story to anyone who will listen. However when I am very upset or more accurately worried about something I clam up. I keep my feelings all bottled up. Sometimes I share them with those closest to me. But most of the time I hold dearly onto my fears afraid to voice them.
This personality trait is probably why A Questionable Friendship resonated so much with me. This trait was central to the story and was why I was able to relate so much to the two main characters, Brynne Ropert and Portland Dolish. On the outside these two women are best friends. They met in college and instantly became besties. Seven years later, although their lives are quite different, they still consider themselves the best of friends. But as they find themselves facing major obstacles and challenges rather than seek their friend out and confide in her they keep secrets. Their friendship is tested in so many ways. As you read their story you can’t help but wonder what really does make a friend?
A Questionable Friendship was a true page turner. It captured my interest from the very first page and I read it in one sitting. I loved how the chapters alternated between Brynne’s and Portland’s point of view, allowing the reader to really get to know both woman. Brynne’s young daughter was hysterically cute and I instantly fell in love with her. But it was the epilogue that really was my favorite part. It was amazing! As I read the last few pages I knew that this book, and especially the ending, would haunt me (in a good way) for many days to come…. I totally recommend this book!
This personality trait is probably why A Questionable Friendship resonated so much with me. This trait was central to the story and was why I was able to relate so much to the two main characters, Brynne Ropert and Portland Dolish. On the outside these two women are best friends. They met in college and instantly became besties. Seven years later, although their lives are quite different, they still consider themselves the best of friends. But as they find themselves facing major obstacles and challenges rather than seek their friend out and confide in her they keep secrets. Their friendship is tested in so many ways. As you read their story you can’t help but wonder what really does make a friend?
A Questionable Friendship was a true page turner. It captured my interest from the very first page and I read it in one sitting. I loved how the chapters alternated between Brynne’s and Portland’s point of view, allowing the reader to really get to know both woman. Brynne’s young daughter was hysterically cute and I instantly fell in love with her. But it was the epilogue that really was my favorite part. It was amazing! As I read the last few pages I knew that this book, and especially the ending, would haunt me (in a good way) for many days to come…. I totally recommend this book!
April 12, 2014
4.5 stars/Lightning Bolts
Best friends are a big part of one's life. Lifelong friends. Someone you share secrets with. Someone you can laugh, cry, and get angry at other people with. Someone who knows you, loves you, and sticks by you.
What happens when life changes? When that friendship is tested?
It's not something you really want to think about, but it happens, doesn't it?
Meet Brynne and Portland. Best friends for so long. Now, they're older, and life is taking it's toll. Each are married and adjusting to whatever life throws their way. But one is holding back, keeping things in, and it may just put a strain on that friendship.
The story is written in first person, switching from Brynne and Portland's POV. We as the reader get a big glimpse at their struggles, trials and triumphs. Samantha March pens a story with so much truth and reality to it, I found it so hard to put this down when I really needed sleep at night. I needed to know how things were going to play out. What was going to happen to this friendship? The truth of the matter is, things like this happen all too often. I could see myself and others in both of these ladies. I think this author gets better and better with each book she writes and I'm looking forward to the future.
Best friends are a big part of one's life. Lifelong friends. Someone you share secrets with. Someone you can laugh, cry, and get angry at other people with. Someone who knows you, loves you, and sticks by you.
What happens when life changes? When that friendship is tested?
It's not something you really want to think about, but it happens, doesn't it?
Meet Brynne and Portland. Best friends for so long. Now, they're older, and life is taking it's toll. Each are married and adjusting to whatever life throws their way. But one is holding back, keeping things in, and it may just put a strain on that friendship.
The story is written in first person, switching from Brynne and Portland's POV. We as the reader get a big glimpse at their struggles, trials and triumphs. Samantha March pens a story with so much truth and reality to it, I found it so hard to put this down when I really needed sleep at night. I needed to know how things were going to play out. What was going to happen to this friendship? The truth of the matter is, things like this happen all too often. I could see myself and others in both of these ladies. I think this author gets better and better with each book she writes and I'm looking forward to the future.
June 13, 2015
Friends for a reason, friends for a season, or friends for a lifetime? After being best friends for seven years, Brynne and Portland seem to be friends for a lifetime, but they still have some secrets from each other. Does being best friends mean you have to share everything? There are many reasons you might want to keep a secret: fear of being judged, denial, protecting someone, embarrassment, privacy, and the list goes on. If you don't tell each other everything, does that mean you really are friends?
In this contemporary women's fiction, Samantha March explores the relationship between two friends. The novel kept me engaged the whole way through. I found both Brynne and Portland likeable and relatable characters. The plot took a twist I wasn't expecting which took to story onto a whole new level. I loved how the epilogue wrapped everything up and answered all my questions. This is the first novel I have read my Samantha March, but it won't be the last.
In this contemporary women's fiction, Samantha March explores the relationship between two friends. The novel kept me engaged the whole way through. I found both Brynne and Portland likeable and relatable characters. The plot took a twist I wasn't expecting which took to story onto a whole new level. I loved how the epilogue wrapped everything up and answered all my questions. This is the first novel I have read my Samantha March, but it won't be the last.
February 22, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. It tells the true story of what happens in a friendship when you think everything is perfect. It's a story of friendship and internal relationships with yourself. It saddened me that at times while reading about how the girls viewed one another's lives, I thought about how I view my own friend's lives and it's unfair to judge them cause you never will know the whole story. I think I enjoyed this book so much because of that, it gets you thinking. Almost every woman I know has been guilty of doing that one time or another. Samantha has a great way of connecting the story to real life situations that woman go through, she's an amazing story teller. I highly recommend this 5 star book as a book club book or to anyone who likes a novel that gets you thinking.
k718.wordpress.com
k718.wordpress.com
June 29, 2016
True friendship never dies!
It really took me a long time to get into this book. I felt it was very juvenile in the beginning. It was almost like a high schooler was writing it for a class project. About half way thru it started to have depth and meaning and the characters came alive. It was at that point, I didn't want to put it down. Every woman should read this book. The message is that important.
It really took me a long time to get into this book. I felt it was very juvenile in the beginning. It was almost like a high schooler was writing it for a class project. About half way thru it started to have depth and meaning and the characters came alive. It was at that point, I didn't want to put it down. Every woman should read this book. The message is that important.
March 8, 2014
The friendship between Portland and Brynne was very believable. Too often we sometimes try to keep up appearances, not realizing that everyone is going through something. The issues discussed in this novel are all too real and happen in everyday life. Samantha kept you engaged throughout the whole book.
April 29, 2014
Wow. What an incredible, powerful book
December 23, 2019
(3.5 stars) Brynne and Portland are two women living in a small town in Maine. They’ve been best friends for ages, but their lives have always been set on different courses. Behind two seemingly perfect marriages, one woman is struggling to conceive and gets potentially life-threatening news from the doctor. The other is watching her marriage crumble before her eyes and is coping with betrayal that connects back to her childhood. A Questionable Friendship grapples with the question of how much trust a friend is owed and what can happen when you feel like the only person you can trust is yourself.
I feel like I can always count on Samantha March to tell a compelling story about women’s friendship and this novel was just further proof of that. Before this, I’d only read the books from her The Six series and I’ve liked those quite a bit. A Questionable Friendship met the expectations I came in with. It was a good story with likeable characters and an engrossing plot. Her writing is a tad clunky and it sometimes feels like you’re being told facts rather than shown a story, but I don’t pick up a novel like this to read a literary masterwork. This is the type of book I pick up to have a quick, lighthearted read where I can just sit back and enjoy the story. What I feel sets March apart from other writers of her caliber is her willingness to tackle dark and difficult subjects within her stories alongside the descriptions of makeup and girls nights out. This novel was no exception and in fact, took an even darker turn than I was expecting. I always have fun reading Samantha March novels and I will definitely keep picking them up.
I feel like I can always count on Samantha March to tell a compelling story about women’s friendship and this novel was just further proof of that. Before this, I’d only read the books from her The Six series and I’ve liked those quite a bit. A Questionable Friendship met the expectations I came in with. It was a good story with likeable characters and an engrossing plot. Her writing is a tad clunky and it sometimes feels like you’re being told facts rather than shown a story, but I don’t pick up a novel like this to read a literary masterwork. This is the type of book I pick up to have a quick, lighthearted read where I can just sit back and enjoy the story. What I feel sets March apart from other writers of her caliber is her willingness to tackle dark and difficult subjects within her stories alongside the descriptions of makeup and girls nights out. This novel was no exception and in fact, took an even darker turn than I was expecting. I always have fun reading Samantha March novels and I will definitely keep picking them up.
December 13, 2017
You can read my full review on my blog, www.asprettyasapeach.com. It contains slight spoilers, this review here will not.
Overall, I rated this at about a 2.5 on my blog. The good? This novel shows a side to friendship that we all have as women. No one tells their best friend everything, especially when they think their best friend's life is going great in comparison. However, there was a lot of not so good in the novel as well. That being said, I am going to continue to read from this author because I saw a potential.
The bad? There were grammar and spelling mistakes a few times, which bugs people like me who are literary freaks. I also didn't think it was realistic. Brynne had a perfect life, and honestly, the issue that arose for her seemed half-assed (read my review on my blog for details). It just seemed like she needed a problem but the author didn't go all the way for her to have a real problem. For Portland, she seemed like an afterthought a lot for me. She had filler scenes that meant nothing and she didn't seem as likable to me. She was boring and her ending was thrown together in a really weird way for me.
Overall, I'll definitely read more from this author because there was a good storyline, it just wasn't full executed.
Overall, I rated this at about a 2.5 on my blog. The good? This novel shows a side to friendship that we all have as women. No one tells their best friend everything, especially when they think their best friend's life is going great in comparison. However, there was a lot of not so good in the novel as well. That being said, I am going to continue to read from this author because I saw a potential.
The bad? There were grammar and spelling mistakes a few times, which bugs people like me who are literary freaks. I also didn't think it was realistic. Brynne had a perfect life, and honestly, the issue that arose for her seemed half-assed (read my review on my blog for details). It just seemed like she needed a problem but the author didn't go all the way for her to have a real problem. For Portland, she seemed like an afterthought a lot for me. She had filler scenes that meant nothing and she didn't seem as likable to me. She was boring and her ending was thrown together in a really weird way for me.
Overall, I'll definitely read more from this author because there was a good storyline, it just wasn't full executed.
August 13, 2019
3.5 Stars!
This story takes us through the friendship of 2 women in their mid twenties and some of the ups and downs that come with all friendships. The first half of this book was hard to get into and seemed a little boring. However, it was worth powering through because the characters gained depth and became relatable. The friendship between Brynne and Portland has some very real elements to it that I found very easy to insert myself into. This story was emotionally moving and there is a message here that I feel is important.
With all of that said, I did find myself feeling like I didn't have the closure I wanted when the book ended. I needed a bit more.
Overall, I can see Samantha March's growth as an author in this book compared to her debut novel that I read last month. This in itself makes me want to pick up another book by March to see if she continues to grow in her craft.
This story takes us through the friendship of 2 women in their mid twenties and some of the ups and downs that come with all friendships. The first half of this book was hard to get into and seemed a little boring. However, it was worth powering through because the characters gained depth and became relatable. The friendship between Brynne and Portland has some very real elements to it that I found very easy to insert myself into. This story was emotionally moving and there is a message here that I feel is important.
With all of that said, I did find myself feeling like I didn't have the closure I wanted when the book ended. I needed a bit more.
Overall, I can see Samantha March's growth as an author in this book compared to her debut novel that I read last month. This in itself makes me want to pick up another book by March to see if she continues to grow in her craft.
January 10, 2021
Heartwrenching
A Questionable Friendship by Samantha March.
Having read The Christmas Surprise, I already knew how this was going to end; but also I didn't know how this was going to end. A Questionable Friendship follows two friends as they navigate through a rough time in their lives. They want to be there for each other but they don't want to burden each other with their own problems. The chapters alternate point of view between both women, giving the reader perspective into their loss, fears, betrayal, and heartbreak. Their story is heartwrenching but the end leaves the reader with an interesting and unexpected calmness.
Appreciate your loved ones while you have the time with them. Life goes by so quickly. We aren't ever guaranteed more time.
A Questionable Friendship by Samantha March.
Having read The Christmas Surprise, I already knew how this was going to end; but also I didn't know how this was going to end. A Questionable Friendship follows two friends as they navigate through a rough time in their lives. They want to be there for each other but they don't want to burden each other with their own problems. The chapters alternate point of view between both women, giving the reader perspective into their loss, fears, betrayal, and heartbreak. Their story is heartwrenching but the end leaves the reader with an interesting and unexpected calmness.
Appreciate your loved ones while you have the time with them. Life goes by so quickly. We aren't ever guaranteed more time.
April 7, 2018
This book was a lot of fun! Samantha March is one of my favorite Youtubers, so I was super excited to pick up her book, and it did not disappoint! The story was fun and interesting, and I don't read a lot of realistic fiction centered on adults, but I enjoyed it. The characters were believable and I was rooting for them the whole way through. The ending wasn't my personal favorite, but it also was believable yet unexpected, and it definitely wasn't bad. My favorite part of the book was the relationships, especially between the two main characters. I liked the take on friendships and other relationships. Overall, I really enjoyed it!
September 21, 2018
Wow! So couldnt put down!!
When I first started reading this, I thought for sure one friend was going to end up with the other friends spouse or something. Totally didn't see this ending and I loved it! I'm all for anything this author puts out to print! She's a great YouTuber as well for beauty!
When I first started reading this, I thought for sure one friend was going to end up with the other friends spouse or something. Totally didn't see this ending and I loved it! I'm all for anything this author puts out to print! She's a great YouTuber as well for beauty!
September 14, 2020
Twist out of left field.
I am really enjoying everything Samantha March produces. She gets right into the plot with out making you feel like you are missing pieces. You learn about her characters over time just like getting to know a person in real life. These two woman are amazing and show real feeling and insecurities. Will for sure have you feeling all the things!
I am really enjoying everything Samantha March produces. She gets right into the plot with out making you feel like you are missing pieces. You learn about her characters over time just like getting to know a person in real life. These two woman are amazing and show real feeling and insecurities. Will for sure have you feeling all the things!
September 22, 2017
Left me wanting more
I enjoyed this book and watching the characters develop but the ending seemed abrupt and I felt that there were still unanswered questions about each of the characters.
I enjoyed this book and watching the characters develop but the ending seemed abrupt and I felt that there were still unanswered questions about each of the characters.
February 21, 2020
Stick with it
I struggled to get into this book at first but once I did I couldn’t put it down! Such amazing storytelling which ignited my imagination. Great book, highly recommend.
I struggled to get into this book at first but once I did I couldn’t put it down! Such amazing storytelling which ignited my imagination. Great book, highly recommend.
April 8, 2021
I enjoyed every minute of A questionable friendship I felt like I was there with The girls through it all. I have just recently gotten back in to reading and I am Loving every one of Samantha March books that I have read she is an amazing author.
September 11, 2022
I cannot finish this book. As soon as she said "loving the crunch the avocado provided" I was done. Girl, what? What kind of avocados are you eating? This book feels juvenile. I guess I'm not the target demographic because this is definitely not a book for me.
October 25, 2017
Fantastic read!
Story drew me in and kept me hooked. It makes you think about all your friendships and recognize just how important those friendships are. Highly recommend this one!
Story drew me in and kept me hooked. It makes you think about all your friendships and recognize just how important those friendships are. Highly recommend this one!
September 29, 2019
The story itself is fine, but there's quite a few grammatical and spelling errors
May 25, 2021
Not a great author. Stick to YouTube lol.
August 12, 2019
5 Stars, Unquestionably. :)
WOW!! Bravo! What an amazing story!! What an ending!! I finished the book two days ago, but could not imagine writing a review that would give Samantha March’s story proper justice. I have been savoring the memory of the story from beginning to end, as this is a story that will be left with you. You will carry it in your heart! This I promise you! You will find yourself questioning at least one of your friendships, and wonder if you are doing as these two friends did….you will look at your marriage, your life…everything will look very different. I learned quite a few lessons while reading this story. KUDOS to Samantha March! She sends a powerful message in this story….One we all need to hear.
Let me say that the book is superbly written….it flowed perfectly from the first word to the last. Samantha March is very talented story-teller and I just purchased her other books and look forward to reading them (there are two others available right now) and to all of her future stories. I hope she has one on the horizon…sooner, rather than later.
We are introduced to two Best Friends, Brynne and Portland. They live in Maine. Both are married, Brynne has a four-year-old daughter; to whom Portland is the Godmother. Brynne owns a book store called “EJ Reads”, named after her daughter, Emmy Jo. Portland works at the bookstore just to get out of the house, as her husband Trent is successful enough that she does not have to work. They share vacations, holidays and dinner once a week after which Brynne and Portland catch up on a “Real Housewives” episode, and their husbands, Aaron and Trent play pool or just hang out. They feel they are more like family than just friends.
They met when they were put together as roommates in college, and they are now 25 years old. They trust that they are the best of friends, and believe they know everything about one another. The question is: Are they truly being honest with one another? What makes a best friend?
I loved a quote from the book, “We never learned how to be grownups with each other”!! Makes you think doesn’t it!! I bet you have one (or more) friends that you walk this fine line with…..You will certainly think of at least one. You will wonder why you prefer to walk around acting like your life is so perfect, when there may be flaws…and you may need help with something. What makes us want our friends to look at us through rose-colored glasses?
They each try to not “bother” the other with their true issues: The issues that a best friend should be available to help with or at least listen. They each feel the other has a perfect life. Yet, neither of them does. This story still has me reeling with thoughts. Would things have been better for each of them if they were more open with one another…
The ending of this story will SHOCK you. I have not been this shocked by anything since seeing the movie, “The Sixth Sense”. And, no, it is not the same storyline type of shock; it is the magnitude of it. I had to re-read one line…..over and over and over.
This book should be read by every woman that has a best friend. Significant other.
Or, A Questionable Friendship!
WOW!! Bravo! What an amazing story!! What an ending!! I finished the book two days ago, but could not imagine writing a review that would give Samantha March’s story proper justice. I have been savoring the memory of the story from beginning to end, as this is a story that will be left with you. You will carry it in your heart! This I promise you! You will find yourself questioning at least one of your friendships, and wonder if you are doing as these two friends did….you will look at your marriage, your life…everything will look very different. I learned quite a few lessons while reading this story. KUDOS to Samantha March! She sends a powerful message in this story….One we all need to hear.
Let me say that the book is superbly written….it flowed perfectly from the first word to the last. Samantha March is very talented story-teller and I just purchased her other books and look forward to reading them (there are two others available right now) and to all of her future stories. I hope she has one on the horizon…sooner, rather than later.
We are introduced to two Best Friends, Brynne and Portland. They live in Maine. Both are married, Brynne has a four-year-old daughter; to whom Portland is the Godmother. Brynne owns a book store called “EJ Reads”, named after her daughter, Emmy Jo. Portland works at the bookstore just to get out of the house, as her husband Trent is successful enough that she does not have to work. They share vacations, holidays and dinner once a week after which Brynne and Portland catch up on a “Real Housewives” episode, and their husbands, Aaron and Trent play pool or just hang out. They feel they are more like family than just friends.
They met when they were put together as roommates in college, and they are now 25 years old. They trust that they are the best of friends, and believe they know everything about one another. The question is: Are they truly being honest with one another? What makes a best friend?
I loved a quote from the book, “We never learned how to be grownups with each other”!! Makes you think doesn’t it!! I bet you have one (or more) friends that you walk this fine line with…..You will certainly think of at least one. You will wonder why you prefer to walk around acting like your life is so perfect, when there may be flaws…and you may need help with something. What makes us want our friends to look at us through rose-colored glasses?
They each try to not “bother” the other with their true issues: The issues that a best friend should be available to help with or at least listen. They each feel the other has a perfect life. Yet, neither of them does. This story still has me reeling with thoughts. Would things have been better for each of them if they were more open with one another…
The ending of this story will SHOCK you. I have not been this shocked by anything since seeing the movie, “The Sixth Sense”. And, no, it is not the same storyline type of shock; it is the magnitude of it. I had to re-read one line…..over and over and over.
This book should be read by every woman that has a best friend. Significant other.
Or, A Questionable Friendship!
April 16, 2014
This book revolves around the close friendship of Brynne and Portland and their respective husbands. The girls became friends at college with Brynne dropping out of college to marry her college sweetheart and Portland leaving college and moving to the same area to be close to Brynne.
They work together in Brynne's business EJ's Bookstore and coffee shop and spend all their spare time together. You'd think that they would know and tell each other absolutely everything about themselves and what was happening in their lives but it turns out not to be the case. Both have their own problems and try to deal with them alone putting a 'face on' for their friends.
It's funny how close the two girls were and yet how guarded they both were with what was happening in their own lives - both feeling the need to hold back, not wanting to shatter the others illusion of their 'perfect' marriage. Both thinking their marriage was the lesser and the other having a more perfect relationship.
This book demonstrates how friendships and relationships no matter how strong can be quite superficial. How many times have we all smiled and said 'I'm alright' when we're peddling like mad below the surface. Not wanting to share our problems either for fear of upsetting the friend or having an opinion of ourselves altered. I think it is built into us to cope alone and often we only confide in a friend once we know what path we are taking and have worked out a solution for ourselves. The problem is when we are smiling and saying everything is fine - those close to us know the truth and can read it in our face.
I had to keep reminding myself that both girls were only 25 in this novel, fairly young to be dealing with the issues that they had faced and were facing now - both came across as well developed strong characters that were likeable from the start. I liked the fact that Portlands dad and girlfriend came into the story, completing her picture for me but I would have liked a bit more about Brynne and feel there is still a story to be told there. So many times I thought there was a sub plot emerging and 'something' was going to happen for it to just move on.
I reached the end of the book and was a little disappointed - 'what, how can it just end like that?' Then Samantha pulled a genius ball out of the bag with the epilogue. All in all this was an enjoyable read that I only put down when I had to and I thought it was a very insightful look into friendships, trust and the image we portray - so very true to life. It highlights insecurities and shows that if we can scratch the surface the picture underneath is not always the same. I defy anyone reading this book not to see a little bit of themselves in the way they are a friend or the friends they have.
They work together in Brynne's business EJ's Bookstore and coffee shop and spend all their spare time together. You'd think that they would know and tell each other absolutely everything about themselves and what was happening in their lives but it turns out not to be the case. Both have their own problems and try to deal with them alone putting a 'face on' for their friends.
It's funny how close the two girls were and yet how guarded they both were with what was happening in their own lives - both feeling the need to hold back, not wanting to shatter the others illusion of their 'perfect' marriage. Both thinking their marriage was the lesser and the other having a more perfect relationship.
This book demonstrates how friendships and relationships no matter how strong can be quite superficial. How many times have we all smiled and said 'I'm alright' when we're peddling like mad below the surface. Not wanting to share our problems either for fear of upsetting the friend or having an opinion of ourselves altered. I think it is built into us to cope alone and often we only confide in a friend once we know what path we are taking and have worked out a solution for ourselves. The problem is when we are smiling and saying everything is fine - those close to us know the truth and can read it in our face.
I had to keep reminding myself that both girls were only 25 in this novel, fairly young to be dealing with the issues that they had faced and were facing now - both came across as well developed strong characters that were likeable from the start. I liked the fact that Portlands dad and girlfriend came into the story, completing her picture for me but I would have liked a bit more about Brynne and feel there is still a story to be told there. So many times I thought there was a sub plot emerging and 'something' was going to happen for it to just move on.
I reached the end of the book and was a little disappointed - 'what, how can it just end like that?' Then Samantha pulled a genius ball out of the bag with the epilogue. All in all this was an enjoyable read that I only put down when I had to and I thought it was a very insightful look into friendships, trust and the image we portray - so very true to life. It highlights insecurities and shows that if we can scratch the surface the picture underneath is not always the same. I defy anyone reading this book not to see a little bit of themselves in the way they are a friend or the friends they have.
August 3, 2014
Review originally posted here: http://www.chicksthatread.com/the-blo...
Brynne and Portland are best friends since college, now seven years later they are both married and live in the same town. Still, the two of them couldn’t be more different. Not only their past is very different, but also the life they live now.
Brynne is happily married to Aaron, who is just so caring and sweet and a great father as well. Their daughter Emmy Jo is so sweet and adorable (sorry, I might have a little thing for cute kids in books…)
Portland on the other hand had a difficult childhood, coping with her mother’s death and she doesn’t seem very happy in her marriage.
The two women grow apart more and more, not telling each other everything anymore and then these rumours about Port’s husband Trent come up. Everything about her mother’s death comes up again.
Brynne is struggeling with her health, trying to figure out what is wrong with her. Aaron is there every step of the way and their little girl is lifting up the mood all the time.
Portland is struggling with her marriage, but she doesn’t say a word to her best friend. She doesn’t visit them anymore, cancels her shifts at the store. She was spinning a big web of lies, not getting out of them anymore. Brynne is confused and doesn’t know what to do about it. I was glad that she had her husband through all of it.
Their friendship was put on a big test and I always had to remind myself that they were both just 25 years old. I was impressed with Brynne’s strength and her attitude about it all.
The drama increased dramatically towards the end of the book, opening a lot of questions about their friendship and what could have been different. I just wanted both of them to find their happiness and lead a normal life. Unfortunately, it only seemed possible for one of them and Portland seemed to realise that her friend had it all. She was happy for her friend, but she couldn’t talk to her anymore. I was pretty shocked with her behaviour at one point and then I still had her husband in mind... What was he capable of doing?
I totally understand where the story ended and the epilogue is very clever and great. However, for me there was something missing, especially things about Brynne were left open.
Samantha’s writing is very entertaining and I liked that she changed the perspective between Portland and Brynne, because both of them had something to say and it made me feel close to both women. It’s a great book about friendship and it’s very different, which is a good thing. Samantha found a vivid way to create an engaging story, well done
Brynne and Portland are best friends since college, now seven years later they are both married and live in the same town. Still, the two of them couldn’t be more different. Not only their past is very different, but also the life they live now.
Brynne is happily married to Aaron, who is just so caring and sweet and a great father as well. Their daughter Emmy Jo is so sweet and adorable (sorry, I might have a little thing for cute kids in books…)
Portland on the other hand had a difficult childhood, coping with her mother’s death and she doesn’t seem very happy in her marriage.
The two women grow apart more and more, not telling each other everything anymore and then these rumours about Port’s husband Trent come up. Everything about her mother’s death comes up again.
Brynne is struggeling with her health, trying to figure out what is wrong with her. Aaron is there every step of the way and their little girl is lifting up the mood all the time.
Portland is struggling with her marriage, but she doesn’t say a word to her best friend. She doesn’t visit them anymore, cancels her shifts at the store. She was spinning a big web of lies, not getting out of them anymore. Brynne is confused and doesn’t know what to do about it. I was glad that she had her husband through all of it.
Their friendship was put on a big test and I always had to remind myself that they were both just 25 years old. I was impressed with Brynne’s strength and her attitude about it all.
The drama increased dramatically towards the end of the book, opening a lot of questions about their friendship and what could have been different. I just wanted both of them to find their happiness and lead a normal life. Unfortunately, it only seemed possible for one of them and Portland seemed to realise that her friend had it all. She was happy for her friend, but she couldn’t talk to her anymore. I was pretty shocked with her behaviour at one point and then I still had her husband in mind... What was he capable of doing?
I totally understand where the story ended and the epilogue is very clever and great. However, for me there was something missing, especially things about Brynne were left open.
Samantha’s writing is very entertaining and I liked that she changed the perspective between Portland and Brynne, because both of them had something to say and it made me feel close to both women. It’s a great book about friendship and it’s very different, which is a good thing. Samantha found a vivid way to create an engaging story, well done
April 21, 2014
Do you ever really know your best friend? Outward appearances mask personal issues and secrets ... and what really goes on behind closed doors ...
Two best friends since college ... both with the outward appearance of perfect marriages and shared lives ... but when it comes to personal issues, they hold each other at a distance with their deeply held secrets ... it makes a person question if they really do have true friendships ...
In A Questionable Friendship, author Samantha March departs from the usual Chick Lit genre with an emotional tale that takes a look behind the closed doors of a longtime friendship between two women, and their personal trials and tribulations that will test the bonds and strength of their friendship.
Set in Delaney, Maine and written in the alternating first person narrative, the reader follows the friendship and personal lives of Brynne Ropert and Portland Dolish. Both are married to successful men and have the outward appearance of a perfect marriage, but behind closed doors these best friends struggle with personal issues (health, marital, family, and illegal activity) that they keep to themselves, secrets that will test the strength of their friendship.
A Questionable Friendship is an intriguing and real life exploration into friendships, from outward appearances to inner struggles and triumphs, that questions the bond and truth of a friendship when everything is not as it seems. I couldn't help but get drawn into Brynne and Portland's story, I found it easy to relate and sympathize with them as they struggled with personal issues that life threw their way. This is a story that stress the point that no one ever really knows what happens behind closed doors, or what a person is really dealing with in their life.
Author Samantha March weaves a realistic and dramatic tale of friendship and intimate relationships that made me ponder about how well I know my own friendships, and how well I deal with my own intimate relationships. I applaud the author for addressing serious life issues that the women dealt with in a thoughtful and realistic manner, she makes it easy for the reader to relate to and connect with the characters and the trials and tribulations that they faced.
A Questionable Friendship is a compelling and powerful story that will tug at the heartstrings and leave an imprint on your soul.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Two best friends since college ... both with the outward appearance of perfect marriages and shared lives ... but when it comes to personal issues, they hold each other at a distance with their deeply held secrets ... it makes a person question if they really do have true friendships ...
In A Questionable Friendship, author Samantha March departs from the usual Chick Lit genre with an emotional tale that takes a look behind the closed doors of a longtime friendship between two women, and their personal trials and tribulations that will test the bonds and strength of their friendship.
Set in Delaney, Maine and written in the alternating first person narrative, the reader follows the friendship and personal lives of Brynne Ropert and Portland Dolish. Both are married to successful men and have the outward appearance of a perfect marriage, but behind closed doors these best friends struggle with personal issues (health, marital, family, and illegal activity) that they keep to themselves, secrets that will test the strength of their friendship.
A Questionable Friendship is an intriguing and real life exploration into friendships, from outward appearances to inner struggles and triumphs, that questions the bond and truth of a friendship when everything is not as it seems. I couldn't help but get drawn into Brynne and Portland's story, I found it easy to relate and sympathize with them as they struggled with personal issues that life threw their way. This is a story that stress the point that no one ever really knows what happens behind closed doors, or what a person is really dealing with in their life.
Author Samantha March weaves a realistic and dramatic tale of friendship and intimate relationships that made me ponder about how well I know my own friendships, and how well I deal with my own intimate relationships. I applaud the author for addressing serious life issues that the women dealt with in a thoughtful and realistic manner, she makes it easy for the reader to relate to and connect with the characters and the trials and tribulations that they faced.
A Questionable Friendship is a compelling and powerful story that will tug at the heartstrings and leave an imprint on your soul.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
August 4, 2014
Brynne and Portland are best friends since college, now seven years later they are both married and live in the same town. Still, the two of them couldn’t be more different. Not only their past is very different, but also the life they live now.
Brynne is happily married to Aaron, who is just so caring and sweet and a great father as well. Their daughter Emmy Jo is so sweet and adorable (sorry, I might have a little thing for cute kids in books…)
Portland on the other hand had a difficult childhood, coping with her mother’s death and she doesn’t seem very happy in her marriage.
The two women grow apart more and more, not telling each other everything anymore and then these rumours about Port’s husband Trent come up. Everything about her mother’s death comes up again.
Brynne is struggeling with her health, trying to figure out what is wrong with her. Aaron is there every step of the way and their little girl is lifting up the mood all the time.
Portland is struggling with her marriage, but she doesn’t say a word to her best friend. She doesn’t visit them anymore, cancels her shifts at the store. She was spinning a big web of lies, not getting out of them anymore. Brynne is confused and doesn’t know what to do about it. I was glad that she had her husband through all of it.
Their friendship was put on a big test and I always had to remind myself that they were both just 25 years old. I was impressed with Brynne’s strength and her attitude about it all.
The drama increased dramatically towards the end of the book, opening a lot of questions about their friendship and what could have been different. I just wanted both of them to find their happiness and lead a normal life. Unfortunately, it only seemed possible for one of them and Portland seemed to realise that her friend had it all. She was happy for her friend, but she couldn’t talk to her anymore. I was pretty shocked with her behaviour at one point and then I still had her husband in mind... What was he capable of doing?
I totally understand where the story ended and the epilogue is very clever and great. However, for me there was something missing, especially things about Brynne were left open.
Samantha’s writing is very entertaining and I liked that she changed the perspective between Portland and Brynne, because both of them had something to say and it made me feel close to both women. It’s a great book about friendship and it’s very different, which is a good thing. Samantha found a vivid way to create an engaging story, well done .
Rating: 4/5
REVIEWED BY CHICKS THAT READ REVIEWER SIMONA ELENA
Brynne is happily married to Aaron, who is just so caring and sweet and a great father as well. Their daughter Emmy Jo is so sweet and adorable (sorry, I might have a little thing for cute kids in books…)
Portland on the other hand had a difficult childhood, coping with her mother’s death and she doesn’t seem very happy in her marriage.
The two women grow apart more and more, not telling each other everything anymore and then these rumours about Port’s husband Trent come up. Everything about her mother’s death comes up again.
Brynne is struggeling with her health, trying to figure out what is wrong with her. Aaron is there every step of the way and their little girl is lifting up the mood all the time.
Portland is struggling with her marriage, but she doesn’t say a word to her best friend. She doesn’t visit them anymore, cancels her shifts at the store. She was spinning a big web of lies, not getting out of them anymore. Brynne is confused and doesn’t know what to do about it. I was glad that she had her husband through all of it.
Their friendship was put on a big test and I always had to remind myself that they were both just 25 years old. I was impressed with Brynne’s strength and her attitude about it all.
The drama increased dramatically towards the end of the book, opening a lot of questions about their friendship and what could have been different. I just wanted both of them to find their happiness and lead a normal life. Unfortunately, it only seemed possible for one of them and Portland seemed to realise that her friend had it all. She was happy for her friend, but she couldn’t talk to her anymore. I was pretty shocked with her behaviour at one point and then I still had her husband in mind... What was he capable of doing?
I totally understand where the story ended and the epilogue is very clever and great. However, for me there was something missing, especially things about Brynne were left open.
Samantha’s writing is very entertaining and I liked that she changed the perspective between Portland and Brynne, because both of them had something to say and it made me feel close to both women. It’s a great book about friendship and it’s very different, which is a good thing. Samantha found a vivid way to create an engaging story, well done .
Rating: 4/5
REVIEWED BY CHICKS THAT READ REVIEWER SIMONA ELENA
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews