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As Close As Sisters
Since the age of twelve, McKenzie Arnold has spent every summer at Albany Beach, Delaware, with her best friends Aurora, Janine, and Lilly. The seaside house teems with thirty years of memories--some wonderful, others painful--and secrets never divulged beyond its walls. This summer may be the last they spend together, as Janine contemplates selling her family cottage. For now, all four enjoy morning beach walks and lazy evenings on the porch, celebrating Lilly's longed-for pregnancy and offering support during McKenzie's greatest crisis. It's a time for laughter and recriminations, a time to forge a new understanding of a long-ago night when Aurora sealed their bond with one devastating act. And as the days gradually shorten, events will unfold in ways that none of them could have predicted, to make this the most momentous summer of all.
In a deeply moving novel filled with heartbreak and warmth, Colleen Faulkner explores the complex ties between four very different women as they move through life together, and apart.
In a deeply moving novel filled with heartbreak and warmth, Colleen Faulkner explores the complex ties between four very different women as they move through life together, and apart.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
137 people are currently reading
1419 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
September 30, 2014
***** 5 Meaningful Stars*****
(Arc kindly provided by Netgalley)
Having real and meaningful friendships is a treasure worth keeping and fighting for in life. Too often we put pressure on ouqrselves to find love and a person to call our soul mates, but what we don't realize is that, that person could already be there, a friend who loves and accept us no matter what until the end of time. This book is about that, it puts in perspective how important those friendships are, the ones that last through seasons, heartbreaks and celebrations, the ones that are always there.
This is a story about four friends; they have known each other since their teens and now all in their forties they continue to nourish and cherish the friendship. Ever since they can remember they always get together during summer in a beach house that harbors events and memories that are equally bright and dark but nonetheless important for these women. They are all very different but complement each other in the best possible ways and they are:
Aurora: She's the free spirited artist who never puts roots down anywhere, she enjoys and embraces life and she doesn't care who she pisses off in order to do what she wants. She's considered the strongest character in the group, in their eyes, Aurora can withstand anything and never crumble, she can carry the weight of the group's darkest secrets and still enjoy life.
Janine: She's a cop and that totally transcends into her personality, she keeps the order in the group, she's not very good at expressing her feelings but they are deeper and more complex than anyone else's. Her tragedy, in a way is whats solidified the important bond these girls share. Doesn't matter how much darkness Janine carries within her, she's always there for the rest, she never fails, she always makes them feel the love but in her own way.
Mackenzie:Divorced, mother of teen girls and sick with stage four lung cancer. Mack is the planner of the group, she makes sure they always get together, that no one forgets any important dates or events, she's also the one who keeps everyone's secrets.
Lilian: The only one married, and at forty two expecting her first child. She's the one who mothers everyone else, she takes cares of meals, gifts, and anything else everyone might need. She's the crier and the most sensitive, her sweetness is the one thing they all cringe at, but secretly love and can't live without.
They all hate and love the beach house since the night of the awful tragedy they experienced at such a young age, yet every year they come back to this place that for better or for worse is their turf, their legacy. This year emotions are running high as Mackenzie's illness has promised to make this reunion their last as a fabulous foursome. Secrets will be revealed and twists will come to play, making the dynamics between the women change but no matter what, nothing will affect the truth in the fact that they are as close as sisters…
I love books like this; stories that leave me feeling hopeful and excited about life. It feels like magic to me when an author can reach inside your heart through meaningful words; that in fact is the meaning of real magic to me. This book is precious and I plan on buying a copy for every single one of my friends and share the magic. As Close as Sisters was a really wonderful story, one nobody should pass up; loved it!!!! : )
(Arc kindly provided by Netgalley)
Having real and meaningful friendships is a treasure worth keeping and fighting for in life. Too often we put pressure on ouqrselves to find love and a person to call our soul mates, but what we don't realize is that, that person could already be there, a friend who loves and accept us no matter what until the end of time. This book is about that, it puts in perspective how important those friendships are, the ones that last through seasons, heartbreaks and celebrations, the ones that are always there.
This is a story about four friends; they have known each other since their teens and now all in their forties they continue to nourish and cherish the friendship. Ever since they can remember they always get together during summer in a beach house that harbors events and memories that are equally bright and dark but nonetheless important for these women. They are all very different but complement each other in the best possible ways and they are:
Aurora: She's the free spirited artist who never puts roots down anywhere, she enjoys and embraces life and she doesn't care who she pisses off in order to do what she wants. She's considered the strongest character in the group, in their eyes, Aurora can withstand anything and never crumble, she can carry the weight of the group's darkest secrets and still enjoy life.
Janine: She's a cop and that totally transcends into her personality, she keeps the order in the group, she's not very good at expressing her feelings but they are deeper and more complex than anyone else's. Her tragedy, in a way is whats solidified the important bond these girls share. Doesn't matter how much darkness Janine carries within her, she's always there for the rest, she never fails, she always makes them feel the love but in her own way.
Mackenzie:Divorced, mother of teen girls and sick with stage four lung cancer. Mack is the planner of the group, she makes sure they always get together, that no one forgets any important dates or events, she's also the one who keeps everyone's secrets.
Lilian: The only one married, and at forty two expecting her first child. She's the one who mothers everyone else, she takes cares of meals, gifts, and anything else everyone might need. She's the crier and the most sensitive, her sweetness is the one thing they all cringe at, but secretly love and can't live without.
They all hate and love the beach house since the night of the awful tragedy they experienced at such a young age, yet every year they come back to this place that for better or for worse is their turf, their legacy. This year emotions are running high as Mackenzie's illness has promised to make this reunion their last as a fabulous foursome. Secrets will be revealed and twists will come to play, making the dynamics between the women change but no matter what, nothing will affect the truth in the fact that they are as close as sisters…
I love books like this; stories that leave me feeling hopeful and excited about life. It feels like magic to me when an author can reach inside your heart through meaningful words; that in fact is the meaning of real magic to me. This book is precious and I plan on buying a copy for every single one of my friends and share the magic. As Close as Sisters was a really wonderful story, one nobody should pass up; loved it!!!! : )
September 21, 2017
WOW! I loved this book! This book is about friendship, secrets, and heartbreak. This book is moving, heartwarming and emotional on so many levels. I loved it! 5 stars from me!!!
July 15, 2015
AS CLOSE AS SISTERS is a very heart warming and emotional story. I fell in love with each one of these women even though I didn't always like what they did or said. I was emotionally invested in their stories and had to see the story through to see how it ended. Mackenzie doesn't want her daughters to stop living their lives just because she is dying. She tells them she couldn't handle that. But she can't help but feel a bit jealous at the relationships they share with her girlfriends. My heart just broke for her. It was not the ending I was expecting and that made me love this book even more. I have never read anything by Colleen Faulkner before and now I can't wait to read more.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2018
Predivna , pomalo tuzna prica o cetiri prijateljice koje su medjusobno povezane tajnom iz djetinjstva te tradicijom ljetovanja u maloj kucici, u gradu Albany Beachu. Ovo ljetovanje bi moglo biti i posljednje jer se pocinju dogadjati stvari koje niko ne bi mogao predvidjeti - ali su njihovi dani svejedno ispunjeni trenucima smijeha i prisjecanja svih ludosti tokom njihovog visegodisnjeg prijateljstva. Velika preporuka za ljubitelje drame.
October 6, 2014
A special thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars
A heartwarming and moving novel As Close as Sisters, by Colleen Faulkner of four best friends with a dark secret.
McKenzie Arnold has thyroid cancer and has worked its way into her lungs. Her best friends (Aurora, Janine, and Lilly) are set to arrive at the beach cottage (circa 1935) on Albany Beach, Delaware. She decides she will arrive a day early in order to rest up so can enjoy the visit, and open the house to prepare. The house sets empty during the year, and they are the only guests.
They all keep a journal of their annual visit, and she thinks she should get a pass on writing; however, Aurora disagrees, as she thinks I should take my turn, while the option is still available. They call themselves girls, even though they are forty-two years old. The house holds so many memories and this will most likely be the last visit, as Janine is thinking of selling the family cottages. Each time she walks in the house, she panics with past memories.
Mackenzie, former head librarian, is the mother of twin teen daughters (age 17), Mia/Maura divorced, and has thyroid and lung cancer. Her husband has remarried with a child and supports them; still has her humor even with the illness, and sometimes is not realistic about her condition. A keeper of secrets.
Janine suffers from sexual abuse as a child, now a cop, like her father; offers her control; something she did not have as a child; oldest of the friends, and protective.
Lilian (Lilly) is the only one in the group who is married and at age forty-two is expecting her first child. She handles the meals, the most sensitive of the group.
Aurora is the free spirited of the group, an internationally celebrated sculptor and artist, and appears to be the strongest of the group.
So many things have happened over the years, after Buddy died, (Sergeant at the Albany Beach Police Dept), after Janine cut her hair, after Lily lost her mom, after Mackenzie became an ordinary person she never wanted to be.
Now, the girls enjoy their time together, as each have their own tragedies, loss, loves, and joy with their own unique personalities. As they work towards renewing their friendship, and reinvention, secrets are revealed after a tragedy of one night years ago. A deeply moving novel exploring the complexities of relationships and friendships.
Fans of Holly Chamberlain, Elin Hilderbrand, and Nancy Thayer will enjoy. Nice cover!
A heartwarming and moving novel As Close as Sisters, by Colleen Faulkner of four best friends with a dark secret.
McKenzie Arnold has thyroid cancer and has worked its way into her lungs. Her best friends (Aurora, Janine, and Lilly) are set to arrive at the beach cottage (circa 1935) on Albany Beach, Delaware. She decides she will arrive a day early in order to rest up so can enjoy the visit, and open the house to prepare. The house sets empty during the year, and they are the only guests.
They all keep a journal of their annual visit, and she thinks she should get a pass on writing; however, Aurora disagrees, as she thinks I should take my turn, while the option is still available. They call themselves girls, even though they are forty-two years old. The house holds so many memories and this will most likely be the last visit, as Janine is thinking of selling the family cottages. Each time she walks in the house, she panics with past memories.
Mackenzie, former head librarian, is the mother of twin teen daughters (age 17), Mia/Maura divorced, and has thyroid and lung cancer. Her husband has remarried with a child and supports them; still has her humor even with the illness, and sometimes is not realistic about her condition. A keeper of secrets.
Janine suffers from sexual abuse as a child, now a cop, like her father; offers her control; something she did not have as a child; oldest of the friends, and protective.
Lilian (Lilly) is the only one in the group who is married and at age forty-two is expecting her first child. She handles the meals, the most sensitive of the group.
Aurora is the free spirited of the group, an internationally celebrated sculptor and artist, and appears to be the strongest of the group.
So many things have happened over the years, after Buddy died, (Sergeant at the Albany Beach Police Dept), after Janine cut her hair, after Lily lost her mom, after Mackenzie became an ordinary person she never wanted to be.
Now, the girls enjoy their time together, as each have their own tragedies, loss, loves, and joy with their own unique personalities. As they work towards renewing their friendship, and reinvention, secrets are revealed after a tragedy of one night years ago. A deeply moving novel exploring the complexities of relationships and friendships.
Fans of Holly Chamberlain, Elin Hilderbrand, and Nancy Thayer will enjoy. Nice cover!
October 20, 2014
This is the story of four women who have been friends almost forever. Every summer, they spend time together at the beach house one of them owns. This year things are a bit different. One is in the later stages of cancer. One is expecting a baby after many unsuccessful tries. The other two each have secrets. The story revolves around each woman’s actions and reactions during their stay at the beach house. It is a poignant tale of love, trust and honesty. I found the revelations each woman had interesting but definitely not earth shattering. Thus, though the book moves along at a solid clip, I found sometimes it dragged on and on and was waiting for something exciting to happen. If the reader is expecting something exciting or action filled, this is not the book for you. However, the book has a lot of merit, exploring the interrelationships between each of the women, as they react to what is happening and as they gradually learn new truths about each other. The setting was great. The character development was quite good. I guess I just found the story lacked oomph for me. I guess I am too used to action filled novels I read and expect more from books. I think this novel has a place today, for we all like to read and learn about relationships, how they were formed and how they stand the test of time despite new twists and turns that occur that might damage them. The ending was a bit unexpected, though I was waiting for something to clinch it all, and this ending did that for me. I recommend this book to a reader enjoying a good, solid read about the lives of everyday women today—women who are trying to cope with whatever life throws at them and succeeding at such. I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2014
McKenzie, Aurora, Lilly and Janine have been spending summers at Janine's family Delaware beach cottage since the girls were twelve. At fourteen, a tragic accident happened sealing their relationships forever. Nearly three decades later they've grown AS CLOSE AS SISTERS (KensingtonBooks) and life continues to be complicated. They've survived high-school, college, ex-boyfriends, ex-husbands, estranged children and relationships so mis-matched at times, yet they've stayed together through it all.
But this summer may be their last. Janine is considering selling the cottage and McKenzie has stage four thyroid cancer which has spread to her lungs. Each woman is struggling with their friend's impending death in her own way and it's not always pretty. But that's what makes AS CLOSE AS SISTERS work, the messiness of it. Life isn't easy when things are going well, let alone when there's a problem like cancer to be dealt with or any other number of challenges. I find hope in the fact they've cherished and protected their friendships for decades. Who does than anymore? Colleen Faulkner delivers a beautiful honest story of trust and love in AS CLOSE AS SISTERS and it's my wish every woman gets to read it.
Thanks to Netgalley http://www.netgalley.com and Kensington Books http://www.kensingtonbooks.com for providing a kindle copy for an honest review. Check out http://www.ColleenFaulknernovels.blog... for all things COLLEEN. You can find my website at http://www.cindyroesel.com
AS CLOSE AS SISTERS will be published Tuesday, October 28th.
But this summer may be their last. Janine is considering selling the cottage and McKenzie has stage four thyroid cancer which has spread to her lungs. Each woman is struggling with their friend's impending death in her own way and it's not always pretty. But that's what makes AS CLOSE AS SISTERS work, the messiness of it. Life isn't easy when things are going well, let alone when there's a problem like cancer to be dealt with or any other number of challenges. I find hope in the fact they've cherished and protected their friendships for decades. Who does than anymore? Colleen Faulkner delivers a beautiful honest story of trust and love in AS CLOSE AS SISTERS and it's my wish every woman gets to read it.
Thanks to Netgalley http://www.netgalley.com and Kensington Books http://www.kensingtonbooks.com for providing a kindle copy for an honest review. Check out http://www.ColleenFaulknernovels.blog... for all things COLLEEN. You can find my website at http://www.cindyroesel.com
AS CLOSE AS SISTERS will be published Tuesday, October 28th.
November 9, 2014
As Close As Sisters is a story of friendship. Four women who have known each other forever come together in an attempt to deal with impending tragedy. Janine, Lilly, Aurora, and McKenzie—each woman has a unique identity formed by life experiences that have them dealing with the heartbreaking news in vastly different ways. Secrets from the past are dragged into the light, bringing both anguish and a clearer understanding of their adolescent years. Through the tears and the laughter, the book revolves around the same solid core: that special sisterly sort of love the women share.
Colleen Faulkner writes a wonderfully honest, funny, often heart-wrenching account of how female relationships work. I found myself grinning and nodding at the dialogue. Every woman who has close female friends should read As Close As Sisters. I’ll be buying copies for my best friends for Christmas. If you’re a fan of books written by Elin Hilderbrand or Elizabeth Berg, you will enjoy this book. Highly recommended read.
Colleen Faulkner writes a wonderfully honest, funny, often heart-wrenching account of how female relationships work. I found myself grinning and nodding at the dialogue. Every woman who has close female friends should read As Close As Sisters. I’ll be buying copies for my best friends for Christmas. If you’re a fan of books written by Elin Hilderbrand or Elizabeth Berg, you will enjoy this book. Highly recommended read.
November 14, 2014
I loved this book- a book about four friends meeting at the beach house to share memories and their present worries and issues. Mackenzie will not see another summer together with her friends and their emotions are high. As the title says- they are as close as sisters.
The book draws you in to see how each of the characters manage their get together and all the secrets will be revealed. An event in their childhood bonded them together.
It teaches you to value your friendships. That 4 very different woman can care for each other and share everything.
One of those books that will stay with you a while!
The book draws you in to see how each of the characters manage their get together and all the secrets will be revealed. An event in their childhood bonded them together.
It teaches you to value your friendships. That 4 very different woman can care for each other and share everything.
One of those books that will stay with you a while!
February 13, 2015
This book has a wonderful premise, a group of women who have been close since their teen years are getting together at the lake house. Naturally, they have a tragedy in the past the ties them together and each one of them has secrets. The story line was......can't think of the right word. Predictable, maudlin, corny? The characters kept morphing into each other, to the point that it took me until the middle of the book to keep them straight. I am surprised at the number of 5 star reviews that this book has received, I'm obviously in the minority. I thought that it was just OK.
March 30, 2017
The protagonists in Colleen Faulkner’s As Close As Sisters grew up together and maintained their bonds of friendship through adulthood, marriage, motherhood and more, till now they’re forty-somethings facing change. MacKenzie might be dying. Her daughters might not know it. Lilly wants what MacKenzie had. Janine wants to sell the house. And Aurora—successful, independent Aurora—wants things to change or go back to being the same. But summer has come and summer will go. Life will go on, while lasts and firsts intertwine and fears and hopes switch places; while smiles pasted on faces become true images of the past. After all, what kept these four women together all this time, and what really happened to bind them?
The author creates very believable characters and lets them tell their own tales, at their own pace. Each person’s narration follows naturally from what went before, and the voices are so convincing it’s easy to tell who’s speaking when. The past is not so much secret as untouched, untested, making the novel’s mystery and emotions feel deeply honest and powerful. It’s a dark past, and it casts a long shadow over new lives and old. But it’s perfectly told in a novel that flows smoothly through genuine relationships, inviting the reader to draw near. I really enjoyed it.
Disclosure: I think the cover and the title hooked me, and I’m really glad they did.
The author creates very believable characters and lets them tell their own tales, at their own pace. Each person’s narration follows naturally from what went before, and the voices are so convincing it’s easy to tell who’s speaking when. The past is not so much secret as untouched, untested, making the novel’s mystery and emotions feel deeply honest and powerful. It’s a dark past, and it casts a long shadow over new lives and old. But it’s perfectly told in a novel that flows smoothly through genuine relationships, inviting the reader to draw near. I really enjoyed it.
Disclosure: I think the cover and the title hooked me, and I’m really glad they did.
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October 23, 2017I loved this book. Some might say it's a 'chick lit' book, but it's so much more. Made me wish I had close friends.
February 9, 2015
I was so lucky to get this book straight from the author for my Kindle by Colleen Faulkner. After reading her last book and super loving it, I couldn't wait to get to this one on my list of TBR.
We learn that McKenzie, Aurora, Janine and Lilly from the age of twelve always went back to Albany Beach, Delaware where they could play, and as they get older, catch up on each other and just be themselves bonding again.
Each of these lovely women have something going on. Aurora has her own demons to lay bare and overcome.
Janine has memories going back there which haunt her along with Aurora.
Lilly is pregnant when they meet up after years of not be able to have children. But more is going on in her life.
McKenzie has brought them altogether as she is dying from cancer and wants to enjoy herself with her best friends. Help them to cope with her due death. She also has two daughters who is this story seem detached at first from their Mother's illness and impending death until you read more into it.
I won't say anymore about the story as it was very touching, in parts emotional and in others very evocative and some fun in there too even among the tragedies.
This author has put together a friendship of women that grew up together, bonded and never lost that bond. You have privy and first seat of everything they do and everything they say.
I can't wait for more from this author as I really love her style of writing and she really gets into the heart and soul of 'each' of her characters she forms. I felt like I was among them.
Thank you Colleen for allowing me to read and pass a review of how I felt about your book
It was an honor to read this.
We learn that McKenzie, Aurora, Janine and Lilly from the age of twelve always went back to Albany Beach, Delaware where they could play, and as they get older, catch up on each other and just be themselves bonding again.
Each of these lovely women have something going on. Aurora has her own demons to lay bare and overcome.
Janine has memories going back there which haunt her along with Aurora.
Lilly is pregnant when they meet up after years of not be able to have children. But more is going on in her life.
McKenzie has brought them altogether as she is dying from cancer and wants to enjoy herself with her best friends. Help them to cope with her due death. She also has two daughters who is this story seem detached at first from their Mother's illness and impending death until you read more into it.
I won't say anymore about the story as it was very touching, in parts emotional and in others very evocative and some fun in there too even among the tragedies.
This author has put together a friendship of women that grew up together, bonded and never lost that bond. You have privy and first seat of everything they do and everything they say.
I can't wait for more from this author as I really love her style of writing and she really gets into the heart and soul of 'each' of her characters she forms. I felt like I was among them.
Thank you Colleen for allowing me to read and pass a review of how I felt about your book
It was an honor to read this.
December 30, 2014
I have always loved books that contain the dynamics of womens' friendships. These four women have known each other and have been close since they were 12, most of their lifetime. They accept each other, love each other and have been together through the best and worst times of their lives. There are still some secrets they all haven't shared and they bitch and moan sometimes at and about each other. But their relationship is an honest portrayal of girlfriends.
True friends love each other regardless of all the crap. They are so different, yet it doesnt matter.
They are loved regardless, and all of us should be so lucky To have one much less three girlfriends like they have. This year, as they get together as every year at the beach house Janine owns, this year is bittersweet. For this is the last year they will be a foursome. Mckenzie is dying of cancer and it seems this will be their last summer together as four friends. When you have always been together as four, the whole world shifts when you are all of a sudden three.
The story is told in the viewpoint of each of the four and gradually some truths come out, it seems this is the summer to let it all out as they all try to accept McKenzie's fate and how their lives will soon be without her.
I found this to also be an honest portrayal of someone with cancer or a terminal disease. How it affects their friends, their children, and themselves. At times it was so emotional I had to put the book down for a minute so I could absorb it all. Yet it was so good, I didn't want to stop reading.
This is the first book I have read by this author. I will definitely be looking for more.
True friends love each other regardless of all the crap. They are so different, yet it doesnt matter.
They are loved regardless, and all of us should be so lucky To have one much less three girlfriends like they have. This year, as they get together as every year at the beach house Janine owns, this year is bittersweet. For this is the last year they will be a foursome. Mckenzie is dying of cancer and it seems this will be their last summer together as four friends. When you have always been together as four, the whole world shifts when you are all of a sudden three.
The story is told in the viewpoint of each of the four and gradually some truths come out, it seems this is the summer to let it all out as they all try to accept McKenzie's fate and how their lives will soon be without her.
I found this to also be an honest portrayal of someone with cancer or a terminal disease. How it affects their friends, their children, and themselves. At times it was so emotional I had to put the book down for a minute so I could absorb it all. Yet it was so good, I didn't want to stop reading.
This is the first book I have read by this author. I will definitely be looking for more.
November 10, 2014
*I received a copy of the book from a Goodreads Giveaway*
McKenzie, Aurora, Lily and Janine have been friends since the age of twelve, and since this time they have also spent their summers at Albany Beach in Delaware. This year is no different it is just that it could be the last summer they ever spend at the house as a group of four. McKenzie was diagnosed with cancer and the outlook is not a good one, so everyone is going to try and make it the best possible. However, it won’t be easy because each women brings an issue to the house that will need to be resolved, but that is what friends are for right?
I really enjoyed this book, I love reading books about a group of friends who are close enough to be sisters. It always makes me think of my friends and wonder if we will have a relationship like that once we all have our chosen careers and families. Back to the book, I had a feeling on how this plot was going to play out and I was pretty much right on all accounts (except for one aspect). Despite this the book kept my attention and I did not want to put it down to study for my eight finals.
In regards to the characters, I loved how each of the women were portrayed and how different they were from each other. But despite their differences they were the best of friends, and there for each other no matter what (as seen in some big events throughout the book).
Overall, I enjoyed the book greatly and recommend this book to looking for a story about the bonds of friendship.
McKenzie, Aurora, Lily and Janine have been friends since the age of twelve, and since this time they have also spent their summers at Albany Beach in Delaware. This year is no different it is just that it could be the last summer they ever spend at the house as a group of four. McKenzie was diagnosed with cancer and the outlook is not a good one, so everyone is going to try and make it the best possible. However, it won’t be easy because each women brings an issue to the house that will need to be resolved, but that is what friends are for right?
I really enjoyed this book, I love reading books about a group of friends who are close enough to be sisters. It always makes me think of my friends and wonder if we will have a relationship like that once we all have our chosen careers and families. Back to the book, I had a feeling on how this plot was going to play out and I was pretty much right on all accounts (except for one aspect). Despite this the book kept my attention and I did not want to put it down to study for my eight finals.
In regards to the characters, I loved how each of the women were portrayed and how different they were from each other. But despite their differences they were the best of friends, and there for each other no matter what (as seen in some big events throughout the book).
Overall, I enjoyed the book greatly and recommend this book to looking for a story about the bonds of friendship.
November 14, 2014
As Close As Sisters was given to me as a part of a goodreads giveaway.
This book was heart wrenching. I sat on my butt for hours just reading this book and it took me only a day and a half to finish it because it was that good.
First of all, Mackenzie was the saddest of the story, she lives everyday as her last just facing what she believes what will be in store for her. Aurora, is secretive, she lives with a deep secret and a painful life. Janine is a hard ass, she knows what she wants and does what she wants no matter how hard it is. Lilly, is sweet and sensitive who is a mother hen figure.
Everyone in this book has their own personality which I like. Only a couple of things have to keep them together. They known each other forever and like the book title says,"As Close As Sisters".
I love this book I was sad to put it down when it was over. I wished this book series would continue as long as the author wishes.
This book was heart wrenching. I sat on my butt for hours just reading this book and it took me only a day and a half to finish it because it was that good.
First of all, Mackenzie was the saddest of the story, she lives everyday as her last just facing what she believes what will be in store for her. Aurora, is secretive, she lives with a deep secret and a painful life. Janine is a hard ass, she knows what she wants and does what she wants no matter how hard it is. Lilly, is sweet and sensitive who is a mother hen figure.
Everyone in this book has their own personality which I like. Only a couple of things have to keep them together. They known each other forever and like the book title says,"As Close As Sisters".
I love this book I was sad to put it down when it was over. I wished this book series would continue as long as the author wishes.
November 14, 2014
This book makes me wish I had a group of friends like these girls. Tied together from events in their past these girls grow up and go through life together. Each girl has their strengths and weaknesses which we see demonstrated in several ways throughout the novel which adds to the realism. Furthermore, the relationship between these girls is like a web-each woman has their own connections to the group, to each other in the group, and and then there's the group as a whole with its own dynamic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend it to others that enjoy women's fiction. Well written, I found myself how often wanting to read just a little bit more than a little bit more. The only short coming of this book is I do wish a little bit more had been explained with what happened in the ending.
I received a copy of this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2014
I LOVE Colleen's books. Excellent read for a cold fall weekend!
February 2, 2015
You will like this book if you like heartwarming and heartbreaking stories. It is a must read!!!
August 19, 2025
This was a heartfelt story and I would recommend it as a good read. I will say however that the ending was not at all what I was expecting and I feel as though the book left you with some questions and didn’t fully “end”
September 18, 2017
Loved this story of four really close friends.
December 28, 2014
As Close As Sisters is a novel by Colleen Faulkner. It is a riveting novel about four women and the relationships they have between them. It is well written and the characters are well developed and very realistic. The plot seems to be straightforward but has an unexpected twist or two.
McKenzie, Aurora, Janine, and Lilly have been friends forever. They spent summers at the beach and most of the time at Janine’s house on the beach. They stayed friends through adversity, high school, college, and even beyond. Whenever any adversity befell any of them, the others were always there to help if needed. They were there to celebrate each happy event as well.
This year, meeting at the beach has a different tone to it. They are there on what is most likely McKenzie’s final summer at the beach. McKenzie has cancer and it has progressed from her thyroid to her lungs. They don’t know when but they are certain she is dying. As McKenzie goes through the house to open it, she pays attention to the feelings and thoughts she has. It is as if she is saying farewell to the house. She is worried about her daughters, Mia and Maura who are seventeen. How will they take her death? Will her friends be there for her daughters?
Lilly comes to the beach with a huge surprise, she is eight months pregnant! She didn’t tell McKenzie because she didn’t want her to worry about her and take any stamina away from her fight to survive. At first, McKenzie is upset but soon realizes Lilly was just protecting her like she does everyone. Lilly is the “mom” of the bunch even though this is her first baby.
Aurora takes time from her hectic schedule as a well-sought-after artist to spend time at the beach. She seems a bit aloof from the other girls at times. She is quite wealthy but doesn’t enjoy her life as she could. She dotes on McKenzie’s daughters; but has never tried to create a relationship with her own son. She also carries a burden with her that involves the other girls.
Janine is a police officer whose beat is near the beach. This is her house. Her mother wanted to sell it; but Janine felt she needed the house. She carries the scar of her father’s death with her at all times. Was this why she became a police officer? She and her dog, Fritz, come to the house every summer with the others. This summer, she is in a new relationship and wants to keep it from the other girls. They know she was not happy when she broke up with Betsy; but why won’t she tell them about her new love? Can she leave the past behind this summer?
McKenzie, Aurora, Janine, and Lilly have been friends forever. They spent summers at the beach and most of the time at Janine’s house on the beach. They stayed friends through adversity, high school, college, and even beyond. Whenever any adversity befell any of them, the others were always there to help if needed. They were there to celebrate each happy event as well.
This year, meeting at the beach has a different tone to it. They are there on what is most likely McKenzie’s final summer at the beach. McKenzie has cancer and it has progressed from her thyroid to her lungs. They don’t know when but they are certain she is dying. As McKenzie goes through the house to open it, she pays attention to the feelings and thoughts she has. It is as if she is saying farewell to the house. She is worried about her daughters, Mia and Maura who are seventeen. How will they take her death? Will her friends be there for her daughters?
Lilly comes to the beach with a huge surprise, she is eight months pregnant! She didn’t tell McKenzie because she didn’t want her to worry about her and take any stamina away from her fight to survive. At first, McKenzie is upset but soon realizes Lilly was just protecting her like she does everyone. Lilly is the “mom” of the bunch even though this is her first baby.
Aurora takes time from her hectic schedule as a well-sought-after artist to spend time at the beach. She seems a bit aloof from the other girls at times. She is quite wealthy but doesn’t enjoy her life as she could. She dotes on McKenzie’s daughters; but has never tried to create a relationship with her own son. She also carries a burden with her that involves the other girls.
Janine is a police officer whose beat is near the beach. This is her house. Her mother wanted to sell it; but Janine felt she needed the house. She carries the scar of her father’s death with her at all times. Was this why she became a police officer? She and her dog, Fritz, come to the house every summer with the others. This summer, she is in a new relationship and wants to keep it from the other girls. They know she was not happy when she broke up with Betsy; but why won’t she tell them about her new love? Can she leave the past behind this summer?
November 30, 2014
Good friends, seaside memories, death, and dying. This is a wonderful book. Be prepared to laugh and cry as you read the stories of these four young ladies and their 30 years of friendship.
On this, the summer they are all in their early forties, the ugly head of cancer seems to threaten their idyllic summers together. Will this all too familiar monster be the catalyst that ends their idyllic summers together?
As we get to know the four main characters we learn about their loves, heartbreaks, secrets, and hopes, and we learn of that one defining event of long ago. The women are all likable, believable characters. They not only have formed a true bond of friendship but they do the almost impossible of keeping it together through the years and from around the world.
Get ready to laugh and cry, to be thoroughly entertained by these four good friends in this well written, easy and engaging read.
I won the book on goodreads and am happy to recommend it.
Check out review on my blog: http://fayeswordbasket.blogspot.com
On this, the summer they are all in their early forties, the ugly head of cancer seems to threaten their idyllic summers together. Will this all too familiar monster be the catalyst that ends their idyllic summers together?
As we get to know the four main characters we learn about their loves, heartbreaks, secrets, and hopes, and we learn of that one defining event of long ago. The women are all likable, believable characters. They not only have formed a true bond of friendship but they do the almost impossible of keeping it together through the years and from around the world.
Get ready to laugh and cry, to be thoroughly entertained by these four good friends in this well written, easy and engaging read.
I won the book on goodreads and am happy to recommend it.
Check out review on my blog: http://fayeswordbasket.blogspot.com
Want to read
November 21, 2014blurb
Forty-two year-old McKenzie Arnold wants to spend one last summer with her best friends
in the world, her soul mates.She’s been coming to Albany Beach, to the same cottage,
with Aurora, Janine,and Lilly since she was eleven. This will be McKenzie’s last because she’s
been diagnosed with terminal cancer; she has less than a year to live.
The four women are determined to make the most of the time they have left together, but the
beach cottage is haunted with past memories, secrets,and emotions long swept beneath the
old carpets. Through tears,and with laughter, old wounds are healed and new memories are
made. As their time together draws to an end, McKenzie knows that with the love and support
of her friends, she can face her death with courage. Nothing, however, has prepared the four
life-long friends for how the summer will end.
Forty-two year-old McKenzie Arnold wants to spend one last summer with her best friends
in the world, her soul mates.She’s been coming to Albany Beach, to the same cottage,
with Aurora, Janine,and Lilly since she was eleven. This will be McKenzie’s last because she’s
been diagnosed with terminal cancer; she has less than a year to live.
The four women are determined to make the most of the time they have left together, but the
beach cottage is haunted with past memories, secrets,and emotions long swept beneath the
old carpets. Through tears,and with laughter, old wounds are healed and new memories are
made. As their time together draws to an end, McKenzie knows that with the love and support
of her friends, she can face her death with courage. Nothing, however, has prepared the four
life-long friends for how the summer will end.
February 22, 2015
Lifelong friends is a concept I enjoy reading about, as it's something I have missed out on having in my own life. I have friends from childhood/high school/college that I've reconnected with online and friends that I've had since I was in my late 20s, but since my mom passed away when I was 28, I have no one who has known me continuously through even half my life, I have no one to regularly share old memories with, so my craving for and envy of that does lead me to read a lot of books in this genre.
I do prefer that they come with plenty of interesting drama, some in-fighting and secrets. This book seemed to have that, but it never really came through. Even as short as it was, it felt way too long. The big reveals or "twists" we're telegraphed way too early and obviously and ultimately I just couldn't bring myself to really care about any of the characters.
I do prefer that they come with plenty of interesting drama, some in-fighting and secrets. This book seemed to have that, but it never really came through. Even as short as it was, it felt way too long. The big reveals or "twists" we're telegraphed way too early and obviously and ultimately I just couldn't bring myself to really care about any of the characters.
November 10, 2014
I loved "As Close As Sisters". True friendship of women for other women is rarely celebrated in current novels. Yet, how many of us could survive without the friends who are always there to support us, who love us, even when we've done something stupid, who cheer us when we're down and clap for us when we have success? Faulkner weaves a compelling tale of four complex American women, blending the threads of the different lives of these friends as they navigate through the ups and downs that living brings. Always realistic, always hopeful, this story is as powerful as her last book "Just Like Other Daughters". Don't miss it.
April 25, 2015
I had high hopes for this book but 10 pages in I found myself just wanting it to end. Here's why:
-- This book is not edited well. The author used the same irritating terms over and over again. E.g. "____ (fill in the blank w/ character's name) cut her eyes at her." Such a strange statement.
-- The constant use of "our Lilly" or "our Aurora" made my eyes roll. Who really talks like that?
-- None of the characters were too appealing...I found myself not really caring about ANY of them.
Not sure why I continued reading this book when I knew early on that it wasn't well written. I guess my Type-A self just needs to learn to be okay with leaving things unfinished...
-- This book is not edited well. The author used the same irritating terms over and over again. E.g. "____ (fill in the blank w/ character's name) cut her eyes at her." Such a strange statement.
-- The constant use of "our Lilly" or "our Aurora" made my eyes roll. Who really talks like that?
-- None of the characters were too appealing...I found myself not really caring about ANY of them.
Not sure why I continued reading this book when I knew early on that it wasn't well written. I guess my Type-A self just needs to learn to be okay with leaving things unfinished...
December 22, 2014
I won this book for goodreads in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed it. The four ladies in this book have been friends for roughly 30 years. They have endured death, marriage, and the birth of children and the gather each summer to spend a month at the beach. This year the challenges they face may be the ones that finally break them. Each character is perfectly written and will remind you of someone that you know. I found myself drawn into the pages and I could have kept reading about them for summers and summers.
December 28, 2014
Four women gather for their annual meeting. As the story progresses there appear many unresolved issues in their lives. I am still uncertain about one aspect of the ending. I found the book cover design useful as a bookmark. I do enjoy stories in which the author uses different characterrs to tell the story. One incident I can not forget is one daughter explaining to her mother what happened in the toilet to her mobile phone which she kept in her back pocket of her shorts.
January 18, 2015
I enjoyed the relationships among the 4 friends. The characters came across and someone you could know. The beach in Delaware is a lovely setting for a tragic, funny, loving and secretive storyline. The four friends share a tragedy in their past and it haunts them in different ways.
Life long girlfriends are a blessing and these four are proof of that.
I don't want to give away anything but if you like girlfriend stories this one's worth the read.
Life long girlfriends are a blessing and these four are proof of that.
I don't want to give away anything but if you like girlfriend stories this one's worth the read.
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