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Your Best Friend
When Tess hears Lydia Green is moving back to the village, she is full of excitement.
As teenagers, Tess and Lydia were inseparable. Until the end of that last summer when Lydia suddenly moved away.
With the recent loss of her husband and two small children to care for, Tess could really use the support of her old best friend. It feels like a bright spot of light in such a difficult time. Like fate has brought Lydia back to her.
But when Tess sees Lydia for the first time in decades, in front of all the other mums at Saturday sport, Lydia pretends not to know her.
Tess can't believe Lydia would lie to her face in front of the whole village, or that she seems to want nothing to do with her.
Is Lydia playing some kind of twisted game? Or did Tess not really know her best friend as well as she once thought...
As teenagers, Tess and Lydia were inseparable. Until the end of that last summer when Lydia suddenly moved away.
With the recent loss of her husband and two small children to care for, Tess could really use the support of her old best friend. It feels like a bright spot of light in such a difficult time. Like fate has brought Lydia back to her.
But when Tess sees Lydia for the first time in decades, in front of all the other mums at Saturday sport, Lydia pretends not to know her.
Tess can't believe Lydia would lie to her face in front of the whole village, or that she seems to want nothing to do with her.
Is Lydia playing some kind of twisted game? Or did Tess not really know her best friend as well as she once thought...
- GenresThriller
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2024
75 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Julie Corbin
15 books116 followersJulie Corbin was born and grew up in Scotland. She studied at Edinburgh University and has been working for over twenty years as a nurse in various specialities including neurosurgery and school nursing. She began writing seriously when her three sons were teenagers. She lives in East Sussex, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 29, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Lydia Green is moving to Ashdown Village with her husband Zack and son Adam, but with the upmost reluctance to leave their London home. Her reticence is locked deep in her past. Has it got anything to do with her former best friend Tess? Lydia and Tess tell their stories, so jump on board as this is one entertaining family drama of a runaway ride.
This is an easy to read novel which is enjoyable. There are twists to keep you engaged and secrets although some aren’t too hard to work out but that’s part of the fun, confirming that you’ve got things right! The characterisation is good, it’s easy to picture them all, to feel sympathy for one and dislike for a couple more. However maybe things are deceptive, very deceptive. One character in particular I want to shake for being so easily manipulated and taken in, when trust becomes an issue it’s so not there. By the same token it demonstrates that I’ve got involved with plot and reacted to some of the things that are going on. I enjoy the backwards and forwards nature of the storytelling and working out what has transpired in each timeline.
In some places it’s a bit slow in particular at the start but once the story telling gets into its stride it becomes a gripping read. There’s some repetition with regard to Tess’s life which is unnecessary as it’s easy to grasp the situation that she’s in. Other than that, it’s another good domestic thriller and quick to read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Lydia Green is moving to Ashdown Village with her husband Zack and son Adam, but with the upmost reluctance to leave their London home. Her reticence is locked deep in her past. Has it got anything to do with her former best friend Tess? Lydia and Tess tell their stories, so jump on board as this is one entertaining family drama of a runaway ride.
This is an easy to read novel which is enjoyable. There are twists to keep you engaged and secrets although some aren’t too hard to work out but that’s part of the fun, confirming that you’ve got things right! The characterisation is good, it’s easy to picture them all, to feel sympathy for one and dislike for a couple more. However maybe things are deceptive, very deceptive. One character in particular I want to shake for being so easily manipulated and taken in, when trust becomes an issue it’s so not there. By the same token it demonstrates that I’ve got involved with plot and reacted to some of the things that are going on. I enjoy the backwards and forwards nature of the storytelling and working out what has transpired in each timeline.
In some places it’s a bit slow in particular at the start but once the story telling gets into its stride it becomes a gripping read. There’s some repetition with regard to Tess’s life which is unnecessary as it’s easy to grasp the situation that she’s in. Other than that, it’s another good domestic thriller and quick to read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
POSSIBLE SPOILERS IN REVIEW
A dark tale of the past and nasty secrets literally turning up decades later on your doorstep and for Tess and Lydia a friendship that one of them wants to deny ever happened
Got to mention trigger warnings on Alcohol Dependancy ( not shied away from in the story but portrayed to show the devastation this can cause ) and a brief but with no warning description of rape by a family member on a 15 year old, I do feel there needs to be warnings on these things so the reader can choose to read or not, I would have not chosen the book, as it was it was near the end and easy to ignore and move onto the next bit of the story, none the less it was there, Also terminal illness features in the book, yep it was a challenging read at times for sure
That darkness aside the story was well written and different enough on the psychological thriller scale to warrant a read, the intensity of one of two ex best friends not understanding why the other one is pretending not to know her was done really well and you coukd imagine the frustration this would bring if it happened to yourself
For some reason, and it happens occasionally I kept forgetting who was who out of the 2 characters yet other times can read books with multiple characters and remember them all, funny how that happens
As say at times challenging but that aside mostly more than readable
August 22, 2024
As teenagers Lydia and Tess were inseparable, since meeting at Grammar School they were never apart. But when Lydias father was ill, Tess started a relationship and their friendship soured.
As adults Lydia is reluctantly moving back to her childhood village, having kept secrets from her husband Zack for years he has no idea why she isn't keen to move into the beautiful home. And when Tess meets her again she is dumbfounded when Lydia blanks her and pretends to not know her.
What could possibly have happened during those teenage years and what, if anything can bring the friendship back.
This was a fabulous read from Julie Corbin. The second book I've read from her and once again she turned my emotions from one person to another. From the outset I didn't particularly like Lydia's character but as the story developed it became easy to see why she acted the way she did. It's a great read especially for anyone who likes family dramas.
As adults Lydia is reluctantly moving back to her childhood village, having kept secrets from her husband Zack for years he has no idea why she isn't keen to move into the beautiful home. And when Tess meets her again she is dumbfounded when Lydia blanks her and pretends to not know her.
What could possibly have happened during those teenage years and what, if anything can bring the friendship back.
This was a fabulous read from Julie Corbin. The second book I've read from her and once again she turned my emotions from one person to another. From the outset I didn't particularly like Lydia's character but as the story developed it became easy to see why she acted the way she did. It's a great read especially for anyone who likes family dramas.
August 31, 2025
enjoyed this book, Lydia and Tess had been best friends as teenagers then Lydia moved away. when she moves back home after 30 years she blanks Tess. They both share a secret from the past only Tess can't remember what happened all those years ago. I liked the way it went from.present day then back in time to finally reveal what happened.
November 14, 2024
Enjoyed this. A bit mysterious at times
April 24, 2025
Well written but a bit predictable, and the end was unsatisfying, I wanted Lydia's mum to suffer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
Tess hears that her childhood friend, Lydia is moving back to her village. Tess is excited to see Lydia after all this time but is shocked when Lydia pretends not to know her. Did she not know her friend as well as she thought she did?
This sounded like it would be an intriguing novel so I wanted to give it a try. The story is told in past and present, which I think worked well in building the back story and character development. Although the characters personalities came across easily, I found it hard to connect with them, finding them, and the overall story, slightly generic. The pacing seemed a bit slow which made my interest dip in and out. Even so, this isn’t a bad novel and is a quick, easy read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This sounded like it would be an intriguing novel so I wanted to give it a try. The story is told in past and present, which I think worked well in building the back story and character development. Although the characters personalities came across easily, I found it hard to connect with them, finding them, and the overall story, slightly generic. The pacing seemed a bit slow which made my interest dip in and out. Even so, this isn’t a bad novel and is a quick, easy read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
July 20, 2024
#YourBestFriend #NetGalley
Awesome. 5 ⭐
Tess and Lydia were inseparable. Until the end of that last summer when Lydia suddenly moved away.
With the recent loss of her husband and two small children to care for, Tess could really use the support of her old best friend. It feels like a bright spot of light in such a difficult time. Like fate has brought Lydia back to her. But when Tess sees Lydia for the first time in decades, in front of all the other mums at Saturday sport, Lydia pretends not to know her. Tess can't believe Lydia would lie to her face in front of the whole village, or that she seems to want nothing to do with her.
This was really good. I think everyone must read it.
Awesome. 5 ⭐
Tess and Lydia were inseparable. Until the end of that last summer when Lydia suddenly moved away.
With the recent loss of her husband and two small children to care for, Tess could really use the support of her old best friend. It feels like a bright spot of light in such a difficult time. Like fate has brought Lydia back to her. But when Tess sees Lydia for the first time in decades, in front of all the other mums at Saturday sport, Lydia pretends not to know her. Tess can't believe Lydia would lie to her face in front of the whole village, or that she seems to want nothing to do with her.
This was really good. I think everyone must read it.
September 24, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
When Tess hears Lydia Green is moving back to the village, she is full of excitement. As teenagers, Tess and Lydia were inseparable. Until the end of that last summer when Lydia moved away. With the recent loss of her husband and two small children to care for, Tess could really use the support of her old best friend. It feels like a bright spot of light in such a difficult time. Like fate has brought Lydia back to her. But when Tess sees Lydia for the first time in decades, in front of all the other mums at Saturday sport, Lydia pretends not to know her. Tess can't believe Lydia would lie to her face in front of the whole village, or that she seems to want nothing to do with her.
Lydia is married to Zack, and he wants them to return to their hometown, but Lydia is not so keen. But what happened in Tess and Lydia's teenage years? Tess hopes they can restart their friendship. But when Tess meets Lydia at Saturday sports, Lydia blanks her, pretending she doesn't know who she is.
This story is told from Tess and Lydia's points of view. There were parts that were quite slow. Filled with secrets and twists, this is a story of friendship that went sour.
Published 3rd October 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Hodder&Stoughton and the author #JulieCorbin for my ARC of #YourBestFriend in exchange for an honest review.
When Tess hears Lydia Green is moving back to the village, she is full of excitement. As teenagers, Tess and Lydia were inseparable. Until the end of that last summer when Lydia moved away. With the recent loss of her husband and two small children to care for, Tess could really use the support of her old best friend. It feels like a bright spot of light in such a difficult time. Like fate has brought Lydia back to her. But when Tess sees Lydia for the first time in decades, in front of all the other mums at Saturday sport, Lydia pretends not to know her. Tess can't believe Lydia would lie to her face in front of the whole village, or that she seems to want nothing to do with her.
Lydia is married to Zack, and he wants them to return to their hometown, but Lydia is not so keen. But what happened in Tess and Lydia's teenage years? Tess hopes they can restart their friendship. But when Tess meets Lydia at Saturday sports, Lydia blanks her, pretending she doesn't know who she is.
This story is told from Tess and Lydia's points of view. There were parts that were quite slow. Filled with secrets and twists, this is a story of friendship that went sour.
Published 3rd October 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Hodder&Stoughton and the author #JulieCorbin for my ARC of #YourBestFriend in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2025
Rose Robinson’s velvet vocals pure genius
Written by Julie Corbin (a first for me) and narrated by the captivating Rose Robinson, "Your Best Friend" is a complex and engaging story that explores the intricacies of female friendships and the issues that can drive them apart. The plot is layered with subplots, making it essential to listen intently to fully appreciate the twists and turns. Starting out precisely paced, the plot does slow down midway through. But I stuck with it and was glad I did. The story centers around Tess, a young mother who has recently lost her husband and is raising her two small children. Lydia, her childhood best friend, returns home after decades away; complications arise. As “Her Best Friend” unfolds, Lydia’s return brings forth deeply disturbing issues. Robinson, the reason I chose this book, does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and conveying the emotional depth of the story. How does she do it? I am always searching for British psychological thrillers to add to my vast library.
Written by Julie Corbin (a first for me) and narrated by the captivating Rose Robinson, "Your Best Friend" is a complex and engaging story that explores the intricacies of female friendships and the issues that can drive them apart. The plot is layered with subplots, making it essential to listen intently to fully appreciate the twists and turns. Starting out precisely paced, the plot does slow down midway through. But I stuck with it and was glad I did. The story centers around Tess, a young mother who has recently lost her husband and is raising her two small children. Lydia, her childhood best friend, returns home after decades away; complications arise. As “Her Best Friend” unfolds, Lydia’s return brings forth deeply disturbing issues. Robinson, the reason I chose this book, does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and conveying the emotional depth of the story. How does she do it? I am always searching for British psychological thrillers to add to my vast library.
July 20, 2024
this was another addictive and twisty read from this author once you start reading you won't want to stop. Lydia is married to Zack they have a son. Zack wants to rent out their house and move back to his home village to be near his mum. but that's a big problem for Lydia as it's her childhood hometown and she has never told Zack. Tess is struggling she has a son and pregnant she lost her husband Steve she has started her own cleaning business to try make money she always thinks about her old best friend Lydia and misses her. Lydia moves but keeps a low profile and one day goes to her son's football match Tess can't believe she is seeing her old friend, but Lydia says she not know her. What happened between them? you will have to read to find out its so good
April 15, 2025
I thought it was generally a good thriller - the Oscar situation & the big friendship rift was genuinely interesting for me , and I enjoyed the book in general.
However- I felt like I left the novel unsatisfied. I feel like not enough was done about Genevieve , and what she’d done and I would have really liked there to be something more to be done about that - also nothing was told to the reader about the potentially incestuous relationship between oscar & the mum - and about how zack , lydia’s husband was so easily manipulated and refused to believe his wife , even letting their son hang out with a grandmother who he was told abused her.
Enjoyable reading experience in general , but predictable ending , and slightly unsatisfactory finish.
3.25 ⭐
However- I felt like I left the novel unsatisfied. I feel like not enough was done about Genevieve , and what she’d done and I would have really liked there to be something more to be done about that - also nothing was told to the reader about the potentially incestuous relationship between oscar & the mum - and about how zack , lydia’s husband was so easily manipulated and refused to believe his wife , even letting their son hang out with a grandmother who he was told abused her.
Enjoyable reading experience in general , but predictable ending , and slightly unsatisfactory finish.
3.25 ⭐
August 24, 2024
An interesting story of friendships and a 30-year secret told from the POV of Lydia,Tess, and the events covering 1991-1994.
Tess has become a widow and a new mother in less than a year,so when her old best friend moves back to the area, why does Lydia deny even knowing her just when she needs her most.
Lydia's character is an unlikeable one until the story unfolds and the emotional abuse she's suffered at the hands of the one person who should have protected her most is revealed you then understand why she is how she is.
When realisations kick in, you fully understand how secrets that are hidden so deep can slowly ruin your life.
It is a very enjoyable read.
Recommended.
Tess has become a widow and a new mother in less than a year,so when her old best friend moves back to the area, why does Lydia deny even knowing her just when she needs her most.
Lydia's character is an unlikeable one until the story unfolds and the emotional abuse she's suffered at the hands of the one person who should have protected her most is revealed you then understand why she is how she is.
When realisations kick in, you fully understand how secrets that are hidden so deep can slowly ruin your life.
It is a very enjoyable read.
Recommended.
October 8, 2024
Your Best Friend by Julie Corbin is an engaging and compulsive read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The storyline is intricately woven with twists and turns that make it hard to put down. The characters are well-developed, and their complex relationships add depth to the narrative. Corbin’s writing style is captivating, making the reader feel the tension and suspense throughout the book. While some plot points were predictable, the overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable.
A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers!
The storyline is intricately woven with twists and turns that make it hard to put down. The characters are well-developed, and their complex relationships add depth to the narrative. Corbin’s writing style is captivating, making the reader feel the tension and suspense throughout the book. While some plot points were predictable, the overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable.
A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers!
October 24, 2024
This one was truly hard to put down and brilliantly written, I was right there in the characters' heads. What kept me reading wasn't just the 'what's going to happen in the future / what did happen in the past', the interweaving of which Julie handles with aplomb, but also the two women. They were so well drawn, with such a great contrast between how they are now and how they were as teens. Their flaws and humanity were truly compelling and wanting to spend more time learning about them was a large part of what kept me turning the pages. A cracking read all round!
February 28, 2025
This was a slow read that picked up only within the last 50 pages or so. I found the back and forth was sometimes too polarising and that we didn't really get a feeling for some of the characters in the book, but thankfully it was fleshed out more towards the end.
The antagonist in the book was written very well and made you feel hate for them right from the get go, which is never that easy to do.
I enjoy the writing styles of Julie Corbin as she makes it easy to read at a fast pace and you never feel like you're slumping through.
Not my favourite book of hers, but I still enjoyed it.
The antagonist in the book was written very well and made you feel hate for them right from the get go, which is never that easy to do.
I enjoy the writing styles of Julie Corbin as she makes it easy to read at a fast pace and you never feel like you're slumping through.
Not my favourite book of hers, but I still enjoyed it.
July 22, 2024
"Your Best Friend" is a book about 2 women who were best friends in their teenage years, lost touch and then happened to find themselves back in their home town and the same time...
The book is full of twists and secrets not giving a lot away, which I love! However, I did find it a little slow in the sense that it took a while for something to actually happen or for the things that happened in the past to rear its head. It is a great read but it does take some time for it to get juicy!
The book is full of twists and secrets not giving a lot away, which I love! However, I did find it a little slow in the sense that it took a while for something to actually happen or for the things that happened in the past to rear its head. It is a great read but it does take some time for it to get juicy!
July 15, 2025
This was gripping from the get-go! It was mysterious and I was not expecting the twist!! I also loved the flashbacks to the past, it really helped to build the two main characters: Tess and Lydia. It was a dark mystery; absolutely brilliant.
I will definitely be checking out more of Julie Corbin's work!
I will definitely be checking out more of Julie Corbin's work!
February 23, 2025
Oh Wow! This had me hooked. Not only did I need to know how it ended, I also needed to know what had happened in the past and the flip in times where so good. Lydia & Tess were great characters in their own way and they kept me holding on till the end.
December 1, 2025
I’m normally a fast reader I just couldn’t get into this book at all it’s took me a lot longer than usual I just didn’t want to pick it up, towards the end was good but I think more should of been said on Genevieve and Oscar’s relationship
January 4, 2025
This book storyline kept me staying aware late at night to see what would happen to Tess and Lydia’s friendship.
January 6, 2025
Not as good as her other books. Really slow.
February 5, 2025
I thought the ending was a long time coming and I didn't really feel anything towards the main characters
March 27, 2025
Excellent thriller , loved the characters well worth a read
May 1, 2025
excellent,loved this book. loved how it ended.
May 11, 2025
hard to put down but then you realise you never lose your Best friend
May 19, 2025
not a fan. no connection to characters and really bland plot.
May 25, 2025
A really good read.
May 28, 2025
Bloody brilliant
June 22, 2025
Twisted
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews