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Lost Along the Way
A fresh, funny, and insightful novel about what it really means to be “friends forever” from the acclaimed author of Bond Girl and On the Rocks.
All through childhood and adolescence, Jane, Cara, and Meg swore their friendship would stand the test of time. Nothing would come between them, they pledged. But once they hit their twenties, life got more complicated and the BFFs began to grow distant. When Jane eloped with her slick, wealthy new boyfriend and didn’t invite her oldest friends to the ceremony, the small cracks and fissures in their once rock-solid relationship became a chasm that tore them apart.
Ten years later, when her husband is arrested and publically shamed for defrauding his clients, Jane realizes her life among the one percent was a sham. Penniless and desperate, deserted by her high society friends who turn their surgically perfected noses up at her, she comes crawling back to her childhood friends seeking forgiveness. But Cara and Meg have troubles of their own. One of them is trapped in a bad marriage with an abusive husband, while the other can't have the one thing she desperately a baby. Yet as much as they’d love to see Jane get her long overdue comeuppance, Cara and Meg won’t abandon their old friend in her time of need.
The story of three friends who find themselves on a laugh-out-loud life adventure, Lost Along the Way illuminates the moments that make us, the betrayals that break us, and the power of love that helps us forgive even the most painful hurts.
All through childhood and adolescence, Jane, Cara, and Meg swore their friendship would stand the test of time. Nothing would come between them, they pledged. But once they hit their twenties, life got more complicated and the BFFs began to grow distant. When Jane eloped with her slick, wealthy new boyfriend and didn’t invite her oldest friends to the ceremony, the small cracks and fissures in their once rock-solid relationship became a chasm that tore them apart.
Ten years later, when her husband is arrested and publically shamed for defrauding his clients, Jane realizes her life among the one percent was a sham. Penniless and desperate, deserted by her high society friends who turn their surgically perfected noses up at her, she comes crawling back to her childhood friends seeking forgiveness. But Cara and Meg have troubles of their own. One of them is trapped in a bad marriage with an abusive husband, while the other can't have the one thing she desperately a baby. Yet as much as they’d love to see Jane get her long overdue comeuppance, Cara and Meg won’t abandon their old friend in her time of need.
The story of three friends who find themselves on a laugh-out-loud life adventure, Lost Along the Way illuminates the moments that make us, the betrayals that break us, and the power of love that helps us forgive even the most painful hurts.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2016
90 people are currently reading
1699 people want to read
About the author
Erin Duffy
9 books196 followersErin Duffy graduated from Georgetown University in 2000 with a B.A. in English and worked on Wall Street, a career that inspired her first novel, Bond Girl. She lives in New York City with her husband (whom she met the old-fashioned way—in a bar).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 14, 2016
This one would have been more enjoyable if the ending didn't end like it did. it literally ended with "let's go for a drive!" im like..okay..i need a ending that explains exactly what they did next, what happened to all three of them, you just ended with nothing! no closing or resolution, two of the characters were in limbo still!
also I didn't like the characters at all. All of them were just really extreme and annoying. Except Nick. I liked him.
otherwise it was a light read, I was engaged and saw through till the end.
also I didn't like the characters at all. All of them were just really extreme and annoying. Except Nick. I liked him.
otherwise it was a light read, I was engaged and saw through till the end.
January 15, 2018
Stupid Women . . .
The three women in this book were completely stupid and unlikable.
First, Cara was educated had a job and was married to a bully. She had no children. She could of left at anytime. Who gives all her money to a bully to put in a joint account? Not today's women. She was a whiny women.
Meg, had a wounderful husband, a home in the Hamptons but could not have children. Another whiny women. Get over it and adopt a child.
Jane, was immature, whiny and never had a real job. Married a Wall Street thief.
These women aged from 37 to 40 and they called themselves middle aged. Really? This author must be 20 years old and has no idea what middle age is.
I really do not like to insult any author but this author was so out of touch with real women, that it made me so mad. Plus the story line was plain stupid. I have never read a book that made me so mad!!!
Do not waste your time, there are so many good chick lit books out that you can read. 👎
The three women in this book were completely stupid and unlikable.
First, Cara was educated had a job and was married to a bully. She had no children. She could of left at anytime. Who gives all her money to a bully to put in a joint account? Not today's women. She was a whiny women.
Meg, had a wounderful husband, a home in the Hamptons but could not have children. Another whiny women. Get over it and adopt a child.
Jane, was immature, whiny and never had a real job. Married a Wall Street thief.
These women aged from 37 to 40 and they called themselves middle aged. Really? This author must be 20 years old and has no idea what middle age is.
I really do not like to insult any author but this author was so out of touch with real women, that it made me so mad. Plus the story line was plain stupid. I have never read a book that made me so mad!!!
Do not waste your time, there are so many good chick lit books out that you can read. 👎
January 30, 2017
Hmm, I think I was expecting a little more than this book gave me. The characters while interesting were never fully developed or sympathetic in my mind, and for me to read chick lit I REALLY need to connect with the characters. The ending was fairly predictable and yet not entirely clear. Definitely worth borrowing from the library but I wouldn't buy it but will prolly read her other book/s.
July 29, 2016
I became fast friends with Meg, Cara and Jane. This was a fun and strangely comforting book to read. I plan to share it with two good female friends from my past.
It had me wanting to reach out to people that have drifted from my life for no good reason other than passing time and life choices and obligations.
It has its Thelma and Louise revenge moments.
Told in a combination of present tragedies and nostalgic flashbacks, I felt I better understood these women and how certain choices insinuated themselves into their paths.
You may look at Cara and say it couldn't happen to you. I know better. You may feel Meg over reacts but until it is your turn, you can't predict your actions and choices. And Jane... she is a tough person to feel sorry for but I am happy to say my compassion came through for her as well.
Perhaps women will better respond to this book than most men but I feel it can be enjoyed from any gender, from high school age (foreshadowing!) to grandparents.
I was given a copy of this book for review purposes.
I enjoyed it very much and will check out other books by Erin Duffy.
It had me wanting to reach out to people that have drifted from my life for no good reason other than passing time and life choices and obligations.
It has its Thelma and Louise revenge moments.
Told in a combination of present tragedies and nostalgic flashbacks, I felt I better understood these women and how certain choices insinuated themselves into their paths.
You may look at Cara and say it couldn't happen to you. I know better. You may feel Meg over reacts but until it is your turn, you can't predict your actions and choices. And Jane... she is a tough person to feel sorry for but I am happy to say my compassion came through for her as well.
Perhaps women will better respond to this book than most men but I feel it can be enjoyed from any gender, from high school age (foreshadowing!) to grandparents.
I was given a copy of this book for review purposes.
I enjoyed it very much and will check out other books by Erin Duffy.
January 18, 2019
Jane is completely unprepared when her husband tells her he is about to be arrested for financial fraud. Months later, with no money and the only asset a Manhattan apartment that was purchased in her father-in-laws name, Jane turns to her two girlhood friends, Cara and Meg. Even though they have been estranged for years, once they are together the old bonds of friendship emerge.
October 27, 2021
Fun story about lifelong female friendships.
June 15, 2017
I'm not sure what to think of this book. This was my first book by Erin Duffy. Also, I won this book for free on Goodreads for my honest opinion.
There were times I couldn't put this book down and times that I felt like it just dragged on. This was not my normal "genre" book. It has been a while where I have read about female friendships. There was plenty I could relate to. Especially being friends with someone that you were friends with in high school, drifting apart, and coming back together. It is definitely a theme in my life. It gave me something to think about.
I felt like the book just ended - there wasn't any real great resolution. Without giving too much away, things seem to be in a happy bow at the end - but can't be for sure.
In the beginning, I hated Jane. I did not care for her character at all. She seemed spoiled and conceited. That's because she was. However, I will say that I feel like she developed into a better person. And, she has that kind of personality that every introverted person wishes they had.
There were times I couldn't put this book down and times that I felt like it just dragged on. This was not my normal "genre" book. It has been a while where I have read about female friendships. There was plenty I could relate to. Especially being friends with someone that you were friends with in high school, drifting apart, and coming back together. It is definitely a theme in my life. It gave me something to think about.
I felt like the book just ended - there wasn't any real great resolution. Without giving too much away, things seem to be in a happy bow at the end - but can't be for sure.
In the beginning, I hated Jane. I did not care for her character at all. She seemed spoiled and conceited. That's because she was. However, I will say that I feel like she developed into a better person. And, she has that kind of personality that every introverted person wishes they had.
July 24, 2016
This was a funny and heartwarming story about three friends who lose touch with each her and themselves and find their way back together and work through their issues. Their marriages are not what they seem and there are some Thelma and Louise a la trio moments that will leave you cheering. Duffy's real strength, though, is in showing her characters' vulnerability and with that making them relatable and likable.
Copy provided by publisher and Pump Up Your Book Tours
Copy provided by publisher and Pump Up Your Book Tours
February 22, 2018
Lost Along the Way by Erin Duffy
Rated: ❤❤❤❤
One Word: Sisterhood
Jane, Cara and Meg were friends all through grade school to mid twenties. There friendship suffered a blow when Jane eloped for her wedding. Fast forward seven years, Jane is the subject of tabloids frenzy because her husband has defrauded his clients and in jail. Jane must now swallow her pride and seek out the real people who truly knows her to find solace. But what she finds in her friends life is that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. All three women must deal with how and why their friendship dissolved when they should have held on to each other and find a way to let go of past mistakes while looking forward to the future.
Duffy truly knows how to make you laugh while you want to cry. That was one of the things I enjoyed while reading the girls story. Jane was the sharp shooter, ready for an adventure and throughout the novel she didn’t disappoint. My favorite character would be Meg because she was the balancing factor between wild Jane and stern Cara.
I wanted to see a more clear decision on Jane’s part at the end of the novel. What would she do with her husband? Divorce him? Could she truly not think of a better option for what’s next than the one the girls thought about? Also the story broke in between scenes to send us to a flashback of their younger years. It was great but seemed too much and not necessary because what would ultimately happen have been revealed in the present time .
I know the focus of the book was to reconnect and remind us how friendships are important. What I took away from this story that is that in life you won’t get to do everything at the same time with your friends but been there, supporting them and not hiding your flaws -because everyone of us have them- is very important. It keeps the relationship real.
Lost Along the Way is a relaxed read on the beach or with a glass of wine with the phone near by ready to dial your best friend.
Happy Reading,
❤
Rated: ❤❤❤❤
One Word: Sisterhood
Jane, Cara and Meg were friends all through grade school to mid twenties. There friendship suffered a blow when Jane eloped for her wedding. Fast forward seven years, Jane is the subject of tabloids frenzy because her husband has defrauded his clients and in jail. Jane must now swallow her pride and seek out the real people who truly knows her to find solace. But what she finds in her friends life is that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. All three women must deal with how and why their friendship dissolved when they should have held on to each other and find a way to let go of past mistakes while looking forward to the future.
Duffy truly knows how to make you laugh while you want to cry. That was one of the things I enjoyed while reading the girls story. Jane was the sharp shooter, ready for an adventure and throughout the novel she didn’t disappoint. My favorite character would be Meg because she was the balancing factor between wild Jane and stern Cara.
I wanted to see a more clear decision on Jane’s part at the end of the novel. What would she do with her husband? Divorce him? Could she truly not think of a better option for what’s next than the one the girls thought about? Also the story broke in between scenes to send us to a flashback of their younger years. It was great but seemed too much and not necessary because what would ultimately happen have been revealed in the present time .
I know the focus of the book was to reconnect and remind us how friendships are important. What I took away from this story that is that in life you won’t get to do everything at the same time with your friends but been there, supporting them and not hiding your flaws -because everyone of us have them- is very important. It keeps the relationship real.
Lost Along the Way is a relaxed read on the beach or with a glass of wine with the phone near by ready to dial your best friend.
Happy Reading,
❤
August 28, 2018
Lost Along The Way was a novel by Erin Duffy, who I first liked when I read her novel Bond Girl. That was a clever take on a young woman navigating Wall Street that was light and breezy. This focused on three friends who suddenly appeared in each other’s lives after disastrous circumstances. I like the friendship that was the base of this novel, but was disappointed with how depressing the story was.
One woman was a Bernie Madoff wife, another was emotionally abused by her husband, and the third, of course, can’t conceive a baby. I am so sick of that fertility story line. Ugh. Can women have no other issue but reproductive trouble? The beginning was a little rocky with each women's troubles conveniently mounting to a breaking pint and exactly the same time. Although there were three women, neither of the had any distinctive personalities, and I could barely tell them apart since they all spoke the same and acted similarly.
This was light reading in the sense that the plot and story were not intricate and required very little thought. There was a lot of dialogue, but little introspection. However, I knew what each women was thinking and feeling because they were verbalizing it to on another. I liked the flashbacks that showed how great their bond was when they were younger. Novels where friendships stall and then are rekindled are always interesting to see played out. Here, these women ended up coming to each other's aid in a clever way.
I liked the overall story and ending, but just expected something a little more upbeat.
One woman was a Bernie Madoff wife, another was emotionally abused by her husband, and the third, of course, can’t conceive a baby. I am so sick of that fertility story line. Ugh. Can women have no other issue but reproductive trouble? The beginning was a little rocky with each women's troubles conveniently mounting to a breaking pint and exactly the same time. Although there were three women, neither of the had any distinctive personalities, and I could barely tell them apart since they all spoke the same and acted similarly.
This was light reading in the sense that the plot and story were not intricate and required very little thought. There was a lot of dialogue, but little introspection. However, I knew what each women was thinking and feeling because they were verbalizing it to on another. I liked the flashbacks that showed how great their bond was when they were younger. Novels where friendships stall and then are rekindled are always interesting to see played out. Here, these women ended up coming to each other's aid in a clever way.
I liked the overall story and ending, but just expected something a little more upbeat.
July 18, 2021
I only finished this because it was for book club. It’s Sex and the City with less sex and even less ability to use the excuse that it’s a product of its time. If this is representative of the power of female friendship, we’re all doomed. The main characters revolve around male love interests so intensely I’m not even sure if it passes the Bechdel test. There is no empowerment to be found here, unless your definition of empowerment is committing crimes while expressing no maturity or growth. Oh, and the author’s handling of the one gay character is cringy and awkward to the point that it’s actually offensive. When he gets a beer out of the fridge, the author describes him as, “the straightest gay man in America.” A bunch of unrelatable characters whose self-centeredness and toxicity is played off as quirky girl behavior.
October 14, 2019
Cara, Jane and Meg are three friends who grew up together. Jane is the outgoing and wild one, Meg is the rule follower and Cara is the perfect mix of both. After years of friendship, the three of them grow apart. Jane marries a guy who embezzles money from others and abuses his position as a financial advisor, Cara is married to a very controlling man that has gotten angry at her for purchasing an additional box of rice, and then there is Meg - married to a wonderful man but they cannot have kids.
Their issues have brought them together and they remember why they are great friends but don't understand how their friendship has gotten so off course. It's a story that has some funny and light hearted moments. 3 stars.
Their issues have brought them together and they remember why they are great friends but don't understand how their friendship has gotten so off course. It's a story that has some funny and light hearted moments. 3 stars.
March 16, 2024
This was a good/ funny read for the most part. I’m disappointed with how out of place the beginning seemed, as well as disappointed with the abrupt ending to the story. We got a good amount of background on Meg and Cara’s husbands but next to nothing on Jane’s.
I also felt these ladies were extremely immature for their ages and were acting like they were still adolescent girls. I enjoyed most of the book minus those few immature moments between the characters.
The author allowed you to truly feel for some of the events each woman went through personally, especially- in my opinion- what Cara was going through.
A good read nonetheless and would possibly recommend this book. It was my first novel by the author so I’m hoping I enjoy her other books more than this.
I also felt these ladies were extremely immature for their ages and were acting like they were still adolescent girls. I enjoyed most of the book minus those few immature moments between the characters.
The author allowed you to truly feel for some of the events each woman went through personally, especially- in my opinion- what Cara was going through.
A good read nonetheless and would possibly recommend this book. It was my first novel by the author so I’m hoping I enjoy her other books more than this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2020
This was a cute read; a great choice if you want to get lost in book and not think too much! The book follows three woman who were inseparable going up but are almost strangers as they approach 40. When Janes life implodes before her eyes, she makes it her mission to find a way back to her very best friends, learning that the seemingly perfect lives of Cara and Meg are anything but. As the women truly discover what caused the rifts, they end up on some hilarious adventures. Underneath the enjoyable fluff, there are underlying stories of societal expectations, abusive relationships, heartbreak, misunderstandings and learning to adapt (which is always easier with best friends beside you).
July 16, 2017
For the most part I did enjoy this book. It was a fun read about 3 women reconnecting their friendship. But...
All of these characters were unable to make a good choice. The only one I really liked was Meg.
The dialogue in the book was so-so, okay at some parts and terrible at others.
The ending was just odd to me.
The writing style was simple, made it easy to read.
Not a life changing book, not a book I'm going to remember years from now but an alright story that kept me reading.
All of these characters were unable to make a good choice. The only one I really liked was Meg.
The dialogue in the book was so-so, okay at some parts and terrible at others.
The ending was just odd to me.
The writing style was simple, made it easy to read.
Not a life changing book, not a book I'm going to remember years from now but an alright story that kept me reading.
August 20, 2022
Three girls have been friends since childhood. After college and careers and marriage separate them, there are misunderstandings and they don't keep in touch for a long time. When they do come back together, all of them realize that each has their own problems in life. They band together once again and try to solve all the hurts from the past and fix the current issues. This is a quick read, good for a summer day.
July 21, 2017
It probably took me half the book to get involved and wanting to know what happened. I probably would have given up on this book if it wasn't for always wanting to finish something once I start. I didn't care for the foul language either. I rated it because it was okay and once the girls were at the beach house I wanted to know what would happen.
April 16, 2020
It was a struggle to get through this book. The characters were shallow and selfish, especially the protagonist, Jane. It has always been hard for me to read about characters I really just can’t stand. The story was barely readable until about 75% in, and even then it was nothing groundbreaking. I wouldn’t recommend.
December 15, 2021
This is the first book ever that I DNF because of my own choice to NOT READ THIS! The main character grated on my nerves in a way that I didn’t think was possible. I’ve hate read books many a time before and have finished things that were not worth the time, but I gave this one the request first 2 chapters and/or the first 50 pages.
It’s a solid no from me.
It’s a solid no from me.
October 31, 2024
I HAVE A NEW FAVOURITE AUTHOR. This book tells a heartfelt tale of estranged childhood besties reconnecting and healing from past hurts and misunderstandings. The characters are dynamic, fun and full of character. Excellent book, and especially relatable for young women struggling with maintaining adult friendships.
May 26, 2017
I needed something light and easy and thought, "Why not?" Glad I got THAT out of my system! Plot is pretty preposterous and, really, do 40 year old women say "you guys" every time they begin a sentence? I guess so as Ms Duffy even wrote the phrase in her acknowledgements. Yikes!
July 8, 2018
I picked this specifically as a light summer read, but I was still a little disappointed. I didn't feel like there was clear resolution to some of the issues, and it took until the end for something to happen and then it was just over.
May 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. While I'm not it my 40's, reading a story with women in it that is more relatable to my life, was a nice change of pace than the YA or young 20's books. The characters really came together at the end. Would read another book by this author.
August 17, 2024
I loved the characters in this book. It was a true description of female friendships and how they develop and change over the years. I liked this book so much that I wish the end wasn't wrapped up so quickly.
January 24, 2017
Really enjoyed the storyline and characters. First time I've read this author and will have to read another book by her.
February 3, 2017
If you have ever watched tv or Lifetime movies, this will sound familiar. I liked the characters, but I could see the formula and that bothered me.
March 8, 2017
Library Request on Audio, very well done. I liked the book, it was authentic characters and typical chick lit. All in all great story telling.
May 5, 2017
Story about friendship.
May 9, 2017
Entertaining and enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews