What do you think?
Hartley-by-the-Sea #2
Now and Then Friends
The USA Today bestselling author of Rainy Day Sisters returns to Hartley-by-the-Sea...
Childhood best friends Rachel Campbell and Claire West have not only grown up, but after fifteen years, they've also grown apart...
After her father left, Rachel had to dedicate her life to managing her her two younger sisters, her disabled mother, and her three-year-old nephew. When Rachel’s not struggling to look after all of them, she makes her living cleaning the houses of wealthy families—inclulding the Wests, where a surprise now awaits her. . . .
A lifetime of drifting in other people's currents has finally left Claire high and dry. First it was her parents, then the popular crowd in school, and finally her fiancé. Now she’s returned to Hartley-by-the-Sea to recover. But running into Rachel brings back memories of past mistakes, and Claire wonders if she now has the courage to make them right.
Soon Claire’s brother, Andrew, asks Rachel to keep an eye on Claire, which is the last thing either woman wants. But as their lives threaten to fall apart, both Claire and Rachel begin to realize what they need most is a friend. The kind of friend they once were to each other, and perhaps can be again. . . .
Childhood best friends Rachel Campbell and Claire West have not only grown up, but after fifteen years, they've also grown apart...
After her father left, Rachel had to dedicate her life to managing her her two younger sisters, her disabled mother, and her three-year-old nephew. When Rachel’s not struggling to look after all of them, she makes her living cleaning the houses of wealthy families—inclulding the Wests, where a surprise now awaits her. . . .
A lifetime of drifting in other people's currents has finally left Claire high and dry. First it was her parents, then the popular crowd in school, and finally her fiancé. Now she’s returned to Hartley-by-the-Sea to recover. But running into Rachel brings back memories of past mistakes, and Claire wonders if she now has the courage to make them right.
Soon Claire’s brother, Andrew, asks Rachel to keep an eye on Claire, which is the last thing either woman wants. But as their lives threaten to fall apart, both Claire and Rachel begin to realize what they need most is a friend. The kind of friend they once were to each other, and perhaps can be again. . . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2016
About the author
Kate Hewitt
970 books1,794 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 12, 2018
Ultimately satisfying though I have to say if you are looking for a rah female friendship book, the two main characters have very little do with each other for most of the book which was funny. Instead both of them rely on people they have either just met and or have known for a while before circling back to their friendship. I found it a bit weird, but ultimately liked it. Rachel is still hurting from Claire turning away from their friendship when they were pre-teens and Claire is oblivious to the hurt she caused.
This is the second book in the Hartley-by-the-Sea books. We were introduced to one of the characters in the first book, Rachel Campbell. The second character we follow is Claire West.
Rachel has had a hard life. She gave up the chance to go to university and get a degree in chemistry. Instead she is forced to drop out after her father runs out on her, her two younger sisters, and her disabled mother. Rachel takes over her mother's cleaning business and cleans the homes of the residents of Hartley-by-the-Sea and wishes for better things for her younger sister who is about to take her O levels. Forgive me if I got that wrong since I did not grow up in England and always mess up the A and O levels in books. Though Rachel is not trying to, she is pressuring her younger sister to do what she didn't do which is to go to university and get a degree in biology.
Claire is hiding in Hartley-by-the-Sea. After her fiancee calls her parents and claims she's an alcoholic, Claire goes to rehab and then refuses to follow her parents to London. Instead she goes back to her childhood home where she hopes to find a job.
Rachel is surprised to run into Claire when she stops by to clean one day and it brings up all of her anger towards Claire dropping her when they were kids. Claire finds a job at the local store/post office and is doing her best to push her parents and her older brother, Andrew, out of always thinking they know what's best for her.
We have a lot of secondary characters in this one. We have Rachel's two sisters, her nephew, and Claire's brother Andrew, as well as the shopkeeper that hires Claire. We also get some nice sightings of Juliet and Lucy from book #1 as well as Abby Rhodes (who is the focus of book #3) and a few other characters as well.
Hewitt does a nice job with writing about two girls whose lives did not turn out the way they expected. They both get pushed in different ways which was great. Rachel has to learn to let go, and Claire has to learn to speak up for herself and do what she wants, even if it is hard. We do get some romance in this one, but not a lot honestly. Both of the women are the focus in this book and they have a lot going on from beginning to end.
Hartley-by-the-Sea sounds charming though cold and Hewitt does a great job with describing the village and it's inhabitants love of the weekly pub quiz.
The ending has both women on a different path and I hope that Hewitt keeps following up on them in future books.
This is the second book in the Hartley-by-the-Sea books. We were introduced to one of the characters in the first book, Rachel Campbell. The second character we follow is Claire West.
Rachel has had a hard life. She gave up the chance to go to university and get a degree in chemistry. Instead she is forced to drop out after her father runs out on her, her two younger sisters, and her disabled mother. Rachel takes over her mother's cleaning business and cleans the homes of the residents of Hartley-by-the-Sea and wishes for better things for her younger sister who is about to take her O levels. Forgive me if I got that wrong since I did not grow up in England and always mess up the A and O levels in books. Though Rachel is not trying to, she is pressuring her younger sister to do what she didn't do which is to go to university and get a degree in biology.
Claire is hiding in Hartley-by-the-Sea. After her fiancee calls her parents and claims she's an alcoholic, Claire goes to rehab and then refuses to follow her parents to London. Instead she goes back to her childhood home where she hopes to find a job.
Rachel is surprised to run into Claire when she stops by to clean one day and it brings up all of her anger towards Claire dropping her when they were kids. Claire finds a job at the local store/post office and is doing her best to push her parents and her older brother, Andrew, out of always thinking they know what's best for her.
We have a lot of secondary characters in this one. We have Rachel's two sisters, her nephew, and Claire's brother Andrew, as well as the shopkeeper that hires Claire. We also get some nice sightings of Juliet and Lucy from book #1 as well as Abby Rhodes (who is the focus of book #3) and a few other characters as well.
Hewitt does a nice job with writing about two girls whose lives did not turn out the way they expected. They both get pushed in different ways which was great. Rachel has to learn to let go, and Claire has to learn to speak up for herself and do what she wants, even if it is hard. We do get some romance in this one, but not a lot honestly. Both of the women are the focus in this book and they have a lot going on from beginning to end.
Hartley-by-the-Sea sounds charming though cold and Hewitt does a great job with describing the village and it's inhabitants love of the weekly pub quiz.
The ending has both women on a different path and I hope that Hewitt keeps following up on them in future books.
June 3, 2016
Now and Then Friends ( A Hartley-By-The-Sea Novel) by Kate Hewitt is a NAL publication
This well balanced, emotional drama touches on class differences, family loyalties and responsibilities, love and friendship. Although Rachel and Claire couldn’t have come from more diverse backgrounds, they shared a common bond that proved to be unbreakable. The long held resentment between the women fall away as they lift one another up, cheer each other on, listen to one another’s problems, and learn acceptance and forgiveness can heal old wounds and strengthen the foundation that is already in place.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews
To read the full review, click on this link:https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
This well balanced, emotional drama touches on class differences, family loyalties and responsibilities, love and friendship. Although Rachel and Claire couldn’t have come from more diverse backgrounds, they shared a common bond that proved to be unbreakable. The long held resentment between the women fall away as they lift one another up, cheer each other on, listen to one another’s problems, and learn acceptance and forgiveness can heal old wounds and strengthen the foundation that is already in place.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews
To read the full review, click on this link:https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
March 28, 2020
Very believable story. Both women’s perspectives felt completely honest and very real!
July 5, 2016
Oh to be young again and know what I know now. Sometimes we look back and wonder how it would be if something changed in our past. Would a simple “I’m sorry” make the difference in a friendship long lost? Or was it meant to be a broken friendship?
Author Kate Hewitt takes us on a trip to England and a lovely village where everyone knows who you are and your past is hard to overcome. She tells a story rich with tales of the past and hope for the future. Broken friendships that beg to be healed. And how one person’s view may not be how the other viewed it at all. Even the strong need help and sometimes the help comes from where you least expect it.
This book was an easy to read and smooth story that takes you away into the recesses of your own mind with stories of past friendships and hurt feelings. Beautifully written with characters that are strong in many ways and yet vulnerable too. Can forgiveness in yourself and to others be all that it takes to heal you, your heart, and your past friendships?
A lovely book that is perfect for a summer getaway. Get lost in the writing of Kate Hewitt. You will enjoy the experience!
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/now-and-then-... copy rec'd for review purposes
Author Kate Hewitt takes us on a trip to England and a lovely village where everyone knows who you are and your past is hard to overcome. She tells a story rich with tales of the past and hope for the future. Broken friendships that beg to be healed. And how one person’s view may not be how the other viewed it at all. Even the strong need help and sometimes the help comes from where you least expect it.
This book was an easy to read and smooth story that takes you away into the recesses of your own mind with stories of past friendships and hurt feelings. Beautifully written with characters that are strong in many ways and yet vulnerable too. Can forgiveness in yourself and to others be all that it takes to heal you, your heart, and your past friendships?
A lovely book that is perfect for a summer getaway. Get lost in the writing of Kate Hewitt. You will enjoy the experience!
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/now-and-then-... copy rec'd for review purposes
July 1, 2016
I found this to be a magical novel, you know one of those books that draws you in and you are living the story with the characters. I felt like I was there, could really see Hartley-by-the-Sea...
The characters were wonderfully drawn, some quirky, some charming, but all whom I would have liked to meet. Rachel, one of the main characters irratated me lots of times but I still needed to find out what she planned on doing... I loved watching Claire grow and come into herself.
I also love the fact that the author had no pat answers, it made the story feel real.
But like I said, the story was magical and magical is terribly hard to describe!
The characters were wonderfully drawn, some quirky, some charming, but all whom I would have liked to meet. Rachel, one of the main characters irratated me lots of times but I still needed to find out what she planned on doing... I loved watching Claire grow and come into herself.
I also love the fact that the author had no pat answers, it made the story feel real.
But like I said, the story was magical and magical is terribly hard to describe!
August 28, 2018
This book was an easy and quick story - perfect for summertime reading. Yet, it deals with some difficult issues: childhood abandonment, parental chronic illness, mistrust of or lack of confidence in others, and seeing the world through only your own eyes without consideration of the viewpoints of others. One could almost treat it as a self-help book with a sweet fictional narrative.
This story focuses on two, now grown, women who though once best friends are now virtual strangers after a childhood falling out which just happened and resulted in disappointment by both girls. One is of the poorer struggling class and the other of the wealthy set. It is set in the small Cumbrian town of Hartley-by-the-Sea. Rachel is struggling, running her permanently disabled mother's home-cleaning business while managing the Campbell home and the residing younger siblings and young nephew. She feels as though she's the only one of the family working so hard to keep it all together - just trying to keep the loose threads of their family ties from unraveling. The fact that Rachel's dad walked out on the family 11 years ago sure didn't help matters.
Meanwhile, childhood friend, Claire West, returns to Hartley-by-the-Sea after a failed engagement and lackluster career in Portugal which resulted in an alcohol rehab stint. Claire didn't really feel like an alcoholic. She just felt trapped and gave in to the abundantly flowing alcohol one evening. Her disgusted fiancé, Hugh, suggested to her parents that Claire had a drinking problem and she was quickly shuffled off to a rehab hospital. Claire is so used to everyone directing her life so what's the point in arguing about this turn of events? Following rehab, she chooses not to head to her parents' home in London but rather to her childhood home by the sea. She wants a fresh start and thinks that being on her own will give her that start. Good thought except that she continues to look to others for direction.
The story really picks up as the interaction between these two women develops. Other characters, equally well developed, are introduced and add sparkle and charm to the story. This was a charming feel good story and much enjoyed.
I am grateful to author Kate Hewitt, publisher Penguin Random House and Goodreads First Reads for having provided a free advance reading copy of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
This story focuses on two, now grown, women who though once best friends are now virtual strangers after a childhood falling out which just happened and resulted in disappointment by both girls. One is of the poorer struggling class and the other of the wealthy set. It is set in the small Cumbrian town of Hartley-by-the-Sea. Rachel is struggling, running her permanently disabled mother's home-cleaning business while managing the Campbell home and the residing younger siblings and young nephew. She feels as though she's the only one of the family working so hard to keep it all together - just trying to keep the loose threads of their family ties from unraveling. The fact that Rachel's dad walked out on the family 11 years ago sure didn't help matters.
Meanwhile, childhood friend, Claire West, returns to Hartley-by-the-Sea after a failed engagement and lackluster career in Portugal which resulted in an alcohol rehab stint. Claire didn't really feel like an alcoholic. She just felt trapped and gave in to the abundantly flowing alcohol one evening. Her disgusted fiancé, Hugh, suggested to her parents that Claire had a drinking problem and she was quickly shuffled off to a rehab hospital. Claire is so used to everyone directing her life so what's the point in arguing about this turn of events? Following rehab, she chooses not to head to her parents' home in London but rather to her childhood home by the sea. She wants a fresh start and thinks that being on her own will give her that start. Good thought except that she continues to look to others for direction.
The story really picks up as the interaction between these two women develops. Other characters, equally well developed, are introduced and add sparkle and charm to the story. This was a charming feel good story and much enjoyed.
I am grateful to author Kate Hewitt, publisher Penguin Random House and Goodreads First Reads for having provided a free advance reading copy of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
June 1, 2016
This is Kate Hewitt's second book with a setting of Hartley-by-the-Sea, a small town in England. There are a few references to the characters in the first book but this can be read as a stand alone with no confusion.
Claire Westland and Rachel Campbell were best friends in school until Claire started to hang out with the popular crowd in junior high. Claire left town as soon as possible to live in Spain and Rachel stayed to take care of her mother and sisters and to take over the family's housecleaning business. When Claire returns to town, Rachel is filled with resentment. She is sure that Claire has led an exotic life while she was stuck in the same place and she sees no reason to rekindle their friendship. But Claire's life has a lot of issues and they both really need a friend but can they get past their resentment of each other and become friends again?
Kate Hewitt does a fantastic job of creating her two main characters - they are very real and both have a lot of problems and faults. Both were unlikable at times but once their whole story is revealed, they are both fantastic characters.
This is a fun summer read and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Penguin House and the author for a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
Claire Westland and Rachel Campbell were best friends in school until Claire started to hang out with the popular crowd in junior high. Claire left town as soon as possible to live in Spain and Rachel stayed to take care of her mother and sisters and to take over the family's housecleaning business. When Claire returns to town, Rachel is filled with resentment. She is sure that Claire has led an exotic life while she was stuck in the same place and she sees no reason to rekindle their friendship. But Claire's life has a lot of issues and they both really need a friend but can they get past their resentment of each other and become friends again?
Kate Hewitt does a fantastic job of creating her two main characters - they are very real and both have a lot of problems and faults. Both were unlikable at times but once their whole story is revealed, they are both fantastic characters.
This is a fun summer read and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Penguin House and the author for a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
May 15, 2025
I’m enjoying Hartley by the Sea. The books aren’t completely romance-focused. Instead, real-life issues and relational stresses are confronted, examined, and resolutions are begun.
July 10, 2016
3.5 stars
Now and Then Friends was so slow to get started, but I ended up enjoying it. As the story progressed, I was eager to finish the book and see what happened with the characters.
Claire and Rachel were friends as young children in Hartley-by-the-Sea. Their lives diverged, and they each have a different recollection of the way the relationship ended. Rachel has stayed in Hartley-by-the-Sea while Claire went to university and lived in Portugal. As the book opens, Claire’s life begins to fall apart, and she heads back to Hartley-by-the-Sea to try and get her life back together. As the story unfolds, the two women attempt to repair their relationship while each also tries to get her own life under control.
I really liked Rachel a lot and felt for her with all she had to do. As Claire began to stand up for herself, I began to really root for her too. I did feel that some of the relationships were a tad bit contrived at times, but I was glad I read this novel. It was a nice change of pace for me.
Now and Then Friends was so slow to get started, but I ended up enjoying it. As the story progressed, I was eager to finish the book and see what happened with the characters.
Claire and Rachel were friends as young children in Hartley-by-the-Sea. Their lives diverged, and they each have a different recollection of the way the relationship ended. Rachel has stayed in Hartley-by-the-Sea while Claire went to university and lived in Portugal. As the book opens, Claire’s life begins to fall apart, and she heads back to Hartley-by-the-Sea to try and get her life back together. As the story unfolds, the two women attempt to repair their relationship while each also tries to get her own life under control.
I really liked Rachel a lot and felt for her with all she had to do. As Claire began to stand up for herself, I began to really root for her too. I did feel that some of the relationships were a tad bit contrived at times, but I was glad I read this novel. It was a nice change of pace for me.
February 27, 2018
Such a cute story.
February 19, 2017
In her second book, Kate Hewitt expands on the themes of friendship and sisterhood. I enjoyed this book even more than the first one, because the cliche romantic storylines are very subtle and moved to the background, allowing all spotlight to be on the main characters - realistic and believable as they deal with each of their life's circumstances, relationships within each of their families and with each other. The twists and turns in characters' fates are very life-like without any unnecessary over-the-top emotional drama - exactly the kind of light reading I was looking for.
April 25, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. I didn’t know what to expect but it surprised me with a realism and awareness of character that made the book seem more like a real life occurrence rather than a fictional story.
I thought it would be a lame story with predictable romances, but it wasn’t. It was gentle and real and I could hardly put it down!
The accented “Cumbrian” dialogue was fun to read too :)
Definitely keeping this one on my shelf.
I thought it would be a lame story with predictable romances, but it wasn’t. It was gentle and real and I could hardly put it down!
The accented “Cumbrian” dialogue was fun to read too :)
Definitely keeping this one on my shelf.
May 2, 2019
I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.
January 30, 2022
Raamat oli armas, aga tõlge/toimetamine oli halb ja sõnakasutused-laused häirisid. Tihti (otse)tõlkisin mõttes inglise keelde ja siis sain aru, mida mõeldud oli 😃 Sisu poolest aga südamlik ja õpetlik. Räägi inimestega, ära eelda, küsi, mida teised tunnevad, ole kohal ja olemas 🙂
January 3, 2024
Loved this one! I’m always a sucker for a book on friendship, and this one did not disappoint. The setting was perfect, the writing strong, and the romance relatable for once. Overall a great first book for 2024.
September 8, 2023
I adore this series. I want to move to “Hartley-by-the-Sea.”
February 26, 2024
Really enjoyed this one too. Another book that really isn’t my genre to buy but this writing style, about love and friendship without being cringy is pretty good
May 20, 2023
I don't care for the narration. Perhaps the hard copy would appeal to me more.
Audiobook
Jennifer Scapetis-Tycer - Narrator
Duration: 13:45:09
Audiobook
Jennifer Scapetis-Tycer - Narrator
Duration: 13:45:09
November 4, 2017
This is an enjoyable novel, not as fluffy as some. It’s set in Hartley-by-The-Sea, Cumbria, in a small-ish village where everybody knows your name, and the story revolves around two friends who disconnected back in Year Six at primary school, when they were around eleven. Claire was the rich little princess-type, from the big house on the edge of town, who was soon to go to a private school anyway. The other, Rachel, had an unemployed dad who walked out, and a mother who broke her back while on a cleaning job and is subsequently an invalid. So cut to present day and Rachel, who is strong, competent and independent, is secretly worn out and over-whelmed with too much responsibility too young. Claire is the opposite: everyone manages her, and treats her like she’s an incompetent child – partly because of a history of health problems, and partial deafness. The characters are well-rounded and I found myself really rooting for them. The constant stress of being short of money, and working long hours to make ends meet, and feeling constantly tired and worn-down, makes Rachel’s predicament very real but also annoying. Her two sisters are apparently idle lumps: there seems no reason on earth why Rachel should work all day and then clean up after them. So that was slightly annoying, she was a bit of a martyr (but nowhere near annoying enough to want to stop reading).
And Claire was incredibly wet at first, but gradually her insecurities and sense of isolation begin to make sense, given her health and family history. I felt the characterization was sound, consistent and in-depth regarding the two main protagonists. I liked the depiction of Dan the post office man, who also figured in Rainy Day Sisters, the first Hartley-by-The-Sea novel. His extreme closed-offness and impenetrability are refreshing: he doesn’t instantly thaw and transform into a chatty socialite when he discovers love, and again his experiences are consistent with his behavior and personality now.
If I have one quibble – and it is only a small one – it is that for much of the story Rachel’s disabled mother is depicted not as a person but as a burden. I felt she was seen very much from the outside, through the lens of her long-suffering carers’ eyes. There was very little sense of empathy for her, or of her as a person at all outside of her nuisance value, until right at the end when Rachel does have a lightbulb moment that it can’t be all that good for her mum either.
But as I say a small-ish quibble. This is a solid, satisfying read, rather darker in places than you might expect but in a good way. It has more depth and realism. Recommended.
For more of my reviews, go to:
http://www.brinmurray.com/
And Claire was incredibly wet at first, but gradually her insecurities and sense of isolation begin to make sense, given her health and family history. I felt the characterization was sound, consistent and in-depth regarding the two main protagonists. I liked the depiction of Dan the post office man, who also figured in Rainy Day Sisters, the first Hartley-by-The-Sea novel. His extreme closed-offness and impenetrability are refreshing: he doesn’t instantly thaw and transform into a chatty socialite when he discovers love, and again his experiences are consistent with his behavior and personality now.
If I have one quibble – and it is only a small one – it is that for much of the story Rachel’s disabled mother is depicted not as a person but as a burden. I felt she was seen very much from the outside, through the lens of her long-suffering carers’ eyes. There was very little sense of empathy for her, or of her as a person at all outside of her nuisance value, until right at the end when Rachel does have a lightbulb moment that it can’t be all that good for her mum either.
But as I say a small-ish quibble. This is a solid, satisfying read, rather darker in places than you might expect but in a good way. It has more depth and realism. Recommended.
For more of my reviews, go to:
http://www.brinmurray.com/
July 8, 2016
Kate Hewitt has been a must-watch author for me since I read her book This Fragile Life a few years back. It was such an emotional read, it made me cry, even about a subject that's something so far away from my own life, which I always think is a good thing. So I've tried my best to keep up with her novels and nowadays she's writing a series set in Hartley-by-the-Sea, in Cumbria. I haven't actually read Rainy Day Sisters, and I don't think you particularly have to, although Juliet & Lucy are in this book, but not a lot is mentioned of the plot, what happened, etc, so you can easily read these books as standalones.
Now and Then Friends tells the story of two girls who used to be friends, Claire and Rachel, and their very different lives in Hartley-by-the-Sea. Claire finds herself there after an incident with her fiance in Portugal, and Rachel finds herself stuck there permanently due to family health issues, the two were best friends way back, but not any more, and it's fair to say Rachel holds a bit of a grudge about it all. In fact, Claire's brother Andrew, was spot on when he said Rachel had a chip on her shoulder. It was the size of Great Britain, in fact. Though I will say, for everything that Rachel went through, I could understand why she had a chip on her shoulder. I could understand why she nagged her sister's, Meghan and Lily to do better, to help her out, to tidy up.
This really wasn't a cheerful read. Rachel is downtrodden, rightly so, and I felt stressed on her behalf. Everything in her life was fraught with worry, and Meghan and Lily irritated the living daylights out of me, with their inability to just bloody help. Or for Meghan to actually take care of her son, Nathan. If I was Rachel my head would have exploded in anger, I'm not even kidding. It was Claire's story that I really enjoyed though, I mean I liked Rachel, but her chapters always had me fretting for her, whereas Claire's story actually saw her stand on her own two feet for once, and see how she liked it, including getting a job in the local shop-cum-post-office. After a lifetime of being told what to do, by everyone, it was really nice to see her do her own thing, and realise what she wanted in life.
I really enjoyed Now and Then Friends. It really wasn't the most cheerful of reads, at times, but it was nice to see Claire and Rachel's friendship re-blossom. It was also lovely to read a book set in Cumbria. This was such a good read, and I'll definitely have to go back and read Rainy Day Sisters, and here's hoping there'll be a third Hartley-by-the-Sea novel soon.
Now and Then Friends tells the story of two girls who used to be friends, Claire and Rachel, and their very different lives in Hartley-by-the-Sea. Claire finds herself there after an incident with her fiance in Portugal, and Rachel finds herself stuck there permanently due to family health issues, the two were best friends way back, but not any more, and it's fair to say Rachel holds a bit of a grudge about it all. In fact, Claire's brother Andrew, was spot on when he said Rachel had a chip on her shoulder. It was the size of Great Britain, in fact. Though I will say, for everything that Rachel went through, I could understand why she had a chip on her shoulder. I could understand why she nagged her sister's, Meghan and Lily to do better, to help her out, to tidy up.
This really wasn't a cheerful read. Rachel is downtrodden, rightly so, and I felt stressed on her behalf. Everything in her life was fraught with worry, and Meghan and Lily irritated the living daylights out of me, with their inability to just bloody help. Or for Meghan to actually take care of her son, Nathan. If I was Rachel my head would have exploded in anger, I'm not even kidding. It was Claire's story that I really enjoyed though, I mean I liked Rachel, but her chapters always had me fretting for her, whereas Claire's story actually saw her stand on her own two feet for once, and see how she liked it, including getting a job in the local shop-cum-post-office. After a lifetime of being told what to do, by everyone, it was really nice to see her do her own thing, and realise what she wanted in life.
I really enjoyed Now and Then Friends. It really wasn't the most cheerful of reads, at times, but it was nice to see Claire and Rachel's friendship re-blossom. It was also lovely to read a book set in Cumbria. This was such a good read, and I'll definitely have to go back and read Rainy Day Sisters, and here's hoping there'll be a third Hartley-by-the-Sea novel soon.
July 19, 2016
Life hasn’t turn out the way Rachel Campbell or Claire West expected. They were both best friends when they were in elementary school many years ago. Now, they meet anew when Claire West returns to Hartley-By-The-Sea and the awkwardness between the two is obvious to everyone else in the small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. But no one knows what the problem between these two characters is and the two women really can’t put their finger on the problem either. Suffice to say that both women are “empty and a tad angry” inside.
Rachel’s Mom broke her back years ago and is an invalid; thus, Rachel must care for her family as her father has been gone for years as well. She cleans houses to make a small living and it’s obvious hers is a hard life. Claire West, on the other hands, grew up as a rich girl who could have anything she wanted. But now she’s returned, she has to honestly admit her life has been one big “show” run by her family and then fiancé. Now she’s seeking something new but excessively timid as she’s never learned to function alone. While this sounds like a dour story, it isn’t that bad at all. There are enough snarky comments to add some humor to Rachel and Claire’s situations.
Obviously, from the title, these two women might have a chance as good friends again, but first they have to get over their bitterness, fear and animosity toward anyone who reaches out to them with compassion. One can see how these chronic attitudes can wear on other characters, but the chemistry between the two women just might thaw enough to make a different future. Ironically, even though there are brief, bleak scenes, there’s a magic in this story that keeps the reader hoping for something better than what these two women have at the beginning of this novel.
Life is as hard as one makes it. Those who know Rachel and Claire also know that still waters run deep and turbulent, and the reader gets to see the unwinding of some rather nasty background junk. Stuff sometimes only friends can unfreeze. Very nicely written and recommended contemporary fiction!
Rachel’s Mom broke her back years ago and is an invalid; thus, Rachel must care for her family as her father has been gone for years as well. She cleans houses to make a small living and it’s obvious hers is a hard life. Claire West, on the other hands, grew up as a rich girl who could have anything she wanted. But now she’s returned, she has to honestly admit her life has been one big “show” run by her family and then fiancé. Now she’s seeking something new but excessively timid as she’s never learned to function alone. While this sounds like a dour story, it isn’t that bad at all. There are enough snarky comments to add some humor to Rachel and Claire’s situations.
Obviously, from the title, these two women might have a chance as good friends again, but first they have to get over their bitterness, fear and animosity toward anyone who reaches out to them with compassion. One can see how these chronic attitudes can wear on other characters, but the chemistry between the two women just might thaw enough to make a different future. Ironically, even though there are brief, bleak scenes, there’s a magic in this story that keeps the reader hoping for something better than what these two women have at the beginning of this novel.
Life is as hard as one makes it. Those who know Rachel and Claire also know that still waters run deep and turbulent, and the reader gets to see the unwinding of some rather nasty background junk. Stuff sometimes only friends can unfreeze. Very nicely written and recommended contemporary fiction!
February 3, 2017
Rachel and Claire were best friends until they were eight years old. Twenty years later, they are both in Hartley-by-the Sea, miles from London in all ways, and find that it might be impossible to rekindle their friendship.
I had really enjoyed Rainy Day Sisters, the first in the Hartley-by-the Sea series, and have found that it isn't necessary to read these two in order although the two sisters in the first book do have minor roles in the second. I hope Kate Hewitt has a third coming soon.
I had really enjoyed Rainy Day Sisters, the first in the Hartley-by-the Sea series, and have found that it isn't necessary to read these two in order although the two sisters in the first book do have minor roles in the second. I hope Kate Hewitt has a third coming soon.
October 21, 2016
Although I really like her characters and her writing style, I kept waiting for the book to take off.
October 27, 2016
A nice book. Nothing amazing, but readable and enjoyable.
September 10, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/no...
Now And Then Friends
Hartley-By-The-Sea, Book #2
Kate Hewitt
(ISBN13: 9780451475596)
http://www.kate-hewitt.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen
Synopsis:
The USA Today bestselling author of Rainy Day Sisters returns to Hartley-by-the-Sea…
Childhood best friends Rachel Campbell and Claire West have not only grown up, but after fifteen years, they’ve also grown apart…
After her father left, Rachel had to dedicate her life to managing her household: her two younger sisters, her disabled mother, and her three-year-old nephew. When Rachel’s not struggling to look after all of them, she makes her living cleaning the houses of wealthy families—inclulding the Wests, where a surprise now awaits her. . . .
A lifetime of drifting in other people’s currents has finally left Claire high and dry. First it was her parents, then the popular crowd in school, and finally her fiancé. Now she’s returned to Hartley-by-the-Sea to recover. But running into Rachel brings back memories of past mistakes, and Claire wonders if she now has the courage to make them right.
Soon Claire’s brother, Andrew, asks Rachel to keep an eye on Claire, which is the last thing either woman wants. But as their lives threaten to fall apart, both Claire and Rachel begin to realize what they need most is a friend. The kind of friend they once were to each other, and perhaps can be again. . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
This is the story of two friends, Claire and Rachel, who were as close as friends can be when they were younger. They could not have been more different but they got along well and really cared for each other. They did all the things that young friends do together and they shared their dreams with each other, like all young girls do. But then one day, that all changed when Claire started hanging out with the popular girls and left Rachel behind. Rachel never really got over the hurt and betrayal she felt when that happened. When they meet again years later, Rachel is still bitter over the way Claire treated her. As they spend time together and each reflect on their past relationship, they realize that they both have differing opinions on what happened in their past. Can they work past the feelings of hurt and betrayal to become friends again?
The characters were well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Both Claire and Rachel have had difficult pasts and both continue to carry that baggage. Their broken friendship may be a hurdle that they cannot get over, even if either of them are so inclined to try. Both characters seemed very realistic to me and caused me to have many emotional reactions to them both. The secondary characters were also well developed and I had reactions to them as well, not all of them favorable. I think it takes a great author to bring these reactions and feeling out of the reader.
The writing style flows smoothly for the most part. For me, the use of British words kept it from having the smooth flow that I like. I had to stop at times and try to figure out what was being talked about. This may not have bothered other readers but I found it slightly annoying.
I did like how each chapter was titled either Claire or Rachel. I like this technique, I think it helps the reader to learn more about each character. You can concentrate on their background and feelings better, in my opinion. I feel like it makes the characters seem more realistic.
For the most part, I felt that this was a sad book. There were some happier parts, but the overall feeling that overcame me was sadness. Rachel is just such an unhappy person with so much responsibility that I felt very sorry for her. For me, her chapters were rather depressing. I think the author did a great job relaying the feeling of hopelessness of Rachel.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary. You might want to have a tissue nearby because it is an emotional read. Although it is the second book in the series, I did not have any trouble following what was going on.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Now And Then Friends
Hartley-By-The-Sea, Book #2
Kate Hewitt
(ISBN13: 9780451475596)
http://www.kate-hewitt.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen
Synopsis:
The USA Today bestselling author of Rainy Day Sisters returns to Hartley-by-the-Sea…
Childhood best friends Rachel Campbell and Claire West have not only grown up, but after fifteen years, they’ve also grown apart…
After her father left, Rachel had to dedicate her life to managing her household: her two younger sisters, her disabled mother, and her three-year-old nephew. When Rachel’s not struggling to look after all of them, she makes her living cleaning the houses of wealthy families—inclulding the Wests, where a surprise now awaits her. . . .
A lifetime of drifting in other people’s currents has finally left Claire high and dry. First it was her parents, then the popular crowd in school, and finally her fiancé. Now she’s returned to Hartley-by-the-Sea to recover. But running into Rachel brings back memories of past mistakes, and Claire wonders if she now has the courage to make them right.
Soon Claire’s brother, Andrew, asks Rachel to keep an eye on Claire, which is the last thing either woman wants. But as their lives threaten to fall apart, both Claire and Rachel begin to realize what they need most is a friend. The kind of friend they once were to each other, and perhaps can be again. . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
This is the story of two friends, Claire and Rachel, who were as close as friends can be when they were younger. They could not have been more different but they got along well and really cared for each other. They did all the things that young friends do together and they shared their dreams with each other, like all young girls do. But then one day, that all changed when Claire started hanging out with the popular girls and left Rachel behind. Rachel never really got over the hurt and betrayal she felt when that happened. When they meet again years later, Rachel is still bitter over the way Claire treated her. As they spend time together and each reflect on their past relationship, they realize that they both have differing opinions on what happened in their past. Can they work past the feelings of hurt and betrayal to become friends again?
The characters were well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Both Claire and Rachel have had difficult pasts and both continue to carry that baggage. Their broken friendship may be a hurdle that they cannot get over, even if either of them are so inclined to try. Both characters seemed very realistic to me and caused me to have many emotional reactions to them both. The secondary characters were also well developed and I had reactions to them as well, not all of them favorable. I think it takes a great author to bring these reactions and feeling out of the reader.
The writing style flows smoothly for the most part. For me, the use of British words kept it from having the smooth flow that I like. I had to stop at times and try to figure out what was being talked about. This may not have bothered other readers but I found it slightly annoying.
I did like how each chapter was titled either Claire or Rachel. I like this technique, I think it helps the reader to learn more about each character. You can concentrate on their background and feelings better, in my opinion. I feel like it makes the characters seem more realistic.
For the most part, I felt that this was a sad book. There were some happier parts, but the overall feeling that overcame me was sadness. Rachel is just such an unhappy person with so much responsibility that I felt very sorry for her. For me, her chapters were rather depressing. I think the author did a great job relaying the feeling of hopelessness of Rachel.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary. You might want to have a tissue nearby because it is an emotional read. Although it is the second book in the series, I did not have any trouble following what was going on.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
March 22, 2024
3.5 rating, rounded down.
This was a nice, easy, feel good read. Not much mystery or suspense and almost too easy how things were resolved. But still, I enjoyed the story.
Claire and Rachel were "best friends" back in elementary school until they split apart because Claire was going to a private school for the rest of her school days and Rachel stayed at the public school (I'm using US terminology because I always get mixed up with the UK school system). Rachel's life has been hard because her mom fell and broke her back, becoming bedridden when Rachel was 11. And then her dad left several years later when Rachel had started college and because of that she had to return home to take care of younger sister Lily and watch over her other sister Meghan and her baby Nathan. Rachel now has a cleaning business that was her mom's and her dreams of going to college have been subverted to Lily, placing all her dreams on Lily whether Lily wants to or not.
Meanwhile, Claire had been living in Portugal, engaged to a wealthy socialite, Hugh, who believed she had a drinking problem and together with her parents sent her to rehab for a month. When she finished, she returned to their house in the small town of Hartley. She gets a job at the small store/post office in town working for a large, taciturn man, Dan. When she runs into Rachel, she is given quite the cold shoulder by her. Slowly but surely, Claire begins to figure out that she has to grow a spine and begin to speak up for what she wants without letting others dictate her life, including her parents and older brother, Andrew.
The part that felt silly to me was Rachel's continued anger at Claire for a perceived snub at the first day of school in their last year together at the same school. They were quite young, perhaps 10 years old, but the author makes this be such a big deal, too big a deal for me to comprehend. They are adults now! She could feel sad that they lost touch but having that much anger so many years later was ridiculous.
I did like the relationship with the older woman who came into the store every day, and how Claire arranged for her to go to a quiz night at the pub with Dan as well.
A nice, easy read, perhaps too easy but I always love this author and recommend her books!
This was a nice, easy, feel good read. Not much mystery or suspense and almost too easy how things were resolved. But still, I enjoyed the story.
Claire and Rachel were "best friends" back in elementary school until they split apart because Claire was going to a private school for the rest of her school days and Rachel stayed at the public school (I'm using US terminology because I always get mixed up with the UK school system). Rachel's life has been hard because her mom fell and broke her back, becoming bedridden when Rachel was 11. And then her dad left several years later when Rachel had started college and because of that she had to return home to take care of younger sister Lily and watch over her other sister Meghan and her baby Nathan. Rachel now has a cleaning business that was her mom's and her dreams of going to college have been subverted to Lily, placing all her dreams on Lily whether Lily wants to or not.
Meanwhile, Claire had been living in Portugal, engaged to a wealthy socialite, Hugh, who believed she had a drinking problem and together with her parents sent her to rehab for a month. When she finished, she returned to their house in the small town of Hartley. She gets a job at the small store/post office in town working for a large, taciturn man, Dan. When she runs into Rachel, she is given quite the cold shoulder by her. Slowly but surely, Claire begins to figure out that she has to grow a spine and begin to speak up for what she wants without letting others dictate her life, including her parents and older brother, Andrew.
The part that felt silly to me was Rachel's continued anger at Claire for a perceived snub at the first day of school in their last year together at the same school. They were quite young, perhaps 10 years old, but the author makes this be such a big deal, too big a deal for me to comprehend. They are adults now! She could feel sad that they lost touch but having that much anger so many years later was ridiculous.
I did like the relationship with the older woman who came into the store every day, and how Claire arranged for her to go to a quiz night at the pub with Dan as well.
A nice, easy read, perhaps too easy but I always love this author and recommend her books!
November 24, 2017
Now and Then Friends is the second book in the Hartley-By-The-Sea Series. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone book but I enjoyed catching up on the characters from the first book, Rainy Day Sisters. I found this book to be every bit as enjoyable to read as the first book.
Kate Hewitt deals with a lot of emotions in this book and she does it very well. There’s the childhood friendships that become strained to adulthood and how they are able to reclaim those friendships through a lot of patience and the deep desire to rekindle that sisterhood that was once there. She also shows the struggles that many people/families have to one degree or other in supporting a family, being a caregiver for loved ones, family expectations, and difficulties in fulfilling ones dreams all with inspirational writing that makes you feel like you are right there feeling their struggles as well as the celebrations.
In reading this book, we are reminded that friendship can last a lifetime but like all good things they require work, love and understanding. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
Kate Hewitt deals with a lot of emotions in this book and she does it very well. There’s the childhood friendships that become strained to adulthood and how they are able to reclaim those friendships through a lot of patience and the deep desire to rekindle that sisterhood that was once there. She also shows the struggles that many people/families have to one degree or other in supporting a family, being a caregiver for loved ones, family expectations, and difficulties in fulfilling ones dreams all with inspirational writing that makes you feel like you are right there feeling their struggles as well as the celebrations.
In reading this book, we are reminded that friendship can last a lifetime but like all good things they require work, love and understanding. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
August 29, 2020
This book is the second in a series based in this small coastal town in the UK. I did not enjoy this one nearly as much as book #1 mostly because one of the main characters, Rachel, was so unlikable. She had dreams of attending university and making something of herself but had to leave after 2 weeks when her father deserted the family. She went back home to take care of her invalid mother and two sisters. Yes, she was dealt a very hard hand in life but she did nothing but feel sorry for herself and take it out on others.
The other main character, Claire, was much more likable. She had been friends with Rachel as a child but her wealth and her parents' influence in her life put an end to that long ago. Claire returns to her hometown after a broken engagement and tries very hard to put her life right.
Not the most enjoyable story but there was no sex or profanity and by the end, some of the unpleasant parts were beginning to resolve.
The other main character, Claire, was much more likable. She had been friends with Rachel as a child but her wealth and her parents' influence in her life put an end to that long ago. Claire returns to her hometown after a broken engagement and tries very hard to put her life right.
Not the most enjoyable story but there was no sex or profanity and by the end, some of the unpleasant parts were beginning to resolve.
October 30, 2021
I received this as a Goodreads Book Giveaway and thank them for the opportunity to read it.
I was fascinated by the premise of this book. My take on it was that once children, and even adults, leave a neighborhood, work situation, school situation, we lose track of what their experiences are. Some people take on a facade that all is normal as long as you don't look beyond what is presented and most people do not look beyond what they see. It is a common occurrence and when we find out what is behind the curtain we sense different emotions, sadness, guilt, envy, pure happiness for the other person. It made me think of all the people I knew in other situations and wished them well and reached out to some to reconnect.
This book pulls you in and makes you keep turning the pages, learning about backgrounds and how each of us took paths, or were given paths, that steered us to our future.
A definite good read.
I was fascinated by the premise of this book. My take on it was that once children, and even adults, leave a neighborhood, work situation, school situation, we lose track of what their experiences are. Some people take on a facade that all is normal as long as you don't look beyond what is presented and most people do not look beyond what they see. It is a common occurrence and when we find out what is behind the curtain we sense different emotions, sadness, guilt, envy, pure happiness for the other person. It made me think of all the people I knew in other situations and wished them well and reached out to some to reconnect.
This book pulls you in and makes you keep turning the pages, learning about backgrounds and how each of us took paths, or were given paths, that steered us to our future.
A definite good read.
April 26, 2018
This is the second in a series of books by Kate Hewitt. As with Rainy Day Sisters, it contained very good people characterizations. Though it is a work of fiction, the scenarios within could happen in the real world which is what makes fiction stories a good read for me. This story centered around two women who were good friends in elementary school, but then went their separate ways, having a sort of falling out/misunderstanding at a young age. One stayed home in Hartley-by-the-Sea, the other moved on to other ventures. Twenty years go by, and they are both back in Hartley with various personal and family issues going on. The author does an excellent job alternating between characters in each chapter. It makes the flow of the story go forward and keeps you wanting to read more. A great read for the beach, on a rainy day or whenever.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews