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Friday Night with the Girls
You should write it all down, Lou, so that your daughter can understand what happened. Everything. Right from the start. Lou Cairney's life has never been dull. But through twenty years of ups, downs and really bad hairstyles, Lou has had the best friends a woman could hope for in Lizzy and Ginger. Growing up together, they shared their dreams and their disasters, broken hearts and career crashes and they survived it all thanks to love, hope and a large dollop of humour. And cocktails. Lots of cocktails. Until now. Lou needs her friends more than ever because her past has just caught up with her in a shocking way. Everyone makes mistakes in life - but Lou has just discovered that she might have made the biggest one of all.
Praise for Shari Low:
'Shari Low writes with humour and skill about the complicated subtleties of adult relationships' Dorothy Koomson.
'Great fun from start to finish' Jenny Colgan.
Praise for Shari Low:
'Shari Low writes with humour and skill about the complicated subtleties of adult relationships' Dorothy Koomson.
'Great fun from start to finish' Jenny Colgan.
336 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2011
1706 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Shari Low
47 books1,472 followers*No1 Multi-Million Copy Best-Selling Author*
In a career spanning twenty five years, author Shari Low has published over 40 books, and sold over five million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
In 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001), was updated and re-released, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Since then, several of Shari's books have been #1 chart-toppers - including One Day With You, One Moment in Time, One Christmas Eve, One Year After You, One Midnight With You and One Day & Forever.
Her latest novels, One More Day of Us and One Snowy Day were published in 2025 by Boldwood Books.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at sharilow dot com
In a career spanning twenty five years, author Shari Low has published over 40 books, and sold over five million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
In 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001), was updated and re-released, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Since then, several of Shari's books have been #1 chart-toppers - including One Day With You, One Moment in Time, One Christmas Eve, One Year After You, One Midnight With You and One Day & Forever.
Her latest novels, One More Day of Us and One Snowy Day were published in 2025 by Boldwood Books.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at sharilow dot com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ nice enough story of life and friendship. Easy to read and quite funny.
September 25, 2011
I have just finished reading Friday Night With The Girls by Shari Low which is due for release in paperback on the 13th October. I am sure some of you have heard of Shari Low and that is because she has two weekly columns at the Daily Record newspaper. Obviously a lady with a great way with words I was expecting a great read but I wasn’t quite prepared for what I got!
Plot
You should write it all down, Lou, so that your daughter can understand what happened. Everything, Right from the start.'
Lou Cairney's life has never been dull. But through twenty years of ups, downs and really bad hairstyles, Lou has had the best friends a woman could hope for in Lizzy and Ginger. Growing up together, they shared their dreams and their disasters, broken hearts and career crashes and they survived it all thanks to love, hope and a large dollop of humour. And cocktails. Lots of cocktails. Until now. Lou needs her friends more than ever because her past has just caught up with her in a shocking way. Everyone makes mistakes in life - but Lou has just discovered that she might have made the biggest one of all..
My Opinion
When I read the synopsis to this book I knew it was going to be the kind of book I would enjoy and I also thought I knew a couple of scenarios as to what had happened in the past had come back to bite Lou on the bum... I was wrong. There is a twist in this book which I was not expecting and to say I was shocked was an understatement.
The structure of this book works well for this kind of storyline. When we first meet the girls they are meeting up for their Friday Girls Night at The St Kentigern Hotel, the story then jumps back in time to when the girls were growing up together and we get to follow along on the girls journey growing up together. Each chapter alternates between the present day in the hotel and then back to a pivotal point in their lives. Shari Low has been very clever in structuring this book in this way as by doing this we feel as if we really know each one of the girls, well I for one felt like I was one of the girls, and this is important for when we get to the twist in the book as we feel as if we are there with them and so feel the emotions that the girls would be feeling.
The storyline is very realistic and each of the girls although they all have very different characteristics they all felt like genuine people. The way that Shari Low brings across the friendship between these girls is beautiful and she manages to balance the three girls perfectly without one feeling pushed out. The book continues at a great pace and at no point during the book did I feel the book start to dull on me.
I felt every emotion possible whilst reading this book, there were times when I laughed out loud, but equally there were times where I had a lump in my throat, this book is truly a touching read.
This is definitely one for your to be read list and I will be looking forward to the next Shari Low book.
Plot
You should write it all down, Lou, so that your daughter can understand what happened. Everything, Right from the start.'
Lou Cairney's life has never been dull. But through twenty years of ups, downs and really bad hairstyles, Lou has had the best friends a woman could hope for in Lizzy and Ginger. Growing up together, they shared their dreams and their disasters, broken hearts and career crashes and they survived it all thanks to love, hope and a large dollop of humour. And cocktails. Lots of cocktails. Until now. Lou needs her friends more than ever because her past has just caught up with her in a shocking way. Everyone makes mistakes in life - but Lou has just discovered that she might have made the biggest one of all..
My Opinion
When I read the synopsis to this book I knew it was going to be the kind of book I would enjoy and I also thought I knew a couple of scenarios as to what had happened in the past had come back to bite Lou on the bum... I was wrong. There is a twist in this book which I was not expecting and to say I was shocked was an understatement.
The structure of this book works well for this kind of storyline. When we first meet the girls they are meeting up for their Friday Girls Night at The St Kentigern Hotel, the story then jumps back in time to when the girls were growing up together and we get to follow along on the girls journey growing up together. Each chapter alternates between the present day in the hotel and then back to a pivotal point in their lives. Shari Low has been very clever in structuring this book in this way as by doing this we feel as if we really know each one of the girls, well I for one felt like I was one of the girls, and this is important for when we get to the twist in the book as we feel as if we are there with them and so feel the emotions that the girls would be feeling.
The storyline is very realistic and each of the girls although they all have very different characteristics they all felt like genuine people. The way that Shari Low brings across the friendship between these girls is beautiful and she manages to balance the three girls perfectly without one feeling pushed out. The book continues at a great pace and at no point during the book did I feel the book start to dull on me.
I felt every emotion possible whilst reading this book, there were times when I laughed out loud, but equally there were times where I had a lump in my throat, this book is truly a touching read.
This is definitely one for your to be read list and I will be looking forward to the next Shari Low book.
October 14, 2011
Shari Low isn’t an author I’ve experienced before. I know Chloe enjoys her novels. However I received a proof copy of her newest book Friday Night With The Girls and because I was already waiting on another book (that didn’t show!), I hadn’t already started something and Friday Night With The Girls looked great – and fairly short, which is great since I love to finish books the same day I start them (yes, I’m strange) – so I decided to give it a read and break my Shari Low duck. I’m rather pleased I did because Friday Night With The Girls was a brilliant read, one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Friday Night With The Girls, as you might expect from the title, tells the story of the friendship between Lou, Lizzy and Ginger and how they meet most Friday nights for drinks and chat. So much Chick Lit focuses on the romance between the main female and male characters and friendships do seem to be pushed to the side. Which is, of course, a surprise since female friendships are meant to be huge and not worth losing when a man comes along. So Friday Night With The Girls was a very, very welcome change. I don’t remember the last novel I read where friendship was the main element of the book. The novel starts in present day Glasgow as the three girls meet for a weekend spa break and then goes back into the past – the 80s, 90s culminating in the return to the present and how all three girls got there with their friendship in tact.
It did take me a few pages to get my bearings with the novel and with the constant backwards and forward of the book, but it was easy enough to follow, and I loved revisiting the times in the girl’s lives that defined their relationship. There are many ups and downs that Lou, Ginger and Lizzy go through – marriages, divorces, injuries, finding true love, having kids – I don’t think there was anything Low left out. If it’s possible to happen, it happened, and the good thing was it wasn’t in any way over the top. Some Chick Lit novels barely encompass a few weeks so it was refreshing to learn everything there was possibly to learn about the girls, and it definitely helped to provide a more rounder picture of them all.
I absolutely loved all three girls. Lou is the narrator of the novel, but we very easily get to know Lizzy and Ginger just as good (and they do have their own chapter or two where they narrate, too). I thought Lou was a wonderful character and I wanted nothing more than to join all three girls at the spa they were visiting and reminisce right along with them. All three girls are entirely different, Lou is the hopeless romantic with the sensible head when it comes to everything else, Lizzy is the clumsy one and Ginger is the loud-mouth who likes a drink. The rubbed off each other well, and if Low knows how to write anything it’s female friendship. I thought Lou’s Aunt Josie was a Godsend, and I loved how she treated Lou far better than Lou’s parents ever did. She was the mother Lou should have had.
There was a surprising twist to the book that I didn’t see coming. I was sitting and wondering what was going to happen, because it seemed as though all the build up was for a reason of some sort but I was surprised at what that reason was. It was handled sensitively though and I was desperate to know the outcome of it. I thought Friday Night With The Girls was brilliantly written and I enjoyed every page. It kept me reading, so much so that I abandoned my plans to watch a third episode of The Mentalist (it takes a LOT for me to give up Patrick Jane) in favour of finishing up this book. It certainly did not disappointed and I’m very pleased I decided to give it a read. I’d definitely recommend Friday Night With The Girls, it’s the ultimate novel if you’re a fan of friendships in Chick Lit and Low does it brilliantly well, she can definitely write a friendship and I’ll be looking out for her next novel. Definitely recommended.
Friday Night With The Girls, as you might expect from the title, tells the story of the friendship between Lou, Lizzy and Ginger and how they meet most Friday nights for drinks and chat. So much Chick Lit focuses on the romance between the main female and male characters and friendships do seem to be pushed to the side. Which is, of course, a surprise since female friendships are meant to be huge and not worth losing when a man comes along. So Friday Night With The Girls was a very, very welcome change. I don’t remember the last novel I read where friendship was the main element of the book. The novel starts in present day Glasgow as the three girls meet for a weekend spa break and then goes back into the past – the 80s, 90s culminating in the return to the present and how all three girls got there with their friendship in tact.
It did take me a few pages to get my bearings with the novel and with the constant backwards and forward of the book, but it was easy enough to follow, and I loved revisiting the times in the girl’s lives that defined their relationship. There are many ups and downs that Lou, Ginger and Lizzy go through – marriages, divorces, injuries, finding true love, having kids – I don’t think there was anything Low left out. If it’s possible to happen, it happened, and the good thing was it wasn’t in any way over the top. Some Chick Lit novels barely encompass a few weeks so it was refreshing to learn everything there was possibly to learn about the girls, and it definitely helped to provide a more rounder picture of them all.
I absolutely loved all three girls. Lou is the narrator of the novel, but we very easily get to know Lizzy and Ginger just as good (and they do have their own chapter or two where they narrate, too). I thought Lou was a wonderful character and I wanted nothing more than to join all three girls at the spa they were visiting and reminisce right along with them. All three girls are entirely different, Lou is the hopeless romantic with the sensible head when it comes to everything else, Lizzy is the clumsy one and Ginger is the loud-mouth who likes a drink. The rubbed off each other well, and if Low knows how to write anything it’s female friendship. I thought Lou’s Aunt Josie was a Godsend, and I loved how she treated Lou far better than Lou’s parents ever did. She was the mother Lou should have had.
There was a surprising twist to the book that I didn’t see coming. I was sitting and wondering what was going to happen, because it seemed as though all the build up was for a reason of some sort but I was surprised at what that reason was. It was handled sensitively though and I was desperate to know the outcome of it. I thought Friday Night With The Girls was brilliantly written and I enjoyed every page. It kept me reading, so much so that I abandoned my plans to watch a third episode of The Mentalist (it takes a LOT for me to give up Patrick Jane) in favour of finishing up this book. It certainly did not disappointed and I’m very pleased I decided to give it a read. I’d definitely recommend Friday Night With The Girls, it’s the ultimate novel if you’re a fan of friendships in Chick Lit and Low does it brilliantly well, she can definitely write a friendship and I’ll be looking out for her next novel. Definitely recommended.
October 13, 2011
This is story of three women whose friendship survives the decades... as the saying goes.. boyfriends come and go, but friends are forever.
Lou, Lizzy and Ginger have been through so much together so when their Friday nights become less frequent they decide on a weekend break in Glasgow for a good old fashioned girls weekend catch up.
Friday night was always girls night out and over the course of the weekend the women recall the ups and downs of the last 20 years.
I loved this hilarious, but sometimes sad story right from the first chapter. Never a dull moment with these 3 women. I envied the strength of their friendship and how they were always there for each other in times of need. Even in the saddest moments, and with their own problems, their support did not waiver.
I particularly liked the layout of the story that Shari Low used. On the weekend retreat each of the women would recall an event in their lives and then Lou would take up the narration of those events, back in time, to fill us in on the juicy details.
If you remember Wham, ever had a home perm, had to lay on the bed to zip up your jeans or sat O'levels you will love this nostalgic and oh, so accurate trip down memory lane to the late 80's. I did!
5 out of 5 for me!
Thank you to Pikatus/Little, Brown for a review copy.
October 24, 2011
The first time I've read a book by this author and very pleasantly surprised. Super characterisation with realistic people you can relate to.
It basically a romance and a story about lifelong friendship. 3 women getting together for Friday nights out as they have done together through the years spend one weekend reminiscing and we are taken on a journey through their pasts with some hilarious memories and some more sobering events as in real life. Its a comedy which isn't silly or fluffy yet has some really humorous moments and it also covers several more serious issues without getting too morbid or heavy.
Great writing and a lovely girly story.
It basically a romance and a story about lifelong friendship. 3 women getting together for Friday nights out as they have done together through the years spend one weekend reminiscing and we are taken on a journey through their pasts with some hilarious memories and some more sobering events as in real life. Its a comedy which isn't silly or fluffy yet has some really humorous moments and it also covers several more serious issues without getting too morbid or heavy.
Great writing and a lovely girly story.
October 26, 2011
Really enjoyed this one. It's an excellent story of female friendship through thick and thin - lots of laughter, some tears, brilliantly drawn characters (I adored the aunt...) and a well thought out story. I liked her style, quite reminiscent of Milly Johnson (but maybe a little younger) - and if you grew up in the 70s and 80s you'll find plenty of memories triggered by this one. Recommended for chick lit lovers everywhere.
November 5, 2011
This book is about a group of women who have been friends for 30 years they meet most Friday nights for drinks and to catch up. The book starts with them being on a Spa weekend, and they look back at there past, they have been through a lot of ups and downs. I can remember Wham, Berlin etc also lying on the bed to zip up my jeans, it was really funny at times, but quite sad at other times, I would definetely recommend.
January 15, 2012
Shari writes a regular column in the Daily Record and I love her funny observations of family life. Didn't really know what to expect with this book, but it is a good easy read with believable characters and storylines. I very much enjoyed it.
August 4, 2017
The joys of living
A fabulous tale of life's connections to family and friends in all its glory and upheaval. What a beautiful written story.
A fabulous tale of life's connections to family and friends in all its glory and upheaval. What a beautiful written story.
February 5, 2025
Not my favorite
I love this author but this book just didn't work for me. I found the chapters very hard to follow the order of events. However I did like the depth of characters.
I love this author but this book just didn't work for me. I found the chapters very hard to follow the order of events. However I did like the depth of characters.
November 23, 2020
4,5 Stars
This story was a perfect mix of friendship, love, laughter, tragedy, humour and emotion. I enjoyed this trip through the years with Lou, Ginger and Lizzy very much. However, I would have preferred it all being told from one perspective only. Because most of the time we accompany Lou, and then all of a sudden there is a chapter told by Lizzy or Ginger (which I often not realised, only when I became seriously confused half-way through).
I took me some time until I realised that this book is set in the same universe as "One Day in Winter" and its sequels, although I remember only Josie and the hairsalon of Lou making an appearance. Still, that was a nice touch.
And besides the setting, it also has another trademark of Shari Low: a disfunctional parents-daughter-relationship. I suppose that the author herself must have made a very bad experience herself in that respect, because she incorporates it (with very little variation I have noticed) in many of her books.
This story was a perfect mix of friendship, love, laughter, tragedy, humour and emotion. I enjoyed this trip through the years with Lou, Ginger and Lizzy very much. However, I would have preferred it all being told from one perspective only. Because most of the time we accompany Lou, and then all of a sudden there is a chapter told by Lizzy or Ginger (which I often not realised, only when I became seriously confused half-way through).
I took me some time until I realised that this book is set in the same universe as "One Day in Winter" and its sequels, although I remember only Josie and the hairsalon of Lou making an appearance. Still, that was a nice touch.
And besides the setting, it also has another trademark of Shari Low: a disfunctional parents-daughter-relationship. I suppose that the author herself must have made a very bad experience herself in that respect, because she incorporates it (with very little variation I have noticed) in many of her books.
April 14, 2021
Three friends from school make a pledge to stay in touch by going out together on Friday nights. They manage to do pretty well through the ups and downs of their lives.
"You should write it all down, Lou, so that your daughter can understand what happened. Everything. Right from the start.
Lou Cairney's life has never been dull. But through twenty years of ups, downs and really bad hairstyles, Lou has had the best friends a woman could hope for in Lizzy and Ginger.
Growing up together, they shared their dreams and their disasters, broken hearts and career crashes and they survived it all thanks to love, hope and a large dollop of humour. And cocktails. Lots of cocktails.
Until now.
Lou needs her friends more than ever because her past has just caught up with her in a shocking way.
Everyone makes mistakes in life - but Lou has just discovered that she might have made the biggest one of all." synopsis copied
Told with lots of humor!
"You should write it all down, Lou, so that your daughter can understand what happened. Everything. Right from the start.
Lou Cairney's life has never been dull. But through twenty years of ups, downs and really bad hairstyles, Lou has had the best friends a woman could hope for in Lizzy and Ginger.
Growing up together, they shared their dreams and their disasters, broken hearts and career crashes and they survived it all thanks to love, hope and a large dollop of humour. And cocktails. Lots of cocktails.
Until now.
Lou needs her friends more than ever because her past has just caught up with her in a shocking way.
Everyone makes mistakes in life - but Lou has just discovered that she might have made the biggest one of all." synopsis copied
Told with lots of humor!
January 22, 2021
Friday Night with the Girls is about 3 friends who go away for a spa break to celebrate their upcoming 40th birthdays. They've been friends for nearly 3 decades since they were 11.
The three women recall key moments of their lives throughout the decades: how they've supported each other through boyfriends and breakups, babies and businesses, and everything in between.
This is a wonderful trip through the 80s, 90s, and 00s evoking personal memories of smoking St Moritz cigarettes, bleaching jeans in the bath, white stilettos, and training as a hairdresser for under £39 a week. Along with a soundtrack and tv listings, this will evoke memories for anyone in their 40s and 50s.
Another brilliant read from Shari Low that has many laugh out loud moments along with a few that will have you reaching for your hankies. Girl Power!
The three women recall key moments of their lives throughout the decades: how they've supported each other through boyfriends and breakups, babies and businesses, and everything in between.
This is a wonderful trip through the 80s, 90s, and 00s evoking personal memories of smoking St Moritz cigarettes, bleaching jeans in the bath, white stilettos, and training as a hairdresser for under £39 a week. Along with a soundtrack and tv listings, this will evoke memories for anyone in their 40s and 50s.
Another brilliant read from Shari Low that has many laugh out loud moments along with a few that will have you reaching for your hankies. Girl Power!
August 4, 2021
*Trials & Friendships*
Lou and her best friends Lizzy and Ginger have all grown up together through school and throughout their lives, never a dull moment but through it all they have each other. Now fast forward and Lizzy has children and Lou is about to get married to a man who happens to be the brother of one of her best friend’s. A surprise relationship to Lou who did not realise until a terrible accident involving his sister and they bond.
Now Lou is having a baby and all is well, throughout their lives the trio always stick together, one day, Lou is facing a terrible challenge in her life and she needs her friends more than ever. She actually realises how important they are as she takes steps towards her future.
Lots of laughs and mishaps with a few tears a real chick lit book
Lou and her best friends Lizzy and Ginger have all grown up together through school and throughout their lives, never a dull moment but through it all they have each other. Now fast forward and Lizzy has children and Lou is about to get married to a man who happens to be the brother of one of her best friend’s. A surprise relationship to Lou who did not realise until a terrible accident involving his sister and they bond.
Now Lou is having a baby and all is well, throughout their lives the trio always stick together, one day, Lou is facing a terrible challenge in her life and she needs her friends more than ever. She actually realises how important they are as she takes steps towards her future.
Lots of laughs and mishaps with a few tears a real chick lit book
March 9, 2024
"Friday Night With The Girls" by Shari Low delves into the enduring friendship of Lou, Lizzy, and Ginger, portraying a realistic storyline that captures the essence of genuine relationships
Shari Low skillfully weaves humour and heartbreak throughout the novel, creating a nostalgic narrative that resonates with readers
The book follows the trio from their school days through life's challenges, showcasing their unwavering support for each other in times of joy and sorrow.
The characters, with their distinct personalities, come across as authentic and relatable, adding depth to the story
Through ups and downs, the friends maintain their bond by committing to Friday night gatherings, symbolizing their enduring friendship.
Shari Low skillfully weaves humour and heartbreak throughout the novel, creating a nostalgic narrative that resonates with readers
The book follows the trio from their school days through life's challenges, showcasing their unwavering support for each other in times of joy and sorrow.
The characters, with their distinct personalities, come across as authentic and relatable, adding depth to the story
Through ups and downs, the friends maintain their bond by committing to Friday night gatherings, symbolizing their enduring friendship.
July 20, 2018
Friday Night with the Girls went from being a book I simply found on a whim to one of my favourites.
Shari Low manages to balance the right amount of humour and heartbreak in this reminiscent driven novel, telling the tale of how three best friends, Lou, Lizzy and Ginger, find themselves at one of their most vulnerable places. As the trio share a night reflecting on the past before facing one of the toughest challenges in the present, the reader is taking on a trip down memory lane before being hit with the realisation.
Overall, the book was generally easy to read with a great message in between. I'd really recommend it as a summer read.
Shari Low manages to balance the right amount of humour and heartbreak in this reminiscent driven novel, telling the tale of how three best friends, Lou, Lizzy and Ginger, find themselves at one of their most vulnerable places. As the trio share a night reflecting on the past before facing one of the toughest challenges in the present, the reader is taking on a trip down memory lane before being hit with the realisation.
Overall, the book was generally easy to read with a great message in between. I'd really recommend it as a summer read.
February 6, 2022
I'm a great fan of Shari Low but I have to say I found this very confusing at first.
Lou, Lizzie and Ginger have been BFFs for ever. As they have grown up they have gone in different ways but they remain close friends. The book opens in present-day 2008, the women are drinking in a swanky hotel bar in Glasgow to celebrate their thirtieth birthdays - but there's obviously something momentous happening very shortly which they aren't going to think about.
The book flips back and forth between 2008 and the friends' pasts, reminding them of momentous occasions, the ups and downs of life, marriage, careers, children and love. It's a trip down memory lane as each trip back in time reminds the reader of the music, TV, and fashions of the time.
The trouble with flipping back and forth between present day and the past is that the story doesn't grow organically and the reader just gets vignettes, which because the women are reminiscing, are fairly important occasions - what I'm trying to say is there isn't much cleaning the house, school-run mundanity it's all key memories stuff.
Anyway, I liked it but I didn't love it.
Lou, Lizzie and Ginger have been BFFs for ever. As they have grown up they have gone in different ways but they remain close friends. The book opens in present-day 2008, the women are drinking in a swanky hotel bar in Glasgow to celebrate their thirtieth birthdays - but there's obviously something momentous happening very shortly which they aren't going to think about.
The book flips back and forth between 2008 and the friends' pasts, reminding them of momentous occasions, the ups and downs of life, marriage, careers, children and love. It's a trip down memory lane as each trip back in time reminds the reader of the music, TV, and fashions of the time.
The trouble with flipping back and forth between present day and the past is that the story doesn't grow organically and the reader just gets vignettes, which because the women are reminiscing, are fairly important occasions - what I'm trying to say is there isn't much cleaning the house, school-run mundanity it's all key memories stuff.
Anyway, I liked it but I didn't love it.
September 24, 2023
First, I love how Shari Low grabs the reader and pulls us into the world of her book. The characters are believable, and her humor makes the reader--if not laugh out loud, at the very least chuckle and smile. She honors women of all ages with her characterizations. This book impresses the importance of friends and what "family" really means. It may or may not include blood relatives and always includes true friendships.
I dare you to read this and NOT laugh (or smile/giggle), and NOT cry (or get a little choked up) both depending on your level of empathy and/or self-control). Enjoy. I certainly did!!!!!
I dare you to read this and NOT laugh (or smile/giggle), and NOT cry (or get a little choked up) both depending on your level of empathy and/or self-control). Enjoy. I certainly did!!!!!
September 15, 2019
I enjoyed this book. Unfortunately, I read it a couple of months ago, and I'm having trouble remembering the details. It's a girls weekend at a spa. I think Lou, the main character has cancer and that's what the big bomb is. I know that Lou is in love with a jerk when she is young - someone who becomes famous and doesn't treat her well.But I want to say it's a happy ending, and she ends up with the right guy - the brother of one of the guys. It goes back and forth in time, and I like that kind of book, so you see why the characters ended up where they are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
Wowza
This is a novel novel. Its difference is that you follow the girls from teenage through their 40’s so we get to know, and love them, intimately. And in getting to know them you meet their families and other friends, and wish you could be a part of their lives. You find yourself getting emotionally involved in their lives. I love that some of the same characters find themselves taking part in several of Ms. Low’s other books. It’s reassuring to keep up with this great Scottish group of folks.
This is a novel novel. Its difference is that you follow the girls from teenage through their 40’s so we get to know, and love them, intimately. And in getting to know them you meet their families and other friends, and wish you could be a part of their lives. You find yourself getting emotionally involved in their lives. I love that some of the same characters find themselves taking part in several of Ms. Low’s other books. It’s reassuring to keep up with this great Scottish group of folks.
October 15, 2024
Shari Low’s take on friendship -Lou, Lizzy, and Ginger- is a wonderful book. The concept, back-and-forth storytelling, and change in the overall theme after that “twist” kept me turning the pages. All the expected emotions are present as we navigate the protagonists' lives. Add to that the nostalgia factor, as the girls look back over 30 years of friendship was a fun trip down memory lane. I’ve never read or known of the author or her columns before picking up the book, but FNWTG proved to be an easy read with loads of charm.
November 27, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by the first Shari Low book I read so I wanted to give another one a try. This one was just okay.
The story was told in flashbacks - three girlfriends reminiscing about their lives and friendship over the years. However, the author would often end the flashbacks with a cliffhanger that was casually addressed in either another flashback or in the present, which I hated. It was also hard to follow the timeline.
Overall it was fairly entertaining but I didn’t love it.
The story was told in flashbacks - three girlfriends reminiscing about their lives and friendship over the years. However, the author would often end the flashbacks with a cliffhanger that was casually addressed in either another flashback or in the present, which I hated. It was also hard to follow the timeline.
Overall it was fairly entertaining but I didn’t love it.
May 12, 2025
It took me a while to work out the structure of this book. Lou is spending the weekend in a hotel with her two best friends, Lizzie & Ginger. Throughout the weekend, they reminisce about their childhood, teenage years and the highs and lows of their relationships.
The reader gradually becomes aware that something bad has happened but we are not told until towards the end.
Although this is more straightforward than many of Shari Low’s other books, with a much smaller cast of characters, I didn’t enjoy it as much, as it took me longer to get into.
The reader gradually becomes aware that something bad has happened but we are not told until towards the end.
Although this is more straightforward than many of Shari Low’s other books, with a much smaller cast of characters, I didn’t enjoy it as much, as it took me longer to get into.
February 10, 2018
Eine Freundin gab mir ein Buch. Es sei kurzweilig und lustig.
Ich las es und fühlte mich schrecklich danach. Ein typischer Frauenroman. Die Hauptfigur ist jung, hat treue Begleiter, alle verändern sich, mit den Männern klappt es nicht, die Freunde bleiben, die Fußpflegerfreundin wird Popstar, happy end, oder doch nicht? Kurz vor Schluss wird es nochmal heikel, am Ende ist die Welt wieder in Ordnung, Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen...
Ich las es und fühlte mich schrecklich danach. Ein typischer Frauenroman. Die Hauptfigur ist jung, hat treue Begleiter, alle verändern sich, mit den Männern klappt es nicht, die Freunde bleiben, die Fußpflegerfreundin wird Popstar, happy end, oder doch nicht? Kurz vor Schluss wird es nochmal heikel, am Ende ist die Welt wieder in Ordnung, Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen...
February 8, 2020
Loved it !!
Read everything Shari low has written. Love them all. But this one is my fave. Flashbacks to my own teenage years, the music and the fashion. And the friendship bond. This book made me laugh out loud and choke back tears. From page one I was hooked. Likeable characters, as always, funny one liners and situations that we can all relate too. Make sure you you only start it when you have the time to indulge, because you won't want to put it down.
Read everything Shari low has written. Love them all. But this one is my fave. Flashbacks to my own teenage years, the music and the fashion. And the friendship bond. This book made me laugh out loud and choke back tears. From page one I was hooked. Likeable characters, as always, funny one liners and situations that we can all relate too. Make sure you you only start it when you have the time to indulge, because you won't want to put it down.
May 14, 2020
Stick with and it gets better
Found it a bit slow to get in to and didn't initially connect with the characters,perhaps some of the stories were just a bit far fetched, but glad I stuck with it as I did get more in to the adults story and thus into their past as time went on. Thought the ending was strong and well depicted; even if I guessed what was coming, I wanted to know what happened. I'd go 3 and three quarter stars of I could.
Found it a bit slow to get in to and didn't initially connect with the characters,perhaps some of the stories were just a bit far fetched, but glad I stuck with it as I did get more in to the adults story and thus into their past as time went on. Thought the ending was strong and well depicted; even if I guessed what was coming, I wanted to know what happened. I'd go 3 and three quarter stars of I could.
February 7, 2021
A rollercoaster
I love Shari’s books, I found them by accident but think I’m onto my 6th in 2 weeks. I made the mistake of reading out of order so there’s some spoilers in other books but not in this one. I thought the friendships are honest and no one is perfect, they all have flaws and ups and downs which makes the books so enjoyable. Can’t wait to start the next one although I’ll be sad when I’ve read them all!
I love Shari’s books, I found them by accident but think I’m onto my 6th in 2 weeks. I made the mistake of reading out of order so there’s some spoilers in other books but not in this one. I thought the friendships are honest and no one is perfect, they all have flaws and ups and downs which makes the books so enjoyable. Can’t wait to start the next one although I’ll be sad when I’ve read them all!
April 15, 2024
Listened on audiable.
Absolutely loved this book, the characters all came alive and felt like they were part of my world. I was totally submerged in this one, laughing and crying cheerleading from my bed for the next part. It was full of love, laughs and even a little sorrow but all in the right places because in the moments you think oh no and your heart dips Shari Low picks it right back up and pulls it all together... Fantastic book definitely one of my favourites.
Absolutely loved this book, the characters all came alive and felt like they were part of my world. I was totally submerged in this one, laughing and crying cheerleading from my bed for the next part. It was full of love, laughs and even a little sorrow but all in the right places because in the moments you think oh no and your heart dips Shari Low picks it right back up and pulls it all together... Fantastic book definitely one of my favourites.
January 14, 2021
Romance
I chose this book because of it was recommended by the author as a good read.and having read it I agree.it an excellent romantic read with very good characters.each one is brought into play as they appear in the book.this book is highly recommend by me to all readers who love romance books
I chose this book because of it was recommended by the author as a good read.and having read it I agree.it an excellent romantic read with very good characters.each one is brought into play as they appear in the book.this book is highly recommend by me to all readers who love romance books
January 15, 2022
Just a beautiful story to read!
I lost some really good friends last year and this year and this story just reminded me to remember those beautiful moments we sang and planned our lives. Thank you for reminding me that as mad as I am for losing these beautiful people there is still hope out there for some of us.
I lost some really good friends last year and this year and this story just reminded me to remember those beautiful moments we sang and planned our lives. Thank you for reminding me that as mad as I am for losing these beautiful people there is still hope out there for some of us.
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