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Cranberry Cove #2
Friends Like Us
Fans of Jill Shalvis, Susan Mallery, and Robyn Carr will love this charming, relatable, laugh-out-loud women's fiction read about letting go of the past, taking a chance on love, and embracing life under the summer sun.
Bree Rhodes and Jill Kelly have been best friends since kindergarten. When Bree survives a cancer scare, the knitting shop assistant takes it as a sign to step out of her comfort zone . . . or at least take a few tentative tiptoes. But in no time she's in over her head with a hot architect, a new puppy and a shot at buying her dream inn. And the harder she tries to stay afloat in her new normal, the harder it is to hold onto her friendship with Jill who seems to be ebbing away.
While her best friend is living her best life, art boutique owner, Jill, is simply trying to live. Still struggling after a freak motorcycle accident took the life of her husband, Jill doesn't know how to start over -- or if she even wants to. Life isn't easy as a young widow, especially when she's hiding a painful secret. But when she learns that the fairytale Maine cottage she'd once dreamed of buying with her husband is on the market, she has to decide whether she's ready to let go of the past and to write a new chapter. But the only way to do really heal is by revealing to Bree a truth that will either destroy their friendship forever or bring them closer together.
Bree Rhodes and Jill Kelly have been best friends since kindergarten. When Bree survives a cancer scare, the knitting shop assistant takes it as a sign to step out of her comfort zone . . . or at least take a few tentative tiptoes. But in no time she's in over her head with a hot architect, a new puppy and a shot at buying her dream inn. And the harder she tries to stay afloat in her new normal, the harder it is to hold onto her friendship with Jill who seems to be ebbing away.
While her best friend is living her best life, art boutique owner, Jill, is simply trying to live. Still struggling after a freak motorcycle accident took the life of her husband, Jill doesn't know how to start over -- or if she even wants to. Life isn't easy as a young widow, especially when she's hiding a painful secret. But when she learns that the fairytale Maine cottage she'd once dreamed of buying with her husband is on the market, she has to decide whether she's ready to let go of the past and to write a new chapter. But the only way to do really heal is by revealing to Bree a truth that will either destroy their friendship forever or bring them closer together.
263 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2021
35 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
January 26, 2021
This is a Women's Fiction, and this is the second book in the Cranberry Cove series. I found this book very hard to get into, and it took me over half of the book to get into the storyline. I never really cared about the characters. I did not hate this book, but I also did not love this book. I really wish the characters where better developed or the storyline was easier to get into. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Forever) or author (Sarah Mackenzie) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. (*)
August 25, 2021
This is a Women's Fiction, and this is the second book in the Cranberry Cove series. I found this book very hard to get into, and it took me over half of the book to get into the storyline. I never really cared about the characters. I did not hate this book, but I also did not love this book. I really wish the characters where better developed or the storyline was easier to get into. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Forever) or author (Sarah Mackenzie) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
January 23, 2021
Tender, hopeful, and cosy!
Friends Like Us is a beautifully written, uplifting tale set in the small-town of Cranberry Cove that takes us into the lives of Bree Rhodes, a young woman who after recently having a cancer scare decides to create an anti-bucket list to help her step out of her mundane life and take some chances, and Jill Kelly, a young widow still struggling with the loss of her husband and the all-consuming grief that is preventing her from moving on.
The prose is light and witty. The characters are sweet, attentive, and sympathetic. And the plot is a delightful, heartfelt mix of friendship, family, introspection, support, forgiveness, love, loss, drama, community, new beginnings, and the power of friendship.
Overall, Friends Like Us is a funny, absorbing, compassionate tale by Mackenzie with an abundance of irresistible characters and a storyline I couldn’t get enough of. I really enjoyed the first novel in the Cranberry Cove series, Forever Friends, but I absolutely adored this one.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Friends Like Us is a beautifully written, uplifting tale set in the small-town of Cranberry Cove that takes us into the lives of Bree Rhodes, a young woman who after recently having a cancer scare decides to create an anti-bucket list to help her step out of her mundane life and take some chances, and Jill Kelly, a young widow still struggling with the loss of her husband and the all-consuming grief that is preventing her from moving on.
The prose is light and witty. The characters are sweet, attentive, and sympathetic. And the plot is a delightful, heartfelt mix of friendship, family, introspection, support, forgiveness, love, loss, drama, community, new beginnings, and the power of friendship.
Overall, Friends Like Us is a funny, absorbing, compassionate tale by Mackenzie with an abundance of irresistible characters and a storyline I couldn’t get enough of. I really enjoyed the first novel in the Cranberry Cove series, Forever Friends, but I absolutely adored this one.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2021
This book features a long time friendship of women Bree and Jill. These women have each been through a lot one had a scary health scare the other faced the loss of her husband.
The story is well developed and really shows the strength these women have as they have each other's back while they weather the storms of life.
Masking pain is hard to do but you can be sure these strong friendships are up for it.
Very touching book to read.
Pub Date: 26 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The story is well developed and really shows the strength these women have as they have each other's back while they weather the storms of life.
Masking pain is hard to do but you can be sure these strong friendships are up for it.
Very touching book to read.
Pub Date: 26 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 25, 2021
4.5/5
This reminded me a little of Jill Shalvis Wildstone series and if you’ve been following me for awhile you’ll know that I’m obsessed. It had that same small town feeling and there’s multiple storylines and plots to follow, which I love. Bree and Jill are lifelong best friends who are both at a crossroads in their life. Bree just had a cancer scare that made her wake up and reevaluate everything and Jill is grieving the loss of her husband. I adored their friendship and the way they supported and encouraged each other. Following two characters means you get two love interests, and while this definitely leaned more towards women’s fiction, you get a little spice in the romance department as well. Cranberry Cove was the cutest little town, there were some interesting side characters that I figured out were featured more in the first book so I’m definitely going back to read it after liking this one so much. Recommended when you’re in the mood for a feel good, fun and heartfelt read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This reminded me a little of Jill Shalvis Wildstone series and if you’ve been following me for awhile you’ll know that I’m obsessed. It had that same small town feeling and there’s multiple storylines and plots to follow, which I love. Bree and Jill are lifelong best friends who are both at a crossroads in their life. Bree just had a cancer scare that made her wake up and reevaluate everything and Jill is grieving the loss of her husband. I adored their friendship and the way they supported and encouraged each other. Following two characters means you get two love interests, and while this definitely leaned more towards women’s fiction, you get a little spice in the romance department as well. Cranberry Cove was the cutest little town, there were some interesting side characters that I figured out were featured more in the first book so I’m definitely going back to read it after liking this one so much. Recommended when you’re in the mood for a feel good, fun and heartfelt read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
February 9, 2021
My First book by Mackenzie and its the second book in the series. Don't worry friends I am going to go buy the first book tomorrow. If you love Robin Carr and Susan Mallery then you are going to love Mackenzie. I devoured this book and I loved everything about it the whole story, the characters the whole small town feel it was such a great read.
5 stars two times and I HIGHLY recommend it.
5 stars two times and I HIGHLY recommend it.
August 18, 2021
A story of two friends and second chances. One dives in head on while the other is just trying to stay afloat. We all want friends like Bree and Jill. This is the perfect beach read that is charming and so relatable.
August 29, 2021
FRIENDS LIKE US pulled on my heart strings over and over again. FRIENDS LIKE US is filled with friendship, loss, grief, and love. The story is focused on friendships, and how important they are. Bree and Jill are each other’s ultimate best friend and stick together through everything. To say they have each other’s backs is a huge understatement. Bree and Jill welcome Ashley to town and offer a helping hand and friendship when she gets in a rough situation, even though they haven’t known her very long. You are going to want these women as your friends as you are reading their stories.
I finished FRIENDS LIKE US with a huge lump in my throat and tears streaming down my face! Sarah Mackenzie broke my heart over and over again and she did it perfectly. When Bree finds a new lump, I almost threw my Kindle across the room. I found myself so angry and I just wanted to reach out and hug her. FRIENDS LIKE US is a beautiful story with characters that I loved being a part of their lives. Sarah Mackenzie has a wonderful boatload of talent to draw the reader into the character’s world, their drama, and their lives.
FRIENDS LIKE US is a heart breaking story that will keep you up late into the night, reading and praying for Jill and Bree, that they could find some peace in their lives. Jill lost her husband in a motorcycle crash a few years ago and she’s having trouble moving forward and following her dreams without him. There is so much dialogue and humor in FRIENDS LIKE US and I think my thoughts make it sound heavier than it really is, but that’s how much these women wormed their way into my heart. FRIENDS LIKE US is totally a comfortable, feel good read and Cranberry Cove is a place I would love to live in.
FRIENDS LIKE US is the first book I’ve read by Sarah Mackenzie. Now that I’ve read this wonderful story, I’m going to go back and read her previous book and I’m excited about that. Do yourself a favor and read this beautiful and heart tugging story. Keep the tissues close by. I think Sarah Mackenzie does an excellent job developing the characters as well as their relationships. I had no trouble staying engaged in the story, and I enjoyed seeing these two woman learning new things about themselves and chasing new goals. I want to move to Cranberry Cove, live on the beach, and become friends with Bree and Jill. I enjoyed this story about female relationships and bonds. The story is entertaining and sweet with relatable characters. I recommend it for fans of women’s fiction. You will not be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I finished FRIENDS LIKE US with a huge lump in my throat and tears streaming down my face! Sarah Mackenzie broke my heart over and over again and she did it perfectly. When Bree finds a new lump, I almost threw my Kindle across the room. I found myself so angry and I just wanted to reach out and hug her. FRIENDS LIKE US is a beautiful story with characters that I loved being a part of their lives. Sarah Mackenzie has a wonderful boatload of talent to draw the reader into the character’s world, their drama, and their lives.
FRIENDS LIKE US is a heart breaking story that will keep you up late into the night, reading and praying for Jill and Bree, that they could find some peace in their lives. Jill lost her husband in a motorcycle crash a few years ago and she’s having trouble moving forward and following her dreams without him. There is so much dialogue and humor in FRIENDS LIKE US and I think my thoughts make it sound heavier than it really is, but that’s how much these women wormed their way into my heart. FRIENDS LIKE US is totally a comfortable, feel good read and Cranberry Cove is a place I would love to live in.
FRIENDS LIKE US is the first book I’ve read by Sarah Mackenzie. Now that I’ve read this wonderful story, I’m going to go back and read her previous book and I’m excited about that. Do yourself a favor and read this beautiful and heart tugging story. Keep the tissues close by. I think Sarah Mackenzie does an excellent job developing the characters as well as their relationships. I had no trouble staying engaged in the story, and I enjoyed seeing these two woman learning new things about themselves and chasing new goals. I want to move to Cranberry Cove, live on the beach, and become friends with Bree and Jill. I enjoyed this story about female relationships and bonds. The story is entertaining and sweet with relatable characters. I recommend it for fans of women’s fiction. You will not be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 29, 2021
Have you ever had a health scare that has given you a different perspective on your life? In Friends Like Us by Sarah Mackenzie, Bree Rhodes does just that. This book is the second in the author’s Cranberry Cove series, but can easily be read as a standalone. If you’re looking for a story about friendships, romance and stepping outside your comfort zone, this book is for you.
After Bree receives the news that her breast biopsy results are clear, she announces to her best friend Jill Kelly that she is taking this as a sign that she needs to broaden her life. To seal the deal, the two go out that evening to celebrate Bree’s good health. Not shying away from her new found zest for life, Bree not only goes on stage to sing during an open mic night, but also goes home with a handsome stranger.
Jill is happy for Bree’s new found courage but doesn’t feel any of that strength in herself. Having lost her husband three years ago, Jill feels stuck in a past full of memories with her one true love. In fact, she hasn’t been able to share a secret about her past with anyone - including her best friend. When she learns that her dream cottage in town is up for sale, she hesitates to make an offer: she had always pictured herself in the cottage with her husband and children. Conflicted with the decision on whether or not to buy, her secret is disclosed enabling Jill to look at her life a little differently.
The theme of this story is about having courage to move forward to give yourself the life you truly desire. So many of us get stuck in the familiar and stay within our comfort zone. As these two women begin to make changes, they develop more self-confidence and find romance. I also enjoyed the storyline about a mother and daughter relationship which I found to be very moving. The characters are all well developed and likeable. The book had a natural flow which I found relaxing. While the story may be a little predictable for some readers, the message behind the book was what really stood out for me.
Thank you to Forever for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
After Bree receives the news that her breast biopsy results are clear, she announces to her best friend Jill Kelly that she is taking this as a sign that she needs to broaden her life. To seal the deal, the two go out that evening to celebrate Bree’s good health. Not shying away from her new found zest for life, Bree not only goes on stage to sing during an open mic night, but also goes home with a handsome stranger.
Jill is happy for Bree’s new found courage but doesn’t feel any of that strength in herself. Having lost her husband three years ago, Jill feels stuck in a past full of memories with her one true love. In fact, she hasn’t been able to share a secret about her past with anyone - including her best friend. When she learns that her dream cottage in town is up for sale, she hesitates to make an offer: she had always pictured herself in the cottage with her husband and children. Conflicted with the decision on whether or not to buy, her secret is disclosed enabling Jill to look at her life a little differently.
The theme of this story is about having courage to move forward to give yourself the life you truly desire. So many of us get stuck in the familiar and stay within our comfort zone. As these two women begin to make changes, they develop more self-confidence and find romance. I also enjoyed the storyline about a mother and daughter relationship which I found to be very moving. The characters are all well developed and likeable. The book had a natural flow which I found relaxing. While the story may be a little predictable for some readers, the message behind the book was what really stood out for me.
Thank you to Forever for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
January 25, 2021
Friends Like Us by Sarah Mackenzie- a standalone story from the Cranberry Cover series
Thanks you to @readforeverpub , @thatssoestelle for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book published January 26th 2021
This was my first journey to Cranberry Cove. I am so glad I “went”!!! This story was all about strong female relationships, empowerment, feminism, oh and love.
Bree, Jill, Sadie, Essie......they are amazing! I want to meet them and be the newest member of their friend group. They support each other no matter what, they raise each other up even when they disagree with one another and they are real. Mackenzie readily captures their anxieties, their doubts, and the truths they are afraid to speak out loud. As readers we get insight into their thought processes and the secrets each of these ladies holds inside. Yes there is a love story in there. Chance seems like the perfect guy, and he and Bree are the perfect couple. And the story is a happily ever after you can see coming a mile away. For me, the best part of this read was the friendship between these women.
Thanks you to @readforeverpub , @thatssoestelle for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book published January 26th 2021
This was my first journey to Cranberry Cove. I am so glad I “went”!!! This story was all about strong female relationships, empowerment, feminism, oh and love.
Bree, Jill, Sadie, Essie......they are amazing! I want to meet them and be the newest member of their friend group. They support each other no matter what, they raise each other up even when they disagree with one another and they are real. Mackenzie readily captures their anxieties, their doubts, and the truths they are afraid to speak out loud. As readers we get insight into their thought processes and the secrets each of these ladies holds inside. Yes there is a love story in there. Chance seems like the perfect guy, and he and Bree are the perfect couple. And the story is a happily ever after you can see coming a mile away. For me, the best part of this read was the friendship between these women.
November 18, 2020
First read of Sarah MacKenzie and really enjoyed it! Bree Robinson and Jill Kelly are best friends. Bree has always played it safe, living in her childhood home and working as an assistant in a knitting shop. Jill is a widow that has been unable to move on after her husbands death. Bree has a cancer scare that turns out to be nothing and she decides to make a change. She decides to get a dog, have a fling, renovate her house and make her dream come true of owning the Castaway Inn. Jill decides that she needs to move on from Simon and decides to buy the house they had wanted and get her art business going. Also reconnecting with her mother. Great fun to follow the two of them on their journey as they share their lives with new and old friends and makes changes!
Thanks to Sarah MacKenzie and Forever (Grand Central Publishing!
Thanks to Sarah MacKenzie and Forever (Grand Central Publishing!
January 17, 2021
4.5 stars
While I love romance, I have a special fondness for books about friends. Bonus points if those friends have known each other forever, like Bree and Jill, because my own bestie and I have known each other since the first grade. I enjoyed Sarah Mackenzie’s 2019 debut, Forever Friends, but I loved Friends Like Us. It was realistic, funny, hopeful, and heartwarming.
After a cancer scare, Bree makes an anti-bucket list: things that will push her outside her small life and her comfort zone and help her truly live. Her first task seems simple but it sets a whole new life into motion. Jill is grieving the loss of her husband, along with the life she knew and the life they’d planned together. She has a successful business, but the rest of her life is a mess; she’s stuck and doesn’t know how to move on or even if she wants to. With each other’s love and support, both women learn to take chances, open their hearts to love (and not just romantic love), and see the possibilities life has to offer.
Friends Like Us spoke to me in so many ways. I loved how Bree and Jill leaned on each other and were strong for each other, but also learned to be strong for themselves. I loved seeing them both open themselves up, and I cheered them on throughout the story. I enjoyed the romance storyline in this one more than the first book, I think because I relate to Bree much more than I did to Sadie or Renee. I also appreciated that Jill’s story didn’t include a front-and-centre romance because she was still deep in grief and figuring things out. I can’t say much more without the risk of spoilers, but I was pleased and satisfied with how the romance storylines progressed. I also enjoyed seeing the characters from the first book and ‘catching up’ with them and seeing them happy. I hope there’ll be more books in this series because I’d love to see Essie and Ashley get their chances at happily ever after.
Friends Like Us is going to be one of those books I recommend often. Love books about friendship? Self-discovery? Taking chances? Finding love in unexpected places? This is the book for you. Also, if you love Jill Shalvis’s Wildstone series (which I discovered last year and continue to love this year with the newest installment), Friends Like Us has a similar vibe - an emphasis on character growth with a swoony side of romance.
*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts are my own
While I love romance, I have a special fondness for books about friends. Bonus points if those friends have known each other forever, like Bree and Jill, because my own bestie and I have known each other since the first grade. I enjoyed Sarah Mackenzie’s 2019 debut, Forever Friends, but I loved Friends Like Us. It was realistic, funny, hopeful, and heartwarming.
After a cancer scare, Bree makes an anti-bucket list: things that will push her outside her small life and her comfort zone and help her truly live. Her first task seems simple but it sets a whole new life into motion. Jill is grieving the loss of her husband, along with the life she knew and the life they’d planned together. She has a successful business, but the rest of her life is a mess; she’s stuck and doesn’t know how to move on or even if she wants to. With each other’s love and support, both women learn to take chances, open their hearts to love (and not just romantic love), and see the possibilities life has to offer.
Friends Like Us spoke to me in so many ways. I loved how Bree and Jill leaned on each other and were strong for each other, but also learned to be strong for themselves. I loved seeing them both open themselves up, and I cheered them on throughout the story. I enjoyed the romance storyline in this one more than the first book, I think because I relate to Bree much more than I did to Sadie or Renee. I also appreciated that Jill’s story didn’t include a front-and-centre romance because she was still deep in grief and figuring things out. I can’t say much more without the risk of spoilers, but I was pleased and satisfied with how the romance storylines progressed. I also enjoyed seeing the characters from the first book and ‘catching up’ with them and seeing them happy. I hope there’ll be more books in this series because I’d love to see Essie and Ashley get their chances at happily ever after.
Friends Like Us is going to be one of those books I recommend often. Love books about friendship? Self-discovery? Taking chances? Finding love in unexpected places? This is the book for you. Also, if you love Jill Shalvis’s Wildstone series (which I discovered last year and continue to love this year with the newest installment), Friends Like Us has a similar vibe - an emphasis on character growth with a swoony side of romance.
*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts are my own
December 6, 2020
Bree and Jill are true best friends. Their circle also includes Essie and Renee. Cranberry Cove is a quaint burg, but these two need their lives shaken a bit. Jill is still mired in the past with her deceased husband. Bree has big dreams but she hasn’t acted on any of them. It’s a wholesome story with both women taking new dives into opportunities and love. I had a crush on Chance. I liked how he called Bree blondie. Jill opened herself up for renewing a relationship with someone very close to her and her new craft market is bringing a lot of interest. I hope the author picks up with Essie’s story because there is much to be mined with it. I love the cover art. It begs readers to dove in. Finn, the misbehaved dog, adds comic relief. Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the advance read.
January 28, 2021
We love a story that features female friendship. Can we get more of these please.
Having a friend that I have had for over 20 years, this book was really sweet, and made me think a lot about our friendship. It was a beautiful book about 2 women who care deeply for each other doing what they can to help one another be their best self!
Can't wait to read more books like this.
TW: Cancer
Having a friend that I have had for over 20 years, this book was really sweet, and made me think a lot about our friendship. It was a beautiful book about 2 women who care deeply for each other doing what they can to help one another be their best self!
Can't wait to read more books like this.
TW: Cancer
January 24, 2021
“What if everything she ever wanted was waiting for her to just have the the courage to reach out and take it?”
I just really LOVED this book.
This is a new to me author, and I will immediately be picking up the first in the series to go back & read because it took me by surprise in the best way. Somehow without knowing anything about the book other than it was from one of my favorite publishers, this book found me at exactly the right time.
“I’ve had to face some hard truths about myself lately, like maybe I’m not as okay as I want to be. I am sort of stuck.”
I felt like this was THE perfect contemporary cozy story. With low steam, great characters, that still touches on "tough topics" in a relatable but still meaningful way you could connect with. Each character was likable and unique, that made me feel like I was in the story along with old friends. This book focuses on besties, Bree & Jill, but you meet plenty of incredible supporting characters who are sure to give us more amazing books as this series continues.
“We, as women, are enough just as we are.”
My favorite part of the book was the small town friendly feels - I immediately felt drawn into the friendship of Bree and Jill. Somehow Mackenzie’s writing style kept me engaged, laughing and on the edge of tears as these characters figured out who they were and what more they wanted from life.
“Well, what if I told you this space was a place where you wouldn’t be alone? Grief is not a club anyone wants to belong to, once you’re in, though, there can be a healing benefit in surrounding yourself with other members who’ve walked a mile in your shoes.”
Jill’s character and how she’s dealing with her grief made this book endearing and absolutely worth a read. Pick this one up if you love strong, fierce female characters who make you feel proud to cheer them on with each new obstacle in their lives.
I cannot wait to get to know the characters of Cranberry Cove even more in the future. I give this book 4.5 stars, highly recommend. Thank you to Forever Publishing & NetGalley for the eARC & finished copy of this incredible book in exchange for my honest review.
Trigger warnings: cancer, grief (husband loss)
I just really LOVED this book.
This is a new to me author, and I will immediately be picking up the first in the series to go back & read because it took me by surprise in the best way. Somehow without knowing anything about the book other than it was from one of my favorite publishers, this book found me at exactly the right time.
“I’ve had to face some hard truths about myself lately, like maybe I’m not as okay as I want to be. I am sort of stuck.”
I felt like this was THE perfect contemporary cozy story. With low steam, great characters, that still touches on "tough topics" in a relatable but still meaningful way you could connect with. Each character was likable and unique, that made me feel like I was in the story along with old friends. This book focuses on besties, Bree & Jill, but you meet plenty of incredible supporting characters who are sure to give us more amazing books as this series continues.
“We, as women, are enough just as we are.”
My favorite part of the book was the small town friendly feels - I immediately felt drawn into the friendship of Bree and Jill. Somehow Mackenzie’s writing style kept me engaged, laughing and on the edge of tears as these characters figured out who they were and what more they wanted from life.
“Well, what if I told you this space was a place where you wouldn’t be alone? Grief is not a club anyone wants to belong to, once you’re in, though, there can be a healing benefit in surrounding yourself with other members who’ve walked a mile in your shoes.”
Jill’s character and how she’s dealing with her grief made this book endearing and absolutely worth a read. Pick this one up if you love strong, fierce female characters who make you feel proud to cheer them on with each new obstacle in their lives.
I cannot wait to get to know the characters of Cranberry Cove even more in the future. I give this book 4.5 stars, highly recommend. Thank you to Forever Publishing & NetGalley for the eARC & finished copy of this incredible book in exchange for my honest review.
Trigger warnings: cancer, grief (husband loss)
January 28, 2021
Thanks to Forever and Netgalley for an advanced copy of Friends Like Us by Sarah Mackenzie!
Friends Like Us is a sweet women's fiction book where two best friends take the courage to go for second chances and to push themselves out of their comfort zone.
Bree has a cancer scare and she decides it's time to change up her life a little, while her best friend Jill is grieving the loss of her husband and is thinking about her future.
I want to move to Cranberry Cove. It seems like the perfect coastal Maine town and loved all of the cute local businesses. While things all work out in the end (and why I love books like this) the women in this book were facing real challenges and struggles and I loved the friendship and women supporting each other.
If you're lookng for an uplifting, women's fiction I recommend checking out Friends Like Us. I want to go read the first book Forever Friends in the Cranberry Cove series, though you don't need to read it!
Friends Like Us is a sweet women's fiction book where two best friends take the courage to go for second chances and to push themselves out of their comfort zone.
Bree has a cancer scare and she decides it's time to change up her life a little, while her best friend Jill is grieving the loss of her husband and is thinking about her future.
I want to move to Cranberry Cove. It seems like the perfect coastal Maine town and loved all of the cute local businesses. While things all work out in the end (and why I love books like this) the women in this book were facing real challenges and struggles and I loved the friendship and women supporting each other.
If you're lookng for an uplifting, women's fiction I recommend checking out Friends Like Us. I want to go read the first book Forever Friends in the Cranberry Cove series, though you don't need to read it!
January 31, 2021
"Maybe the whole point of trying something new is to end up in a place you never knew you needed to go."
After finding out her breast biopsy was negative, Bree Robinson feels like she has a new lease on life. She starts an "anti-bucket" list to make her live her life to the fullest. Her best friend Jill is working on redefining her own life a year after her husband died. Friends Like Us follows both women as they find the new paths in their life that will allow them to live their lives to the fullest.
Friends Like Us is the second book set in Cranberry Cove, a small beach town on the Maine coast. It was nice seeing a book set on the Maine coast compared to the plethora of books set on the Carolina coasts. Friends Like Us is more about female friendship than romance. Yes there is a romance within Bree's story but it isn't the center of the story. I liked that. It's nice to focus on the bonds of friendship compared to romance being what defines someone. Sarah Makenzie leaves it open to see the stories of other women in future books. I can't wait to see if that's true because I want to know how Ashley will handle the next chapter in her life after the ending she received in this book.
Thank you to Forever Pub and Netgalley for a copy of Friends Like Us in exchange for my honest review.
After finding out her breast biopsy was negative, Bree Robinson feels like she has a new lease on life. She starts an "anti-bucket" list to make her live her life to the fullest. Her best friend Jill is working on redefining her own life a year after her husband died. Friends Like Us follows both women as they find the new paths in their life that will allow them to live their lives to the fullest.
Friends Like Us is the second book set in Cranberry Cove, a small beach town on the Maine coast. It was nice seeing a book set on the Maine coast compared to the plethora of books set on the Carolina coasts. Friends Like Us is more about female friendship than romance. Yes there is a romance within Bree's story but it isn't the center of the story. I liked that. It's nice to focus on the bonds of friendship compared to romance being what defines someone. Sarah Makenzie leaves it open to see the stories of other women in future books. I can't wait to see if that's true because I want to know how Ashley will handle the next chapter in her life after the ending she received in this book.
Thank you to Forever Pub and Netgalley for a copy of Friends Like Us in exchange for my honest review.
January 26, 2021
✨OUT NOW✨Friends Like Us (Book two in the Cranberry Cove Series) is out today! This book is currently living on my coffee table. I’m more than halfway through and loving it. Now I need to grab book one (Friends Forever) and add it to my stack.
~Tanja
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October 26, 2020
Bree and Jill are best friends. Bree decides to have an anti-bucket list after her breast cancer scare. She checks one of her list by having a fling with someone from the bar. Bree thinks she will not see him again except he is helping his brother renovate her house. Jill has been mourning her husband’s death and can’t move on. She puts on a good front for everyone but blames herself and carries a burden about his death. Both women need to move on. I enjoyed this story. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.
January 19, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Mackenzie and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of Friends Like Us. This is my personal review.
The friendship between Bree and Jill was one that really made me appreciate my lifelong friends. Their friendship was so true and was written in such a way that it was a reminder of how much women need and appreciate the friends they have had in their lives for years.
The circle of friends Bree and Jill have are more family than friends.
This is was an easy read and one I devoured with out even realizing how long I had been reading.
The friendship between Bree and Jill was one that really made me appreciate my lifelong friends. Their friendship was so true and was written in such a way that it was a reminder of how much women need and appreciate the friends they have had in their lives for years.
The circle of friends Bree and Jill have are more family than friends.
This is was an easy read and one I devoured with out even realizing how long I had been reading.
February 6, 2021
Friends Like Us by Sarah Mackenzie is a guaranteed page-turner! Bree and Jill are beyond “best friends forever”. In my opinion, they’re the definition of what a real friendship should be like. They each struggle with the cards life has played them and are handling things the best way they know how.
Full review at Higo & Miel.
Full review at Higo & Miel.
May 10, 2021
“Friends Like Us” by Sarah Mackenzie is book two in her Cranberry Cove series. Long time best friends Jill and Bree both dive into the deep end of life, taking risks and saying yes to all the things they’ve given up on before. Bree, after a cancer scare, creates an anti-bucket list and fills it with everything from singing on stage to getting a new dog. It’s not long before she finds herself falling for an architect and considering her dream of owning an inn… Meanwhile Jill is struggling to move on after her husband’s death- does she even want to move on? As Jill considers a new home and if new love is on the horizon for her, she starts small by potentially mending things with her mom.
This book is sweet and simple. Honestly, it feels a bit like a Hallmark movie. Life is good in a small town, but there are struggles too. An untimely death, a cancer scare, and some big city slickers looking to edge in on the town’s businesses create a perfect storm for this small town. This book didn’t captivate me, but it was a nice escape from heavier reading for sure.
I liked that this book didn’t require having read the first book in the series. It might have given me some background information, but each character was given enough background that I felt I could enjoy the read.
If you’re into drinking tea or coffee on your front porch early in the morning (or if that sounds like your dream life) Cranberry Cove should be your next stop! I gave this book 4 stars because it felt like a comfort read.
Thanks to Read Forever Pub for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This book is sweet and simple. Honestly, it feels a bit like a Hallmark movie. Life is good in a small town, but there are struggles too. An untimely death, a cancer scare, and some big city slickers looking to edge in on the town’s businesses create a perfect storm for this small town. This book didn’t captivate me, but it was a nice escape from heavier reading for sure.
I liked that this book didn’t require having read the first book in the series. It might have given me some background information, but each character was given enough background that I felt I could enjoy the read.
If you’re into drinking tea or coffee on your front porch early in the morning (or if that sounds like your dream life) Cranberry Cove should be your next stop! I gave this book 4 stars because it felt like a comfort read.
Thanks to Read Forever Pub for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
February 26, 2021
I saw so many good reviews of Friends Like Us that I knew I had to read it. Thank you so much to @readforeverpub and @netgalley for the review copy. I didn’t realize this was book two in a series, so I will absolutely be going back and reading the first book, Forever Friends!
This is the story of two best friends who are having some hard times. Jill’s husband Simon passed away after a bad motorcycle accident and she’s having a difficult time trying to figure out her life without him. Her BFF Bree is rethinking her whole life after a alarming cancer scare. They are both trying to regroup and they lean on each other for support. In Bree’s new lease on life, she adopts Finn, a rambunctious, but absolutely lovable golden retriever. I love that Bree was embracing her new life challenges and has to encourage Jill who is so focused on her lost future with Simon.
My husband and I went to Maine on our minimoon this October and I absolutely adore it. We were there for the peak fall foliage. I would love to visit Cranberry Cove on our next trip north!
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the story of two best friends who are having some hard times. Jill’s husband Simon passed away after a bad motorcycle accident and she’s having a difficult time trying to figure out her life without him. Her BFF Bree is rethinking her whole life after a alarming cancer scare. They are both trying to regroup and they lean on each other for support. In Bree’s new lease on life, she adopts Finn, a rambunctious, but absolutely lovable golden retriever. I love that Bree was embracing her new life challenges and has to encourage Jill who is so focused on her lost future with Simon.
My husband and I went to Maine on our minimoon this October and I absolutely adore it. We were there for the peak fall foliage. I would love to visit Cranberry Cove on our next trip north!
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 15, 2024
This was like if i read a Hallmark movie. The back made it sound much better then the actual book was if i am being honest! The story line was cute however they wrapped everything up so fast in the end that it was a little rushed. Some of the writing was cringe and i am never a fan of 3rd person but thats me… I guess thats what i get for buying a $3 book frim dollar general
January 27, 2025
Book #1️⃣ of 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ complete!
This was a super sweet story about friends with a touch of a love story. It made me laugh and cry, but it was a continuous reminder among the pages that with the right support system, all your dreams are possible.
I stumbled upon this book in the hidden book section at @dollargeneral, and I am so glad I did.
This was a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 stars!!
This was a super sweet story about friends with a touch of a love story. It made me laugh and cry, but it was a continuous reminder among the pages that with the right support system, all your dreams are possible.
I stumbled upon this book in the hidden book section at @dollargeneral, and I am so glad I did.
This was a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 stars!!
February 3, 2021
First book I ever read by Sarah Mackenzie and I throughly enjoyed it. A friendship like Bree and Jill is one of a kind and what a lot of people hope to have in their lives. Let me just that I wish I was inside that cover , laying on beach and getting that warm weather right now. thanks to forever for this lovely complimentary read .
October 26, 2021
Needs editing. One character is described as wearing a miniskirt and a couple pages later (same scene) as wearing tailored pants. A doctor at urgent care is female and then male on the same page. Very distracting.
February 19, 2021
What I liked: The beachy vibes, the friendship, the banter, the romance, and the ease I felt reading. This book was just what I needed.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for my review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for my review.
September 14, 2022
Great Beach read. Bree and Jill are the best of friends. Helping each other during good and bad times. Cranberry Cove is a small town in Maine where everyone knows, everyone.
February 6, 2021
Friends Like Us is a sweet womans fiction book where 2 women take the courage to take second chances.
Bree had a cancer scare and decides she needs to change up her life a little. While her bff Jill has been grieving the loss of her husband at such a young age and begins to think of her future and making some changes, something she hadn't allowed herself to do since his death.
The story takes place in a coastal Maine town. One that is touristy but at the same time small town and homey.
I love a good friends book with the added bonus of Romance as well. If your looking for an uplifting womens fiction I suggest trying Friends Like Us.
I would like to thank the author Sarah Mackenzie as well as Forever Publishing for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Bree had a cancer scare and decides she needs to change up her life a little. While her bff Jill has been grieving the loss of her husband at such a young age and begins to think of her future and making some changes, something she hadn't allowed herself to do since his death.
The story takes place in a coastal Maine town. One that is touristy but at the same time small town and homey.
I love a good friends book with the added bonus of Romance as well. If your looking for an uplifting womens fiction I suggest trying Friends Like Us.
I would like to thank the author Sarah Mackenzie as well as Forever Publishing for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
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