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The Somerley Collection #2
Secrets, Lies & Love
Secrets have a habit of getting out…
Meet Sophie - she loves running her market stall with her friend Beth by her side. They’re right at the heart of the community – and always one step ahead on local gossip. But Sophie’s marriage is in a bit of a rut, and handsome stranger Damien has her wondering if the grass might be greener …
Meet Beth – she’s the life and soul of every party, but she’s hiding a broken heart, and worries about her beautiful but secretive daughter Charley. All she wants is someone to love – but could Mr Right be nearer than she thinks?
Just when Sarah and Beth need each other most, they suddenly have reason to wonder whether they ever really knew each other at all. Can the two best friends put the past behind them, and help each other find love and happiness again?
Please note – this book was previously published as The Little Market Stall of Hope and Heartbreak, so do check to see if you have already downloaded it.
While this is the second book in The Somerley Series it can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
Books in The Somerley Series
Stirred with Love, book 1
Secrets, Lies & Love, book 2
Second Chances at Love, book 3
An emotional and uplifting tale of love, secrets and the importance of having a best friend. Fans of Hannah Ellis, Debbie Johnson and Emily Harvale will love this book.
Meet Sophie - she loves running her market stall with her friend Beth by her side. They’re right at the heart of the community – and always one step ahead on local gossip. But Sophie’s marriage is in a bit of a rut, and handsome stranger Damien has her wondering if the grass might be greener …
Meet Beth – she’s the life and soul of every party, but she’s hiding a broken heart, and worries about her beautiful but secretive daughter Charley. All she wants is someone to love – but could Mr Right be nearer than she thinks?
Just when Sarah and Beth need each other most, they suddenly have reason to wonder whether they ever really knew each other at all. Can the two best friends put the past behind them, and help each other find love and happiness again?
Please note – this book was previously published as The Little Market Stall of Hope and Heartbreak, so do check to see if you have already downloaded it.
While this is the second book in The Somerley Series it can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
Books in The Somerley Series
Stirred with Love, book 1
Secrets, Lies & Love, book 2
Second Chances at Love, book 3
An emotional and uplifting tale of love, secrets and the importance of having a best friend. Fans of Hannah Ellis, Debbie Johnson and Emily Harvale will love this book.
296 pages, ebook
First published December 27, 2011
65 people are currently reading
1080 people want to read
About the author
Marcie Steele
11 books56 followersHi, I'm Marcie Steele and I can be found hanging around any good coffee shop, drinking copious amounts of coffee and nibbling on double chocolate muffins. Whilst doing this I'll be discreetly people watching or not so discreetly enjoying good gossip with my friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 30, 2016
I wish to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR by Marcie Steele/Mel Sherrett, in return for a fair and honest review.
I loved this book…so different from my normal mystery thrillers. Now writing as Marcie Steele, this talented author has branched from crime thrillers to women’s fiction, and she does this with little effort. Her writing is fabulous. Another writer that can write under any genre. I love the dark side but I must admit this was a refreshing change.
The setting for the novel is in the fictional city of Hedworth, and centers around the lives of two best friends, since high school; Louise Pellington and Sam Wheldon. When they had been teenagers, they talked about their dreams and hopes for the future. Louise dreamed of leaving Hedworth and going to London, travel the world and have a baby. Sam wanted a more low-key wedding, close friends and her dad walk her down the aisle.
“We should make a pact. We shouldn’t marry anyone, or have children, until we are at least twenty-one. And we should have a double wedding…because we’re best friends forever.”
Now in their thirties, life has dealt them a different hand!
This is the story of love and secrets and realizing what a best friend is!
I found myself curled up, enjoying getting to know the characters with all their flaws and humor. I could relate to the characters, and read on to get to know them better. I felt I was right there with them as they disgusted their problems and joys. This book put a smile on my face, and I can’t wait to read the next book.
I loved this book…so different from my normal mystery thrillers. Now writing as Marcie Steele, this talented author has branched from crime thrillers to women’s fiction, and she does this with little effort. Her writing is fabulous. Another writer that can write under any genre. I love the dark side but I must admit this was a refreshing change.
The setting for the novel is in the fictional city of Hedworth, and centers around the lives of two best friends, since high school; Louise Pellington and Sam Wheldon. When they had been teenagers, they talked about their dreams and hopes for the future. Louise dreamed of leaving Hedworth and going to London, travel the world and have a baby. Sam wanted a more low-key wedding, close friends and her dad walk her down the aisle.
“We should make a pact. We shouldn’t marry anyone, or have children, until we are at least twenty-one. And we should have a double wedding…because we’re best friends forever.”
Now in their thirties, life has dealt them a different hand!
This is the story of love and secrets and realizing what a best friend is!
I found myself curled up, enjoying getting to know the characters with all their flaws and humor. I could relate to the characters, and read on to get to know them better. I felt I was right there with them as they disgusted their problems and joys. This book put a smile on my face, and I can’t wait to read the next book.
December 5, 2015
Many thanks to Net Galley, Bookouture, and Marcie Steele/Mel Sherratt for an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I just love this author! Whatever mood I am in, Mel Sherratt, AKA Marcie Steele, has a book for me. As Mel Sherratt, this talented British author writes thrillers as well as gritty crime fiction. As Marcie Steele she writes women’s fiction with depth; of note, this is not fluffy chick lit, which I am not terribly keen about. I also must credit Ms. Sherratt from pulling me out of a reading funk earlier this year with her crime fiction book Somewhere to Hide when neither thrillers nor light stuff were doing anything for me. Needless to say, I have all of her books.
That’s What Friends Are For is a very enjoyable and surprisingly (well, not so much as this is, after all, Marcie/Mel) complex novel. The start is a bit slow as Ms. Steele introduces the characters and sets things up. The pace then picks up nicely and we are treated to all sorts of twists and secrets. All the important adult personnel work at an indoor open marketplace, the perfect venue for interaction throughout the day. We have best friends and siblings from three different families and teenager Charley. I was easily invested in the characters and their interwoven experiences. We see anger, bullying, hurt, fear, revenge, betrayal and failure. We also get love, revelation, forgiveness, and success. The key players are well drawn. I especially liked Sam (young married woman) and teenage girl Charley.
My only complaint with the story is the rushed ending. A number of serious issues are wrapped up faster than I liked. I would have loved to see them play out with more detail. Hence 4 instead of 5 stars. Though this is most definitely a stand alone, some sort of sequel involving Sam would please me.
I recommend That’s What Friends Are For to everyone looking for a substantial women’s fiction read involving relationships and all kinds of emotion. Another winner for Ms. Steele/Sherratt. Thanks, Marcie/Mel!
I just love this author! Whatever mood I am in, Mel Sherratt, AKA Marcie Steele, has a book for me. As Mel Sherratt, this talented British author writes thrillers as well as gritty crime fiction. As Marcie Steele she writes women’s fiction with depth; of note, this is not fluffy chick lit, which I am not terribly keen about. I also must credit Ms. Sherratt from pulling me out of a reading funk earlier this year with her crime fiction book Somewhere to Hide when neither thrillers nor light stuff were doing anything for me. Needless to say, I have all of her books.
That’s What Friends Are For is a very enjoyable and surprisingly (well, not so much as this is, after all, Marcie/Mel) complex novel. The start is a bit slow as Ms. Steele introduces the characters and sets things up. The pace then picks up nicely and we are treated to all sorts of twists and secrets. All the important adult personnel work at an indoor open marketplace, the perfect venue for interaction throughout the day. We have best friends and siblings from three different families and teenager Charley. I was easily invested in the characters and their interwoven experiences. We see anger, bullying, hurt, fear, revenge, betrayal and failure. We also get love, revelation, forgiveness, and success. The key players are well drawn. I especially liked Sam (young married woman) and teenage girl Charley.
My only complaint with the story is the rushed ending. A number of serious issues are wrapped up faster than I liked. I would have loved to see them play out with more detail. Hence 4 instead of 5 stars. Though this is most definitely a stand alone, some sort of sequel involving Sam would please me.
I recommend That’s What Friends Are For to everyone looking for a substantial women’s fiction read involving relationships and all kinds of emotion. Another winner for Ms. Steele/Sherratt. Thanks, Marcie/Mel!
December 1, 2015
The first thing to mention about this book is the cover which is very light and fluffy and a little misleading. Whilst this book is a very easy read there is a lot more depth to it than the average chick lit.
It is the story of a friendship. Louise and Sam have been best friends all their lives. They tell each other everything and are always there for each other, each supporting the other whenever they have problems. Or are they? We soon find out that they are each keeping things from the other and are maybe not as reliant on each other and as mutually supportive as they would have everyone believe. Their lives are very different. Sam is happily married – or is she? Single parent Louise is the life and soul of the party, but what is all the happy go lucky carefree partying a mask for?
I particularly loved the sections of the book that were about Charley, Louise’s 15 year old daughter. The mother/daughter relationship is very fraught with lots of arguments. There are times when they are just not safe to be left in the same room as each other. Is this normal teenage hormones or is it something else? I really felt for Charley and ended up feeling quite maternal towards her. Her story adds quite a dark layer to the book and my heart was in my throat at times as I worried about her. Running alongside Charley’s story and that of Sam and Louise and their friendship, are a couple of other sub-stories involving their friends and families that are really entertaining to read.
The characters, on the whole were very believable. None of them are perfect, they all have their faults and they really did feel like real people. We all know a Louise and a Sam, and there is probably a Charley in every family as well. This is with the exception of Dan who, for me, just didn’t quite “gel”. It may just be me, but he just seemed a little bit creepy and I don’t know if that was what the author intended. I really liked the dialogue which felt natural and realistic. Apart from one or two minor wobbly moments, I could clearly hear the characters’ voices in my mind as I read. It did take me a couple of chapters to get into the read, but after that I was well and truly hooked.
Having said that, this is a really good entertaining read that is well worth a try. Many thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the review copy.
It is the story of a friendship. Louise and Sam have been best friends all their lives. They tell each other everything and are always there for each other, each supporting the other whenever they have problems. Or are they? We soon find out that they are each keeping things from the other and are maybe not as reliant on each other and as mutually supportive as they would have everyone believe. Their lives are very different. Sam is happily married – or is she? Single parent Louise is the life and soul of the party, but what is all the happy go lucky carefree partying a mask for?
I particularly loved the sections of the book that were about Charley, Louise’s 15 year old daughter. The mother/daughter relationship is very fraught with lots of arguments. There are times when they are just not safe to be left in the same room as each other. Is this normal teenage hormones or is it something else? I really felt for Charley and ended up feeling quite maternal towards her. Her story adds quite a dark layer to the book and my heart was in my throat at times as I worried about her. Running alongside Charley’s story and that of Sam and Louise and their friendship, are a couple of other sub-stories involving their friends and families that are really entertaining to read.
The characters, on the whole were very believable. None of them are perfect, they all have their faults and they really did feel like real people. We all know a Louise and a Sam, and there is probably a Charley in every family as well. This is with the exception of Dan who, for me, just didn’t quite “gel”. It may just be me, but he just seemed a little bit creepy and I don’t know if that was what the author intended. I really liked the dialogue which felt natural and realistic. Apart from one or two minor wobbly moments, I could clearly hear the characters’ voices in my mind as I read. It did take me a couple of chapters to get into the read, but after that I was well and truly hooked.
Having said that, this is a really good entertaining read that is well worth a try. Many thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the review copy.
December 23, 2016
I simply adored this book! What an absolutely delightful novel that exceeded all my expectations and left me wanting more.
Now and then I delve into a decent chick-lit book and this is certainly one of the better ones I have read over the years, it kept me engaged and enthralled from the first word to the very last and everything in-between. I read this over a few hours and lost all track of time.
The plot is great, the writing is very good and the characters were flawed enough for me to relate to them as though they were people I had met in my everyday life, nothing too unbelievable in this novel. This is one to curl up with and prepare to escape from your everyday life as you step into the slightly complicated and not-so-perfect lives of the characters.
Best friends tell each other everything… right?
Sam and Louise have been best friends since they hung their coats side by side on the first day of primary school. Now in their thirties, they’re just as close, but life is a little bit more complicated…
On the outside, thirty-something Sam seems to have it all; the gorgeous husband, the beautiful home and the flourishing business. But things are not quite as rosy as they seem. So when handsome stranger, Dan, walks into her life, Sam finds his attentions hard to resist.
Louise might seem like life and soul of the party, but her outgoing exterior hides her sadness about the heartbreak in her past. She just wants someone to love – but all Louise gets left with is a quick fumble with an ex at the end of the night.
I found Sam to be a really likeable woman from the start, at times I did not know whether to give her a good talking to or a big hug, both might have been appropriate as she navigates her days through a marriage that is not all that it seems and temptations hard to resist. Agree or disagree with her decisions, you can't help but like Sam, or at least I did.
Louise lives with her teenage daughter and all that it brings with it raising a 15 year old girl going on 45. Marcie does not hold back on some really truthful and painful aspects of this mother/daughter relationship that makes for some difficult reading in parts, as a Mother I winced a few times. Louise wants what Sam has got, but does she? What if you don't know everything you think you do about your best friend?
There are plenty of other wonderful characters, some you will love to hate, many you will warm to and the story is interesting, delightful and full of real emotion at times. This is chick-lit at it's best, when it's not too fluffy to be relatable. The choices the women make on their journeys are fascinating to watch and the outcomes are not always what I would have expected, this was a totally brilliant read!
Marcie Steele (aka: Mel Sheratt) is a talented author, successfully writing across a number of book genres and doing each as well as the other, that is no easy task, so kudos to Marcie for having the courage to wear two authors hats and do it so well. I really recommend this book to anyone who loves to peer into the lives of characters that are flawed, imperfect and brilliant to connect with along with a darn good storyline that sucks you in and keeps you entertained from start to finish.
5 stars awarded for this great read, a great bit of escapist fiction that has some meat on the bones of it and not one single eye-rolling moment. Except smiles, laughter, concern, surprise and much, much more!
For more of my reviews, books to win and author features: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
Now and then I delve into a decent chick-lit book and this is certainly one of the better ones I have read over the years, it kept me engaged and enthralled from the first word to the very last and everything in-between. I read this over a few hours and lost all track of time.
The plot is great, the writing is very good and the characters were flawed enough for me to relate to them as though they were people I had met in my everyday life, nothing too unbelievable in this novel. This is one to curl up with and prepare to escape from your everyday life as you step into the slightly complicated and not-so-perfect lives of the characters.
Best friends tell each other everything… right?
Sam and Louise have been best friends since they hung their coats side by side on the first day of primary school. Now in their thirties, they’re just as close, but life is a little bit more complicated…
On the outside, thirty-something Sam seems to have it all; the gorgeous husband, the beautiful home and the flourishing business. But things are not quite as rosy as they seem. So when handsome stranger, Dan, walks into her life, Sam finds his attentions hard to resist.
Louise might seem like life and soul of the party, but her outgoing exterior hides her sadness about the heartbreak in her past. She just wants someone to love – but all Louise gets left with is a quick fumble with an ex at the end of the night.
I found Sam to be a really likeable woman from the start, at times I did not know whether to give her a good talking to or a big hug, both might have been appropriate as she navigates her days through a marriage that is not all that it seems and temptations hard to resist. Agree or disagree with her decisions, you can't help but like Sam, or at least I did.
Louise lives with her teenage daughter and all that it brings with it raising a 15 year old girl going on 45. Marcie does not hold back on some really truthful and painful aspects of this mother/daughter relationship that makes for some difficult reading in parts, as a Mother I winced a few times. Louise wants what Sam has got, but does she? What if you don't know everything you think you do about your best friend?
There are plenty of other wonderful characters, some you will love to hate, many you will warm to and the story is interesting, delightful and full of real emotion at times. This is chick-lit at it's best, when it's not too fluffy to be relatable. The choices the women make on their journeys are fascinating to watch and the outcomes are not always what I would have expected, this was a totally brilliant read!
Marcie Steele (aka: Mel Sheratt) is a talented author, successfully writing across a number of book genres and doing each as well as the other, that is no easy task, so kudos to Marcie for having the courage to wear two authors hats and do it so well. I really recommend this book to anyone who loves to peer into the lives of characters that are flawed, imperfect and brilliant to connect with along with a darn good storyline that sucks you in and keeps you entertained from start to finish.
5 stars awarded for this great read, a great bit of escapist fiction that has some meat on the bones of it and not one single eye-rolling moment. Except smiles, laughter, concern, surprise and much, much more!
For more of my reviews, books to win and author features: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
March 30, 2016
Heartfelt, Engaging, Realistic & Sweet! A Great Read! I Loved It!
June 26, 2018
Right from the off, I took to Sam, Louise and Nicki. I loved the relationship between the three girls and the camaraderie they have with the rest of market. It felt like a big family and I’d like to think that it’s like that in my local market! But the trio each have their own stories and all (in the main) relate to their love lives. No matter how tight these girls are, each romantic status is very different and nothing is ever easy when it comes to love.
I felt huge sympathy for Charley. Teenagers can be a cruel bunch and Ms Steele has captured the teen angst perfectly.
This is a stand-alone story of friendship, lust, love with a smattering of intrigue. Ms Steele writes a cracking story with elements of grit and realism to the tale. I was in tears by the end as this is an emotional read that pulls at the heart strings.
I felt huge sympathy for Charley. Teenagers can be a cruel bunch and Ms Steele has captured the teen angst perfectly.
This is a stand-alone story of friendship, lust, love with a smattering of intrigue. Ms Steele writes a cracking story with elements of grit and realism to the tale. I was in tears by the end as this is an emotional read that pulls at the heart strings.
February 11, 2016
Copy recieved via Bookouture on netgalley
I had a kind of like/dislike relationship with this book.
I did like the general storyline but there were still some things that bothered me while reading. Unfortunately I couldn't connect with most of the characters and at the beginning I had some difficulties with all the names and realtionships. The character I disliked the most was Louise though. Her constant childish behaviour and always putting herself in the centre of everything annoyed me a lot.
I also had problems seeing the bond in Sam's and Louise's friendship. They know each other for ages but to me it didn't seem like best friends. They were constantly nagging about each other and some comments were just rude.
One of the revelations to the end of the book was just too much for my taste and didn't feel appropiate.
One character I really liked was Nicci, she was really sweet and very down to earth. I really liked reading her story.
The ending was almost perfect for my taste. Some things went pretty fast but almost all loose ends were put together. I think that a short epilogue about Sam would have been nice.
Marcie Steele's writing style was very enjoyable to read and I will definitely look out for her other books.
I had a kind of like/dislike relationship with this book.
I did like the general storyline but there were still some things that bothered me while reading. Unfortunately I couldn't connect with most of the characters and at the beginning I had some difficulties with all the names and realtionships. The character I disliked the most was Louise though. Her constant childish behaviour and always putting herself in the centre of everything annoyed me a lot.
I also had problems seeing the bond in Sam's and Louise's friendship. They know each other for ages but to me it didn't seem like best friends. They were constantly nagging about each other and some comments were just rude.
One of the revelations to the end of the book was just too much for my taste and didn't feel appropiate.
One character I really liked was Nicci, she was really sweet and very down to earth. I really liked reading her story.
The ending was almost perfect for my taste. Some things went pretty fast but almost all loose ends were put together. I think that a short epilogue about Sam would have been nice.
Marcie Steele's writing style was very enjoyable to read and I will definitely look out for her other books.
September 13, 2016
*3 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This one wasn't too bad. It took me a little while to get into, but once I did, I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen with each of the characters.
Told from multiple perspectives, this is the story of a group of friends, and all the secrets and lies that are hanging around their little group.
There's a lot of lessons in this one about what people are like, why they do things, how you need to be there for each other and stepping back and looking at your own actions.
This was a good read in the end, better than I was expecting with lots of life lessons.
Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This one wasn't too bad. It took me a little while to get into, but once I did, I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen with each of the characters.
Told from multiple perspectives, this is the story of a group of friends, and all the secrets and lies that are hanging around their little group.
There's a lot of lessons in this one about what people are like, why they do things, how you need to be there for each other and stepping back and looking at your own actions.
This was a good read in the end, better than I was expecting with lots of life lessons.
December 1, 2015
Well, what a fabulous book! If you like a love story which is not too mushy, you will love this. It’s full of likeable characters and some you will no doubt be able to relate to.
I make no secret of the fact that I am a massive Mel Sherratt fan. Her Allie Shenton series, The Estate Series and her stand alone novel, Watching Over You, are all excellent, so imagine my excitement when Mel told me she also writes chick lit under a pen-name! Stirred With Love was a fabulous story and That’s What Friends Are For is equally fabulous.
I love how close this bunch of family and friends are. They work together on the market, although not always happily, and always look out for each other even though some have secrets they are reluctant to share.
Louise is a single Mum. Having had her daughter, Charley, at 18 she has never told a soul who the father is. Not even her best friend, Sam. She was married for a short time, but that wasn’t to be. Now she longs to be loved and cherished by someone, even if she won’t admit that to herself. Luckily she can rely on Matt to look after her and Charley. Matt sometimes feels like a glorified babysitter, only seemingly needed at the weekends when Louise wants to go out and get drunk, but he’s always there for her and he loves Charley as if she were his own. Everyone can see that Matt and Louise are crazy about each other, but neither of them seem willing to admit it. Will they ever get it together?
Charley is 15 and is struggling at school due to bullies who are aware of her mother’s active social life. She feels they are tarring her with the same brush and starts to resent her mother for going out and getting drunk all the time. She falls out with her best friend and feels like the only person she can rely on is Alex, a boy she has been chatting to online, but has yet to meet. At least he understands her.
I can totally relate to Louise and Charley’s relationship. I have two teenagers myself, a son and a daughter, and my relationship with my daughter can be challenging, shall we say, at times. As a mother you feel like you can’t do right for doing wrong sometimes, but we do forget what it was like to be 15. This was a good reminder to just be there and listen.
Sam is married to Reece, but is worried her marriage isn’t going to survive for much longer. Will they manage to rekindle what they once shared?
Nicci is all loved up with Jay, but struggles with the fact that he doesn’t seem keen on marrying her when she is so desperate to marry him. She dreams of their big day, but fears it may never happen.
Ryan is married to Sarah, with two beautiful children, but he has cheated before and it doesn’t take him long to fall for Jess’s charms when she returns from London and sets her sights on him. Jess is pregnant, by a married man who now wants nothing to do with her. Maybe if she can get her claws into Ryan, she could pass off the baby as his. Why should everyone else be happy when she’s miserable?
Unfortunately not everyone has a fairytale happy ending.
This book has everything. Love, family, friendship, secrets and lies, happiness and heartbreak. You’ll love it!
A big thank you to Mel for my advance copy.
Proud, as always, to be part of Team Sherratt!
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
I make no secret of the fact that I am a massive Mel Sherratt fan. Her Allie Shenton series, The Estate Series and her stand alone novel, Watching Over You, are all excellent, so imagine my excitement when Mel told me she also writes chick lit under a pen-name! Stirred With Love was a fabulous story and That’s What Friends Are For is equally fabulous.
I love how close this bunch of family and friends are. They work together on the market, although not always happily, and always look out for each other even though some have secrets they are reluctant to share.
Louise is a single Mum. Having had her daughter, Charley, at 18 she has never told a soul who the father is. Not even her best friend, Sam. She was married for a short time, but that wasn’t to be. Now she longs to be loved and cherished by someone, even if she won’t admit that to herself. Luckily she can rely on Matt to look after her and Charley. Matt sometimes feels like a glorified babysitter, only seemingly needed at the weekends when Louise wants to go out and get drunk, but he’s always there for her and he loves Charley as if she were his own. Everyone can see that Matt and Louise are crazy about each other, but neither of them seem willing to admit it. Will they ever get it together?
Charley is 15 and is struggling at school due to bullies who are aware of her mother’s active social life. She feels they are tarring her with the same brush and starts to resent her mother for going out and getting drunk all the time. She falls out with her best friend and feels like the only person she can rely on is Alex, a boy she has been chatting to online, but has yet to meet. At least he understands her.
I can totally relate to Louise and Charley’s relationship. I have two teenagers myself, a son and a daughter, and my relationship with my daughter can be challenging, shall we say, at times. As a mother you feel like you can’t do right for doing wrong sometimes, but we do forget what it was like to be 15. This was a good reminder to just be there and listen.
Sam is married to Reece, but is worried her marriage isn’t going to survive for much longer. Will they manage to rekindle what they once shared?
Nicci is all loved up with Jay, but struggles with the fact that he doesn’t seem keen on marrying her when she is so desperate to marry him. She dreams of their big day, but fears it may never happen.
Ryan is married to Sarah, with two beautiful children, but he has cheated before and it doesn’t take him long to fall for Jess’s charms when she returns from London and sets her sights on him. Jess is pregnant, by a married man who now wants nothing to do with her. Maybe if she can get her claws into Ryan, she could pass off the baby as his. Why should everyone else be happy when she’s miserable?
Unfortunately not everyone has a fairytale happy ending.
This book has everything. Love, family, friendship, secrets and lies, happiness and heartbreak. You’ll love it!
A big thank you to Mel for my advance copy.
Proud, as always, to be part of Team Sherratt!
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
March 28, 2016
Marcie Steele, aka Mel Sherratt, has done it again! With such a colourful cast of characters, I jumped into the pages of this fantastic book and didn't want to leave it. Along with the lovely characters, there's also a bitch and a man-tart to make this book so much more than chick-lit.
Louise and Sam are brilliant characters, working on Sam's bustling fruit and veg market stall. They have known each other forever and are best friends who tell each other everything...well almost everything. Louise has kept the secret of Charley's parentage from everyone including Sam, leaving the reader to jump to conclusions as to who Charley's father might be. As usual, I had my money on completely the wrong horse!
Sam is also struggling with marital problems, after marrying her childhood sweetheart, Reece, but doesn't tell Louise the extent of her problems. When she meets Dan, and he shows a keen interest in her, Sam wonders whether her marriage is worth saving after all. I was willing Sam to speak to Louise properly about her issues; we all know a problem shared is a problem halved.
With Louise's siblings, Ryan (the man-tart) and Nicci also on stalls in the market it really gives the sense of a close knit community. With everyone looking out for each other and willing to do anything for each other, I had a small tear in my eye towards the end when the market family came together to make a dream come true for one of them.
As well as the adult issues in the book, through Louise's daughter Charley, it also looks at teenage problems such as raging hormones, the dangers of meeting strangers on the internet and cyber-bullying through Facebook.
That's What Friends Are For left me surrounded with a warm glow - it's definitely a book to lose yourself in and has as many dramas as an episode of Eastenders. A fantastic feel-good book that reminds us exactly what friends are for.
I received this e-book from the publisher, Bookouture, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Louise and Sam are brilliant characters, working on Sam's bustling fruit and veg market stall. They have known each other forever and are best friends who tell each other everything...well almost everything. Louise has kept the secret of Charley's parentage from everyone including Sam, leaving the reader to jump to conclusions as to who Charley's father might be. As usual, I had my money on completely the wrong horse!
Sam is also struggling with marital problems, after marrying her childhood sweetheart, Reece, but doesn't tell Louise the extent of her problems. When she meets Dan, and he shows a keen interest in her, Sam wonders whether her marriage is worth saving after all. I was willing Sam to speak to Louise properly about her issues; we all know a problem shared is a problem halved.
With Louise's siblings, Ryan (the man-tart) and Nicci also on stalls in the market it really gives the sense of a close knit community. With everyone looking out for each other and willing to do anything for each other, I had a small tear in my eye towards the end when the market family came together to make a dream come true for one of them.
As well as the adult issues in the book, through Louise's daughter Charley, it also looks at teenage problems such as raging hormones, the dangers of meeting strangers on the internet and cyber-bullying through Facebook.
That's What Friends Are For left me surrounded with a warm glow - it's definitely a book to lose yourself in and has as many dramas as an episode of Eastenders. A fantastic feel-good book that reminds us exactly what friends are for.
I received this e-book from the publisher, Bookouture, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2015
Well love is in the air at Crimebookjunkie (my blog) with the latest from Marcie Steele (aka Mel Sherratt). I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The author has done it again with this book, tugged at my heart strings; chipped away at the ice that has formed and even caused me to get a wee bit choked up at times…though that may have been my cold…I am not ruling anything out!
This is the second Marcie Steele book I have read and loved! How can I describe it…well, you know those rides at places like Alton Towers where you are strapped in and slowly pulled to the top; each time you move that little bit closer to the top, you are holding your breath in eager anticipation…waiting for that big drop…and when it comes….Bloody Hell it is exhilarating! THAT IS THIS BOOK!
I love the way Mel/Marcie injects realism into her characters; not fluffy, sappy or sickly sweet. Nope! The grit is there, the raw emotion, the laughter and an all encompassing blanket of friendship can be found within these pages. I have now found my “go to” feel good books in Marcie Steele.
The characters themselves were great! I particularly loved reading about Charly…*sigh* …brought back those days as a lovesick, hormonal teenager that at nearly 44 years old…I think I would love to experience all over again…NOT!! LOL.
I totally devoured each page in this book, the twists, the feeling of wanting to shake the shoulders of the characters at times and scream “come on– get on with it!” and bloody hell…the OMG moment(s) still have me in utter shock! Not-Expected-At-All!!
I highly recommend Marcie Steele and this book as it was brilliant!
The author has done it again with this book, tugged at my heart strings; chipped away at the ice that has formed and even caused me to get a wee bit choked up at times…though that may have been my cold…I am not ruling anything out!
This is the second Marcie Steele book I have read and loved! How can I describe it…well, you know those rides at places like Alton Towers where you are strapped in and slowly pulled to the top; each time you move that little bit closer to the top, you are holding your breath in eager anticipation…waiting for that big drop…and when it comes….Bloody Hell it is exhilarating! THAT IS THIS BOOK!
I love the way Mel/Marcie injects realism into her characters; not fluffy, sappy or sickly sweet. Nope! The grit is there, the raw emotion, the laughter and an all encompassing blanket of friendship can be found within these pages. I have now found my “go to” feel good books in Marcie Steele.
The characters themselves were great! I particularly loved reading about Charly…*sigh* …brought back those days as a lovesick, hormonal teenager that at nearly 44 years old…I think I would love to experience all over again…NOT!! LOL.
I totally devoured each page in this book, the twists, the feeling of wanting to shake the shoulders of the characters at times and scream “come on– get on with it!” and bloody hell…the OMG moment(s) still have me in utter shock! Not-Expected-At-All!!
I highly recommend Marcie Steele and this book as it was brilliant!
January 5, 2016
For those that maybe don’t know Marcie Steele is actually a pseudonym for the Crime Writer Mel Sherratt. Her first book under this name was released only 3 months ago and I really enjoyed it. I was surprised at how quickly book 2 has materialised but was looking forward to getting stuck in. Thankfully this new release was just as good as the last one (if not marginally better).
Sam is an easy character to like, along with her best friend Louise. There is also Louise daughter Charley who most definitely added to the storyline. Sam was my preferred character and on the surface it seems she has it all. However, her marriage is seemingly floundering and her life seems mundane in comparison to others. In contrast, Louise is the clear wild child of the two and although they are both now adults it soon becomes clear that these two ladies have a lot of history together.
The storyline was easy to get swept along with and the characters likeable and pretty normal. As per usual, irrelevant of genre, and more to do with the writing you get taken along with the story and I read this in just two sittings. Mel Sherratt has an easy flow to her stories and it doesn’t take long before you realise you have read quite a few chapters.
Some people may misconstrue the type of story as the cover is beautiful but erring on the ‘girly’ side if you will. This is certainly not a sickly sweet type of book, more one to delve into ordinary friendships and secrets. It’s another engaging read and one that I enjoyed. Another great read by Marcie Steel and I will really look forward to what she comes up with next.
Sam is an easy character to like, along with her best friend Louise. There is also Louise daughter Charley who most definitely added to the storyline. Sam was my preferred character and on the surface it seems she has it all. However, her marriage is seemingly floundering and her life seems mundane in comparison to others. In contrast, Louise is the clear wild child of the two and although they are both now adults it soon becomes clear that these two ladies have a lot of history together.
The storyline was easy to get swept along with and the characters likeable and pretty normal. As per usual, irrelevant of genre, and more to do with the writing you get taken along with the story and I read this in just two sittings. Mel Sherratt has an easy flow to her stories and it doesn’t take long before you realise you have read quite a few chapters.
Some people may misconstrue the type of story as the cover is beautiful but erring on the ‘girly’ side if you will. This is certainly not a sickly sweet type of book, more one to delve into ordinary friendships and secrets. It’s another engaging read and one that I enjoyed. Another great read by Marcie Steel and I will really look forward to what she comes up with next.
January 22, 2016
This is my first book by Mel Sherratt writing has alter ego Marcie Steele and definitely won't be my last. I am a big fan of Mel Sherratt crime books and the estate series. But I have to say this book is such a refreshing change I absolutely loved it.
I love the author's style of writing I found this an easy and gripping read. I was hooked from the start and read this in one sitting. I simply couldn't put it down. The characters are very real and likeable in which you can relate to. What I loved about this story is the fact its very real life with characters you can most definitely relate to. Its not your normal mushy, lovey dovey chick lit although there is romance in there. This book is about friendship, family and secrets which takes you on a rollercoaster journey, with some added surprises which I totally wasn't expecting. The characters are very well written And I could see them being my friends. has they are very down to earth.
Sam and Louise have been friends since primary school and tell each other everything or so they think! We soon find out that they are keeping things from each other.
This book has got quite a few characters in it having there own story and problems I especially enjoyed Louise's daughter, I5 year old Charley. Her story pulled at my heartstrings I felt so sorry for her.
Over all I found this a every entertaining and engaging read and I highly recommend it giving it a well deserved 5 stars. i can cant wait to read book of Marcie Steele books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy In exchange for a honest review
I love the author's style of writing I found this an easy and gripping read. I was hooked from the start and read this in one sitting. I simply couldn't put it down. The characters are very real and likeable in which you can relate to. What I loved about this story is the fact its very real life with characters you can most definitely relate to. Its not your normal mushy, lovey dovey chick lit although there is romance in there. This book is about friendship, family and secrets which takes you on a rollercoaster journey, with some added surprises which I totally wasn't expecting. The characters are very well written And I could see them being my friends. has they are very down to earth.
Sam and Louise have been friends since primary school and tell each other everything or so they think! We soon find out that they are keeping things from each other.
This book has got quite a few characters in it having there own story and problems I especially enjoyed Louise's daughter, I5 year old Charley. Her story pulled at my heartstrings I felt so sorry for her.
Over all I found this a every entertaining and engaging read and I highly recommend it giving it a well deserved 5 stars. i can cant wait to read book of Marcie Steele books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy In exchange for a honest review
December 11, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book!!
Review posted on bibliophilebookclub.wordpress.com
My thanks to Bookouture, Netgalley and the lovely Marcie Steele for my copy of her new book.
For any of you that don't know, Marcie Steele is the alter ego of superb crime thriller author, Mel Sherratt.
That's What Friends Are For is the second Marcie Steele book I've read. The first, Stirred With Love, was brilliant. Such a step away from my usual crime reads, and really well written (I gave it 5⭐️ and read it in a day!!!).
Anyone that knows me, and reads my blog, knows that I pretty much only read crime/thrillers/police procedurals et al so this isn't my usual fare. However, the moment I heard the new Marcie Steele was on Netgalley, I instantly downloaded and began reading it. After loving her previous book, I knew I was in for a treat with That's What Friends Are For.
Marcie/Mel has a lovely writing style in these books. It hooks you immediately, and you feel as if you're reading about your friends. It's almost comforting because picking up one of these kinds of books makes you feel right at home within the pages.
Sam and Louise could easily be you and your best friend, they are that relatable. I loved them both equally as characters as they are very down to earth and likeable.
Both have their own issues (haven't we all?!
Review posted on bibliophilebookclub.wordpress.com
My thanks to Bookouture, Netgalley and the lovely Marcie Steele for my copy of her new book.
For any of you that don't know, Marcie Steele is the alter ego of superb crime thriller author, Mel Sherratt.
That's What Friends Are For is the second Marcie Steele book I've read. The first, Stirred With Love, was brilliant. Such a step away from my usual crime reads, and really well written (I gave it 5⭐️ and read it in a day!!!).
Anyone that knows me, and reads my blog, knows that I pretty much only read crime/thrillers/police procedurals et al so this isn't my usual fare. However, the moment I heard the new Marcie Steele was on Netgalley, I instantly downloaded and began reading it. After loving her previous book, I knew I was in for a treat with That's What Friends Are For.
Marcie/Mel has a lovely writing style in these books. It hooks you immediately, and you feel as if you're reading about your friends. It's almost comforting because picking up one of these kinds of books makes you feel right at home within the pages.
Sam and Louise could easily be you and your best friend, they are that relatable. I loved them both equally as characters as they are very down to earth and likeable.
Both have their own issues (haven't we all?!
February 7, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
This book was a complete contrast to my usual diet of murder and mayhem and I must admit I loved it.
I read "Stirred with Love" a few months ago and enjoyed it, so when "That's What Friends Are For" became available on NetGalley I immediately requested it.
Marcie Steele/Mel Comley is such a talented writer. There can't be many writers who can write in two such different genres so superbly.
I read this in a day. The characters and their dialogue made you feel as if they were your friends and that you were sitting in a room with them.
I could definitely see this as a TV series, with each episode concentration on one character.
This is certainly not a sickly sweet chick-lit book. It is a book that explores friendship and looks at the effects of keeping secrets.
Can't wait for the next book by Marcie/Mel.
This book was a complete contrast to my usual diet of murder and mayhem and I must admit I loved it.
I read "Stirred with Love" a few months ago and enjoyed it, so when "That's What Friends Are For" became available on NetGalley I immediately requested it.
Marcie Steele/Mel Comley is such a talented writer. There can't be many writers who can write in two such different genres so superbly.
I read this in a day. The characters and their dialogue made you feel as if they were your friends and that you were sitting in a room with them.
I could definitely see this as a TV series, with each episode concentration on one character.
This is certainly not a sickly sweet chick-lit book. It is a book that explores friendship and looks at the effects of keeping secrets.
Can't wait for the next book by Marcie/Mel.
February 27, 2016
This is a book about friends, family, trust and Love. Sam and Louise have been friends since school and not everything is perfect in their lives, but they are there for each other and share every thing... or do they? Things start to go wrong in both their lives and it affects every one that is around them.
A story which although it started slow, soon had me gripped to every page and although you can try and second guess whats going to happen,probability is, you'd be wrong. The story has twists and turns that keep you reading and enjoying every page.
Simply a bloody good read for everyone to enjoy.
A story which although it started slow, soon had me gripped to every page and although you can try and second guess whats going to happen,probability is, you'd be wrong. The story has twists and turns that keep you reading and enjoying every page.
Simply a bloody good read for everyone to enjoy.
March 25, 2022
It's been a long time since I read a story about women's friendship with one another and That's What Friends Are For was an excellent escape from life. While Marcie Steele writes about situations that are incredibly realistic, some even difficult and full of angst, I knew I was getting a happy ending and a feel good read. I didn't love all the characters, in fact I couldn't stand one in particular, but I enjoyed the book as a whole and appreciated Steele's honoring of how true female friendships work.
December 8, 2015
The thing I love about Marcie Steele's (Mel Sherratt) books are that they are not your typical chick lit novels. Even though there's some romance in there, her novels are not all fairy tale style stories, they very much resemble what goes on in the real world.
I have to say there are quite a lot of characters that feature throughout this book and to start with I did struggle slightly as there was so much going on and I felt a little lost as the story flicks between them. Once I got used to all of them though I was well and truly hooked.
As I said there are quite a lot of characters but Sam and Louise seem to be the main two that are at the centre of all the others. Sam and Louise have been friends since they were children. They don't have the perfect friendship and every now and again they get on each others nerves but isn't that what friendship is really like in the real world? None of us are perfect and there are always going to be something in our personalities or nature that our friends may not agree with or may irk them but it's all about the whole other bunch of stuff that they do like that is the foundation of a great friendship.
Though many of the characters are either siblings or have known each other from school, the fact that they all now work alongside each other.on stalls in the local market is something I loved. The stall holders are a close community that help each other out and are there for one another. Obviously in any working community, gossip is always rife and there will always be someone up to something that they shouldn't be!
Through Charley, Louise's fifteen year old daughter, the author makes us very aware of issues that teenagers face in today's world with social media.
That's What Friends are For, has really got it all. It's fun, sweet, serious in parts but more than anything it is realistic. Due to the author keeping the whole story true to real life, the characters are believable and I'm sure there's more than one of them that readers will be able to relate to or see some of them selves in.
Another great book by one of my favourite authors from 2015.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say there are quite a lot of characters that feature throughout this book and to start with I did struggle slightly as there was so much going on and I felt a little lost as the story flicks between them. Once I got used to all of them though I was well and truly hooked.
As I said there are quite a lot of characters but Sam and Louise seem to be the main two that are at the centre of all the others. Sam and Louise have been friends since they were children. They don't have the perfect friendship and every now and again they get on each others nerves but isn't that what friendship is really like in the real world? None of us are perfect and there are always going to be something in our personalities or nature that our friends may not agree with or may irk them but it's all about the whole other bunch of stuff that they do like that is the foundation of a great friendship.
Though many of the characters are either siblings or have known each other from school, the fact that they all now work alongside each other.on stalls in the local market is something I loved. The stall holders are a close community that help each other out and are there for one another. Obviously in any working community, gossip is always rife and there will always be someone up to something that they shouldn't be!
Through Charley, Louise's fifteen year old daughter, the author makes us very aware of issues that teenagers face in today's world with social media.
That's What Friends are For, has really got it all. It's fun, sweet, serious in parts but more than anything it is realistic. Due to the author keeping the whole story true to real life, the characters are believable and I'm sure there's more than one of them that readers will be able to relate to or see some of them selves in.
Another great book by one of my favourite authors from 2015.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2015
Having read and enjoyed Stirred With Love I was thrilled to get an advance copy of this from Netgalley and Bookouture (thanks!). This is quite different from Marcie's other book in that the characters have all known each other for years. We meet them at a tricky point in their lives, Sam's marriage is not as it seems, Louise is out every weekend trying to distract herself from the fact that she is not happy being single and her relationship with her teenage daughter is not as good as it used to be. The return of someone from their past leads to a lot of change and turmoil for both Sam and Louise and for their relationship, as well as for their friends and family. Although there are a lot of characters in this book the way it is written means that there is no confusion over who is who or what they are doing, which can sometimes occur in books with multiple significant characters. All of the characters are well-written and Louise and Sam's characters both develop as the story progresses. I enjoyed this book and read it in two days which is unusual for me. All in all this is a really good book which shows that even the best of friends keep secrets and you never know someone as well as you think you do. Definitely a book worth reading.
December 23, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Marcie Steele for the review e copy of this book. It was an absolute pleasure to read it.
This is the second Marcie Steele book I have read recently, Marcie for those that don't know is non other that the wonderful Mel Sherratt. When I read the first book by Marcie I wasn't sure what to expect with such a change in direction. However after reading the first book, I couldn't wait to start this one.
Another brilliant easy to follow read.
Likeable and realistic characters make it a great read. A sotry and Journey of friendship. It's so realistic it could actually be your own circle of friends.
I'd say although it looks very girls, it is not a soppy soppy lovey dovey type of read, it's an everyday life kind of read.
Friendship and secrets, sometimes your friendship has to be tested to see just how strong it is, and I think that has been done really well in this book. Sam and Louise have a few things they need to sort out, as cracks start to appear in their friendship will they be able to overcome things, or are somethings just unforgivable.
Can you cope with the Drama... The only way to find out is by reading this book. You know you want to, so off you pop, go buy it and bloody enjoy it.
This is the second Marcie Steele book I have read recently, Marcie for those that don't know is non other that the wonderful Mel Sherratt. When I read the first book by Marcie I wasn't sure what to expect with such a change in direction. However after reading the first book, I couldn't wait to start this one.
Another brilliant easy to follow read.
Likeable and realistic characters make it a great read. A sotry and Journey of friendship. It's so realistic it could actually be your own circle of friends.
I'd say although it looks very girls, it is not a soppy soppy lovey dovey type of read, it's an everyday life kind of read.
Friendship and secrets, sometimes your friendship has to be tested to see just how strong it is, and I think that has been done really well in this book. Sam and Louise have a few things they need to sort out, as cracks start to appear in their friendship will they be able to overcome things, or are somethings just unforgivable.
Can you cope with the Drama... The only way to find out is by reading this book. You know you want to, so off you pop, go buy it and bloody enjoy it.
December 9, 2015
I received a copy of this via NetGalley and Bookouture in return for a fair and honest review.
Always a fan of Marcie Steele/Mel Sherratt offerings and this is another successful venture into the Chick-Lit world!
It's the story of Sam and Louise, best friends from school days and how their friendship has seen them through good times and bad over the years. It's not a light and frothy chick lit read, but the subjects discussed and the way the friendship unfolds is fascinating and endearing throughout. It deals with some very modern problems in life such as cyberbullying and how the impact of revealing hidden secrets can impact on friends and relations.
there are still fun sides to the story and a secret wedding to be planned, and it also interesting to see the story unfold from the point of view of Louises' daughter Charley and her friendship with Sophie her best friend. There are also a few other characters who are brought into the story with their problems and woes that impact on the group of friends so there is always something going on!
Always a fan of Marcie Steele/Mel Sherratt offerings and this is another successful venture into the Chick-Lit world!
It's the story of Sam and Louise, best friends from school days and how their friendship has seen them through good times and bad over the years. It's not a light and frothy chick lit read, but the subjects discussed and the way the friendship unfolds is fascinating and endearing throughout. It deals with some very modern problems in life such as cyberbullying and how the impact of revealing hidden secrets can impact on friends and relations.
there are still fun sides to the story and a secret wedding to be planned, and it also interesting to see the story unfold from the point of view of Louises' daughter Charley and her friendship with Sophie her best friend. There are also a few other characters who are brought into the story with their problems and woes that impact on the group of friends so there is always something going on!
January 17, 2016
Best Friends tell each other everything..... right?
Sam and Louise are complete opposites but have been best friends since high school.
Now in their 30's, their friendship still continues but now life has become a little more complicated for them both.....
Sam appears to have it all but things are not quite as rosy as they seem.
Louise is a party animal, desperate to settle down but unable to find that perfect somebody.
Louise has also been keeping a rather large secret from Sam.... one that might not see their friendship survive.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review which I am happy to give.
This is the first book that I have read by Marcie Steele.
Her first book is called Stirred with Love.
A feel good Chick Lit read with just a little bit more depth!
It explores the characters friendships and the impact that keeping secrets from your friends has.
It also makes you realise that no body is perfect and we all make mistakes.
An enjoyable read that i would highly recommend.
Sam and Louise are complete opposites but have been best friends since high school.
Now in their 30's, their friendship still continues but now life has become a little more complicated for them both.....
Sam appears to have it all but things are not quite as rosy as they seem.
Louise is a party animal, desperate to settle down but unable to find that perfect somebody.
Louise has also been keeping a rather large secret from Sam.... one that might not see their friendship survive.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review which I am happy to give.
This is the first book that I have read by Marcie Steele.
Her first book is called Stirred with Love.
A feel good Chick Lit read with just a little bit more depth!
It explores the characters friendships and the impact that keeping secrets from your friends has.
It also makes you realise that no body is perfect and we all make mistakes.
An enjoyable read that i would highly recommend.
January 1, 2016
This is the first Marcie Steele book that I have read and I really enjoyed it. It is a book about friendships, love, lies and betrayal and it most definitely NOT fluffy chick lit. The story starts quite slowly but rapidly picks up and develops a quite complex set of stories which inter-weave with a complexity that is both interesting and engaging. The twists in the story as the secrets are revealed mark this out as a read that has more depth than much of the women’s romantic fiction out there. However, given that the author Marcie Steel is a pen name of Mel Sherratt this comes as no surprise!
In all this was engaging and enjoyable read with enough substance to keep it interesting, well-developed characters and Marcie/Mel’s excellent writing style.
Many thanks go to Netgalley and Bookouture who allowed me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In all this was engaging and enjoyable read with enough substance to keep it interesting, well-developed characters and Marcie/Mel’s excellent writing style.
Many thanks go to Netgalley and Bookouture who allowed me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 2, 2015
This is the second book I've read by Marcie Steele courtesy of Netgalley and loved it, and yes this one made me cry too!! I loved all the characters and felt quite sorry for some of them too, the story was a rollercoaster of emotions for quite a few of the characters, but was a welcome break for me from my usual genre of thrillers. It was a lovely feel good read and I was hooked right from the start. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the auto approval and to Marcie Steele for another great story. I can't wait for her next one, Broken Heels, to be released!
December 12, 2015
What a wonderful book! This is the second book I've read by Marcie Steele and once again I loved it.
The story is so engaging it has everything. I started it intending to read a few chapters and finished in the early hours. I could not put it down, I was lost within the pages and into the lives of all the characters.
That's What Friends Are For is an emotionally charged story and very realistic, I loved every page. Highly recommended.
The story is so engaging it has everything. I started it intending to read a few chapters and finished in the early hours. I could not put it down, I was lost within the pages and into the lives of all the characters.
That's What Friends Are For is an emotionally charged story and very realistic, I loved every page. Highly recommended.
December 5, 2015
Marcie Steele has yet again written another fantastic chick lit book. This book contained everything this type of book should have ; romance, tears, laughter, mystery. It was absolutely wonderful. An easy read but one that kept you interested the whole way through. Highly recommend this book.
Can't wait to read the next book 'Broken heels'.
Many thanks to bookouture via netgalley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Can't wait to read the next book 'Broken heels'.
Many thanks to bookouture via netgalley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
January 15, 2016
I really enjoyed this easy read book . The second of my Marcie Steele chick-lits .
Louise and Sam have been best friends for as long as they can remember but although adulthood has taken them down different paths in their personal life their friendship has remained throughout .
This story, for me ,shows how we never really know what's going on in other people's lives and that we should never judge a book by its cover .
Thankyou to netgalley and the publisher for my arc
Louise and Sam have been best friends for as long as they can remember but although adulthood has taken them down different paths in their personal life their friendship has remained throughout .
This story, for me ,shows how we never really know what's going on in other people's lives and that we should never judge a book by its cover .
Thankyou to netgalley and the publisher for my arc
December 19, 2013
By the look of the cover, I expected a light fluffy romance with the occasional humorous situation here and there...a feel-good-book!
It took me some chapters to figure out who is who, who is related to whom and why... But reading about real-life characters having real-life problems and leading the same uneventful boring life like I do, was not entertaining!
It took me some chapters to figure out who is who, who is related to whom and why... But reading about real-life characters having real-life problems and leading the same uneventful boring life like I do, was not entertaining!
December 17, 2015
Loved the friendship between all the different characters, even though they weren't smooth running. When is life? The setting of the story in the market place was a great idea.
Through the characters you find love, laughter, struggles and the secrets...
Good easy read, but with more plot than a mere chick lit book.
Through the characters you find love, laughter, struggles and the secrets...
Good easy read, but with more plot than a mere chick lit book.
December 10, 2015
Thank you to Net Galley for giving me an Arc of this book for an honest review .....
An enjoyable read about two best friends Sam & Louise who tell each other everything since their childhood days, or do they!! Some secrets that are buried eventually surface to the top at some stage and then the fun starts.. A little bit too predictable for me but still a nice read X
An enjoyable read about two best friends Sam & Louise who tell each other everything since their childhood days, or do they!! Some secrets that are buried eventually surface to the top at some stage and then the fun starts.. A little bit too predictable for me but still a nice read X
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