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Just Between Friends
New mums. Old Secrets... The gripping new novel from the author of The Stylist.
Aisha Moore is eight months pregnant. She’s thrilled, and a little scared. Not least because her husband Jason hasn’t quite wrapped his head around the fact.
Lucy is having her first child too. She has finally got her wish – although the circumstances aren’t quite what she had hoped. Oscar will be a great dad though, won’t he?
When the two women join the same baby group, they quickly become friends and before long they’re confiding in each other.
Only there’s one thing Lucy hasn’t told Aisha. And while a baby may turn your life upside-down, a secret this big will change everything.
Aisha Moore is eight months pregnant. She’s thrilled, and a little scared. Not least because her husband Jason hasn’t quite wrapped his head around the fact.
Lucy is having her first child too. She has finally got her wish – although the circumstances aren’t quite what she had hoped. Oscar will be a great dad though, won’t he?
When the two women join the same baby group, they quickly become friends and before long they’re confiding in each other.
Only there’s one thing Lucy hasn’t told Aisha. And while a baby may turn your life upside-down, a secret this big will change everything.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2020
97 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Nixon
8 books127 followersRosie Nixon is Editor-in-Chief of HELLO! where she has worked for the past eight years and has a love of all things celebrity, royal and fashion-related. Rosie previously held senior positions at glossy women's magazines including Grazia, Glamour and Red. In her career she has been lucky enough to attend a multitude of glamorous award ceremonies, premieres and showbiz weddings all around the world. Ever discreet and protective of the big stars she has worked with, Rosie's experience has undoubtedly enabled her to write her debut novel, The Stylist and the sequel coming in 2017, Amber Green Takes Manhattan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
November 12, 2020
What I enjoyed most about reading this book, is the memories that resurfaced about my own pregnancy and early motherhood. Nixon has captured this perfectly and I think any mother will experience the same recollections when they read this book. However, from a thriller perspective, it did just fall a little flat and I found the ending prolonged.
With Aisha and Lucy joining a baby group, the sessions that Nixon details are ones that I am sure most parents can relate to. There is humour here and I could not help chuckle at Aisha and Lucy’s experiences before, during and after the birth of their babies. It was a pleasant read from this perspective, because it brought back memories that I had forgotten for a while. For me, it is this that made the book so enjoyable because I relished in my own trips down memory lane.
From the thriller angle, I was quite disappointed. It was too clear, too early on, what Lucy’s secret was. As such, I just wanted the writer to “get on with it” and have the “big reveal”. When that happened, I was still surprised at the number of chapters still remaining. Unfortunately, I found that I was losing interest as the conclusion still seemed too far away from my liking. I started to feel frustrated and I think this was because the story had moved away from the parenting aspect and was focusing on the thriller genre.
This book covers all aspects of parenting that you would expect. Birth, relationships and early weeks of motherhood. I think this makes the book most enjoyable, but is quite weak as a thriller. I did not sympathise with Lucy and her situation. Indeed, the other character she becomes involved with did not share my sympathies either: I felt they were both rather selfish and not appreciative of their current circumstances.
I can’t say that I had a favourite character in this book but I do applaud Nixon for the diversity of parents. It is refreshing to see and it reinforced how different everyone’s journey to parenthood really is. Based on this, I found the story quite different and unexpected to what I had anticipated. But, the mystery did not excite me as much as the baby memories!
This is an ok read that sadly did not fulfil my expectations. Reading about motherhood was really pleasant because of my own memories but, I think other readers may find the thrilling element as equally frustrating as myself.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
With Aisha and Lucy joining a baby group, the sessions that Nixon details are ones that I am sure most parents can relate to. There is humour here and I could not help chuckle at Aisha and Lucy’s experiences before, during and after the birth of their babies. It was a pleasant read from this perspective, because it brought back memories that I had forgotten for a while. For me, it is this that made the book so enjoyable because I relished in my own trips down memory lane.
From the thriller angle, I was quite disappointed. It was too clear, too early on, what Lucy’s secret was. As such, I just wanted the writer to “get on with it” and have the “big reveal”. When that happened, I was still surprised at the number of chapters still remaining. Unfortunately, I found that I was losing interest as the conclusion still seemed too far away from my liking. I started to feel frustrated and I think this was because the story had moved away from the parenting aspect and was focusing on the thriller genre.
This book covers all aspects of parenting that you would expect. Birth, relationships and early weeks of motherhood. I think this makes the book most enjoyable, but is quite weak as a thriller. I did not sympathise with Lucy and her situation. Indeed, the other character she becomes involved with did not share my sympathies either: I felt they were both rather selfish and not appreciative of their current circumstances.
I can’t say that I had a favourite character in this book but I do applaud Nixon for the diversity of parents. It is refreshing to see and it reinforced how different everyone’s journey to parenthood really is. Based on this, I found the story quite different and unexpected to what I had anticipated. But, the mystery did not excite me as much as the baby memories!
This is an ok read that sadly did not fulfil my expectations. Reading about motherhood was really pleasant because of my own memories but, I think other readers may find the thrilling element as equally frustrating as myself.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2020
Although I enjoyed this book I did discover very quickly that I guessed about Lucy and Jason which made me feel slightly irritated by the book. I enjoyed the different characters which made me laugh but, I did feel that the book could have been better.
October 30, 2020
I was pulled towards this as I saw Joan Collins say if was ‘absolutely riveting’, and apparently Lorraine Kelly ‘couldn’t put it down’, I wouldn’t be quite so effusive but it wasn’t at all bad
Kind of a psychological, romance ish, family ish drama really that centres around ‘mum’s to be’ and a very well portrayed ( and at times very funny ) pre ‘giving birth’ club, which is run by a kindly but tyrannical woman who isen’t happy until she has them all MOOING and shouting vagina at the top of their voices, its funnier in context 😀
Anyway 2 of the members form a friendship but Aisha and Lucy really don’t realise just how much of a past, and present, they share
I think any reader will guess what’s afoot and what is going to happen and although the ending is no surprise it is done really ‘nicely’ and I was happy with the outcome
Some great extras in the group including a lesbian earth mother coupling who once give birth were not quite so green loving and some actual very emotive descriptions on how it felt to be reaching the time to give birth and be a Mum
A nice read in many ways and did cause quite a few smiles, always good in 2020 but also a story of caution
7/10
4 Stars
Kind of a psychological, romance ish, family ish drama really that centres around ‘mum’s to be’ and a very well portrayed ( and at times very funny ) pre ‘giving birth’ club, which is run by a kindly but tyrannical woman who isen’t happy until she has them all MOOING and shouting vagina at the top of their voices, its funnier in context 😀
Anyway 2 of the members form a friendship but Aisha and Lucy really don’t realise just how much of a past, and present, they share
I think any reader will guess what’s afoot and what is going to happen and although the ending is no surprise it is done really ‘nicely’ and I was happy with the outcome
Some great extras in the group including a lesbian earth mother coupling who once give birth were not quite so green loving and some actual very emotive descriptions on how it felt to be reaching the time to give birth and be a Mum
A nice read in many ways and did cause quite a few smiles, always good in 2020 but also a story of caution
7/10
4 Stars
January 2, 2021
Aisha and her husband Jason are expecting a baby. She joins a baby group to meet other pregnant women. She befriends Lucy who seems very keen for them to start up a friendship. But Lucy is keeping a secret that she does not want Aisha to find out about. Is their friendship just built on lies!! They thought having a baby would change their lives but this innocent friendship could also.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review
September 15, 2020
This book is about pregnancy, childbirth and being the mother of a young baby/child. It loosely follows a group of pregnant women who are attending a childbirth group . Later in the book it becomes apparent that two of the women are connected outside the group too, though , as Aisha (one of these women) , as the reader , you also gradually become aware of this.
The descriptions of the classes, pregnancy and the period with a young baby are very well written and sometimes very funny. All are first time mothers (and/or fathers) and I do not think I am giving too much away when I say that their pregnancies and births do not always follow their expectations . You feel the fog that they live in as new mother with too little sleep and the heightened emotions that are part of this phase in their lives.
As the book moves on, we come aware that there is an elephant in the room between two of the women. This too is handled very well and the discussion around it well written and realistic . There could have been a tendency to explain much more, but I thought that the author had exactly the right approach in this part of the book.
Definitely a book which gets you thinking, both about past loves/lives and decisions and how to move forward.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
The descriptions of the classes, pregnancy and the period with a young baby are very well written and sometimes very funny. All are first time mothers (and/or fathers) and I do not think I am giving too much away when I say that their pregnancies and births do not always follow their expectations . You feel the fog that they live in as new mother with too little sleep and the heightened emotions that are part of this phase in their lives.
As the book moves on, we come aware that there is an elephant in the room between two of the women. This too is handled very well and the discussion around it well written and realistic . There could have been a tendency to explain much more, but I thought that the author had exactly the right approach in this part of the book.
Definitely a book which gets you thinking, both about past loves/lives and decisions and how to move forward.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
May 28, 2022
Great story about a baby group with some unexpected turns, I enjoyed it a lot, especially the relationship between the mothers in the group.
December 3, 2020
When I first looked at this book I thought it was a thriller with lots of twists and turns and I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong. I think this book goes more into the suspenseful category?
This books follows two different POV's: Aisha and Lucy. Aisha and Lucy are both pregnant and both sign up to join a baby group for first time mums. They soon become friends, but Aisha thinks that there is more to Lucy than she is letting on. But, what is it?
Both women in this story are likeable and relatable in some ways. I felt a deep empathetic connection towards Lucy and her strong want/need to have a child of her own. I feel as though this could have been that little bit more relatable for readers who have been through pregnancy and have children of their own but that didn't take away any enjoyment I got from this book.
However, I guessed the plot from early on and I am a huge fan of thrillers/suspense books in which I have no idea what is going to come from it. So, unfortunately that did knock the rating down ever so slightly for me!
Overall, this was a really enjoyable book that I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel and would be very happy to read more of Rosie Nixon's books again!
Thank you so much NetGalley, HQ and Rosie Nixon for a copy of an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
This books follows two different POV's: Aisha and Lucy. Aisha and Lucy are both pregnant and both sign up to join a baby group for first time mums. They soon become friends, but Aisha thinks that there is more to Lucy than she is letting on. But, what is it?
Both women in this story are likeable and relatable in some ways. I felt a deep empathetic connection towards Lucy and her strong want/need to have a child of her own. I feel as though this could have been that little bit more relatable for readers who have been through pregnancy and have children of their own but that didn't take away any enjoyment I got from this book.
However, I guessed the plot from early on and I am a huge fan of thrillers/suspense books in which I have no idea what is going to come from it. So, unfortunately that did knock the rating down ever so slightly for me!
Overall, this was a really enjoyable book that I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel and would be very happy to read more of Rosie Nixon's books again!
Thank you so much NetGalley, HQ and Rosie Nixon for a copy of an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
November 11, 2020
This is about Aisha and Lucy, two expectant mothers, and their friendship after meeting at a baby group held in the back room of a local church. Told via dual narration in alternating chapters.
Aisha is married to Jason and Lucy is with Oscar but is fully prepared to be a single mum if he doesn’t commit.
I think this is best read knowing very little, just go with the flow and enjoy getting to know everyone in the group. The twist I saw coming and was a little bit predictable but putting that aside it wasn’t really important. The characters more than made up for it, especially the crazy doula who runs the group.
I’m not sure which genre this is being marketed as but in my opinion it is women’s fiction with a hint of suspense. What this book definitely is, is a wickedly sharp look at pregnancy, relationships, friendship and motherhood.
The humour was the stand out for me and anyone who has had children will be smirking at the highly relatable moments, although I’ve never accidentally fake tanned either of my babies.
Aisha is married to Jason and Lucy is with Oscar but is fully prepared to be a single mum if he doesn’t commit.
I think this is best read knowing very little, just go with the flow and enjoy getting to know everyone in the group. The twist I saw coming and was a little bit predictable but putting that aside it wasn’t really important. The characters more than made up for it, especially the crazy doula who runs the group.
I’m not sure which genre this is being marketed as but in my opinion it is women’s fiction with a hint of suspense. What this book definitely is, is a wickedly sharp look at pregnancy, relationships, friendship and motherhood.
The humour was the stand out for me and anyone who has had children will be smirking at the highly relatable moments, although I’ve never accidentally fake tanned either of my babies.
November 4, 2020
This is a quick and interesting read with a mix of genre undertones throughout. It combines domestic drama, suspense and has an occasional lean towards Psychological Thriller.
Whilst the big reveal is not unexpected, the Author weaves her way towards it with the occasional hint at something else going on and I quite like that I was expecting more.
New friendships, new beginnings and secrets are all carefully put together with great characterisation through a diverse group of couples expecting their first babies.
Whilst the big reveal is not unexpected, the Author weaves her way towards it with the occasional hint at something else going on and I quite like that I was expecting more.
New friendships, new beginnings and secrets are all carefully put together with great characterisation through a diverse group of couples expecting their first babies.
December 11, 2020
Well this was just a lovely book! I really enjoyed the writing and I LOVED the alternating first person perspectives from Aisha and Lucy. I love being in the heads of multiple characters. I think I read too many mysteries so I figured things out from pretty much the beginning but it was still fun to read the details as they emerged. It was definitely refreshing to read a women’s fiction novel. Definite 5 stars from me!
Thank you so much to HQ and NetGalley for the incredible privilege of reading this book!
Thank you so much to HQ and NetGalley for the incredible privilege of reading this book!
October 24, 2021
Found this one to be a bit of a 'flowy' read - enjoyed it, though it wasn't a thriller per se. More like pregnancy+baby women's fiction with secrets and (a) 'big' reveal. I'll admit I read this more for Rosie Nixon's voice and writing style as I found it to flow nicely and I didn't really see the time passing. So because of that, for me, it was a nice read and a good time where I got to lose myself in a story
November 24, 2020
The fact I have a 15 month old drew my attention to this book about two friends at antenatal classes with a secret. I thought I could relate to the characters but it was such a dull book. The author has written for a lot of well known woman’s magazines and her quality of writing shows but the plot was just nothing, I literally was waiting for something to happen and it was page after page of boring pregnancy related issues. The secret is predictable and ends up being nothing when each character’s partner end up being doormats that conveniently make it all nice and happy for the ending. I just can’t recommend unless you like a light bit of fluff for a novel.
Thank you for NetGalley and HQ for the free copy.
Thank you for NetGalley and HQ for the free copy.
October 26, 2020
Just Between Friends is the first novel I’ve read by this author. It’s hugely relatable for all us mothers out there as this storyline will bring back memories of your own personal experiences, particularly if you’ve been part of an antenatal group. That for me is the reason I was drawn to this novel and it is probably its biggest selling point. You cannot help but relive good (and bad) memories as you accompany this group of women on their own personal journeys to motherhood and beyond.
The baby group in this novel is made up of a diverse group of characters, headed by the unforgettable figure of Maggie. I think the author has endeavoured to imagine the most diverse group possible with a same sex couple and their surrogate, another same sex couple who’ve used an anonymous sperm donor, a young couple in their mid twenties and two older women. It is these two older women, Aisha with husband Jason and Lucy, with partner Oscar that this storyline primarily focuses on.
I don’t know if the fact I read this straight after another similar piece of fiction,also featuring an antenatal group, detracted from my enjoyment. I’d like to think not and that I’ve been able to review Just Between Friends on its own merits. It’s certainly easy enough to read but I have to say I found the pace slow. I didn’t find it gripping as the synopsis would suggest and I thought the actual plot is very weak. Whilst the two main characters, Aisha and Lucy and their respective partners are well developed, it was to the detriment of the supporting cast who don’t get much of a look in. I’d have liked to read more about these characters lives post parenthood and the relationships that exist between other members of the baby group rather than the main focus being on just two women. I don’t think there was much of a group dynamic to discuss so therefore the plot felt far too simplistic for my liking, easily guessing exactly who had the most secrets to hide and even the friendships felt flimsy drawn.
I think where the author has excelled is in imagining a baby group scenario which is diverse in nature and presumably based, however loosely, on her own personal experiences which of course adds authenticity. Being part of an antenatal group is possibly one of the few occasions where individuals are thrown together by a common bond and friendships are forged. Whether these friendships would exist in any other circumstances is debatable and clearly for some these friendships do survive well beyond the early years of parenting. Personally it isn’t something I’ve ever experienced, instead forging friendships with other mothers outside of the kind of group in this novel. I did appreciate the humour that is present with anecdotes of ‘poomageddon’ and inadvertently self tanning your own baby mildly amusing. As for Maggie, a doula and group leader I’ve never met such a character; I was cringing with embarrassment alongside the members of this group at her approach to discussing the more intimate topics regarding parenthood but she will probably make you laugh too! I recognised the universal fear that all new mothers experience, that ‘am I a good enough mother for this helpless little human?’ which the author has woven into these women’s own stories. She has captured their fears of the actual birthing process, the way pregnancy can make you feel and of course the sleep deprivation and inability to function as a ‘normal’ adult. Rosie Nixon is spot on with these observations of impending motherhood and beyond so that I did give a silent prayer of thanks that all that is well and truly in my past!!
I liked both Aisha and Lucy, who for varying reasons are approaching motherhood with a degree of trepidation, their partners maybe not embracing impending fatherhood as wholeheartedly as they could. Why is this? All will be revealed (slowly) as Aisha and Lucy embark on a tentative friendship which seems to cool rapidly as the storyline progresses. The reasons for this clearly lie in past, but whose past is up to you to discover as the author teases the reader with tiny morsels of information. Unfortunately it doesn’t take a genius to deduce where this storyline is headed and for that reason I did begin to lose interest.
Whilst this novel’s strengths lie in the depictions of the often messy and complicated nature of motherhood, I feel it reads more like a journal documenting a few women’s pregnancy journeys rather than anything else. It’s weakness is definitely in the plot. I think it lacks a sense of intrigue until the very latter stages and then it’s only marginally present. I was disappointed this was the case and wondered if the author was going to surprise me with an explosive finish. Sadly that wasn’t to be, so on this occasion Just Between Friends didn’t live up to my expectations. In her acknowledgements the author does mention this novel is a departure from her previous two so I would like to read those to discover how different they may be and just because this storyline didn’t excite me doesn’t mean I’m adverse to exploring more of this author’s writing in the future. Sometimes, for unknown reasons you fail to engage with characters and a storyline and I have to admit I have read better novels with a similar premise.
My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
The baby group in this novel is made up of a diverse group of characters, headed by the unforgettable figure of Maggie. I think the author has endeavoured to imagine the most diverse group possible with a same sex couple and their surrogate, another same sex couple who’ve used an anonymous sperm donor, a young couple in their mid twenties and two older women. It is these two older women, Aisha with husband Jason and Lucy, with partner Oscar that this storyline primarily focuses on.
I don’t know if the fact I read this straight after another similar piece of fiction,also featuring an antenatal group, detracted from my enjoyment. I’d like to think not and that I’ve been able to review Just Between Friends on its own merits. It’s certainly easy enough to read but I have to say I found the pace slow. I didn’t find it gripping as the synopsis would suggest and I thought the actual plot is very weak. Whilst the two main characters, Aisha and Lucy and their respective partners are well developed, it was to the detriment of the supporting cast who don’t get much of a look in. I’d have liked to read more about these characters lives post parenthood and the relationships that exist between other members of the baby group rather than the main focus being on just two women. I don’t think there was much of a group dynamic to discuss so therefore the plot felt far too simplistic for my liking, easily guessing exactly who had the most secrets to hide and even the friendships felt flimsy drawn.
I think where the author has excelled is in imagining a baby group scenario which is diverse in nature and presumably based, however loosely, on her own personal experiences which of course adds authenticity. Being part of an antenatal group is possibly one of the few occasions where individuals are thrown together by a common bond and friendships are forged. Whether these friendships would exist in any other circumstances is debatable and clearly for some these friendships do survive well beyond the early years of parenting. Personally it isn’t something I’ve ever experienced, instead forging friendships with other mothers outside of the kind of group in this novel. I did appreciate the humour that is present with anecdotes of ‘poomageddon’ and inadvertently self tanning your own baby mildly amusing. As for Maggie, a doula and group leader I’ve never met such a character; I was cringing with embarrassment alongside the members of this group at her approach to discussing the more intimate topics regarding parenthood but she will probably make you laugh too! I recognised the universal fear that all new mothers experience, that ‘am I a good enough mother for this helpless little human?’ which the author has woven into these women’s own stories. She has captured their fears of the actual birthing process, the way pregnancy can make you feel and of course the sleep deprivation and inability to function as a ‘normal’ adult. Rosie Nixon is spot on with these observations of impending motherhood and beyond so that I did give a silent prayer of thanks that all that is well and truly in my past!!
I liked both Aisha and Lucy, who for varying reasons are approaching motherhood with a degree of trepidation, their partners maybe not embracing impending fatherhood as wholeheartedly as they could. Why is this? All will be revealed (slowly) as Aisha and Lucy embark on a tentative friendship which seems to cool rapidly as the storyline progresses. The reasons for this clearly lie in past, but whose past is up to you to discover as the author teases the reader with tiny morsels of information. Unfortunately it doesn’t take a genius to deduce where this storyline is headed and for that reason I did begin to lose interest.
Whilst this novel’s strengths lie in the depictions of the often messy and complicated nature of motherhood, I feel it reads more like a journal documenting a few women’s pregnancy journeys rather than anything else. It’s weakness is definitely in the plot. I think it lacks a sense of intrigue until the very latter stages and then it’s only marginally present. I was disappointed this was the case and wondered if the author was going to surprise me with an explosive finish. Sadly that wasn’t to be, so on this occasion Just Between Friends didn’t live up to my expectations. In her acknowledgements the author does mention this novel is a departure from her previous two so I would like to read those to discover how different they may be and just because this storyline didn’t excite me doesn’t mean I’m adverse to exploring more of this author’s writing in the future. Sometimes, for unknown reasons you fail to engage with characters and a storyline and I have to admit I have read better novels with a similar premise.
My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2020
Aisha Moore is eight months pregnant. She’s thrilled, and a little scared. Not least because her husband Jason hasn’t quite wrapped his head around the fact. Lucy is having her first child too. She has finally got her wish – although the circumstances aren’t quite what she had hoped. Oscar will be a great dad though, won’t he? When the two women join the same baby group, they quickly become friends and before long they’re confiding in each other. Only there’s one thing Lucy hasn’t told Aisha. And while a baby may turn your life upside-down, a secret this big will change everything.
So this is an okay read albeit a very obvious one. From the beginning, in fact from the plot description I had a pretty good idea what was going to happen but Nixon really labours the reveal, no pun intended. I think the twist could have been revealed earlier as we all know what is coming and the consequences are more interesting. Having said that, Nixon does explore the consequences well in this book as it is.
The strength of this read lies in the characters, Aisha and Lucy are two great characters whom I connected to and found likeable. I enjoyed getting to know them and their personal story as well as seeing their friendship blossom. The other members of the baby group are interesting shall we say, Nixon has put together an eclectic mix that is for sure! For the most part they are all likeable, one thing they definitely are is realistic. I could envisage all of them and I particularly liked that all their circumstances are different.
‘Just Between Friends’ is an okay read but one that is very obvious and mushy and I did get bored with it. The characters are the saving point.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for an advance copy.
So this is an okay read albeit a very obvious one. From the beginning, in fact from the plot description I had a pretty good idea what was going to happen but Nixon really labours the reveal, no pun intended. I think the twist could have been revealed earlier as we all know what is coming and the consequences are more interesting. Having said that, Nixon does explore the consequences well in this book as it is.
The strength of this read lies in the characters, Aisha and Lucy are two great characters whom I connected to and found likeable. I enjoyed getting to know them and their personal story as well as seeing their friendship blossom. The other members of the baby group are interesting shall we say, Nixon has put together an eclectic mix that is for sure! For the most part they are all likeable, one thing they definitely are is realistic. I could envisage all of them and I particularly liked that all their circumstances are different.
‘Just Between Friends’ is an okay read but one that is very obvious and mushy and I did get bored with it. The characters are the saving point.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for an advance copy.
November 19, 2020
I originally thought this was a psychological thriller when I applied to read this, but it's more of a gentle suspense story.
The book is told from two different viewpoints - Aisha and Lucy. They are both at the latter stages of pregnancy and join a baby group to learn more about what to expect and perhaps to meet new friends. For the first few meetings, neither of their partners turn up so they are partnered together for the demonstration exercises. This starts off their friendship, where they meet for coffee, shopping and conversation. It becomes evident early on that Lucy is hiding a secret from Aisha.
At first I had a theory that was quickly proven to be completely wrong but my second theory was correct and as the book went on I learned, through some flashback thoughts from them both, more details.
Both the women are very likeable, and I really wanted everything to work out for them both. Although it wasn't a massively fast paced book, and I almost felt when I was half way through that nothing had actually happened yet, it was an enjoyable and interesting read. Maybe because it all felt completely believable.
I did like the ending, although at the same time I did finish feeling a little disappointed somehow. I can't quite put my finger on why, perhaps it just seemed a little underwhelming when the rest of the story had been so addictive?
I did however enjoy it and would recommend it, it was well written, the chapters were a good length and (most) of the characters were likeable.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC of this book. #netgalley #rosienixon #justbetweenfriends
The book is told from two different viewpoints - Aisha and Lucy. They are both at the latter stages of pregnancy and join a baby group to learn more about what to expect and perhaps to meet new friends. For the first few meetings, neither of their partners turn up so they are partnered together for the demonstration exercises. This starts off their friendship, where they meet for coffee, shopping and conversation. It becomes evident early on that Lucy is hiding a secret from Aisha.
At first I had a theory that was quickly proven to be completely wrong but my second theory was correct and as the book went on I learned, through some flashback thoughts from them both, more details.
Both the women are very likeable, and I really wanted everything to work out for them both. Although it wasn't a massively fast paced book, and I almost felt when I was half way through that nothing had actually happened yet, it was an enjoyable and interesting read. Maybe because it all felt completely believable.
I did like the ending, although at the same time I did finish feeling a little disappointed somehow. I can't quite put my finger on why, perhaps it just seemed a little underwhelming when the rest of the story had been so addictive?
I did however enjoy it and would recommend it, it was well written, the chapters were a good length and (most) of the characters were likeable.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC of this book. #netgalley #rosienixon #justbetweenfriends
January 1, 2021
Aisha is nearing the end of her pregnancy and has decided to try and connect with other mums-to-be. Her partner Jason doesn't seem so enthusiastic about joining. Luckily she instantly makes a friend called Lucy, who is equally invested in getting to know someone also looking forward to being a mother, but also a little fearsome of what that might entail in its entirety.
They seem to have a lot in common. Absentee partners, concern about the impending births and how ridiculous the birthing course is.
For me the strongest element of the book wasn't the main plot, but rather the way Nixon brings the critical role of motherhood and how controversial each decision can be when it comes to birthing, babies and doing what you feel is best for your child.
Women are pitted against other women like gladiators in an arena. The breast or bottle battle comes to mind straight away, but one of the most bizarre arguments has to be inane comments made by women who say only Vag-birthers are real mothers and a C-section mother isn't. Judgemental, critical to the point of being unkind, which is perhaps the saddest thing to see, hear and experience in a world where women should be supporting each other. Clearly sisterhood is just a theoretical concept to so many.
Aside from the relationship chaos of certain characters, the division between men and women as the relationship a woman has with her body changes creates conflict between a couple.
Overall it's a read that brings real issues to the table, whilst delivering conflict, betrayal and the reality of complex relationships.
*I received a courtesy copy*
They seem to have a lot in common. Absentee partners, concern about the impending births and how ridiculous the birthing course is.
For me the strongest element of the book wasn't the main plot, but rather the way Nixon brings the critical role of motherhood and how controversial each decision can be when it comes to birthing, babies and doing what you feel is best for your child.
Women are pitted against other women like gladiators in an arena. The breast or bottle battle comes to mind straight away, but one of the most bizarre arguments has to be inane comments made by women who say only Vag-birthers are real mothers and a C-section mother isn't. Judgemental, critical to the point of being unkind, which is perhaps the saddest thing to see, hear and experience in a world where women should be supporting each other. Clearly sisterhood is just a theoretical concept to so many.
Aside from the relationship chaos of certain characters, the division between men and women as the relationship a woman has with her body changes creates conflict between a couple.
Overall it's a read that brings real issues to the table, whilst delivering conflict, betrayal and the reality of complex relationships.
*I received a courtesy copy*
November 10, 2020
The story is told from both Aisha and Lucy’s point of view, with each chapter alternating between them.
For those who have had children will instantly relate to this, especially the baby group and all the things they discuss. It definitely brought back memories for me. It also follows the women after they have had their babies and again I think the author did a great job of conveying the difficulties and emotions that all new mums experience. It was handled beautifully and really showed how hard it can be and how you’re constantly comparing yourself to other parents.
Throughout the beginning of the book the author drops little hints that something isn’t quite right and that Lucy may have a secret. Unfortunately I did guess what it was straight away….I don’t think it’s that hard to guess, especially with some of the hints given. However, despite knowing what the secret was I was still intrigued as to how it was going to play out between them all.
As we learn about what happened there are flashbacks which further explain the secret and how the characters got to where they are now. My only criticism would be that it was probably a couple of chapters too long, there were a few near the end where I thought this is the end but then it carried on. Although I did enjoy the last chapter which did tie everything up nicely.
Overall this isn’t a fast paced action packed book. Instead you go on a journey with these women as they navigate life changing moments of having a baby and dealing with their relationships.
For those who have had children will instantly relate to this, especially the baby group and all the things they discuss. It definitely brought back memories for me. It also follows the women after they have had their babies and again I think the author did a great job of conveying the difficulties and emotions that all new mums experience. It was handled beautifully and really showed how hard it can be and how you’re constantly comparing yourself to other parents.
Throughout the beginning of the book the author drops little hints that something isn’t quite right and that Lucy may have a secret. Unfortunately I did guess what it was straight away….I don’t think it’s that hard to guess, especially with some of the hints given. However, despite knowing what the secret was I was still intrigued as to how it was going to play out between them all.
As we learn about what happened there are flashbacks which further explain the secret and how the characters got to where they are now. My only criticism would be that it was probably a couple of chapters too long, there were a few near the end where I thought this is the end but then it carried on. Although I did enjoy the last chapter which did tie everything up nicely.
Overall this isn’t a fast paced action packed book. Instead you go on a journey with these women as they navigate life changing moments of having a baby and dealing with their relationships.
October 27, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thanks to HQ for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. Being a new mam made me enjoy it even more I think. The story is about two pregnant women that meet at a local baby group, Aisha & Lucy. They sharply become good friends, confiding in each other about their pregnancy woes. I don’t want to spoil the book, but Lucy has a huge secret she’s keeping.. how long can she keep the secret? I loved reading all about the pregnancy, breastfeeding and parenting troubles. Everything I’ve recently experienced! It’s been a breath of fresh air from the usual crime stories I read. The characters were relatable, likeable, I enjoyed reading all about the characters pregnancy and motherhood. But it also had a great storyline! I read in two days and with a 6 month old baby that’s quick! Highly recommend!
Synopsis:
Aisha Moore is eight months pregnant. She’s thrilled, and a little scared. Not least because her husband Jason hasn’t quite wrapped his head around the fact.
Lucy is having her first child too. She has finally got her wish – although the circumstances aren’t quite what she had hoped. Oscar will be a great dad though, won’t he?
When the two women join the same baby group, they quickly become friends and before long they’re confiding in each other.
Only there’s one thing Lucy hasn’t told Aisha. And while a baby may turn your life upside-down, a secret this big will change everything.
I really liked this book. Being a new mam made me enjoy it even more I think. The story is about two pregnant women that meet at a local baby group, Aisha & Lucy. They sharply become good friends, confiding in each other about their pregnancy woes. I don’t want to spoil the book, but Lucy has a huge secret she’s keeping.. how long can she keep the secret? I loved reading all about the pregnancy, breastfeeding and parenting troubles. Everything I’ve recently experienced! It’s been a breath of fresh air from the usual crime stories I read. The characters were relatable, likeable, I enjoyed reading all about the characters pregnancy and motherhood. But it also had a great storyline! I read in two days and with a 6 month old baby that’s quick! Highly recommend!
Synopsis:
Aisha Moore is eight months pregnant. She’s thrilled, and a little scared. Not least because her husband Jason hasn’t quite wrapped his head around the fact.
Lucy is having her first child too. She has finally got her wish – although the circumstances aren’t quite what she had hoped. Oscar will be a great dad though, won’t he?
When the two women join the same baby group, they quickly become friends and before long they’re confiding in each other.
Only there’s one thing Lucy hasn’t told Aisha. And while a baby may turn your life upside-down, a secret this big will change everything.
November 14, 2020
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 by @rosiejnixon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am so glad to be one of the lucky ones part of the tour for this beauty. And I am so glad my life has been blessed with such a book. This is a true blanket, coffee, biscuits & a candle kinda read.
Such a hilarious and true look into the life of mothers and care givers within those lifeline groups you make when expecting a baby. It had me laughing, remembering and cringing, at the things you talk about, imagine & bitch about with a group of people going through the exact same thing as you, all trying to do their best while envying the others.
I found the read slow and I would loved to have known more about some other of the characters, but that's definitely not a bad thing, a fast paced read is not always what we want.
Absolutely stick this one on your wishlist, or even better, treat yourself and buy it, its paperback copy is out today! We all deserve a treat! Thank you so much to Rosie & @hqstories for my #gifted copy. Rosie, I CANNOT wait to read more from you!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookworm #bookaddict #ilovereading #ilovebooks #igreaders #mumswhoread #readingmum #alwaysreading #antenatalgroup #justbetweenfriends #fiction #paperback #rosienixon #babygroup #firsttimemum #booksbooksbooks #bookreview #5starreview #review #5stars #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookporn
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am so glad to be one of the lucky ones part of the tour for this beauty. And I am so glad my life has been blessed with such a book. This is a true blanket, coffee, biscuits & a candle kinda read.
Such a hilarious and true look into the life of mothers and care givers within those lifeline groups you make when expecting a baby. It had me laughing, remembering and cringing, at the things you talk about, imagine & bitch about with a group of people going through the exact same thing as you, all trying to do their best while envying the others.
I found the read slow and I would loved to have known more about some other of the characters, but that's definitely not a bad thing, a fast paced read is not always what we want.
Absolutely stick this one on your wishlist, or even better, treat yourself and buy it, its paperback copy is out today! We all deserve a treat! Thank you so much to Rosie & @hqstories for my #gifted copy. Rosie, I CANNOT wait to read more from you!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookworm #bookaddict #ilovereading #ilovebooks #igreaders #mumswhoread #readingmum #alwaysreading #antenatalgroup #justbetweenfriends #fiction #paperback #rosienixon #babygroup #firsttimemum #booksbooksbooks #bookreview #5starreview #review #5stars #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookporn
December 21, 2020
Aisha Moore and Lucy Raven are two older new mothers who have recently joined a baby group. The baby group is made up of a diverse group of characters, lead by the enthusiastic doula Maggie. They are a diverse bunch with a same-sex couple, Lin and Susie and their surrogate, another same-sex couple who’ve used an anonymous sperm donor, a young couple in their twenties - Ian and Helen, and two older women who are Aisha and Lucy. It is these two, Aisha with husband Jason, and Lucy with partner Oscar, that this storyline primarily focuses on. Told from the viewpoints of Aisha and Lucy the pacing was leisurely and it was an easy read. I liked both Aisha and Lucy, who for varying reasons are approaching motherhood with disquiet. Likewise, their partners are possibly not embracing impending fatherhood with as much gusto as might be imagined. Aisha and Lucy embark on a halting friendship which seems to cool rapidly as the storyline progresses. I appreciated the way Rosie Nixon tantalised the reader with soupçons of information, never letting too much slip at once. Wickedly sharp, with revelations and some standout, highly amusing anecdotes, I found
Just Between Friends
a pleasurable way to while away some time.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HQ via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HQ via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 28, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ stories for the ARC of this novel.
This book kept me guessing for so long!
A group of women, all pregnant, due around the same time, attend a baby group together.
Friendships are formed and they get to learn all about the finer details of birthing a baby.
All sounds normal enough right.
But with friendship comes secrets and lies and we all know that it only takes one lie for things to spiral out of control.
Told from two points of view.
We hear from Aisha and Lucy. Both on the older side of thirty, worried about how things will go with their pregnancies and also fretting over their own relationships with their significant others.
It's almost like their lives are mirroring each other.
Throughout the story there is an electric current running through the pages.
Suspicions never quite confirmed.
Every time I thought that I had it all worked out, there was new twist, a different clue to make me doubt what I was reading.
Devious.
Who knew that a book about pregnant women could be so utterly compelling.
I marked the book down by one star because the ending lost the edge that the rest of the tale had. I wanted a bit more of a dramatic ending, not such a happily ever after.
Over all a good read that gets you turning the pages.
This book kept me guessing for so long!
A group of women, all pregnant, due around the same time, attend a baby group together.
Friendships are formed and they get to learn all about the finer details of birthing a baby.
All sounds normal enough right.
But with friendship comes secrets and lies and we all know that it only takes one lie for things to spiral out of control.
Told from two points of view.
We hear from Aisha and Lucy. Both on the older side of thirty, worried about how things will go with their pregnancies and also fretting over their own relationships with their significant others.
It's almost like their lives are mirroring each other.
Throughout the story there is an electric current running through the pages.
Suspicions never quite confirmed.
Every time I thought that I had it all worked out, there was new twist, a different clue to make me doubt what I was reading.
Devious.
Who knew that a book about pregnant women could be so utterly compelling.
I marked the book down by one star because the ending lost the edge that the rest of the tale had. I wanted a bit more of a dramatic ending, not such a happily ever after.
Over all a good read that gets you turning the pages.
November 14, 2020
Aisha and Lucy are expectant mothers who join a baby group in Clapham. The two quickly become friends but are unaware they share more things in common than being new mothers...
Well, I enjoyed the book. The book opened my eyes to the journey new mothers experience when expecting. Nixon mentioned all the highs and lows which was a very nice touch. She did a great job of having diverse parents join the baby group too and strange but hilarious happenings during some of the meetings (Mooooo!). I did enjoy Aisha and Lucy's budding friendship but I felt the book dragged before reaching the plot twist. I was so close to DNFing due to this.
However, once we reached the plot twist, I did want to know more! Nixon really left me in suspense as I had to keep reading to find out the results! But then the book was wrapped up swiftly. I didnt feel satisfied by the ending. Just Between Friends did give me all the warm feels about motherhood, pregnancy and what follows when the baby arrives. The highs of motherhood for Aisha was overshadowed by the secret Lucy had, so I felt sorry for her. For some reason, I connected more with Aisha than Lucy. Overall, I honestly didn't know what to expect with this novel but I did enjoy it.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Well, I enjoyed the book. The book opened my eyes to the journey new mothers experience when expecting. Nixon mentioned all the highs and lows which was a very nice touch. She did a great job of having diverse parents join the baby group too and strange but hilarious happenings during some of the meetings (Mooooo!). I did enjoy Aisha and Lucy's budding friendship but I felt the book dragged before reaching the plot twist. I was so close to DNFing due to this.
However, once we reached the plot twist, I did want to know more! Nixon really left me in suspense as I had to keep reading to find out the results! But then the book was wrapped up swiftly. I didnt feel satisfied by the ending. Just Between Friends did give me all the warm feels about motherhood, pregnancy and what follows when the baby arrives. The highs of motherhood for Aisha was overshadowed by the secret Lucy had, so I felt sorry for her. For some reason, I connected more with Aisha than Lucy. Overall, I honestly didn't know what to expect with this novel but I did enjoy it.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2020
I’m not going to lie – I had a horrifically traumatic birth with my (only!) son who is now 17, and the thought of a book purely about pregnancy, childbirth and babies filled me with dread, it was a time and a place that I never wanted to go back to…however…I absolutely loved this book! It’s not a story of gory birth details, it’s a tale of new friendships, new beginnings and new life and I must admit that while I was reading it, I had so many lovely flashback memories of holding my son for the first time, and those special shared moments of just the two of us during night feeds.
The characters were believable, although reading what some of the men did during pregnancy and afterwards drove me to distraction on occasions…are there men out there who really treat women that way? Thank god I’ve never met them!!
I would have liked Lucy to be a little more sinister – it felt to me like the book toyed with the idea of being a psychological thriller, but then almost scared itself so went back to be a lovely nice story.
Would really recommend this to all my friends though – I loved it.
The characters were believable, although reading what some of the men did during pregnancy and afterwards drove me to distraction on occasions…are there men out there who really treat women that way? Thank god I’ve never met them!!
I would have liked Lucy to be a little more sinister – it felt to me like the book toyed with the idea of being a psychological thriller, but then almost scared itself so went back to be a lovely nice story.
Would really recommend this to all my friends though – I loved it.
October 8, 2020
Member Review
Just Between Friends
by Rosie Nixon
Pub Date: 12 Nov 2020
Review by
Soulla G, ReviewerLast updated on 08 Oct 2020
My Recommendation
A very easy and enjoyable read about a diverse group of couples about to face parenthood for the very first time.
The couples meet at a local Baby Group in Clapham, and the story focuses on two woman, Aisha and Lucy. The story is told from the points of view of both Aisha and Lucy, who after a wobbly start, begin to form a friendship and a bond. As the story unfolds, we begin to realise that what may seem like the perfect life on the outside , is really a facade, and Aisha and Lucy become entwined in a way they never thought possible. Or did they?
An endearing and funny (in places) read, about the trials, tribulations and joys of pregnancy and birth, with an added twist. Although I did guess the twist around half way through, this did not distract from the enjoyment of this original novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Just Between Friends
by Rosie Nixon
Pub Date: 12 Nov 2020
Review by
Soulla G, ReviewerLast updated on 08 Oct 2020
My Recommendation
A very easy and enjoyable read about a diverse group of couples about to face parenthood for the very first time.
The couples meet at a local Baby Group in Clapham, and the story focuses on two woman, Aisha and Lucy. The story is told from the points of view of both Aisha and Lucy, who after a wobbly start, begin to form a friendship and a bond. As the story unfolds, we begin to realise that what may seem like the perfect life on the outside , is really a facade, and Aisha and Lucy become entwined in a way they never thought possible. Or did they?
An endearing and funny (in places) read, about the trials, tribulations and joys of pregnancy and birth, with an added twist. Although I did guess the twist around half way through, this did not distract from the enjoyment of this original novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2020
After a few detective style reads, I wanted to read something that was in a different theme and this hit the spot.
Aisha and Lucy meet at a baby group, both pregnant with their first baby and both nervous about motherhood.
Aisha is happily married to Jason but picking up on vibes that he might not be as excited about the baby as she is.
Lucy is in a complicated relationship with Oscar and is prepared to do motherhood on her own if he doesn't want to commit, her priority is to have a baby, she's never quite got over the abortion she had at age 19.
Although you can tell straight away that things are afoot and Jason has some secrets, I thought I knew where it was going, I was only partly right!
This is a great read, I flew through the pages and whilst it was quite emotional at times, there were other times when it made me smile as I remembered my lovely friend and the memories from baby group 19 years ago - fortunately, less drama in our baby group.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.
Aisha and Lucy meet at a baby group, both pregnant with their first baby and both nervous about motherhood.
Aisha is happily married to Jason but picking up on vibes that he might not be as excited about the baby as she is.
Lucy is in a complicated relationship with Oscar and is prepared to do motherhood on her own if he doesn't want to commit, her priority is to have a baby, she's never quite got over the abortion she had at age 19.
Although you can tell straight away that things are afoot and Jason has some secrets, I thought I knew where it was going, I was only partly right!
This is a great read, I flew through the pages and whilst it was quite emotional at times, there were other times when it made me smile as I remembered my lovely friend and the memories from baby group 19 years ago - fortunately, less drama in our baby group.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.
November 12, 2020
One of those books which seems like a nice gentle story but there's a bit more to it than that!
Aisha is thrilled to be pregnant, but why does she feel that her husband hasn't quite got on board with it? Lucy is also pregnant; her boyfriend, Oscar, seems fine with it. Both women join the same baby group and before long there is a tentative friendship springing up - but one of them doesn't know what the other is hiding . . .
This is a well written book which draws the reader in. There is a wonderful mix of eclectic characters in the baby group providing much entertainment, and misdirecting the reader from where the heart of the story lies. Flowing beautifully, this is a very easy read but I had it all worked out before it was revealed. Perhaps the synopsis gave away just a little too much? Even with that knowledge, there were things to learn at the end of the book which I hadn't expected and it all adds up to a good read. An engaging book, worth four stars.
Aisha is thrilled to be pregnant, but why does she feel that her husband hasn't quite got on board with it? Lucy is also pregnant; her boyfriend, Oscar, seems fine with it. Both women join the same baby group and before long there is a tentative friendship springing up - but one of them doesn't know what the other is hiding . . .
This is a well written book which draws the reader in. There is a wonderful mix of eclectic characters in the baby group providing much entertainment, and misdirecting the reader from where the heart of the story lies. Flowing beautifully, this is a very easy read but I had it all worked out before it was revealed. Perhaps the synopsis gave away just a little too much? Even with that knowledge, there were things to learn at the end of the book which I hadn't expected and it all adds up to a good read. An engaging book, worth four stars.
October 8, 2020
This book follows two women who meet at baby group while they each are expecting their first child. The chapters alternate between Aisha and Lucy and we get to see their views of their interactions. It becomes apparent that Lucy has a secret.
Overall I enjoyed this book, it built tension and suspense. I also enjoyed getting to know Aisha, Lucy and the other parents at the baby group. I felt like the alternating chapters added to the storytelling.
I also thought the book dealt with some sensitive issues well, the author covered them enough so you understood the characters feelings without going into extensive, unnecessary detail.
However, I didn't enjoy the ending - I didn't think that it was dramatic enough given the build-up throughout the book and I found myself feeling disappointed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book to review.
Overall I enjoyed this book, it built tension and suspense. I also enjoyed getting to know Aisha, Lucy and the other parents at the baby group. I felt like the alternating chapters added to the storytelling.
I also thought the book dealt with some sensitive issues well, the author covered them enough so you understood the characters feelings without going into extensive, unnecessary detail.
However, I didn't enjoy the ending - I didn't think that it was dramatic enough given the build-up throughout the book and I found myself feeling disappointed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book to review.
November 10, 2020
This is a good quick read and a welcome mixture of thriller and chic lit, surrounding a baby group, formed of strangers who become close as they approach the birth of their first child
The story is well written and the characters are well rounded and either likeable or hateable, which is a great mix. The main characters are mums Aisha and Lucy, who arrive at the first of the group sessions without their partners and form an immediate bind despite the differences in their personal lives.
The twist here is easy to guess, although the author has crafted the tale so well that it keeps your interest, adding in extra twists to the central plot to keep the reader engaged.
I would happily recommend this book and look forward to reading others by the author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is well written and the characters are well rounded and either likeable or hateable, which is a great mix. The main characters are mums Aisha and Lucy, who arrive at the first of the group sessions without their partners and form an immediate bind despite the differences in their personal lives.
The twist here is easy to guess, although the author has crafted the tale so well that it keeps your interest, adding in extra twists to the central plot to keep the reader engaged.
I would happily recommend this book and look forward to reading others by the author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2020
I really enjoyed Just Between Friends.
Brings back memories of being pregnant, anti natal classes and the competitiveness of Mum groups!
The book centre around lots of couples in all shapes and sizes, from gay couples and sperm donors in an anti natal class and beyond. Only this class has a parent to be with a secret. A secret that could blow the group apart.
I loved the diversity of the characters in this story as well as the clues along the way as to the shock factor. Though I have to be honest I guessed it halfway through the book. Once the secret was revealed this book goes further and tackles the issues around what happens after trust is broken. I loved the fact it is honest about families coming in all shapes and sizes and the notion that a Dad isn’t someone who’s DNA made a baby it’s anyone who cares and stays to make a difference in a child’s life.
Brings back memories of being pregnant, anti natal classes and the competitiveness of Mum groups!
The book centre around lots of couples in all shapes and sizes, from gay couples and sperm donors in an anti natal class and beyond. Only this class has a parent to be with a secret. A secret that could blow the group apart.
I loved the diversity of the characters in this story as well as the clues along the way as to the shock factor. Though I have to be honest I guessed it halfway through the book. Once the secret was revealed this book goes further and tackles the issues around what happens after trust is broken. I loved the fact it is honest about families coming in all shapes and sizes and the notion that a Dad isn’t someone who’s DNA made a baby it’s anyone who cares and stays to make a difference in a child’s life.
November 19, 2020
'Just Between Friends' follows Aisha and Lucy who have joined the same baby group. Both ladies are in the later stages of pregnancy and the chapters are told in each of their points of view.
Their relationships are very different. Jason, Aisha's husband, is working a lot of overtime in preparation for the baby and she feels that he is stressing out about being a father.
Oscar got together with Lucy after she had IVF to conceive her baby, saying he would be there for the two of them.
It soon becomes clear that there is a secret that connects these two women, but what is it?
I had guessed pretty early on what the connection was so I was eager to read on to see if I was right. The story itself is well-written and full of humour. If you are a parent, you will definitely be able to relate to a lot of the stories in this book.
Their relationships are very different. Jason, Aisha's husband, is working a lot of overtime in preparation for the baby and she feels that he is stressing out about being a father.
Oscar got together with Lucy after she had IVF to conceive her baby, saying he would be there for the two of them.
It soon becomes clear that there is a secret that connects these two women, but what is it?
I had guessed pretty early on what the connection was so I was eager to read on to see if I was right. The story itself is well-written and full of humour. If you are a parent, you will definitely be able to relate to a lot of the stories in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews