A Vintage Friendship

by Cathy Hopkins

Has their friendship stood the test of time?

The Class of ’72, Sara, Ally, Jo and Mitch were as close as sisters, then life intervened and the four friends lost touch. Now in her sixties, Sara has realized – late in the day – that those women were the best friends she’d ever had and is determined to get the gang back together.

Ally is a grieving widow, adjusting to life without her soul mate and Jo, after years of being chief cook and bottle washer, needs to put herself first after a health scare.

None of them know what happened to Mitch. The coolest and most enigmatic of the foursome doesn’t want to be found and it seems that even after all these years, the women are still keeping a few secrets from each other…

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Friendship, Literary Fiction

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2020

Reviews

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four women, Sara, Ally, Jo and Mitch were best friends at school in the 1970s. Over the years they have lost touch but one of them, Sara, decides it's time to reunite.

Although very funny, moving and thought-provoking, I didn't enjoy A Vintage Friendship as much as I thought I would and I preferred The Kicking the Bucket List. I did, however, become hooked into the characters' world, for the most part, and could identify with many of their individual difficulties within the story. It was written with humour and a lovely light touch as the friends coped with a variety of obstacles and their long-term relationships. Told from the pals' perspectives, I liked that the story had a modern feel. I thought that all of the characters were very well-drawn and endearing and I wanted to continue reading to find out how their rekindled friendships worked out. This book is funny and charming and it gives you a poignant reminder that you might want to look at your own life, too. Highly recommended.😊

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is an ok read - it gets a bit preachy towards the end and I found that a bit off putting.

[Sammy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dead easy feel good read

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

NetGalley


Cover Image: A Vintage Friendship
A Vintage Friendship
by Cathy Hopkins
Pub Date: 6 Aug 2020 | Archive Date: Not set
Member Reviews
Reviewer 266180
Empathetic And Heartwarming.....
The class of ‘72 reunite after many years passing. A tale of friendship, love and unbreakable bonds but also of secrets to discover. Empathetic and heartwarming, a delightful read.
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Jo J, Reviewer
Oh my what a rollercoaster of emotions this book is. I laughed, cried, and thought about special people past and present in my own life.

A vintage friendship is about 4 school friends and how their lives and friendships have changed over the years. Jo and Ally remained close, Sara kept in touch but moved in different circles and Mitch vanished from all their lives.

Although in their early 60s, Sara loses her job and is worried about her future. She needs a new work and life plan, both of which involve strengthening her friendships with her old school pals.

Now I won't say any more about the plot but even though I'm 'only' in my 50s, I could identify with pretty much all this story. I and many of my own friends are reevaluating our lives due to health, loss, retirement, work, Covid, etc. We've all lost friends along the way and it's not always too late to reconnect.

Thought provoking and very moving. Highly recommended for us more 'mature' ladies.
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jeanie m, Reviewer
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
First time reading this Author and thoroughly enjoyed this book it's a tale of friends in their 60's and the importance of friendship old friends are the best nice light read can highly recommend.
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Reviewer 705055
I've read two of Cathy Hopkins previous novels and found them to be uplifting, easy reads. A Vintage Friendship is the story of 4 women in their 60s who after losing touch over the years begin to reconnect. There is also a mystery element to the story surrounding Mitch, one of the 4 who seems to have disappeared.

I found this to be a heartwarming and uplifting read which focuses on the importance of friendship and community. I also found it refreshing to read a book in this genre which is about older women.

Recommended.


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital ARC
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[Sara Wojcik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, a relatable tale of female friendship. It really resonated with me. I feel like I have had some of the same conversations with my oldest pals, some missing periods in our lives and the reconnecting. Good feel good read that makes you think and maybe reach for your phone to check in with a few people 😍

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 (rounded up)

Really cute book on friendships over the years. Was just a really good feel-good book.

[Caroline O'Rourke · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was a chore to finish

[Pippa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 4th by this author: Perhaps 3.5 stars but not 4. A story about four women who were close friends through school and their early twenties then inevitably drifted apart as their lives took them in different directions. I liked the way CH gives the perspective from the friends who were forgotten and the friends who did the forgetting, an all too common occurrence in real life, but for a story about the importance of friendship I was less keen on the sentiments of "pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps". It is a touching story because it is one so many readers will identify with but I can't say I felt particularly uplifted by it which resulted in a degree of disappointment.

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, what a rollercoaster of emotions this book is. I laughed, cried, and thought about special people past and present from my own life.

A Vintage Friendship is about 4 school friends and how their lives and friendships have changed over the years. Jo and Ally remained close, Sara kept in touch but moved in different circles and Mitch vanished from all their lives.

Although in their early 60s, Sara loses her job and is worried about her future. She needs a new work and life plan, both of which involve strengthening her friendships with her old school pals.

Now I won’t say any more about the plot but even though I’m ‘only’ in my 50s, I could identify with pretty much all this story. Myself and many of my own friends are reevaluating our lives due to health, loss, retirement, work, Covid, etc. We’ve all lost friends along the way and it’s not always too late to reconnect.

Thought provoking and very moving. Highly recommended for us more ‘mature’ ladies.

[Claire, The Slow Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story centers on a group of friends who, upon entering their sixties, decide to challenge societal expectations by moving in together into a charming but rundown house. Their goal is to create a supportive living community, sharing not just space but their lives, dreams, and the complexities that come with aging. Hopkins skillfully captures the essence of friendship and the intricacies of each character's journey, making them relatable and endearing. The novel shines in its ability to blend humor with moments of poignant reflection, as the characters navigate personal challenges, rediscover themselves, and forge new paths. The narrative is engaging, filled with warmth and wisdom, and speaks to the importance of companionship and the resilience of the human spirit. Through their adventures, the friends learn about acceptance, forgiveness, and the beauty of embracing change, no matter what stage of life one is in. While the story sometimes treads familiar ground, its charm lies in its celebration of life and friendship, making it a genuinely uplifting read. "A Vintage Friendship" earns a well-deserved 4/5 stars for its delightful exploration of mature friendships and the reminder that it's never too late to start anew. It's a testament to the strength found in togetherness, appealing to anyone who values the deep connections that shape our lives.

[Aravind · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Busy, busy, busy. I'd been a human doing, not a human being."

This book was about estranged friends reuniting and making amends when they are in their later years. There were times when the feel good moments felt a little surface-level fluffy and predictable. But also scattered throughout were moments of depth that helped ground the story and characters. Some parts even made me teary because it reminded me of the friends in my life.

That being said, I did feel like there were too many supporting characters to keep up with. It took away from my connection to the main ones. I also wish the perspective of the book was more evenly distributed between the main characters of Sara, Jo, Ally and Mitch. It's clear that Sara Meyers is the Carrie Bradshaw of this bunch so her story was more fleshed out, along with Mitch's backstory. But Jo and Ally seemed to be featured less.

All in all, it was a satisfying read which made me reflect upon the friendships in my life - both past and present - and what they could look like in the future with many more wins and losses to come.

"Everything changes, places evolve to the point they're unrecognisable, I thought, but maybe some elements remain. My old friends from that time are still here in the present day, older but still as dear. They are part of that lost past that I can take with me into the future."

[Carol North · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable and relatable book that covers the lives and friendships of four women who had been close school friends. Having pledged to stay friends forever the inevitable happens and over time the friends drift apart. One pair have stayed in touch, although they are not as close as they once were. As they approach their sixties it falls to the two remaining friends to make contact with the others. One proves to be very difficult to trace. Each chapter tells the story from the point of view of one of the friends and shows how each of the girls lives follow different pathways. A thought provoking story which may well prompt you to seek out old friends or reach out friendships from the past.

[Donna Draper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well it was feel good but the end was a bit disappointing.

I loved mitch she was my favourite of the friends. At the end when there was the conversation of being angry it just wasn't believable, they didn't go to the local pub they went on a long flight, mitch was going to be host. I think when you've arranged that you already made the choice to forgive.

Plus I was annoyed they were angry with mitch as they'd left her in my opinion, she just got on with her life and they made judgements which meant it was best not to bother.

Yes at the end the rules of friendship covered some of what I've just said. Ending was a bit flat in my humble opinion.

[angela tulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pals..

Great book. Loved it from the beginning.. 4 friends all from School .the way they stayed left, lost, lived. Get story line ,Characters. Sara Ally Jo and Mitch .Promise to stay friends forever . Life events, Changes .as you grow.it works both ways if you wan it too. Pull together you lose touch . Nobody is at fault . Then they find each other .one missing .they start a search for the last one .meeting a surprise along the way l laughed shed a tear or two .. A lot of true meaning to the book of everything friend stands for

[Aria 88 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook review. Thought I’d like this one but the author explains the plot too much for me. I guessed the adopted kid twist. Tension between Mitch and Sara was weird … Mitch left the country but was resentful none of her friends tracked her down … but it was 1976 so how could they??? I thought the other two women dull, 40 years of life in a single sentence… I’m a widow with kids and grandchildren. Over and over we learn the Mitch had a kid, her b/f died, she gave her away, joined a commune and was amazing at everything she did. I guess the TV shoe subplot would be fun in a movie.

[Judy Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I to was a graduate of 1972, now in my late sixties. Oh the memories that come from back then, so many friends, so much fun. There was Gwen, Karen, Elsie,and many more. If only we had kept in touch. This novel has made me wonder what it would have been like to have kept in touch. These women Sara, Jo, Ally and Mitch were close, but life goes on and Mitch was never sure if she fit in, but that’s the thing about true friends, they are always there for you no matter what. My sister gave me this book for my birthday, thanks Sharon, you always pick the best books.

[Katie Moyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite only being 19, this book really gave me a sense of nostalgia thinking back to school days with friends and those we loose touch with.
I found it all so interesting and really highlighted how everyone has such different versions of events and narratives of what you go through in relationships.
I really loved this book it's only downfall is that it has a slow start but once the plot thickens and you really get into it, get to know their characters, see their different perspectives it is really well written and great.

[Abbi Beattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read.

Thoroughly enjoyed this thought provoking and very relatable tale.
It raised various issues that are probably pertinent to many readers but the scenarios and characters were such that it just seemed like a "good story". Which it is! A fun peek into the lives, both past and present, of assorted friends.
The moral of the tale reminds the reader to evaluate relationships and respect the need to tend and develop them. Or bin them!

[Kira Lynch · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't enjoy this book. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and whole the main storyline was vaguely interesting there were so many side stories that seemed superfluous as well as unrealistic. I also began to wonder if this was a first time author because the writing was so stilted and repetitive. The "Rules for Friendship" in the epilogue also seemed to contradict much of what had just happened in the story.

[Rona Nimmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vintage friendship by Cathy Hopkins

The book is about a group of 60 something female friends who have known each other since they were young. Alhough they have drifted apart as life happens .They all get together to look back at their lives for each woman’s view point but one of their group isn’t there and they try to find Mitch.

A poignant read with an odd tear and a bit of a smile. It will jog a memory or two from women of a certain age.

Although a bit predictable at times.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful and poignant read about the importance of friendships and how life can change in an instant.

This is a sorry of four friends reconnecting after all these years and also explores the events which make them who they are today and leads up to them wanting to reconnect.

This was a touching read and I loved the rules of friendship section at
The end which is something we can all probably relate to.

[Gabrielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sweet, thoughtful read about friends and friendship. I'm younger than the women in the book and their experiences have encouraged me to have a longer perspective, and not to pass final judgements on, the friendships, and friendship challenges, I've had in my life so far. I did feel like the book dragged on somewhat though and was impatient for Hopkins to bring things to their inevitable conclusion.

[Meryl Falvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Cathy Hopkins book I've read. It's very easy going. I found she repeated herself about too often about the story line. Once you've been told it, it doesn't need to keep be trapped through the book. I'll probably read more of Cathy's books. A Joanna Trollopish, which is a compliment by the way

[Eileen Holmes-ievers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book.

Reading it just before a "big" birthday, it really resonated with me about friendships and losing touch over the years. I am in the process of reaching out (sorry about the Americanism!) to friends I am just vaguely in touch with and will try and visit and rekindle the fun and laughter they all gave me.

Only 99p on Kindle at Amazon. Buy, buy, buy!

[Jackie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Friendships take many twists and turns and need to be nurtured as you never know when you are going to need the support of those that know you best

[Adriana Garcia]

This book is by Cathy Hopkin and this book is about friendships in an old school way. This book brings bright colors and happy memories, along with objects such as clothes and even jewelry. This books main idea is of people who reconnect again.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm torn about this one. It's an easy read and I liked the characters, but it really felt like the author was constantly shoving the friendship message down the reader's throat. We get it! Be a good friend! Not a bad read, but a bit meh for me.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story about friendship. Going to look for more Cathy Hopkins stories now.

[maureen cowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book

This was such an interesting and uplifting story just right for this time of uncertainty we are going through now

[Carol Waugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, tad drawn out in bits.