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When We Talk
Lucy was born and bred in Chicago. She lives and breathes it. So when her husband, Joel, convinces her to move back to his home in Michigan, she doesn't realize what she's agreeing to. As her daughter starts kindergarten, Lucy's world should be opening up. Instead she finds herself floundering. Small-town life with fewer opportunities and exclusive friendships is hard to navigate. And a mother-in-law who seems to judge her every move doesn't help. Self-doubt creeps in and Lucy begins to question her own abilities as well as her marriage.
But just as her confidence seems to be deserting her, some unlikely acquaintances come her way.
When We Talk is a story of friendship. It's about what happens when you take the time to see beyond initial appearances and take a chance at something more.
But just as her confidence seems to be deserting her, some unlikely acquaintances come her way.
When We Talk is a story of friendship. It's about what happens when you take the time to see beyond initial appearances and take a chance at something more.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 28, 2026
I received this ebook as a freebie. The writing style was like third person omniscient for most of the characters and the switching back and forth between main characters, often in consecutive paragraphs, took me awhile to catch on. But the story was interesting so I kept going. The setting, Grand Haven MI, was integral to the plot. Heartwarming novel with a happy ending and a clean read as well.
September 3, 2021
Different style than I'm accustomed to...
Good character creation and just enough backstory provided throughout the book. I didn't like the sudden switch between characters within each chapter. And there were five characters that each received their portion of the chapter. The writing was good. However, each time we moved between several storylines within a chapter, I was pulled out of the story. Like I had to reset for each new paragraph.
Good character creation and just enough backstory provided throughout the book. I didn't like the sudden switch between characters within each chapter. And there were five characters that each received their portion of the chapter. The writing was good. However, each time we moved between several storylines within a chapter, I was pulled out of the story. Like I had to reset for each new paragraph.
September 7, 2023
A heartwarming “friend story” for the chick lit fan.
Lately I have been drawn to tales of multigenerational women’s friendships, and it seems almost accidental. Having never been a great fan of the “chick lit” genre, I find the books that have fallen into my lap recently to be notoriously of this ilk. And, thankfully, this is a well-written tale.
Carrie Crafton has an effortless writing style that seamlessly transitions the reader from one to the next of the various points-of-view highlighted in this story. I will admit that it took me about 35 pages to get who was related to whom and married to whom finally sorted in my mind, but it didn’t detract from the action or the story line, while the mental sorting was happening.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the rather weakly written men in the book, but forgave it as they were not the focus of the plot, but more tangential.
The town was also very well-written and intriguing. As a New Englander, I do not have much experience or exposure to the Great Lakes scene, but was interested enough while reading this book and its three dimensional descriptions of the area to actually look it up on the Internet for a closer look. I’ve spent some time in Chicago, but felt that City was more of a supporting role than the Michigan lake town where most of the story took place, and easily felt like a main character in the story.
Overall, easy and enjoyable read as we slip out of summer and into Fall.
Lately I have been drawn to tales of multigenerational women’s friendships, and it seems almost accidental. Having never been a great fan of the “chick lit” genre, I find the books that have fallen into my lap recently to be notoriously of this ilk. And, thankfully, this is a well-written tale.
Carrie Crafton has an effortless writing style that seamlessly transitions the reader from one to the next of the various points-of-view highlighted in this story. I will admit that it took me about 35 pages to get who was related to whom and married to whom finally sorted in my mind, but it didn’t detract from the action or the story line, while the mental sorting was happening.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the rather weakly written men in the book, but forgave it as they were not the focus of the plot, but more tangential.
The town was also very well-written and intriguing. As a New Englander, I do not have much experience or exposure to the Great Lakes scene, but was interested enough while reading this book and its three dimensional descriptions of the area to actually look it up on the Internet for a closer look. I’ve spent some time in Chicago, but felt that City was more of a supporting role than the Michigan lake town where most of the story took place, and easily felt like a main character in the story.
Overall, easy and enjoyable read as we slip out of summer and into Fall.
February 14, 2022
Familiar experiences
I liked that this book was set in Michigan and featured Lake Michigan so much. It is so true to life the way she described insecurities and how difficult it is to uproot our lives and move to a completely new location. It was very insightfully written. I wish people were as brave speaking their minds as the characters in this book. This book is so positive and the characters are likeable and caring. She did a good job making it clear that even when we want what's best for each other, misunderstandings and resentment are part of everyday life. I'm glad she wrote a best case scenario of everyone working things out. A light-hearted read was exactly what I was looking for, and this gives me courage and something to strive for in my own life instead of remaining closed off and cynical. Thank you for writing this!
I liked that this book was set in Michigan and featured Lake Michigan so much. It is so true to life the way she described insecurities and how difficult it is to uproot our lives and move to a completely new location. It was very insightfully written. I wish people were as brave speaking their minds as the characters in this book. This book is so positive and the characters are likeable and caring. She did a good job making it clear that even when we want what's best for each other, misunderstandings and resentment are part of everyday life. I'm glad she wrote a best case scenario of everyone working things out. A light-hearted read was exactly what I was looking for, and this gives me courage and something to strive for in my own life instead of remaining closed off and cynical. Thank you for writing this!
February 9, 2021
Sweet & Saucy
When Lucy agrees to move to a small town in Michigan with their daughter, she doesn’t realize how hard the adjustment will be, especially after Maddie starts school. Lucy is a more complex character than I initially thought. I thought she was whiny, in the beginning, but there was a lot of character growth for her. Readers who liked Steel Magnolias will like this sweet story of women teaching each other how to find themselves.
When Lucy agrees to move to a small town in Michigan with their daughter, she doesn’t realize how hard the adjustment will be, especially after Maddie starts school. Lucy is a more complex character than I initially thought. I thought she was whiny, in the beginning, but there was a lot of character growth for her. Readers who liked Steel Magnolias will like this sweet story of women teaching each other how to find themselves.
July 5, 2026
Couldn't Put It Down!
I couldn't wait to have time to read each of the 3 days it took to squeeze it in.
I enjoyed all the very developed characters and their very real struggles. Eventually helping each other and grow friendships was wonderful. I even took some pointers on relationships and communication skills. I'm actually sad I finished the book. I got to know each character and now miss them!
I couldn't wait to have time to read each of the 3 days it took to squeeze it in.
I enjoyed all the very developed characters and their very real struggles. Eventually helping each other and grow friendships was wonderful. I even took some pointers on relationships and communication skills. I'm actually sad I finished the book. I got to know each character and now miss them!
June 27, 2021
It always seems to be this way
You relocate to another city and your heart is still back home. It seems one spouse is flourishing while another is flailing. I have had several cross country moves so I know what it is like. Decent book. More of a chick book and really some men might be able to really enjoy it, I had a difficult time at times. Still overall good book.
You relocate to another city and your heart is still back home. It seems one spouse is flourishing while another is flailing. I have had several cross country moves so I know what it is like. Decent book. More of a chick book and really some men might be able to really enjoy it, I had a difficult time at times. Still overall good book.
September 20, 2021
I liked the premise of the book. So many times all it takes to resolve relationship issues is to just talk it out. But easier said than done. I also find it super hard to make new friends so it’s nice to read about women close to my circumstances in a novel. But there was quite a bit of using the “s” curse word so I can’t recommend the book to just anyone
February 13, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up-- I enjoyed this contemporary slice of life novel about the importance of friendship between women throughout middle and later stages of life in an upper-middle class lake town in MI. It wasn't overly dramatic or overwritten- it was simple and realistic and kind of heartwarming in it's earnestness. Will be keeping an eye out for more by this writer.
November 24, 2020
Fun read!
This is a fun read with relatable characters and deeper message intertwined in the storyline. If you’re looking for an entertaining book to read over the holiday, this is a great book to read! Don’t forget to grab a glass of wine!
This is a fun read with relatable characters and deeper message intertwined in the storyline. If you’re looking for an entertaining book to read over the holiday, this is a great book to read! Don’t forget to grab a glass of wine!
March 12, 2021
Friendships worth working for
I read other reviews and scoffed, but they were correct. This is a book about women I'd love to have as friends. Buy it. You'll enjoy it if you like chick-lit
I read other reviews and scoffed, but they were correct. This is a book about women I'd love to have as friends. Buy it. You'll enjoy it if you like chick-lit
April 15, 2021
Suggested this to read in my local bookclub. Had some great discussions on purpose, friendships and importance of authentic communication. This opened a few gals up to share some hard things they are currently processing
July 28, 2021
Interesting story... but..
This is an interesting book which portrays the past life of Carrie in the two countries she ever lived. While reading the book I found some confusing scenes.
This is an interesting book which portrays the past life of Carrie in the two countries she ever lived. While reading the book I found some confusing scenes.
September 4, 2021
Perspective can be on of the best parts of a good friendship.
A little slow to start....but, read in one sitting. A wonderful story of the necessity of close friends. Great chick lit.
A little slow to start....but, read in one sitting. A wonderful story of the necessity of close friends. Great chick lit.
September 9, 2021
Felt like having coffee with friends! Great for a rainy afternoon with a cup of coffee or to pass around at a book club!! Loved how relatable the characters are and how well they helped the story to flow!! Felt like I was amongst friends!
September 26, 2021
I liked seeing the misunderstandings and distrust from multiple viewpoints, however I did not like the abrupt change in voice - in the beginning it was hard to follow as you learned who was who. The end was abrupt as if the author was told she only had that number of pages she could write.
January 23, 2022
Warm and Delightful
What I really liked about this story is the genuine feelings expressed by the characters, and how they all felt real. Having gone from a big city to a small town, I understood Lucy's discomfort. I really enjoyed it.
What I really liked about this story is the genuine feelings expressed by the characters, and how they all felt real. Having gone from a big city to a small town, I understood Lucy's discomfort. I really enjoyed it.
February 28, 2026
A delightful story to remember.
It's not often that I think about recommending a book to my friends before I've even finished it, but this was one of them. I can identify with each one of the ladies in this book and was joyful at how they each had happy endings. So true to life.
It's not often that I think about recommending a book to my friends before I've even finished it, but this was one of them. I can identify with each one of the ladies in this book and was joyful at how they each had happy endings. So true to life.
March 6, 2026
Sweet Story
I think anyone can relate to this story- if you have ever moved from you hometown and family and friends it is hard to get comfortable- Friends are there just be open to change-
I think anyone can relate to this story- if you have ever moved from you hometown and family and friends it is hard to get comfortable- Friends are there just be open to change-
November 9, 2020
Another amazing book by Carrie Crafton
December 12, 2020
Refreshing!!!
Lighthearted, refreshing story about friendships. Well-written and engaging. Once I got in to the story I couldn't stop reading. Recommended read!
Lighthearted, refreshing story about friendships. Well-written and engaging. Once I got in to the story I couldn't stop reading. Recommended read!
December 30, 2020
Nice story.
Despite the slow start, the story is captivating and well written. The characters are well described. I loved that is a positive story about being open to discover unexpected bonds.
Despite the slow start, the story is captivating and well written. The characters are well described. I loved that is a positive story about being open to discover unexpected bonds.
June 9, 2021
This was a wonderful and heartwarming story!
September 6, 2021
First time read
I really enjoyed this book. It is all about friends or lack thereof
about making new friends and at all different ages. Well written.
I really enjoyed this book. It is all about friends or lack thereof
about making new friends and at all different ages. Well written.
September 7, 2021
Love, love, love
Such an uplifting book, 5 women in different stages of life. How each relationship had nurtured the next till they each found their new direction.
Such an uplifting book, 5 women in different stages of life. How each relationship had nurtured the next till they each found their new direction.
September 9, 2021
Yes, we need to talk to each other
September 11, 2021
Nice story about relationships, finding one’s self, and the importance of communication
September 27, 2021
Great story of friendship
Great story about friendship and I love that it is set in Michigan. I enjoyed how the characters all came together.
Great story about friendship and I love that it is set in Michigan. I enjoyed how the characters all came together.
October 2, 2021
Communication is the key.
Setting is Lake Michigan, USA. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and thelovely first time reading this author.Hope you enjoy it too 😁
Setting is Lake Michigan, USA. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and thelovely first time reading this author.Hope you enjoy it too 😁
December 27, 2021
Finding oneself
Each woman featured here needs to find herself .It's amazing just to watch. Lucy is the leader and each person finds her own path..
Each woman featured here needs to find herself .It's amazing just to watch. Lucy is the leader and each person finds her own path..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews