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Rachel's Butterflies

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Three perfect lives are about to implode…

Three estranged friends seem happy in their picture-perfect lives, until tragedy strikes, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear…

Liz, an ambitious headhunter in London, is beholden to nobody and determined to keep it that way. Emily, a homebody with a countryside cottage, seems happy to be surrounded by her family and her crafts. Chrissy, a writer turned realtor, is living the American dream in sunny California. But are their lives as idyllic as they seem?

When a long-forgotten schoolfriend unexpectedly takes her own life, the three women are reunited once more, but just as they reconnect, their lives begin to shatter. Liz discovers a betrayal that threatens to end her relationship, Emily is presented with an incredible opportunity she dare not pass up, and Chrissy’s seemingly perfect son is arrested.

The friends will be forced to re-examine who they are and make life-altering decisions that will pull them in directions they could never have imagined.

Can they embrace their chance for true happiness? Or will they continue to be molded by those around them?

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Readers have fallen in love with 'Rachel's Butterflies':"Loved this book! Well written with very likable characters and a story line that is so easy to relate to. Perfect book for a weekend vacation or to read on the porch with a glass of wine in hand." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Great read! I love finding new authors and really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read because you become invested in the lives of these women and their friendship and want to know what happens next. Highly recommended!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Wonderful book! An engaging story about the enduring power and strength of female friendships spanning decades. I enjoyed the story, pace, and writing. A comfortable, easy read that makes you stop and think - am I living my best life and doing what makes me happy?" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"I read this book in one sitting, grabbing me from the first chapter. Although the characters' lives take many twists and turns across thousands of miles and years, their enduring friendship can pick up just where they left it. The stories are very relatable and highly recommended. Will gift this as summer read to the butterflies in my life since high school." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Perfect, feel-good read! I loved reading this book. The characters feel like people you know. It’s beautifully written and easy to read. The descriptions transport you to the various towns and countries, it’s as if you are there yourself and seeing what they see! Each chapter leaves you wanting to find out what happens next. I cannot recommend this enough. Loved it!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Highly recommend! Rachel's Butterflies is a beautifully written, emotional rollercoaster of a book that delicately handles the subject of old friends reconnecting after the devastating death of their friend. I was so emotionally invested in each character and by the end of the book felt as if I'd known them for years. Beautifully written, emotionally charged, wonderfully paced." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Rachel’s Butterflies is proof positive that our close friends are 'family' in the truest sense of the word.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2021

259 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read

About the author

Vicki Childs

3 books12 followers
Author of the Rachel’s Butterflies trilogy and the upcoming Davis Crest historical women’s fiction trilogy.

Vicki Childs is an English-born author of warm, emotional women’s fiction—stories filled with family secrets, fierce friendships, and hopeful new beginnings.

After studying psychology and spending a decade in the corporate world, she moved to California with her growing family and finally began writing the stories she’d always carried in her heart.

Now based in Windermere, Florida, Vicki lives with her husband, two children, and far too many pets. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, plotting future novels, researching curious bits of history, or wandering around with a mug of coffee in hand. She believes in the power of second chances, the strength of women supporting women, and the magic that happens when readers find a story that speaks to them.

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5 stars
116 (49%)
4 stars
74 (31%)
3 stars
38 (16%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Nannette Kreitzman.
Author 45 books54 followers
November 10, 2021
A coming of “middle aged” story.

Rachel’s Butterflies is about three childhood friends who reconnect years later due to the tragic suicide of a fourth. Each restless and stagnant in their lives, their reunion reignites old passions and forms some new ones in what I’ve come to think of as a coming of “middle aged” story. I found myself rooting for Childs’ endearing characters, joining in on the celebration of their growth and successes.
357 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2026
The first chapter had mystery and melancholy and drew me in.

Three school friends come together after many years. They did not realize it at that time but they had a longing for deeper friendships and the timing was just right.

The book is well written for the most part. The lives of the three friends are beautifully woven together and though I was immersed in their stories, I found that some things were solved too conveniently.
43 reviews
January 1, 2026
I won this book on Goodreads.

I wonder how many people are still friends with their high school crowd? I did not like high school one bit and don’t want to revisit it! I do follow a few people on social media but don’t interact with them in real life. That said, my bestie from elementary school is still my bestie 50 years later. I totally see the evolution of the 3 gals friendship over the years.

Chrissy, Liz & Emily have went their different ways since school. It happens. Rachel commits suicide and they are all brought together at her funeral. Now we are off to the races. We are reminded how intricate, bawdy and hard won these type of friendships between women can be - if you’re lucky.

I really loved how the writer explored each one pretty thoroughly in the crossroads of their lives. Some good things, some not great things, and new opportunities. Just when you think each of them have figured out their lives…

The butterfly theme was a great tool. I especially loved how it was wrapped up towards the end with the crystals and the play of light on them

We’ll gotta go just downloaded book 2 in the series because I HAVE TO KNOW what happens after that subtle cliffhanger!
Profile Image for Nina Furrtheloveofbooks.
194 reviews66 followers
July 17, 2021
Remember high school and how you thought that the great group of friends you had would stay friends with you for your entire life? Did that actually happened? For me it did not we all live our own lives and text each other occasionally and follow each other on social media but we do not interact daily; and that’s okay. However, sometimes you miss those people who knew you before life changed and that is what this book is about.

In the book Rachel’s Butterfly we need three friends Emily, Liz, and Chrissy who meet up at a memorial service of their friend Rachel. Through this process they reconnect and start to become a support system for each other as they all face struggles (of various degrees) in their personal life.

This book is something that everyone should read. I was able to see certain parts of my life in Emily, Liz and Chrissy and it made it much easier to love the book because of that. I mean how many times in life do you have a group of friends that you can yell honest truths to and then go out and drink together. That’s the friendship that I know I want and I hope to continue to build with my community.

Also, shout out to the author Vicki Childs who not only followed her heart to write this book but also self published!!!! I am so proud of you lady. Thank you for sending me a copy to review. I hope you continue to write and I can’t wait to read what you have coming out next!!!
38 reviews
December 26, 2025
one never knows what tomorrow will bring

A really great story of life, friends and family. The unfolding of life’s long. Winding road stokes of women who were so close at one time, lost touch of each other, but brought together by the death of one of their close friend. The ups and downs of their now lives. A really good read. Well crafted and honest depiction. CA woods.
Profile Image for Lauren.
432 reviews17 followers
August 4, 2021
Rachel's Butterflies is a beautiful, heartfelt novel about the power of friendship in the hardest of times.

Emily, Liz, Chrissy and Rachel were best friends in high school, but drifted apart as they married, moved away and developed their careers. Years later, when Rachel's sudden death brings the other three back together, they are each forced to put their own lives into perspective, and remind one another of the hopes and dreams it's not too late to strive for.

I loved each of the three main characters – strong, fierce women, with unique personalities, talents and flaws. The scope of life discussed across the three lives is vast, considering family obligations, relationships, career goals, illness, workplace drama, midlife crises and friends that have your back no matter what.

I also really appreciated that the friends often fought and called each other out. Sometimes it's important to hear hard truths, and the arguments in this book turned out to be surprisingly healthy, aiming only to help and ending in quick, funny resolutions.

If you need your faith in humanity to be restored, and if you're looking for a relatable read about the power of friendship in all stages of life, look no further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julia Boggio.
Author 7 books53 followers
April 14, 2024
I just finished reading Rachel’s Butterflies and I have tears in my eyes. What a gorgeous story of female friendship and coming of middle age. I felt so invested in the characters and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.

I particularly loved the idea of reconnecting with friends from high school. It’s so easy to lose touch. But it’s amazing how you can come together with people you haven’t really seen for twenty years and you can pick up right where you left off. These are people who know exactly where you’ve come from and can see how you’ve evolved (and how you’re also the same person). I felt this was so realistically portrayed in this story. The relationships between Chrissy, Liz and Emily were so cleverly written. The dialogue rang with truth. I highly recommend picking up this book.
Profile Image for Kristina.
150 reviews
October 12, 2023
Rachel’s Butterflies is a beautiful journey of friends who grew apart after college- and have been reunited by tragedy. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the friends and see the growth they quickly have once they reconnect with each other. Each of them have a huge life decision or change and it’s really fun to see how they help each other- even when they don’t want the help.
“It’s pretty. It looks just like a butterfly” this line made the entire book for me.
This book was well written and the audio was done by the author, which I loved listening to her tell the story. You can hear her excitement and passion throughout the book.

*I read this book for free in trade for an honest review*
Profile Image for Janice Coy.
Author 8 books11 followers
December 21, 2024
This is the story of three London high school friends who reunite after twenty plus years at the funeral of their friend Rachel. Chrissy, married with two children, has moved to Southern California, while Liz, single with a high-powered career, and Emily, also married with two children, remained in London and its surrounding areas.
Despite the distance of time and space, the three quickly forge close bonds again supporting each other through various crises that crop up for the women.
Rachel's Butterflies is the first in this series about friendship. The author grew up in London, and lived in Pasadena, California for a while - her intimate knowledge of both places is evident. An uplifting yet tough read with topics like suicide, drug use, and unhealthy family dynamics.
Profile Image for Leslee Koritzke.
Author 2 books4 followers
July 8, 2021
The loss of a dear friend hammers home a powerful message...am I happy with my life? Is it too late to pursue joy?

Chrissy, Emily, and Liz are childhood friends who must confront their choices in work, relationships, and even each other. It is easy to find ourselves on paths that don't feel like our own. If you have the opportunity to recreate your life's choices, would you?

Tragedy and choices... these three friends reconnect and support each other as they struggle to transform tragedy into triumph, and obstacles into opportunities.

Vicki Child's debut novel will have you cheering (with gin and tonic in hand) for these women, their families, and their futures.
Profile Image for Maissy Reads.
61 reviews12 followers
November 12, 2025
Rachel’s Butterflies by Vicki Childs is a heartfelt and beautifully woven story about friendship, loss, and rediscovering oneself. Through the lives of Liz, Emily, and Chrissy three women living worlds apart yet bound by shared memories Childs captures the complexities of love, ambition, and the quiet ache of what might have been. When tragedy reunites them, each must face the cracks beneath her seemingly perfect life. Written with warmth and emotional honesty, the novel celebrates the enduring strength of female friendship and the courage it takes to begin again. Rachel’s Butterflies is tender, relatable, and deeply moving a story that truly lingers.
10 reviews
October 23, 2023
Childhood friends reconnect after a tragedy and remember why they love and need each other. Three very different women, all on a different path in life rediscover how important they are to each other as they navigate the curveballs life throws at them.

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these women and can’t wait to see what comes next for each of them! The good, the bad and the ugly, this book explores all aspects of true friendship!
Profile Image for Nikki Paterson.
17 reviews
August 11, 2023
This was a lovely book 😊 One of those books that just makes you feel warm and happy when you read it. Loved their friendship and the feeling of remembering what is important in life. The book has quite a lot of typing errors which was a bit off putting to start with, but I still really enjoyed it ☺️
3 reviews
May 9, 2024
I didn't love this book. I found the writing to be cheesy and the characters just randomly break out into arguments often and immediately make up. Also the amount of typos in this book was astounding, I felt like I was an editor reading an original copy. The story was okay, but I don't think I will be continuing to read this series.
82 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2024
I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this book and I totally loved it! The story of 3 women who were friends in school but have gone their separate ways until they come together for the funeral of the fourth of their group. After years apart they regain their close friendship once again. I loved this book and look forward to reading the sequels.
7 reviews
November 13, 2021
Fabulous read!

My friend Enzo recommended this book and I have really enjoyed it. You get quickly involved with the lives of the three characters. Take this to a beach or under the duvet in a gritty day and lose yoyrsekf!
Profile Image for Rowan MacKemsley.
Author 7 books13 followers
December 19, 2021
Beautiful story of three childhood friends reconnecting following a tragedy that has more of an effect on their turbulent adult lives than they could have imagined.
Profile Image for Mary Martin.
765 reviews3 followers
December 9, 2025
A story about three friends from high school who reconnect after twenty years after the tragic death of the fourth member of their group.
Profile Image for Courtney Pityer.
735 reviews42 followers
December 30, 2025
I won this in a giveaway
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
165 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this although towards the end I had predicted one of the revelations.
Profile Image for Krystal.
165 reviews
May 26, 2025
Chapters 41-47

These chapters have major plot twists!
If you read carefully you will find out
what happened to Rachel,
I want to say thank you Vicki
for writing this book.

Emily's story will have you saying
"What no way! "


Chapters 36-40

These chapters takes us
on the adventure with the
ladies as they change their
lives.
I am really hoping there is
a love triangle.

The trouble call from back home
well this particular lady turned
it into a positive.
One of the ladies is cutting the
apron strings.
One of the ladies has her reputation
thrown in the mud from social media.

We still need to find out what
happened to Rachael,
that is the mystery.


Chapters 31-35

These chapters show us the group
trying to find themselves.
They are on a search for something
different, that they think they are missing.

We might be seeing a love triangle?
We find out about a loss and trouble
back home for one of the ladies.

Two of the ladies have a screaming
match after too much drinking.
They settle their kettles
and then they have a beautiful
night out for a holiday.

I CAN'T WAIT to read more


Chapters 26-30

These chapters take us on an adventure and new possible job.
This is when they actually acknowledge Rachel and thank her.
The Question everyone wants to know is Why?
We also have a question for Liz,yes or no?

I am reading a paperback book called The Most Likely Club,
that reminds me of this story,maybe Viki and Elyssa can
write a book together

I need to find these answers out.



Chapters 21-25

The ladies are still taking us on a ride with them
while they are living their lives.
Each lady is finally letting their wings fly and
do what is best for them and their families.

There is a new friendship because of a certain
situation and at the end of chapter 25,
We are going on an adventure.



Chapters 16-20

These chapters take us on the ride through each girls lives.
Though each girls' situation is different,my heart goes out
to Chrissy.

Emily and Liz are confused on what to do with their work lives/personal lives.They both seem to be reaching out
to find out what they should do.




Chapters 11-15

These chapters give us what happened after the fight
between the best friends.We get Emily speaking with
her husband and her emotions are all over the place.
We get the friends clearing the air and also
glimpses of what happened after their trip.

Chapters. 6-10

The friends catch up at dinner and talk about old times
and showing pictures of their families and new lives.
The memorial was sad and overwhelming for everyone,
the friends looked at photographs that their friend who
passed had taken.

The question still remains what happened to Rachael and has the friends changed since they last seen each other?


This is my third book that I have read by Vicki Childs
and this is my honest review.
If this is the first time you are reading my reviews
I like to read 5 chapters and review,repeat
the process until I finish the book.

I also like to use my favorite actor/actress,
Broadway Actors/Actress or Wrestler picture
in my as the characters,yes I know they are
sometimes on the cover,but it helps when
I am reading.

With that said

I see Liz as Kristin Cavallari(Laguna Beach/The Hills)
I see Emily as Blake Lively(actress)
I see Rachael as Lucy Hale(Pretty Little Liars)
I see Chrissy as Natalie Portman(actress)

Chapters 1-5

I've only read 5 chapters and already the book is
given me the movie Now and Then vibes.
Right off the bat the date beginning date is my birthday,
I never saw my birthday in a book before.

It's just the beginning of the book and we have a
mystery on our hand.
The four musketeers haven't seen each other since
school,their lives have gone in different directions.

I love how Vicki gives each musketeer a chapter
to themselves. They each are living their lives
differently,but an e-mail invite brings them all to the past
to reflect.

I CAN'T WAIT to read more
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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