Campfire Confessions

by Kristine Ochu

Can you ever really hide a secret from your best friends?

Annie, Sondra, and Jo were the best of childhood friends—but they haven’t seen each other in far too long. To the outside world, their lives are perfect. But appearances can be deceiving…

Married to a pastor in a small town she’s never left, Annie’s devoted her life to family and the church. Most people consider her a saint—but they don’t know she’s hiding a big secret. Sondra’s living it up married to one of the richest men in L.A. and appears to have it all—beauty, brains, and a successful career. But when a real estate deal becomes more than just a transaction, she quickly realizes she’s in over her head. Jo is four years sober and struggling through a divorce. After a one-night stand takes an unexpectedly comic turn, she’s forced to reckon with a lifetime of bad choices.

When Annie’s secret catches up with her, Jo and Sondra rush to her side, escaping on a hilarious canoeing trip that turns into a soul-searching, death-defying adventure. Lost in the woods as one thing goes wrong after another, they find themselves sharing their deepest secrets around the campfire. But as each new revelation unfolds, one thing becomes clear: it will take more than a night of true confessions for the three of them to find their way back home.

Genres: Fiction, Womens Fiction

324 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2022

About the author

Kristine is the founder of “The Night of a Woman’s Soul – Creating Your Amazing Life" workshops and is a former Human Resource Executive with a MAIR from the University of Minnesota. She is a member of the Global Women’s Club, Women in Film and Video New England, Harvard Square Script Writers, and community groups. A former log-rolling champion, she still log-rolls along with being an avid hiker, kayaker and explorer. Having previously written screenplays and a children's book, Kristine incorporates her love of nature and adventure into all her stories. She lives with her husband and their rescue golden retrievers, and splits her time between Hayward, Wisconsin and Amelia Island, Florida.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie, Sondra and Jo grew up as best friends in a small, midwestern town. Now, in middle age, they have grown apart. They will soon be back together for their reunion. Annie is a pastor's wife. With four sons and constant church duties, Annie's life has quickly become overwhelming. She has lost herself and come to rely on antidepressants until the day she takes one too many and collapses. Sondra is married to a rich, older man in LA. Sondra loves James, but they have not been intimate in a while. Sondra is manipulated by someone who sees her weakness and is blackmailed. Jo is a recovering alcoholic who is contemplating divorce because of her own failings. When Sondra and Jo hear of Annie's troubles, they race back into town and plan to steal her away on an epic camping adventure like they did when they were young. Hoping to invigorate their souls and remind Annie of the good days, the fearsome threesome may solve more than they intended.

Campfire Confessions is a heartwarming story of friendship and overcoming obstacles. Each of the women has a unique, yet timeless story of believing that they are not enough for those around them. Annie is overwhelmed, completely exhausted by her day to day life of giving herself away and becoming a martyr to what she believes her duties are all while her husband and kids continue to expect and ask more of her. I'm surprised she didn't collapse sooner. Sondra is a strong woman who is asking her husband for exactly what she wants and is still able to be manipulated by her own insecurities. Jo is fighting her demons and still believes she is not good enough for her husband. The camping trip was fun, comical and life changing. I loved that they were able to work through some things within the safety and comfort of one another. These women's stories are a reminder that nobody is perfect, everybody needs help sometimes and communication is key in relationships. While none of their problems were fully solved in the end, the women were able to tackle the mental load and embrace their issues in order to begin moving on.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books about the importance of friendship is to women. I know that my friends are an important part of my life - they are always there when you need them and I'd be lost without them. I also have several childhood friends who knew me when...and we always get a good laugh about our earlier days as friends. The three women in this novel are childhood friends who have grown apart and not seen in each other in a long time. But when one of them needs help, the other two immediately put their lives on hold and travel to the town they grew up in to help.

Annie is a pastor's wife with 4 sons. Her life is so busy with church duties and school volunteering and just being the best mom and wife she can be that she loses herself. She starts abusing anti-depressants to get her through her days and one day she takes too many and ends up in the hospital with people in town believing that she tried to commit suicide. When Jo finds out about Annie's trouble, she immediately calls Sondra and they both rush to Annie's side. Jo is a recovering alcoholic who is in the process of divorcing her husband even though she still loves him. Sondra is married to an older man who gives her everything she wants but can't provide the intimacy that she needs. When Jo and Sondra get to town, they decide to pick up Annie and go on an overnight camping trip like they did when they were younger. They felt that getting Annie away from her family would make her be more honest with her friends but it turns out that they were all hiding secrets from each other. The camping trip is hilarious at times but it's also a soul-searching, death-defying adventure. Everything goes wrong and they end up lost in the woods and not sure how to get home.

This is a wonderful book about friendship. All three of these women are plagued with beliefs that they are not enough - that they need to try harder to help their families but will they be able to convince each other and themselves that they are enough and don't need to continue to struggle??

I really enjoyed all three of the main characters. Even though their friendship has cooled, they are always there to help each other with compassion and love. Those are the kind of friends that we all need in our lives.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading stories about women's friendships that show the bonds that women share, especially women who were childhood friends. Those are the people who know you the best and know how to get it all out of you—they know when you are hiding something.

Campfire Confessions is about three women who come together when one of them reaches a dangerous point in her life. The two friends rush to her side. But all three have deep issues and secrets that they need to deal with and a camping trip is the getaway that they need to try to get their heads on straight.

The trip starts out good enough, then one thing after another happens and as they work to get out of each predicament, secrets and confessions start spilling out. Each woman bares their soul as the other two help them see the answers they are seeking.

This story really has it all—friendship, support, adventure, a bit of steamy sex, drama, soul-searching, religion, family, love, and forgiveness—a little bit of something for everyone. I enjoyed the adventure and am impressed by this debut novel by Kristine Ochu. I'm excited to see what she writes next.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The book starts with a very moving dedication that seriously choked me up 🥺

Childhood friends Annie, Sondra and Jo are all struggling with life. Annie is married to a pastor, raising four boys, trying to keep everything together but she's barley hanging on by a thread. Jo is in the midst of a divorce sharing custody of her 2 young daughters while trying to remain sober. Sondra is in a May December marriage and is feeling very neglected by her aging husband who seems more interested in golf instead of her.

Told from 3 perspectives, the story focuses on family, love, marriage and friendship. It started a bit slow for me, until I got to Sondra's POV for the first time. Her story was pretty juicy and I was immediately drawn in.

As the three childhood friends reunite, the focus mostly turns to Annie and their friendships. I loved the quality of the connection they had, the unwavering support of one another. Although the ending was good, I do wish there was more about Sondra and Jo and their struggles throughout. I wanted more of their romantic adventures as they were highly entertaining in the beginning

[Karen Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three women who were childhood best friends reunite under stressful circumstances. Each in some way has lost touch with their deeper self with problematic results.

Annie, a pastor’s wife with four rambunctious sons, has become the penultimate caretaker at home and at church. On the verge of exhaustion, she relies on antidepressants to get through her day and subsequently collapses after taking a few too many. Shondra is a successful real estate agent and deeply unhappy in her marriage to an older wealthy man who has lost interest in the intimate aspects of a relationship. In her desperate need for love, she succumbs to a player who takes advantage of her. Lastly, Jo is a recovering alcoholic who is unable to forgive herself for her addiction and the impact it has had on her family. She is pursuing a divorce based on her feelings of unworthiness.

When they hear of Annie’s medical emergency, Shondra and Jo set aside their own issues and come to Annie’s side with a plan to take her on a camping trip reminiscent of their childhood adventures. The trip brings the women together for not only an adventure, but for some deep soul-searching and sharing of secrets that they have been reluctant to reveal to anyone. Basically each women rediscovers that sharing their deepest thoughts and feelings with true friends provides the opportunity for compassion and insight.

I loved the premise of this book, but the writing felt flat to me. I never felt fully engaged with the characters despite understanding their individual and collective challenges. Some of the events on the camping trip seemed to be a bit “over-the-top” when viewed collectively over a weekend. Overall this was a mildly entertaining novel, but not one I would read again.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Anna J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annie is a Pastor's wife and she is having a hard time coping with all the pressure she is under. She keeps smiling even though she feels like screaming she is so frustrated and angry. She feels like she can't be honest about how she is feeling or what she wants from her husband.

She ends up in the hospital. Her friends Sondra and Jo come back to town to support her. They go on a camping weekend and our honest about what is going on in their lives. They face many challenges on the weekend away. They each come back changed and knowing what they want.

Beautiful story of friendship, love and faith.

[Joanna Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of three childhood friends who each have their own challenges. After one of them hits rock bottom, they all come together for a healing weekend at the lake they went to as kids. Not only do they help each other out, they also learn about themselves and grow into better mothers, wives and friends. I love how it was told from three different perspectives! It was heartwarming but also a bit dark and deep. Be sure to pick up Campfire Confessions on 3/8/22!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of 3 friends that each have something huge going on in their life.

Annie- not very happy as a Pastor's wife and feels like she does it all for everyone and turns to a certain prescription to help her through.

Jo- contemplating divorce from her husband, even though he's a good man.

Sondra- being blackmailed for an indiscretion of hers when her much older husband stops giving her what she needs.

When Annie lands in the hospital, Jo and Sondra immediately drop everything to go to her. They end up going on a canoe/camping trip like they did when they were going. These best friends need to help each other through each of their struggles.

This book got a little weird at the end with some "signs" as animals leading Annie out of the woods, which kind of turned me off as it just sounded off from the rest of the book.

[Elizabeth Brewington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her captivating novel "Campfire Confessions," Kristine Ochu invites readers into a world of friendship, secrets, and empowerment. This delightful read is perfect for anyone who cherishes the bond between best friends and the moments shared around a campfire.

The story revolves around three strong female characters: Annie, Sondra, and Jo. As the narrative unfolds, we are drawn into their lives, their struggles, and their triumphs. Through their journey, Ochu beautifully explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of female camaraderie.

What sets "Campfire Confessions" apart is Ochu's ability to create relatable characters that resonate with readers. Each character is richly developed, with their own unique personalities and experiences. From Annie's unwavering determination to Sondra's infectious spirit, and Jo's quiet strength, these women leap off the pages and into our hearts.

Beyond the compelling storyline, Ochu's own remarkable background adds depth to the novel. As an international best-selling author, Global Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, and Founder of "Creating Your Amazing Life" workshops, Ochu brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Her years of research in transformational techniques, positive psychology, and neuroscience shine through in the pages of "Campfire Confessions."

Furthermore, Ochu's commitment to giving back to the community is truly admirable. From running self-funded UNICEF campaigns to donating a significant portion of her book profits to various charities, she exemplifies the spirit of generosity and compassion. Her dedication to making a difference in the world is both inspiring and commendable.

For readers interested in delving deeper into Ochu's work or connecting with her directly, her website www.KristineOchu.com offers a wealth of resources. Whether it's joining a book club discussion, booking her for speaking engagements, or attending one of her workshops, there are endless opportunities to engage with Ochu's inspiring message.

In conclusion, "Campfire Confessions" is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt story of friendship, resilience, and empowerment. With its memorable characters, engaging plot, and underlying message of hope, it's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

Grab your copy of "Campfire Confessions" today and join Annie, Sondra, and Jo around the campfire for an unforgettable journey.

[Reading Our Shelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review at: https://readingourshelves.wordpress.c...

The story idea here is that three women reconnect on a canoeing trip. They were childhood friends, but two of them have moved away from the small Midwestern town where they grew up. All three are facing big life problems – depression, divorce, overwhelm, recovery from addiction, a sexless marriage, etc.

The first third of the book introduces us to the characters – Annie, Jo, and Sondra – and all the aforementioned issues (and then some). In 100 pages or so, we see multiple sex scenes (plus one with a vibrator), an overdose, and an attempt at blackmail. This all seemed a little too “soap opera-y” for my personal tastes, but I realized that it was just set-up.

The next section of the book has Jo and Sondra returning to their hometown to see Annie. They reconnect with family and old friends, and hatch a plot with Annie’s four sons.

Eventually, they get out onto the river, with two canoes, a tent, and some basic provisions. This part is where the action really picked up. But it also got to be a little too much at times. All three women end up hurt and/or sick before this excursion is out, and many of their encounters were dramatic.

There’s an interesting dichotomy here, in that the book kind of honors multiple spiritualities. For example, Annie is a preacher’s wife, and so the Christian perspective is represented. But Jo’s husband’s family – who live in the area, and interact with our characters a few times – are Indigenous. Especially out in nature, the women talk a lot of spirit animals and the like, so this perspective is also prevalent.

While I enjoyed that the book included multiple perspectives like this, all of them seemed a little too “in your face” at times. For example, when Annie falls and breaks her arm, she passes out and sees Jesus. They have a conversation, and she writes a song about it – while unconscious – that she remembers and sings after she wakes up. I’m not saying that it couldn’t happen, but it was a little over the top for my personal tastes.

This was a decent book – I didn’t love it, but didn’t dislike it, either. And it moved at a good pace, especially in the final two-thirds.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what best friends are for! As a little kid I remember thinking how floating around on a raft with a girlfriend was the best thing ever - little did I understand that when you're an adult, you can end up on a raft that is pretty shakey and you need your best friend back on there with you again!

Between Annie, her life playing out on a public stage for all in town to see; Jo, contemplating possible solutions for her marriage issues; and Sondra sharing some pretty juicy stories of her own, these best friends have LOTS to talk about after years of separation.

I love that this book isn't all "talk" - it was interesting that they're in the woods, on the river, and having experiences that they'll never forget while working out the kinds of Big Life answers that is much better to be able to do with confidence if your besties are with you.

This would be an interesting book club read. As another reviewer noted, she identified more with one character than another. It makes me wonder how the discussion in my book club will go and who different members will champion when we have our meeting.

Also....life is too short NOT to eat the s'more....it's the perfect sweet treat while you're reading!.

I have requested that the author do a "book club" visit (by zoom in this case) with our group as a treat.Campfire Confessions

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie is an over scheduled minister’s wife in a small town, raising four boys and responding to the needs of others before her own. Something’s got to give and it is Annie. A hidden reliance on pills leads to an accidental overdose. While her husband Dan struggles to cope, Sondra and Jo, her childhood best friends, rush to her side as support.

Sondra has a seemingly happy marriage to James, a wealthy older man who generously provides her with everything a woman could want…except intimacy. When handsome Adam flirts with her, she responds. She doesn’t know what happens next will threaten her marriage and her lifestyle.

Jo is an alcoholic and is separated from her husband. She wavers between wanting him back and wanted a divorce. She attends AA and worries that her past behavior may cause her to lose custody of her daughters.

These are the three friends who have always put other’s needs and desires above their own. These are the three friends who decide to go on a camping trip where they can confess their problems to each other. This camping trip comes close to being deadly and will make each woman aware of what she truly values.

While I enjoyed Camping Confessions, I found some scenes over the top and not believable. However, this family drama was well written and engaging. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Books Fluent and Kristine Ochu for this ARC.

[Melanie | addictedtobooks86 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ rounded to 4

Thank you to @booksforwardpr for my gifted copy!

This was a fantastic read centered around friendship, determination, and never giving up on what you believe it. We follow three woman who are all friends-Annie, Sondra, and Jo. All of these woman struggle with self doubt and thinking that they are not enough for their family and friends. The three friends decide to get together and go on an overnight camping trip like they did when they were younger. They learn to communicate, open up to one another, and realize that perfection does not exist. It is on this camping trip where each of them discover they have been hiding secrets from one another, their friendship is put to the test, and they must learn to believe in each other as well as themselves.

This book is fun, but it also is packed with an important message on believing in yourself and never giving up hope- even through all of the obstacles and difficult times that life may throw at you, as well as the importance of friendship and remaining true to yourself. I really enjoyed all three of the main characters, the writing, and the important message behind this book. I think that this would make for a great book club pic, and a great discussion!

Overall, I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a book with a bit more depth and importance to it.

[Brigitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣:
Campfire Confessions introduces three women who have been long-time friends. Each of them are in much different places in their lives (not geographically but personally) and when one of them hits a breaking point, they quickly reconnect and embark on a much-needed canoeing and camping trip.

It isn’t until they are all in the throes of this trip that they uncover the fact that they are all facing deeply upsetting, life-altering challenges.

𝙈𝙮 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚:
I enjoyed the overall premise of the story. Many of us can relate to facing struggles in life, whether big or small, and needing our best friends for guidance and a shoulder to cry on.

Since the women in the story are all so different, it was easier to relate to some more than others.

I found that some of the story read like a self help book, but in narrative format. I’m not necessarily saying that’s a good or a bad thing- it just depends on what you like in a book.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a day and really love it’s theme of the power of lasting female friendship. It also has a higher being element intertwined in the read which was wonderful.

This book deals with marital and family relationships in a forthright manner. It also has some humorous moments even through all the drama.

This book has three forever friends, Annie, Jo, and Sondra, who all live in different parts of the country and are each having their own life crises. Jo and Sondra go back to their hometown in Wisconsin where Annie still lives after she is hospitalized from a suspected prescription drug overdose.

To help Annie heal, the three friends go on a canoe trip, but this simple overnight trip becomes full of dangerous situations. The friends find that through the laughter, tears, and fears, they must face their own truths to find peace.

[Shangread-La · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three childhood friends reunite in their small hometown after one of them has a crisis that draws them back together. When Sondra and Jo take Annie on a surprise canoeing trip, the women share their secrets around the campfire in cathartic moments that bring down the walls they’re all hiding behind.

This novel is a quick and engaging read that illustrates the value of friendship and forgiving yourself when you don’t live up to your own and others’ expectations. There were moments of good fun and great emotion with these relatable and flawed characters. I found myself pulling for all of them to move on from their mistakes and get their lives back on track. Overall, it’s a great piece of contemporary fiction.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

strange mixture

The story of three childhood best friends reunited by the apparent suicide attempt of one of them was just kind of weird to me. It seemed like it was going to start out to be a “Christian” novel, which would have been an automatic turnoff for me, but then sex and language came into the story so it obviously wasn’t that. The three friends went off on a canoeing and camping trip, which of course turned into either a disaster or a comedy of errors, depending on how you look at it. And there was, of course, the predictable evening of confessions, as the title would indicate. It was an okay read, kind of like a TV movie in print, but I’m glad it was a freebie because I wouldn’t have spent good money on it.

[Katie | niftyreads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m all for a mystery book to have thrilling components to keep drawing you in, but to have every single main character have screwed up lives is redundant. After my third (maybe fourth go around?), I finally DNF the book. I did get about 70 some pages into the book, and I met all three of the leading women, but it felt like the author spun a wheel and was like, “let’s give you this fault and this typical storyline.” I had to push myself to read that far to meet the third woman, but I couldn't go any further by the time I got there and her Cracker Jack barrel storyline. I think it had a good premise but abysmal execution. 

Thanks to Books Forward for the gifted book.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story of three women who have been friends since their school days in a small town. Each of their lives has taken a different path. Annie is married to a minister with four sons and resides in the same town she grew up in. Jo is married with two daughters and has had substance abuse issues and is the midst of a divorce. Sondra is married to an older Los Angeles millionaire and has no children. They reunite when an event brings them together for a camping trip and their lives unfold. It was entertaining and a quick read.

[DonnaLee Overly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campfire Confessions shows the strong bond between women’s friendships in a story about three women, each facing a different challenge. They come together and share a canoe trip reminding them of the days of their youth. Ochu writes with humor laced throughout to lighten the intensity of the problems the women face. Readers can relate to the sharing, nonjudgmental attitude the women display as the support each other around the campfire.
Campfire Confessions is a quick, entertaining read that will warm your heart and encourage you to connect to your BFFs.

[Liz Sergent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book, all thoughts are my own. This book follows three childhood friends who come together when one of them has a crisis and needs help. The three head out on a camping trip - hence the title Campfire Coffessions. This book was great, told from all three prespetives of discovery and healing this was a great read. - totally recommend.

[Melissa Frisvold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read beach book. Set in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, it reminds me of a simpler time. What sets this apart from other books is Ochu’s use of symbolism, Native American culture and the importance of letting go of the past. A very moving part of the book has Jo going to her father’s grave and forgiving him for leaving their family too soon. Ultimately this is a book about friendship and the bonds that hold. Loved this book.

[Gail Herrmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friends with challenges trying to help each other. Friends facing danger on a camping trip together. Unfortunately, the friends are not the most likeable, nor are the challenges/dangers they face on their camping trip the most believable. I did enjoy reading their story though. Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity.

[Andrea Trank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book in one weekend because I was so involved with the characters. Then I realized I needed to read it again because the book was full of simple, yet profound tools for self love, forgiveness and healing. If you are looking for a book that is both fun and inspirational, you have found it right here.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t regularly read woman’s fiction but this was a quick, fun read. The characters have various spiritual beliefs and calming techniques. Great exposure to different attitudes while enjoying a story about the importance of friendship and honoring your true self.

[Kym Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I loved this book. So real and those friendships took me right back to my childhood friends. I grew up on a lake in Maine so I could relate to so much- especially the poison ivy. I felt like I was on this journey with them. I didn't want it to end.

[Tracey Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campfire Confessions is a delightful book for anyone ho has had or has a best friend. Kristine writes in such a way that we can all find ourselves in little pieces of each character. It is a compelling and fun read. I was captivated from the start and want to plan a girls trip with my besties.

[Jessica F · Rating 2 out of 5]

actual rating 2.5

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes you yearn to reconnect with old friends!

[Brian Skillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read!