by Susan Mallery
About this book
Single mom Ellen Fox couldn’t be more content – until she overhears her son saying he can’t go to his dream college because she needs him too much. If she wants him to live his best life, she has to convince him she’s living hers.
So Unity Leandre, her best friend since forever, creates a list of challenges to push Ellen out of her comfort zone. Unity will complete the list too, but not because she needs to change. What’s wrong with a thirtysomething widow still sleeping in her late husband’s childhood bed?
The Friendship List begins as a way to make others believe they’re just fine. But somewhere between “wear three-inch heels” and “have sex with a gorgeous guy,” Ellen and Unity discover that life is meant to be lived with joy and abandon, in a story filled with humour, heartache and regrettable tattoos.
Book review
Once again, a story from one of my favourite authors! I should know by now that I can pick up any book by Susan Mallery and not expect to put it down until I have finished the story.
I enjoyed all the characters, which are realistic and well-developed. The pace of the story is great, alternating between Ellen’s and Unity’s experiences. The writing and dialogue is filled with wit and humour.
The heartwarming story follows Ellen’s and Unity’s struggles with letting go of their past and moving forward, finding their respective romances and the courage to grab hold of it. The friendship between Ellen and Unity is admirable, both being super supportive of each other even though they may not agree with the other’s choices in life. It was fun reading about how they experience new things (with a bit of a competitive streak as they complete items from their lists). There was also a side theme around parenthood and the challenges with dealing with teenagers.
It’s a great story that I can see myself returning to over time.
Rin Ranger 