Have you ever had a health scare that has given you a different perspective on your life? In Friends Like Us by Sarah Mackenzie, Bree Rhodes does just that. This book is the second in the author’s Cranberry Cove series, but can easily be read as a standalone. If you’re looking for a story about friendships, romance and stepping outside your comfort zone, this book is for you.
Plot Summary
After Bree receives the news that her breast biopsy results are clear, she announces to her best friend Jill Kelly that she is taking this as a sign that she needs to broaden her life. To seal the deal, the two go out that evening to celebrate Bree’s good health. Not shying away from her new found zest for life, Bree not only goes on stage to sing during an open mic night, but also goes home with a handsome stranger.
Jill is happy for Bree’s new found courage but doesn’t feel any of that strength in herself. Having lost her husband three years ago, Jill feels stuck in a past full of memories with her one true love. In fact, she hasn’t been able to share a secret about her past with anyone – including her best friend. When she learns that her dream cottage in town is up for sale, she hesitates to make an offer: she had always pictured herself in the cottage with her husband and children. Conflicted with the decision on whether or not to buy, her secret is disclosed enabling Jill to look at her life a little differently.
Book Review
The theme of this story is about having courage to move forward to give yourself the life you truly desire. So many of us get stuck in the familiar and stay within our comfort zone. As these two women begin to make changes, they develop more self-confidence and find romance. I also enjoyed the storyline about a mother and daughter relationship which I found to be very moving. The characters are all well developed and likeable. Friends Like Us had a natural flow which I found relaxing. While the story may be a little predictable for some readers, the message behind the book was what really stood out for me.
What I Liked About Friends Like Us:
- The message of having to be courageous to move forward in life
- The supportive friendship between Bree and Jill
- The natural flow to the story
I Recommend This Book To:
Readers that enjoy stories of overcoming challenges and/or romance.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Forever for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.
Add Friends Like Us by Sarah Mackenzie to your Goodreads Shelf
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
Season of Joy by Annie Rains
The Nantucket Inn by Pamela Kelley
A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber
Thanks for supporting my blog by reading and commenting! I hope you have a great day!
Charley
This sounds like such a heart warming book – thanks for sharing such a great review!
thathappyreader
Thanks Charley!
Graham Crosby
Sounds good. I had a scare a couple of years ago that changed a lot about the way I live, so this could be an interesting book for me.
thathappyreader
Thanks Graham. I hope you’re well now. ?
lifestyleseason
Great review! Thank you for sharing this! This sounds like a really interesting and different book! I'll check it out!
thathappyreader
Thanks for your comment!
ACupofWonderland
I've not heard of this book before but I love the sound of it. I recently did a workshop on pursuing your true desires in life and this book definitely seems a good pick to follow up with. Thank you for sharing your review.
thathappyreader
That sounds wonderful! I hope that you enjoy this book!
Sam
This is great. I love a story about taking what life throws at you, pushing ahead, and going after the life you want anyway!
thathappyreader
Thanks Sam!
Fransic Verso
Seem interesting book. Great review as well. Also inspiring to help people get a perspective of how moving forward toward the life you desire. Thank you for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thank you Fransic!
Hayley
This sounds like a really sweet book! I love that two main characters both get to overcome obstacles and find new paths to happiness. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
thathappyreader
Thanks Hayley!
Under Flowery Sky
Sounds like a lovely story, love the idea of chasing the dreams between
the past and now. Thanks for recommending..
thathappyreader
Thank you for your comment!
Sara
I liked the stories where message is strong, and like you, don't mind the predictability as much. Sounds like a nice read:)
Thanks for another wonderful review!
thathappyreader
Thanks Sara!
Lynn Mejia
Sounds like an incredibly sweet book! Great review you've written, Jodie x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
thathappyreader
Thanks Lynn!
Della Driscoll
I love the sound of this – a very wholesome read, I'll need to check it out xx
thathappyreader
Thanks Della!
Charity
That sounds like such a wonderful book. Thanks so much for sharing it!
thathappyreader
Thanks Charity!
Nancy
Health scares really changes lives. For me, it really does because it is a constant reminder and pressure to live my life, and enjoy every moment. This is an important lesson on whether we want to share some of the things that affected us. We don't always understand others until we see the whole picture as well. Glad you enjoyed the read!
Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com
thathappyreader
Thanks Nancy!
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