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Friends with Secrets: A Novel Kindle Edition
In a funny and suspenseful debut, Christine Gunderson explores the myth of the perfect mother, the bonds of female friendship, and the haunting impact of secrets.
What you see isn’t always what you get.
Take Ainsley. The gorgeous mother of two lives a picture-perfect life with her husband, Ben—aspiring politician and heir to a candy fortune—in suburban Washington, DC. But in reality, Ainsley has no idea what she’s doing and is terrified someone will figure out who she really is and where she came from.
Nikki’s fighting to keep afloat as a stay-at-home mother of four, subsisting on chicken nuggets and very little sleep. She’s a mess on the outside, and inside yearns for the validation—and the paycheck—of the television news career she left behind.
When a dangerous figure from Ainsley’s past becomes a coach at her kids’ school, she fears the worst and confides in Nikki, spilling every detail of her former life.
Together, they devise a plan to expose the coach and safeguard their kids. But can they protect their own lives—and their new friendship—in the process?
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherLake Union Publishing
- Publication dateAugust 1, 2024
- File size2164 KB
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From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Funny and poignant, Friends with Secrets is a feel-good book about balancing motherhood, friendship, and career.” —Liz Talley, USA Today bestselling author of Deconstructed
“Friends with Secrets is a sparkling debut novel about an unlikely friendship between two mothers who are just trying to make it through the day. A thoroughly enjoyable read full of voice and humor and a suspenseful storyline that makes it impossible to put down. Be prepared for a book hangover. Totally worth it.” —Sharon M. Peterson, author of The Do-Over
“Christine’s genius lies in the minutiae of the mundane, rendered through her hilarious lens. From Exersaucer toys to chipped mugs, you will feel seen.” —Camilla Monk, author of Spotless
From the Publisher
Nikki put her career as a popular news anchor on hold to raise her four children—and regrets every minute of it. Disheveled, disorganized, and sleep-deprived, she’s the absolute opposite of Ainsley, the perfect wife of an up-and-coming politician whose children go to the same school as hers. But when they’re thrown together, the two discover they have more in common than either could have believed—particularly when they have to unite against the newly hired coach who has a connection to Ainsley’s past.
Unlike Nikki and Ainsley, I’m not a mother of four or a politician’s wife, but I found myself relating nonetheless—I mean, who hasn’t had at least one tearful breakdown in a grocery store? The author certainly has been there, and she’ll be the first to admit she pulled from her real-life experiences as a mother and former reporter to create this funny and poignant story about friendship and being comfortable in your own skin. I hope that the next time you’re in the grocery store, you’ll remember Nikki and Ainsley, and laugh instead.
—Chantelle Aimée Osman, Editor
About the Author
Christine Gunderson grew up on a fourth-generation family farm in rural North Dakota where she read Laura Ingalls Wilder books in her very own little house on the prairie. She’s a former television anchor and reporter and former Capitol Hill aide. She currently lives in the Washington, DC, suburbs with her three children, Star the Wonder Dog, and a very patient husband. When not writing, she’s sailing the Chesapeake Bay with her family, playing Star Wars Monopoly, rereading Jane Austen novels in the school pickup line, or unloading the dishwasher.
Christine loves to hear thoughts and ideas from readers or, best of all, delightful emails telling her she succeeded in making you laugh out loud while reading this book.
You can contact her at www.christinegunderson.com.
Product details
- ASIN : B0CPKDTJ2Y
- Publisher : Lake Union Publishing (August 1, 2024)
- Publication date : August 1, 2024
- Language : English
- File size : 2164 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 392 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #672 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Christine Gunderson grew up on a fourth-generation family farm in rural North Dakota where she read Laura Ingalls Wilder books in her very own little house on the prairie. She’s a former television anchor and reporter and former Capitol Hill aide. She currently lives in the Washington, DC, suburbs with her three children, Star the Wonder Dog, and a very patient husband. When not writing, she’s sailing the Chesapeake Bay with her family, playing Star Wars Monopoly, rereading Jane Austen novels in the school pickup line, or unloading the dishwasher.
Christine loves to hear thoughts and ideas from readers or, best of all, delightful emails telling her she succeeded in making you laugh out loud while reading this book.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book delightful, interesting, and entertaining. They also describe the story as suspenseful, clearly thought-out, and well-written. Readers appreciate the well-developed, colorful, and vivid characters. They find the humor funny and witty. They mention the book is a quick read and an easy enjoyable read. Readers love the development of friendships.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book delightful, interesting, and entertaining. They say it's a good read for busy moms and keeps them hooked.
"...Parenting, secrets, spouses and a great plot made this book one fantastic read. This book is a combination of chic lit meets mystery...." Read more
"...I loved everything about this well-written and entertaining book...." Read more
"...It was relatable, enjoyable, suspenseful, also uplifting and hopeful. Everything a good read should be! I hope to read more like this from this author" Read more
""Friends with Secrets" is the most enjoyable novel that I have read in I don't know how long...." Read more
Customers find the story suspenseful, interesting, and clearly thought-out. They appreciate the twist at the end and the investigative puzzle. Readers mention the book has drama, adventure, forgiveness, and second chances.
"...This book is a combination of chic lit meets mystery. It's not all light-hearted, but still remained humorous...." Read more
"...But it’s also relatable, mysterious, and quite twisty and surprising - but my favorite part, was that I loved how it was really funny and made me..." Read more
"...This book crosses through many genres: Friendship, Family, Political Fiction, Motherhood, Careers, Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary Fiction, Chick-Lit..." Read more
"...It was relatable, enjoyable, suspenseful, also uplifting and hopeful. Everything a good read should be! I hope to read more like this from this author" Read more
Customers find the story well-written, captivating, and relatable. They also appreciate the believable characters and settings.
"...I really felt Nikki and Ainsley were so relatable. The characters sometimes surprised me with their decisions, but that just kept it entertaining!..." Read more
"...But it’s also relatable, mysterious, and quite twisty and surprising - but my favorite part, was that I loved how it was really funny and made me..." Read more
"...“Friends With Secrets” has written a delightful, intriguing, and captivating novel. I loved everything about this well-written and entertaining book...." Read more
"...It was relatable, enjoyable, suspenseful, also uplifting and hopeful. Everything a good read should be! I hope to read more like this from this author" Read more
Customers find the characters believable, engaging, and relatable. They also appreciate the vivid settings and strong female characters that support each other.
"...The author developed the characters well and the pacing was steady...." Read more
"...journey where she vividly describes the settings and the colorful and vivid characters that we can relate to...." Read more
"...I was delighted with the character development, enthralled with the mystery/thriller, and adored the witty banter between the friends...." Read more
"...Character development was really great. The subject matter was timely and it was wonderful to see the good guys triumph over evil...." Read more
Customers find the book funny throughout, witty, and entertaining. They say it makes them laugh and smile. Readers also mention the book is well-written.
"...This book is a combination of chic lit meets mystery. It's not all light-hearted, but still remained humorous...." Read more
"...This a really fun debut that - of course as the title implies - delves into friendship and all the secrets one could want in a story...." Read more
"...I loved everything about this well-written and entertaining book...." Read more
"...development, enthralled with the mystery/thriller, and adored the witty banter between the friends...." Read more
Customers find the pacing of the book quick, easy, and enjoyable. They say the story unfolds at a good pace and the characters are believable. Readers also mention the story tackles a timely subject.
"...The author developed the characters well and the pacing was steady...." Read more
"...Character development was really great. The subject matter was timely and it was wonderful to see the good guys triumph over evil...." Read more
"FRIENDS WITH SECRETS by Christine Gunderson is a timely and entertaining book about parenting, female friendship and the effects of secrets being..." Read more
"If only……this was an easy read with likable characters...." Read more
Customers find the book a story of trust and friendship. They say it's an easy read about unexpected friendships and the power of trust. Readers also mention the plot is as enjoyable as their friendship.
"...This is a powerful story of friendship, family, motherhood, careers, and finding oneself...." Read more
"...The novel is part mystery, part wonderful friendship story, part exploration of the challenges of motherhood, particularly when families suffer..." Read more
"...This book has everything, adventure, forgiveness, second chances, loyalty, friendship, and catching the bad guys. Hope there’s a sequel." Read more
"...The friendship is carefully crafted and feels both real and reassuring...." Read more
Customers find the book relatable, building up moms instead of tearing them down. They appreciate the creative writing and words of wisdom for moms who feel like they're not good enough. Readers say the story stays grounded with daily family issues and sheds light on several women's issues.
"...I also loved the sex worker point of view - truly. If you go to a strip club, hire an escort, etc.,..." Read more
"Friends with Secrets (Christine Gunderson) is a contemporary exploration of motherhood, friendship, and secrets...." Read more
"...I also have to highlight their loving, understanding, and supportive husbands!..." Read more
"...perfect way, the plot was so clearly thought out and understanding of motherhood and womanhood as a whole and had me on the edge of my seat for..." Read more
Reviews with images
A fun debut!
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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The best thing I loved about this book is the friendship and strength of these two women. The power of women coming together is a beautiful thing. It most certainly does take a village!
Friends with Secrets is the story of two mothers - who on the outside - don’t look like they should be friends - but on the inside - they’re both just trying to survive motherhood and keep their littles alive. What ultimately connects them is an addictive series of events as they join forces to take down a slimy man from one’s past, who may be a threat to all of their children.
This a really fun debut that - of course as the title implies - delves into friendship and all the secrets one could want in a story. But it’s also relatable, mysterious, and quite twisty and surprising - but my favorite part, was that I loved how it was really funny and made me laugh out loud multiple times!
I really enjoyed reading this one and I loved the theme how you never know what’s going on in another person’s life until you actually ask them … you may end up sharing secrets and perhaps even taking down a skeevy and shady, unsavory dude together!
Friends with Secrets is the story of two mothers - who on the outside - don’t look like they should be friends - but on the inside - they’re both just trying to survive motherhood and keep their littles alive. What ultimately connects them is an addictive series of events as they join forces to take down a slimy man from one’s past, who may be a threat to all of their children.
This a really fun debut that - of course as the title implies - delves into friendship and all the secrets one could want in a story. But it’s also relatable, mysterious, and quite twisty and surprising - but my favorite part, was that I loved how it was really funny and made me laugh out loud multiple times!
I really enjoyed reading this one and I loved the theme how you never know what’s going on in another person’s life until you actually ask them … you may end up sharing secrets and perhaps even taking down a skeevy and shady, unsavory dude together!
Perhaps the last two people that one would expect to be friends is Ainsley, a wealthy wife and mother with a supportive political husband. Ainsley seems to be so organized and polished. On the other hand, Nikki, a fired TV Journalist is now a stay at home Mom with four children and a supportive husband. Nikki is lucky to find a pin to keep her pants attached, when she hasn’t sewn the button on. Nikki is extremely disorganized and overwhelmed with her lot in life. Both women meet, and just click, and have some amazing adventures together. There are past secrets, unscrupulous characters, blackmail, murder, and danger, as the two women try to solve the puzzles from the past and present. This is a powerful story of friendship, family, motherhood, careers, and finding oneself. The author discusses the importance of honesty, communication, justice, love, and hope. I would recommend this memorable story.
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in Canada on September 19, 2024