Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsA Memorable and Thought-Provoking Novel
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2024
Christine Gunderson, the Author of “Friends With Secrets” has written a delightful, intriguing, and captivating novel. I loved everything about this well-written and entertaining book. This book crosses through many genres: Friendship, Family, Political Fiction, Motherhood, Careers, Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary Fiction, Chick-Lit, and Drama. There is also the essence of humor and wit. Many of us can imagine how we have balanced motherhood, marriage, children, friendship and career, and still managed to get things done or not. Some of us have aspirations, goals and dreams, and wonder if the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. In the thought-provoking novel, Christine Gunderson takes us on a fictional journey where she vividly describes the settings and the colorful and vivid characters that we can relate to. Let’s not forget if we add “SECRETS” as an ingredient to this mixture. In this book, the author discusses the differences in being wealthy or poor, and how people are quick to judge others.
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.