Friends with Secrets

A Novel

De: Christine Gunderson

Narrado por: Sarah Naughton, Andi Arndt

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?

©2024 by Christine Gunderson. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“With a particularly impressive blending of humor and suspense…effectively [showcasing] author Christine Gunderson’s natural and distinctive storytelling style that has created an original and fun read from cover to cover.” —Midwest Book 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

Was easy to listen to

This was a fun book, had humor, mystery and friendships. It kept my interest the whole time which is hard

interesting, relatively clean, and a unique storyline

I appreciated the engaging story without all of the foul language and graphic sceens that can be so common in these kind of novels.

Surprisingly Good!

This book had more going for it than I initially expected it would. It was a good story, well paced, with well developed characters. There were several parts there that were so almost slapstick funny, and this raised my opinion even higher!!

I can easily see a sequel to this initial book, even a series with these two women working as a team, as they worked so well together in this first book, with great chemistry between them!!
A good choice!! 👍🏼 ☺️

Intriguing plus likable characters!

This was an interesting multilayered story but ultimately it’s about the unlikely friendship that slowly develops between two different but fierce women. I liked how after meeting Ainsley and Nicky slowly allowed their defenses to drop and realize they wanted and needed to trust each other. A bit heavy content but also good humor. Ben & Josh are perfect spouses for these women. Anytime an author can incorporate small children humor it’s a win for the story.

Narration was really good. Each provided a unique voice and nuances to really convey their character’s story.

Loved the different points of view

Love the different people and forever friends. I can so relate to the disorganized mother, where things are all from the hip

Excellent story!

Really enjoyed the characters and the story. Kept me engaged right to the end! Truly a gem on audible

I liked the alternating characters focused on in alternating chapters.

fast paced.Suspense throughout. I recommend this for all mystery lovers. I couldn't wait to listen to more of it on my daily walks.

This was such a good book!

Ainsley and Nikki are different but have so much in common and were a hoot. I was upset at Ainsley for not telling her husband from the beginning about her past. Had that happened, though, there wouldn't have been much of a book. Also, I enjoyed how their friendship came together. They were exactly what each other needed.

Friends vs true friends this book is about that

Must get to read or listen to. I prefer to have the person read to me. Like when I read to my son when he was younger.

Characters

I’m only halfway through this book and I probably listen to five audiobooks a month. I never leave reviews. I don’t even care how this book ends, I am in love with Nikki and Ainsley and the narrators. Definitely two of the best characters and dialogue I’ve listened to in a really long time. I wish I had friends like them!