Book Review - When We Were Friends by Samantha Tonge

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Title: When We Were Friends

Author: Samantha Tonge

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 4th October 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Four friends, one big secret... and the journey of a lifetime.

It’s nineteen years since they stopped speaking to each other, but now Morgan needs to contact her three best friends from school: Paige, Emily and Tiff.

Her teenage son wants to meet his dad and Morgan can’t ignore his requests any longer. And Paige, Emily and Tiff all knew what actually happened back then. Even if that was what led to their friendship group falling apart, they’re the only people Morgan can think of who might be able help her find the man who disappeared without a trace before she could tell him she was pregnant.

Can Morgan persuade her old friends to go on a road trip to track him down? As adults – with marriages, children and a whole bucket-load of their own problems – will they be able to work together to solve the mystery? And if so – just when forgiveness for the past looks like it might be possible – how will they cope with the biggest shock of all?

A story about love, families and how the people who know you best are the ones you will always need in your life. Totally heartbreaking, brilliant, uplifting fiction for fans of Jill Mansell, Paige Toon and Sheila O’Flanagan.

Wow I couldn't get enough of this, from the incredibly intriguing opening chapter, to the fact that there seemed to be some many secrets to be revealed - including some that truly shocked me, this is one rather impressive book. 

I absolutely loved it.  

Morgan, Paige, Emily and Tiff were so close when they were at school, until Prom night when their friendship was ripped apart and they haven't spoken in years. But Morgan needs help tracking down her son Olly's father, and she knows the only people she trusts to help her are The Secret Gift Society. 

AFter all they have a track record of solving mysteries, even if they haven't spoken.  But whether they will agree to help, and whether they will reconnect and become close again, is hard to tell initially. 

It took me a while to get the other three ladies separate in my mind, partially because while Morgan had her own chapters, initially at least the other 3 were given chapters between them, changing focus part way through the chapter, so was easy to get a bit lost briefly. 

And wow besides what happened to split them up, there is so much more to be delved into.  I was enchanted, gripped and addicted.  There is so much going on, in this book and the whole time you are aware that there are almost certainly more revelations due, but I couldn't guess anything. 

And some of the background was shocking too, but also made you understand some of the characters that bit better. 

Another absolute gem of a book from Samantha Tonge, and long may it continue. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.