Between Friends
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Berkley Trade Paperback
Publication Date: April 6, 2010
ISBN: 9780425233474
322 pages
My Rating: 5 stars!
Synopsis:Thanks to modern reproductive technology-and the gift of her friend Cora’s eggs-Ali Gutierrez is the mother of a fourteen-year-old daughter. Now, yearning for a second child, Ali asks Cora’s permission to use another of the frozen embryos that have been stored away in anticipation of this decision. But Cora has a secret that could not only change Ali’s plans for the future, but tear apart her life right now.
This is a wonderful story about the bond of friendship between two women, Ali and Cora. When Ali is unable to have children, Cora steps in and donates her eggs so Ali and her husband, Benny, can realize their dream of having a child. The result? They have a healthy little girl who they name Letitia Makani (nicknamed Letty). Fifteen years later is when this story begins. Ali has decided she wants to have another child, using the rest of the eggs that Cora donated to her But, unbeknownst to her, Cora is headed home to Naples, FL, and she has a secret that will change the course of Ali’s life, as well as the lives of Benny and Letty.
This is an incredibly well-written, emotional story that completely engrossed me from beginning to end. Told in alternating viewpoints, Ali, Cora, and Letty give us a different perspective on the situations that happen in the story. I love books that are told in this fashion. When they are written well, it adds another layer to the story, without confusing the reader. Kristy Kiernan masterfully weaves these voices together into one cohesive unit. It was very well done. I really loved the way this book was written. I feel that if the story was told from only one perspective then I would have lost something – that special spark that made the story so amazing and heartfelt.
To say that I was shocked at some of the events that happened is a huge understatement! I didn’t see some of those things coming – at all! I’d suggest that you keep a box of tissues nearby because you will be crying your eyes out, just like I did! This book is so engaging and deals with very sensitive issues. Due to my personal experiences with infertility, I could relate to Ali, one of the main characters. She was meant to be a mother and her best friend, Cora, allowed her to live her dream. The relationship between these two women is amazing and beautiful. They are as close as sisters and always there for one another, no matter what. I loved both of these characters. I loved everything about this story and am anxiously awaiting more books by this wonderful author!
This book is out TODAY, so order your copy now
Thank you to Kathryn from Penguin Group for sending me a copy of this book for review. Although I received this book for free, it did not influence my review of the book.
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for making me aware of this one Jen.
Great review. I should check this out. I've dealt with this subject too
Great review. I should check this out. I've dealt with this subject too
I saw this one recently but didn't know what it was about, i'm completely sold due to your fantastic review.I forget sometimes our similarities, I love that style of writing also, can't wait to read this one.BTW – I can't believe you can read these after dealing with fertility issues yourself. You may enjoy Happiness Sold Separately.
Wow! This sounds fantastic! I need to add it to my list!
Marce, I definitely think you would like this one! Stay tuned because there will be a HUGE giveaway very soon!!
Marce, I definitely think you would like this one! Stay tuned because there will be a HUGE giveaway very soon!!
thanks for the tip – it sounds like a good read!
Nice review. I enjoy reading books based on female friendships. When an author can write a story in alternating viewpoints and it flows nicely from chapter to chapter, to me this shows how talented the author is. This is one I'll have to add to my list.
I put up my review of this book just a little while ago. I loved this book. It was my first by Kristy Kiernan, but it won't be my last. So many surprises and such an emotional ride. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Great review! I couldn't agree more…a great book!! As are her others! Hope you don't mind, but I posted a link to your review on Kristy's Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/kristykiernanauthor).
This sounds fantastic! I also love books that are told from multiple points of view.