Please note that this book is not for me - I have read the book, However I had to DNF and because i do not like to give negative reviews I will not review this book fully - there is no specific reason for not liking this book. I found it a struggle to read and did not enjoy trying to force myself to read this book.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you for the opportunity to read this book

I love Tasmina Perry's books. I've read them all and always look out for them. I thought this book was ok, not one of her best. I enjoyed the storyline but there were a lot of characters to try and keep up with and I didn't expect the twist at the end, that gripped me into finishing the book.
Thank you for accepting my request for an honest review and I'd definitely look out for Tasmina's next book, she's such a good author.

This is a good solid modern fictional story. It held my interest to the end and is worth reading. I enjoyed it.

Gripped right from the start!

This is my first novel by Tasmina Perry, and I was gripped right from the start, which is always a good sign! It takes the reader into the cutthroat world of magazines, fashion and privilege.

The characters are all involved in each other’s lives, taking the reader back to their days within the upper echelons of Oxford University. It is also interesting that one or two characters from more humble backgrounds are included in this very exclusive society.

The plot successfully alternates from their student days into the present day and the seemingly perfect lives that most of them are leading. There are mixed fortunes within their close group, most of whom are successful in their careers. However, there is also bitterness, jealousy and arrogance.

Amy makes the decision to help an old school friend Karen, (who in comparison has led a rather insular existence) by letting her daughter Josie have work experience in the glamorous world of magazines. Of course, this proves to be the catalyst into a real can of worms!!!

I enjoyed the twists and turns, plus the high-octane drama throughout.
I'll certainly look out for more by this author, so thank you, Tasmina Perry.

Galadriel.

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.

When Amy invites the daughter of an old friend of hers to do work experience at her magazine, little did she know her world was going to be turned upside down.

Josie's arrival is the catalyst for a whole heap of disasters, and just shows you should never let a young girl who has stated she wants to be you, into your house!

Although that is simplifying it a bit, and there is far more too the book than just that,

I liked how Amy's university times were interspersed into the present day, strengthening the readers bonds with all the characters by showing some of their shared history.

From around the midway point, once I knew the characters, I found the plot picked up pace and it was at point I found myself really loving the book.

I didn't see most of what was going to happen coming, so was pleased to be surprised greatly by the end.

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

After reading Tasmina Perry’s “ Pool House” I was very excited to receive a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Amy helps Josie who is the Daughter of Karen one of her old University friends.As Amy is a magazine editor she offers Josie work experience and lets her stay in their house, after their nanny is injured they invite Josie along to their friends villa in Provence in place of the nanny.

The problems soon start and Amy begins to suspect that Josie has an ulterior motive for wanting to be with them, but when her husband does not believe her, she realises she will have to dig the dirt on Josie before she loses everything!!

Loved the glamour and reading about the magazine world, a cut throat industry. A delightful escape from real life that keeps you gripped from start to finish.

A book that will keep you guessing right till the end.

Amy seems to have it all - editor of a magazine, handsome, wealthy husband and a lovely little girl. Travels around the world and is entitled to feel a bit smug! Then one day the daughter of an old university friend turns up. It took me a long time to get into this book, mainly because of all the work stuff which I didn’t find very entertaining. It was also obvious what was going on and why, so no big surprises there. There’s a lesson to be learnt here, don’t jump to conclusions and be wary of letting a stranger into your home!

Magazine editor Amy has a wonderful life - a glamorous job, wonderful friends, an amazing husband and fantastic children. When Amy's old school friend Karen gets in touch to ask if Amy could arrange for Karen's daughter Josie to gain some work experience at the magazine Amy happily agrees - which turns out to be a terrible decision.
Before long Josie has moved into Amy's home and, following a violent incident involving Amy's nanny, accompanying the family on holiday to France to help with the children.
It is not long before things start to go wrong leading Amy to wonder if Josie is all that she appears to be.
I really enjoyed this book and although this genre is everywhere just now there was something a bit different and extra "chilling" and suspenseful about this one.
A solid 4 stars from me and many thanks to Netgalley and Headline for the ARC.

A change of direction for Tasmina Perry, a darker and more chilling tale of revenge and greed. An enjoyable, untaxing read which kept me turning the pages. A rather good insight into the cut throat world of magazine publishing too. Would make an excellent beach/holiday read.

I have read all of Tasmina’s books and really enjoyed them. So I was really pleased when I was sent a copy from the publishers to review, and I wasn’t disappointed. This is such a fab book. It starts off really slowly and works its way up to a brilliant ending. It has plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested.
I give this brilliant page-turner a well - earned 10/10.
Looking forward to the next one !!

This book was one of those books that had me up into the early hours, I literally couldn’t put it down, such a great storyline.
I liked the narrative, flipping between past and present of the glamorous media lifestyle and fascinating Oxford university life. It was a great way of pulling the characters together.

The characters were very credible and it was such a joy to read as it was such an exciting storyline, with a twist you just don’t see coming.
Fabulous read from beginning to end and I can’t wait to read more by this author.

If you like modern day thriller/ mystery books then be sure to purchase this one.

Having been a fan of Sunday Times bestselling author Tasmina Perry's debut thriller, 'The Pool House', I thought this sounded right up my street. I had no idea Perry had written many books that could be described as romantic suspense or chick lit, this doesn't surprise me as I don't really read or enjoy either of those genres. This new direction is certainly working well as she seems to be a natural at producing compelling yarns that grip the reader from the first couple of pages, that's what happened here for me anyway. 'Friend of the Family' is a cross between domestic noir, chick lit and thriller and is targeted more towards women.

I'm getting quite weary with some of the domestic noir titles that are around at the moment, but this, at least, has an addictive quality to it. Many of them derive their storylines from well worn tropes of the genre, and this one is no different. That being said, there are many other ways a book can gain your respect. Here, the sound writing and the unpredictable nature of the plot are to be admired. Wonderfully crafted, a slow building tension and characters who are both likeable and three-dimensional, I thoroughly enjoyed this easy read. If you're looking for a little escapism on a wet and windy September day, then look no further, you'll be whisked away to the beautiful Côte d'Azur in southeastern France for a cocktail by the beach. What could be better?

Many thanks to Headline Review for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I fear that after this book, people aren’t going to want to have people stay over for a while or are they going to want to offer work experience to s friend’s daughter....Jeepers talk about hitting on the everyday and turning it into a nightmare! That’s why the novel will hit on so many levels as it could happen to anyone.
It makes me wonder what does go on behind the scenes in the London Magazine scene as well! Tasmina writes from experience apparently - and now I know there are many Miranda Priestly’s and people obsessed with what blue suits the palest skin etc. It’s a step up from the characters lives back at home however and jealousy strikes when one comes to visit.

It’s a mad world out there in those magazines! I was more scared of that than I was with Juliet for a while. But blimey that girl can cause chaos. Sneaky and devious is not the word. Mother not much better. Amy had made a life for herself but some people are just too jealous to let her be happy.

I do feel I’ve read this story before but it was a nice escapist read. I went to the hairdressers later the same day and picked up a copy of a glossy. Boy did I look at that differently!

Friend of the Family is a well-crafted story that had me gripped right till the very end. The tension builds slowly, but is skilfully written and I couldn't stop turning the pages. The characters are so real and some scenes stay in the mind as if from a film such is the power of the carefully crafted and compelling writing.

Tasmina Perry is a fantastic story teller, it's so well written that you find yourself totally involved unable to believe the twists and turns that someone will go to to get what they want, Brilliant!

Friend of the family makes for an easy and enjoyable read. You know that someone is set to play with Amy’s mind but who. Who wants to destroy her very successful career and happy home.

Although the book is set over two timelines it’s incredibly well written. Moving between the two seamlessly. And adding mystery to the story.

It’s a page turner and one I enjoyed and recommend.

This is a tale of the relationships and rivalries of the beautiful people involved in the worlds of publishing and fashion. Whilst reading, it is fascinating to have a window into this high powered and glamorous world. However, it is ultimately quite a moral story in that the superficial goals that can seem so important are exposed for their
shallowness in the face of simple qualities of love, loyalty and family. An absorbing read.

I’ve been a fan of Tasmina Perry for as long as I can remember. I loved the bonkbusters and I loved the new directions she’s taken in her career. This book doesn’t disappoint. It has all the Tasmina Perry hallmarks of style and language with a great twisty turny hook. There’s a point when you wonder if the heroine is losing it but it all builds to a great ending. Great book.

Friends are the family we choose...or are they?

Amy is a successful editor of a women’s fashion magazine feeling exhausted from her workaholic life. She has a devoted husband and young daughter who she wishes she could spend more time with. As a favour to an old friend she offers her daughter, Josie, a week of work experience. When Amy’s nanny is injured, Josie steps in to the role.

Things begin to unravel for Amy, as she suspects her husband is unfaithful with Josie who then gets a job at the magazine’s publisher. Then Amy’s career takes a huge hit.

Who has she let into her home? Can she prove that Josie is sabotaging her life?

I am a fan of Tasmina Perry, having read most of her books over the years and enjoying the most recent (The Pool House) which was more a thriller than the usual chic lit. Unfortunately, this instalment didn’t live up to previous books for me. I felt the writing was clunky in places, and I didn’t like most of the characters; I couldn’t warm to them- even Amy wonders why she is friends with some of them! The characters rely on the old boys club to become rich and open doors for them in their careers, while looking down on anyone who doesn’t come from money- snobs.

However, as with other books by this author, it was a nice easy read, that did keep me interested. A good, none too heavy, beach read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange for a review.

I love this kind of psychological, character driven read. I devoured it in a couple of days, it was one of those titles that really grips you.

Would really like to read more from Tasmina Perry, I don't know why I haven't read her in the past. I enjoyed the twist at the end, I didn't see it coming and I liked that it wasn't what would have been predictable (Josie being the manipulative character behind everything).

Despite a less than privileged background, Amy Shepherd has done well for herself, rising to become editor of a popular women’s magazine (“Verve”). Amy leads an affluent lifestyle with her husband and young daughter, though the demands of work don’t always leave much time over for family life and the nanny is heavily relied upon.

Reconnecting with old friend from her childhood, Karen - whose life is rather less golden - Amy agrees to give Karen’s ambitious daughter, Josie, some work experience at the magazine and put her up in their home for the duration. But with the advent of Josie it appears all sorts of things are going wrong - just when Amy’s in line for the dream job as editor of Vogue... I mean, Mode. Is Josie really out to sabotage Amy’s life, and if so, why?

Friend of the Family is a fun, well written escapist read. It’s the first book I’ve read by Tasmina Perry (though I’ve had The Pool House on my Kindle now) but I’d definitely read more on the strength of it. The “young woman gets in among middle class family, causes trouble” plot is a bit of a trope these days, but here feels sufficiently fresh to work well. I enjoyed it a lot.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.