I love four friends stories. This one is a bit slow to get going but I ultimately loved it and devoured it in an afternoon. Such a great read!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was an engaging, enjoyable read about friendship. The four characters were well-developed, authentic, and easy to connect with. It follows them as they reconnect after many years apart.

The plot is intricate with several twists and turns throughout. It was a little bit of a slow start, but once it gets going it will keep you engaged and wanting to find out what happens next!

It's a beautifully written tale of heartbreak, lies, betrayal, love, support, strong female characters, and of course, friendship that can last through it all.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutre for this warm and enjoyable read Her Best Friend’s Secret by Anna Mansell. This book is to all the women out there getting things done and figuring things out. Mostly the women do this admirably solo. But when a group of childhood friends reunite 20 odd years later after losing touch, they realize that a problem shared is better with a little help from our friends. And there is not one among us who wouldn’t benefit from a long lasting friendship with some of the people who know us best.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy. It was a decent and quick read that kept moving along.

This was a book about four women and their relationship, their individual strength and the strength they gained when together. It was wonderful and I kept trying to decide how I would fit amongst them, making it five instead of four!

This novel is hugely entertaining about four friends called Emily, Amanda, Lauren and Lolly who have led different lives for the past twenty years. When they reunite they come with their separate issues and secrets. Initially, each of the friends is introduced separately per chapter, so you get acquainted with them before the reunion. I enjoyed the humour and description of the Cornwall setting. It struck me with Emily that there seems to be a trend where women are apt to overthink their potential as a mother and their parenting. Generally speaking, it must spoil the joys of motherhood with the constant anxiety and self-worth under a microscope that is displayed these days. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

I was given a copy of Her Best Friend's secret by Anna Mansell in exchange for an honest review.
The story is about 4 best friends from Cornwall who lost touch when they were teenagers. The reunite 20 years later when Emily returns from America. The friends Emily, Lilly, Amanda and Jess all have different troubles in their lives. Together the help each other out and find out the big secrets. An enjoyable story with short chapters. It is told from each different character. An easy read.

Her Best Friend's Secret by Anna Mansell is an emotionally engaging novel that will surely strike a chord with any woman who has cherished a female friendship at some stage in her life. This is a story about love, motherhood, and friendship and, ultimately, forgiveness. This is a lovely and reflective read that will have you rooting for these women, each of whom will feel like a personal friend by the time you read the final pages.

Emily, Lolly, Amanda, and Jess were school friends living in Cornwall until life gradually took them in different directions and they lost touch. Emily has been living in the States, but upon returning to her home village has a chance meeting with Lolly, and the two women decide that a reunion of the foursome is in order. Each woman is facing challenges in her own right, and each of the group soon realize that they have missed the love and support that comes from a nurturing female friendship. But when secrets begin to emerge, the tentative second chance friendship that has started to take hold comes into jeopardy, as one member of the group knows something that could destroy another. Is the bond that the women share strong enough to withstand their relationship's ultimate test?

This is a compelling and emotive read. The circumstances of each of the women in the novel really resonated with me, and I would not hesitate to recommend this book to my closest friends.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

Firstly, I LOVED this book. It had all the best elements of my favourite genres. There was the intrigue from a good drama (almost bordering on thriller-drama), the brilliantly written women, the little hints of romance, but most importantly, there was a great story.

I love books that are divided into character chapters, as it’s always super interesting to see different characters reacting to the same events. I thought Emily was a fascinating character, her sudden and quite dramatic lifestyle change really intrigued me, and her disillusionment with her movie star lifestyle was really interesting. Watching her come to terms with happiness by herself was seriously empowering, and her quiet confidence was actually quite inspiring.

Lolly was super sweet as well. I liked the fact that although she seemed naive, she was definitely more aware of what was going on around her than she seemed, and the twist at the end was super clever. Watching her relationship with her husband, and how it develops and changes throughout the book was one of the story lines that really hooked me in – despite it being quite subtle and almost slow-moving, there was a real sense of suspicion surrounding their marriage that kept me gripped.

Amanda was absolutely my favourite. What’s not to love about a strong, independent, unapologetic but caring and kind woman? She was completely brilliantly written, and despite having a somewhat unusual job she showed some moments of true humanity that made her really relatable. I thought that Mansell wrote Amanda seriously well and added in some finer details, such as her relationships with her daughter and her ex-husband, that warmed me to the character even more.

Jess was a clever final character, she was really relatable but provided a sort of grounding presence in the group. She did have her own dramas and problems happening throughout the book, but for some reason I found Jess a very reassuring person, as she was realistic, strong, and honest. Because of all these traits, I was super invested in her getting a happy ending, and loved watching her story play out.

This book surprised me as it wasn’t quite what I thought it was going to be, but then I loved it more than I thought! It was superbly written, with wonderfully complex but relatable characters, and I would 100% recommend this to anyone!

Friendships forged in childhood especially in the teenage years are never forgotten. Even if the meeting takes place 20 years hence, the heart always recognizes the love and draws in together.

The same was seen with Emily, Lolly, Amanda, and Jess who met after 20 years with secrets galore between them, yet one look at each other just erased the distance between them. It then felt like they had never separated. They stood up for each other.

Anna Mansell was brilliant in her writing, she knew how to draw me in, filling me with a curiosity to know more about these ladies. They were in their forties and had seen their share of life, but I loved the way they bonded together. The best part for me was that they accepted each other as they were, knowing each other's quirks. This is generally seen in women who have grown up together.

This book too brought out the true colors and bonds between the women and I simply loved it. It just took me two tries to really get into it as I found the initial part a bit slow. A book of friendship between different, well characterized, comfortable in their own skin women. And they stole my heart.

Her Best Friend’s Secret is an excellent read, one that kept me entranced for hours. I actually devoured this book in one day because I needed to know the secret that lay hidden between these women’s lives. Told in alternating POV’s, readers will get in depth knowledge into the psych of all four friends. These ladies are relatable, realistic, and wonderful to get to know. Some aspects of the story though aren’t pretty, but it’s nice to see that flaws effectseveryone.

This is my first Anna Mansell novel and it certainly won’t be my last. If you enjoy women’s fiction novels- those that revolve around friendships, secrets, and some betrayal, this is a must read for you. I know many readers are going to really enjoy this one as much as I did.

Four women, each needing to confront the current state of their lives. Secrets from the past and lies can undo the life you thought you wanted, and your friendships. But if you are the one who knows the lies, should you tell your friend? You may discover the powerful bond of friendship can overcome a lot.

I loved this book so much. The story of four ladies who were best friends in their teens, but life moves on and they all went their separate ways, building their own lives. Emily moved away to LA and on moving back to Cornwall, bumps in to one of the girls and it brings back wonderful memories of their former friendship; igniting the desire to meet up and see each other.

So they arrange a catch up but are all really nervous about it……will they be able to reignite their friendship? Will it be the same? They get together and all realise how much they all still love and care about each other…but how will it turn out? What has happened to them, and what are their secrets?

I loved going through this journey with them and their rediscovery as friends. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, second chances, forgiveness and the strength of women. A beautiful tale that I’d recommend to everyone!

I really enjoyed this story of four school friends who reunite many years later after life has taken them in different directions. The problem arises when one of them knows something about the other's husband. Should she tell what she knows and risk their new-found friendship? The story deals sensitively with trust, control, betrayal and friendship as the friends each learn something more about themselves. An engaging story that will make you question your own relationships. I loved how the characters just jump off the page and stay with the reader.

What if a secret would destroy your best friend? Would you tell her? Is there anything sweeter or stronger than those friendships you formed in your youth? The girls you swore you would be BFFs with forever? The girls you confided in and cried too, The girls who stood by you and supported you through all your firsts. This book was steeped in sentiment it had me feeling nostalgic for my teenage years. I think what drew me so completely into this book was the fact that I have thought many times of what it would be like to reunite with all my closest High school friends. Just as in this book we have all gone our separate ways, but whenever we have an opportunity to see one another we just pick up where we left off. I think most readers will find this book very relatable, they will see a little of themselves and their friends in each of these characters.

Emily returns home to small town Cornwall after being away for 20 years. Soon there after she has a chance encounter with a high school friend Lolly. This eventually leads to a reunion of Emily, Lolly, Jess, and Amanda. The four girls were close as can be in their teens, but like most friendships of youth they went their separate ways. Now they are all living in the same town again and being together seems like old times, however they all have some secrets to hide. Some secrets are bigger than others... some secrets will hurt others, some secrets will hurt yourself, and some secrets will destroy life as you know it. All they know is that they are so happy to have one another back in their lives, and they don’t want to do anything that will jeopardize that. what do you do when the truth could harm something and someone you hold so dear?

This was an engaging read that I thoroughly enjoyed. These women were so authentic, and I truly felt for and related to each of them. Life is messy and it is complicated, but it is a little easier when you have a friend around to help you pick up the pieces. Ultimately this is a story of friendship and the bond between women, and what an important part that plays in our lives. It is about forgiveness and acceptance, not only others but yourself as well. Anna Mansell has written a compelling story that asks some tough questions. Full of heart and friendship, I absolutely recommend this book!

*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***

Loved the book!! I couldn't wait to read this because I loved I Wanted to Tell You. The title was perfect because all four of the friends had a secret that they were keeping hidden. Jess's secret was a mystery until the end. but it was easy to figure out. I loved everything about the book- the characters, story and writing style. I enjoyed getting to know Jess, Emily, Amanda and Lolly. After twenty years, they were able to pick up right where they left off. Amanda and her occupation was quite a story. It's pretty hard to tell people the truth about what you do for a living without the judgement. I never put two and two together until Amanda meets the girls for drinks and catches up about work, children and husbands. For some reason I really loved Pete. He seemed like such a good guy. He made some mistakes in his younger years with his daughter and Amanda, but is trying to make it better. He has a great relationship with Amanda. He never judged her and joked about what he could get for a ten pound note. I felt the saddest for Lolly, but in the end I think she was the strongest one out of the bunch. I hated that the book ended. I needed another chapter or two.

I definitely recommend the book. It's about friendships, relationships, marriage, family and and following your own dreams. I can't wait to read more from the author. I loved the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Her Best Friend’s Secret by Anna Mansell is another book that falls into my own personal genre of popcorn reads. In other words grab a nice big bowel of popcorn or you’re favorite snack and sit back and enjoy the drama only to make you feel your own problems are not so bad.

This one is the story of four women who when young were the best of friends but as time went by they had lost touch with one another. Twenty years have passed since these four were teenagers together and now Emily who had moved away back then has returned to their small town to hide from her own life and the secret she carries.

Emily had only wanted to lay low and had no plans on looking up anyone she had once knew but when she runs into one from the old group how could she say no to getting back together to catch up? Lolly, Jess and Amanda each lead very different lives now but the group can’t help but remember the good times until secrets begin to catch up to them.

I can’t say that Her Best Friend’s Secret is anything new or overly original as I have read a lot of these stories but despite having a feeling of knowing what was coming I still enjoyed my time with these characters. Each of the four had their own distinct personalities and voices and it was easy to slip into their lives as the problems began to unfold. Definitely an entertaining read from start to finish.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Anna Mansell has done it again.... another outstanding book filled to the brim with emotion and heartache. Be still my racing heart but she really does have a way with words that has you reaching for the tissues in no time.

I loved everything about this book and the way the events gently unfurled as the story bounced from one point of view to the next was effortless. Four friends, four points of view and four challenging stories to grip you and pull you in, it was absolute perfection. I was hooked instantly and found that I couldn't put the book down even for one minute.

Her Best Friend's Secret is a beautifully heartfelt journey of life, love and friendship where hope and self-love shine from the pages like beacons of light. I wholeheartedly loved this book.

More and more often I find myself drawn to books published by Bookouture - not sure what that means, but because of it, I've joined a new Facebook book blogger group that notifies us book bloggers of new releases that are available on NetGalley and book tours that are available to join.  Today's book - Her Best Friend's Secret by Anna Mansell was listed as available to read and review, and because I had read (and loved) her book, I Wanted To Tell You.

Twenty years ago, friends, Emily, Jess, Lolly and Amanda were sitting on the beach when they promised to be best friends forever.  Then life happened - friends moved, began careers, circumstances changed, time moved on.  Lolly and Emily have a chance meeting and they decide to get their group together again even though the women's lives have changed. They have each taken different life directions. When they get together again, they all realize that their bond is still there.  Even though some of them have deeply buried secrets that are worrisome, it isn't until readers learn who someone is married to that they see their friends can be tested. 

Her Best Friend's Secret is a fast read about friendship, betrayal and second chances. The characters were well written and well developed and all over the place both with the decision making and their behavior.  Even though I figured out that "one thing" early on, it had no bearing on the fact that I loved the book cover to cover.  They are full of flaws, issues and secrets that I totally felt like they could be local friends of mine.  I also loved the ending, as each of these women become a stronger version of herself -- and three of the four manage it without a man

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley in exchange for my review.  I would like to thank Bookouture for allowing me the opportunity to participate, read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else!

Can someone fish out the lump from my throat please, like, pronto?!

Wow, wow, wow – what a wonderful bunch of characters Emily, Amanda, Lolly and Jess are! Amanda is the fiery, sassy type of personality who hides her heart behind her bravado. Emily is the peace keeper of the group who is afraid to take the stand out of her comfort zone, but she has to. Lolly is a lady who wants to be happy and loved, often settling for second best. And Jess, the one who is misunderstood because she doesn’t even understand herself and is afraid to admit that her life changed due to something out of her control.

Without giving too much away, I adored Emily because of the similarity between her and I. I can’t really say what that is, but the way in which she was portrayed in the book made me so emotional and has got to be the best described character in her situation, I think I have ever read. Finally an author has made it positive instead of turning it into a negative. I’ll let you think about what I could be meaning!

My heart went out to each of the ladies as they had their lives rocked by various different events. I thought the way in which they all came together when they needed someone the most, was so beautiful and made me quite sad that I don’t have that around me. Yes, I’m jealous of fictional characters. In all seriousness though, I adored their closeness and the way that they flourished as a group of friends. I mean really, there’s a lot of people who would run a mile if they came face to face with half of the stuff that those gals did!!

Anna Mansell never fails to deliver with witty humour, beautifully thought-provoking situations, and an overall storyline which makes the world a much better place. This author writes from the heart and makes her readers embark on a journey which not only makes them laugh, it gives them food for thought in regards to their own lives. Yes, I’m speaking from experience.

‘My Best Friend’s Secret’ is definitely a ride to hold onto with both hands as, from start to finish, the storyline engulfed my heart as I followed the journey of four of the strongest women I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. This book isn’t just a eye-opening, shock inducing read which puts all of the skeletons in the closet, directly under the spotlight. It’s a novel which makes you look at the bigger picture, think about what you want from life, and help you believe that you do deserve to be happy, even when you have to endure a lot of pain beforehand.

Can someone hug me now? I loved this book and everything it stood for, and I loved just how much heart the author put into her storyline and the characters.