Unfortunately, I have not been able to read and review this book.

After losing and replacing my broken Kindle and getting a new phone I was unable to download the title again for review as it was no longer available on Netgalley.

I’m really sorry about this and hope that it won’t affect you allowing me to read and review your titles in the future.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
Natalie.

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

Oh my word what an absolutely fabulous read this was, The Gift of Friends by Emma Hannigan. This is a book about true friendship , love and when things get tough there’s hope. I just adored this book and shed a few tears when it was finished knowing it is the last book I’ll ever read by this amazing author who is sorely missed.

A very touching read.
Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Again a very good read and one I can highly recommend to others.
Thoroughly enjoyable.

I read this book with mixed emotions. I have read all of Emma’s books and felt terribly sad that this was her last book prior to her death from cancer after such a courageous fight, she will be sadly missed. This Gift of Friends is a wonderful read. We make new friends with the residents of Kingfisher Rod. The book opens with Danielle and her partner Justin moving into the road. Danielle is then befriended by the four other female neighbours who are all good friends. We meet Betsy and Noel, whose son, wife and new baby are moving back in with them. Maia and Freddie, who have twines who are leaving home. Nancy, who is the older and most dominant of the friends. She has been married several times but now happily lives on her own. Finally we meet Pearl and Seth, who have a 16 year old son with mental problems. As the story unfolds we find that each one of them have secrets which they have not revealed to any of the others, but it is their friendship that helps them to survive. The book covers a wide range of topics ranging from physical and mental abuse, adoption and family feuds and is a book that makes you realise the value of friendship. Thanks Emma for all your books, such a legacy to leave for your family and friends and all of your readers. This is an absorbing book and one to cherish. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline e for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a beautiful book. Truly. I enjoyed every single second I spent between its pages and I was incredibly sad when it was over. I wanted to linger in the story, and in the lives of the five women who were the main characters of the book, what better endorsement could you possibly give a book?

The book follows the lives of five women who live on the same beautiful street in Ireland. The women are friends, but they all have problems and secrets that they aren’t sharing with one another, until circumstances force hidden issues out in to the open. This is a book about how the support and understanding of people who care about you can help you through and make problems easier to bear.

The writing in this novel is very warm and engaging, it draws you in and holds you in its grasp throughout the book. As soon as I started reading, I was completely lost in the story, the world outside the book ceased to exist and I was totally engrossed in the world that the author created. Being pulled from the pages felt like a loss each time, and I couldn’t wait to get back into the story every time I had to put it down; I raced through the pages, whilst not wanting the story to end.

The characters are very well written and believable. I believed these women could exist and have the relationships and the problems that were featured in the book. Their lives perhaps are not extraordinary, or particularly exciting, but they were real and relatable and exactly the kind of thing that you or I might experience in our lives. I felt like they could be me and my friends and I loved reading about them as if they were my own friends.

Although the issues dealt with in the book may not seem earth-shattering to the outside world, the book deals with the type of things that can really rock the world of the woman involved, even if it is invisible to the outside world and makes little ripple in the fabric of the universe outside of that life. It shows how people can be struggling in secret without anyone noticing the seismic things that are happening within them, and what a difference it can make when someone does notice and reaches out. The storylines were written so tenderly and with such empathy that there were many parts that truly moved me and had me welling up, a lump at the back of my throat. It is a really wonderful and well-written book that rewarded me in spades for picking it up.

I think this book has made it on to my list of my favourite reads of the year so far. It is charming, engaging, thought-provoking, uplifting and moving. The fact this is Emma’s final book lends it an additional poignancy and I really hope it is widely read. it deserves to be, and any reader will not regret picking it up.

The untimely death of Emma Hannibal is a huge loss to the publishing world. Having read quite a few of Emma’s books they just kept getting better and the Gift of Friends has real heart through it. It’s been hard to leave the indomitable ladies of Kingfisher Road behind. What a group of women, all hiding a secret but these are strong women who take no prisoners when threatened and who have real friends in a time of crisis. Such a beautiful read.

thank you for allowing me to read this book. it was very easy to read. i enjoyed the story line and the characters. look to read this authors books. so sad she has passed.

To my shame, I have never read Emma Hannigan, the Irish writer, before but I did love this, her last and final book. Sadly, Emma is no longer with us, passing away in an untimely death from cancer at the too young age of 45 years. It took me a little time to get into this, but once I did, I adored it. It's a celebration of Irish women, the joys of friendship and the remarkable support it offers when life throws it challenges and horrors in their path. It is set on the exclusive Kingfisher Road in the small town of Vayhill. New occupants are moving into the road, 20 year old Danielle and her fiance, Justin Johnson, a member of a wealthy and famous family. Danielle is shy and insecure, and is not best pleased when Justin urges her to meet some of the established female residents. She does not see that she has anything in common with them, they are much older, and she is particularly wary of Maia, although the nearly 70 year old Nancy makes a more favourable impression.

Danielle is to find she has made several errors of judgement, the women living on the road are strong, tenacious, and unstinting in their support when the chips are down. Chair of the Resident's Association, Betsy Cox, is married to Noel, with their only son, Graham, married to an Australian woman, Tasha. Maia and her husband, Freddie, have two children, Zach and Zara. Maia has prioritised her children, by being a stay at home mother, always being there for them. Nancy Smyth is an indomitable force of nature, a font of wisdom and can be relied on to speak her mind. She has faced traumatic times in her past, been married several times, but is now entirely comfortable living alone, finding joy in feeding a pair of Kingfishers that regularly visit her. Pearl is married to Seth, a military man approaching retirement, and they have a adorable son, 16 year old son, Drew, with the mental age of a young child. Behind closed doors, all the women have secrets, life challenges, and personal horrors, and it is their friendships that are instrumental in helping this fabulous group of women survive.

Hannigan writes a wonderful story of a group of women, so very different from each other, but who build and cement their connections with each other by being there when they are desperately needed. My personal favourites were the feisty, full of life Nancy and Pearl, who lives in fear and terror in her own home, trying to do her best for her beloved son, Drew. This is much warmth, wisdom and joy within the pages of this novel. It is the characters, and their skilful development that drive the storylines that makes reading this book such an enthralling experience. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.

What can I say. thoroughly enjoyed this and very saddened by the fact there will be no more Emma Hannigan novels....a brilliant author who wrote from the heart. Families, friendship, secrets, the stuff of daily life. Loved the characters....had to concentrate to remember what was happening in each of their lives though!! Emma draws you in.
Would recommend

Four women who live on an exclusive estate on Kingfisher road are all best friends. As a new resident moves in the women are curious and are at first nosey then welcome her into their group.
This is a lovely story where we peep through the curtains into what goes on behind closed doors. What are the five friends not sharing with each other? What are they ashamed to tell ?
A story of secrets and of friendships that break down barriers. A story of strong women all looking out for each other.
This was Emma Hannigan's last book before she sadly passed away. It is a worthy one.

The Gift of Friends is the final gift bestowed to us by the beloved, inspirational and much missed Emma Hannigan. I think lots of us presumed her novel published last year, Letters to my Daughters, would be her last book so to discover there would be one final story from Emma was brilliant but very bitter-sweet. Given the background to this story I was really hoping that I would love it and not have a bad word to say about it and thankfully my hopes came true.

This is classic Emma Hannigan and in fact it only reaffirmed for me that this bright talent was taken from us far too soon as she had so much to give in terms of her writing as well as her personal life. The Gift of Friends is up there amongst all the books of the female Irish authors I have read and loved over the years - Marian Keyes, Cathy Kelly, Maeve Binchy etc. No one can beat Irish women's fiction when it is done well and I would have raced through this book in one sitting were it not for the fact that I wanted to make this wonderful story of friendship, love and unity last for as long as possible. I knew I would never have the anticipation and satisfaction of reading new work from this author ever again so I was determined to savour every moment and I certainly did that.

I sensed there were numerous topics Emma wished to write about in future books had she been afforded the time but as she knew her time was drawing near I think she included said topics in this read. Normally I think dealing with too many controversial or sensitive issues that could have been explored over several books would feel forced and just thrown in for good measure. Instead here each of the women that feature were given issues to deal with and explore and it just felt natural and every little minor sub plot fitted in so well with the main plot and the themes and emotions Emma wished to deal with. The Gift of Friends is a story that makes you value friendships and you realise the importance of having people who have your back in times of trouble or strife.

Yes we can never be without our families and all the kindness, love and support they give us unconditionally. But sometimes you need to step out of that zone because you can't express how you feel or confide in a family member and that time is when you need friends. The women in this story become that friendship unit that only strengthens the further we progress through the story. They are of all varying ages and backgrounds but they have one thing in common - they never wish to see anyone hard done by and they believe in the power of a comforting word, a shoulder to cry on and opening their hearts to friendship, affection and love. But when it becomes clear that in fact each of the women is hiding secrets how will the tight knit community deal with any exposes to come or will things be kept secret forever?

Kingfisher Road is the most sought after address in the town of Vayhill. It's an exclusive, wealthy and prestigious estate with just a select few houses. But having the home of your dreams doesn't necessarily mean having the life of your dreams and behind closed doors every character we are introduced to is battling with something. Yes they may put on a united front when the women meet for their catch ups and coffee but when push comes to shove will the bonds of friendship prove strong enough to deal with the fallout of what is to come.

Betsy is the head of the residents association which would initially suggest to me that is she is a bit of a busybody who likes organising things and people around. But thankfully she didn't stick her nose in other people's business when it wasn't warranted, instead she had enough to deal with on the home front. She is happily married to Noel and yes she does like things to be organised but that is a good trait of hers. On the family front though she longs for a reconciliation with son Graham who she believed she brought up so well but then he went off the rails. Graham is now living in Australia and married to Tasha but communication is virtually non existent only for Noel and Betsy making a call once a week. Betsy feels abandoned and questions what did she do she wrong when she was rearing Graham? When Graham makes a surprise announcement life is turned upside down for Betsy and Noel but she takes things in her stride. That is until the daughter-in-law from hell really makes her feelings known. Tasha was a horrible character who needed a good slap and to wash her mouth out for all the hatred that spewed forth. But Betsy only has one thing on her mind that she wishes nothing but love and happiness for but can this be achieved considering her family are amidst a storm in the form of Tasha that seems to be gathering in intensity?

Nancy was the eldest of the group but boy did I love her. She spoke her mind in front of everyone and gave quite a few people the put downs they very much deserved. I think Nancy was the character that Emma really felt she could use as a tool to say things she had always wished to say in a book and she was utilised to great effect. But saying all that Nancy was not perfect and she is haunted by events in her past. Events which she had no control over as decisions were made for her without much thought to the consequences and after effects both mentally and physically. So when the past literally comes knocking at her door should she jump at what is being put forth or should she be more wary? I certainly felt the latter as from the outset of this aspect of the storyline things didn’t sit well with me and I had my suspicions. Combined with this Nancy's house is under threat and the worries just mount up by the minute. Has she the strength to withstand all that is forthcoming? Can the women help out a friend they cherish and hold so dear just as she does for them? I wondered were things just going down a path that once a certain turn was taken a return could never occur?

Maia may not have come from the most salubrious of backgrounds but herself and husband Freddie now live the life they always wanted to have. Maia has devoted herself to rearing twins Zach and Zara but as now they are about to fly the nest for university and travel she feels useless and lonely. What else is Maia only a mother? Without her chicks in her nest what can she do? Honestly I felt that Maia was having a bit of a pity party for herself and that she was an intelligent person who did so much for others in the community and for the close circle of friends that really she was worrying over nothing. Given time she would find herself with the twins gone but also she feels Freddie is slipping away from her. He is distant and not the same person for some reason that he once was. Throwing a 20th anniversary party gives Maia the focus she needs but as things are sent to test her will it all prove too much or will she battle through and emerge stronger at the other side?

Pearl is the character who I felt the greatest of sympathy for. Married to Seth who is in the army, she has not the easiest of times and I didn't blame her in the slightest regarding accepting affections. Seth was pure evil and the hatred and vitrol that spewed from his mouth towards Pearl and son Drew, who has special needs, was just abhorrent. Emma certainly let rip with the way he was acting and the words he was using and the reader could even feel the full force of his anger and rage. He was a tyrant and danger was lurking around every corner when he featured. Pearl needed to gain strength and courage but when you have kept things hidden for so long maybe you might feel ashamed when things are exposed. You may worry what others think and I think this is what Pearl felt with regards to opening up to the women.

Finally we have Danielle, the newest and youngest resident and engaged to Justin who comes from a wealthy family who breed horses. Danielle's dreams have been put on hold when unexpected news emerges. Her mother feels Danielle is in a situation that she is rushing into and there should be alternative solutions. Justin's obnoxious mother Celia Ann really was a piece of work who felt Danielle was beneath her family. Poor Danielle really was caught between a rock and a hard place and I deeply felt her indecision because she knew whatever she decided there would be significant consequences. She is a vulnerable person but when she starts to open up to the women I thought she began to change and it proved the power of friendship is very strong and always encouraging.

When the women come together they strengthen and grow in love. They work as a unit and become a force of determination, courage and strength. It was a joy to witness each individual journey but also how they could come together as one. Friendships are an anchor that never judge a background or situation they just accept you for you who are and give the support and comfort when needed. The ending could have felt so clichéd and just a bit a bit too good to be true but instead it warms your heart and if only things like that existed in real life the world would be a better place for it.

I wouldn't hesitate in recommending A Gift of Friends. It's trademark Emma Hannigan and packed full of warmth, love and comfort. I loved every minute of it and feel privileged to have always enjoyed Emma's writing right from the very beginning. I hope she is looking down on us from up above with a smile on her face and all the joy and many hours of wonderful reading she has brought to us.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This is a book of love, friendship and most importantly hope. This book leaves you with a nice warm feeling inside.

An excellent read with a good story line and characters that I soon got involved with.

I found parts of the book were a bit slow but overall a good read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Headline Publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

The Gift of Friends by Emma Hannigan earned the easiest five stars I’ve given all year. And I’m stingy with my ratings, I don’t hand out five stars left, right and centre, I only do so when a book has earned every one. And this didn’t earn those stars on a sympathy vote, as it is sadly Emma’s final book. It achieved them for being a great book that held my attention from beginning to end.

FIRST LINE OF THE GIFT OF FRIENDS BY EMMA HANNIGAN

“She was looking forward to getting home.”

MY THOUGHTS ON THE GIFT OF FRIENDS BY EMMA HANNIGAN

I really enjoyed my time with the inspiring women of Kingfisher Road. They live in lovely houses in a luxurious neighbourhood, but behind closed doors they are all facing daunting life challenges. I appreciated that this book was about realistic women facing realistic battles, and I grew to care deeply about them all.

I love a book where the characters steal my heart, and opening this book was like a lovely catch up with good friends. These women are great allies, and I adored how raw and vulnerable they allowed themselves to be with each other. My eyes read the words, but it was my heart that felt every chapter.

Highly recommended if you like books with engaging characters and poignant storylines.

Thank you Emma for all your lovely books, and the many hours of reading pleasures that you’ve gifted me with. You’ll never be forgotten <3

WHO SHOULD READ THE GIFT OF FRIENDS BY EMMA HANNIGAN

If you’ve loved previous books by Emma, then I highly recommend this to you. Or if you are a fan of authors like Sheila O’Flanagan, Diane Chamberlain or Patricia Scanlan, then I think you’d really enjoy this too.

Loved this book. So sad that this amazing lady is no longer with us. An amazing talent. I read this book in one sitting.

When rich Irish boy Justin Johnson moves in to the beautiful and exclusive 10 Kingfisher Road on the outskirts of a small Irish town called Vayhill with his fiancée Danielle, the residents association of four lady neighbours watch them unloading their boxes of belongings and furniture into their lovely new home. They are keen to welcome the new couple into their supportive ‘family’ and are keen to be good neighbours. Soon, they hope, their close group of four will become five.
Chairperson of the association is Betsy Cox who lives with her husband Noel in Number 1. Their son is married and living in Australia. As this novel starts, he phones his mother to tell her two pieces of jaw-dropping news. He and his wife want to come home and live with them until they get sorted out. Betsy is so happy, but Graham has more to tell her. He has a baby son called Arnie that he has never told her about. Although Betsy is upset that he has not let her know, so is both excited and ecstatic to learn that she and Noel are grandparents.
Maia and her husband Freddie have two teenage children who are almost at the point of flying the nest. Zach is going to Uni in the States and Zara is going travelling for a year before taking up her position at Belfast University and Maia is dreading their departure. With her silver wedding coming up she hatches a plan for a grand party before the family are two and not four living together at their cherished home.
Nancy Smyth loves doing Pilates and is very active and empathetic senior citizen. She is widowed but very positive and upbeat. She loves her house and her little dog. It is full of cherished memories of her married life but now she is keen to make new memories. She has a pair of Kingfishers that are really tame and visit her regularly to take the scraps that puts out for them. She is full of life, wisdom and wonder.
Pearl is married to Seth and they have a sixteen-year-old son called Drew. He has special needs and will never develop his mind past that of a six-year-old. Pearl loves him to death but Seth is ashamed of him and very stern and dismissive. Both Pearl and Drew have to watch what they say because Seth has a really nasty streak and expects his family to be just-so.
These friends all have something that they are hiding from each other; a buried secret that they do not want to share. But so does Danielle and this heart-warming new novel from Emma Hannigan tells the story of the five friends and how they help, advise and support each other. Each of the story threads are equally imaginative and absorbing.
This will be Emma’s last novel, Novel number 13, because sadly she was taken away by Cancer last year, after a very brave fight against this odious condition. She wrote this novel knowing that her diagnosis was terminal. It is such a lovely gift to leave behind for her family, friends, fans and followers and I enjoyed reading it so much. Not only is it beautifully written but it’s overflowing with love, warmth, compassion, supportiveness and friendship.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Review through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. This novel is a terrific read and will keep you turning the pages, wondering what will happen next. It’s a very well deserved and solid 4* review from me.

Emma's last title left me teary eyed and overwhelmed. The simplicity of friendship in the complex daily life was absolutely heart winning. A treasure of a book on friendships.