Within the pages of this captivating narrative lies a world waiting to be explored. With its compelling characters, vivid settings, and thought-provoking themes, this book offers a journey that transcends the ordinary. From the highs of triumph to the lows of despair, the story weaves a tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply with readers. As the plot unfolds, it unveils layers of mystery, intrigue, and revelation, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Whether seeking adventure, solace, or simply a momentary escape, this book promises to captivate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its readers.

Thank you to post hill press and to netgalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

This book was great, it felt fresh and not like anything else I've read lately. It kept me intrigued all the way through, I didn't want to put it down.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

"Weekend Friends" by Bella Ellwood-Clayton is a refreshing and insightful exploration into modern relationships, brilliantly capturing the essence of contemporary friendships and the complexities of connection in today’s fast-paced world. Ellwood-Clayton's novel is a vibrant tapestry of emotions, humor, and genuine human experiences, making it a delightful read from start to finish.

Ellwood-Clayton crafts a narrative that is as engaging as it is thoughtful, weaving together the lives of her characters in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. The novel shines a light on the nuances of friendship—how it forms, evolves, and sometimes dissolves in the context of our current era. Through a series of intertwined stories, the author explores the concept of "weekend friends," acquaintances made in passing or through fleeting moments, yet impactful enough to leave a lasting imprint on one's life.

The beauty of "Weekend Friends" lies in its ability to strike a balance between light-hearted moments and profound insights. Ellwood-Clayton’s writing is witty and sharp, yet it also delves deep into the emotional landscapes of her characters. She addresses themes of loneliness, the search for belonging, and the joy and heartache that come with human connections, all while maintaining a hopeful and uplifting tone.

Character development is a strong point of the novel, with Ellwood-Clayton presenting a diverse cast that readers will find both relatable and intriguing. Each character is meticulously crafted, with their own backgrounds, insecurities, and desires, making their journeys compelling. The dynamics between characters are rich and varied, providing a broad spectrum of interactions that reflect the many forms friendships can take.

Ellwood-Clayton's prose is both accessible and beautifully crafted, with a narrative voice that invites readers into the story. Her descriptions of settings and emotions are vivid, creating a sense of place and atmosphere that enhances the overall reading experience. The dialogue is natural and engaging, capturing the authentic voices of the characters and the essence of their interactions.

"Weekend Friends" is more than just a novel about friendship; it's a celebration of human connection in all its forms. Bella Ellwood-Clayton has created a poignant, funny, and ultimately uplifting story that resonates with anyone who has ever navigated the complexities of forming relationships in the modern age. It's a reminder of the unexpected ways people come into our lives and the indelible marks they leave. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that captures the heart and complexity of contemporary life, making it a perfect addition to any book lover's collection.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

Following the death of her husband, Rebecca, along with her daughter Willow, leaves the icy expanse of Alaska for the sun-soaked shores of Boca Raton to forge a new beginning. In this unfamiliar setting, Rebecca reconnects with an old pal, Odelle, who introduces her to a circle of women. Eager for companionship and a sense of belonging for herself and Willow, Rebecca warmly embraces this new clique, despite their daughters forming an exclusive and impenetrable group known as KISS.

Navigating the treacherous waters of snobbish parents and their equally difficult offspring is challenging enough, but Rebecca's life gets even more complicated when she unexpectedly falls for the girls' charming school principal.

"Weekend Friends" by Ellwood-Clayton is an enthralling blend of drama, tackling the heavy themes of bullying, loss, and suicide with a deft hand. Imagine "Mean Girls" colliding with "Big Little Lies" in a story that's as heartrending as it is suspenseful, sprinkled with moments of wit and sensuality. This book is a captivating journey from start to finish, promising a climax that will take you by surprise. Perfect for those who crave a story that’s both deeply moving and thrillingly unpredictable.

The author captured my attention and kept me engaged throughout. A style of writing that I appreciate. It did feel like high school.

Amazing book!
I was thoroughly engaged throughout this book and I didn't want to put it down! The author captured my attention from the get go! Five stars from me :)

When 12 year old Willow and her mum move to Florida after her dad’s death she joins middle school with the child/parent drama….her mum adjusts to her new life and dramas and blasts from the past. An easy read

Anyone who’s had a middle school daughter knows the drama that finds them, but when that drama is coupled with a traumatic experience, it can reach through every part of your lives. Weekend friends is a story with some dark twists and turns that pulls you through on a thread of hope. Thoroughly enjoyed!

WOW!!
This book is superb.
Thank you for sharing it with me.
I was shocked by the twists and the turns--the grandmother hired the PI!
Poison Ivy
The gun range
Loved the fun parts, was sad for the completely disturbing parts but glad to have someone writing about bullying and girls and boundaries.
Thank you.

This was an incredible difficult read for the subject matter alone. There are tones of bullying, suicide, and grooming to say the least. However, it is incredible well written and engrossing. The mystery was a good one and the resolution was very satisfying. I only recommend it if you are okay with the above trigger warnings!

this books contains descriptions of several difficult and triggering topics… please listen with care 🩷‼️ this was a fast paced domestic thriller. easy and bingeable! especially with that first chapter! this was not a super warm and fuzzy read, honestly it was realistic in my opinion… *cue the mean girl*… which made the book really thought provoking. lots of twists turns and so many revelations to unfold. interesting depiction of friendships and how temporary they can be. just an all around great book on life.

A good read. It follows themes of grief, bullying and friendships and kept me reading all day. I read it in a few hours and I’d recommend as a light read when you want something that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

As if moving wasn’t hard enough top it off with a tragic death and bullying all while trying to fit into a new community! This book was better than I expected and can’t wait for more from this author!

This book was not at all what I expected- and I think I'm glad that's the case! This was dark, heavy, meaningful, sharp, and shocking. Like genuinely, I expected almost none of the twists and turns that unfolded. If you've ever thought "I wish Mean Girls were waaaaay more sinister." then you need to pick up this book. One of my favorite reads of 2023.

Don’t let the cover fool you. After a mom and daughter move cross country for a fresh start things go awry. I love a good, twisted, academia based read and this one got more and more shocking the further I got into the book. Definitely a great read.

This book checked all the boxes! It had romance, suspense, mystery, spice, and plenty of drama! I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Boy howdy, this was darker and heavier than I was expecting, and it quickly picked up after about 20%—I couldn’t put it down after. Trauma-causing incidents left and right, maybe too much at times.

Noting first that I had a hard time getting invested in the characters: Bec is pretty hypocritical at times, especially in terms of body image. Can’t say I liked Mr. Brady all that much either (even pre-“twist”)—there was too much clouding his judgment and encouraging others to behave similarly. I unfortunately am always trying to find someone to root for when I read, and it was hard to find someone in this book. (But Willow, I will ride at dawn for you!)

That being said, the author really did a great job of articulating the horrors that can accompany being a tween/teen girl or being the mother to one. To deal with bullying, gaslighting, the lies and not knowing when to open up or to pry, on top of one’s existing grief and feelings of guilt. It’s unbearable, and seeing so much of Bec’s inner monologue kept me turning page after page. All with a heartbreaking ending.

Pacing was great. Not sure if it was just my device, but the spacing for the ebook was strange, such as quotes from different characters not being separated by line; it made reading a little confusing.

3.5 stars!

An endearing story about grief, motherhood and navigating the horror that is teenage girls’ friendship groups.

Weekend Friends makes you entirely too grateful that you aren’t a tween anymore or the parent of one – unless of course, you are me, who has two of them in her household. Those years are crazy – both for the parent and for the child. There’s so many big emotions to navigate and as the parent it can be hard to keep that in the forefront of your mind, especially when they scream ‘I hate you.’ Every inconvenience seems like the end of the world, and maybe, for them it is.

At its core, it’s a thrilling book. Within its pages, twists, turns, and significant revelations unfold. Friendship groups are formed and lost, relationships commence and conclude, and life, in its peculiar way, demonstrates that change is indeed beneficial.

Rebecca, a food photographer, and her daughter Willow have just moved from Alaska to Florida. Life hasn’t been kind to them. They are still recovering from the loss of her husband Theo, who died from colon cancer. Being surrounded by all the things they did together as a family is too much, so Rebecca decides to move them back to a place where she had fond memories as a teen. It’s there that she bumps into her childhood friend, Odelle, and her daughter Stella. Can the pair heal a rift that is decades old?

This debut book was so enticing, I was captivated by both the girls’ relationships and the mothers. An emotionally charged novel, a Mean Girls story for adults.

Weekend Friends examines with crystal clear clarity just how cruel kids can be. No scrap that. Kids are just evil, let’s not beat around the bush. Some of them get off with absolute carnage. They pick, tease, and berate they’re so-called friends until they break. Now of course, with the added complication of social media – there is no escape from it. I do feel parenting in the age of social media is a bit like avoiding a landmine.

This thriller delivers. The protagonists are believable, flawed and brave. Addictive.