The Friends we Keep by Susan Malllery

This author is very familiar to me. I have read several of her previous books including The Girls of Mischief Bay, Three Sisters, and Barefoot Season among many others. This is definitely a "chick lit" book. It tells the story of three girlfriends and how their lives intertwine. Readers are privy to the inner workings of a beautiful friendship set in Mischief Bay.

We are introduced to Gabby Schaefer, second wife of Andrew, stepmother to Nicole and mother to twin girls. She has retained some weight from the pregnancy and as the story opens she is feeling less than attractive. Trying to make everything work takes all the energy Gabby can muster.

Next is the character of Hayley Batchelor who has spent a great deal of time tring to get pregnant only to miscarry time and again. She and her husband are consumed with the process and Hayley feels she was born to be a mom.

The third character is Nicole Lord who is newly divorced and a single mother. A new man has entered her life and she is afraid to trust her heart.

The storyline is light and easy to follow. The writing reminds me of another author, Mary Kay Andrews, whose work also focuses on women. If this were summertime, I'd say this is a good beach read. In lieu of that, it's a good read for a sunny day in the spring.

Ladybookbug!