This is a pleasant read about four separate couples or families who live in, or near a small village in Ireland. They have separate stories that somewhat intertwine; when a tragedy happens, it brings them a little closer. But not to the extent of being 'best of friends'.

On the negative side, it took a while to get going as there's a large cast. I found some of the writing a bit rambling and introspective in a repetitive way. I never really believed in one character doing something utterly stupid, and I had a hard time with another who is likeable and generous, but apparently blind to her adult daughter's immense selfishness. And I really didn't believe in two sudden dramatic changes of heart, one of which happened after a relatively mild frank exchange with an aunt.

But on the plus side, it's a readable book with the sub-plots developed alongside each other, and a positive and encouraging ending. I found myself caring about a couple of the characters, and so irritated by another that she had evidently got under my skin. It's over 600 pages but I finished it in just three days. I would recommend it in a low-key way to anyone who likes character-based women's fiction with no surprises or shocks (even the tragedy is entirely expected by the time it happens). It would make good holiday reading.

Full review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2019/07/best-of-friends-by-cathy-kelly.html ( )

Love this author. Wonderful, feel good, easy to read, pure comfort. ( )

I have to admit, when I picked this book up I really wasn't expecting much, having just read three Elizabeth Noble books. But I was pleasantly surprised to find I quite enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I'd give it 3.5 stars over 3. The storyline, or should I say lines, were interesting as were the characters. There was some real character development which I always like to see, however sometimes the characters did annoy me, like Lizzie's daughter Debra and the way Lizzie was so weak-minded with her. But it was a good read. ( )

Another easy summer read. A book that is good for relaxing although the author does touch on some difficult topics like breast cancer.

Thi is my second book by Cathy Kelly and I am enjoying them so far. Still have one left which I got from the library.
Glad that I decided to give her a try cause thse are perfect books after reading some heavier stuff. ( )

I thought this was book was a powerful story of friendship and achievement. I found myself cheering for some of the characters and emphasizing with others. It was an important story of relationships and the problems all of us face. I thought each character had pretty significant development throughout the novel and enjoyed "meeting" each of them. None of their lives are "easy" - they each face challenges that any of us could face (and do face).