The fifth novel from the critically acclaimed author Louise Walters
Book blurb
Alison looked at Jennifer. How she envied the perfect make-up, the still-quite-fresh skin, the apparent lack of grey hairs, the slim figure unscarred by pregnancy and childbirth; the sophisticated, single existence
Jennifer and Alison go back years, first meeting when teenagers at school. Their friendship has seen its ups, downs, highs, lows, triumphs, and disasters.
The friends are now in their late forties. Alison is happily married to the dull but dependable Malcolm, and they have a teenage son. Jennifer is divorced, well-off, and carefree, and determined to stay that way.
So she astonishes everyone when she announces she is pregnant. Shock turns to delight, and Alison is keen to support her oldest friend. But when she finds out who the father of the baby is, the friendship must face its biggest test.
My thoughts
Jennifer and Alison have been friends since school when Jennifer took looked after Alison even though they were polar opposites. Since then their friendship has waxed and waned over the years.
Alison marries Martin with whom she is happy and content, they have a son.
Jennifer has had many relationships over the year including one, difficult, marriage. She is now happily divorced, well-off and lives a carefree life.
Currently Alison and Jennifer are close. Then Jennifer has a brief but foolish relationship that brings about a huge rift between the two women.
Jennifer is pregnant! At first Alison is happy for Jennifer. Jennifer decides to keep this baby unlike the daughter she had years ago that no-one, not even Alison, knows about. However, when Alison finds out who the father is, she cannot forgive Jennifer. Martin and their son however are not interested in blame rather they are happy to help out.
When a young, pregnant woman turns up at Alison's door and says she is the daughter Jennifer gave up all those years ago! She is hoping to find a connection she no longer has with her adopted family. Jennifer invites her to move in.
In this complicated, somewhat crazy situation where 'men' are, to an extent, the root cause of the issues that arise Martin and his son don't judge, nor are they judged, they simply rally round to support and help Jennifer. Interestingly, any blame is laid squarely on Jennifer by Alison as if she was the only one involved and because Alison feels she has surely ruined the man's life she completely cuts Jennifer off. It's understandable why Alison felt this way, it was certainly a shock but it didn't feel right or fair.
Louise Walters has written a beautiful story about friendship, forgiveness and what constitutes family. In the times that we live family has come to mean all those close to us, related or not, who we love and rely on, who love and rely on us.
Walters has constructed just such a family. Yes, they have some issues that need attention. Can Alison forgive Jennifer? Will Jennifer and her daughter make a go of their relationship? How will Alison's marriage survive? What will happen to their son? Will Alison and her daughter have happy, healthy children? Will Alison and Jennifer's friendship get through this difficult time and thrive once again? Yes, they have issues but what is family if these things can't be resolved and forgiven?
In just 242 pages Louise Walters brings us a beautifully crafted and fulfilling story of what happens to a friendship, to a family in an incredibly challenging situation and whether they can come through it all together and stronger. It is a joyous celebration of friendship through all its ups and downs because after all is said and done friends are the family we choose to have in our lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed We Are Family it is a wonderful story and I highly recommend it.
Previously read: The Hermit
Thanks
Many thanks to Louise Walters for a copy of her latest book We Are Family to read and review.
Information
Published: Louise Walters Books | Paperback 22 June 2024 | ISBN 9781739109561 | ebook 15 July 2024 | 242 pp
Buy: The Hermit and other Louise Walters books | Amazon links below
Louise Walters (from her Amazon author page)
Author: Louise Walters (from her website)
"I'm a writer and a freelance editor, working at home in rural Northamptonshire, in England. I was an indie publisher from 2017 to 2023. Sadly, in June 2023, I made the decision to no longer publish books by other writers. Many factors led to this decision. The cost-of-living crisis was certainly one of them.
However, I am still writing and publishing my own books. The three already published have had a facelift! Please see the new covers over on my shop.
If you are in need of editorial help, I'm still very much in the market for that, so please have a look at my editorial page. I offer great services at reasonable costs, with some reductions available. I also offer "off-the-peg" services at fixed costs which you can buy at my shop here. I also work as an editor with Jericho Writers, and with Reedsy."
Do check out Louise's blog where she chats about writing, editing, and publishing.
More information about the wonderful books Louise published over six years of Louise Walters Books can be found in her LWB catalogue, which is a lovely archive of talent! Some of the titles she published at LWB are still available in audio.
LWB - Please click on the titles below to be taken to their Amazon listings:
In the Sweep of the Bay by Cath Barton
The Naseby Horses by Dominic Brownlow
Don't Think a Single Thought by Diana Cambridge
The Last Words of Madeleine Anderson by Helen Kitson
Old Bones by Helen Kitson
Mrs Narwhal's Diary by S J Norbury
The Dig Street Festival by Chris Walsh
Books by Louise Walters
Mrs Sinclair's Suitcase by Louise Walters (Hodder 2014 – Amazon Link)
A Life Between Us by Louise Walters (Amazon Link)
The Road to California by Louise Walters (Amazon Link)
The Hermit by Louise Walters (Amazon Link)
We Are Family by Louise Walters (Amazon Link)
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