Since her daughter left for college, single mother Renee Rhodes has started taking a hard look at her life, and the life she's built. While she's proud of all that she's accomplished there's still something missing, and not just the fact that she hasn't been in a serious relationship (let alone really dated) since her husband left her and her daughter nearly twelve years ago. Renee is starting to get bored with predictability, but she's also scared of putting herself out there, not wanting to suffer the rejection that has followed her around for years.

Sadie Landry seemingly has it all. A wonderful husband, a beautiful son that she's able to stay home with, and they've recently moved into and renovated her grandmother's home along the beach of Cranberry Cove. But when you peel back the layers, Sadie feels like she's barely treading water. Being so happy to have the life she lives, but having lost something of herself along the way.

Renee and Saide kindle a friendship that supports one another and makes possible the dreams they've only dared to dream.

When I picked up Forever Friends I wasn't prepared for how quickly I would move through the story. But I found it an easy read with a plot dealing with issues that are relatable, but not too heavy-handed but also equally not sugar-coated. It covers a nice middle ground.

I liked the different perspectives that Renee and Sadie bring to the story. Sadie just starting out on her motherhood journey and Renee's - while not over - certainly at the point where she takes a more secondary approach.

I loved that Sarah Mackenzie tackles the whole idea of what women's roles in the household are, what they used to be, and how those "traditions" don't necessarily translate well to today's mothers. The sharing of responsibilities between partners and how difficult staying home and raising a child (or children) can be. But also the idea of having a sense of self. How being happy with yourself can overall effect your familial happiness. How, in this case women because the story is told from the female perspective, shouldn't have to settle or feel guilty about wanting more from their lives. Part of me wishes that the story would have been solely Sadie's and we would have gotten her husband, Ethan's, perspective because I think that Sarah Mackenzie does a really good job of showing that it's not just the wives/mothers that are under pressure in a relationship.

With that, however, Renee's story is just as important as Sadie's in the regard that her main role has been to raise her daughter. Now that her daughter has left, the openness of her life has allowed her look at it more closely to see what has been missing. I loved the idea of this woman overcoming long-seeded insecurities tying back to her first marriage. It was heartbreaking to read, but inevitably rewarding as Renee banishes those demons. Again, this would have been perfect had Renee and Sadie's stories been split into two books because Renee's moving on/forward with her life includes taking a chance on widower Dr. Dan who obviously comes with his own baggage. I would have loved to see things flipped for his perspective as well.

But...the point of the story is Renee and Sadie's friendship which I liked, but thought that it could have been given a little smidgen more depth. They connected, true, but they both still equally kept to their own narrative for the big issues. I wanted their bond to be a little more I guess. I know that's slightly vague and non-descriptive, but it was just a feeling I got while reading.

Overall, I like where this series has started. I enjoyed the tackling of big relationship issues but in an even-handed way that was really relatable and accessible. So many times throughout I found myself nodding in agreement or internally screaming "Yes!" when something would occur that I could identify with. I do look forward to exploring more of Cranberry Cove. I'm interested to see where Sarah Mackenzie takes things next as she certainly weaves a few story threads to tug on.

Loved this book from beginning to end. Sarah Mackenzie really hit the nail on the head when describing both the harried, overwhelmed mom and the single mom with an empty nest. The resolution to the tale was excellent, not sappy, and was especially happy with the ending for Sadie. A must read for any one wanting to curl up with a tale that is realistic but optimistic at the same time. Not as sexy as most of Jill Shalvis' books (more along the lines of her Wildstone series), but it still had romance in it that left most of it to the reader's imagination.

Forever Friends is a sweet story. Two women make life changing decisions to reclaim a fulfilling need to be themselves. Renee is an empty nester who has the hots for her employer and loves baking. Sadie is a ragged mom of a toddler whose husband seems indifferent to her struggles. Together they form a friendship and then a business relationship and make demands from life and expect results. The story flowed well and I liked all the characters. The cover art is good. It's a great read.

Heartwarming, charming, and uplifting!

Forever Friends is a lighthearted, engaging tale that takes you on a journey to the idyllic Cranberry Cove and into the lives of the middle-aged, single Renee and the frazzled, young mother Sadie as they discover together the importance of taking chances, finding contentment, discovering one’s true self, and embracing the future.

The prose is fluid and smooth. The characters are kind, supportive, authentic, and endearing. And the plot is a sweet, compelling tale about life, love, family, friendship, communication, self-discovery, happiness, and romance.

Overall, I would have to say that Forever Friends is an emotive, thoughtful, cosy read by Mackenzie that does a beautiful job of reminding us just how important, powerful, and meaningful female friendships can truly be.

4.5 Stars

Forever Friends is a fabulous read about friendship, family, and finding love again. Single mom Renee doesn't know what to do with herself, since her daughter left for college and started to live her own life. She's always been the caretaker and now she's left in an empty home and has been secretly crushing on her boss - single doctor in town.

Sadie is a young mom, who put her career on hold to help raise their toddler, while her husband has been traveling and away from home for work. Between being a new mom, dealing with her mother-in-law and trying to figure out where her relationship stands with her husband, Sadie needs a break and a friend to talk to.

Being next door neighbors, Renee and Sadie always been cordially and didn't really know each other. Not until they both realize that they have something in common and it turns into a great friendship.

Forever Friends is a relatable women's fiction story about friendship. Sarah Mackenzie writes a beautiful story about two women finding comfort and balance in their newfound friendship. I really thought the two main female characters, Renee and Sadie, are so down to earth. They are both dealing with things that make them feel stressed and uneasy. They face ups and many downs, but make turn their friendship into their very own superpower.

Sadie is a stay at home mom to a two-year-old son. Besides dealing with all the late nights and tantrums she is feeling a disconnect with her husband. He is staying at work more and when they do have a conversation it always seems to lead to another fight.

Renee is dealing with finding herself again after her daughter leaves for college. She is seen as being the person who has it all but in reality, she is lost.

After a bake-a-thon gone wrong, Renee and Sadie begin to build a fascinating bond. They learn so much because of their forever friendship. They learn that they are stronger than they realized, it's never too late to follow your dreams, and learn being vulnerable and opening up doesn't mean you are weak.

I loved that the author also created a good backstory and surrounding characters. Little Lincoln will steal your hearts.

I give Forever Friends 4 stars. Sarah Mackenzie did an amazing job making this book honest and real. She detailed an authentic friendship that I think we can all relate to.

Forever Friends, by Sarah Mackenzie, is a story of friendship and what it means to be a true friend. Although young mother Sadie Landry and empty nester Renee Rhodes are coastal neighbors in small Cranberry Cove, Maine, they have only been casual friends. They have known each other since Sadie babysat for Renee’s daughter, Tansy. Then, when Sadie’s husband, Ethan, purchase her grandmother’s house as a wedding gift for her, it made her Renee’s next door neighbor.

Unfortunately, Ethan’s job, which was originally to be mostly distance software development, now requires him to be in Boston more often than not. Sadie is struggling with her ‘single’ mom status with an energetic two year old, and Renee comes to her rescue when Sadie accidentally burns the cupcakes for little Lincoln’s birthday party. From that point on, they seem to be there to save each other, regardless of whether the storm is of nature or life making.

Renee, who had been a single mom herself, is now struggling with her empty nest situation with her daughter studying on the west coast and pulling away from the closeness they had shared. Her receptionist job for local doctor and object of her eye, Dan Hanlon, is not enough anymore. Opportunity has presented itself to her to begin her own business but she isn’t sure she has the gumption to do it on her own. Could a merger of sorts between Renee and designer Sadie be a real possibility?

I really enjoyed this story of an unlikely friendship that come full circle and seems so real. This is women’s fiction at its best. I do recommend this book!

I really enjoyed this book- it was perfect for the holiday weekend. Renee is a single mother and just sent her daughter, Tansy, across the country to her freshman of college. She is needing to rediscover herself as she adjusts to her empty nest. Sadie is Renee's next door neighbor and she is at a much earlier stage of parenting. She has a two year old, Lincoln, and is struggling in her role as a new mom. Her husband, Ethan, is commuting to Boston for work and is gone a lot. Marriage and parenting aren't exactly as she pictured they would be.

After a baking mishap, Renee rescues Sadie and they start relying on each other. I loved the friendship and support between Renee and Sadie. This story was a glimpse into their lives as they both struggled with their identities and self-worth. The supporting characters were equally endearing. There is a lot of dialogue and humor in this book (I think my description makes it sound heavier than it really is). This definitely is a comfortable, feel good read and Cranberry Cove is a place I would like to visit.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this so much I loved the friendship aspect I love that they are moms and the things they are going through it was a quick fast paced read and I want to read more by the author

Such a wonderful book!!!! Definitely a "feel good" read. Sometimes fate brings people together and that's exactly what happened with Sadie and Renee. Sometimes your very best friends are right in front of you.
This was such an enjoyable book with a very happy ending.

A good read which brings neighbours of different ages and stages of life into a friendship. Both Sadie, the mother of a toddler, and Renee, the mother of a daughter just off to college seem to be lacking self confidence in how they are raising their children and feel unfulfilled. Lots of humour and a beautiful setting add interest.

Great women's fiction read. Characters are women from different generations. It explores the relationships,issues and challenges they face in a real world. Easy, quick enjoyable read. The cover gives adequate story description, but it is that, and more.
I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the advanced copy.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This was a cute, well-written women's lit summer read. Nothing overly special, but a nice light read.

I loved this book.
The events that each of the main characters experienced was very relatable.
I definitely recommend this book and this author.

Sadie is a young mother of a toddler who feels as though she is drowning. After experiencing post-partum depression and receiving very little support from her workaholic husband, she feels she can never live up to the standards of her mother in law. On top of this, she has just learned she is pregnant. Her dream had been to continue her design career that she loved before she became a mother. Now it looked like this was not going to be possible for many more years.

Renee is a 40 something empty nester who lives next door to Sadie and remembers and understands what it is like to be a young mother. Renee offers a supportive ear and helps Sadie out in time to save her 2 year old’s birthday party. She is a fantastic baker which reminds Sadie so much of her Grandmother’s baking.

When Renee is approached about a business venture, Sadie and Renee look at a partnership. Throw in a bit of romance for Renee, and a hurricane to their small cove and you’ve got a book that will keep you engaged.

I appreciated the friendship between these two women immensely, as well as other women’s issues not mentioned in this review. This book is inspirational and I enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.

This is a sweet romance in the style of Susan Mallery and Robyn Carr. Two neighbors, one with a young child and one who just sent a child off to college and how a friendship develops between them