This was such a fantastic debut. I was pleasantly surprised by how dark yet humorous it was at times.

It was a little slower paced than I was expecting, but I thought the narrator did a fantastic job keeping me engaged.

I loved the unlikely friendship between the two mothers. Although I enjoyed the story, I think people who can personally connect with the characters will really enjoy it.

I will be keeping an eye out for more by this author

This is a fantastic debut! A blend of friendship, motherhood, politics, and balancing life’s priorities. There’s even a suspenseful mystery.

Ainsley is a beautiful wife and mother, and her wealthy husband, Ben, is running for political office. However, Ainsley has a secret in her past that could destroy Ben’s chances of winning and embarrass their family.

Nikki had been in TV news, but now is a single, stay-at-home mom of four, and though she is currently a mess, she’s whip-smart and looking for a big break.

When Ainsley and Nikki’s worlds collide, they join forces to bring down a coach at Ainsley’s children’s school who may recognize her from her past - a man who may be a predator.

I loved the friendship between Ainsley and Nikki, and even though they had very different lives, they respected one another. The author skillfully made them relatable and endearing, making you feel part of their journey. They were genuine, hilarious, and fought to do the right things for their kids.

While this has a darker component with the predator, the book's overall feel is suspenseful and uplifting. Full of heartfelt friendship, thrilling drama, and mystery, you don’t want to miss this one. I’m excited to see what Christine Gunderson writes next.

🎧 Pairing the audiobook with the physical copy was great as you get both Nikki and Ainsley’s POVs, done wonderfully by narrators Sarah Naughton and Andi Arndt.


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @gunderchristine
for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

Thank you @brilliancepublishing for the gifted audiobook.

I first picked up Friends with Secrets by Christine Gunderson as a Prime first when author friends recommended it. However, when I got the chance to listen to the audio narrated by Andi Arndt, I couldn’t resist. This women’s fiction story with suspense, murder and moms held me captive from beginning to end.

This title is available in KindleUnlimited and includes the audiobook. I highly recommend added it to your fall listens. Two moms with seemingly nothing in common team together when a threat appears at their children’s school. A clever tale with characters you’ll root for.

Ainsley appears to have it all. She is always put together, gorgeous and married to an aspiring politician and heir to a candy fortune. Inside, she is filled with anxiety and harbouring a secret that could ruin her husband’s political ambitions.

Nikki, on the other hand, is a married mother of four who is struggling financially, mentally, and emotionally. She misses her profitable television career and longs for validation.

Their children attend a private school in the burbs of Washington, D.C. and their girls have become best friends. When a figure from Ainsley’s past becomes their school youth director, it sets off fears in both women. Ainsley confesses her secret and the two work together to take down the instructor.

As they investigate, their friendship blossoms, as do the women’s confidence. The author delivered a well-paced, page turner that touched on sexual abuse, women’s choices, school clicks and more. The suspense and danger built with a few nail-bitting moments, frustration and cheering.

I loved getting both women’s point of view, and that two narrators were used. Sarah Naughton and Andi Arndt did a stellar job of capturing their characters’ personalities and complimented each other. They enhanced my overall enjoyment of this tantalizing story and I highly recommend listening.

I really liked this. Nicki and Ainsley are both moms and both admire each other while feeling as though they are failing, which any good mother can relate with. I love the way their friendship develops! The storyline about the skeezy basketball teacher is good but I can't get into that without giving too much away. Narrator was great and I'll be looking for more from this author.

This was a good domestic style thriller. I thought it was well written and the audio was good. This was a new author for me and really enjoyed it.

In the realm of contemporary fiction, Christine Gunderson’s debut novel “Friends With Secrets” emerges as a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of motherhood, the intricacies of female friendships, and the unsettling power of hidden truths. Through a lens that is both humorous and suspenseful, Gunderson challenges the myth of the perfect mother and invites readers to look beyond the facade of an idyllic life.

The story unfolds in suburban Washington, DC, where we meet Ainsley, a mother of two who epitomizes grace and beauty. Married to Ben, an aspiring politician from a wealthy family, Ainsley’s life appears flawless to the outside world. However, beneath the surface lies a woman grappling with her identity, fearful that her past will unravel the life she has meticulously crafted. Her counterpart, Nikki, is a stay-at-home mother of four, struggling to keep her head above water. Once a successful television news reporter, Nikki now contends with the chaos of domestic life, longing for the recognition and fulfillment her career once provided.

Gunderson masterfully employs multiple points of view to tell this tale, assigning distinct narrators to each
perspective. This approach not only enriches the narrative but also allows for a deeper connection with the characters. The narrators’ performances are commendable, bringing authenticity and emotion to their respective roles, which enhances the overall reading experience.
From the outset, the story captivates the reader’s attention, weaving a web of intrigue that holds firm until the very end. Gunderson’s skillful blend of suspense and humor is reminiscent of the beloved Finnley Donovan series, striking a balance that keeps the pages turning. The plot’s twists and turns are navigated with finesse, leading to a conclusion that is both satisfying and well-earned.

Perhaps the most endearing aspect of “Friends With Secrets” is its cast of relatable characters. Ainsley and Nikki, with their vulnerabilities and aspirations, become figures that readers root for, eager to see them triumph over their challenges. Their friendship, tested by the emergence of a dangerous figure from Ainsley’s past, becomes the crucible in which their strength and loyalty are forged.

In summary, “Friends With Secrets” is a novel that resonates with anyone who has ever faced the fear of being exposed or the desire to protect those they love. It is a testament to the power of friendship and the courage it takes to confront one’s demons. Christine Gunderson has crafted a story that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, making her debut a standout in the genre.

Friends with Secrets, is one book I enjoyed throughout the plot. The way the author crafted the characters and their intricate relationships was truly captivating.
Each twist and turn kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself deeply invested in their journeys.
The storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, making it hard to put the book down. The themes of friendship, trust, and the complexities of human emotions were beautifully explored. I particularly appreciated how the author handled sensitive topics with such grace and empathy.
Will recommend to all my readers!

Friends With Secrets
Christine Gunderson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5 stars

Listen, as a stay at home mom of four, (I had four in four years) homeschooling all four and doing the household things, plus helping out my husband when I can. I 100% connected with this book, more so Nikki she was a news anchor, me I was a nurse… But dang, I instantly connected with this character on all levels.. except for the fact that I don’t feel trapped. I chose this life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ainsley, the other FMC seemed like she had the picture perfect life, her hair always done, make up on point, designer clothes, and married to a politician. Nikki and Ainsley become friends after their kids go to the same school. Ainsley has a secret that she confides into her new friend Nikki.

The suspense in this one kicks in once the secret comes out. These two worked together to take down a predator that came to work at their kids school. There was no way these two friends were going to let that happen if they could help it.

This book, absolutely nails modern day motherhood and friendship. The need and want for a real friendship, is something that so many of us crave. To have that person we can confide in other than our spouse.

This one was fun, enjoyable, relatable, I laughed. I was shocked, and I could not put it down at times. Awesome debut novel.

I absolutely loved the audiobook version it truly brought this book to life. I resonated with the characters. You could feel the friendship with the characters and the tense moments. The narrators did a fantastic job! I think I enjoyed this one even better in audio!

I have no idea what I was expecting but wow, this story was a big surprise.
Two mothers with two different lifestyles end up bonding together in an unexpected way.
An addictive, fast-paced and emotional story about motherhood and friendship mixed with a bit of suspense and humor. Loved it.

Enjoyed this drama--the friendship development in this book was top notch. There were parts of the plot that were a little too over the top, but overall, I enjoyed this read/listen.

Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for an audio ARC of this book.

This was a fun ride filled with drama and secrets. I did enjoy it but it wasn't my favorite. It was just missing that little spark to make it that much more for me to love it. It was a great and fun story to follow though.