I can’t decide how I feel about this book and it’s mostly my fault that I didn’t research further and know the book was going to be so short—bc to me the end felt rushed but it was probably intentional.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This ia s short story about a woman who is going through a divorce and trying to meet new friends. It had a small twist that I didn't see coming. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was a little longer.

When We Were Friends by Jane Green was a great novella and beautifully written.
A wonderful story on friendship and secrets.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be a great book and the characters were just amazing.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Listening to the short story had a significant impact on me. The narration drew me in right away, exploring the theme of friendship and how people enter our lives for a reason. This idea resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the meaningful connections I've made over time.

The characters felt real and relatable, each facing their own struggles and triumphs. I connected with their journeys, experiencing their joy and heartache. Their interactions captured the complexities of friendship, prompting me to reflect on my own relationships.

The story highlighted deeper themes of love, loss, and the importance of choices. It made me think about moments in my life where a simple encounter changed everything.

This narrative served as a powerful reminder to cherish the people we meet and the impact they can have on our lives. I highly recommend this story to anyone who appreciates heartfelt tales about human connections. It’s a journey worth taking.

When We Were Friends
A Short Story
by: Jane Green
narrated by: Lucy Rayner
Brilliance Publishing - Amazon Original Stories
General Fiction (Adult) - Women's Fiction
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024

It seems to me that short stories and novellas are getting more and more popular recently. Do you enjoy them? I do like well written ones like this that pack an attention holding, powerful tale in compact form.

When We Were Friends is an intriguing short story about female relationships by new-to-me author, Jane Green. The audiobook is only one hour and fourteen minutes long, so I was able to listen to all of it in one evening. The well-paced plot is of a quickly developing, deeply intense friendship between a divorcee and a woman she meets while on a ladies' evening out. The progression of the friendship, with twists and turns, kept my full attention from beginning to end.

Narrator Rayner gave a wonderfully expressive reading of the story, putting me present in the actions and emotions of both women and the evolving suspense.

I am adding Green's work to my reading list after enjoying this captivating, insightful story.

I received an advance reader's copy from Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing - Amazon Original Stories. My review is my own.

I know this was a short story, however I feel it was too short. I think it could have been developed more. I feel like I was reading and then bam, it was over. I feel this had the potential to be really good. I enjoyed it but was disappointed the story I was getting into ended so abruptly.

When We Were Friends by Jane Green is a heartwarming and insightful story about friendship and trust. Lucy, recently divorced, forms an instant bond with the vibrant Elle, bringing excitement and meaning to her life. As their friendship deepens, Lucy starts to uncover unsettling truths about Elle.

Green’s storytelling is both heartfelt and suspenseful, with rich character development and an emotional journey that feels relatable. It’s a compelling read about the joys and challenges of new friendships, perfect for fans of thoughtful, character-driven stories.

I feel like the concept of friendship breakups is an interesting thing to write about but I wasn’t really feeling this. Honestly there were too many pop culture references in there for my liking and it all just felt a bit superficial to me. There’s only so much that one can do in 44 pages but the one thing I need from it is that it leaves an impression. This just feels very forgettable, unfortunately.

This gripped me from the start! Loved the premise, the pacing, the characters and the setting. This book had so much potential, however things got less and less enticing as the story unfolded. The big reveal wasn't all that shocking and from there, the story just devolved into sadness. I think the reader is meant to walk away with a positive, uplifting message but I felt it ended on a super-depressing note.

This would've made a great full-blown novel but as a short story, it fell flat.

3.8 rounded up to 4.

I just loved this book! I’ve already recommended it to all my friends. Jane Green is such a wonderful writer that really gets women. She writes them so believably. I know women (and men) just like all the characters.

The narrator was fabulous!

5 star for me!

“It’s such a gift of ageing, if we’re lucky, to learn to listen to that quiet voice inside that is always right, and always wants the best for us.”

Forty-four pages shouldn’t be enough to craft well-rounded characters, a vivid setting, and coherent plot.

Yet, here we are.

This nugget made me feel all the things, but mostly sadness and hope. Sadness that, without inner work, we’re doomed to replay all our old, unhelpful patterns, and hope that, with a fully-formed prefrontal cortex and a good therapist, things can get better.