It's been forever since I read anything by Jane Green. She's so good at writing women's characters and the relationships between them. While it's a tall task to do that in a short story, she did. I felt I knew Lucy and could relate to being an adult and finding more of your people. Juggling all of what life throws at you and still making connections. We mourn the breakup of a relationship, but what happens when friends drift apart? And how do you replace those important people in our lives? Maybe it is one too many thrillers this summer, but I did see that twist coming, but only because I am always looking for one. But it was the characters and the connections that shone in this one.

In this book Lucy is a single divorced mom with a twelve year old daughter. I could definitely relate to her in feeling like it’s hard to make new friends as an adult and a mom. Then Lucy meets Elle- who seems like the perfect friend. Question is, will it last or is it actually too good to be true?

This book surprised me at every turn, and I enjoyed every minute! I was impressed that it had great character development, especially considering it is such a short story. I absolutely love Jane’s books and so glad to have new stories of hers to read!

I loved this short story! This story follows Lucy in the aftermath of a divorce, trying to figure out a new life for her and her 12 yr old daughter, KC. She meets Elle when she most needs a friend and they really hit it off despite their age difference. Elle’s mother is English and Lucy is too. They grow as close as sisters doing everything together, sometimes with KC and sometimes just as adults. Lucy even tries to get Elle a job illustrating children’s books. It’s only after Lucy takes Elle to a party where Elle is jealous of Lucy’s relationship with the hostess, does a few cracks in their relationship show.

Maybe they went too fast? Was Lucy so desperate for companionship she was willing to overlook their differences? I really liked this short story. Lucy seemed like a treasure and I’m glad she stuck to her guns when it came to Elle’s betrayal.

This is my firsts read from Jane Green. I felt immediately hooked to the story, as Lucy and Elle are hooked to each other. You initial get that off vibe from Elle, but can't quite place your finger on it. Jane nailed the "as an adult, its hard to make friends" so when you find a friend, you might overlook those red flags. I definitely didn't the twist coming and really made me stop and think about friends from the past. How well do we really know people? I wished this story had been longer as I just adored Lucy and Elle's dynamic. I would have loved to have seen one of Lucy's friends thoughts of Elle after the party - I think that could have made a really cool contract to the story.

-Contemporary fiction
-Relatable, complex characters
-Friendship
-Thought-provoking
-Short Story

I'm really glad I took a chance on this one and read it. I'm not really into short stories, hence the hesitation, but it came highly recommended by a friend, and I'm so happy I picked it up.

Though this is a short story, it packed quite a punch and I think everyone should read it to better understand human nature. Friendships evolve with time, some bonds get stronger, some don't. Either way, nothing stays the same and everything is bound to change.

I really liked how this story took place in dual time, and kept going back and forth between the MCs college days and present days. Another thing I loved was how it emphasized on how secrets and regrets play a big part in how our lives can change.

Have you ever had a bad breakup ... with a best friend?

It's not really a new concept, but it's refreshing to see it appear in this new story. This short little novella brought to us by Amazon Original Stories releases October 1st and it's a tiny story that packs a big punch.

I've had friend breakups, not as intense as the one in this book, but it's interesting how I think about those friends and how things ended more than actual boyfriend and past relationship breakups! I love that it's finally represented in book form!

Lucy is newly divorced and finally living her life just as she wants - just for her and her daughter. When she meets Elle in a restroom, they instantly connect, and she feels complete - as if she found her other half ... the ultimate of best friends. Things quickly escalate to an amazing and intimate friendship - and then just as quickly fall apart. What happened? Who is Elle really?

It's a fast-paced story (just 44 pages!) that hooks you right in and doesn't let go until a most surprising and shocking ending I didn't see coming ... and a great reminder that you don't need someone else to make yourself feel whole.

Quick story that packed a punch. It’s about a whirlwind friendship that is almost addicting. The whole time I was waiting for the other shoe to drop because Elle was just too good to be true.
I loved the ending. It was empowering and just what I needed at the moment.

Sometimes a good shot story is just what I need and this one is perfect! It’s expertly written with fantastic character growth.
When We Were Friends is a moving tale about the need for acceptance, from others and ourselves. It’s also a cautionary one to remind us that friendships and love that burn bright so fast, tend to fizzle just as quickly.

I loved this cute story! It may be a novella but for me it was a full story that I could really get into. As adults, friendships can be difficult to maintain and difficult to navigate at times. I've always been told friendships come into our life for a reason or a season and there's always a purpose no matter how short they may be with us. This book shows us how there may be highs and lows of our friendships but in the end the journey is what is beautiful about it. As a reader, when a book makes me start to retrospect about my own life, then I know that book has impacted me. This is exactly what When We Were Friends did. If you enjoy contemporary fiction then definitely pick this up - it's a quick read but it's a story I think that most people will be able to relate to in some way or another!

I’m a firm believer that people will come in and out of your life when you need it and this short story I feel highlights that. I found Lucy relatable and in a short amount of time I could see how her new friendship with Elle changed her. It was well written, the characters had good depth for a short read and Lucy's emotions leaped off the page. I was not expecting the story to head in the direction it did. I loved the closer that Lucy had at the end. Great short story.

When We Were Friends by Jane Green is a fantastic short story that I really enjoyed reading.

I love Jane Green, Sister Stardust is one of my favorite books by her.

We meet Lucy, a divorced single mom of a 12-year-old. She's having a hard time fitting in with the divorce moms until she finds Elle. The perfect friend and they are inseparable. Is it too good to be true? What secrets and lies are behind this perfect newly found friendship?

This character driven story is filled with surprises at every turn. The character development is excellent considering the short length of the book.

I really enjoyed this short story that will leave you quite surprised. Highly recommend!

Oh my gosh!! So much emotion packed into a short story. At first, you’re cheering for Lucy for putting herself out there (let’s face it, that’s HARD!!). Then as time goes on, you start seeing red flags about Elle. This was a great short story!!

I love Jane Green stories, she has a special writing style that I can’t resist, so when I saw this one I knew I had to read it.
When We Were Friends is a short and fast read, but there is so much in it.
It’s a story about a broken marriage, starting over, family, friendship and betrayal, that you won’t be able to put down.
Beautifully written and thought-provoking!

“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.

This story was short but it packed a punch and made me think. It was easy to get swept up in the quick and easy bond that Lucy and Elle developed and I loved reading about their whirlwind friendship. It was also a good reminder that people aren’t always who they seem to be.…… Fabulous read!

Lucy meets Elle in a bar bathroom and they instantly become fast, best friends. But time will tell if they can be bonded for life.

This is a short, but profound story. I think sometimes there are people who come into your life that are there for the purpose of you really finding yourself. It also shows that nothing can ever be perfect and you have to be careful of staying in that mindset.

I thought the characters really got into my heart in the short pages. Though Elle did some wrong from her side of the friendship, I still felt that mostly she was a good person who just made a mistake or two.

I enjoyed this short story that deals with an intense friendship and what it teaches the main character about herself.

I thought that both central characters, Lucy and Elle, develop well in a short amount of time.

I also think that the story does a nice job representing and recognizing that time that you thought you had found your soul sister only to realize upon further inspection that this person won’t be a long term part of your tribe.

Jane Green is an amazing writer of feel good fiction. Books about friendships and women. This Amazon Original short story is classic Jane Green. It’s a short and easy read at 44 pages and takes you on a journey with a divorced woman as she finds friendship. She meets what seems to be the perfect friend but not everything is at it seems. This is a perfect short story to escape in!

This is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the enduring power of human connection. This beautifully written novel delves into the complexities of adult relationships, offering a nuanced perspective on the ways in which friendships can both be a source of joy and pain. Jane Green's characters are incredibly well-developed and relatable.
Green's writing is beautifully crafted, drawing you into the lives of the characters and exploring the complexities of their relationships with sensitivity and insight.
This is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction who appreciate character-driven stories with depth and emotional resonance. It's a poignant and heartwarming exploration of the enduring power of friendship and the importance of staying true to oneself.

This was such a cute short story! When I saw Jane Green wrote sometime new I knew I had to read it. I read some of her books years ago and loved them. Second Chance is one of my favorites! Anyway, this cute little story follows Lucy, a single mom of a 12 year old girl, KC, after a divorce. She’s trying to find herself and meets a friend who seems too good to be true. Lucy and Elle literally go together like peanut butter and jelly. Will their friendship last? You’ll only find out when you read When We Were Friends! This was a super fast read and a great book to get lost in. I loved Lucy and thought the character development was great even in a short book. Extra points for the Love Island references 😉