My Very Best Friend

I've long been a fan of Cathy Lamb's, but this book resonated with me even more than any of her others. And, actually, is one of the best books I've read this year. I fell completely in love with the characters - especially Charlotte. I would LOVE to be able to know and hang around with Charlotte. I'm usually not much for gardening, or for groups, but I was in love with the gardening group in "My Very Best Friend" from their first meeting. This book gives us rabbit slippers, scottish drinking songs, lingerie bike riding and so much more. I received an eGalley from NetGalley.com, but as soon as I finished reading it I preordered the paperback because I want it on one of my bookshelves to re-read over and over. It's also a book I'll be buying for friends.

I laughed and cried my way through this tale

When I started out reading MY VERY BEST FRIEND, I was comparing the author to Cecelia Ahern. As the story developed (and the main character too) I was thinking more Maeve Binchy. By the end of the book I was just glad that Cathy Lamb was the author because everything was just right - the characters, the plotline, the location - and she didn't deserve comparisons to other authors.

Charlotte Mackintosh is the main protagonist of the story. At the beginning of this hefty tome, she lives on a small island in Washington state, is 35 years old, and takes her 4 cats for rides in a stroller. She writes very successful time travel romances under a pseudonym...and is lonely.

She ends up flying (hilariously) back to St. Ambrose, Scotland where she lived until she was 15 years old to sell the family cottage. And who lives next door but Toran Ramsay, her first love.

This is a wonderful but heartwrenching story of personal growth, the meaning of true friendship, of love...and lots about gardening. Do be warned that there are some pretty graphic scenes about sexual abuse in the book.

Toran is a grand Scottish hero in this tale, loving Charlotte just the way she is. And she definitely has her quirks.

Parts of the story are written in letter form and I enjoyed that also. I always feel like I'm looking over someone's shoulder when I'm reading correspondence in a book.

I really did laugh and cry my way through this book and I don't do that too often. This is a book that I'll be keeping for my library so I can read it again one of these days.

NOTE: I received this book from Kensington Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a captivating read. I liked the characters (mainland secondary) and story.

I am always so excited when I know a Cathy Lamb book is coming out. The reason is simple. I love the way she writes. The few things you can count on when reading a book by Cathy is a strong female characters and strong female friendships. My Very Best Friend is no exception. I love how Cathy always showcases women supporting women. Even better? This is a very diverse group of women who have each other’s backs. The second thing to look for in a Cathy Lamb book is humor. Wicked, outrageous, smart, and quirky humor. You can expect this in this book from our main character Charlotte. She is oblivious to her beauty and as quirky as they come but her heart is gold and she is wicked smart. The third common thread is Lamb's books is that despite the great humor the main storyline is always very heavy and is usually extremely relevant to our times and what people are going through. My Very Best Friend deals with several heavy topics. Sexual abuse, drug use, self-harm, and grief. Heavy right? That is where Cathy is genius. You can read about such heavy topics (which only hurt that much more when you adore the characters) but she always makes sure to highlight healing, familial bonds, self-love, and sometimes just being silly with your girls. Then to top off my list of Cathy's strengths she always includes a little romance with a sexy hunk of a man. In this novel our hunk is Toran. Not only is he a successful gentle who has shoulders as wide as a mac truck, he is Scottish!

If you read my reviews you know I don't break down the book chapter by chapter. I want you to READ the book. I don’t want you to read my review and feel you don't have to read the book. I will tell you that My Very Best Friend made me think, made me laugh, made me ache for the pain of these people, and then it made me smile and made wish I was where YOU are right now...... Getting to start the book from the beginning. I hate when a good book ends but I love when a good book ends well.

Bravo Cathy Lamb.... I always get a little nervous when a favorite author comes out with a new book. Sometimes I expect the moon and get disappointed when I am handed the stars. I am proud to say My Very Best Friend Delivered both.

Pre Order it. .. Buy it... then tell a friend Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the advanced copy in exchange for this review.

I have not laughed and cried so much while reading a book in a long time. I loved Cathy Lamb's latest, filled with love, friendship, sadness, all evolving around the quirky character of Charlotte. Leaving Scotland after the death of her father, Charlotte returns to her home in St. Ambrose, Scotland after years in Washington. Charlotte is a scientist turned romance writer who rekindles her love for Toran, her childhood sweetheart. I cannot summarize all the themes and meaning in this book, but I highly recommend it.

All is not as she believed with her best friend. Charlotte Mackintosh's life is in great contrast to the romances she imagines and writes. Adventure is unlikely living somewhat secluded with her cats and work. Though she left Scotland and her best friend Bridget behind when she was a teenager, the two have continued to correspond for twenty years but now the letters have stopped. When she returns to Scotland to deal with her fathers cottage she will have to face her past and face the truth about her best friend.Bridget's brother Toran, you know there is a sexy Scott for the readers, will help Charlotte understand the reality hiding behind the lies Bridget sent her through the years. She will understand the fiction of her friend, and maybe herself too.
For the readers, the tasty Scotsman Toran will be as enticing as the village itself. It's an intelligent romance and Charlotte is old enough to not come off as silly or simpering. I enjoyed this as a romantic summer read.

**This book was provided by NetGalley, via Kensington Publishing, for my review and enjoyment. THANKS!

This book will delight Cathy Lamb fans, as our beloved author is back… with the wit and humor we’ve come to expect, along with a tragic and supremely saddening theme that marks all of her books. A beautiful story, heartbreaking and on-fire humorous all at the same time!

THE STORY: Nerdy Romance novelist Charlotte MacIntosh is en route to Scotland to settle a piece of well-loved family real estate, and also to see her BFF, Bridget. As it turns out, the beautiful cottage of her youth has become a dilapidated, filthy, overgrown mess of a bungalow, which is just not acceptable to the likes of stable, orderly, Charlotte. As she becomes re-acquainted with the village and friends of her past, secrets, memories, and long-lost love make their way back into her world. Along the way, incredible sadness also mingles with soul-searching truths, making for an incredibly well-rounded read.

MY THOUGHTS: Finding out Cathy Lamb is releasing a new novel is like learning The New Kids On The Block were reuniting for a world tour. CHRISTMAS MORNING my friends! I was so happy to be reading a new piece of hers. Her style is unmatched, and so appreciated by this ‘groupie’ of hers!

Just like in her previous novels, we are greeted by a charming and quirky cast of characters, each playing a superb role in the overall feel of the story. Which, was no surprise because her books are just like that… They’re real and honest, a genuine page out of an actual life. To watch Charlotte, a withdrawn soul, find a deep connection again- to the land, to the atmosphere, to memories- and actually allow herself to FEEL and have emotions is a beautiful thing. She is a multi-faceted protagonist that morphs and blossoms before our very eyes. A powerful and engaging transformation to say the least.

It’s a story that combines a compelling and potent theme not long forgotten, yet delivered through pure wit and love. A tad overly wordy at times, but that’s just the style of this author and something I’ve come to expect. Easily overlooked when wrapped up all warm and cozy in a delicious story.

Well done, Cathy Lamb, as always.

**Goodreads,https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1302225340 (Full review will be added on release date.)
**Blog, below
**Amazon, on release day
**B&N, on release day